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pepka Inner circle Uh, I'm the one on the right. 5041 Posts |
Thanks Christopher!
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AdamChance Special user 656 Posts |
Quote:
On 2013-11-07 02:00, milesart wrote: ya, that's the one. I don't own it, but it looks like it would work well as a quick opening trick. |
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David Fillary Special user 662 Posts |
Pepka - could you explain why you always open with cards?
I tend to open with productions where possible, as this is probably the most instant magic with little prior explanation. However, it does have the disadvantage of approaching the group empty handed. |
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bobser Inner circle 4178 Posts |
I'd like to disagree with the guys who can't stand a magician opening with cards, if that's okay
When you say 'a magician opening with cards' it's like other people nod as if they have the same magician and the same card trick with the same patter as you're thinking about in their mind. But... that's pretty impossible no? If you get a great magician with great patter he can do just abut whatever he likes in my book. And that's NOT a guess. But here, let me share this, lets suppose you've got cards but you've also got enough sense to know that lots of people cannot stand cards? So, let me strongly recommend that you TRY this, and get back to me... deal? You've done your opening line which might very well be: "Hi guys, I'm Joe, would you care to see a little table magic while your waiting for your meal to arrive?" You even use a little humour with: "It's only a 1 hour show, then we'll get you guys fed and outta' here, okay?" Now here comes the card line: "Tell you what, why don't we open up with a card trick, then we can get rid of them and maybe have some fun...?" So, what I'm saying is, if you can't hide it paint it read. You're a magician and as so cards MIGHT be expected. I actually AGREE with the guys that are NOT into opening with cards, BUT... with a great line, you can do anything you wish. You've pointed out the elephant in the room and you've assured them that you're going to get rid of it in a moment and then they're all gonna' have fun. Of course IF they ARE card people....... all is good!
Bob Burns is the creator of The Swan.
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eatonmagic Special user Orlando, FL 737 Posts |
I don't see what is wrong with opening just with a simple, "Hello. How are you doing this evening?"
I think we sometimes forget the positions we are really in when doing a gig. We have been hired by the coordinator or better yet, the management of a restaurant to take care of the guests and make sure they have a good time. Therefore, I would never do anything cheesy or to open my conversation with them….like a magic trick If you're really a pro or take your business just as seriously as your magic, than chances are you are already wearing a suit, sport coat or something that makes you look a little more important such as a manager or part of the event staff. And this is what you want! People will accept you initially a lot more if they assume you are someone important. being accepted into their "bubble" is a lot easier when THEY invite you in as opposed to trying to invite yourself. It's much like marketing. There is push marketing and then there is pull or "magnetic" marketing where THEY come to YOU. At restaurants I almost always approach a group like a customer and that means I greet them, ask them if this is their first time and welcome them. After a few questions about them, I then say, "Well, my name is Michael, I work here about 2-3 days a month and the owners actually bring me in to make sure everyone is having a great time…and from the looks of it, you are (smile)." So in that sentence, you have established your name, and that you are with the restaurant and have an important role. So now look at this approach as opposed to a "I'm the magician" opening. NOW…once they agree they're are having a good time THEN you let them in on who you are, "Fantastic! Well, I probably have the BEST job here, I am the house magician and my job is to amaze and delight the guests…or at least that's what they pay me to do. SO, I'm here, I'm on the clock and I'm ready to rock! You guys ready to see something AMAZING?" By doing this second part, you have now let them know WHO you are exactly but by now, they have committed to already liking you and trusting you. So in their mind, this is now all legit! I RARELY have anyone turn me down by using this opening line. In the event it looks like a particularly affluent group of guests, I will usually comment on a lady'd piece of jewelry or a gentleman's time piece. I have a pretty decent eye when it comes to women's fashion (I have 6 sisters) and since I am a watch collector, I can usually show off my wares as well. I realize not everyone can do this but if you have those abilities, please use them. I discuss this in my lecture and call this approach "RRR". Read, Relate. Rapport. You read your audience, find a common ground and then build the rapport with them on that topic. You can immediately establish yourselves as equals within a couple minutes. So you do your A-list material and then, something that a LOT of magicians fail to do is leave with an exit spiel as well as an opener. Such as, "Listen! I have had an AMAZING time entertaining your group! Thank you for the good company and if you ever need my services, you can find me here usually 2-3 times per month or at every Orlando Magic game throughout the arena. I am one of the magicians for the organization. Here's my card and my full schedule can be found online. Please stay in touch (smile)". Be sure that anytime anyone takes a picture you have them tag both you and the restaurant on Facebook or social media. This will also add more value to you as a guest since most managers monitor their social media activity. |
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baobow Special user 510 Posts |
That is golden advice Michael. thanks for sharing
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Chamberlain Special user 629 Posts |
Love the exit line from Michael, so many times I'll leave a group and be like 'doh! missed a golden opportunity to hand out some cards'
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elimagic Inner circle 1663 Posts |
J Grant's Book "the approach" talks about this quite a bit. He has a great idea that is quite good.
I will not reveal it, but it is worth the price of the book alone. |
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