Apart from the obvious reason that mpost of us want to earn as much as we reasonably can from each of our shows, there are also many other reasons to charge a highter fee. I want to share a couple of thoughts with you;
Have you ever arrived at a venue and been told that the only place for you to change and prepare are the toilets? I certainly have had that happen many times during my career, and to be honest it always bugged me. What I learned was that the higher my fee went the less this happened until I reached a point where it would never happen. This is of course just one indicator that you have changed status in the clients mind. It is little things, once the client sees you as more than a commodity then you will have course be offered a complimentary tab for your refreshments and dinner, parking and logistics are arranged for you and so on. Basically you are treated as an important professional rather than one of the commodity staff.
Having spent more on your show - the client will also set you up for success (both in their minds and with the rest of the audience). It is of course true that people generally do not want you to fail, but if they have paid a high fee then they really want to enjoy what you do. In fact they make it even easier for you to do the job, because they put themselves in the right frame of mind.
So not only do you start to become more financially wealthy - but the job becomes easier! Why would you not try and make yourself the most expensive magician in your area rather than under cutting to and trying to be the cheapest?
Friday, June 08, 2007
Thursday, June 07, 2007
The Magicians Secret
'Magicians never tell people how to do tricks' must be the oldest phrase in magic and is infact the basis that the whole world of magic. So how does a person first get into magic? Apparently it is alright to SELL magic secrets but not to GIVE them away! This is clearly bollocks as an argument - but hey its the world of magic so you wouldn't expect anything else would you?
It is ludicrous to say NEVER gives a secret away, because obviously magic would then die out within a generation. Of course SELLING a secret is no real improvement on the situation - it merely brings the whole issue in line with prostitution.
So what might be a better solution? The objective seems to be to keep secrets within the farternity and the challenge is how do you admit new people to the fraternity? Simple, magic is ONLY sold face to face within the fraternity and access is via an initiation process. This means that if you have money you still cant get in unless you have a real desire. This stops casual day trippers getting in and makes the whole world of magic shrink!
Bad news if you are a magic dealer like http://www.UnearthlyMagic.com or any of the other professional magic retailers that make a living from the active world of hobby magic, as the market is so very small and personal now that maybe only a couple of original creators will continue. In fact only creators will survive, as in a smaller market there is no need for a classic retail distribution system. So people lose jobs.
However on the up side less magicians means that if you are a performer there will be much less compitition and that would drive higher fees - being a magician would become a much more exclusive profession.
Will this happen - of course not ! To do this would mean that the world of magic would have to put its money where its mouth is - and that my friends is a test to far! So they will bleat on and moan (situation normal in the world of magic) and pretent to be outraged by people giving away magic secrets! Simple solution, but much easer for them to just continue with their muddled thinking and double standards!!
This recent video on YouTube touches on this point brilliantly....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IKtBaDsCgn4
It is ludicrous to say NEVER gives a secret away, because obviously magic would then die out within a generation. Of course SELLING a secret is no real improvement on the situation - it merely brings the whole issue in line with prostitution.
So what might be a better solution? The objective seems to be to keep secrets within the farternity and the challenge is how do you admit new people to the fraternity? Simple, magic is ONLY sold face to face within the fraternity and access is via an initiation process. This means that if you have money you still cant get in unless you have a real desire. This stops casual day trippers getting in and makes the whole world of magic shrink!
Bad news if you are a magic dealer like http://www.UnearthlyMagic.com or any of the other professional magic retailers that make a living from the active world of hobby magic, as the market is so very small and personal now that maybe only a couple of original creators will continue. In fact only creators will survive, as in a smaller market there is no need for a classic retail distribution system. So people lose jobs.
However on the up side less magicians means that if you are a performer there will be much less compitition and that would drive higher fees - being a magician would become a much more exclusive profession.
