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Magic Business Start-up 101
I frequently get calls and emails from entertainers asking for advice. They have read my articles in The Magic Edge or they have attended my workshops or lectures. Two of the most common questions are, “How do I know if I am ready for prime time?” and "I'm just starting out in business. What should I do?"
Basic and simple questions, right? Well, they may seem simple, but to answer them in depth would take a month of Sundays! I have gained a great deal of knowledge through trial and error and am happy to offer a few guidelines to get you started off right.
First things first: you must have a commercial act. It must be an act that you have been performing for some time with tried and proven routines and material. Don’t even think about promoting your program until it has value. That’s called, “Paying your dues.”
Ask yourself this important question, “Is my magic a hobby or a business?” If you get paid to perform magic, you most certainly have a business!
According to International Brotherhood of Magicians and Society of American Magicians definitions, a pro earns at least 50% of his livelihood with magic, a semi-pro earns less than 50%, and an amateur does magic for free. There are other definitions of “amateur”, but that’s another article for another day.
O.K., so you’re a semi-pro. How do you know when you’re ready for prime time? Take a cue from Nike and "Just do it!" Many magicians spend so much time and energy getting ready, getting started, beginning, preparing, getting organized, and thinking about it, they miss the chances that come along. If you wait for all the planets to be in perfect alignment or a good hair day, you'll never get anything done. I certainly believe in preparation, but sooner or later, you have to take the plunge and venture out into a world where things aren't perfect and aren't always safe. That world is where the opportunities lie.
Allow yourself to make mistakes. Don't beat yourself up every time something goes wrong. Learn from every mistake. Every obstacle in your path makes you stronger.
Understand that not all business is good business. There's a lot of business out there and a lot of wonderful people to do it with. Life is so much sweeter if you surround yourself with those wonderful, sincere, and pleasant people. Let somebody else do business with the jerks of this world.
Learn to set boundaries early on. Certainly you should deliver superior customer service, but don’t sacrifice your personal life. I am speaking from personal experience. When I look back at the part of my personal life I missed because I was so focused on success, I wish someone had kicked me in the butt and said, “Your family and friends are more important than your business.”
Spend time with your family. Put a big fat “X” in a time block in your day planner for a special event with your family every week. If someone wants to make an appointment for those hours, tell them you're already booked. It will be absolutely true because you have time booked with your family. Chances are, the client will chose an alternate time. You’ll respect yourself, earn the love and gratitude of your family, and gain esteem from clients who realize you are in demand.
Now that we have some personal guidelines in place, I want you to look at your personal development. Ask yourself, “What can I do to make me better?”
I recommend that you join Toastmasters International as fast as you can. It's an absolutely amazing organization and will benefit anyone who wants to get ahead in business.
Contrary to what many of you may think, it is not just an organization for people who want to become public speakers. Through the Toastmasters program you will learn to think on your feet, to use a minimum number of words for a maximum impact, and to support your words and thoughts with corroborating facts. Your presentations to prospective clients and your performance will become tight and focused and you'll be able to respond to any situation with confidence. Toastmasters also offer a phenomenally supportive environment.
Finally, if at first you don't succeed, never EVER think of yourself as a failure. Simply recognize that you just haven't succeeded yet! With that attitude, you surely will succeed!
I know these ideas seem simple and easy. However, for whatever reason, many people overlook the fundamentals. Then they wonder what happened and where they went wrong. My best advice is to practice your magic, keep a positive attitude, and proceed one step at a time, but never stop moving forward.
To your continued success,
Scott Hollingsworth
Helping independent professionals develop
and promote successful business strategies.
http://www.magicianscoach.com |
