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RobertSmith Veteran user 330 Posts |
So I've had several interactions with some of you here at the Café and around the digital world the last few months specifically related to getting involved in the fair industry.
I performed at my first fair in 2004 and actively started to attending convention in 2009. I haven't said much the first 7 years because I decided to keep my mouth shut and learn. The vlog I started can be found in two spots right now. Most easily at YouTube, but also on my company's Facebook page. I'd invite you to subscribe/like on both - BUT - don't do it until you've watched something and feel like you've had some level of value. However large or small that may be. YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/RobertSmithTV Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/robertsmithpresents HOW TO PARTICIPATE: Message me your fair questions here, on Facebook, Insta (@meetrobertsmith), or any where you can find me around the net and I'll answer your questions on the show. Thank you! -Robert DISCLAIMER: In case you're wondering, I'm not using these channels to sell you squat. If you want a course guru, I'm not your guy. This is real advice and experience that I'm giving away. So if FREE is good for you, then do it. Click here to view attached image. |
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Mindpro Eternal Order 10585 Posts |
Congratulations on this project. I hope it works out well for you. One bit of advice is it would have been great to learn/know a bit about you going into this or at least as part of the intro at your first episode. I know you post occasionally here but no one really knows you, your background or experience. Are you a magician, mentalist, juggler? This helps to know who we are listening to and your level of merit.
Sometimes we overlook the basics which can affect ones impression or at least first impression of you and your project. Just a thought meant with only the best of intentions. I agree the fair market is a great market, yet greatly misunderstood by many. Sooo many try the fair market and bail before ever truly understanding it and its many opportunities and possibilities. I think a great topic would be to detail the differences between fairs and festivals. Often these two get lumped together in reference, yet are different in many ways and approaches. |
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RobertSmith Veteran user 330 Posts |
All good points. I can certainly put an introduction together. I actually just noticed there is a dedicated spot for that on YouTube channels. I've always just used YTube as a place to store vid so I can embed it elsewhere. But now that I'm getting more involved in YouTube as a social community, your suggestion has a solid foundation.
Differences with fairs and festivals? I think I see a future episode. -Robert |
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Keith Raygor Special user Naples, FL 968 Posts |
I've been reading Robert's posts for about 8 years. He's usually spot on with advice from the trenches. Those of us that have been paying attention to the information he's shared don't need an introduction. Besides, it's easy to find his track record, let alone bringing a YouTube channel and a Facebook channel to the table. I don't think the fair market is any more "greatly misunderstood" than any other market, but it's nice to have someone passionate enough about his choices to put what he's learned out there for free to interested parties. And for that, I salute Robert for living up to the ideal of magicians helping magicians, and freely sharing what has always been solid advice.
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RobertSmith Veteran user 330 Posts |
Man, Keith. Thank you for that. I appreciate you saying it.
For those who want the background before they take a look at free info here it is. My first fair was the Nevada State Fair in 2004 & again in 2005. (Thanks Dean!) I thought I was hot sht because of that and proceeded to wait for fairs to come to me. I'd send fairs my promo but nothing happened. In 2009 I attended two conventions and began what would be a baptism by fire. It didn't come easy. I had to want it badly and I had to be patient. In 7 years my client list now includes some of the biggest (and smallest) names in the fair industry. From the OC Fair, LA County Fair, AZ State Fair all the way to small county fairs in middle America. My business is now making real money and I love the hell out of what I do. And here's the breaking news...many of you would like to get into this industry but don't know how. There's no course. There's no, "guaranteed or your money back," method. What I'll share with you should work. But there's no amount of marketing or execution that are going to save a garbage product in the long term. Is your product good? I don't know. The good news is you and I don't decide that. The market decides. But I know the information I'm sharing is real. I hope it helps anyone who will listen. You all know this forum has had it's share of "gurus" who sell courses and you never know whether they've ever put their money where their mouth is. The reason I want you to subscribe on YouTube and follow or friend me on Facebook is because I want you to see me doing it. So subscribe on YouTube here http://www.youtube.com/subscription_cent......tSmithTV And hit up my FB page here http://www.facebook.com/robertsmithpresents Or friend me. I'm @meetrobertsmith across the digital landscape. See you all out there. -Robert |
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RobertSmith Veteran user 330 Posts |
Episode 1 - Getting Involved in the Fair Market
https://youtu.be/btS9QBMUpOE?list=PLfVuv......-IyX9NRt Thanks to all of you for checking it out. And if you enjoy it, please subscribe to the channel. -Robert |
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RobertSmith Veteran user 330 Posts |
Episode 4 - The Mistakes I Made
Now available. Find out the big mistakes I made early in my career plus country singer Coffey Anderson is killing it. Your comments and feedback are always appreciated. Watch here: https://youtu.be/pn_HqqXfi7Y |
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RobertSmith Veteran user 330 Posts |
Episode 5 - Bringing Value to Fairs
Now available. Ever wonder how professional fair performers bring real added value to a fair? Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ReIR9IdjPZI |
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Mike75 New user 14 Posts |
I have never done a fair show and I really don't think I currently have the material for that type of show. I did watch a episode on your youtube channel and subscribed as well. I enjoyed the insight into something different and even gleaned a few pointers that I can currently use in my show. Keep up the good work.
