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Dannydoyle Eternal Order 21245 Posts |
Are you as well informed on that topic as a guy who worked for Jay?
Danny Doyle
<BR>Semper Occultus <BR>In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act....George Orwell |
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BrianMillerMagic Inner circle CT 2050 Posts |
This is just getting silly guys. Benji is not going to respond adequately or humbly to any of the criticisms he is receiving from nearly everyone in this thread who is disagreeing with him. My bet is that he will continue to do all the things that he is already doing as if they work, and in a year will have either run himself out of business or be forced to admit that it doesn't work.
Benji, I would like to see testimonials not from your clients, but from a bunch (like twenty or so at least) event planners who have been provided with the option for your "experience" and were thrilled with what you were doing. This experience being all of the things that you insist are a good idea, that we keep telling you will annoy most clients. In fact, we could all go contact event planners we've worked with before and ask them what they thought if next time we offered them Benji's experience. Shall we round up some opinions from the other side? |
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Benji Bruce Special user 930 Posts |
Quote:
On 2011-03-26 15:53, Dannydoyle wrote: I'm not nearly as informed as he is but like I said...the Jay Leno thing is another topic |
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Bill Hilly Elite user 449 Posts |
I watched Benji's video, and a few past ones, and I got some useful ideas from them. Thanks for sharing, Benji.
While your style, attitude, and client base is not for me, the idea in this video about giving the client an experience is tops. I suppose that no matter what we do we are giving our client an experience, but you reminded me of the importance of making it the best experience I can. The example of giving her the camera is not something I'll do, but you have caused me to think about other things to do. Not just things to get the most testimonials, but things that will stay in their minds. Of course those things will depend on the type of gig, but to the extent that you got me to thinking about it, you've accomplished a positive thing. Not to take away from Benji, but Kyle, Lou, Harris, Deano, and many others (yes, even the man with the donkey ) have also shared things that I've found helpful. Many were not spot-on applicable to my particular situation, but all have been helpful. Again, thank you Benji, and ALL of you guys. |
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Donald Dunphy Inner circle Victoria, BC, Canada 7565 Posts |
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On 2011-03-20 11:24, Benji Bruce wrote: Benji - I have a question. Is this really how you handle personalizing your show for the customer? Are they not told at the time that they are sold the show, that you include personalization and a little bit about how you do that? Or do you spring the idea on them a week after they've booked your show? I know that some corporate entertainers do some personalization, and provide their customer a form to fill out, or ask some questions. I personalize one of the tricks in my children's birthday show. I've done it hundreds of times in the past 10+ years. I tell the customer about it while selling the show on the phone. Then, when they book I explain a little more about how I want to borrow a photo of the birthday child for a certain trick in the show. It's a simple process for them to email me the photo, or mail me the photo. I give them directions about it during the booking call, and again in my confirmation letter. So, I'm not springing the concept on them a week after they've booked the show. And I would never think of using a video to explain it to them, when it's easy to do over the phone. They are comfortable with it right from the start. Of course, I realize that personalizing a trick for a children's birthday show might be different than personalizing a trick (or tricks) for a corporate show. But your explanation of the process seemed strange. As if it were an idea you were sharing (heard about from others), that you hadn't actually done. - Donald P.S. I also don't give them a choice of how they get the trick personalized (which trick). Sounds like you offer the option of a headline prediction or personalized trick with photos. Again, if I offered a choice, that would be handled right up front during the booking conversation. The idea of a personalized trick is strange enough to many customers, without making it more confusing with multiple options given at a later point in the process.
Donald Dunphy is a Victoria Magician, British Columbia, Canada.
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Dannydoyle Eternal Order 21245 Posts |
I will say this. The higher up in a given company a person is, the less time they have to be dealing with you.
Danny Doyle
<BR>Semper Occultus <BR>In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act....George Orwell |
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Benji Bruce Special user 930 Posts |
Donald I don't customize my show. I've sent a big box to their office with a prediction but I don't consider that customizing the show. The only time I've changed my show was when one client asked me not to do the Magic Square because they saw it before (although they haven't seen my version)...and I was still reluctant to change that part of the show.
