Hello everyone,

I was just curious to hear some advice on selling yourself to managment. Which method works the best, cold calling or meeting them in person etc.

I'm new to this venue and any advice on how to convince managment to hire me
would be wonderful.

Cheers
Francis McAllister

Asking the right questions and listening is the key to developing trust. And turst is the key to making a sale. Being likeable is important also.

There are few good substitutes for meeting in person. Being introduced by a mutual contact is usually even stronger.

Remember, management is interested in solving their problems, not yours. Knowing the problem and bring them the solution puts you on the same team. This is not a contest! It is still their decision and they don't work for you.

Good Luck!

Bob Sanders
Magic By Sander

Excactly Right!

Remember your potential clients favorite radio station is WIIFM - "What's In It For Me" That's why we ask questions - you need to find out what the client's problem are and what is interesting to them. Only then can you say something they will be interested in.

You could take the Joel Bauer Approach: Talk fast and bring up answers to their questions before they can ask them, all while you're doing fast paced, intrusive magic to apparently deflate their personal bubble.

No technique is absolute. Study various techniques (just like in performing magic) and learn to adapt to their situation/changing moods.

The most important thing though is to never promise anything you can't deliver consistently over a long period of time...i.e. making them money. You'll lose eventually.

Michael Webber gave a seminar years ago in which he addressed this subject specifically. His advice was to go to the restaurant with a guest, and have dinner. After dinner, ask your server to see the manager. Your server will ask if there is something wrong. Assure them there is not. When the manager arrives, he'll expect a problem, but will be relieved to find none. Introduce yourself, of course, and ask I'm hif there were something that would create new business, more repeat business, make the patrons waiting time for their orders more enjoyable, and was very cost effective, would he/she be interested in finding out more about it. When he says of course, get his card. He'll want to know more, mums the word. Tell him you'd rather discuss it with him when he has more time. Tell him you'll call for an appointment. Do so. Show up. Blow him away.

My post was intended for someone who was looking for work at a restaurant that is already busy. Bill Nuvo's advice is spot on.