Will this happen - of course not ! To do this would mean that the world of magic would have to put its money where its mouth is - and that my friends is a test to far! So they will bleat on and moan (situation normal in the world of magic) and pretent to be outraged by people giving away magic secrets! Simple solution, but much easer for them to just continue with their muddled thinking and double standards!!
This recent video on YouTube touches on this point brilliantly....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IKtBaDsCgn4
Friday, May 25, 2007
Becoming the Best
"First think as an entertainer, then as a magician" Any one can learn
and do a magic "trick", but to take a trick and turn it into an amazing
performance is one of the keys to performing great magic. May I suggest
that most people DO NOT like to feel as though they have been "tricked"
or "fooled", instead they like to know that they have taken part in good
entertainment. Have you asked yourself why you want to do "magic Tricks"?
Is it for the fame and fortune orbecause you have a passion to entertain?
"First think as an entertainer, then as a magician"
As Simon Lovell states "Magicians worry about 'How do I do it?' Instead of
'Why' do I do it? There in lies one of the biggest problems -- there has
to be a reason. Magic intrinsically is an illogical thing, but you can
do it at least in a logical way. You ask, what's more important to me --
an audience remembering me or the tricks I perform? I would rather them
remember me than the tricks I perform. It's essential to create uniqueness
about yourself - separate yourself from the masses"-Simon Lovell -
Master sleight of hand artist & lecturer.
While at a cookout this past summer I was talking with the host and he
wished for me to entertain the guests, excluding himself; as he told me
"I am not fond of 'magic', I do not enjoy it". Like this gentleman, there
are those who honestly do not enjoy watching magic, but not liking magic
is not a bad thing. In a case like this DO NOT SAY "BUT, YOU HAVE NEVER
SEEN ME PERFORM" (Unless of course in that same sentence you have the
ability to make a 2 ton elephant appear in his swimming pool and cause
a parade of camels to march through the picnic area. If you do possess
this power, I will caution, that he may call upon a local minister to
perform an exorcism).
In this scenario for instance I asked VERY un-aggressively "Have you
ever seen a live close-up magician?" To this he said, "Yes" (In a
sarcastic, oh my --magic is for kids type of tone). His comment did not
offend me as I have heard this before, I responded to him with "So you
have not seen an impressive sleight of hand artist?" To this he said
"No, they seemed OK for the kid's."
"First think as an entertainer, then as a magician"
After some time walking around performing for his colleagues, I approached
him and asked if he would consider giving me his honest opinion of
something I have been working on and if he would think that it would be
up to par to perform for his friends? He said, "Sure, go ahead." Fast
forward a few hours: by the evening's end he was requesting that I
perform for "this individual and that one over there, oh and they would
love the one you just did with me." Like this individual, most people
have seen the "pick any card trick" and "make six piles", etc. Remember,
become an entertainer, not just a magician.
KID'S PARTIES
At my kid shows I entertain the adults as much as the children, part of
my guarantee! is that ALL THEIR GUESTS WILL BE TRULY ENTERTAINED OR THEY
PAY ME NOTHING! I have NEVER had any one take me up on this offer...EVER
(Humbly Stated).
Usually as the guests are arriving (at a kid's party) I will do 15-20
minutes of walk around magic (FREE, the client loves this as there is NO
dead space and you have even more opportunity to connect with the adults
and children before "show" time. The parents in attendance like to know
who is entertaining their children. When I perform close-up magic for the
parents, they receive a better glimpse into who I am and they are not
just at a "child's party" anymore).
"First think as an entertainer, then as a magician"
Some times while doing this type of walk around I will have maybe one or
two of the laid back, cool, brew drinking guys and their buddies saying
(as I approach) "No, go show the tricks to the kids, I do not want to
see any of that stuff it is for children." I may come back with "Oh, you
know I have been working on a few things for this show, for the kid's and
all," (I will usually look around as if I am sharing an intimate secret
with them) and suggest, "would you mind/ be so kind to allow me to show
you something that I may want to perform for the children, you be the
judge. Let me know if you think the children will enjoy this or not."