Providing an experience can be as simple as mailing out a prediction a few weeks for them to hold onto or as elaborate as what Derren Brown did in his show The Gathering. He could have created a great show and everyone would have left thinking he was amazing but he didn't. He opted for creating an experience. People who were invited to the show were placed on a bus and had no idea where they were taken. Then Derren did the show and they later realized where they were because it was part of the show itself. He created an experience that started before the show. If I could, I would love to perform every show where my clients and all attendees are picked up in a limo with special instructions on what to do before they get there. Then they are blindfolded when walked into the venue and something special happens...then the show starts/finishes...they get home to see a package on their doorstep that has something from the show like an unfinished prediction...then...well...I don't know what would happen next but that would definitely be more memorable than just a show Right now, the experience I provide is 1. I mail a giant box to their office with a prediction. 2. I do the show and get the person who hired me involved in a demonstration. 3. I record video testimonials and send those testimonials to the person who hired me along with the clip of him/her in the demonstration so they can share it with others. 4. And sometimes I'll send a very classy packaged thank you card but not all the time. 5. I add them on facebook so I can have Top Of Mind Awareness without sending them anymore info. |
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jonathandupree Loyal user 238 Posts |
I think Benji was simply saying look for ways to go out of your way for your customer. And yes the video idea might not work for most of us, maybe it works for him. Those of you who don't give a crap about going the extra mile . . . then don't. Those of you who think it doesn't matter, then keep thinking that. Just remember this,
"Big people talk about ideas, average people talk about things, small people talk about other people." So let the Café be a place where people can share ideas without everyone else jumping in smashing that idea saying how bad of an idea it is. Give your feedback in a positive manner and if it's something you wouldn't do, then just keep on doing what's working for you. I don't believe the main point of Benji's post was about the whole video thing. But when you do go out of your way for your clients, you will always be on the top of their mind. TOMATO - Top Of Mind Awareness Through Others. So let's share ideas. |
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tacrowl Inner circle Maryland 1633 Posts |
Since you want to create an experience Benji - WHY DON'T you customize your show? When the show is about your clients, the program becomes a major part of their event experience. Customizing the program is easy if you take the time to think your act through. We aren't talking about a whole new show, but ways to personalize the material for them. It can be extremely easy on the client and makes a world of difference on how they view you.
Tom |
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jonathandupree Loyal user 238 Posts |
Tom
I think that is an awesome idea that a lot of people overlook because they feel it is too hard to do. But as you said, it's easy . . . and the customer loves it. Seth Kramer has a great book about working trade shows and in it he gives lots of ideas for customizing your presentation. Even if you aren't working trade shows, his book is a great resource just for that part along. Thanks Tom. Posted: Mar 27, 2011 9:03am I also wanted to let you guys know I am hosting a teleseminar Tuesday morning at 10 AM cst talking about this kinda of stuff. THIS IS NOT FOR MAGICIANS. I speak mostly to Real Estate and Mortgage professionals. This event is specifically for them, but if you would like to hear my views on Gratitude Marketing you are more than welcome to listen in. Just realize it is not for magicians. I DO NOT have a course for magicians, or any other group, this is an extended training call for about 40 REALTORS and a few people in the real estate industry. If you would like to attend, send me a PM and I will send you the registration link, it will not cost you a penny. Again, I am not trying to sell you a course or anything. This call just matches up well with this thread. I believe you create an experience with your client by being great at what you do and showing your client appreciation by expressing gratitude. This is what this call is all about. Have a great Sunday. Jonathan |
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tacrowl Inner circle Maryland 1633 Posts |
Quote:
On 2011-03-27 08:21, jonathandupree wrote: Let me add something - a lot of performers think adding the company's name or using their product somehow is personalizing the show. It's not. A personalized show is about them. It involves a bit of work on the part of the performer - but I don't think that is the ONLY reason so few do it, or do it well. Most acts still have the belief that the show is all about them. This isn't an attack - but read this part of Benji's post again: Quote:
On 2011-03-26 17:54, Benji Bruce wrote: He was reluctant to change HIS show, even when requested by the client. When they hire you - its not YOUR show - it is their show, their event. You want the job, you do everything possible to fit their vision of the evening. That makes it easy on them - and creates the experience. Tom |
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TomBoleware Inner circle Hattiesburg, Ms 3171 Posts |
Sounds great Jonathan. I like the title Gratitude Marketing. Thanks for inviting us.
