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Kune Veteran user 312 Posts |
Quote:
On 2012-10-14 12:35, Bill Nuvo wrote: Thanks for the post and the Shrek analogy is very clever! It's also a problem I have as I don't do childrens shows per se. My show is designed to be entertaining for both adults and children, (linking rings, etc), however, almost everyone I talk to automatically assumes a magician is someone is either: 1. Some who performs the hippy hop rabbits at the childrens birthday party. 2. In very rare cases, an illusionist who saws their assistant in half. 3. Criss Angel. I suppose I should just tell people that I'm the second one |
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Al Angello Eternal Order Collegeville, Pa. USA 11045 Posts |
You are not a people person, but you are trying to do a people person's job.
Al Angello The Comic Juggler/Magician
http://www.juggleral.com http://home.comcast.net/~juggleral/ "Footprints on your ceiling are almost gone" |
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Kune Veteran user 312 Posts |
Quote:
On 2012-10-14 13:23, Al Angello wrote: That's not entirely true, but close enough in this case. Are you just stating a fact, or suggesting the best solution when facing difficulties is to give it? |
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Hart Keene Inner circle Eugene, OR 1486 Posts |
I close gigs all the time because I'm not afraid to pick up the phone. While other entertainers are playing the email game I call the client back to discuss their event. Now I become a real, warm blooded person with a personality. I smile the entire time I'm on the phone, make them laugh, etc.
You are a salesman whether you like it or not! Don't neglect one of the greatest tools in your arsenal! Also, practice makes perfect! The more you do it, the easier it will get. Just like approaching a table or group, it feels awkward and uncomfortable at first but you just keep doing it and eventually think nothing of it. I agree with others, if you can't talk to clients on the phone how are you going to talk to them face to face? Making a living in this business has little to do with the magic, that's the easy part! If this is something you can't see yourself getting over then you might be in the wrong business. Just my two cents, good luck! |
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Al Angello Eternal Order Collegeville, Pa. USA 11045 Posts |
Kune
I have never experienced any of the feelings that you are having, and I have no idea what you should do to become a smooth talker. Good luck.
Al Angello The Comic Juggler/Magician
http://www.juggleral.com http://home.comcast.net/~juggleral/ "Footprints on your ceiling are almost gone" |
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Kune Veteran user 312 Posts |
Thanks to both of you and I believe practice will make perfect
I'm not sure if there's been a slight misunderstanding though. My greatest concern at present is finding words to describe my show that a layman will "get", and while being the worlds smoothest talker would be nice, if I offered one of my clients are parlour show, most wouldn't know what it was. Rather than how to say it, I'm literally concerned with what I say. It seems Bill Nuvo had a similar problem to be, but found a good way to deal with it. I just hope I can figure out an equally cleaver way to verbally get my show across to people without the use of magician lingo. |
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Hart Keene Inner circle Eugene, OR 1486 Posts |
A picture is worth a thousand words and a good demo video is worth thousands more. Don't tell them, show them
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Dannydoyle Eternal Order 21219 Posts |
Stop reading magic books and start reading sales books. NOT SALES BOOKS WRITTEN BY MAGICIANS!
It is a skill like any you have developed for magic. Just take the time to learn properly.
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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David Thiel Inner circle Western Canada...where all that oil is 4005 Posts |
Danny's right. Just a couple of thoughts for you:
1) Define what you do. Once you KNOW, you'll be able to relate that information to the client. IF you plan to specialize in more than one thing, then you need to have each of those things well defined in your mind prior to trying to sell it. 2) Define your market. If it's little groups in a bar -- by all means. Go for it. But if you're dithering about when someone asks for a quote, you're not ready to sell what you do. No offense intended. But if you're not settled on who you are, how can you communicate this to a client? 3) Practice talking to people. Do it while you're by yourself in the car etc. It will help you get over the rough patches and try to anticipate their questions. If you show a potential client your unease, expect to lose the job and come off like an amateur. Again...no offense intended. There are too many other options for each client out there. No phone number? Seriously? I've found many of my shows are booked on the phone. As Hart so keenly observed: you need to become a person to your clients. You'll only do that through personal contact and disciplined professional salesmanship. You need to SELL yourself because YOU are the product. Hope this is helpful. David
Whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger. Except bears. Bears will kill you.
My books are here: www.magicpendulums.com www.MidnightMagicAndMentalism.com |
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monstercreations Regular user England 116 Posts |
Hi,
What is the point of a business card if it doesn't have contact information? Ade |
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Dynamike Eternal Order FullTimer 24148 Posts |
I agree the phone number should be on the card. The prospect's computer could break down anytime. Or the prospect might be too lazy to go on their computer to look up your website.
Some of you might not want to talk on the phone. Remember a lot of customers do not want to go on the computer. If you want to increase your business, include your phone number and do more work by talking on the phone. If you feel comfortable with your business the way it is doing now, leave off the phone number, but use a QR code. |
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WolfgangWollet Loyal user 209 Posts |
In my opinion the customer needs to be able to reach you whichever way he wants....there are still a lot of people left that prefer to conduct business over the phone. Business should not be about what is convenient for you but for the customer. If you put website, phone, fax etc on the card the customer can make a decision on how to contact you.
I always feel that businesses that do not have contact info available easily accessible that they are trying to hide from something. |
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Dannydoyle Eternal Order 21219 Posts |
I think the ability to contact you should be as easy for the customer as possible. Whether you like the way they prefer is not really important to them.
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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Signor Blitz Elite user 419 Posts |
LOL
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magicofCurtis Inner circle Los Angeles 2545 Posts |
I came across this article and thought it was a bit interesting regarding this topic on form of communication in the business - work force...
http://www.answerconnect.com/blog/busine......he-phone
Curtis Lovell II
http://www.CurtisLovell.com http://www.MagicofCurtis.com www.facebook.com/curtislovellii Los Angeles, California - U.S.A. |
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Bill Hegbli Eternal Order Fort Wayne, Indiana 22797 Posts |
A card without a telephone number is only a card of introduction, I think they used these in the 18th century or early 19th century. When graduating from High School it was custom then for every Senior graduating to get a supply of introduction cards with only your name on them.
As far as, "is it worth it", I had a client call about a show and all they really wanted was confirmation I was a human being I guess. I only answered the telephone, stated I was magician and the type of show I did, and she booked me right then and there. Maybe she only wanted to know what my voice sounded like. No price discussion, not a lot of questions, nothing. Now that is a good reason to have your telephone number printed on your cards. It seems the Kune wants other people's words to convey to his potential clients. Well, I and the other members here are not you, and everyone one can say the same thing, but it comes out differently. What you have to do is sit down and figure out how a lay person would view your magic act or material, and right that down and commit it to memory. The only thing I can tell you to say is when you answer the telephone, say, "Hello, this is Kune.", not - yow, hey, yeah, what's up. |
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Kameron Messmer Special user Billings, MT 742 Posts |
When I first started, I HATED using the phone. I am younger than some here (29) and am used to text and websites and other means of communication. I can be animated and energetic during a show on stage, but one on one was awkward for me. I've heard this about some celebrities. They may be a great actor, or rock star, but one on one are shy and awkward. I tried to get someone to answer my phones for me, but when I couldn't, I pushed through and it got easier. I finally got as comfortable on the phone as on stage. So personally, my advice is to keep at it and you will get better.
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