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SpellbinderEntertainment Inner circle West Coast 3519 Posts |
I’ve seen any number of magicians offering “Help Planning Your Event and Booking Your Entertainment” booklets and/or PDF’s on their websites.
Unfortunately, a number of these booklets are derivative or so basic as to be somewhat insulting, and to add insult to injury, many basically say: “If you want the best, hire me, hire me, hire me.” on almost every page. Yes, marketing is a good thing. But to offer a booklet that is 60% propaganda and scant on advice, will I think hurt the performer more than help them, and probably tick off the potential clients. Even when the advice is sound, it is generally geared to the person who only plans parties once or twice a year. What about the corporate person who knows what they’re doing but could use some advice and help too? One of the services I’ve always tried to offer is accurate, unbiased, advice on finding suitable entertainment and basic event planning tips. My challenge has been to go up to the next level and offer sound advice to the experienced event planner or experienced business client. Does anyone else offer event planning help, either in written or verbal form? If so do you feel your information has value, beyond selling your services, and do you have strategies for helping your most experienced clients too? Thought a brainstorming session might be good. Magically, Walt |
Ray Pierce Inner circle Los Angeles, CA 2607 Posts |
Yes, a lot of my work is educating a client, even very experienced ones. Fortunately I have the track record of giving them good advice even if the advice is to go somewhere else. That gives me the credibility so I can be their first source for information and ideas. Of course I'm here to explain how we can fill their needs with our services but to that end, that frequently entails coming up with creative ideas and solutions they might not think of. The ultimate goal is just to make them look amazing to their clients with something that is new and different.
Ray Pierce
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SpellbinderEntertainment Inner circle West Coast 3519 Posts |
Ray said:
"look amazing to their clients" And that should be the intent, well put. I too have given advice to look at their options, even if it's not me they book, it does leave you first source. I wonder though, in addition to help in conversation, how to best bridge that gap between occasional and frequent event planners in written form? Thanks Ray, Walt |
Dannydoyle Eternal Order 21219 Posts |
I think that any time magicians stray out of their area of experience it gets pretty sad pretty quick. Being smart enough to know you don't know is part of life.
I mean when magicians offer help on how to fill a restaurant or a bar, based on the fact that they read one book by a magician is an example. Event planning help is another. For some reason they automatically seem to think that they know everything about these things, when in reality if the client saw how most of the clowns offering the service ran the business they have it would be a joke! It is about the "upsell". Forget if you can do the service you offer, for that you go on the Magic Café' the week before and ask! Just upsell and the heck with the client.
Danny Doyle
<BR>Semper Occultus <BR>In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act....George Orwell |
Howie Diddot Inner circle San Francisco & Los Angeles California 3288 Posts |
Well said Danny
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SpellbinderEntertainment Inner circle West Coast 3519 Posts |
Hello Danny & Buzz,
In my case I do not believe it's "pretty sad." I spent several years working in the event planning industry, and have also held corporate positions booking event entertainment. Please do not assume everyone is in one incompetent category, perhaps I am an exception to your "rule." I have not read "one book" --or two, or three-- I've been in the trenches. I've had successes and challenges, and learned from mistakes and advice first hand. My clients have never perceived me as a “clown” or hired me because I’m a “joke.” I also do not see it as an "upsell" for me, but an added service to the client, I avoid most upsell tactics. I began this thread to maybe brainstorm and expand our knowledge base, not to be categorized or chided. Magically, Walt |
mgsmagic New user Torrance CA 26 Posts |
I for one never claim to help with the actual event planning. I prefer to focus on providing magical entertainment and make that the#1 priorty. I d/k why it is that some folks tend to try and go where they shouldn't. I've had folks call me to book a show and ask weather I know a planner or caterer. I refer them to several websites that offer them many options for those services from which they can choose. While I know several folks in those businesses I choose not to make a recommendation in that area because if the client doesn't like them it's going to reflect on me, I prefer to play it safe. In the end I do NOT, I repeat DO NOT plan the event for them; I just provide quality magic for them.
