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deiricm New user 62 Posts |
Last few years I have used my mentalism as an element of my corporate keynote and training presentations - it's a great differentiator.
However, this rarely gives me enough scope to do much more than 30 minutes routines - if that (except for after dinner sessions). But I get a great reaction to all I do I want to get out and get more 'public' exposure - and am quite happy to do these gratis just to get the experience. Anyone got any advice on how they went about this - suitable target groups or audiences etc.? (family and friends are becoming worn ) |
Doughlas Regular user Northern California 173 Posts |
Hey Deiricm,
I've done a large number of talks this year. Did it to get my name out there, and also as a platform to launch some new material that I was working on. Check out Get Gigs Right Now by Robert Marsi. You can find it here: http://www.amazon.com/Get-Gigs-Right-Rob......get+gigs I used it and found more than enough opportunities to keep busy doing this type of work and got my name out to the local and surrounding cities. |
deiricm New user 62 Posts |
Thanks Doughlas - really appreciate the lead.
If I had happened across this myself I'd have thought it expensive for a 45 page kindle edition - but I just went there and bought it: the power of a recommended! You mentioned you did those talks to get your name out there; did you do them as pro bono 'loss leaders' or... |
TonyB2009 Inner circle 5006 Posts |
I have to say that the only experience you get from free gigs is the experience of being exploited. There are plenty of paid opportunities out there. You need to either advertise (direct mail shots to corporate clients for mentalism, or a sharp website I would think) or hire a venue and promote yourself.
I have managed to make a reasonable living out of this stuff for years and I have never performed for free. Not even when I was starting out. Would a plumber do your pipes for free, just to pick up experience? So why should we?
Check out Tony's new thriller Dead or Alive http://www.amazon.co.uk/Alive-Varrick-Bo......n+carson
http://www.PartyMagic.ie |
deiricm New user 62 Posts |
You sound like me advising others - I always tell my guys that anything folk get for free they place no value upon. You're right of course - I wouldn't deliver my main talks gratis - why do so with something that costs so much time and energy to polish?!
You say a 'reasonable living' - if it's not too nosy, can I ask if you managed to replace the corp $$ you were earning in the healthcare biz? (took a peek at your site -nice job!). Tell me to mind my own biz if you like! |
DrTodd Inner circle 1976 Posts |
Begin by sitting down and conceiving a coherent show with a strong narrative frame. Decide the message and the foundation for what you wish to achieve. Once this is known, particular effects and routines will suggest themselves to you and others will simply not be appropriate.
Invest in these steps carefully and write down as much as you can. Then think about your market segment. With a background in corporate events and keynotes, there is a natural market for your work, and you should think about suitable venues that would attract that client base. Make a list of suitable venues and research their appeal and who attends their events. Invest in good marketing and PR material, a sound website, and good pitch to potential venues. The free element might come from doing a demo for a venue manager to win the contract. Book the venue, promote the event with social and traditional media. As you can see, this process takes time, but investing in these steps will pay dividends in the long run. As part of the first event, collect data on participants (eventbrite is a great way to do this), and try to get testimonials on site, so that you can get content on your website. Also, contact the local press and give interviews before the show and create a buzz.... Cheers Todd |
deiricm New user 62 Posts |
Quote:
On 2013-11-11 01:37, DrTodd wrote: Todd, thanks a million for laying out such a clear and coherent approach - it really got me thinking. A while ago I had a loose them underlying my routine, and all of my effects fitted logically into it. As I become more impressed with myself (:-)) I realise that I've let that slip: and now have a series of effects with no thread linking them together. Looking at the last few performances I think this hurt me. Thanks for getting me back thinking this way again! Because this is still a sideline (one I want to make more than that) I am struggling with positioning it such thyat it doesn't confuse those who already deal with me - hence the slow approach to the web site. Need to get more head time on that. Thanks again - much appreciated. |
deiricm New user 62 Posts |
Quote:
On 2013-11-10 10:37, Doughlas wrote: Doughlas, I read this cover to cover last evening. I always say that if you get one good idea from a book it is worth the cost. That's exactly what I got from this book - the general idea of how to get exposure is simple, obvious (like the best ideas: obvious in retrospect!) and easy to implement (I won't out the idea here!). So thanks for the steer on the book. BTW, nice site! |
Richard Osterlind V.I.P. 2213 Posts |
One thing you need to think about when offering free shows is whether or not the venue you are offering it to normally hires entertainment. If so, then you will be stepping on the toes of someone else's livelihood.
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Bard Loyal user 223 Posts |
"Free shows" are a dangerous thing to step into. . . you will eventually be seen as being a mere piano vs. a Stineway. . . if you get my drift.
