Marketing, Selling & Business Matters in Magic & Conjuring

Download a free sampler PDF for this ebook.

"The content is so easy to read and filled with valuable information on how to produce a successful product. Even after many years of releasing, I still feel I've learned a lot reading this book." - Titanas (Greece)

"What a great book. I have never seen this information given anywhere else. I started selling magic in 1991 and I wish I had had access to this information back then - it would have made my life so much easier!" - Peter Duffie (Scotland)

"This is something I needed 16 years ago!" - Wayne Rogers Chicane Enterprises (New Zealand)

From the Foreword...

This informative handbook provides expert, proven advice for booking and presenting a financially successful one-person traveling theater or school assembly magic show.

Not only that, but the author goes on to provide his exact patter for 25 standard effects as used in his program. This is an act that you, too, can present yourself. The emphasis is on performing for youngsters, and the author reveals why this age group is a financial gold mine for the alert performer.

Here's a quick look at what's included:

• A brief resumé of the author's career and experience in the booking and performance...

If you want to break into the TV market you have to listen to this. Anthony Owen is currently the most successful TV magic producer in the UK and has worked on the Derren Brown shows, Monkey Magic, Dirty Tricks, The Real Hustle, and many more. And even if you are not trying to become a TV magic star you will hear a lot of great advice for anybody who wants to make a living with magic.

"I thought CDs were out as a way of learning about magic, but this one by Anthony Owen proves I was wrong. You just have to hear him speak to get the full inspirational effect of his amazing story. This is...

Mentalist's Guide: Nightclubs is available for the first time in almost a decade. It is book two in B. Thomas' series, Cold Reading for Profit. Originally mentalist and radio psychic B. Thomas only sold this at his lectures and had a limited run among inner circles of professional mentalists. This series has been among the top 10 Must Have books on Cold Reading among pros.

B. Thomas shows you how to market yourself successfully in nightclubs, using tools and techniques he used to build a successful career behind the microphone as a radio psychic. Thomas was heard on radio station all over...

Others charge $100 or more for a similar reprint license, and don't include our book of tips and secrets. Through a special arrangement with Lybrary.com, we are able to bring you the camera-ready master and the separate how-to print book for just $49 US.

Be an author. Sell pitch books at your performances to earn extra revenue!

If you're not selling "back of room" books and merchandise at every show, you're leaving money on the table--money that should be in your wallet. All the pros are doing it. Now you can, too. And it costs so little to get started.

This package enables you to become...

Sell this pitch book at your performances to double your performance income!*

If you're not selling "back of room" books and merchandise at every show, you're leaving money on the table — money that should be in your wallet. All the pros are doing it. Now you can, too. And it costs so little to get started.

This package enables you to become an instant author, with full reprint rights for printed copies of the Finding Your Destiny with Numerology book. Charge as little or as much per copy as you want: it's up to you. Your audiences will flock to the sales table to buy this easy to read...

Sell this pitch book at your performances to double your performance income!* Now with color cover.

If you're not selling "back of room" books and merchandise at every show, you're leaving money on the table - money that should be in your wallet. All the pros are doing it. Now you can, too. And it costs so little to get started.

This package enables you to become an instant author, with full reprint rights for making and selling printed copies of the Magic Miracles You Can Do book. Charge as little or as much per copy as you want: it's up to you. Your audiences will flock to the sales...

Sell this pitch book and give private readings to clients after your show to double your performance income!*

If you're not selling "back of room" books and merchandise at every show, you're leaving money on the table - money that should be in your wallet. All the pros are doing it. Now you can, too. And it costs so little to get started.

This package enables you to become an instant author, with full reprint rights for printed copies of the Your Personal Solar Zodiac Chart booklet. Charge as little or as much per copy as you want: it's up to you.

Your audiences will flock to the sales...

While listening to the 10 Commandments you'll be learning business and selling principles that will change the way you view show business. You'll learn an edge for success. Within The 10 Commandments of Selling Your Program, you'll learn the ten principles that Barry has developed over two decades of selling. You'll also learn the importance of determining your business image. In addition you'll discover what schools really want and how you can fill their needs. Selling is an art and this recording makes you an artist.

1st edition 2001

If your goal is to earn a living as a Children’s magician this recording is for you! It is true that anyone can "do" a trick, but not everyone can "perform" magic. Still fewer can earn their living from performing. This CD gives you the edge to make show business your business. Whether you’ve been performing for years or just beginning, a variety of subjects are covered that will inspire you toward more business and better networking.

