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Ed_Millis Inner circle Yuma, AZ 2292 Posts |
I would like to include a "Learn Magic By Email" offer on my web site. I do not currently have the time or equipment to shoot videos of myself or research public domain tricks and type them up.
But there's a lot of good stuff out there amongst the YouTube garbage and on a few other web sites. For instance, Boy's Life has a page linked to Mac King's "Magic in a Minute" comics and videos. Would it be tacky to send my users links to these "Learn Magic" sites? Basically, it's stuff they could find themselves with a Google search and then wading through the results; instead, once a week I'll send them links to stuff I have found. If this stuff is already out there to be found, would you see a requirement for contacting the owners for permissions? The idea is to keep a contact relationship going. Is this a good way to do that? (Yes, best to send out my own stuff - but that's down on the list somewhere at the moment!) Ed |
Donald Dunphy Inner circle Victoria, BC, Canada 7563 Posts |
Can you clarify a bit about how this builds your brand and your tribe, and positions you as a teacher or expert?
- Donald
Donald Dunphy is a Victoria Magician, British Columbia, Canada.
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Kellar New user 27 Posts |
Ed
Not quite sure if this is the answer you are looking for though I do NOT believe this to be the best method for you to offer "Magic by Email". Credibility is the concern in question here! That being said if you are refering your clients and contacts to other performers (even if for explenations) I am afraid that you will loose any potion you have established and may some how even be precieved like "well if he can't do this why should I trust him to perform?" As a mentee of the GREATS we have come to respect and love, I am always working with a Marketing Calendar and though you may not have the time to accomplish these videos today, set yourself a date of completion goal...and DO NOT forget to reward your self for doing so. If this is something that you wish to produce and offer to your list, make it count. Give them the best of you and you will be rewrded 10 fold. Best of luck and if I need to elaberate please do not hesitate to ask. Your Friend in Magic David |
Donald Dunphy Inner circle Victoria, BC, Canada 7563 Posts |
If you can't film a video, but want to run a trick of the month club, here's another option.
Buy an artwork / instant author license, that graphically teaches tricks, such as Mr. Greggy's Learn Magic, or any of the various instant author books out there (Dean Hankey, James Munton, Tim Sonefelt, CJ Johnson, etc.) If you can't afford instant author material, or don't want to use it, write your own from scratch. Split the magic into various files you will send out, and send out a monthly PDF teach-a-trick file for the people who join your list. You can personalize the file so they know it's from you. Then, run an online club like the one that Murray Hatfield does, which I mentioned at one time on this thread. Do not use Murray's artwork / files. They are his property. - Donald
Donald Dunphy is a Victoria Magician, British Columbia, Canada.
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Skip Way Inner circle 3771 Posts |
I don't think it's tacky or unethical at all. I do agree with Kellar and Donald that it does nothing to establish you as the Go-To guy for magic in your community.
On the other hand, I write a column titled Missing Links for the KIDabra Journal listing links to various websites under a different category each issue: Wardrobe & costuming, techie gadgets, sound equipment, magic apps and so on. It's a service that brings useful information to the reader. I guess it depends on what your goals are for doing this. If you want to enhance your personal image as the local pro, start out with Donald's very sensible suggestion. As you grow, take another look at your own basement video production. Baby steps, my friend.
How you leave others feeling after an Experience with you becomes your Trademark.
Magic Youth Raleigh - RaleighMagicClub.org |
Sam Sandler Inner circle 2487 Posts |
Hey Donald
I agree with you and love the idea of trick of the month club. I have a magic kids club and will be starting atrick of hte month in feb or march. I teach a magic camp every summer and think teaching kids magic is a great thing. as for by email or videos on your site I will say they need to be your own. meaning don't send them to some one elses site to learn magic however if you do pleae send htem to http://www.samsandler.com SMILES trthfully you need to to either have printed directions that y ou can email or video of you perfoming and teaching the trick. I woudl think there are some public doamain books on simple magic tricks with everyday objects and cards that you codul copy and email to your clients. not sure what they are but they h ave got to be out there. just my random thoughts sam
sam sandler- America's only full-time DEAF Illusionist
http://www.samsandler.com http://www.deafinitelymagic.com |
Ed_Millis Inner circle Yuma, AZ 2292 Posts |
Building the brand and the tribe - just got introduced to the "branding" concept ("Your Marketing Sucks", Seth Goodin's blog, and a few others) - haven't got to "tribes" yet.
My main goal was simply to make them want an eamil from me - maybe weekly is too much, both for them and for me. So one time it would be a YouTube video link, another a list of what they can find in a certain book in our library, then a link to a professional's site for free vids, and then there's the links to the Old Time videos (was that Lee Asher that did that?) so they can see what "performing" looks like. And so forth. I didn't think of an Instant Author book for this - although I was for BOR. An excellent idea, and I don't have to worry about public domain rights or not. What would it do for me in my community? Well, it would keep my name in front of them. But, yeah, I can see it being very disappointing when I send out links to stuff they can't get from my show. Thanks, guys! That's why I come here to ask! Ed |
trickychaz Special user West Virginia 549 Posts |
Quote:
On 2010-01-04 16:20, Ed_Millis wrote: Your goal here is to keep your services on the top of your clients minds? If so, there are many ways to do this. When you book a performance you will be sending them the invoice/agreement along with additional show info. If you fax it to a mom's work office...it could spread like wildfire..."please note this is from Eric Pauls Children's Entertainer Course" Eric mentioned that he had booked additional gigs before the client had even seen his show. After the performance you will be sending them a thank you letter with an enclosed S.A.S.E asking for a testimonial....this is another means of contact. Send them a Christmas card, birthday card, 1 year anniversary card, post card about new product or service, public show invites, gift certificates, coupons, Newsletter with magic trick of the month puzzle's etc....(Ask Donald about his booklet that he customized to his liking..it has puzzles, magic tricks, word scramble all with a magic theme) My business plan for 2010 states that I will contact every customer quarterly. At least you are not overlooking the importance of keeping in contact with you past customers! |
trickychaz Special user West Virginia 549 Posts |
I would highly recommend a means of contact on that page and get hosting from godaddy for only 4.95/month...so you don't have ads on your page.
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Ed_Millis Inner circle Yuma, AZ 2292 Posts |
Thanks, Chaz. I'm working the web issue even as we "speak". That's a free site, so yes it has it's annoyances. But it is a place for me to learn. This is also a very free "business" at the moment, with no money coming in to cover stuff. I'm also recovering from Christmas and have a wedding coming up in a mere weeks. Some things just gotta wait their turn. In the meantime, I plan and prepare.
Ed |
trickychaz Special user West Virginia 549 Posts |
Quote:
On 2010-01-06 10:13, Ed_Millis wrote: I can host your webpage on my linux account with godaddy and point your domain name to it...at least until you get a hosting account...let me know. It will get rid of the ads. Also consider using the <center> tags so that you page will be easier to read...at least on my browers it is crammed all the way over to my left and would be easier to read in the middle. Did you give flyers and a press release to the library that you will be performing at? This is free advertising "if you have a home computer and printer" They will post them all over their library and send them home with students at schools. Also place the flyers on community boards around town. Take them to the local party supply shops and ask if they would be intersted in displaying them. Also post your upcomming show announcement in the "events section" of your local paper. Think to youself for a few minutes of how you can make the absolute most out of this one opportunity! Think about getting involved with a local school, and giveaway handouts with simple party tricks and contact info on them...michael messing jumbo dollar bills are great! Hand these giveaways to 300-600 students and you will get a few gigs for sure! Keep in touch! Charles Watson |
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