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RobertSmith Veteran user 330 Posts |
Hey Mike,
Thanks for that. I appreciate it. Fairs can be a tricky environment. I've watched seasoned cruise ship performers struggle because audience members just get up and walk away. It's not a dis of the show. It's just that they have 10,000 other options to do at the fair. And I've seen acts that I personally rolled my eyes when I saw their videos, but absolutely CRUSHED IT at the fair. That was in my early days when I thought I knew stuff but I actually understood jack about fairs. It's a market I've come to adore. If I can ever answer any questions, just let me know. -Robert |
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RobertSmith Veteran user 330 Posts |
Episode 6 - If I Had to Start Over
https://youtu.be/XB4PqDCidgk This week's episode answers the question what would I do if I had to start over in the fair market tomorrow. It's solid information that anyone looking to get into fairs could use. Robert |
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thomasR Inner circle 1189 Posts |
Excellent content Robert.
I would be interested in a video covering the logistical questions... Do fairs typically provide lodging for performers? Do fairs typically provide food for performers? Dressing Room / Storage area for performers? Maybe a separate video, maybe the same one... walk us through a day in your life when performing at a fair. |
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RobertSmith Veteran user 330 Posts |
You got it.
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Dr. Delusion Special user Eugene, Oregon. 733 Posts |
Great information. Several years back I lucked out and performed at our local fair. we drew large crowds, but I'm pretty sure I shot myself in the foot by selling a few pocket tricks after the shows. The folks that were running the stage were selling items after they finished with the clown act they had. I thought we might as well sell a few thing as well. Dumb idea I think.
Anyway, I plan on attending the fair convention at the end of this year, get a booth, mingle and try out some of your ideas. Thanks, Bob. |
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RobertSmith Veteran user 330 Posts |
IAFE?
Whichever conventions you want to attend I always recommend the person be prepared for a 3 year commitment to exhibiting. Which fair was that? -Robert |
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RobertSmith Veteran user 330 Posts |
Episode 7 - Marriage and the Road...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Fiqk3d2nYg On this episode, Sara and I are en route to the Sarasota County Fair. This is one of the first times she and Nate have been able to really join me on the road and live the fair life. We banter. We joke. And we share a little bit about the inner workings of our marriage when I'm on the road. It's not always easy. |
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Dr. Delusion Special user Eugene, Oregon. 733 Posts |
Hey Robert,
It was the Lane County fair here in Oregon. |
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RobertSmith Veteran user 330 Posts |
Hmm. Not familiar with it. Haven't done many west coast fairs. Will change soon as our company has just made a 2 year commitment to the Western Fairs Association.
Let me know how I can help with IAFE. -Robert |
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RobertSmith Veteran user 330 Posts |
Quote:
On Mar 22, 2017, thomasR wrote: Hey thomasR, Your questions have been answered. Fair Question |Episode 008 - Hotels & Food & Storage Oh My! https://youtu.be/Uv29X9QaxW4 Thanks so much for your questions thomas. I really appreciate you giving me your attention for this project. -Robert |
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thomasR Inner circle 1189 Posts |
Thanks so much! Great episode.
Good to know about lodging. - Great point on being able to pick your own hotel and paying either more or less for the lodging based on your preferences. Food - This was one I was most curious about. With so many workers and staff it wouldn't have surprised me if some food was provided. But it's not a big shocker that it's not provided either. Dressing Room / Storage - About what I expected. Good to know that fairs will usually work with you if they can on prop storage. Thanks for mentioning your instagram! Will be very fun to follow along with your travels that way. |
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