Client Comments...

I looked at the row of chairs and sighed.

I had just finished setting up my Halloween show for a long-time library client. We had finished a fun chart about our dogs. She had just got a new puppy, so we exchanged dog pictures.

But when I got back to work setting up my show, I noticed she had done something rather…uh…foolish.

Her library had a long couch running perpendicular to my performing area. She told me I could rearrange the area to my liking. She mentioned she wanted the couch out of the way so more adults could access the performing area with their kids. She set up a row of chairs and mats for the kids.

But she had left the couch alongside my performing area, so it was out of the way.

The problem? Kids don’t like sitting on the floor any more than adults. If they saw the couch, they would all pile into it despite my assertions that sitting on the floor in front of me would give them a much better view.

So I spun the couch around, leaving the back facing my performing area to the side. I quickly explained to my client what I was doing after she watched me spin the couch.

“This will keep kids from sitting here with a bad sideways view of the show,” I explained. Left unsaid was the fact that a group of kids sitting to the side would spell disaster for my angles. Magic secrets and all that.

She nodded and off I went to finish setting up.

But when I turned around after setting up, I saw she had helpfully lined up four chairs right against the back of the couch.

Look at the picture at the top of this week’s newsletter and you’ll see what I mean.

How on earth was I going to fix this without calling my client out?

As people began getting seated for the show, sure enough, kids immediately filled those chairs.

I gently said, “Hey kids, why don’t you swing those chairs around toward the front, so you’ve got a better view of the show?”

Problem solved.

But my client said, “Oh! I guess I didn’t think that through.”

I smiled and said, “Oh no big deal,” and never mentioned it again.

I think this story is a great illustration of something that we entertainers forget: Most of our clients are not used to hosting a show of any kind.

And our clients say or do things that look or feel very dumb to us. How you deal with these blunders will dictate how your relationship with these clients will move forward.

In no particular order, here are a few things multiple clients have repeatedly said to me over the years.

“Do you just talk to the kids?”

School faculty say this to me often when I arrive at the school for an assembly. This always baffles me because I assume (incorrectly, it seems) that they thoroughly read my website and emails. You know, so they know what they are buying.

“You’re here for the show? Do you have stuff to bring in?”

This one still fries me. I’m a magician. Of course I have stuff to bring in. That being said, I know there is a certain breed of magician out there who can perform a complete parlor/stage show by working out of their pockets. I have never seen one of these miracle workers do a show. I very much want to.

“You need 35 minutes to set up? We can’t get you in until ten minutes before show time. Will that work?”

This one frustrates me the most. In clear, concise communication, I outline my requirements for a show. I explain my setup time. I explain why. I explain it again when I arrive. But there is often a gym teacher or especially a band director who wasn’t told of my arrival. And they refuse to give up their area so I can set up in a timely fashion.

“Hey, can you GET him?”

I encountered this a lot when I was heavily working in the corporate market. When I arrived to set up, some yahoo would hear the entertainer had arrived. And they’d always corner me and ask me to ‘get’ someone.

What does that even mean? To avoid looking like a jerk and giving Mr. Hilarity a piece of my mind, I’d always simply say “No.”

“Oh, the magician’s here! Better hide my wallet!”

Ugh. Yup, you’re right. All magicians are thieves.

But my favorite comment was during a hypnosis show. I arrived at the venue and that company’s Funny Guy said, “Hey, can you hypnotize my wife to have sex with me more often?”

My response?

“No, but I can hypnotize you to be a more sensitive husband.”

I simply couldn’t help myself.

There are dozens of other examples. I’m sure you’ve heard several more yourself. I recommend thinking of all these comments and crafting an appropriate response to each.

For the logistical ones, be polite. Explain your needs. Listen to their responses. Work with the folks at the gig as best you can.

As I get older, I find I’m having less and less patience. A few years ago, a principal had an absolute meltdown when, in response to his question, I told him that no, ten minutes was not enough time to set up my show.

With a 35-minute setup time, chopping it down to ten minutes just was not feasible.

And I remember another school performer on a forum telling me that if he had been my agent, he’d never hire me again. Why? For asking for what I required to do the service I’d been hired for?

To me, it would be like going to a restaurant and demanding food be brought out in five minutes, regardless of if it’s cooked or not.

As entertainers, we need to work with our clients to overcome difficulties together. But I also don’t think we should be doormats, either. Respect is needed on both sides.

The key is respect for all parties. Remember that your clients often don’t have experience putting on live shows. Be patient. But politely demand respect, too.

Think of a clever or at least appropriate response to yahoos who think they are being funny. For me, the choice to politely say “no” works for me. I don’t want to feed into the stereotypical comments people make about magicians.

Above all else, remember that a few comments from the funny guy in the group or logistical problems should not derail the show for everyone once it’s showtime.

Until next time, have a great week.

--Cris

P.S. By the way…whenever you’re ready, here are 4 ways I can help you grow your magic business to book more shows at higher fees:

 
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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.

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