A Quick Christmas Message from Dominic Reyes

A quick video message from Dominic Reyes:

Magicians Testimonials – How to Ask for Feedback

What's the most effective way for magicians to get testimonials from people that hire them?

You did a great job performing magic at the show. The crowd loved you and you are finished for the night. Before you pack up your magic props and leave the venue, there is an inportant step to take: Set up your magicians testimonials!

Dominic Reyes recorded a short video for the blog whilst at a magic gig. He talks about how he gets feedback when people hire him to perform magic.

Before you leave your magic gig, make sure you speak to the client and ASK FOR FEEDBACK. It's fine to ask for a magicians testimonials because it shows that you care.

Follow up a week or so later. Send a letter, or ask your agent to contact the cleint and get feedback.

Ask for a copy of any photographs that were taken of you performing your magic.

Ask for a copy of the raw video footage of your magic performance. Ask the client as well as the videographer as that will greatly increase your chances of getting the footage. Video companies get very busy, so unless it's specified from the client, it can often be forgotten.

Send the client some business cards with your follow up letter. They may have been approached after the event and can send them on. It also gived client another reason to contact some of the guests at the event, which is valuable to them if the event was a networking exercise.

Remember to publish your magicians testimonials on your magicians website or in a performers blog. Don't just file them away, they are valuable content that gives social proof to your claims.

If you can, take a friend to a few gigs and ask them to record video testimonials from guests outside of the event or in the outer bar area.Ask permission for this, and it will usually be granted. Your video testimonials don't need to look perfect, they should look real, raw and unedited feedback from people that have just seen you perform.

Taking the time to get feedback is one of the most effective ways you can build up your marketing as a magician. Don't feel shy about asking. Most people love giving their opinion, and will be happy to help.

Interview with John Bannon – Magician and Magic Creator

by Dominic Reyes Leave a Comment

By Dominic Reyes

John Bannon is without doubt, one of the worlds most respected creators of card magic tricks.

His card tricks are regularly used by most professional and hobbyist magicians. Don't just take my word for it:

‘John's material is fantastic.’ Bill Malone
‘Bannon is, without doubt, one of the best thinkers we have." David Regal
‘As usual I'm in awe of John's ingenuity’ Tomas Blomberg
'Its Bannon, 'nuff said' – Steve Brooks, The Magic Café
‘Magic with intellect from a true genius.’ George McBride

John spent a few moments to it dowm for a quick interview with The Merchant of Magic whilst recording a project at Magic Live in Las Vegas. We asked him:

How did you discover magic?
Tell us about your first show
What 3 things would you have done differently

Like many magicians, John Bannon discovered magic at an early age. Having fallen in love with the creative process of inventing magic tricks with playing cards, he reached the point where most kids lose interest and move on. However, for him, the journey didn't end and a life long process of discovery and invention was to follow. For all magicians, we face a hard choice in our development. At some point, life gets in the way of our practice. Pushing past these 'walls' or distractions is the only way to become a master magician. Maintaining a regular practice program, and ensuring that you keep a balance in your fife between magic and your other interests can keep you going and stop your motivation fading.

Like most magicians, John Bannon is a hobbyist. He had no particular pull or urge to perform. For John, the pleasure in magic comes from creation and problem solving. Although he wishes that he had performed more over the years, his story is a great example that you don't need to become a showman to enjoy magic.