Magician Business Podcast

Writing a magic book for magicians is well established. Writing a book that has magic in it for a general audience is another. Magician and author Stephen Cloete discusses turning your experience and knowledge into a consumable product for a non magician audience.

We have all been scammed at one time or another, with or without realising it.

People have been scamming others for thousands of years, and scams work because of two uniquely human traits – greed and gullibility.

Stephen Cloete’s new book: Scammed, looks at uncovering the techniques of scams, hoaxes and cons.

 

In this episode we discuss:

Stephen talks about his new book titled “Scammed”

How Scammed bridges the gap between the magicians and average person.

The dangers that deception poses

The difference between con artists and magicians

The History of Magicians calling out scammers

Ways Harry Houdini originally debunked psychics

Techniques that psychics use to deceive their audience

How Facebook is the biggest gateway for modern scam artists

Stephen explains how clickbait’s are becoming more popular with scam artists

The difficulties of the writing process explained

 

Stephen shares some stories from his new book “Scammed”

Direct download: MB_056_The_Business_of_Writing_a_Magic_Book.mp3
Category:Marketing for Magicians -- posted at: 8:31pm EDT

Without a doubt the topic of how to raise your fees as a professional magician is one of the most talked about and yet it is likely the least acted upon.

Israel magician Zivi Raviv has doubled his performing fees within 5 years and here he shares what he calls his Champion Building System that turns bookers into brand evangelists by giving them to tools to sing your praises as a performer.

 

Zivi is a children’s and family performer. The process he outlines here can be adapted to suit many styles of magic performance. The power of this marketing process lies in its simplicity.

 

In this episode we discuss:

The magic market in Israel where a standard price for a Children’s birthday party is US$250

Zivi averages $500 to $700 per booking once he stopped playing the price competition game

What is the Champion Building System?

Value adding what you offer

Creating a personalized movie clip that summarizes the event for each birthday.

Customizing and personalizing the service you offer your client

How you can turn a one day event into a 3 day event that keeps your marketing front of mind with your clients.

You’ll hear the story of the family watching the video 250 times.

It's the same amount of effort to think small as it does to think big.

The reasons not to include this as an upsell

How to overcome the problem of getting permission to video client’s children

The power of using a marketing script.

Using an iPhone to shoot, edit and upload a video of your magic show

And get this – it takes 20 minute to do.

What are the key shots you must get? What shots get the best reaction from parents?

 

Do you need a 2nd person to video for you and how to find them?


Who are you? How are you branding yourself as a magician?

Billy Diamond opens up about the obstacles and struggles that we all face in creating our magic careers and how this can lead us to thinking about what it is that makes us unique and how we can capitalise on that as magicians.

In this episode we discuss:

Billy Diamond’s first magic book he purchased at 12 years old ... you’ll be surprised at what is was

At age 12 Billy realised he had to stand out as different. How old were you when you had this realization?

Deciding what is important in your life and letting this guide you in making your career decisions.

Branding and creating a consistent theme in how you present yourself.

Using the idea of product placement to get your message across in a subtle and effective way.

Can you improve on your signage, stage banner and backdrops?

Are there ways you can include your branding in your tricks?

Can you create photo opportunities that help brand your magic business?

Are you using QR codes and tags? What are they? Do you need them?

Are you thinking just about you, or are you thinking about what your client thinks and needs and using this in your marketing?

Hear about how Billy designs props to include magician’s names.

Hear how the trapdoor gag evolved into a range of products that promote magicians.

Using Facebook and social media in your branding.

 

What are the stumbling blocks for magicians and entertainers when it comes to branding? Do you need a lot of money to brand?

Direct download: MB054-_Branding_For_Magicians_with_Billy_Diamond.mp3
Category:Marketing for Magicians -- posted at: 10:21pm EDT

Why would a magician want to be a MC Master of Ceremonies? What special skills does a magician have that pre dispose them to standing on stage as a host or compere of an event? According to experienced MC Timothy Hyde they have already have a skill that gives them a head start that many others will never access: the ability to control a crowd.

