Successful Performercast by Kris Sheppard | Successful Performer Cast | Weekly Interviews with Professional Entertainers | Show Business, Showbiz, Performer, Magic, Magician, Juggler, Comedian, Musician

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I'm currently taking a holiday break from my regularly scheduled episodes, so for the next few weeks, I'm running my six most downloaded episodes. I'll be back on the first of the year with brand new episodes! In the mean time, enjoy these "Best of" episodes.

Mark Kornhauser's interview is my most downloaded episode of all time! In this episode, we talk about his career in magic, what it takes to perform in casino showrooms, his successes, challenges, and how hard work really pays off.

Mark Kornhauser is one of the most successful comedy acts in the world boasting 25 years plus, consistently performing in and producing shows in the most prestigious casinos in Vegas, Reno, Lake Tahoe, and Atlantic City. We’re talkin’ Harrahs, Planet Hollywood, Mandalay Bay, Flamingo, Tropicana, and Hilton, just to name a few.

He’s opened for more than a few top name entertainers like Tom Jones, Elvis Costello, Frankie Valli, Terry Fator, David Letterman, and Tim Allen.

He’s also been featured on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Masters of Illusion, NBC, FOX, Comedy Central, and HBO.

 

Success Mantra:

Hard work, clean living.

 

Working in Casinos:

• Fitting into a time slot

• How the casino venue has changed: catering more toward headliners than variety entertainers

• How he stays in the game: develops and grows new material • Mistakes he sees people make in the casino market

• What he sees as the future of performing in casinos

 

Failure Moment:

Did a Le Pétomane (flatulence) act that initially bombed.

 

Favorite Success:

His current act with his dog Zsa Zsa.

 

How Does Mark Differentiate Himself?

Makes his act vastly different from anyone else.

 

What's Worked Well for Mark's Business?

Maintaining relationships with clients.

 

Interesting Story from His Career

Listen in to what happened when Mark ran into James Brown at a bathroom sink.

 

What's Been Mark's Biggest Professional Challenge?

Staying through the difficult times

 

Other Topics Covered

• Success and how it's different for each person.

• Talks about how Doug Henning played a part in his journey.

• Listening to your audience.

• Talks about his inspiration and creative process.

• Gives us his take on magic on TV.

• You can no longer be an "expensive act," but you can be a "cheap show."

• Tells about his column in Magic Magazine.

 

Parting advice:

Hard work, clean living. And courage.

 

Recommended books and resources:

Note: Many of the links in this section are affiliate links, meaning we earn a small portion of any sales. If you're enjoying our podcast and decide to purchase one of the recommended resources or books, please consider using our affiliate links to help support the work we're doing here at the Successful Performercast. Thanks!

 

Resources

Have a place to collect your thoughts. Also, keep a lookout for a compilation of all of his articles from Magic Magazine.

 

Magic Books

Hiding the Elephant: How Magicians Invented the Impossible and Learned to Disappear by Jim Steinmeyer

The Glorious Deception: The Double Life of William Robinson, Aka Chung Ling Soo by Jim Steinmeyer

The Last Greatest Magician in the World: Howard Thurston Versus Houdini & the Battles of the American Wizards by Jim Steinmeyer

Our Magic by Nevil Maskelyne

 

Other Books

Whack to the Side of the Head by Roger von Oech

Kick to the Seat of the Pants by Roger von Oech

Whack Pack by Roger von Oech

The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron

Audible Free Trial

 

Where can we find Mark Kornhauser?

Mark's Website  

Direct download: SPC_Best_Of_1_-_Mark_Kornhauser.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:09am PDT

I'm currently taking a holiday break from my regularly scheduled episodes, so for the next few weeks, I'm running my six most downloaded episodes. I'll be back on the first of the year with brand new episodes! In the mean time, enjoy these "Best of" episodes. Lou Serrano's interview is my second most downloaded episode.

In this episode, we talk about Lou's career, how he's always working, and we also talk a little about his public speaking ventures and his thoughts on that.

Lou Serrano is a professional magician and a frequent performer at the Hollywood magic castle, a corporate entertainer, keynote speaker, and author, Lou is also a marketing expert and consultant who has helped countless other magicians and entertainers go after their chosen markets and kill it! It’s certainly no question as to why he’s been referred to as “the magician who is always working.”
 

Success Quote:

A lobster, when left high and dry among the rock, does not have the sense enough to work his way back to the sea, but waits for the sea to come to him. If it does not come, he remains where he is and dies, although the slightest effort would enable him to reach the waves, which are perhaps within a yard of him. The world is full of human lobsters; people stranded on the rocks of indecision and procrastination, who, instead of putting forth their own energies, are waiting for some grand billow of good fortune to set them afloat. — Orison Swett Marden  

Lou on Public Speaking

Lou is currently working on stepping into public and keynote speaking. He gives some of his insights on breaking into this market.

• Talks about the two ways to approach public speaking

• Tells about his topic, The Magic of Communication or How to Command the Attention of an Audience, and how he decided upon that topic.

• Talks about some of the lessons he's learned so far in this journey.

• Tells how he connects a topic points to a magical effects and gives an example.  

 

A Moment of Failure:

A $9,000 infomercial that ultimately flopped. It yielded absolutely no results. Find out what he learned.  

 

Biggest success:

Releasing his Steel Ball Routine which sold like hot cakes and ultimately helped him get through The Great Recession.  

 

How does he differentiate himself?

Lou differentiates himself from others in his genre by how he performs and how he does business. He ultimately wats his clients to get the best, even if that means he needs to hire someone else to fill their needs.  

 

Has he "made it?"

Yes. He "made it" the moment he started moving toward his goal of becoming a professional magician.  

 

What's working for him business-wise?

Keeping a database of clients & prospects and keeping in touch with them. Answers the question: "What if I only have a handful of people on my list?"  

 

Is there anything he would have done differently up to this point?

He would have been wiser with money early on. He wouldn't have been as careless with it as he had been at the beginning.  

 

Other topics touched upon:

• Lou brings us into his incredible journey of finding himself in music, then in magic, and how he'd actually hit rock bottom, finding himself without any real marketable skills and having to get a job driving that paid $5 an hour at the time. Find out how he got out and was able to transition into performing full time.

• The importance of having a list of clients and prospects and keeping in touch with them.

• How the Magic Castle has helped him in his career.

• Tells about why he gives a 20% commission to people that refer him shows and how effective it has been for him.  

 

Parting advice:

Treat your art as a business if you want to be successful. It's never too late to start.

People to study:

Jeff Walker - Product Launch Formula

Brendan Burchard - Experts Academy

Dan Kennedy - Small Business Marketing Strategy

Marlin Sanders - Amazing Formula  

 

Special Offer for Successful Performercast Listeners ONLY!

Lou is offering 20% off of his marketing course for magicians. This is a great course. It's what got me to take the first steps in marketing my magic business and has helped me tremendously. Visit www.sixfiguremagic.com and use the coupon code KRIS at the time of purchase and you'll automatically get 20% off!  

 

Recommended books and resources:

Note: Many of the links in this section are affiliate links, meaning we earn a small portion of any sales. If you're enjoying our podcast and decide to purchase one of the recommended resources or books, please consider using our affiliate links to help support the work we're doing here at the Successful Performercast. Thanks!  

 

Resource:

Squarespace  

 

Performance Specific Book

Maximum Entertainment by Ken Weber  

 

Non-Performance Specific Book

Goals!: How to Get Everything You Want — Faster Than You Ever Thought Possible by Brian Tracy

  

Where can we find Lou Serrano?

LouSerrano.com - Magic Website

SteelBallMagic.com - Close up magic routine

LouSerranoMarketing.com - Free marketing tips & advice

SixFigureMagic.com - Marketing course for magicians (20% Off with Coupon Code: KRIS)

 

Twitter @LouSerrano | Facebook

Direct download: SPC_Best_Of_2_-_Lou_Serrano.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:00am PDT

I'm currently taking a holiday break from my regularly scheduled episodes, so for the next few weeks, I'm running my six most downloaded episodes. I'll be back on the first of the year with brand new episodes! In the mean time, enjoy these "Best of" episodes.