At this point I present "Hunters Monte`" (Rudy T. Hunter-Canada),Blizzard
Deck (Dean Dill-California) or maybe some mentalism/ card sleights of
Dai Vernon (The Professor). The response to these is ALWAYS phenomenal!!!
Why? I first think as an entertainer, then as a magician". These guys will
always ask to see more and then to show more of this amazing magic to
their friends. I also find that they and get better involved when it
comes to the "kid's" part of the show!
WHY PERFORM MAGIC TRICKS
You may go into a magic shop and purchase the newest, neatest, trick on
the market. After you get it home, the package ripped open, you can hardly
contain the excitement, you read the directions, go through the routine a
couple of times and then run out of your room showing your parents,
husband, wife and/ or children. Showing off your "skills" you now possess
with your T.T., Professors Nightmare, and a stripper deck.
Your friends encourage you and say ..."wow"... that is neat, your parents
tell you that "You are the best magician they have ever seen"and because
you have a few weeks of "practice" and have bought 15 of the "coolest"
tricks sold today you believe you are "ready" to perform as a professional.
You make up business cards with your name stating that you do birthday parties,
etc. Now you are going to be making money.
PLEASE! STOP ! STOP ! STOP ! STOP ! STOP ! STOP ! STOP ! STOP !
First, have you taken the time to consider why you want to do "magic
Tricks"? Is it for the fame and fortune? If I asked if you know who David
Blaine and David Cooperfield are, more than likely you would not hesitate
to say "they are famous and wealthy magicians." Right you would be. But if
I were to ask you if you knew the name of Puck, Scott Alexander or Dennis
Haney to name a few?
Your reply may be "who is Puck, Scott Alexander or Dennis Haney? Why
haven't I heard of them?" I say to you "They are amazing magicians." You
reply,"if they are so amazing, I would have at least seen them on TV." The
answer to your last statement is simple -- they have been working, and
practicing, taking advice, practicing, learning, creating and practicing.
Scott Alexander has been a top pro for many years and one of the busiest
professionals in the world. His credits include Denny & Lee, Malone's Bar
in Boca, cruise ships all over the world, Caesar Magical Empire, and now
he's starring in his own show at Fitzgerald's in Las Vegas. His style is
simple -- comedy that goes right to the center of the audiences brain.
Puck headlines in the new "Magic and Mischief" theatre in Orlando, FL
http://www.magicandmischieftheatre.com/ one of the most sought after
entertainers in the nation.
Dennis Haney is one of the most famous of all three named here. He owns
two magic shops/ studios "Where the pros shop" (Baltimore, MD & Las
Vegas, NV); Mr. Hanney is among the who's who in the world of magic
(worldwide). www.dennymagic.com
If you try and follow fame and fortune more than likely you will be as
Clint Eastwood so calmly said in one of his movies "You are a legend in
your own mind." Don't pursue fame and fortune, let it find you. Keep on
practicing, reading and listening to those in the trenches, learn from
their mistakes and their victories. Did David Copperfield "just appear"
on the scene? (bad play on words, I know but hey...it is a free article
what do you expect), no, he was practicing over and over again. Practice
does not make perfect, as one individual told me some time ago, "perfect
practice, makes perfect."
"First think as an entertainer, then as a magician"
Practice, practice and then practice some more. Once you have practiced
several times, multiplied by 10 then go into your nearest magic shop, or
to a local full time magician and show them what you have been working
on, you have two ears and one mouth, use the first two and not the last
one, listen to what they have to say. Go back and practice, oh, by the
way have I stated to you that you must practice? (I say this with a
curious grin).
"First think as an entertainer, then as a magician"
A Fellow entertainer,
David Breth
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Breth
and do a magic "trick", but to take a trick and turn it into an amazing
performance is one of the keys to performing great magic. May I suggest
that most people DO NOT like to feel as though they have been "tricked"
or "fooled", instead they like to know that they have taken part in good
entertainment. Have you asked yourself why you want to do "magic Tricks"?
