7 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}
7 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}

Ideas to book more shows? JV?

by StevenTylerPjs
6 replies
Hello

I have a client that is a character/clown/magic company. They do shows for birthday parties, country clubs, school assemblies, etc. A large part of who they market to are kids. But adults like magic too, so they'll also book corporate events.

I'm looking for ideas on joint ventures as well as booking "larger gigs". These are not famous/known entertainers. It's the novelty or entertainment factor that I'm selling. No celebrities.

So far I'm talking with people that run bounce house operations, laser tag, YMCA, and anything else pertaining to kids.

I'm looking for more ideas and different angles on the joint ventures. I'm also looking for ideas on what or who to approach for the larger gigs.
#book #ideas #shows
Avatar of Unregistered
  • Profile picture of the author palmtreelife
    If they're not well known, I'm not sure how you'll book a large show. Why would lots of people pay to come see something from what will be perceived as amateurs?

    You need to showcase their talent and once they become known, then you can book the shows. If they're good enough, people will be coming to you.

    Try to get some stage time at fairs or trade shows. Record YouTube videos and market them online. Use that as social proof to gain the trust of decision makers.

    People need to know who they are and what they do before they can make it to the big show.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11507319].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author StevenTylerPjs
      Like I mentioned, they sell the entertainment value of a professional magician putting on a show, not a celebrity name that already has a following.

      Maybe I should explain what I meant by "larger gigs". I'm talking about school assemblies, city libraries, etc. And they already have established relationships with some of these places (not every district or every library). Those are the types of events I'm talking about. This isn't about promoting a particular persons act and hoping they become famous. It's about providing entertainment to large groups of people. I'm just trying to gather additional groups to target.

      *added later- I should also mention that much of what they do is targeted towards kids. They incorporate math, reading, say no to drugs, anti-bullying, etc into shows. It's a great company already and well-liked locally. The owner is looking to take it to the next level. They have a strong online presence already. They have an on-site location that allows for lessons to be taught and field trips or parties to be thrown in. It's small and not a huge selling point, but they get booking none the less. I'm considering suggesting to setup an e-commerce store to sell supplies either to end customers or to entertainers themselves like the ones they subcontract.



      And of course, the smaller gigs, like birthday parties and family get togethers. School is almost out, so graduation parties, etc. For those I'm looking to establish relationships for referrals and joint ventures. I've already got djs, party planners, bounce house owners, etc. I'm looking for additional angles and resources I may be missing.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11507322].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author GordonJ
        Originally Posted by StevenTylerPjs View Post

        Like I mentioned, they sell the entertainment value of a professional magician putting on a show, not a celebrity name that already has a following.

        Maybe I should explain what I meant by "larger gigs". I'm talking about school assemblies, city libraries, etc. And they already have established relationships with some of these places (not every district or every library). Those are the types of events I'm talking about. This isn't about promoting a particular persons act and hoping they become famous. It's about providing entertainment to large groups of people. I'm just trying to gather additional groups to target.

        *added later- I should also mention that much of what they do is targeted towards kids. They incorporate math, reading, say no to drugs, anti-bullying, etc into shows. It's a great company already and well-liked locally. The owner is looking to take it to the next level. They have a strong online presence already. They have an on-site location that allows for lessons to be taught and field trips or parties to be thrown in. It's small and not a huge selling point, but they get booking none the less. I'm considering suggesting to setup an e-commerce store to sell supplies either to end customers or to entertainers themselves like the ones they subcontract.



        And of course, the smaller gigs, like birthday parties and family get togethers. School is almost out, so graduation parties, etc. For those I'm looking to establish relationships for referrals and joint ventures. I've already got djs, party planners, bounce house owners, etc. I'm looking for additional angles and resources I may be missing.
        First, your state has a library association, and includes listings of performers.
        Check out ptotoday dot com and search for HOW TO CHOOSE SCHOOL PERFORMERS.

        You'll find the School Assembly Directory
        Academic Entertainment
        Premier-Showcase

        All list school performers. Many districts like to hire locals, so check with your county library system, they might have resources too.

        I think today, a social media presence is a must too. VIDEOS on youtube, would be a must if they were my friends or clients.

        A UNIQUE twist. A catchphrase, a specialty. Magicians are a dime a dozen, or less.

        Look at Academicentertainment dot com and their school shows, they break them down by topic.

        So. Get them on youtube.
        Get them into as many directories as you can.

        If I were doing it, I'd create a surprise mailer and send to the people in the area school districts who do the booking, use all your REMOTE DIRECT MARKETING savvy you can.

        First job is...

        to let the people who can hire them...

        K N O W they exist.

        Then, WHY THEM?

        Good luck,

        GordonJ
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11507392].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author StevenTylerPjs
    Thank you for the association suggestions and branding suggestions.

    As of now, they actually have different types of shows or assemblies they put on about various topics - drugs, anti-bullying, etc. I'm not sure how to go about licensing these types of shows though so that they could be packaged and sold.


    Im also reaching out to kids gyms, ice cream shops, etc to setup different types of referral systems. The smaller birthday party gigs don't bring a ton of money, but they have enough entertainers in their Rolodex to keep a continuous flow going on that scale as well.

    As for non-profits, I've always been under the assumption that they don't pay for entertainment like this. But that we would offer to put on shows at their events as a way to get exposure to the company when people came out to support the non-profit cause.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11507416].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Claude Whitacre
    If you are looking to book these gigs, follow the other's suggestions...but you need a large online presence. People looking to book magicians/entertainers for parties are going to look online. And you better be on the first page of Google search results, or you won't get called.

    If any of this is local, even in your state, so much the better...less competition. Build at least 2 or 3 websites that offer the same content (although posted in different order), lots of Youtube videos about how to guarantee a great event, and make sure you are listed with every online directory. There are services on Fiverr.com that will get you listed cheap.

    You need this online presence (NOT just one lonesome website) because;

    They will go directly online to search for entertainers.
    They will go online to check out your services after they found your listing.
    They will go online to check out your company, after they call you, but before they book with you.
    They will check you out online after they have booked.


    And of course, every other suggestion you have read about here, but you need to be online, because they will check you out online.
    Signature
    One Call Closing book https://www.amazon.com/One-Call-Clos...=1527788418&sr

    “Do not seek to follow in the footsteps of the wise; seek what they sought.” - Matsuo Basho
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11507484].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author cearionmarie
    Modern magicians can be more entertaining and can cater to a larger audience compared to clowns. If you want to increase more bookings in your services then having a strong social media presence can definitely help. Instagram and Facebook are two of my favorites.
    Signature

    Cearion Uy - Marketing Advisor
    www.influencerauditor.com

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[11512719].message }}
Avatar of Unregistered

Trending Topics