Timothy Hyde has worked in this market for over 20 years. It now makes up the majority of his work. He's been paid to travel all over the world to run events, including assignments in - Hawaii, New Zealand, Hong Kong, South Africa, Cambodia and of course every possible city in his home country Australia.

For the last 10 years he has also been mentoring and coaching other entertainers who want to break into this lucrative field.

 

In this episode we discuss:

Just what is an MC  MC, Emcee, Master of Ceremony, Host or Compere and what do they do?

How the job of being an MC relates to the world of magic and the experience magicians have.

Learn the typical events an emcee would be booked for.

Learn how Timothy Hyde progressed  through drama studies, street performing, theme parks, stage illusion shows and mentalism to work an Master of ceremonies and why this rich experience helps in the emcee role.

Find out the positive aspects he brought from the world of magic into the role of MC?

How does being an MC stack up against being a corporate magician / mentalist in general terms?

What is the #1 quality you should look for within yourself if you are thinking being an MC?

What are the misconceptions about the role of an MC?

Can magic be incorporated into MC work? Is this a good or bad idea?

The right material for MC's. The types of jokes, gags, interactive time fillers, quotes and lines

Who the people are you need to work with at events and how to deal with them to make the whole experience better.

What itis that the people booking you want? The things you can do as MC to value add to their event and make yourself more book-able.

The importance of how you dress for the role.

Direct download: MB053-_Magician_To_MC_Master_Of_Ceremonies.mp3
Category:Marketing for Magicians -- posted at: 10:02pm EDT

Ken Dyne has an established career as one of the worlds leading mentalists and he joins us on the Magician Business podcast just days before his Penguin Live lecture.  

 

Listen in as Ken shares thirteen years of his personal learning experience gained marketing into the corporate, after dinner and cruse ship market.  

 

 

Ken has coached many performing artists and helped them take their business to the next level. In this episode he shares some of the insights from GigFlow which is the distillation of his most effective coaching techniques. 

 

 

In this episode: 

 

Find out what the number 1 mistake is that many magicians are making in their marketing and just how to fix it.  

 

Learn his secrets as he openly discusses what marketing strategies he uses to keep his diary full. 

 

Discover the most underused marketing method and how you can leverage it. 

 

Find out the truth of why marketing can sometimes be difficult for magicians and how you can turn that around. 

 

 

Links mentioned in this episode: 

 

Ken Dynes’ GiG Flow where you are guaranteed gigs in 30 days or your money back. 

 

Bairn by Ken Dyne :The book that was voted “the best mentalism product of 2014”. 

  

A free Business Planning tool for magicians http://www.magicianbusiness.com/business-planning-for-magicians/

Direct download: MB052-_Marketing_Coaching_for_Magicians_with_Ken_Dyne.mp3
Category:Marketing for Magicians -- posted at: 12:55am EDT

In this Episode we discuss:

 

Much of what he has experienced is directly transferable to the world of magic and through his eyes we can maybe see something about ourselves that we don't understand.

Is adding variety to your act a good or bad thing for the types of shows you perform?

Who are your favourite magic/juggling acts?

How difficult is it for a new person to break into your markets?

Has language ever been a barrier for you?

Did you have to work on your English as much as your juggling to move your act outside of your country onto the larger world stage?

What are your 3 top tips with regards to your technique, your show and your marketing?

What is the ONE thing you should never do?


MB 050: 1 Year Anniversary Special - Ken and Julian Under the Spotlight

Get a look behind the scenes as the hosts of the Magician Business Podcast, Ken Kelly and Julian Mather, are put in the hot seat.

 

This is a Magician Business Podcast episode with a difference! Ken and Julian usually host the show and bring you guests but today the tables are turned as children’ entertainer Colette Kelly gets to interview the interviewers.

 

Ken and Julian speak openly about the first year of running Magician Business. This episode takes a transparent look at what goes on behind the scenes and you get to hear what it takes to bring you 50 episodes of the podcast to air.