Is it for the fame and fortune orbecause you have a passion to entertain?
"First think as an entertainer, then as a magician"
As Simon Lovell states "Magicians worry about 'How do I do it?' Instead of
'Why' do I do it? There in lies one of the biggest problems -- there has
to be a reason. Magic intrinsically is an illogical thing, but you can
do it at least in a logical way. You ask, what's more important to me --
an audience remembering me or the tricks I perform? I would rather them
remember me than the tricks I perform. It's essential to create uniqueness
about yourself - separate yourself from the masses"-Simon Lovell -
Master sleight of hand artist & lecturer.
While at a cookout this past summer I was talking with the host and he
wished for me to entertain the guests, excluding himself; as he told me
"I am not fond of 'magic', I do not enjoy it". Like this gentleman, there
are those who honestly do not enjoy watching magic, but not liking magic
is not a bad thing. In a case like this DO NOT SAY "BUT, YOU HAVE NEVER
SEEN ME PERFORM" (Unless of course in that same sentence you have the
ability to make a 2 ton elephant appear in his swimming pool and cause
a parade of camels to march through the picnic area. If you do possess
this power, I will caution, that he may call upon a local minister to
perform an exorcism).
In this scenario for instance I asked VERY un-aggressively "Have you
ever seen a live close-up magician?" To this he said, "Yes" (In a
sarcastic, oh my --magic is for kids type of tone). His comment did not
offend me as I have heard this before, I responded to him with "So you
have not seen an impressive sleight of hand artist?" To this he said
"No, they seemed OK for the kid's."
"First think as an entertainer, then as a magician"
After some time walking around performing for his colleagues, I approached
him and asked if he would consider giving me his honest opinion of
something I have been working on and if he would think that it would be
up to par to perform for his friends? He said, "Sure, go ahead." Fast
forward a few hours: by the evening's end he was requesting that I
perform for "this individual and that one over there, oh and they would
love the one you just did with me." Like this individual, most people
have seen the "pick any card trick" and "make six piles", etc. Remember,
become an entertainer, not just a magician.
KID'S PARTIES
At my kid shows I entertain the adults as much as the children, part of
my guarantee! is that ALL THEIR GUESTS WILL BE TRULY ENTERTAINED OR THEY
PAY ME NOTHING! I have NEVER had any one take me up on this offer...EVER
(Humbly Stated).
Usually as the guests are arriving (at a kid's party) I will do 15-20
minutes of walk around magic (FREE, the client loves this as there is NO
dead space and you have even more opportunity to connect with the adults
and children before "show" time. The parents in attendance like to know
who is entertaining their children. When I perform close-up magic for the
parents, they receive a better glimpse into who I am and they are not
just at a "child's party" anymore).
"First think as an entertainer, then as a magician"
Some times while doing this type of walk around I will have maybe one or
two of the laid back, cool, brew drinking guys and their buddies saying
(as I approach) "No, go show the tricks to the kids, I do not want to
see any of that stuff it is for children." I may come back with "Oh, you
know I have been working on a few things for this show, for the kid's and
all," (I will usually look around as if I am sharing an intimate secret
with them) and suggest, "would you mind/ be so kind to allow me to show
you something that I may want to perform for the children, you be the
judge. Let me know if you think the children will enjoy this or not."
At this point I present "Hunters Monte`" (Rudy T. Hunter-Canada),Blizzard
Deck (Dean Dill-California) or maybe some mentalism/ card sleights of
Dai Vernon (The Professor). The response to these is ALWAYS phenomenal!!!
Why? I first think as an entertainer, then as a magician". These guys will
always ask to see more and then to show more of this amazing magic to
their friends. I also find that they and get better involved when it
comes to the "kid's" part of the show!