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Howie Diddot Inner circle San Francisco & Los Angeles California 3288 Posts |
Mgsmagic;
I believe in networking, I pick a vendor that I know will come through in any situation and refer them to my clients, that same vendor will refer me to the clients they feel would benefit from any of my services and we both win; if it can get me new business and I can assist a “friend”, I’m all for it |
Dannydoyle Eternal Order 21219 Posts |
Quote:
On 2011-06-29 10:04, Dannydoyle wrote: Walt read the whole post again. I said WHEN MAGICIANS STRAY OUT OF THEIR AREA OF EXPERIENCE. Read that sentence a few more times and put your fur down and claws back in. YOU DO NOT STRAY BECAUSE IT IS YOUR AREA OF EXPERIENCE. I think that was the first thing you missed in my post that lead to a lot of your hot under the collar. Then I talk about restaurant magicians who want to talk about how to fill a restaurant, based on reading one book. Ummmm this does not apply to you at all. So again, fur and claws please. If you would like I could post something to take offense at. I didn't because you seem to have actual knowledge that you dispense. I am quite certain your clients benifit from that knowledge you gained in the "trenches". But let me ask you something if I may. Would a 22 year old have that amount of knowledge to benifit the client?
Danny Doyle
<BR>Semper Occultus <BR>In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act....George Orwell |
SpellbinderEntertainment Inner circle West Coast 3519 Posts |
Thank you for adding to the thread and clarifying your post Danny. You as a solid rule have actual knowledge that you dispense, and I’ve always appreciated you for that. <grin>
I don’t expect (and sure hope not) that a 22 year old is going to think he’s qualified to help clients to plan unique and successful events, but perhaps it’s his sheer youth and passion, or other gift that he can bring to the table. Howie’s point is well taken that sincere networking is very valuable-- If a show does not fit me like a glove I know others who’ll do a fantastic job as it’s there specialty. If I’ve worked with a first class caterer, musician, or florist, of course I’ll pass my opinion onto others. MGS and I have different approaches-- Having a #1 priority of presenting great magic is an excellent goal, this however does not set one magician apart from hundreds of other fine performers. Whatever in addition one may choose -or not choose- to bring to their clients, other talents or knowledge could be just thing that distinguishes one professional from another. All things considered, the thread has gone way off topic: --If you feel qualified in this area. --If you do indeed, offer event planning opinions and ideas: --What is your take on the differentiation between the tips/ideas you can -or do- offer --A. The neophyte planning client and --B. the very advanced and experienced planning client? --If you actually attempt to offer this service, because of your expertise, --how have you handled this duel level challenge? If this gets back on track we might dialogue, and brainstorm a few ideas. Magically, Walt |
Howie Diddot Inner circle San Francisco & Los Angeles California 3288 Posts |
Walt; I'm back on track
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Dannydoyle Eternal Order 21219 Posts |
Yes Walt yes. The problem is few have that sort of experience.
(I tell you because I get a deluge of things from guys who claim all sorts of experience, heck we see it from the kids right here on the Café', and they use it as an upsell. You speak from decades of trench work. Not from 2 years of reading all the magic marketing books.)
Danny Doyle
<BR>Semper Occultus <BR>In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act....George Orwell |
SpellbinderEntertainment Inner circle West Coast 3519 Posts |
I full agree with you both, the "trick" is to carve out a market niche,
which you have certainly done, and then learn the most effective ways to market to that target group, meeting the needs they have. And never, ever pass yourself off as an expert at something you have not earned the expertise in (there is a training thread where I said the same.) Even a twenty something can begin thinking about where in magic he/she belongs, and where those people are who want that product, then aim for them. There is just too much in both the worlds of magic and selling to attempt to do it all, and be everything to everyone. Thanks guys for your input! Happy 4th of July. Walt |
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