talkmagic.co.uk

Hello,

I am in a bad position with my magic business. The only gigs people are hiring me for these days are gigs for a charity even for which I get paid nothing! I get about 3-4 of these a month somehow and I haven't made a magic penny since Summer. My question is: Why is this happening? I am happy to do charity, but not that frequently to the point that it's all I do! What's a good way to get back on the money horse and start doing close up shows and kids shows again?

Thank you!

Michael Kras

At 14 years of age, you don't need the effin money!!! I'm 15 and I'm happy if I can even show people at all. You should take the charity opportunity to practice and get better. Most people here would tell you (judging from your vids and undeserved arrogance) that you shouldn't be getting money yet. "Yet" is the key word here. With the practice, you might get a chance to improve your perspective and performance skills (which seem to be nonexistent at the moment).

Seriously, what you're saying is very selfish. You shouldn't be actively looking for paying gigs, you should be doing whatever comes to you. Charity work will not only help others but it will lead to bigger opportunities. Just enjoy the fact that you are doing something that you love for charity. Then maybe you will be paid for it.

speaking from a business point of view it would apear that its got around that you do free parties for charity and so all your paid bookings have dried up, most people won't pay for something they can get for free.

you have two options open to you from a business point of view, one carry on the charity bookings and use them to hone your presenting skills and build your reputation as a miricle worker thats willing to take on any challange, at the same time dropping hints to the local rags that a celebrated young magician is giving his valuable time for charity.

two start charging the charity a fee to cover costs, a small one for cards and such and imform them that you will be turning down paid bookings to do there show so you will expect some regonition of your valued time.

option two is riskier and could cut you out of many learning experiences and damage you reputation if you havan't got the sales skills to sell yourself.

option one will not make you any money but will atleast give you exposure which can be worth its weight in gold later on down the line as small charities lead on to bigger charities and greater opertuinities to meet people who can get you paid work, make sure you bring a camera or preferably a cameraman / women to take pics of you at the charities to send to local newspapers and plaster on your site.

I don't understand this thread at all, I really don't (but it's not the first time.... )

Just recently, Michael, you were saying that you did restaurant gigs, and got $150 in tips in a single hour (here).

Now, however, you seem to be saying that you've not earned a single penny in almost a year?

Perhaps I haven't had enough coffee yet this morning, or perhaps you're fibbing somewhere down the line?

Either way, I've tried to help out previously (both on the boards, and via PMs), and been acknowledged, thanked for the advice...and then it's been ignored - so I won't waste any further time here, I'm afraid.

At your age you should be concentrating on your education first and foremost, and not earning money.

well he does sell some "lecture notes".

why not do some more "lectures" and make money that way


sorry.....

sleightlycrazy wrote:At 14 years of age, you don't need the effin money!!! I'm 15 and I'm happy if I can even show people at all. You should take the charity opportunity to practice and get better. Most people here would tell you (judging from your vids and undeserved arrogance) that you shouldn't be getting money yet. "Yet" is the key word here. With the practice, you might get a chance to improve your perspective and performance skills (which seem to be nonexistent at the moment).

Are you saying at 15 you dont need money? Hmm never mind Micheal I am here to rescue you dam i am nice. The legend that is Paul Daniels (and no i am not comparing micheal to him) once said "of course I charge for chairty I need to eat". Charge them charitys have a special budget for this kind of thing (and yes they do I sit on a board of trusties before any one says owt). So charge them mimnal fee $10 or something to at least cover travel etc.

And advertise for paid gigs you got business cards? nope thought not. Any way Micheal work is not going to knock on your door look for. Dont charge mega bucks just a few of your funny monies you have up there and bob is your mothers brother.

Also you do need to get better. And Mr Kras stop complaing first you are doing lectures to the 30 people and earning a few quid in tips and then you are moaning you aint and cant make the ropes meet.

I'm 15 and yeah i need money but to be honest no price can be put on experience. Sure you have a few decent tricks under your belt for your age but in all fairness you also have quite a few stickers as well.

The thing with charity gigs is they're for charity, if they're paying you money then it kinda defeats the object. Either you do the gigs, gain valuable performance experience and gain a reputation among people in your area ,which will no doubt lead to more paid gigs. Or you could take the other route and reject them because you're not getting paid, gain no experience and not show the people what you can do. Bit of a no brainer really.

At 15 or 14 or whatever how much do you expect, when there's guys that have been floating about magic for many many more years who are better at it getting paid for performances.

Take it in your stride and better things will come, ultimately making you a better magician full stop

Hope that helps

I think the reason you only get asked for charity is because you're worth what they pay you....

Another approach could be to support only one charity and then when others call, then at least you can say that you can't support them all.

It depends on how much you need the experience but your web site says that you already have seven years of performing experience anyway.