WHY PERFORM MAGIC TRICKS
You may go into a magic shop and purchase the newest, neatest, trick on
the market. After you get it home, the package ripped open, you can hardly
contain the excitement, you read the directions, go through the routine a
couple of times and then run out of your room showing your parents,
husband, wife and/ or children. Showing off your "skills" you now possess
with your T.T., Professors Nightmare, and a stripper deck.
Your friends encourage you and say ..."wow"... that is neat, your parents
tell you that "You are the best magician they have ever seen"and because
you have a few weeks of "practice" and have bought 15 of the "coolest"
tricks sold today you believe you are "ready" to perform as a professional.
You make up business cards with your name stating that you do birthday parties,
etc. Now you are going to be making money.
PLEASE! STOP ! STOP ! STOP ! STOP ! STOP ! STOP ! STOP ! STOP !
First, have you taken the time to consider why you want to do "magic
Tricks"? Is it for the fame and fortune? If I asked if you know who David
Blaine and David Cooperfield are, more than likely you would not hesitate
to say "they are famous and wealthy magicians." Right you would be. But if
I were to ask you if you knew the name of Puck, Scott Alexander or Dennis
Haney to name a few?
Your reply may be "who is Puck, Scott Alexander or Dennis Haney? Why
haven't I heard of them?" I say to you "They are amazing magicians." You
reply,"if they are so amazing, I would have at least seen them on TV." The
answer to your last statement is simple -- they have been working, and
practicing, taking advice, practicing, learning, creating and practicing.
Scott Alexander has been a top pro for many years and one of the busiest
professionals in the world. His credits include Denny & Lee, Malone's Bar
in Boca, cruise ships all over the world, Caesar Magical Empire, and now
he's starring in his own show at Fitzgerald's in Las Vegas. His style is
simple -- comedy that goes right to the center of the audiences brain.
Puck headlines in the new "Magic and Mischief" theatre in Orlando, FL
http://www.magicandmischieftheatre.com/ one of the most sought after
entertainers in the nation.
Dennis Haney is one of the most famous of all three named here. He owns
two magic shops/ studios "Where the pros shop" (Baltimore, MD & Las
Vegas, NV); Mr. Hanney is among the who's who in the world of magic
(worldwide). www.dennymagic.com
If you try and follow fame and fortune more than likely you will be as
Clint Eastwood so calmly said in one of his movies "You are a legend in
your own mind." Don't pursue fame and fortune, let it find you. Keep on
practicing, reading and listening to those in the trenches, learn from
their mistakes and their victories. Did David Copperfield "just appear"
on the scene? (bad play on words, I know but hey...it is a free article
what do you expect), no, he was practicing over and over again. Practice
does not make perfect, as one individual told me some time ago, "perfect
practice, makes perfect."
"First think as an entertainer, then as a magician"
Practice, practice and then practice some more. Once you have practiced
several times, multiplied by 10 then go into your nearest magic shop, or
to a local full time magician and show them what you have been working
on, you have two ears and one mouth, use the first two and not the last
one, listen to what they have to say. Go back and practice, oh, by the
way have I stated to you that you must practice? (I say this with a
curious grin).
"First think as an entertainer, then as a magician"
A Fellow entertainer,
David Breth
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Breth
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Cameron Diaz Dating Magician Criss Angel?
Actress Cameron Diaz enjoyed a night out in Las Vegas with magician Criss Angel Monday; prompting speculation the pair are dating.
Diaz, who announced her split with her longterm boyfriend Justin Timberlake in January, and Angel had dinner together before watching The Beatles tribute show Love at the Cirque Du Soleil.
An onlooker tells website People.com, "They were snuggling with each other and he was making her laugh. They seemed really happy."
Earlier this year Angel was reported to have been dating actress/singer Minnie Driver.
Diaz, who announced her split with her longterm boyfriend Justin Timberlake in January, and Angel had dinner together before watching The Beatles tribute show Love at the Cirque Du Soleil.
An onlooker tells website People.com, "They were snuggling with each other and he was making her laugh. They seemed really happy."