In this episode, I talk to paranormal magician Joe Diamond. We go into detail on publicity stunts and how to get the press to notice! We also have an interesting discussion on "Pay What You Want" pricing structures and he mentions an awesome resource that you probably already have but just aren't using!

Joe Diamond is a paranormal magician from Chicago Illinois. Just in his twenties, Joe has been able to turn his fascination for the paranormal into a full time career and has an amazing understanding into the workings of the strange & bizarre, often defying the boundaries between what we assume can and can't be done.

He was the youngest First Place winner of the “Close Up Magic Classic,” an award given in Colon Michigan, the Magic Capital of the World and now performs his paranormal magic all over the country for private parties, corporations, and theaters.

Four years ago, Joe performed the world’s largest mind reading demonstration: completing a 33 acre cornfield maze while blindfolded, finishing in less than three hours. In fact, with his public demonstrations, Joe has been able to get more attention from the press lately than a good old fashioned Hollywood scandal. Magician

Jay Sankey says it best” "Joe has great skill, a marvelous sense of humor and more energy than any other four magicians combined! What more could you want?"  

 

Success Mantra:

Dream like you'll live forever, live like you'll die today. — James Dean  

 

Failure Story:

Joe tells us about a specific "hell gig" story that he had to endure where he was getting paid too little for too much, and was generally just a horrible experience.

 

Favorite Success:

Solving the world's largest corn field maze blindfolded!  

 

Publicity!!!

• Talks about his first venture into getting publicity.

• Tips where he got his idea for the blindfold corn maze walk. Hint: It's Corinda's!

• Putting different spins or angles on otherwise "classic stunts."

• If you fail a stunt, the only people that will know are you and the reporter. And you can always find another reporter!

• Getting the word out about your stunt.

• Getting the photos and videos of your stunt.

• Be safe! Do your due diligence. You don't have to do something dangerous. Joe has never done anything dangerous in his stunts.  

 

Other Topics Covered

• Always being ready. "What would I do if I had to do it tomorrow night?"

• Touch on Joe's venture into a "Pay What You Want" pricing structure.  

 

Publicity Consulting

Joe offers consulting on publicity and publicity stunts. Shoot him an email for more info.  

 

Recommended books and resources:

Note: Many of the links in this section are affiliate links, meaning we earn a small portion of any sales. If you're enjoying our podcast and decide to purchase one of the recommended resources or books, please consider using our affiliate links to help support the work we're doing here at the Successful Performercast. Thanks!  

 

Resources

Use your camera phone to get video of your show and video testimonials.

"Do you mind if we record this next trick?"

"Would you mind if I get a quick 10–20 second review of my magic?"  

 

Business Books

Buzzmarketing by Mark Hughes

Little Red Book of Selling by Jeffrey Gitomer

Thinker Toys by Michael Michalko   

 

Magic Books

Magic by Design by John Carney (Out of Print)

The Shiels Effect by Tony Shiels (Out of Print)

The Jinx by Theodore Annemann

The Phoenix  

 

Where can we find Joe Diamond?

Joe's Website

Youtube  

Direct download: SPC_Best_Of_3_-_Joe_Diamond.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:00am PDT

I'm currently taking a holiday break from my regularly scheduled episodes, so for the next few weeks, I'm running my six most downloaded episodes. I'll be back on the first of the year with brand new episodes! In the mean time, enjoy these "Best of" episodes.

Mac King! Mac tells us about his early days performing in comedy clubs and talks about how he keeps things fresh in his show at Harrah's in Vegas.

I probably don’t have to say this, but if you’re a magician and don’t know who Mac King is, I hereby revoke your magician card.

That said, Vegas Headliner Mac King is resident magician at Harrah’s Hotel & Casino and has been there for 15 years. This makes him the longest running magician in Vegas to be working at the same hotel!

He’s appeared on TV in countless shows on a variety of stations and in multiple countries. He also performs at corporate events for a select number of clients each year.

He’s authored and co-authored three books on the subject of magic, wears an awesome couch-plaid suit, and has a Fig Newton complex. Yet, according to his wife and daughter, he is a fine husband, a great dad, and all around swell fellow.

 

Sponsors:

Click Convert Profit — This episode is brought to you by Josh London's Click Convert Profit and his book Flying Solo, the Smart Solopreneur’s Guide to Making Money Online. Click here to get $10 off and for my listeners only, the free ebook "4 Ways to Find Your Most Profitable Keywords”.  

 

Success Quote

Big slumps come before big jumps. — Mac's wife  

 

Keeping his show fresh

• He really makes an effort to keep things fresh in his show. 

• Keeps a dialogue open with the audience.  

• Doesn't just use audience members "as a prop."

• Has a script for structure yet tries to find "little detours" to stray from the script and add variance to his shows.

• Talks a little about burnout and how it's affected him.

• Doesn't really add material, but he finds ways to tighten it.

• Things evolve and change over time.

• How he uses his show to test fly things he'll perform elsewhere, for example the suspension he performed at the Academy of Magical Arts Awards.

• Likes to "feel rushed" right before going on stage. It helps him to think on his feet and discover new things.  

 

Failure Moment

Tells who he ended up vomiting up a goldfish on stage and how the audience seemed none-the-wiser. And the lessons he learned.  

 

Other Topics Covered

• How your brain still works while you sleep and helps you work out problems.

• Tells his journey in magic which included a lot of hard work in comedy clubs.

• Working as a magician and sharing the stage with comedians.

• Laughs-per-minute.

• Recording and listening to your shows to make improvements.

• Emulating what you see other successful performers do.

• Having a beginning, middle, and end to your show.

• Finding his niche in Vegas.

• Tells some of the pitfalls he had to overcome before starting his current residence at Harrah's.  

 

Parting Advice

Do as many shows as you can and be a good listener.  

 

Recommended books and resources:

Note: Many of the links in this section are affiliate links, meaning we earn a small portion of any sales. If you're enjoying our podcast and decide to purchase one of the recommended resources or books, please consider using our affiliate links to help support the work we're doing here at the Successful Performercast. Thanks!  

 

Resources:

Keeping a count of all the props you have in your pockets before you go up on stage. Be sure to set up a retirement account.  

 

Books:

McComb's Magic by Billy McComb

Learn Magic by Henry Hay

Harpo Speaks by Harpo Marx   

 

Where can we find Mac King?

Mac Performs at Harrah's Casino in Las Vegas every Tuesday thru Saturday at 1 & 3 PM.

Mac King's Official Website

Twitter @MacKingShow | Facebook  

 

 

Direct download: SPC_Best_Of_4_-_Mac_King.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:00am PDT

I'm currently taking a holiday break from my regularly scheduled episodes, so for the next few weeks, I'm running my six most downloaded episodes. I'll be back on the first of the year with brand new episodes! In the mean time, enjoy these "Best of" episodes.

In this episode I talk to magician Jay Alexander! We talk all about various methods that Jay uses to market his business, encourage word of mouth, build relationships with his clients, and customize his shows!

Jay Alexander is one of the top corporate and society entertainers in the country and one of the highest paid magical performers in the industry.

Jay started his career early performing for the patrons of his parent’s shoe store. At the age of 14 he won the Society of American Magicians Gold Medal of Honor.

He now creates customized shows for Fortune 500 companies. Some of his corporate clients include Apple, Cisco, Lucas Films, Bank of America, Kaiser Permanente, Coca Cola, and Chrysler. He’s also performed at private parties and events for the likes of Robin Williams, The Rolling Stones, and Duran Duran.

In the words of Ron Wood from the Rolling Stones, “Jay is the best magician I have ever seen!"

 

Success Mantra:

Under-promise and over-deliver.  

 

Failure Story:

Tells about not quite understanding the market he was targeting and how he created a very specific character called "Moishe the All-Kosher Magician" which didn't work at all for his target market. He learned a very important lesson of knowing your market.

 

Favorite Success:

The time he made a young girl smile who hadn't shown a smile in at least eight years while performing magic at a school for autistic children.  

 

What's worked well for Jay's business?

