talkmagic.co.uk

Nearly all of you where here at some point in your careers,

I have performed at the occasional gig (close up) and got shining reviews, but I just can not seem to get any more, has anyone got any tips for getting started in paid work.

Even if it is one gig a month its a start.


Kind regards Justen Smith.

Go into a friendly pub. Order a drink and stay by the bar. Chat to the landlord and/or bar staff. When they're not busy entertain them with one of your best routines (I normally do an ACR or a hypnotic snap induction and stick their hand to the bar or summat like that). Ask if they've ever thought about having a "magic night" in the pub. Take it from there...

This approach has got me lots of bookings - try it (and send me 10% )

Good idea except my two locals are always packed so the staff do not get time to breath let alone watch magic.

MagicalSmithy wrote:Good idea except my two locals are always packed so the staff do not get time to breath let alone watch magic.

Go in at lunchtime? Or ask the landlord when a good time is to chat about a business idea you have?

My belief is that turning pro in this kind of business is as much to do with who you know than what you know. It's all about building relationships, for example: one of the first gigs I got was at a pub/restaurant one mother's day. I got the gig by walking in and introducing myself to the landlord. He booked me on the spot (this almost never happens!). Following the gig, the landlord asked me to phone another landlord at another pub who was interested in booking me. So Monday morning I phoned the second landlord, and over the phone he booked me for a series of nights entertaining in his restaurant. I worked there for nearly 3 years. And if I hadn't walked into the first pub one lunchtime and sold myself it never would have happened.

For me, getting started was pure luck. I got talking to a couple and did some magic for them. It turned out that they were geting married in a couple of months time and had been thinking about a magician, they booked me up there and then. Most of my other gigs have come through word of mouth.

Also if you happen to be at a place that regularly puts on functions, try to get hold of the manager and give him your card. Quite often I've found that these places are on the look out for decent, reliable magicians for their up coming functions.

Actually if the pubs around you are so busy that the staff don't have time to breath it is perfect, you can perform while folks are waiting for thier orders. You have to get in with the owner, or I'm thinking landlord in your British lingo. Just remember you are employed in a pub to sell drinks and keep customers magic is just the tool you use to achieve the results.

~Thanks for all your advice guys and gals, I will be going to the local large town where you get more events and will hand some cards out and talk to some managers,

I will keep you posted.

thanks again.