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PeterMarucci
Sorcerer
| Joined: | 11-30-1999 |
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| Posts: | 27 |
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Posted: 02-01-2007 10:45 |
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The biggest mistake magicians make is in asking the restaurant owner/manager to do something for them, rather than pointing out what they can do for the restaurant.
The manager DOESN'T CARE how he or she can help you. But, if you point out that you have a way to increase sales or bring customers back, you actually have their attention.
Of course, you'd damn well better have something REALLY good to sell them (in the way of an act) and it had better work (bringing customers back or increasing sales).
One key factor is that, when you apply, do NOT say, "I'm a magician". That conjures up (excuse the pun) in the manager's mind some bozo dragging tables all over the restaurant, chasing doves and rabbits all over the room, and generally upsetting the customers.
Instead, say that you are "a professional restaurant entertainer". Get to the magic part later.
Remember: While magic may be first and foremost in our minds, it's least and hindmost in everyone else's.
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ricky121
Conjuror
| Joined: | 11-30-1999 |
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| Posts: | 440 |
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Posted: 02-01-2007 12:16 |
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peter so you could say along these lines
now the x mas rush is over to help bring customers into the restaurant during the financially bad months why not have a professional restaurant entertainer.
like that do you mean
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PabloBristly
Conjuror
| Joined: | 08-15-2004 |
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Posted: 02-01-2007 13:27 |
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I'll share my recent experience with you; hopefully it can help you as it did me. I was invited out to a restaurant with some friends the other night. Before the meal was served my friends asked me to "entertain." I pulled out a deck of cards and began to go into several effects that work well together impromtu.
A lot of tables nearby overheard the clamor and started peaking over. I was getting massive attention. When I finished my dinner there were a few couple still seated nearby that were watching earlier. I relocated to their table and was welcomed respectfully. All in all I ended up strolling for about an hour from table to table. The thing is once you start everyone, especially those with kids, wants you to come to their table to see what the fuss is all about. You also able to repeat your routines because people come and go.
Did I get any tips? No. But I did hand out many business cards - so I saw it as a great opportunity to advertise. There were several waitresses that took notice that night and told the manager. I feel now would be the time to go back and ask if I could be scheduled as a regular weekly gig.
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cardchicanery
Conjuror
| Joined: | 11-30-1999 |
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| Posts: | 367 |
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Posted: 02-01-2007 14:25 |
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I did some cold calling last week around some local restaurants. I got some good responses to follow up on and as Peter said, it’s what you can do for the restaurant. I use phrases like “entertain your customers” and “increase interest in your restaurant”. At almost all of the restaurants I did some card effects and crazy mans hand cuffs for the manager. I made it clear that I was flexible and I was willing to work at times that were good for the venue. It is really a case of getting out there and talking to restaurant managers. Show the manager what you can do for him. Either keeping the customers happy when waiting for their order and in covering when there is a problem. What ever you do, don’t wait for a call. Call them (or go back) about a week later and see what they think. If they say no, thank them for considering you, leave your details and move on.
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PeterMarucci
Sorcerer
| Joined: | 11-30-1999 |
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Posted: 02-02-2007 01:43 |
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Rickky 121
You write: "now the x mas rush is over to help bring customers into the restaurant during the financially bad months why not have a professional restaurant entertainer."
You've got it.
This is a good time to hit them, when business is slowing down and the restaurants are desperate to build business.
Neext season, or the next time you plan a holiday tie-in with the magic, don't leave it so late; restaurants are slow in moving but not THAT slow. See the owner/manager (and NOBODY else) about three months before the event. i.e. for Christmas, around the end of September, beginning of October.
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ricky121
Conjuror
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Posted: 02-02-2007 10:57 |
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| thats I have had two meeting with diffrent managers before but didnt land it so more reason to get out there and keep asking. But at one of the meetings the manager asked me how mch I charged. I didnt really know what to say and we agreed on 50 pound for 3 hours, is that a good starting price
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cardchicanery
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| Joined: | 11-30-1999 |
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Posted: 02-02-2007 17:16 |
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| You have to see what you are getting out of this. £50 for 3 hours should at least cover your costs, transport, props etc. If this is covered and you are getting good experience, then its ok. You have to be aware that you will be earning a lot less than pros and you will be bringing the average price for hiring a magician. Once you have got comfortable performing at tables, ask for more or go somewhere else.
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