I don't think everyone is being too hard on Benji, just a warning to not take to many new ideas and stray too far away from the basics. A warning to not be afraid to do the things others have already tested for you. There are so many magic marketing experts nowadays that it seems that the best way, or maybe the only way, to succeed in magic is to find a new way to sell your show. So let me expand on what most have been saying here. Certainly you need a different show from what everyone else is doing. But every magician doesn't need a different marketing plan. There are basics to selling that should never be changed no matter what the product is. A magic show in itself is unique enough to almost sell itself to those needing entertainment. It's just a matter of asking enough of the right people. I'm all for going the extra mile for the customer. And I have no problem with looking for new ways to do that. I also admire those who seek out ideas, opinions, and feedback. But let us not forget that the biggest cause of failure is boredom. Folks get tired of doing the little things, the basics, over and over, so they start looking for replacements. Soon they fail and have no idea why. I've seen it happen time and time again. Why do they fail? Because failure is exciting, success is boring. Most of those on top haven't found a new way to do things, they simply used the old way over and over enough to get what they wanted. Becoming successful with just about anything takes repeating the little things over and over. You do it and then you do it again. You turn around and you do it again. It's boring, boring, boring. So my tip/idea is this: Learn to enjoy the boredom. Once you have something that works, stick with it and simply repeat it over and over. Find ways to swap up the daily chores to help ease the boredom. Rearrange the times you do certain things, make the tasks a game, etc. Just don't stop doing the little basic things that the job requires. When you get sick of doing it over and over and over again, it's important to stop and remember these words: Failure is Exciting, Success is Boring. Tom
The Daycare Magician Book
https://www.vanishingincmagic.com/amazekids/the-daycare-magician/ My Blog - https://boleware.blogspot.com/ |
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Donald Dunphy Inner circle Victoria, BC, Canada 7565 Posts |
Quote:
On 2011-03-26 06:10, Domino Magic wrote: I agree. This paragraph summarizes an effective way to give your customers a great experience. - Donald
Donald Dunphy is a Victoria Magician, British Columbia, Canada.
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TomBoleware Inner circle Hattiesburg, Ms 3171 Posts |
I too like the way Domino Magic said it.
I can also relate to his story about buying a house. True, some of the better real estate people are very good at doing the boring stuff. Tom
The Daycare Magician Book
https://www.vanishingincmagic.com/amazekids/the-daycare-magician/ My Blog - https://boleware.blogspot.com/ |
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jonathandupree Loyal user 238 Posts |
I also think it is important to be consistent in the little things. We do things in spurts then get away from it, then say well that didn't work when in reality we didn't work.
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Dannydoyle Eternal Order 21245 Posts |
Quote:
On 2011-03-27 12:58, jonathandupree wrote: Why do people talk in terms lf "we"? First you tell us how we have to talk to each other, then you tell us what "we" all do! Lord this sort of attitude is EXACTLY why I tend to come down on people. "I" do not do things in spurt. IF IT WORKS I KEEP DOING IT. Get the idea out of your head that you speak for anyone but yourself. I personally find it offensive.
Danny Doyle
<BR>Semper Occultus <BR>In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act....George Orwell |
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jonathandupree Loyal user 238 Posts |
Whatever danny. I do things consistently. How's that? I didn't tell you how to talk. it bugs the crap out me at how people here are so negative I guess just like it bugs the crap out of you that other people could be right too.
I wish you well, really I do. But have no desire to converse with someone (you in particular) that will add no value to you or me. So have a good one and do what works for you. I had no intentions of offending you. So plese get that out of your head and brush off whatever chip you have on your shoulder. |
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Dannydoyle Eternal Order 21245 Posts |
Quote:
On 2011-03-26 21:47, jonathandupree wrote: THIS is telling people how to talk to each other. You can't see through your arrogance, but it is. Then you start talking in the royal "we" as if you speak for everyone. No chip on my shoulder, just don't want to be spoken for. So don't tell me you didn't tell anyone how to talk to each other when you clearly did.
Danny Doyle
<BR>Semper Occultus <BR>In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act....George Orwell |
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Benji Bruce Special user 930 Posts |
Peace Love and Chicken Grits guys
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Close.Up.Dave Inner circle Behind you! 2956 Posts |
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On 2011-03-26 21:47, jonathandupree wrote: How dare you try to encourage people on these forums to be polite and helpful... These forums are for belittling others ideas, making sure you sound like you are the most authoritative person in magic, and for being as negative as you can be. Some people in this thread actually gave great feedback and exchanged ideas well. How pathetic. Not enough negativity going on around here. So if you're going to tell others how to act, then I'll do the same to you. Stop telling people how negative they are, just be negative back. It works. |
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