Should magicians recommend other magicians when they are performing magic for the public?
Dominic Reyes recorded this short video about an experience he had at a recent event at which he had been hired to perform magic. He was chatting to another magician at the event, who was complaining that he was being compared to several magicians on TV. Here's what Dominic told the magician about using that situation to his advantage:
As a magician, you might not like the fact that people compare you to magicians they see on TV, or that the magic you perform live, is different to much of the magic presented within a TV show. Dominic thinks that it doesn't matter what other performers think about TV magicians because they are not the target audience of the magic shows. Instead, he feels that it's far more important that people are being entertained by magic in general.
Dominic uses this to his advantage by recommending TV magic shows to his spectators. At the end of a set, he will tell the group to check out an up and coming TV show about magic that they won't want to miss. He puts down the details on his business card for them.
"Recommending a magic show that's about to be aired on TV has really helped me. I've noticed it directly in my booking rate. If I've been promoting a show at events leading up to a new series, I notice recontact emails from new clients spike in the few days after each TV episode. Clients are most likely to contact me just after they have seen me live, but by recommending a magic TV series, I pop into their heads, each time they watch that show. That's a lot of extra 'touch points' being created, and it's repaid the time I've taken to tell people about the magic shows many many times over. I hope it does the same for you." – Dominic Reyes
Recommending shows for his audience to watch, means that he remains in their minds much longer after his performance. He has found a way to HELP THEM further, and at the same time, become associated with their experience of magic long after they have seen him perform.
That’s actually a really clever idea. It creates an mental anchor so when the recommended magician is spotted on TV, they might recall you. Nice tip! I’ve really enjoyed your tip videos/posts so far and found them really helpful. Thanks lot!
Like it. Turning what could be a negative into a positive. Thanks for taking the time to share that one.
Dear Dominic,
I am the 79 year old amateur magician from Finland who has written you before because I think you deserve our admiration for the way you conduct your business. At my age with cupboards full of magic tricks I am unfortunately not the type of person your business can thrive on, but as a fact you always give me ample reason to recommend your shop whenever I have the opportunity. I know of no-one in the magic business who conducts his enterprise in the way you do, and having been a business consultant for. over 40 years I believe I know a little bit about how to make a business stick out from the masses. I feel you do not need any advice!!!!
Cheers
Kaarlo
Hi Kaarlo,
Thanks for the kind words. It’s a pleasure contributing to this blog, and a way of ‘paying it forward’.
79 and still amazing people with your magic! It’s you sir, that doesn’t need any advice!
Keep up the great work!!
Dominic
Hi Dominic,
I am also from Finland, like Kaarlo, and have enjoyed your wonderful tips and advice for some time now. I often find myself agreeing on the advice presented, as well as, quite frequently, pleasantly surprised when you present us with new ideas, such as this one.
I wish to present you with a warmest thank you’s, from the still chilly Finland, and a fervent hope, that you “keep ’em coming”.
– Christian
Thanks Christian. I’m a huge fan of Finland. I had the pleasure of being the best man at my friends wedding there not long ago, and I can’t wait to return.
Glad to be of service.
Dominic
Dominic !
This is genius
I’ve been trying to think of a sensible way to respond to the Troy, Dynamo etc. phenomenon, without sounding negative
Getting cards out there is a bonus
Many thanks
James Prince
I Think should idea channel on program ” sky magician “