Earlier this year Angel was reported to have been dating actress/singer Minnie Driver.
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Pamela Anderson replaces sexy Carmen Electra in magic show
Carmen Electra will no longer be the be the special guest star in magician Hans Klok's new show at the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino. Instead Hans Klok will team up with celebrity guest star Pamela Anderson for the show at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino Theater for the Performing Arts. "The Beauty of Magic" will open for previews in late May with a gala premiere scheduled for June 2nd. After performing his first magic trick at the age of ten, Hans Klok went on to win a number of awards, including the European Youth Magician Champion Trophy, and first prize at the Grand Prix of The Netherlands. He soon began to appear on television specials in both Europe and the United States, including "The World's Greatest Magic" on NBC and "The Masters of Magic" on ABC. "The Dutch Copperfield," Klok's live stage shows have been selling out large arenas throughout Europe and Asia for the past decade. "The Beauty of Magic" is produced by Stage Entertainment in conjunction with Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino
TV Magician Paul Daniels in Health Scare
Magician Paul Daniels has revealed how he was rushed to hospital fearing he had suffered a stroke. The 69-year-old TV star was given a scan after he woke in the middle of the night with no feeling in his left leg..." Read the full story by Melanie Swan in The People at:
http://www.people.co.uk/news/tm_headline=tv-paul-in-scare--&method=full&objectid=18943479&siteid=93463-name_page.html
http://www.people.co.uk/news/tm_headline=tv-paul-in-scare--&method=full&objectid=18943479&siteid=93463-name_page.html
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Customer Satisfaction and the Corporate Magician
Hectic doesn't begin to describe the past few days. As an independent businessman (that is what EVERY full time pro magician SHOULD be), you get to wear many hats. Marketing manager. Administrator. Bookkeeper. When you're being pulled in a million directions by a million different priorities, it's pretty easy to lose sight of something important...
Like many (or most) of you, I had a day job while doing my magic part time. Weekends. Evenings. Bank Holidays. But the majority of my workweek was spent just like everyone else making the daily commute to the office, trying to avoid office politics, and doing my best to make a few pennies. In my fantasies about working for myself, I imagined that my days would begin with a leisurely breakfast, maybe a brisk morning walk with my dog, hit the computer around 10AM, knock off early for lunch, do a couple of close-up gigs during the course of the week and then maybe an easy wedding reception on Saturday,
Was I dreaming or what!
As anyone who's run their own business realises, it can seem like a continuous mad dash from one project deadline to the next. There's always another confirmation contract to send, a thank you note to write, a bill to pay, marketing materials to create... And I'm not even going to go into the time you need to spend developing commercial routines and bespoke performances. (You do think about marketability BEFORE you develop a show, or purchase a trick don't you? Of course you do...)
The one thing that's easy to forget about, or to put off in all of this -- is your customer. You have to always think about them. You have to make sure, even amidst all the chaos of daily business operations, that you're continually striving to develop products and services that offer great benefits in their eyes. Even the little things count. Here's an example. Yesterday, I spent about an hour and a half writing thank you cards for the previous couple weeks worth of bookings. Now, normally I do this right after the fact. But I got busy and ... admittedly ... a bit lazy. I let them slide and pile up. Hey, it's a pain to write a thank you card, even if you have a system for what you say in it.
Nevertheless, it's really, really important.Not only for the results it produces, but also for the attitude that it demonstrates.
One of the keys to my system is to include three business cards and let them know that I really appreciate their business and their referrals. In addition, I also include a pre-paid envelope with a short satisfaction survey card that asks some questions on what they thought of my show. Nearly everyone returns the card. And by and large, the feedback is almost 100% positive. And I've used many of the comments as testimonials in my marketing materials.
Do I enjoy writing out the thank you notes? Of course not, like I said, it's a pain. But is it worth the effort? Absolutely.