Having a great show, word of mouth, and having something easy for the audience to remember about his show. (Ammar's adage: KISS - Keep It Slogan Simple)  

 

Interesting Story from the Road

Listen to a fun story involving Jay at the Fillmore with the Rolling Stones, and Card on the Ceiling.  

 

Biggest Professional Challenge

Staying relevant as he's becoming "The Old Guy."  

 

What would Jay have done differently?

Collaborated with more people and got more advice early on.  

 

Parting Advice

Learn how to manage your money.

 

Other Topics Covered

• You get ahead by working harder than everyone else.

• The magic isn't about you, or even your audience. It's about the Guest of Honor, or the person that hired you. It's your job to make them look great!

• Every moment from the time the client calls to the moment Jay sends the thank you card is planned and intentional. It's all part of the Jay Alexander experience.

• Going out into the audience right after his show to spend time with them, take pictures and do a little closeup magic.

• How he follows up with contacts even if he doesn't get their business.

• Word of mouth and getting video testimonials.

• Customizing his shows for his clients: Facebook is your friend!

• Getting your audience to remember you.

• Getting inspiration by watching bands and how they structure their concerts.  

 

Recommended books and resources:

Note: Many of the links in this section are affiliate links, meaning we earn a small portion of any sales. If you're enjoying our podcast and decide to purchase one of the recommended resources or books, please consider using our affiliate links to help support the work we're doing here at the Successful Performercast. Thanks!  

 

Resources

Siri: Jay does a great deal through Siri.

Also, make sure you have with you at every show, a toothbrush, prop list, color-coded cue sheet, and intro card.

Pro tip: If you laminate the prop list, cue sheet, and intro card, you'll always get them back!  

 

Magic Books

Maximum Entertainment by Ken Weber

Stage Performance by Livingston Taylor  

 

Business Books

Million Dollar Speaking: The Professional's Guide to Building Your Platform by Alan Weiss

Never Eat Alone by Keith Ferrazzi   

 

Where can we find Jay Alexander?

JayAlexander.com

Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter @JAlexanderMagic | Google+ | Youtube  

 

 

 

Direct download: SPC_Best_Of_5_-_Jay_Alexander.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:30am PDT

Michael Eaton is a professional magician from Orlando Florida, one of the official magicians of the Orlando Magic basketball team, and his business and marketing chops are as amazing as his magic chops! During our conversation, we talk in depth about restaurant magic and his approach to performing in them.  

 

Success Quote:

Relate to people and adapt well to environments. Life will often teach you more than a book can. — Michael Eaton

  

Restaurant magic:

• Michael's approach to restaurant magic isn't just about performing for tables to help the guests wait for their food. He works with the restaurant and uses his magic to help bring in business and increase interaction online with the restaurant.

• Push vs. Pull marketing.

• The importance of wardrobe to your act.

• How to approach tables: Read, Relate, Rapport. He even gives us a script he uses when approaching tables.

• Michael's stance on accepting tips

• Why people tip. Sometimes the affluent will tip you as a way of dismissing you to move on to the next table.  

 

A Moment of Failure:

Find out how Michael learned the hard way to think twice about what he posts in social media arenas.  

 

Biggest success:

Michael had the privilege and honor to perform for the Kentucky Derby Train for high profile people and politicians.  

 

What's working for him business-wise?

Maintaining relationships and treating everyone as equal. You just never know who you know.  

 

Other topics touched upon:

• What it's like being one of the official magicians of the Orlando Magic.

• Tells about his first paid magic gig for which he had to borrow some apparatus from the magic shop that employed him.

• Talks about the considerable resistance he's received from friends and family in response to being a full time magician.

• Tells a heart-warming story about performing for a group of people at a restaurant that just returned from a funeral of a dear loved one. It illustrates the fact that it's not about tricks, moves, or sleights. It's not about our act, but about the people we meet and the difference we can make in their lives.  

 

Parting advice:

Have a specific client avatar for you to target.  

 

Recommended books and resources:

Note: Many of the links in this section are affiliate links, meaning we earn a small portion of any sales. If you're enjoying our podcast and decide to purchase one of the recommended resources or books, please consider using our affiliate links to help support the work we're doing here at the Successful Performercast. Thanks!

 

Performance Specific Book

Fitzkee Trilogy

 

Non-Performance Specific Books

How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie

No BS Direct Marketing by Dan Kennedy

13 Ways to Hack Facebook Ads: A Digital Marketer Hack Guide by Ryan Deiss

Frank Kern: Mass Control   

 

Resources:

It's essential to have a way to capture emails and keep in touch with your clients. Here are a couple ways that Michael recommends: AWeber | Mailchimp  

 

Restaurant Magic Consultation Session - $199

Michael offers a special restaurant magic consultation session on how to track and show how you're making a difference to the bottom line of the restaurants you work at. If you take him up on this offer, please let him know you heard about it here! You can contact him at his website. Eaton Magic  

 

Where can we find Michael Eaton?

Michael's official website

Facebook  

Direct download: SPC_Best_Of_6_-_Michael_Eaton.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:00am PDT

In this interview,magician Nick Paul talks about his time performing with Disney, performing silently, and his sketch comedy influence!

Nick is a magician who for 14 years has performed full-time touring the United States at corporate events, collages, and theaters. He’s also had opportunities to perform at Walt Disney World, on cruises, and in multiple countries. He was voted “Critic’s Choice” for Best Variety Performance at the Orlando Fringe Festival, and was personally invited to audition for America’s Got Talent.

In addition to this, he also has a podcast geared toward magicians called “Two Magicians, One Mic." Walt Disney World says, "He’s an entertainment tour de force."

 

Top of the Show News

This week, I'm going to be traveling up north to visit some friends and take part in Phil Ackerly's Night of Comedy and Magic to support our troops. I'll be performing strolling magic before the stage show (That features Phil Ackerly, Christian Cagigal, and Ryan Kane). Come out to support our troops and to say hi! I'd love to meet you if you're up in that area!

Click here for more info.  

 

Interview with Nick Paul: Success Mantras

You’re only as good as your next show.

"Yes, and…"  

 

Working with Disney

• Tells how he got in with Disney, auditioning, and a "lucky break."

• Tells how he created a specific show, a silent act, for his Disney audition.

• How he doesn’t like auditions and about his inside perspective into them.

• Performed at The Boardwalk at Walt Disney World in a sort of busking atmosphere (without passing the hat).

• Learning from other performers and from the different kinds of audiences.

• Gearing up to work on Disney Cruise Lines.

• Changes he’s making as he’s getting ready to get into a completely different venue.  

 

Working Silent & Sketch Comedy

• Being aware of your posture and every movement and facial expressions.

• Your actions need to be genuine.

• How to view your helpers up on stage.

• Playing off of your partners on stage.

• Playing bigger and smaller.

• Listening to your audience.

• At the end of a sketch, the character is forever changed.

• How does this sketch change me and the audience?

• The audience is your partner.

• When and how you can tactfully “razz" or "jab at" your helper.

 

Other Topics Covered

• Impostor Syndrome

• Networking with people and being kind.

• Cutting your teeth in restaurants.  

 

Failure Moment

How Nick tried to get into the Blue Man Group and then ultimately realized it wasn’t for him. Even after two of his friends landed gigs with them.  

 

Favorite Success

Landing a contract with Disney.  

 

Biggest Pro Challenge

Differentiating himself from other magicians.  

 

Parting Advice

Be kind and try to be unique with your act.  

 

Recommended books and resources:

Note: Many of the links in this section are affiliate links, meaning we earn a small portion of any sales. If you're enjoying our podcast and decide to purchase one of the recommended resources or books, please consider using our affiliate links to help support the work we're doing here at the Successful Performercast. Thanks!  

 

Resources:

Bluetooth Remote by Satechi

Onetrack for iPhone  

 

Books:

Born Standing Up by Steve Martin

Malcolm Gladwell Books - Outliers, Blink, The Tipping Point, David & Goliath

Seducing Strangers by Josh Weltman  

 

Where can we find Nick Paul?

Two Magicians One Mic.com

NickPaul.net

Impossible Feats of Fake Magic (Full Show) 

Direct download: SPC_087_Nick_Paul_-_Magician.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:30am PDT

In this interview, juggler Chris Ruggiero talks about going after your dreams and the pros and cons of doing everything in your business yourself.