• Attitude of Gratitude
• Be Yourself
• Create Heroes
• Dress sharp
• Encourage Others
• First, think of the customer
• Giveaways
• Higher performance fees
• I is...

While this has been written in the 60s, the basics of how to promote, advertise, and build your performing business hasn't changed that much. Of course, you will do the things recommended with modern tools, but the principles and ideas to achieve success haven't changed.

As an advertising man, Mr. Tallman has a lot of ideas on how to promote and get the most out of advertising. He is a very busy magician and this is entirely due to the methods in his book. Let him prove to you how he gets an average of 85 shows a year, and how you can do it, too.

• Foreword
• Preface
• GIVE THE LADY WHAT SHE...

There are things that need to be researched and many considerations to think about when setting your prices. This ebook is a basic guide to how to determine what you should be charging in your area.

• Do Your Homework
• Activities / Services
• Market Values
• Price Structure
• Comparisons
• Wrapping It Up

1st edition 2016, 10 pages.

A primer for entertainers wanting to go "full time" performing as a career.

• Business Plan
• Services / Products
• Performance Costs
• Administrative Costs
• License / Insurance
• Marketing Expenses
• Business Documents
• Growth Projections
• Profit / Loss Statement
• Wrapping it Up

1st edition 2016, 25 pages.

Free and minimum cost marketing that help new magicians get started. This ebook helps you use those free sources to get your name out and start booking performances.

• The Marketing Component
• Research
• The Blend (80/20 Rule)
• The Message
• Promotion Kit
• Tracking
• Wrapping It Up

1st edition 2016, 19 pages.

Ever wonder why some magicians always seem to get hired over others? Do you want to get your quote higher in the piles of those being considered? If you position your quote with a return on investment approach you will have more success. Skills and performance content is important. But those who suggest better returns in terms of value are those who get hired. This ebook identifies the “value add” elements that, if included in your quote, helps push your information to the top of the list.

• Preface
• The Buyers Side
• Disqualified Proposals
• Value by Definition
• Value Adds
• Structure the...

Working on tips, fund raising and ticket sales are sources to generate free money. The term free identifies no contract/invoice. But it doesn't mean you do not have to work for it. This text gets you started with these approaches. It is nice to have the guaranteed income of a contract. However, in the proper situations, locations and with a professional touch the income with these activities is unlimited.

• Everything old still around
• Fear
• Apply yourself
• Working for tips
• Working on tickets
• Taking it to those in need
• Wrapping it up

1st edition 2016, 20 pages.

The climax of a magic trick can only last a few minutes. But the build up can take a lot more time. The "sizzle" created by the magician adds drama, mystery and builds the element of surprise. This ebook covers sizzle. What it is, when it is needed, when to use it, and how to work with it.

• What is sizzle?
• When to use sizzle
• Creating sizzle
• Automate yourself
• Timing
• Wrapping it up

1st edition 2016, 15 pages.

Gospel magic can be done as a business. But there are steps in the planning process, research needed in the market place and calculations that have to be done first. There are times we can make the decision. Then there are others where the decision is made for us. This ebook will give you a strong foundation approach. It will identify how you determine expenses, project income and how to plan for your net profits. If you do your homework this book will identify if making an income is practical in your area.

Magicians perform Gospel magic for free, some charge to recover their expenses and...

Create your own flyers, brochures and promotional DVD. This text takes you through a word processor, to image programs onto publishing. From publishing it teaches you how to build a slide show and finally converts that show to a DVD.

Written referencing Microsoft Word, Paint, Publisher and Power Point you can produce your own materials using your computer and printer. For those bigger duplications, you can provide "print/copy ready" materials saving set up and production charges.

• Word Processing
• Paint Program
• Publication
• Images
• Brochures/Flyers
• Power Point
• DVD
• Documentation/Media...

A monthly newsletter can be a very good marketing tool. Customers, organizations, and businesses tend to hang onto quality published newsletters. They are used to communicate news, training, helpful tips and a wealth of other information. From the magicians point they also include performance schedules, an article or two of the newest routines and help keep your name in front of people for future contracts. This ebook is designed as a primer to get started with newsletters. Chances are you already own software that you can use.

• Newsletters
• Software
• Pictures
• Distribution
• Content
• Wrap...

Many dream of becoming a full-time magician. This dream can become reality if you are willing to plan, and put in the extra effort to make it happen. You need a business plan that can compare to the needs of your existing home budget. This is not a get rich overnight activity. It requires step by step sequences that help replace your current home budget needs with the net profits you can generate through your magic. This text will provide you with a solid foundation. It covers the plan, marketing and helps you make that full-time decision based on research.

