Hello! I recently e-mailed my local library asking to do some close-up for them one day. They said that they would share my info with everyone at the library and look for an opening. They said that they would like a referral. I'm kind of confused as to what that means. Do they want me to show them a website, a buiness card? Cuz I don't have either of those, although I could make them very quick. Do they want a pro's reference? Cuz IDK if I could get one of those. Please tell me what you guys think; after all, you guys know more than I do!

They want to contact someone that you have done magic for in the past, possibly a restaurant, etc. Have you done magic for anyone? Do you have a name and phone number you could give them?

Jim

Hmmm....nothing major. Mainly just for people on the street, family, and friends.

Family and Friends should be okay. You may want to arrange a time to stop by and do a quick set for the person you contacted - that will be far more powerful than giving a reference

Hudson

If you have someone you have worked for in another capacity that would be happy to say that you are a reliable and conscientious worker you might give that to them.

Explain the situation, that you are just starting out professionally which is why you are doing free gigs, to help create those referrals. As others said, tell them you are happy to come in and informally audition.

This is great advice from Cyber. This might be over kill but your local police station can provide a clean criminal background check. It is good to have, especially now a days. Im not trying to scare you out of performing, but ppl worry more than ever about opening doors to strangers. And it couldn't hurt to have a recent one handy.
Respects,
Shamsiel

Thanks guys for the advice! I'll get to it right away!

It might be their version of a background check, just to be sure you are not someone they would not want working around children. The vast majority of the users in our library are age 6 to 14. Not sure if your library ever has Saturday afternoon stories for smaller children, but if you do... that would be a very opportune time to try to follow behind if you enjoy working with small children. Our library is also where most art exhibits and fine art activities occur. We sometimes have talent shows, karaoke night or similar about four times a year. If you have anyone you have done volunteer work for in your city, I would suggest using them as a shoehorn reference to get your foot in the door.

Mike

The background check is a great idea. I had to have one when I started working with the Scouts, and just recently my church started requiring them for all Sunday school teachers. Libraries have children, and they don’t want legal hassles. People are worried these days, and anything you can do to alleviate their fears puts you another rung up the ladder.

So, I sent them two referrals: one of a pro magician who I worked with once who might not remember me now, and one for my current boss.

Yes, the library does have karaokes and art shows and children stories and stuff like that.

SO, for future reference, you should always contact your references and ask them for permission BEFORE giving them.

that's polite as well as giving you ca chance to ensure that they will give good references.

You probably want to contact those people right away. Later is better then never and it would be good for you to do it before the library does.

Lots of public institutions that often have kids in the vicinity require background checks.

I think it's a good idea.

Hi
For 50 bucks I'll give you a good referral ! ;0)

;0)

Posted: Apr 5, 2011 3:24pm
Hey, I just got a reply saying that they would look for an opening for me for the future! Wish me luck!

Great news! Congrats

I