It's a small thing, but sending a thank you note to EVERY customer positions yourself just a notch higher than the guy who just took the money and ran. It's a class thing. And class always pays off. Maybe not immediately, but over time you create a reputation that people will respect and appreciate.
Yesterday I booked a gig from a lady who said she had seen me at a little corporate event I did a few years ago. I didn't have to do any selling at all. 'Are you available?' and that was that.
Now, I do a pretty good job in front of an audience. But that alone would not create any where near the income that I want. To make the different I am meticulous about following up with a thank you and satisfaction survey. Did a thank you card get me my last referral? I don't know. But I do know the type of professionalism that causes you to write out thank you cards is the key to letting customers know how much you care about them and the way to out perform your competition.
And that is the bottom line: the professionalism that you show BEFORE and AFTER the event is what will really differentiate you from the other magicians in the book.
Like many (or most) of you, I had a day job while doing my magic part time. Weekends. Evenings. Bank Holidays. But the majority of my workweek was spent just like everyone else making the daily commute to the office, trying to avoid office politics, and doing my best to make a few pennies. In my fantasies about working for myself, I imagined that my days would begin with a leisurely breakfast, maybe a brisk morning walk with my dog, hit the computer around 10AM, knock off early for lunch, do a couple of close-up gigs during the course of the week and then maybe an easy wedding reception on Saturday,
Was I dreaming or what!
As anyone who's run their own business realises, it can seem like a continuous mad dash from one project deadline to the next. There's always another confirmation contract to send, a thank you note to write, a bill to pay, marketing materials to create... And I'm not even going to go into the time you need to spend developing commercial routines and bespoke performances. (You do think about marketability BEFORE you develop a show, or purchase a trick don't you? Of course you do...)
The one thing that's easy to forget about, or to put off in all of this -- is your customer. You have to always think about them. You have to make sure, even amidst all the chaos of daily business operations, that you're continually striving to develop products and services that offer great benefits in their eyes. Even the little things count. Here's an example. Yesterday, I spent about an hour and a half writing thank you cards for the previous couple weeks worth of bookings. Now, normally I do this right after the fact. But I got busy and ... admittedly ... a bit lazy. I let them slide and pile up. Hey, it's a pain to write a thank you card, even if you have a system for what you say in it.
Nevertheless, it's really, really important.Not only for the results it produces, but also for the attitude that it demonstrates.
One of the keys to my system is to include three business cards and let them know that I really appreciate their business and their referrals. In addition, I also include a pre-paid envelope with a short satisfaction survey card that asks some questions on what they thought of my show. Nearly everyone returns the card. And by and large, the feedback is almost 100% positive. And I've used many of the comments as testimonials in my marketing materials.
Do I enjoy writing out the thank you notes? Of course not, like I said, it's a pain. But is it worth the effort? Absolutely.
It's a small thing, but sending a thank you note to EVERY customer positions yourself just a notch higher than the guy who just took the money and ran. It's a class thing. And class always pays off. Maybe not immediately, but over time you create a reputation that people will respect and appreciate.
Yesterday I booked a gig from a lady who said she had seen me at a little corporate event I did a few years ago. I didn't have to do any selling at all. 'Are you available?' and that was that.
Now, I do a pretty good job in front of an audience. But that alone would not create any where near the income that I want. To make the different I am meticulous about following up with a thank you and satisfaction survey. Did a thank you card get me my last referral? I don't know. But I do know the type of professionalism that causes you to write out thank you cards is the key to letting customers know how much you care about them and the way to out perform your competition.
And that is the bottom line: the professionalism that you show BEFORE and AFTER the event is what will really differentiate you from the other magicians in the book.
Friday, April 13, 2007
"storm" worm
The 'Storm' worm that affected many Internet users in January has
reappeared in a new variant through a widespread spam campaign on starting
on Thursday 12th April; the Internet Storm Center reported detecting at
least 20,000 infections today.
In the Spam email, the Worm pretends to be a "Patch for the 'New worm' that
is going around....". The subjects of the email are shown in the references
shown below.