 

In this episode:

Ken and Julian tell how it really is (warts and all)

Hear the truth of what has worked and what has not 

Get actionable tips that Ken and Julian use

Hear Magician Business members questions answered

 

Get a peek of what the future hold for Magician Business

Direct download: MB_50_Ken_and_Julian_1_year_anniversary_episode.mp3
Category:Marketing for Magicians -- posted at: 3:56am EDT

MB 049: Taking your magic business to the next level with Barry Friedman

Every year an opportunity arises to take your magic business to the

next level. Successful corporate entertainer Barry Friedman shares

tips , practical booking strategies and life changing insights from

his Show Biz Blueprint course in this candid chat with Julian Mather

and Ken Kelly.

 

In this episode we discuss:

 

Using the network you already have before paying for advertising

Increase your telephone conversions with this simple mindset change

What type of entertainers is showbiz blueprint suitable for?

Do you have to be an experienced entertainer to benefit from this course?

Is showbiz blueprint easy?

Can I get a refund on my money if showbiz blueprint is not suitable for me?

Hear how showbiz blueprint changed Julian Mather's career.


In this Episode we discuss:

 

- Discovering what the lecture circuit is about.

- Ways to establish contacts with people in your field of magic.

- The struggles of breaking into lecturing in the connected generation.

- Identifying the differences between a lecture and a dealer demo.

- How to find a balance between giving and selling during your lecture.

- Diversifying your subject matter during your lectures to improve your chances of getting booked.

- How to discern the key differences between a club and a convention lecture.

- Following the proper performance sensibilities while performing.

- How you should prepare for a small, medium and large environment.

- Learning how to collect vital information about your target customers.

- Understanding the common mistakes made by up-and-coming lecturers.

- Being on the lookout for rising talent as a lecture booking agent.

- The ups and downs of touring full time on the lecture circuit

- Ways to start earning money as a lecturer or a booking agent.

- Dealing with fans when you are selling them a product.

- Why using a lecture to sell a product is essential to success.

- A guide on how to best price and package your products to maximise sales.

 

 

Direct download: MB_048-_The_Business_of_Magician_Lectures_with_Danny_Archer_AUPHONIC.mp3
Category:magic -- posted at: 9:13pm EDT

In this episode we discuss:

 

What is flash paper?

What are the chemicals?

Where else are these chemicals found?

How serious is correct handling and storage?

How does spontaneous combustion happen?

Is it necessary to have flash paper wet to transport it?

Where and how should you store flash paper?

How long will they last?

What quality products exist?

How do you know if you have good quality? or not?

Safety ... outline the steps you carry out

 

Insurance: Where is fire banned? Where is it allowed?

Direct download: MB_047_Flash_Paper_For_Magicians_AUPHONIC.mp3
Category:Fire -- posted at: 11:38pm EDT

Aside from  cut/ no cut scissors, black capes and the need for a sharp haircut, magicians and hairdressers share the common bond of being small business owners. Hairdresser Greg Whatling shares insights and painful lessons that every magician will benefit from hearing. What can magicians learn from one hairdresser's customer catastrophe?

 

In this episode:

 

Greg talks about connectors, people who will be your advocate to get other customers. They love what you do so much, they have completely bought into your story and they WANT to go out and promote you.

 

The importance of 3rd party endorsement.

 

Talk strategically to customers, stay on task and on message but do it with integrity ... your guide to staying honest Greg says,  "if you don't believe it, don't say it."

 

Do you really understand your customer? Greg has a clear mental picture of how his customer dresses , what shoes they wear, what cars they drive.

 

Are you just employing yourself or are you securing yourself a future?

 

June's Story: Are you losing your most important customers without even knowing it.

 

5 things Greg applies to his business daily:

 

Hone your product

Sales

Education ... Gain knowledge wherever you can

Marketing

Everyone has to have a win .. you, your staff, the media

 

Success leaves clues. Get in a mastermind group with people who know more than you.

 

Develop friendships and networks with influential people and learn to listen.

 

 

Beware of Google .. it can easily act as an echo chamber and give you back the answers you want to hear.

Direct download: MB_046_Greg_Whatling_AUPHONIC.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:01am EDT

Andre Grove started as a magician and wanted to be the next David Copperfield until he saw a stage hypnotist and his performing career changed forever.

 

Does walking on stage with only a microphone as a prop interest you? Then stage hypnosis is possibly a way you can pack theaters.