Chris is a juggler, magician, and general daredevil who stays busy traveling the country performing his show where nothing is off limits! He’s recently been seen on The Ellen DeGeneres show, has published a book on following your dreams entitled Just Go, and a man of my own heart, he also has a podcast where he interviews other entertainers he’s met in his adventures!

Plus, he gives the most exuberant high fives I’ve ever seen!  

 

Top of the Show News

In a week, I'm going to be traveling up north to visit some friends and take part in Phil Ackerly's Night of Comedy and Magic to support our troops. I'll be performing strolling magic before the stage show (That features Phil Ackerly, Christian Cagigal, and Ryan Kane). Come out to support our troops and to say hi! I'd love to meet you if you're up in that area! Tap here for more info!

 

Interview with Chris Ruggiero: Success Mantra

It takes the same amount of effort to struggle as it does to thrive and succeed.  

 

In Business, Should You Do Everything Yourself?

• It helps you know what you should outsource or not.

• When you do end up outsourcing, you know more about the task at hand than you would if you hadn’t tried it out yourself first.

• Often times you’ll find things that you really love doing.

• How to know when you need to outsource something.

• Investing in yourself like in courses, specialized training, and coaches.

• Mastermind groups.  

 

Chris’ Other Creative Ventures

Chris Ruggiero Podcast — a show where variety entertainer Chris Ruggiero interviews other entertainers he meets in his adventures. In this show you’ll find incredible stories that will leave you intrigued, inspired, and ready to live your own dreams. He’s interviewed entertainers like Justin Flom, Jeff Civillico, Brett Loudermilk, and Barry Friedman.

Just Go: Adventures Of A Traveling Entertainer And A Guide To Living Your Dream — In his debut book, Chris Ruggiero shares personal stories of being a traveling entertainer and offers tips and advice to create an adventurous life most people only dream of. The book is a collection of small and easily digestible essays.

 

Other Topics Covered

• Getting things done now rather than later.

• Getting to comfortable.

• Talks about his beginnings as an entertainer.

• Inner doubt whether you’re “good enough” to be an entertainer. AKA The Impostor Syndrome.

• Individually connect with people in the crowd during your performances.

• Working with agents and how he got his first agent by doing some showcases.

• This is the best time to be living in regards to building an audience and not having to ask permission to do something.

• How Chris wrote his book.

• Physical vs. digital publishing.

• Persistence.

• Be good and keep showing up.

• Whatever gets scheduled, gets done.  

 

Failure Moment

Tells about a time on a unicycle where he took a nice little spill during a show.  

 

Favorite Success

His recent appearance on the Ellen Degeneres Show. 

 

Biggest Pro Challenge

Staying focused and on task.

 

Parting Advice

Don’t wait to start something you’ve been thinking about. Take your first step today.  

 

Recommended books and resources:

Note: Many of the links in this section are affiliate links, meaning we earn a small portion of any sales. If you're enjoying our podcast and decide to purchase one of the recommended resources or books, please consider using our affiliate links to help support the work we're doing here at the Successful Performercast. Thanks!  

 

Resources:

A camera, on your phone or otherwise.  

 

Books:

How to be like Walt by Pat Williams

Choose Yourself! by James Altucher  

 

Other Resources Mentioned During Show

Squarespace

Barry Friedman’s Showbiz Blueprint

Michael Hyatt’s Blog and Platform University

Dave Ramsey

 

Where can we find Chris Ruggiero?

www.chrisruggiero.com

Twitter @onemanvariety | InstagramYouTube    

Direct download: SPC_086_Chris_Ruggiero_-_Magic_Juggler.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:30am PDT

In this interview, Annie Banannie takes us into her career as a balloon storyteller. She talks about working with children, satisfying clients, and ultimately making a difference in the kids lives.

Annie is a children’s book author who doesn’t just write and sell her books, but also creates “balloon theater” where she uses balloons to tell stories. Her shows are tailored for elementary schools, public libraries, preschools, and family events, and her mission is to help children realize that they have amazing creative ability hidden within themselves.

With her, every balloon has a story.

 

Kris' Recommendation of the Week

I just finished listening to the audio version of Steve Martin's book Born Standing Up and I get something new out of it every time! If you haven't read it, you should definitely check it out.

 

Interview with Annie Banannie: Success Mantra

Ship! — Seth Godin If you wait until everything is perfect, you’ll never do it.  

 

Balloon Theater and Working with Children

• What is balloon theater?

• With kids, laughs per minute isn’t as important as interaction with the humor.

• Never be afraid of straying from your plan.

• Making you volunteer have more fun on stage than anyone else in the audience.

• Working with special needs kids on stage.

• Making a difference on kids lives.

• Having a special needs kid up on stage being successful isn’t only for that kid, but all the other kids in the audience as well, breaking down the barrier between the common kids and the special needs kids.

• Working with the client (teacher, parent, principal, etc.) to achieve their goals.

• Working within the school’s schedule.

• Being reliable.

• Librarians talk about who they hire for entertainment and are brutally honest on how they liked or didn’t like them.

• Pitching your show and educating your prospects  

 

Other Topics Covered

• Not waiting until things are perfect.

• Selling your product before you make it.

• The importance having a coach and always learning.  

 

Failure Moment

Tells how she botched a silent act in Japan where she wasn’t prepared enough in front of 2,000 people.  

 

Favorite Success

Talks about how out of necessity of not having her props. she blew up a bunch of balloons and did a “create your own story” for the audience which turned out being a huge success!  

 

Parting Advice

Play. Have fun.  

 

Recommended books and resources:

Note: Many of the links in this section are affiliate links, meaning we earn a small portion of any sales. If you're enjoying our podcast and decide to purchase one of the recommended resources or books, please consider using our affiliate links to help support the work we're doing here at the Successful Performercast. Thanks!  

 

Resources: Podcasts and audiobooks.  

 

Books:

Purple Cow and The Icarus Deception by Seth Godin

The War of Art by Steven Pressfield

 

Where can we find Annie Banannie?

Balloonstoryteller.com

thesecretlifeofyourlibrary.com

facebook.com/balloonstoryteller

Dr. Electric Takes Over the World on Amazon

balloon-animals.com - Buster’s Site

 

 

 

Direct download: SPC_085_Annie_Banannie_-_Balloon_Theater.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:30am PDT

In this interview, Avner Eisenberg, who performs as Avner the Eccentric, talks about his career and his approach to performing silent comedy. Other topics that come up are creating material appropriate for your character, being easy to work with, and where he finds inspiration.

Avner is a clown, juggler, mime, sleight-of hand artist, and actor. He's been featured on TV and as The Jewel in the Movie Jewel of the Nile. He’s been a featured performer at various comedy, magic, and theater festivals world-wide, where he’s won multiple awards like the Edinburgh Festival’s New Faces award, and special jury awards at many other notable festivals. In 2002 he was inducted into the International Clown Hall of Fame.

In addition to this, Avner is an instructor in his craft, teaching on physical comedy and silent theater.  

 

Success Mantra

Always take a nap before a show.  

 

Avner’s Approach to Comedy

• Fear of not being interesting.

• Performers and Audiences being afraid of each other.

• Be interested, not interesting.

• Contract between the audience and performer is to share the same hallucination.

• Make them love you and then you can do anything. Even card tricks.

• The objective isn’t not to make people laugh.

• Laughs can be an interruption that you have to deal with.

• A performer should never be foolish, but also never be afraid of looking foolish.

• There is no failure, only feedback.

 

 

Communicating Without Words

• Keep your mouth shut. :)

• Make what you’re pretending to do more compelling than what you’re really doing.  

 

Other Topics Covered

• Talks about how he accidentally fell into entertainment.

• Tells about his the structure of his one-man show.

• How he became a silent act.

• Talks about a lucky break he received (a glowing NY Times review) and how things took off.

• How audiences have changed as well as their expectations.

• Keeping his act fresh.

• Putting obstacles in the path of the person trying to accomplish a goal. But they have to be obstacles that you can get around.

• Where he finds inspiration.

• Creating things that fit within your character and killing or modifying things that don’t.

