Well I guess I'm a "cook book magician" because my first shows was a disaster. I suppose all my repeat bookings and full weekends mean nothing. I agree that there is a certain affinity one has to possess in order to be great at entertaining kids, but to say that it cannot be learned is rather ignorant.

Josh

I am all for bashing Al. BUT I think you are misunderstanding his post.

Ignorant HMMMM don't be silly. Sorry I lost you Josh.
You can be whatever you want to be my man.

It's been a long week Al, my apologies. I'm on my own island hahaha my bad

Give a Heart Shaped balloon to kid to give to Mom.

You can write on it: I Love you MOM.

No problem Josh

Now take my buddy Neznarf (George) for example he is at least my age, has a head full of grey hair, and is still an 8 year old boy at heart.

Gotcha Al! I agree, I will never be an 8 year old again. But, my business is thriving and I'm onto new adventures everyday... Just in my own way.

Hi,
I agree you ideas I know a company who provide the lot of birthday party ideas. So that is very enjoyable.

http://www.moushii.com

It is very very very hard to be a great family entertainer
So many try it and it's part of what gives magicians a bad name and looked down upon in the USA
There are a very few that are great at it
You don't go out and do a paid show and bomb And think that's alright that's how you learn
If you need the practice there are many places you can be bad And not hurt the real working guys

As for the subject how to increase your business
be very very very good. Don't play down children. They're smarter than most people give them credit for and they love it when you treat them like they're intelligent
A straight magic only show isn't really designed for children under six
It's so tough to do

Very well said Vick!

I agree much of the typical perception, stereotypes and image of today's magician's here in the U.S. is due to kids performers and amateurs performing when and where they shouldn't be. The kids and family market is probably the one place where you have many places and options to practice, stumble and be bad. Yet most want to just go for the money at birthday parties and somehow think they can do schools (even skilled magicians of ten have the school misconception).

I remember when being a magician was perceived as someone special, a skilled and unique individual that would have the respect and esteem of kids and adults alike. They appeared classy not casual and were considered a true professional, unlike many performers today.

I hate to see it but I experience it everyday that kids and family magicians are often perceived the same as clowns in these circles - some like them but just as many hate them.

Have an auto response system.

Dynamike -

Are you using Autoresponders now?

Andy

Not yet.