 

It takes a lifetime to be an overnight success and there is nothing easy about it.

 

Developing your brand by paying your dues, treading the boards for many years.

 

Never take any audience for granted for your next big booking may be watching you.

 

It is so important that you every show as happy as your audience.

 

Learning to let go of marketing and hand it over to a professional.

 

The day to day work schedule of life on the road when touring.

 

Dealing with theatre owners and local council regulations.

 

Understanding the attendance habits of theatre patrons.

 

Listening to your audience's conversations after the show.

 

Choosing your market and sticking to your market.

 

Andre tells the reality of a career on the stage.

 

Don't do a stage hypnosis course if you are not a performer first.

 

Learn the ropes in comedy clubs.

 

 

2% of stage hypnosis are actually hypnosis skills. 98% is showmanship.

Direct download: MB45_Andre_Grove_Stage_Hypotist_AUPHONIC.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:58am EDT

John Kaplan has been touring Canada for 35 years riding on the back of the fundraising needs of schools and community groups. These groups get a  fun way to raise their much needed funds and John gets to sell his family show at corporate rates to a market used to budgeting lower fees. Maybe this win / win business model will appeal to you.

In This Episode We Discuss:

  • Understanding the old tele marketing approach to promoting fund raising shows to better understand why there are better ways to approach this market.
  • Understand the apprenticeship system that can exist in magic
  • What sort of show do you need to enter the fundraising market?
  • Do your need to tour a show? or can you make this work for you locally?
  • How to get into doing fundraising events
  • What different ways are there to financially structure fundraising events
  • What is the market for fundraisers?
  • What are the methods that best reach this market?
  • Who is your competition?
  • What options to you give your clients to raise money?
  • How do you create a compelling reason for your potential clients to book you.
  • How to brand yourself in the fundraising market
  • What do you need to bring for the event.
  • What do you provide to clients to help them market and raise money
  • Why testimonials are so important
  • What paperwork is required & how do you manage it
  • The importance of auto responders
Direct download: MB44JohnKaplanFundraisingAUPHONIC.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:42am EDT

Feeding a Hungry Media The Sensationalism They Thrive On

 

What are publicity stunts and where can they benefit magicians? Magician Joe Diamond shares his tips on capitalizing on the media's insatiable need for content.

 

You don't need to go over the Niagara Fall in a barrel or stay for 44 days in a box like David Blaine did to get the media's attention so you can get a free ride on their extensive reach into the audience who you want to serve with your magic.

 

Joe Diamond shares his wins and losses at this aspect of marketing his magic career.

 

In this Episode:

 

How to use publicity stunts to benefit you and the venue hosting the stunt

Do you have to be a big personality to do stunts?

Understand the difference between radio, newspaper, TV and online media platforms

Do you have to be a BIG personality?

What type of personality works best?

What do you think it is that stops people trying stunts?

Where do they sit in your arsenal of marketing tools?

How do you come up with ideas?

How much money do you have to spend on creating a publicity stunts?

What makes a good trick suitable for the different media platforms?

What are the downsides to stunts? What happens if they go wrong

How do you get the attention of the media?

What's the best time of day to send press releases?

How do you write a press release?

Tips for getting the medias attention: radio: TV: press: online

How do you turn press into bookings and/or ticket sales?

How do you use press to negotiate prices.

How do you use radio & press appearances in your social media.

The importance of creating a 'hook' to hang your story on

How to play to the media's need for content

 

What tricks should you use in your stunts?

Direct download: MB43JoeDiamondAUPHONIC.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:45am EDT

David Ranalli started young performing magic in restaurants. From age 14 he has been table hopping building up strong work practices and an appreciation of the restaurant industry and how magicians can better position themselves to get the most value from a restaurant gig.