• How his show has evolved over his career.

• Being easy to work with.  

 

Failure Moment

Getting a woman up on stage with him who was sloshed and couldn’t follow directions, so he let her go back to her seat to get someone else up to help out. She turned out to be just as wasted as the first.  

 

Favorite Success

A fun and amazing coincidence which only could have happened to Avner. And then in a completely unrelated account, winning a competition he didn’t realize he was competing in.  

 

What’s worked best in building his career?

Running on Broadway and playing The Jewel in The Jewel of the Nile. Asking for reviews and building his press kit.  

 

Biggest Professional Challenge

Playing the Jewel of the Nile  

 

Interesting Story from the Road

Tells a few stores which involve arriving late to a show and having to setup in front of them, another instance where a young girl wet herself on stage, and yet another instance where he was attacked by a drunk man on stage!  

 

Parting Advice

Be interested, not interesting. If you can’t succeed every time, learn to fail magnificently.  

 

Recommended books and resources:

Note: Many of the links in this section are affiliate links, meaning we earn a small portion of any sales. If you're enjoying our podcast and decide to purchase one of the recommended resources or books, please consider using our affiliate links to help support the work we're doing here at the Successful Performercast. Thanks!  

 

Resources:

Avner’s Full Tech Documentation  

 

Books:

Zen in the Art of Archery by Eugen Herrigel

Uncommon Therapy: The Psychiatric Techniques of Milton H. Erickson, M.D. by Jay Haley

Aikido in Daily Life by Koichi Tohei

 

Where can we find Avner Eisenberg?

avnertheeccentric.com 

Direct download: SPC_084_Avner_Eisenberg_-_Comedy_Without_Words.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:30am PDT

In this episode, magician Jon Armstrong talks about his career so far in magic and why he has no Plan B!

If you’re a magician and don’t know who Jon is, you’re probably new to the club or have been living under a rock. Jon has performed in such notable venues as Walt Disney World, Sea World, and Caesar’s Magical Empire where he headlined. He’s also taken his act around the world performing in over 30 countries.

He’s a sought after director when it comes to producing quality magic acts and has consulted on films and TV shows like The Mentalist and Spider Man 3. This is in addition to many TV appearances, his most recent being a performance on Pen & Teller’s Fool Us.

There’s almost too much to mention about Jon, like his comic series Smoke and Mirrors, his products for magicians, and his involvement in the Academy of Magical Arts. Even this is just scratching the surface!    

 

Kris' Recommendation of the Week

Chris Ruggiero Podcast - a show where variety entertainer Chris Ruggiero interviews other entertainers he meets in his adventures. In this show you’ll find incredible stories that will leave you intrigued, inspired, and ready to live your own dreams. He’s interviewed entertainers like Justin Flom, Jeff Civillico, Brett Loudermilk, and Barry Friedman.  

 

Interview with Jon Armstrong: Success Mantra

Having a fallback plan means you can fall back.  

 

No Plan B

• Talks about his early days.

• Either he hustles or doesn’t eat.

• Talks about some of his lean times.

• Tells about some of the “day jobs” he’s had.

• Gives a brief synopsis of his career up to this point.

 

Jon’s Time at Walt Disney World (WDW)

• Talks about how he got his gig at Rose & Crown at Epcot.

• What they initially wanted him to do for his act and what he ended up doing.

• Talks a little about the character he developed to Epcot.

• Developing his material, some of which he uses to this day.

• This is where he cut his teeth.

• Reformatting his material out of “the British” character for venues outside of WDW.

• Within a show, you can say anything to anyone as long as you beat yourself up first, and deliver your jab or witty remark to them with a smile on your face.  

 

Jon’s Time in Vegas

• Talks about his first steps when getting there.

• Connecting with other professional magicians in the area.

• Working with Joey Burton, Apollo Robbins, and Armando Lucero doing strolling magic at Caesar’s Magical Empire.

• Tells how he got lucky and became a featured performer at Caesar’s.

• Why he left Vegas.

• Surrounding yourself with people who are doing what you want to do and will challenge you to further yourself.  

 

Persistence and Overcoming Challenges

• Dealing with dyslexia and overcoming it in daily dealings.

• Systems he has in place to hep him work around it.

• Why he’d much rather jump on the phone with someone rather than correspond in written form.

• Nobody likes writing, they only like having written. Living and Working in LA

• Performing at the Magic Castle and handing out business cards.

• Engaging and befriending people and getting their cards or contact info.

• Getting people on his email list.

• Looking for creative ways to add value to people’s lives.

• Focusing on his strengths in that he’s a really good people person so he uses that.

• Sending “stuff” to his top clients.

• Personalizing his interactions with his email list and clients.

• Creating cool different ways to keep in front of his clients and prospects.

• Referring other magicians when he’s already booked.  

 

Failure Moment

Tells about a time very early in his career where he learned about the importance of hygiene. He literally felt like his career was over.  

 

Favorite Success

Wining Close Up Magician of the Year from the Academy of Magical Arts.

 

Parting Advice

Go out and make as many friends and genuine connections with people as you can. Make human connections.  

 

Recommended books and resources:

Note: Many of the links in this section are affiliate links, meaning we earn a small portion of any sales. If you're enjoying our podcast and decide to purchase one of the recommended resources or books, please consider using our affiliate links to help support the work we're doing here at the Successful Performercast. Thanks!  

 

Resources:

Show Cues

Mint.com for Keeping Track of your finances  

 

Books

Understanding Comics by Scott McCloud

Ken Dyne's Gig Flow

 

Where can we find Jon Armstrong?

www.CardJon.com

Tiny Plunger

Twitter @cardjon | Facebook | LinkedIn  

Direct download: SPC_083_Jon_Armstrong_-_No_Plan_B.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:00am PDT

In this episode, Ellusionist General Manager Adam Wilber talks about the ins and outs of publishing your own effects to sell. He also tells some of the ways he's drumming up his own business and booking gigs.

Boasting clients like CBS, NatGeo, SyFy, C|Net, and Discovery Channel, Adam spends his time in the corporate arena giving his clients “entertainment that doesn’t suck” with both close up and stage magic. Not only that, but Adam is also the General Manager for Ellusionist internet magic shop and has also created a number of products in their catalog including Pyro, which allows you to shot fire from your hands, and The Working Man, a video which takes you through some business strategy to help you start making money performing magic.  

 

Success Mantra

Purposely stay busy.

Don't get too tied up comparing yourself with others because there's always going to be somebody far greater than you and somebody far less than you.

Don't compare your beginning to someone else's middle.  

 

Ellusionist

• Talks about his role as GM for Ellusionist.

• What is Ellusionist looking for when adding something to their catalog?

• Who to talk to in order to pitch a product to Ellusionist and what to send.

• Do your due diligence

• How earnings are split between the creator and Ellusionist.

• Talks about his first trick he submitted to Ellusionist.

• It also needs to fit Ellusionist.

• They should me times point you in e direction of a different online magic dealer.

• Talks about some of the bad submissions he gets.

• Take a look at some of the other new tricks out and see what they are and what some of the best selling products are.    

 

Failure Moment

Tells about a failed emailing he did that went out to 400 emails where there was a very unfortunate typo.

 

Favorite Success

His role at Ellusionist.
 
 

Bigget Professional Challenge

Organization, keeping track of and in touch with his clients.
 
 

What Would He Have Done Differently?

He would have "dressed up" a bit more for his Instagram videos so he could use them as promo videos on his website.
 
 

Other Topics Covered

• Having a destination or goal for what you're working towards.

• Mentions the miracle morning book.

• Talks about how he got involved with Ellusionist.

• Talks about what he's doing right now to start marketing himself in Boston having just moved there.

• Contacting a company in a creative way using magic to break the ice.

• Unique selling point

• Defining who you want to work for, and going after them.

• The magic isn't about you (the magician), it's about your client, the guest of honor, the product your selling, etc.

 

Parting Advice

Stay busy with a purpose.  

 

Recommended books and resources:

Note: Many of the links in this section are affiliate links, meaning we earn a small portion of any sales. If you're enjoying our podcast and decide to purchase one of the recommended resources or books, please consider using our affiliate links to help support the work we're doing here at the Successful Performercast. Thanks!  

