SELF IMPROVEMENT POINTS

1) The actual performance is only a small part of the success of the performer. The major part is the promotion and advertising of the act. Getting FREE publicity is vital to the performer. Performing a few stunts to catch the eye of the press is much more valuable than any ad you can place in the newspaper.

2) Constantly promoting yourself, by handing out flyer and business cards, instantly puts your act in touch with all the potential clients. Especially during walk around in restaurants, clubs and events, handing out your business cards while doing magic, and offering not only your booking information, but your back end products as well (Numerology reports, Private Readings, Mentalism show, Magic Tricks, etc.).

You can even work a restaurant or club for free, only with the condition that you be able to set up your table and offer other back end products, in exchange for your half hour of free walk around. This is a win, win, situation! Be careful, many of the club owners will see you pulling in a lot of cash and may want a commission or kick back. This is why you want to have the contract set up in advance.

3) Once you find a location that is gold and you are making big bucks, keep it, and work it often if you can. ‘Keepers’ are shows like major tourist attractions (Niagara Falls), or permanently located amusement parks (Wonderland or Marineland), or large concentrations of spenders (Las Vegas or Atlantic City Casinos). Then drop the crap shows. In addition to your main act, set up satellite acts (Computer Horoscopes, Pitch Booths, Palm Readings, Magic Kits for sale, Tapes, Books) that can be run by staffing or during your down time.

4) When writing to Agents, Originators, Media, or potential Clients, ALWAYS include any flyers, business cards, some articles, and information on the various types of acts you do. You never know who will see these flyers lying around and they may need to book someone just like you. Send them big, catchy, and unusual stuff, that is hard not to notice.

5) When working with Press or Media, always perform a trick, a stunt, a mind reading effect, or a short Palm Readings. Mentalism effects leave a 'explosive' effect, and this will make the interviewer REMEMBER YOU FOREVER, and will encourage him to print your story over other, less interesting ones.

6) You may want someone to video tape you from time to time, as sometimes a performer will loose touch of how he actually is being presented to the audience. Use these tapes for your own personal critique to help improve yourself, and keep the short good bits available to use in possible promotional videos to hand out to your potential client.