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Brad Sheppard New user Rogers, Arkansas 69 Posts |
I'm new to the forum and hope you guys can help me. What resources (books, websites, magazines) do you recommend for learning the business aspects of magic? I was an active performer out of college but have taken about 10 years off. I'm looking forward to returning to my love of magic and need direction on marketing techniques and innovative ways to promote my show.
I apologize if this has been overly discussed in the threads. Thanks, Brad |
amakar Loyal user 235 Posts |
Hi Brad -
The forum has a variety of marketing courses by magicians that you can pick up...however, I'd recommend focusing on basic business resources. Magic is an entertainment based SERVICE that clients need to entertain their business associates or families. If you're looking for various ways to promote your show and attract clients, my favorite method is advertising to my local market using my website and local search directories. The majority of my bookings come from people who found my site on the Internet and ofcourse word of mouth. What market are you targeting? If you can provide more specifics, I'm sure you'll get more responses. Andy |
Pizpor Elite user 476 Posts |
Also consider Jim Snack's material. It's very informative and really lays it out for you.
http://www.success-in-magic.com/coursedetails.htm |
TheDean Inner circle Reno, Nevada 2164 Posts |
Jim's stuff is dead-on!
Dean Hankey, *M.D. - The Dean of Success Solutions!
Serving & Supporting YOU and Your Success! "Book More Shows... Make More Money... SERVE MORE PEOPLE! - Not Necessarily In That Order…" (*Marketing Doctor) |
Brad Sheppard New user Rogers, Arkansas 69 Posts |
Thanks for sharing. I will look into Jim's material. Have you guys used his advice? Good results?
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Mindpro Eternal Order 10586 Posts |
I agree with Jim Snack's materials, and also don't forget the modest Dean above has some great material and resources. Both of their materials are real-world, tried and tested stuff.
However... the factor that really determines "Good Results" is you. You must understand, learn, follow and execute the information provided or material from anyone's releases will fall short of expectations. You only get out of it what you put into it. It doesn't do the work for you. Materials of this kind are only the foundational concepts for which you to build on, what you do with it (fail or success) really is up to you. |
Al Angello Eternal Order Collegeville, Pa. USA 11045 Posts |
If you have had ten years off my opinion is you have to start with a knock out show before you try to market yourself. There are a lot of people that concentrate on marketing without bothering to think of being entertaining. Marketing will get you a few shows, but if you intend to launch a career you gotta be good.
Al Angello The Comic Juggler/Magician
http://www.juggleral.com http://home.comcast.net/~juggleral/ "Footprints on your ceiling are almost gone" |
Brad Sheppard New user Rogers, Arkansas 69 Posts |
Al - you are 100% right. If you do not have a marketable show, then don't bother advertising it. I consider myself a good magician and performer. I will take your advice and concentrate on creating a show that is entertaining and top-notch.
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Al Angello Eternal Order Collegeville, Pa. USA 11045 Posts |
Not to say that newer is better, but there has been a lot of new tricks introduced on the market in the last ten years. You can't do close up tricks in a parlor show, or kids tricks for adults. I have several different shows depending on the gig. I have a cart to carry my equipment, I have a big PA system for big shows. I have a room where I keep my rarely used props. I have one closet in my house just for costumes. I have a kit of stuff in my car that I use for emergencies. I carry an extra shirt and tie for each gig that day. I never leave the house without several bottles of water. Marketing is just one of the many variables you have to deal with. I hope you have a GPS.
Al Angello The Comic Juggler/Magician
http://www.juggleral.com http://home.comcast.net/~juggleral/ "Footprints on your ceiling are almost gone" |
Brad Sheppard New user Rogers, Arkansas 69 Posts |
At this point I am focusing on a stage/parlor show for adults and families. Once that is perfected I would like to branch out and have more routines available for other audiences. I realize the expense and time it takes to put together a great show. However, I can't do everything at once. My focus now is on the stage show and how to promote it.
Thanks for reminding me what an undertaking it is! |
Close.Up.Dave Inner circle Behind you! 2956 Posts |
Here's the thing, these forums are filled with incredible advice and resources, but even with the search function it is a lot to absorb (especially if you don't know where to start). I would start by learning what makes for a good business, and how to offer something people genuinely want. Seth Godin has some phenomenal (and inexpensive/free) books on his site. I recommend Tribes, The Bootstrappers Bible and Purple Cow.
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TheDean Inner circle Reno, Nevada 2164 Posts |
Yup… I agree with the savvy experts here thus far: “Smart & Steady” wins the race.
The thing I love about Jim (and a select few others) is a REAL smart and EXPERIANCED guy with 100% TRUTH from his own success… he just shares “What IS” and most importantly, from his own real-world Lifetime of EXPERIENCE! - - No untested theory, dangerous guesswork, or un-PROVEN opinion… just what has worked and continues to work and a real world BUSINESS… (Caveat Emptor) WHEN YOU WORK IT as the ever-wise MindPro says! There are no magic-bullet short-cuts! Duh! The nice thing about what Jim and some of the smart, experienced & sage authorities here share is how to avoid making the same (avoidable) mistakes they already made so YOU Don’t Have To and then add “What TO Do” that has proven to work! (…if you work it) We have a saying… “Success Is 100% LUCK!” That is… Labor Under Correct Knowledge NOTICE that "LABOR is FIRST!" - With out it, all your have is “UCK” and all that get’s you is a lot of nothin’! – As the best-selling book title says: “ACTION Trumps Everything!” (A Must Read!) and ‘then’ add some specialized knowledge like what Jim and a handful of others (NOT just in Magic too) here share and POOF… you have the beginnings of some real Success Magic! …ok, end of preaching to the choir now. (Hehehehe!) Hope That Serves… I am at Your Service and in HIS Service, Deano in Reno <><
Dean Hankey, *M.D. - The Dean of Success Solutions!
Serving & Supporting YOU and Your Success! "Book More Shows... Make More Money... SERVE MORE PEOPLE! - Not Necessarily In That Order…" (*Marketing Doctor) |
magic4children Regular user Cheshire UK 127 Posts |
Hi Brad,
For me the most important thing about a magician’s business is that it is a business and should be run as a business. The clapping hands at the end of a performance are underpinned by paperwork, phone calls, marketing, accounts, contracts, contact management and all the day to day running of a business. There is no reason to reinvent the wheel; most mainstreams marketing techniques will work well if adapted to suit your market. The first step is to have a sellable product, a show that delivers. Next, identify who your market (buyer) is and keep in mind that the audience you perform for is not always the person who books you. An example is that if you do cruise ship work it’s the cruse director you need to sell to not the paying public who see your show. Next plan a route to market and a strategy to get your product in front of the correct people. Be persistent and maintain focus as these two attributes will take you far. Read, study and devour books on sales and marketing and running a business and implement the information you learn adapting it to suit your market. Most importantly, maintain an open and inquisitive mind. This means being open to learning the things you think you already know. “It is impossible for a man to learn what he thinks he already knows”. Epictetus Enjoy, it’s the greatest job on earth. |
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