 

Resources:

Squarespace

Seth's Popup Creator for Squarespace

Leadpages  

 

Books

Miracle Morning

Strong Magic by Darwin Ortiz

Maximum Entertainment  

 

Where can we find Adam Wilber?

Adamwilber.com Ellusionist Items Instagram Videos

Direct download: SPC_082_Adam_Wilber_-_Ellusionist.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:30am PDT

In the second half of this series, Josh London goes in-depth on how to setup a Google Adwords campaign, what to have on your landing page, and specific strategies to help you get results from your internet marketing efforts.  

 

Google Adwords Overview

• This is the main platform to do paid advertising.

• Differences between ads and organic search listings.

• Have your website in order first.

• Advantages of using paid traffic vs organic traffic.  

 

Settings for Google Adwords

• Creating a campaign, and which type of campaign to use.

• Start small, then expand your search parameters.

• Choosing networks to display your ads on.

• Choosing geographical locations and using it’s advanced features.

• Setting up your bid strategy.

• Setting up your daily budget. (Generally between $10–20 per day)

• Delivery method.

• Wading through advanced settings.  

 

Creating the Ad

• Knowing your target audience and taking that into account.

• Know your end goal and work backwards.

• Look at your competition and do something that stands out. Something different and unique.

Portent.com/tools/title-maker for ideas.

• Make sure it matches your landing page.

• Headlines and description lines.

• Split testing ads.  

 

Keywords

• Start with Google’s planner tool, but know that you’ll have to do a lot of tinkering.

• Types of keywords: broad match, phrase match, and exact match.

• Negative keywords.

• Let data drive your decisions.

• Longtail Pro is a good service to help you with picking keywords.

• Keep in mind: Everything is setup for Google to make money.

• How to tweak and adjust things as you have your ad running.

• Tips to finding keywords you should use.

 

Landing Pages

• What should your landing page have?

• It should complete your goal.

• Call to Action

• Have an opt-in incentive to get them to give you their email address. Something like a price sheet. This is often more effective than a contact form.

Mailchimp is a great service to use for this.

• Everything needs to line up from the landing page, to the ad, to the search terms they originally used to see your ad.

• Make it as easy as possible for your client to get in touch with you and get your prices.

• Begin to build a relationship with your prospect.

• Building your list is the best way for you to make sales online.

• Create dedicated landing pages for each ad group that you have.

• Don’t have ads point to your home page.

Unbounce and Lead Pages help you to split test your landing pages.

• Your landing page is the most important part of your online marketing campaign because, that’s where the conversions are made.  

 

Where can we find Josh London?

Clickconvertprofit.com

Flying Solo

Direct download: SPC_081_Josh_London_-_Internet_Marketing_Part_2.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:30am PDT

In this interview, I have my very first return guest! Josh London goes in-depth on internet marketing, first talking about your website, and then going over SEO to help you create a solid foundation for your own internet marketing strategy.  

 

Sponsors:

Acting for Magicians by Richard Ribuffo — Pick up your copy today and SAVE $5!

 

Getting a View of the Landscape

• Differences between Pay Per Click and Search Engine Optimization

• What the large pieces of an internet marketing campaign are.

• Making sure you’re creating good quality content.

• Making sure all parts of your campaign line up with each other. No disconnects.

• Three stages to buying: Awareness, Research, and Buying.  

 

Website Design

• Make your website as simple as possible

• Get your user the info they want as fast as possible

• Build on a wordpress framework and use a responsive theme to make it mobile-friendly

• Create the hierarchy of your website: Homepage, About Page, Blog (keep it updated), Contact page

• Don't try to make it "clever." Clear and simple is the better way to do things.

• The importance of having a mobile friendly website  

 

SEO (Search Engine Optimization)

• White hat vs black hat SEO techniques.

• How to get your site in top rankings in Google.

• Yoast Wordpresslugin will help you with your SEO.

• Using keywords in your title, meta description, and body copy.

• Optimizing your images.

• Don't "stuff" your page with keywords.

• Write for the user, not the search engine.

• What people might overlook when trying to make their site more SEO friendly.

• Using header tags within your copy.

• How to do keyword research.

• Using closely related keywords.

• Having a call to action.

• Look at what everyone else is doing and make what they're doing better.  

 

Website Content

• You want to have engaging content so that people don't leave. You want to lower your bounce rate.

• The importance of a blog.

• What should entertainers blog about and not blog about?

• Blogging and content marketing is an art.

• What should be the focus of your blog? Create content that your user wants and that will get shared on social outlets. (And not just by your mom.)

• The content that you blog about should be different than your static pages.

• Talk about the benefits of your services to your customer. Don't talk about yourself.

• How often should I update my blog?

• Don't create blog posts on a whim. Try buzzsumo.com

• Commenting on other peoples blog posts on your topic.

• Strategy of getting your blog posts shared.

• Out reaching for your content.

• Ninja outreach.com

• Your blog is another way for you to stay in front of your audience. TOMA

 

Parting Advice

It's all about content and making things easy for your user navigating on your site. Coming up: pay per click keywords.  

 

Where can we find Josh London?

Clickconvertprofit.com

Flying Solo

Direct download: SPC_080_Josh_London_-_Internet_Marketing_Part_1.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:30am PDT

Richard Ribuffo talks about Acting for Magicians teaching us how and why acting and theatre training are amongst the most valuable tools for magicians and how we can benefit greatly from understanding how to apply these tools.

Richard, will be the first to tell you he’s not a “successful performer, per se but a succeeding performer.” He does have tremendous value to offer though, when it comes to having a great product to sell. As David Ogilvy said, "Great marketing only makes a bad product fail faster,” so Richard is here to talk about how to improve our product, our show.

 

Sponsors:

Acting for Magicians by Richard Ribuffo — Pick up your copy today and SAVE $5!  

 

Interview with Richard Ribuffo: Success Mantras

What do you want them to Do, Think, or Feel? How do I get them to do that?

Count the pennies, and the dollars will count themselves.  

 

Acting for Magicians

• Talks about his background in acting

• Talks about his book and how it’s structured.

• Giving more thought to why you’re doing what you’re doing. It goes beyond just doing tricks.  

 

Artistic Method

The process of creating art from the point of view of the audience.

1. Experimentation

2. Observation

3. Discussion

4. Formulation

5. Disruption  

 

GOTE

Goal - What do you want your audience to do, think, or feel?

Other - Who is your other? If it’s your audience, who are they?

Tactic - How will you achieve your goal?

Expectation - What do you ecpect the outcome to be?

Cool exercise to help you understand GOTE better: Watch another performer’s act, deconstruct it, and try to figure out their GOTE.  

 

Contest!

Prize: An Autographed Copy of Acting for Magicians

In order to win, share your own GOTE by posting it in the comments below the show notes and in two weeks on 10/2, I'll announce the winner on my show.

 

Other Topics Covered

• How he made his jump to full time and what he’s doing right now to make it work for him.

• Mentoring and being mentored

 

Parting Advice

Always make the more interesting choice.  

 

Recommended books and resources:

Note: Many of the links in this section are affiliate links, meaning we earn a small portion of any sales. If you're enjoying our podcast and decide to purchase one of the recommended resources or books, please consider using our affiliate links to help support the work we're doing here at the Successful Performercast. Thanks!  

  

Resources:

Facebook Groups: AMA, SME Talk Magic

Take acting classes

Zero to Booked Solid in 30 Days by James Munton

 

Where can we find Richard Ribuffo?

Acting for Magicians

Richard the Magician

 

 

Direct download: SPC_079_Richard_Ribuffo_-_Acting_for_Magicians.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:30am PDT

In this episode, variety entertainer Carisa Hendrix takes us through some of her personal steps to success which includes hiring a full-time assistant, Facebook Ads, press releases, and doing things out of order!

Hailing from Calgary, Carisa is a variety entertainer who for the past ten years has professionally performed magic, sideshow, circus, and fire acts. She’s taken her act all around Canada and the world. She’s been featured in Ripley’s Believe it Or Not, Vegas Strip Search, and the Guinness Book of World Records where she holds the record for “longest duration fire torch teething.”