 

In This Episode We Discuss:

  • Is there a personality type best suited going table to table?
  • Acting as an ambassador for the restaurant.
  • How restaurants have changed.
  • Some great ways to get started
  • The dangers of talking to 'assistant managers'
  • How to get paid
  • How to make the restaurant work to your full advantage
  • Setting up a contract.
  • Where to find restaurant associations?
  • The rise of chain and franchise restaurants and how this can work for you.
  • Using local media to benefit the magician and the restaurant owner.
  • Using the restaurant as a showcase for your magic skills to private clients.
  • Use the 'selfie' craze to your advantage
Direct download: MB42DavidRanalliAUPHONIC.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:14pm EDT

When you are talking about getting to know someone new you often hear it's what's on the inside that counts. If you want to take your magic into the festival and fairs market then it's what's on the outside that counts and by that we are talking about the weather. 

Kevin Heller weather proofed his act and put his mind into all seasons thinking to create a business that capitalises on the fair and festival market for spring and summer and works equally as well when the weather turns him indoors.

In this episode: 

Just what is the fair and festival market

What type of act works for the fair festival market

Flash is Cash ... a truism for this market

The value of creating an outdoor act

What a fair/festival audience looks like

The types of stages you can expect to perform on

How to turn your $300 kids show into a $1000 festival show

How to take your and 'tailor make' show for this market

Who books the acts for fairs and festivals?

What is the importance of building long standing relationships in this industry?

How many festival/fairs are there in your area? You might be surprised.

What are Fair Festival Associations and Fair Manager Associations?

How to stand out at your trade show booth while pitching to Festival Bookers

How improve your VALUE in the eyes of festival bookers.

What extra services you can offer to make yourself more attractive to festival bookers

Understanding hoe fair managers think

How to move away from 'pitching' merchandise to 'performing' merchandise

The psychology of pitching merchandise

Recognizing outdoor opportunities

Outdoor Audience Management

Mega-merchandising – “The Pitch” Selling the Experience!

Adjusting and modifying your props and clothing to endure the unpredictable

Preparing for “natures great heckler” – the weather!

 

The Marketing - how do you get into this market   

Direct download: MB41KevinHellerAUPHONIC.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:08pm EDT

This is a story about Caroline Ravn's focus, drive, ambition, self discipline as much as it is about strategies that magicians and other entertainers can employ to effectively use social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and Youtube.

 

In This Episode We Discuss:

  • Making weekly and monthly plans for social media
  • What to avoid posting on social media accounts
  • Separating your personal and social media accounts
  • The importance of hash tags
  • How to evaluate the effectiveness of your posts
  • How to identify potential customers through social media communities
  • How often to reach out to journalists to feed them possible stories about you
  • A great tip for giving good interviews to journalists
  • How to maximise relationships with journalists
  • Hear Caroline's story of getting to perform at the Magic Castle in Hollywood in less than a quarter of the time she had planned to it.
  • How many hours a day do need to rehearse to fast track your performing ambitions?
  • The benefits of using a manager
  • Mentoring with Tom Stone
Direct download: MB40-CarolineRavnAUPHONIC.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:03am EDT

Agree or disagree with Roger Blakiston, he raises interesting questions that we all can benefit from by finding answers to them.

 

Can finding a sense of inner peace make you a better magician?

 

Hear about Roger's commitment of service to the field of magic

 

What happened when Roger met Tina Turner and Bob Hoskins?

 

What part do humbleness and humility play in being a magician?

 

What happens when Prince William of  England injures himself at Jolly Roger's magic show?

 

What does it take to write a book? Tips to self publishing

 

Living in the moment to get the most out of your magic

 

What can taking the word 'worry' out of your language do for you?

 

Is fear inhibiting you? What can you do about it?

 

The influence of Field Marshall Slim ... always take the bold choice

 

How do you find success? It's easier than you think.

 

 

Roger Blakiston's book 'The Spiritual Stage'

Direct download: Ep39RogerBlakistonEditedAUPHONIC.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:43am EDT

Mark Williams is a LinkedIn trainer for top level business executives. Mark shares cutting edge ideas and strategies that magicians can use to bypass some common mistakes and to speed up your networking that leads to bookings.

