Your Perceptions VS Your Client's...

It was a bad show.

Like, REALLY bad.

Almost to the point of, “Will this client take me up on my guarantee?”

In case you didn’t know, I offer one of the strongest guarantees in the business. If someone doesn’t like my school show, not only will I refund the full amount, but I’ll also donate $500 to their PTA/PTO.

I don’t know of any other assembly presenter who offers one so strong.

And this particular show is one I’ve been performing in one form or another since the late 1990s. With sporadic updates, changes, and additions to reflect the changing times, it remains one of my strongest shows.

I KNOW how good it is.

So I’m pretty confident in my abilities. But today was different. I just couldn’t keep the kids under control. I continued as best I could, but it was a pretty demoralizing experience.

As the kids were leaving my client approached me. I tensed myself, waiting to hear what she had to say.

“That was AWESOME!” she gushed. “I spoke to teachers for your first show with the younger grades and they said you were much better than the guy we had last year. As the kids were leaving this show, a few teachers told me the same thing for the older grades.”

I just stared at her, mouth hanging open.

“We want to have you back next year. And we’ll try to get our other district schools in on it, too,” she continued.

I finally found my tongue. “S-sure!” I stammered. I wasn’t sure I wanted to return to this particular school, but it would be rude to say no when she was clearly so happy.

And that’s today’s lesson.

How you look at a show is often going to be vastly different from how your client views it.

What feels like a disaster to you will likely be looked at quite favorably by your client.

They don’t have any other basis for comparison…other than the last performer they hired.

And if you truly put your best foot forward, and your show is built from the ground up to serve your particular market, you’ll likely due fine.

Now to be sure, many magicians have the exact opposite problem.

They view their shows through rose-colored glasses, believing they can do no wrong.

They’re the ones who do the tricks they want, without regard for what the audience wants.

They’re the ones who think it’s okay to steal that comedy line from that comedian, because who will notice?

But you and I know better.

We know it’s hard performing. That you can’t just phone it in. Each audience deserves your best.

With that drive for perfection (or as close as you can get) comes a price.

It means we are never satisfied. It means we always strive to find those little moments that can elevate our show even higher.

But that drive to do our best means we might amplify the flaws in our minds.

If this happens to you, remind yourself of a few things…

1. Most of your clients have never seen a live magic show before. They don’t know what makes a good show vs a bad show.

2. Most of your audiences haven’t seen a live magic show before, so…uh…same thing.

3. Audiences who HAVE seen a live show before likely don’t remember much about it. (Seriously, next time someone mentions a live magic show, ask them about it. They might be able to remember one good trick. Or a funny line. They probably won’t even remember the performer’s name. For real.)

4. Since the pandemic, many people aren’t used to being together in big groups. They have forgotten, or never knew, what good manners are about.

5. Many children have NEVER been in a big group. They were toddlers when the pandemic started. So your show may be the FIRST time they’ve ever seen a live show in a group setting.

6. Worried about what adults think of your show? Most people give you credit just for standing in front of a group. Public speaking is still one of, if not the biggest, fears in many people.

7. No matter how bad the show is, you’re not going to be dragged to court and jailed because of it.

If none of that works, I remind myself during a bad show that it’s only 45 minutes. I can get through anything. Soon, this will all be a distant memory.

As long as the check clears, you’re good, right?

That’s not to devalue the art of magic.

I only say these things because if you’re a pro, you WILL have a bad show from time to time.

I don’t believe for a second the magicians who say, “There’s no such thing as a bad audience.” I hear that stuff and I think, “That person either doesn’t work much or they’re deluding themselves.”

As much as we want to bring joy to people in the world with our craft, there are simply times when all you can do is grit your teeth, get through it, and collect your check.

After your emotions dissipate, take a critical look at your show. Are there things you can change? Are your routines, jokes, and presentations appropriate for the audience?

If your answer is “yes,” and your show is one you’ve honed over hundreds or thousands of performances, give yourself a break.

Performing magic for a living is great fun. But like any profession, some days it may feel like just a job.

And that’s okay.

Have a great week!

--Cris

P.S. By the way…whenever you’re ready, here are 5 ways I can help you grow your magic business to book more shows at higher fees:

 
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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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