Easy Ways to Help Your Clients

After a recent show, I received the following email from a longtime client:


“Thanks, Cris. Everyone had a fantastic time.

After the show, five people registered for library cards, so your message and support of libraries is definitely effective.

I'll be in touch next year for more programs.”

~Susan Slater


I’m proud of this email.


Yes, I did a show my client and the audience liked. But this email showed I was able to go beyond just “Hey, great show.”


It shows I ‘get’ the purpose of my show.


In the case of a library show, I’m there to help put butts in seats. And of equal importance, I’m there to promote the library.


In my interactions with magicians, I remained surprised at how many performers don’t understand what the true purpose of their shows is.


If you’re a library performer with any experience, you already likely know your job.


But what about other markets?


I contend there is not a single market for magicians where the purpose of the show is more than just putting on a great show.


I’ve written about knowing your market before. But today I wanted to go in a slightly different direction.


For every market, there are things you can do or add to your show to help your client. Things that may not have anything to do with performing.


Little things you can add or do that don’t cost you anything, take up little to no time, but create a seismic impact on your client’s perceptions.


So let’s consider a few different markets.


LIBRARIES: I’ve already mentioned how I added a commercial to my show, resulting in new library card signups.


If you’re a library performer, don’t assume everyone at your show already has a library card.


Put together a quick little commercial at the end of your show to persuade visitors to get their free library cards.


But that’s not all.


Ask your librarian if they would like to make any announcements for upcoming events before or after the show.


Most librarians I work with already know to do this. But if you’ve got a new librarian as a client, they may not think to do this with a captive audience in front of them.


What else can you do to make your library client’s job a little easier while you’re there?


BIRTHDAYS: There are so many little things you can do to make the birthday parents’ job on their child’s special day easier.


I know Dave Dee used to get the kids settled after his show, march them to where the cake was waiting, and lead everyone in singing “Happy Birthday.”


I’m not sure if Dave really did this (he embellished a lot) but it’s a great idea.


Here are a couple of other things you can do to make everything go smoother at the party:


---Try to keep your setup time as fast as possible.


When I was working birthdays a lot, my setup time was about 30 minutes. Way too long.


It’s too hard for the birthday parents to keep kids out of the performing area for that long.


These days, I only do occasional birthdays, maybe one or two a year. And I have my setup time down to around five minutes.

---Plan your show so it can be performed anywhere, with minimal space.


Other than my Chair Suspension (part of my Deluxe package), my birthday party show is just my roll-on table.


That means I can perform virtually anywhere.


SCHOOLS: Much like birthday parties, you’ll want your shows to be self-contained.


Some performers even have battery-powered PA systems. I don’t go quite that far but it’s a neat idea.


But that’s not all.


---Make sure your show truly shines a spotlight on whatever topic you’re presenting.


Nothing burns me up more than when I hear a story of an assembly presenter who just did a fun show and in the last five minutes, pasted on a weak message to finish the show.


---Create different versions of your show for different grades.


I can count on one hand how many performers I’ve met who do this. I can’t even begin to tell you the impression this makes on the faculty.


Kids appreciate it too. With different tricks for different ages, you’re increasing your workload. But I feel the extra effort is more than worth it.

CORPORATE: Create your show with a fast setup time. Often, you’ll be asked to start your show “right after the boss gives their speech.”


Before I changed my show to reflect this need, I lost count of how many times I’d be clumsily introduced for my show right after the last speech, only to have to hastily move my equipment into place.


Other things you can do to help your client include:


---Keep your show clean and non-offensive. It’s just the time we live in now.


If you were hired by an administrative assistant and you do an off-color show, she could lose her job.


---Offer to help with raffles, door prizes, etc. Many times, the folks taking care of prizes aren’t used to speaking in front of a group.


They may not have access to a moveable mic.


They may try to handle prizes from a table that’s nowhere near the lectern with the six-inch gooseneck mic. Offer yours to help.


---Provide a written introduction for your show.


Often, the person introducing you is not who hired you. They may have no idea who you are or what you do.


Providing them with a written intro is a professional touch they will appreciate.


Obviously, I left out a lot of markets.

The above are the ones I’ve worked the most throughout my career.


But don’t consider this list of suggestions to be anywhere complete.


What are the little things YOU do to make your clients’ jobs easier?


--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:

 
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 $10:

 
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.

© Copyright Cris Johnson, Inc.