She’s a skilled entertainer with a wide range of talents which also includes artistic director of Ballyhoo Entertainment where she crafts and designs custom entertainment options for corporate and special events.

She’s a trusted authority in fire eating and teaches on the subject via her blog at Firepedia.com.

Let’s just say she’s not the sort I’d like to happen across in a dark alley.  

 

Sponsors:

Acting for Magicians by Richard Ribuffo — Pick up your copy today and SAVE $5!

ManageGigs.com — a system that helps you manage all your customers, gigs, set lists, and more! ManageGigs is looking for a small group of working performers to serve as beta testers. Click here to sign up for your chance to be a part of the Beta program.

 

Contest: Win a Book!

I'm proud to report that we've recently gotten to 50,000 downloads! Thank you for all your support! As  thanks, I'm giving away a free book to one lucky winner. The book is Dan Kennedy's No BS Direct Marketing book.

To enter, click here and leave a comment telling me your favorite moment in one of my episodes, or one thing you've picked up from an interview that's helped your business. I'll announce the winner in a couple weeks.  

 

Interview with Carisa Hendrix: Success Quote

• A generous spirit.

• Authentic relationships.

• Consistent, considerate, and complete work.  

 

Carisa’s Road to Success

Carisa tells about the broad topics of knowledge she has that have contributed to her entertainment business success.  

 

Hiring an Assistant

• Hiring a full-time assistant, and what’ she’s learned in the process.

• Hiring someone that wants what she’s accomplished, so she’s also mentoring someone as well as paying them.

• The value of having a personal assistant.

• How she realized that she needed an assistant.

• How to interview and pick your assistant.

• Writing a good job description.

• Bringing a non-biased third party to the interviews.

• Job duties of her current assistant.

 

Press Releases

• Cultivating relationships with the press.

• How write press releases.

• Have something to offer them.

• Write it so the editor doesn’t have to do anything.

• How to spin things to be more attractive to editors.

• What needs to be in a press release?

• Try to figure out what would make a good story. An interesting hook. Why now? What’s happening now?

• Who do you send press releases to? How do you build your press list?

• Not limited to just news press, but blogs and other new media avenues  

 

Facebook Ads

• Using Facebook ads to reach very specific audiences.

• Using ads to build their community.

• Getting in front of and staying in front of the people who have already seen their shows. Top of Mind Awareness

• Starting conversations around their brand.  

 

Doing Things Out of Order

• When working on a goal, take a step back and see if you should be doing things in a different order.

• Don’t obsess over the specific order of things. Sometimes, it may be more effective to do things out or order.

 

Other Topics Covered

• Sometimes you need to fire clients.

• Entertainment is art in the pursuit of joy.

• Talks about some of the “normal” jobs she’s had.

• How she almost went down a different road entirely.

• Having to re-learn some things.

• Her parasol act that she uses as a CEO piece.

• The things that get measured, get managed.

 

Parting Advice

If there’s something you really want to do, find out under what circumstances it would be pleasurable, and make you feel successful. Know why you’re doing what you’re doing.  

 

Recommended books and resources:

Note: Many of the links in this section are affiliate links, meaning we earn a small portion of any sales. If you're enjoying our podcast and decide to purchase one of the recommended resources or books, please consider using our affiliate links to help support the work we're doing here at the Successful Performercast. Thanks!

 

Resources:

Quickbooks or Manager Sal

Carisa's Fire Eating DVD  

 

Books:

Step by Step to Standup Comedy Workbooks by Greg Dean

Workbook 1: How to Write Jokes

Workbook 2: How to Improve Jokes and Routines

Workbook 3: How to Remember Jokes Naturally

Workbook 4: How to Be a Funny Performer

Workbook 5: How to Get the Experience to Be Funny

 

Four Hour Workweek by Timothy Ferriss

The Practicing Mind by Thomas M. Sterner

 

Where can we find Carisa Hendrix?

carisahendrix.com

Learn Fire Eating      

 

Direct download: SPC_078_Carisa_Hendrix_-_Variety_Artist.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:30am PDT

In this episode, Chipper Lowell talks about being raised around the circus, his approach to comedy, and the importance of branding yourself!

With his comedy, magic, and fun, crazy antics, Chipper has made a living performing for over 25 years. He’s headlined casino showrooms in Vegas, Atlantic City, Tahoe, and Reno. Brought his show aboard top cruise lines like Princess, Holland America, and Celebrity. He’s also become a favorite of top corporations performing at their events and trade shows. Add to this, he’s also toured with his one man show, “The Chipper Experience, where comedy and magic collide,” in performing arts centers, theaters, and casino show rooms throughout the US and Canada.

When it comes to accolades, Chipper has twice received “Comedy Magician of the Year,” “Specialty Act of the Year,” and was nominated two times for “Stage Magician of the Year.” He’s also been listed among the “Top Funniest Magicians Performing Today” in Magic Magazine.

The Reno Gazette Journal says "He sparkles with funny one-liners."  

 

Contest: Win a Book!

I'm proud to report that we've recently gotten to 50,000 downloads! Thank you for all your support! As thanks, I'm giving away a free book to one lucky winner. The book is Dan Kennedy's No BS Direct Marketing book.

To enter, leave a comment on the show notes page telling me your favorite moment in one of my episodes, or one thing you've picked up from an interview that's helped your business. I'll announce the winner in a couple weeks.  

 

Interview with Chipper Lowell: Success Quote

Go with the flow. Pay attention to every detail.  

 

Chipper’s Approach to Comedy

• Inspired by Karrell Fox and subscribes to his philosophy of “come up with the routine and material first, then figure out the method."

• Does a small case study on his “Trained Turtle” routine.

• Put as many speed bumps and walls as you can into your routines, because then you’re creating more opportunities for funny moments. (Tip from Teller.)

• Making up bizarre rules like “the woman cannot be closer than 10 ft from you."

 

Being Clean and Branding Your Act

• He doesn’t care whether he’s clean or dirty, but his product is clean.

• When you work dirty, you define the places you can work.

• It really came down to how he wanted to brand himself.  

 

Failure Moment

Tells about an instance that could have been a failure but with a little creative thinking and attention to timing, things went off without a hitch.  

 

Other Topics Covered

• Designing your life by writing your eulogy and working backward from that.

• Looking at how Disney does things and modeling your business after them.

• Talks about being raised on circuses and being on the road with his family.

• How he discovered comedy magic.

• How he got a job juggling for Disneyland…after shaving his mustache of course!

• Dealing with outside distractions while performing.

• Being honest about your performances and the audience reactions.

• Variances in audiences, and bending your material accordingly.

• How taking improv courses (with The Groundlings) helped his act.

• Staying within time constraints for performances.

• Eliminating your competition when people call and want to book you specifically.

• Controlling the environment in which you perform in.

 

Parting Advice

Go with the flow.  

 

Recommended books and resources:

Note: Many of the links in this section are affiliate links, meaning we earn a small portion of any sales. If you're enjoying our podcast and decide to purchase one of the recommended resources or books, please consider using our affiliate links to help support the work we're doing here at the Successful Performercast. Thanks!

 

Resources:

Voice memo recorder on your smart phone.  

 

Books:

 
 
Jim Steinmeyer’s Books (Know the history of your profession.)
 
 
 

Where can we find Chipper Lowell?

 
Direct download: SPC_077_Chipper_Lowell_-_Comic_Magician.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:30am PDT

In this episode, Seth Kramer brings us insight into the ins and outs of trade show magic! Seth Kramer is a trade show, traffic-stopping ninja! 

Having been in the game for over 30 years, Seth spends much of his time in trade show booths selling his client’s products using magic. In addition to this he also does other corporate events like hospitality suites, sales meetings, and even customized special events. Every day of every week holds something new for him and he’s certainly up for just about any challenge!  

 

Kris' Recommendation of the Week — Stories of the Magic Podcast

I'd like to recommend a podcast that I'd been listening to for a couple months now, called Stories of the Magic by Randy Crane. In my opinion, nobody has been able to bottle magic better than Walt Disney and if you'd like to get more into his mind, this is the show for you!