• Full time magicians day
• The 80/20...

A very strong market for magicians is fund raising through the school system. The chance of hosting a "no cost, no risk" fund raiser can be one of the highest demand performances a magician can do. This is a minimum administration, short term event that can bring in substantial amounts of money for both the school and the magician. A no cost, no risk magic show translates into a two or three-week event that ends in deposit.

This text is a primer to get you into the school shows market. Begin with the high schools and let the referrals lead you in other directions onto new customers.

Trade and themed shows take place all year long. If you have been to these types of shows you know people usually just stroll the aisle and only walk in when they want to pick up something free (candy), have an interest in the service/product or have questions. Vendors are turning to entertainment to help bring people into their display area.

The magician's job is to catch people's attention and draw them in. As you work with people, staff members will join the conversation. At one point, you pass them to the staff member. Then you move on and work at bringing more people into the vendor's...

Professionals lead with their credentials, achievements and endorsements. All stand on their skills and talent. But when the decision balances between several magicians the one who gets hired is the one with the strongest credentials. These endorsements validate the magician's performance, and reinforce the strength of their skills profile.

No one wakes up in the morning with a strong file of endorsements. They must be earned, one at a time. And, they will not fall on your doorstep by themselves. This text helps you get started with your credentials file. It will give you a solid foundation...

Magic performances grown to the point you need an assistant? Is working with an assistant one of your dreams? Want to take your performance up to the next level? There are many things you need to prepare for BEFORE bringing on an assistant.

This text will help you consider ways the assistant will function in performance. It will help identify responsibilities you can assign to her both on and off stage. Beginning with the standard application forms that are available through the office supply store, it suggests additional information that should be included with the application.

Costuming...

There comes a time when all magicians consider a website. With everything involved: web host, domain, design, design tools, purpose of the site, and content one has a lot to think about. No one gets it right the first time. We all end up going back and making adjustments, changes and adding information to our site. But the closer you can get with your initial design and launch the better your results will be. This text will get you pointed in the right direction. It includes purpose, functionality, design strategy and tips on finding a good web host. Everything has to blend. The website design,...

Fundraisers have always been popular. There will always be organizations that need to raise funds. And, there will always be needs out there that fundraisers will be launched for. The success of these events depends on community support, and ticket sales.

When organizations host fundraisers they always reach for the free, and least expensive ways to promote their event. Many of these organizations are very good at their activities and operations. But the reality is that they do not focus their daily operations on event promotions. As a result, they often need help.

This text is a coaching...

Marketing is the key to a magician's success. The amount of work he gets depends on how well he gets his name out. All of us use the common sources: newspaper, Facebook, direct mail, email and others. Many fail because they make their debut in these areas only to drop out and not keep them going.

Even with common sources covered there comes a time when magician's cast their eyes on higher income. At that point, the opinion is such that they must jump into expensive media. Newspapers, radio, television and others sound good. They should. It is a sales person presenting this information in...

When performance opportunities from brochures, flyers and other marketing activities slow down you need to pick up the phone. Cold calling has played a major role in almost every industry. These calls fill cancellations in schedules, book shows while traveling from city to city, and can help fill those calendars during the slow months. When you find yourself waiting for the phone to ring there is no reason you cannot make a few calls and book yourself. The materials in this text will get you started.

• What makes cold calls work
• Join the telephone soliciting team
• Best times to call
• Pre-call ...

Entertainment should not be a menu of prices set in stone. There are ways you can charge more for your performances. The power rests in the key elements of communication. Bringing the conversation to an ultimate "take it or leave it" conclusion may not be in the magician's best interest.

There are four elements that need to be covered through conversation. Quoting a price without knowing those elements is a problem that chips away at the magician's profits. Magicians who make more money deploy these elements. They are not hard. In fact, they are so simple to work with that no special training...

Marketing does not have to be expensive. Newspaper, radio, and television are good sources, but they can cost a lot of money. There are other activities magicians can do to advertise their services. Many are free, and others have minimum expense. Some magicians only use these sources. This type of marketing works well for them.

To tap into these sources the magician must start to think outside the box. One must reach beyond those expensive venues and get their name out to potential customers through different media and activity. The magician must get creative, carving out exposure to their...

Competition for performances today is more intense than it every was. Organizations are comparing information on large numbers of performers. Loyalty remains. But being the previous entertainer, only for the reason he/she worked it before, is not always the hiring factor. Individuals/agents are now looking beyond the cost. The non-documented elements are starting to carry a lot more weight in the hiring decision.

