talkmagic.co.uk

A really odd question, but I think it may be one worth asking (and, having spent the last few hours hunting, having come up with nothing...):

Is it possible to do bizarre and/or fortune telling in small towns on an at least semi-professional basis? If possible, how would one go about drumming up interest?

Again, I'm sorry if I asked a really silly question, but I thought this would be the best place to ask it. This forum's never steered me wrong before, after all!

I can't remember who posted it but one of our long standing members once advocated getting in touch with a hairdressers or beauty salon and, with their permission, offering to do free readings for the customers while they wait - women are, apparently, more likely to be interested in readings and these places are where they congregate! The salon can expect extra business when word gets round that this extra feature is available there. Have a stock of business cards at the ready and, if you're any good at readings, you can hand out cards and mention that you give fuller readings or even readings evenings by arrangement and, of course, for a suitable fee. PDFs by Paul Voodini (themagicwand) and Freddie Valentine (Lord Freddie) - both are members here and can be traced via Google or our Search facility - have written extensively on psychic evenings so there's plenty of material available.

Richard Webster has a book on exactly this topic, "King of the Small Towns" : www.deceptionary.com/webster.html#king

Remember, though, that in a small town some people will take you seriously if you give readings; the mask will have to stay on 24/7 but you should get lots of repeat work.

It is the same as drumming up business in a large town. The only difference is One, it is a smaller market. And everyone knows one another, or at the very least they know about one another. I live in a small town, but I came from a really big town. The culture shock was staggering.

Your best bet is word of mouth. So you gotta hit the mean streets and get in front of people. In our town we have a 'meet up' thingy. Basically you have an interest in something you can form a 'meet up' And everybody who signs up for anything on the 'meet up' gets an email every month saying who or what is meeting and where. So, for example I know the local Vegan group is eating at the pizza hut tomorrow night. (not really but I thought it was funny) In any case I can go to the pizza hut tomorrow and do a few readings, or offer my services if so inclined. And you all know how those Vegans talk. So find out what is going on in your community and be there. Be prepared to do a few things and before you know it, you will either be ostircized from your community for being in League with el diablo, or your phone will be ringing off the hook for bookings.

In short, get in front of people. Get your name out there.