Roadmap to Success

Being as busy as I am is a double-edged sword.

On one hand, I get to do what I love each day.

But sometimes I hit busy seasons where I’m so busy I barely have time to think.

This is one of those times.

From about mid-January to the second week of March, I’m just insanely busy.

So much so that I’m finally admitting something to myself that I refused to admit for years.

I’m a full-time performer again.

For years, I’ve told anyone who will listen that since COVID, I’ve been semi-retired, preferring to focus my attention on copywriting and web design.

While that’s my ongoing focus, I just love performing too much to deny it anymore.

I still love copywriting and all of the fun desktop stuff I do. But performing? It’s in my blood, man.

As performers, we are solopreneurs. We get to decide what to focus on.

Recently, my dog Stanlee was diagnosed with bladder stones. He goes into surgery next week. My wife and I are staring down the barrel of a $6,000 vet bill.

The thought of not doing the surgery never crossed our minds. Stanlee is a wonderful dog and part of the family.

But right after he was diagnosed, I started booking shows like crazy.

So much so that I’m already 80% to my minimum performing financial goal of the year.

And it’s only mid-February.

My wife told me, “You have this weird way of manifesting money when we need it.”

Don’t worry, I’m not to get all metaphysical or “Secret-y” on you.

But this success comes from laying the groundwork for years. In my case, decades.

As much as I love this business, I will never forget that it is indeed a BUSINESS.

I’m amazed at just how often I hear stories from clients about their experience with flakey performers.

Performers who:

• Can’t be bothered to send an invoice
• Show up late
• Arrive with a “bow down before me” attitude

Want to know the secret to success in this business? It’s simple.

It’s a three-step process.

1. Identify your niche
Where do you want to perform? And for whom?

Many of us buy tricks and then try to decide where and whom to perform them for.

This is the wrong tactic.

Decide on your niche first.

Once you do that, the pieces fall into place.

Choosing your niche tells you your likely audience size, age, demographics, venue, and more.

Once you know all of this, step two gets a lot easier.

2. Design a show that will satisfy both the audience and the booker.

This means, for example, no razor blade tricks at a five-year old’s birthday party. (Yeah, I did that at a gig close to 30 years ago. I was a dumbass.)

Your audience must love what you do. But you gotta do this without upsetting your booker.

They have certain expectations for your show. Remember, your show must solve a problem.

Which leads to…

3. Market your show as a solution to a problem.

No one buys a magic show “just because.” People buy a magic show to fulfill some kind of need.

Needs will vary across markets or niches.

But framing your show as a solution to a problem (need) is a lot better than saying on your marketing materials, “Hey! Book this fun show!”

Now here’s the important detail that so many magicians miss when I try to teach them this simple system.

You’re not locked into one niche.

You can have multiple markets.

If you truly can satisfy multiple niches, simply market to each niche.

That means a separate website for each disparate niche.

Yes, I have one website for schools and libraries. But that’s because those two niches complement each other.

Kids' parties and trade shows? Better have two distinct websites.

And once you have all of your marketing and niche-building in place, run your system.

Do a good job. Treat it as a business. Do it right, and you can lay a foundation of repeat clients and stability for years.

Or decades, like me.

No matter how many times I say I’m going to retire.

Thus ends the lesson!

Have a great week.

--Cris

P.S.

1. Grab my FREE report for professional working magicians.

It’s called “The 2-Word Secret to Eliminate Your Competition & Become Your Area’s Busiest Magician.” This report reveals a strategy that almost NO magicians are using (and the ones who are don’t use it correctly). Get your free copy HERE.

2. Get my website video training for under $20:

 
In this 2-hour video training, I’ll reveal exactly what your website needs if you want to succeed as a professional entertainer in the 21st century. Get all the details HERE.

 
3. Get a complete business-building plan handed to you on a silver platter.

 
Not sure how to move your magic business forward? I’ll analyze your complete magic business (website, market, competition, and more) and give you a complete game plan for getting your performing business to the next level. Find out how HERE.

 
4. Work with me privately.

 
Need help in multiple areas? I can help you with your website, direct mail, email, or other marketing strategies. I also offer consulting services for crafting magic routines or even entire shows. Want to find out more? Shoot me an email at cris@theprofessionalmagicianclubpro.com.

5. Check out my extensive line of magic routines and marketing products

I have several professional routines, marketing courses, books, and other resources to boost your shows and make booking shows easier and more profitable. Check out my line of products HERE.

To find out more how I can help you book more shows at higher fees, click the button below to see my list of services.

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