In This Episode We Discuss:

  • Where does LinkedIn fit?   Is it a social media tool?
  • How important is building relationships and growing a network?
  • What has LinkedIn got in common with a pirate ship?
  • Mark's business card story that explains some of the benefits of having a LinkedIn account.
  • This can be your first impression for many business deals. Make sure you make a good one.
  • How to set up your LinkedIn account so you craft and build an effective profile
  • What image should you use in your profile?
  • Should you use your stage name or your birth name?
  • How you should optimize the 120 characters in your headline?
  • What are first tier and second tier connections ?
  • Can you use your promo video more effectively?
Direct download: Ep38LinkedinMarkWilliamsFinalAUPHONIC.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:56am EDT

Have you ever wondered what an agent thinks, what a booking agent wants, what will turn a booking agent away from wanting to represent you? In this episode Ken Lindsey from Dreamtime Agencies in South Africa ,who wears two hats as performer and agent,  tells all.

In This Episode We Discuss:

  • Becoming a magician is more about applying a process than having the ability to do magic.
  • Selling yourself in the third person. The pros and cons.
  • What do you need to know before approaching a booking agent?
  • Is there a relationship between entertainer and agent?
  • How to set up your own booking agency for entertainers
  • Clients always wait till the last moment to book. Be prepared.
  • What regulations exist for starting an agency?
  • What tax implications are they?
  • Contracts and what you need to know.
  • Dealing with refunds to clients
  • Can you hand out your business cards if you have been booked by an agent?
  • Entertainers have a gift. You have a skill that you can always use to earn you money. Never forget how valuable that is.
Direct download: Ep37KenLindseyFinalAUPHONIC.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:42am EDT

Get a big ol' dose of work and life inspiration with Deano from Reno. The Dean of Success, Dean Hankey,  takes an all you can eat buffet of knowledge and wisdom and packages it into a bite sized 'podcast to go' of actionable tips.

 

In This Episode We Discuss:

Is there a better way to answer your phone than to say Hello, How can I help you?

How To be more interested than interesting.

Why you SHOULD be using the power of video to emotionally connect with future clients.

Dean tips his alternative to phoning potential clients on the phone that can build upon the advantages that clients like to do business with people they know like and trust.

Success is a verb that requires action and it doesn't care how you feel

Knowledge is only as powerful as the action that is applied to it.

Successful people do what unsuccessful people are unwilling to do.

Speak teach and preach ... make it better for your audience .. don't be a boring speaker.

What's stopping you getting off your big fat couch?

Your show should be a  30-60 min vacation for your audience

MAGIC: Make A Giant Impact Charis - magically

Resolve to Evolve .... grow your career and keep growing and evolving.

Never leave the site of a human interaction without creating value.

VIP  Value Impact Profit

KEYS  Keep Educating Your Self

 

Marketing for Magicians

Direct download: Ep36DeanHankeyFinalAUPHONIC.mp3
Category:Marketing -- posted at: 4:33pm EDT

Will magic support you and your family well into the future? What can you do to branch your magic business into other areas? Paul Romhany is a performer, creator of magic effects, lecturer and he edits and produces VANISH magazine. He’s also a parent (as you will witness at the beginning of the podcast). Listen in as he shares insights and tips that might get you started creating extra streams of income.

 

In This Episode We Discuss:

Paul’s Charlie Chaplin act that has been the backbone of his performing career.

What is the ‘real magic’ that Charlie Chaplin capitalised on all those years ago? What can you learn from this too?

How long does it take to create and episode of Vanish?

What is the future of niche / magic publications?

What opportunities are there for magicians in niche / magic publications?

If people want to start a newsletter, blog, video blog, niche publication … What are some of the steps they should take?

Do you have to know your audience and their needs?

What do contributors to VANISH magic magazine need to understand?

Should contributors be expected to be edited?

What are the common mistakes you see with contributions?

What makes a good piece?

If listeners want to market a magic trick, how important is the promotional copy?

What tips can you give listeners on writing for their websites / copy / blogs?

Who makes the biggest cut of the money from a trick you put onto the market?

How much money can you expect to make from releasing an effect onto the market?

What can Bill About teach you about releasing effects onto the market?

Piracy in magic? How does this affect you?

 

All this and more about Magician Business ideas and tips.

Direct download: Ep35PaulRomhanyFinalAUPHONIC.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:02pm EDT

1