I'd suggest you look at Richard Webster's books KING OF THE SMALL TOWNS and HOW TO MAKE MONEY GIVING FREE TALKS. I forget where it is, but Hilford and Riggs both (I believe) talk about society groups like the Rotary Club, Red Hat Society, etc. which are excellent groups that can give you strong social-political advantages (think "Networking"). If you are already doing well however, especially if you appeal to the corporate world, be very cautious when it comes to the kinds of material you present and the groups you work with. Avoid political favoritism for an example, in that you may loose a client -- for example, if companies like Chick-fil-Lay, Birrilla Pasta, etc. were your clients it would be quite unwise to do a free show for the Log Cabin society (Gay Republicans) or groups that support Obamacare . . . I've had decent luck working with Webster's USING YOUR INTUITIVE EDGE FOR FUN & PROFIT and hitting up area car dealerships, but then (a confession) I've sold a lot of cars over the years when shows weren't forthcoming or I had to take time off. Knowing what such groups would value will go a long way. Just a few thoughts. . . |
deiricm New user 62 Posts |
Quote:
On 2013-11-11 08:30, Richard Osterlind wrote: Thanks Richard - makes perfect sense - don't want to queer the market for all. As I mentioned above I'd never think of it in my other existence - good guidance. Thanks! |
deiricm New user 62 Posts |
Quote:
On 2013-11-11 08:54, Bard wrote: More than a 'few' thoughts Bard - very much appreciated. Great guidance - thanks for the lead on the reading too; will search those out later. Hadn't thought of myself as a Steinway until now. Walking tall! |
TonyB2009 Inner circle 5006 Posts |
Quote:
On 2013-11-10 16:04, deiricm wrote: I think you are mixing me up with someone else! I was never in the health care business. I was a journalist for a decade before packing it in. I began doing kids magic, because it paid the bills. Now a third of my work is mentalism/comedy/hypnotism and adult oriented shows, while two thirds is family and kids market. To answer your question about 'reasonable living', in the depths of this recession I still earn more than I could have had I stuck to journalism. And in the good times I would expect to earn up to twice what I am earning now. I am not a greedy man, so that does me. I hate to use the word, but networking seems to be the key to keeping busy. After a number of years you know promoters and venue owners, and when you want to try something new, you ring around and get them to take a chance on you. If you are doing corporate speaking at the moment, those are the contacts to use to get a new show up and running. Perhaps offer a discount, but don't make the mistake of working for free. Have a consistent and slick image that goes through your promotional material and website. This is where I fall down, I know. But I believe it is important, and if I get hungry enough to really need to push the promotional side of things, that is where it will start.
Check out Tony's new thriller Dead or Alive http://www.amazon.co.uk/Alive-Varrick-Bo......n+carson
http://www.PartyMagic.ie |
deiricm New user 62 Posts |
Quote:
On 2013-11-11 18:38, TonyB2009 wrote: Thanks Tony - and sorry for the crossed wires on the career! Really appreciate the input - especially on the financial practicality of mentalism as part of the mix; very encouraging. If you ever decide to go the whole hog and establish a good web presence please let me know - I know a guy (in Serbia!) who does first class work at extraordinary level cost. Great design and the best support. |
deiricm New user 62 Posts |
[p.s. Tony: Just bought your book! (Gillia Gilli Man)
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TonyB2009 Inner circle 5006 Posts |
Hope you enjoy the book, and thanks for the advice on the website. The time might be coming soon.
Check out Tony's new thriller Dead or Alive http://www.amazon.co.uk/Alive-Varrick-Bo......n+carson
http://www.PartyMagic.ie |
Doughlas Regular user Northern California 173 Posts |
Hi Deiricm,
Been travelling these last few weeks and haven't been able to respond back to you. As you have read the e-book you know that the talks I did were free talks, but I did them for a couple of reasons. 1. More exposure to business people in my local area and 2 to work out new parts of my actual speech. I didn't really do a show, I did one effect to wrap things up but my talk about the way the human mind fools you every day...something I've titled Daily Deceptions. It's also a way to start networking since you are usually having lunch or dinner with these people and they get a chance to know you on a more personal level. One thing that did surprise me was the amount of interest I got from these groups...they really are looking for something new. If you're interested I'll share with you my original contact email I sent them to start the discussion. Just send me your email address in the PM. It's not for everyone, and after I did about 10 or so in the area I quit promoting it. I'll do it again once I have to material to break out, but now I have a polished 25 minute talk that absolutely kills audiences. So now more than just providing entertainment, I can provide entertaining key note talks and have created another source of revenue for myself. I also use these talks as a way to get more reference letters for the talking side of the business. |
deiricm New user 62 Posts |
Quote:
On 2013-11-16 14:14, Doughlas wrote: Thanks Doughlas for the generosity and advice - I'll PM you. Really like the 'Daily Deceptions' idea! p.s. sorry for slow response - on the road last ten days! |
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