Hey all,

I've been a magician for 12 years now, but I recently got a part time job working at Future Shop here in Canada as a commissioned cell phone salesman. The other day me and my manager were discussing segways into getting the customers attention without seeming like I was trying to sell them something. He suggested a magic trick might be cool and a great ice breaker. So now that I have permission to do magic at work, the research has begun! I'm looking for things that take no more that one minute to do, things with regular objects. I'll tell you what I have one me at all times- a pen, a watch, rubber bands, my iphone (already using some magic apps on there), name tag, and business cards. Although this doesn't restrict me, I'm already working on the gag where it looks like you pull the magnetic strip off the credit card. I also have these "Cell Shop Magazines" that we use A LOT! I was thinking there might be a magazine test I could do or something along those lines? Maybe something with a cell phone? headphones and cables and cases could work as well, anything in that theme might even be cool. So I would appreciate and suggestions that you might be able to give me to help drive more sales. It's worth a shot anyways...

Micheal

Take a look at Gregory Wilson's Recap.

(And, by the way, it's "segues"; a Segway is a scooter. )

Well, there's Pressure for your cell. C/R Ear Buds that was in the Talk About Tricks section of MAGIC some time ago. Those are the first two things that come to mind. More later...

Using magic as a segue to selling them something? Not a fan LOL.

Sure why not?

This may lead to a goal of doing trade shows for a sponsor. Good luck!

Why Not perform ILogo.

I was making a joke, but since Bishop disagrees I might be onto something.

In my opinion one never knows where a contact, or a job might lead into something good. As I said good luck!

I think there was an item released by Theory 11 (or one of the other whipper snapper sites) where a LaCoste logo was moved on the shirt. Not sure what it entails but it may be something you can customize if your company has a small logo on your uniform. That would probably make your boss happy too and could lead into corporate work...

Cellout would be perfect. Unfortunately, the new cell phones are too big to fit in a pack of playing cards. Maybe you could produce an accessory or something.

Jim

Wow another just teriffic insight LOL.

I LOVE magic. But if I go to buy something, I'd respect a professional pitch telling me the features, benefits over the sales staff doing a trick for me.

It would be a horrible sales tool for using on me. But I can see it being effective.

That's what Trade Show Magicians are all about. To stop the crowd and generate interest. Then the sales staff takes over.

I recently attended a trade-show with my company (day job) People were just casually walking by our booth and as most people do, they stop for a few seconds, then walk on by............I walked out in front of our booth and started to engage people ( in a professional manner) performing bill changes some card stuff which generated conversation which in turn led to talking about the product we were promoting....The result: potential customers just walking by to genuine sales leads and sales.

Sales rule:: People are more likely to purchase from someone they like. Performing a magic effect in an engaging and friendly way can accomplish this. Just my opinion..your mileage may vary.

Trade show magic differs in that generally the magician is not the salesman.

And people come to trade shows expecting that other people will be trying to sell them something.

Another fine point.

There's something disingenuous about using magic to soften them up for a sales pitch.

It works and is in no way dishonest.

As I said I am not going to be baited into another idiot argument. LOL!!!

I think the world of technology is a great one - and cell phones are a part of it. Everything that is manufactured seems to have a trade show to go along with it. Do your homework - find the leads and good luck.

Thanks for the great tips! I figure its worth a shot anyways and would help me develop my own way of selling. If you have anymore suggestions on stuff I can do I really appreciate it! Whta you've suggested so far is great. Definitely see a use for pressure.

Micheal