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augiemagic Regular user Overland Park, KS 162 Posts |
First off this post is a bit of a brag: I just finished performing at the first festival I've booked by cold calling!
I originally called this festival a few months ago to see about performing for them in the streets, like a busking show, only paid by the organizers. They didn't need anything at the time. But a couple weeks ago they called me back and asked about a stage show with fire performers as a sort of big finale to their event. I've worked with a lot of the local fire spinners, and put a few calls out and grabbed a few performers and put together a show. The organizers loved it! They've already asked us back for next year. I've gotta give a shout out to Kyle Peron and his book on performing for festivals. Without, I would have never gotten the ball rolling and gone for this market. There's gold in those pages. The second part of this post is about focusing on what's important, because to book this gig, I didn't actually have much in the way of promo material. When I contacted them, I didn't have a website worth showing anyone. Didn't have a promo packet. No testimonials. No show footage. Nada. All I had was an act, an email address, and a phone. Sometimes that's enough. With all the talk on here about different advertising methods, promo materials, and stuff like that, it's easy to get distracted from the basics, like picking up a phone. While those things are important at a certain point, for those of us who are new to magic as a business, sometimes it's better to focus on the smallest, simplest step forward. By no means am I an expert. But today, I did learn a very valuable lesson, and just wanted to share that. |
Mindpro Eternal Order 10587 Posts |
Congratulations. I've always said nothing is more effective than picking up the phone and selling yourself. Way to go!
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augiemagic Regular user Overland Park, KS 162 Posts |
Thanks!
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misterillusion Special user Roseville, California 748 Posts |
Sometimes I think we make "marketing" more complicated than it needs to be. I have to admit falling into that trap myself after having purchased a number of marketing programs and implimenting some of the recommendations. My best results, though, have been the "old fashioned" pick up the phone and talk to people. When all else fails...go back to basics.
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Dannydoyle Eternal Order 21219 Posts |
I have thought magicians complicate marketing for decades.
Danny Doyle
<BR>Semper Occultus <BR>In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act....George Orwell |
Tim Friday Elite user 485 Posts |
I heard on Successful Performercast recently that Paul Green only relies on word of mouth, he doesn't have a website.
On another podcast I heard that direct response marketing guru Dan Kennedy doesn't use email. You are in good company. |
Mindpro Eternal Order 10587 Posts |
Many top entertainers do not have a web site.
It's not about having a website or not that is important, it's if the markets your serving and the targets within it use, need or prefer a website. Many feel websites are become the same as the old Yellow Page ads. |
augiemagic Regular user Overland Park, KS 162 Posts |
AAh! I did it again! Sorry, had to jump on an say something.
I've been putting together a themed show for local child care centers. I called today and talked to the Director of a local day care... She said send an email. I sent an email. She had questions. I answered them. Now I'm booked for the show. Simple, easy. I'm getting excited about this whole "Marketing" thing again. Thanks for your responses guys! |
Mindpro Eternal Order 10587 Posts |
This is because you are making direct contact with the proper contact person, and then speaking/selling them in person. This is a longtime tried and tested methods that often doesn't require promotional information or a web site. Sure, it enhances possibilities and image greatly if you have them, but again it is not necessary.
When I have students that tell me they can't get bookings because they don't have these resources, I tell them and often show them how they are simply creating a roadblock or obstacle in their own mind and efforts. I show many of them how to, like you, use what you currently have to get bookings immediately. You don't always need these whiz-bang technologies or have to spend a lot of money to do so. Now of course it does require being performance-ready and the markets you serve. Anytime you can directly speak to (much preferred and more instant than e-mail) the decision maker or direct contact, you can expedite the process (and profits) more quickly, sometimes instantly, and see better returns. Good for you! |
Donald Dunphy Inner circle Victoria, BC, Canada 7563 Posts |
The old "Dialing for Dollars".
Author Chellie Campbell's take on the topic: http://www.chellie.com/news_051506.html#article From that link: Quote:
Cold calling sounds like what it is—harsh and cold. But since the money is in the phone, I call it “Gold Calling.” My telephone is spray painted gold and I wear gold fingernail polish to remind me to dial the golden phone. All the money you want is waiting for you at the other end of the phone. But you have to pick it up and reach out and touch someone. Selling isn’t about zapping. It isn’t about you. Selling is serving. You are searching for the people who need and want what you have—who are praying for you to show up with it—and helping them to have it.... - Donald
Donald Dunphy is a Victoria Magician, British Columbia, Canada.
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Mindpro Eternal Order 10587 Posts |
Yep, well stated. The other thing is there is a common misperception that cold calling is just picking up the phone and making random calls. This isn't so. Just like any other kind of marketing qualifying your prospects and doing some research and due diligence will allow "cold calling" to be much more "targeted calling", and usually therefore generating greater and better results more efficiently as you are calling pre-qualified prospects rather than just anyone by chance.
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magic4u02 Eternal Order Philadelphia, PA 15110 Posts |
I never got the chance to say thank you for the kind words. It is most appreciated. It is my hope that my book can be of help to anyone wanting to work this market.
Kyle
Kyle Peron
http://www.kylekellymagic.com Entertainers Product Site http://kpmagicproducts.com Join Our Facebook Fan Page at http://facebook.com/perondesign |
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