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Charity Shows -- Yes Or No?
What is the best way to handle the numerous requests every magician gets to perform free shows for charitable organizations? As magicians and fellow human beings, we are often ready and willing to help a worthy cause… and there are literally thousands of worthwhile causes in need of help. Face it: if magicians said, “Yes” to all the pleas to help these causes, every magician in the United States could work every day… for free. It has been my experience that free shows beget nothing but free shows. In the end, these charitable shows have the potential to destroy the desire for our services by paying clients. Why should they pay for your services tomorrow when they know you gave them away last week?
The shows you donate tend to set a perceived value of “worthlessness” in potential clients’ mind. Nine times out of ten, charity volunteers who book entertainment will never hire you for a paying show.
Another important factor is, that according the IRS, the time and show value we donate to a charity are not tax deductible for us. The only allowable deduction is your mileage to and from that show.
In many instances, the organization will be willing to pay full price for your services. So when you donate a show, you are stealing from yourself. The donated show will not even be a tax deduction for you. In many instances, you would be better off making a monetary donation to that charity rather than donating your time.
This is my effective method of dealing with requests for charity shows:
I say, “I understand that you want me to donate a 30-minute show to help promote your event. My standard fee is $_____. However, under the circumstances (or because I believe in your cause), I am prepared to donate half of my fee back to your charitable event.”
In my opinion, donating half of your fee creates a “win-win” situation for both parties. You don’t come off looking like a “bad guy” for turning them down flat. You actually put the ball in their court, giving them the opportunity to make the final decision. In addition, you have enhanced your reputation. If you book the show, you most likely will pick up new contacts for future bookings.
Be aware that most charities holding fund-raising events use underwriters and sponsors to cover the expenses of the event. It certainly doesn't hurt to remind the person booking the entertainment that one of their contributors might underwrite your fee. When someone else underwrites your fee for that charity, they, according to the IRS, are eligible to take a tax deduction.
Before closing, I want you to read what my friend Gene Anderson wrote in his excellent book, The Part-Time Pro. Gene said, “Free shows are a dilemma. My rule is firm: for my club, my charity and my church I work free. Anybody else pays. Rather than offending anyone, this simple guideline underscores professionalism. Don’t buy the line that the exposure at free shows will get you bookings. The only thing a free show will get you is another free show. Bona fide charity shows (where everybody donates their talents) are a different matter, and I’m always willing to work benefits for the Leukemia Foundation, the Make A Wish Foundation and the other worthy organizations.”
Personally, I feel we should all donate to the charities we personally believe in and want to help. But remember, saying, “Yes” every time you are asked to donate your time is detrimental to your professional reputation, your career, and your bottom line.
That’s how I see it.
To your continued success,
Scott Hollingsworth
Helping independent professionals develop
and promote successful business strategies.
http://www.magicianscoach.com |