A dear friend once said that it is better to position yourself to be hired over and over, then to make one deposit and never perform again. That statement carries a lot of weight....

Simple things that get you hired.

You may have a fantastic show, be extremely talented and a high-quality entertainer and still have trouble getting booked. When being considered with a cluster of other proposals there are things you can do to position yourself above the rest. This text covers added services you can include that increases the perceived value of your proposal.

• The hiring investment
• Importance of added value
• Value adds to consider
• Research: match the add to a need
• Presenting the value add
• Follow up calls
• Wrapping it up

It can take up to 5 exposures of your marketing for customers to notice. That is the recognized average. To reach those 5 one must blend activities and media. This ebook helps magicians' market themselves with minimum or no investment beyond their time.

It introduces a tracking system that allows you to monitor which activities, locations and media produce the best results. If you are willing to make flyers and other announcements the materials in this ebook will help you get hired.

Regardless how full the performance schedule gets successful magicians still use these ideas/sources....

An approach to turn drive by cold calls into contracts for performances.

The hardest part of promoting our magic is making cold calls. As part of business, cold calls are done to get our name out. The goal is to prompt hiring committees/individuals to reach out to us before they open the doors to floods of entertainers searching for work.

This text will provide sample approaches, materials you need on hand and ways to introduce yourself to organizations. The focus is on your information and potentials your magic can support/enhance their events. A good cold call will place you in front...

Major corporations, large festivals and fairs offer large paying contracts. In these environments a magician needs more than just a business card and brochure. The best approach is to provide them with a promotional presentation. Some refer to it as a promo pack and others just call it a press kit. Regardless the term those who get hired often gain their consideration based on the promotional information they provide.

One does not have to go out and invest a lot of money to build a professional presentation pack. You can purchase high quality folders from the local office supply store. Using...

Businesses in a wide range of industries use coupon marketing. It prompts customers to return and helps promote referrals and recommendations. Magicians might consider coupons to help fill schedules during the slow seasons. The keys are to relate the coupon to a specific reason/justification, set an expiration date and control the number of coupons printed/distributed.

This text will help you get started with a controlled coupon marketing campaign. The coupon is printed on your color printer. The number you distribute is based on your established customer list. The results could turn into...

There is $ to be made with community events. There will always be community needs and non-profits that work to address them. This text helps you get started planning events with non-profit organizations. If the organization has event plans in place you can work with them. If they do not have plans this text helps you partner with them to coordinate activities before, during and after the event. When schedules slow down, events are always close by that you might tap into. Pending the size of those events income potentials can be substantial.

The marketing impact between the event and the...

Sponsors are one of the most powerful assets a magician can have. Sponsorship can be one of the strongest marketing activities for a business. The interactive potentials with the audience enhance the exposure, and compared to other media, they can get higher results. This ebook identifies the benefits of sponsorship, introduces ways to approach businesses and provides ideas for ongoing support. The organization wanting a show may not have the funds to hire you. If the audience appeals to your sponsor, the sponsor will pay your invoice, and you can perform for the hosting organization at no charge....

When the potential customer says "no", it might translate as "not yet". There is a strong chance that there is not enough incentive yet. A good negotiating magician will not discount his price. He will discuss value added services and other incentives. Then he will ask the individual for the contact again. This text introduces the power of positive negotiation. Applying these tools will help you get more performance contracts.

• Negotiation History
• Availability Signs
• The Approach
• In the Trenches
• Be Ready to Walk
• One Last Attempt
• Close the Deal
• Wrapping it Up

1st edition 2020, PDF...

The pandemic has major impact on entertainment. Looking back through history the vaudeville style show was immensely popular. Magicians can tap into that type of production to get back in front of audiences once again. This text introduces and helps you plan a vaudeville style show. Want to get back to work in front of an audience? This may be the approach you need to help build your schedule.

• August 2020
• Key factors of pandemic
• Vaudeville
• Magic show production
• Booking
• Expanding
• Wrapping it up

When your audience cannot come to you, you need to take your performance to them. Using equipment and materials you already own, you can get started. Pending the success you can grow your online magic as big as you wish. This text will help you get started with webcams, microphones, recording environment, planning your show and other things to consider.

• Overview
• Camera and microphone
• Lighting
• Camera angle
• Production, performance assistance
• Show
• Sponsors
• Recorded shows
• Pricing
• Wrapping it up
• Sources

1st edition 2020, PDF 28 pages.