The malware is hidden in an encrypted zip file which means that it's much
more difficult for antivirus software to detect the malicious code. If a
user activates the file, the machine is then infected with the malware and
it tries to connect to a peer-to-peer network where it can upload data,
including personal information from the infected computer. It also can
download additional malware onto the infected system. As a result, the
infected computer may then become a 'zombie' machine on a botnet, which can
be used to send spam and launch other attacks. The malware also searches
the computer's hard drive for e-mail addresses and replicates itself by
sending e-mails to them.
A Firewall that monitors outgoing traffic may detect abnormal activity if
your machine is compromised (the Windows built-in Firewall only detects and
manages incoming traffic, but packages like Zone Alarm detect malicious
traffic in both directions) and some anti-virus systems may be able to
detect the signature of the attack before it can be activated.
Be vigilant and avoid activating any incoming email containing an
attachment you are not expecting or which offers to 'fix' a Worm problem on
your computer.
reappeared in a new variant through a widespread spam campaign on starting
on Thursday 12th April; the Internet Storm Center reported detecting at
least 20,000 infections today.
In the Spam email, the Worm pretends to be a "Patch for the 'New worm' that
is going around....". The subjects of the email are shown in the references
shown below.
The malware is hidden in an encrypted zip file which means that it's much
more difficult for antivirus software to detect the malicious code. If a
user activates the file, the machine is then infected with the malware and
it tries to connect to a peer-to-peer network where it can upload data,
including personal information from the infected computer. It also can
download additional malware onto the infected system. As a result, the
infected computer may then become a 'zombie' machine on a botnet, which can
be used to send spam and launch other attacks. The malware also searches
the computer's hard drive for e-mail addresses and replicates itself by
sending e-mails to them.
A Firewall that monitors outgoing traffic may detect abnormal activity if
your machine is compromised (the Windows built-in Firewall only detects and
manages incoming traffic, but packages like Zone Alarm detect malicious
traffic in both directions) and some anti-virus systems may be able to
detect the signature of the attack before it can be activated.
Be vigilant and avoid activating any incoming email containing an
attachment you are not expecting or which offers to 'fix' a Worm problem on
your computer.
Have you got the goods?
When you go to see a band, a singer, a magician, or any performance, the bigger the name, the more resources they have to apply to the show.
Now, any one can dazzle you with lights and flash and special effects. And boy, some of the big names certainly do that. I've seen many a performance brilliantly choreographed and synchronized with giant monitors, fog effects, and strobe lights. (And FYI, I've seen a lot of bands and other live performers!) But I have to say; the level of stagecraft that I see now days ever from smaller acts is quite outstanding.
I know I am not the only person that walks away totally impressed. You just have to listen to people in the interval.
So how does this apply to us?
I talk a lot about the power of great marketing. In the "90 Day Market for Business System For Magicians" I cover a huge variety of strategies to help you clarify and effectively deliver our own unique marketing messages. Without a doubt, the skill most often overlooked by magicians is becoming a strong marketer and proficient businessperson.
Without those skills, you are wasting your time completely. The hours that you have spent perfecting your technical skills will be completely irrelevant as nobody but you and your family will ever see them.
But as you grow in your skills as a marketer, also strive to continuously grow in your skills as a professional performer and not just a technician. Make sure that you truly do make good on the promises you make in your sales letters and telephone calls. If you promise to make the kids laugh during little Johnny's birthday party, you'd better go the extra mile necessary to keep those kids falling over and convulsing with laughter! If you have said, “people will talk about your performance” make sure that every guest at the wedding comments on your brilliance to the bride and groom.
Over-promise and then OVER-DELIVER!
When you've got ALL the goods -- the ability to deliver an outstanding marketing message, the business skills to run your affairs along with the ability to blow away your audience with a great act and amazing magic – then you've laid the foundation for unstoppable success.
Anything less is just preparing to accept defeat!
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