talkmagic.co.uk

I recently took a look round the gigs forum and spotted atleast one thing I could do. But I was wondering where else on the interwebs I can find people looking for magicians?

Tom
xx

I've never found anywhere reliable. There are a few site if you search on google but most are full of more scams than genuine requests.

At the prices you charge i'd rather not tell you where I get mine from. Sorry mate.

My strongest recommendation is that YOU do it the old fashioned way and simply hustle. The biggest reason for this (aside from the education it will give you) is that you can actually keep more of the fee in your pocket. Many an agency will talk you down on a price and then charge the clients a premium, allowing them to pocket the cash that should be in your pocket.

A legit agency will not take more than 30% in most instances (20% is the norm). The Internet bookers tend to think they can justify 50% and then some, so be aware and be cautious.

You are young so deal with the appropriate start-up scenarios AFTER you have an actual act vs. a potpourri of tricks... such gigs include scouting banquets, church socials, birthday parties, etc. Remember, these are starting points and you MUST learn to crawl before you can walk let alone run. But this likewise means you need to work with material that is appropriate to those markets vs. what you may want to do... I don't know of a single act that hasn't had to make this compromise that's ever gotten anywhere... I'm not saying that you should leap at every offer that comes along and just do whatever is needed for the gig, not by a long shot! Only that you might do yourself a big favor by creating programs that are unique and yet, appropriate to the venues being targeted.

The other precursor task you MUST do (aside from having a product to sell) is get some books on marketing and STUDY them. I'm not certain but I believe Dean Hankey (THEDEAN) has some free odds & ends on his site, you might look him up. But be careful not to get caught up in the "games" found out there, being hyped as the secrets of "millionaire magicians" et al. Just stick with the foundation sources they borrowed from such as Dale Carnegie. When it comes to magic however, Joel Bauer's HUSTLE, HUSTLE is really hard to beat; it really does give you insight to just about everything you'll ever need to get things moving.

adwords

I hate to admit it, but there is a lot of good information in Joel Bauer's Hustle, Hustle.

I say hate to admit it because if he called my house, or walked into my business I'd throw him out before he got two words out of his mouth. But that is because of his personality, (and that is judging from the video) however his techniques are solid and I do recomend that particular title as well.

I also recomend you go take a course in Marketing, business, public speaking.

bmat wrote:
I also recomend you go take a course in Marketing, business, public speaking.

I'm curious, how do you think that would help him find gigs on the internet?

Sarah Jukes wrote:

bmat wrote:
I also recomend you go take a course in Marketing, business, public speaking.

I'm curious, how do you think that would help him find gigs on the internet?

They won't per say, but they will help him learn how to better Market himself to the right audience, learn how to manage his business better than most entertainers, and teach him how to speak with confidence.

As far as a Marketing book I recommend, I'd "Booked Solid" is a good read on how to market yourself. There are probably a bunch of others out there. Also maybe try putting up an ad on craigslist.

Public speaking is not the problem.

So basically there is nowhere online? :/

You may think it's not, but taking Public Speaking classes will help you out a lot.

There was a thread on here I recall reading back in my lurking days but by Dickens I can't find it now.

Anyroad, http://www.corporatemagicians.com/ was recommended by a chap far more experienced than myself.

Randy wrote:

Sarah Jukes wrote:

bmat wrote:
I also recomend you go take a course in Marketing, business, public speaking.

I'm curious, how do you think that would help him find gigs on the internet?

They won't per say, but they will help him learn how to better Market himself to the right audience, learn how to manage his business better than most entertainers, and teach him how to speak with confidence.

As far as a Marketing book I recommend, I'd "Booked Solid" is a good read on how to market yourself. There are probably a bunch of others out there. Also maybe try putting up an ad on craigslist.

Thanks Randy, saved me from typing all that out.

Eshly wrote:So basically there is nowhere online? :/

no

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Randy wrote:You may think it's not, but taking Public Speaking classes will help you out a lot.

Can you explain how public speaking classes will help someone find work on the internet?

Eshly wrote:Public speaking is not the problem.

So basically there is nowhere online? :/

I already told you, adwords and other PPC ad platforms.

Bid on the term magician and localise it to your area.

HTH

SJ