Stories of the Magic is a positive and story-filled Disney podcast offering positive stories from Cast Members, Imagineers, artists, actors, and more—including guests—promoting a mutual love of Disney, celebrating and preserving the Disney Magic, and inspiring people to live their dreams just as Walt Disney did.

Stories of the Magic Web | iTunes  

 

Interview with Seth Kramer: Success Quote

If you love what you do, you won’t work a day in your life.  

 

Trade Show Magic

• Tells how he got into performing at trade shows.

• Being mentored under Bob Elliott and Bud Dietrich.

• The company isn’t paying you to “do magic” but to stop traffic at the trade shows, amplifying their message, and getting leads for the company.

• Working with the company to develop the message they want presented from their booth.

• Tips to boiling things down to one concise message for his pitch.

• Building a custom act for his clients and demoing it for his clients.

• Talks about gathering crowds and keeping them at the booth.

• How important booth location is and spots to avoid.

• Performance pace.

• Getting people to step in closer to lock in the people in the front rows.

• How he recommends people break into the trade show industry today.

• Using a aerobics stepper as a riser to get you above your audience.

• Talks about his Modern Trade Show Handbook.

 

Interesting Story from the Road

Having to perform him show in Germany without knowing any German. This involved an impromptu translation from the conceriege at his hotel and fast thinking!  

 

Other Topics Covered

• Talks about getting started performing professionally.

• Tells how he went to law school and decided it wasn’t for him.

• Performing at every opportunity.

• Making people aware of all the services you offer.

• Be a specialist. Not a jack of all trades.

• Tailoring your show to your clients.

 

Parting Advice

There are really no secrets in this business. Keep educating yourself.  

 

Recommended books and resources:

Note: Many of the links in this section are affiliate links, meaning we earn a small portion of any sales. If you're enjoying our podcast and decide to purchase one of the recommended resources or books, please consider using our affiliate links to help support the work we're doing here at the Successful Performercast. Thanks!  

Resources:

Animoto helps you make video with stills and music.  

 

Books:

 
 

Where can we find Seth Kramer?

Direct download: SPC_076_Seth_Kramer_-_Trade_Show_Magic.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:00am PDT

In this interview, Keri Kazz talks about being mentored by Franz Harary, The House of Magic, and then working with Thom Britton and Chuck Clark in creating The Danger Circus.

Keri Kazz is a legend of "Detroit's Motor City Magic Scene." At 23 years old, he’s already accomplished more than most magicians have in their entire career. Sure he’s done strolling magic in restaurants and presentations at trade shows for corporate clients, but he’s also developed an illusion show that has taken him around the world playing stages in China, India, Spain, and Taiwan as part of Franz Harary’s Mega Magic Touring Show.

Currently, he’s gearing up to go on tour with The Danger Circus, that features fire eating, glass walking, knife juggling, dangerous escapes, and a unique blend of illusion and sketch comedy.  

 

Kris' Recommendation of the Week — After Things Podcast

After Things Podcast: This is the official after show of Weird Things Podcast. What is it like pitching a TV show? How do you take advantage of opportunities? Join hosts Andrew Mayne, Justin Robert Young, and Brian Brushwood as they talk about their experiences navigating the creative arts and media landscape.

After Things Web | iTunes  

 

Interview with Keri Kazz: Success Quotes

If you really really want something, the only thing ever really standing in your way is yourself. Just do it!  

 

Illusion Shows, Mentors, and The House of Magic

• Tells how he met and started working with Franz Harary.

• Talks about Franz's House of Magic in Macau.

• His duties there.

• Contact Bruce Gold magic@sc-macau.com, send him a demo video in order to be considered for booking.  

 

Working with The Danger Circus

• Talks about building the show with the others.

• Talks about performing with Chuck beforehand, so they had a rapport already.

• How he came up with material that was dangerous for the show.

• Creating a brand for their show.

• Tells when they’re taking it on the road again. Around Sept. 5 around the East Coast.  

 

Failure Moment

Booking venues that were too small and selling more tickets than could attend.  

 

Favorite Success

Performing in China.  

 

What's worked well for growing his business?

Working with Franz.  

 

Biggest Profesional Challenge

Overcoming the stigma of his young age and overcoming typecasting.  

 

Other Topics Covered

• Taking chances

• How his young age affected his career early on.

• Missed opportunities and taking action.

• Promoting.

• Hiring professionals to do things like graphic design.

• Developing who he is as a performer.  

 

Parting Advice

Go out there and do it. Only you are standing in your way and don’t be afraid to ask for help.  

 

Recommended books and resources:

Note: Many of the links in this section are affiliate links, meaning we earn a small portion of any sales. If you're enjoying our podcast and decide to purchase one of the recommended resources or books, please consider using our affiliate links to help support the work we're doing here at the Successful Performercast. Thanks!  

 

Resources:

His friends and the magic community.  

 

Books:

Social Media Magician by Dan Sperry (Currently Out of Print)

Strong Magic by Darwin Ortiz    

 

Where can we find Keri Kazz?

www.dangercircus.com

Direct download: SPC_075_Kerrie_Kazz_-_Illusionist.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:30am PDT

In this interview, Alex Clark talks about how creating internet cartoons has helped him to grow and keep in touch with his audience when he's not performing! He also talks about some of the ins and outs of working with an agent.

With his show that contains jaw-dropping tricks, quick-witted comedy, and crazy antics, Alex Calrk has traveled around the globe performing at university campuses, festivals, and on other stages. He’s earned two People’s Choice Awards and was voted Best Novelty Act and Fastest Rising Star in the college market. He’s a comedian that stands above the rest, but that’s probably because he’s up on a ladder!

 

Kris' Recommendation of the Week — 
Help One of Our Own

We have a great opportunity as a part of the magic community to band together to help one of our own. Many of you may know Jeff Stone from Salt Lake City, UT. He's the creator and editor of Stone Cold Magic Magazine, a free web magazine on magic that ran for seven years. He's also known for his work on magic using Frixion ink and fire, he appeared on Jay Sankey's Underground Jam, and also has a new book out called "793.8" which is the Dewey Decimal code for where magic books can be found in the library.

Recently Jeff was hospitalized from diabetic complications and consequently racked up some sizable medical bills that he cannot afford. And as if that's not enough, his four-year-old daughter Oliveah was also unrelatedly hospitalized with what turned out to be E-Coli. They're both home now and on the road to recovery, but are now struggling to figure out what to do with this debt. They're trying to raise $20,000 and so far have raised $1,500.

I know I have a respectable-sized audience that listen to this show and if Jeff has in any way touched your life or career, please consider giving a donation to his cause. I know he's helped play a part in my magical journey and I donated. Put yourself in his shoes and please consider giving $10 or $20 and I know that together, we can help to put a big chunk in that wall of debt! CLICK HERE to help donate and support. When you donate, please mention that Successful Performercast sent you. Every little bit helps.  

 

Interview with Alex Clark: Success Quotes

Just tell people what you want. If you’re not embarrassed by your first product, you waited too long to launch it.  

 

Internet Cartoons

• How his internet cartoons have helped get people to his shows.

• Talks about he’s been able to use them to help build a fan base and keeps him top of mind.

• His cartoons give him a reason to keep in touch with his an base and email list.

• His cartoons are an extension of his comedy and another way he can express his talents.

• It’s a way for him to give more to his audience.

• How he’s monetizing his online cartoons. 

Working with Agents

• How he got his first agent.

• An agent is a tool.

• How agents get paid.  

 

Failure Moment

Talks about a recent NACA (National Association of Campus Activities) showcase he did where he thought he liked it, but didn’t book a single gig.  

 

Favorite Success

Performing in New Zealand at the World’s Busker Festival  

 

How does he stand out from his competition?

His internet cartoons.  

 

What's worked well in growing his business?

Trying everything. The more things you try, the more apt something is to work.  

 

Biggest Profesional Challenge

Figuring out what to do next. He’s achieved all of his goals so far, so now he needs to decide what’s next. He wants the next challenge.  

 

Anything he would have done differently?

He wishes he could go back and see what things would be like if he hadn’t made certain decisions.  

 

Interesting Story

Tells about his experience at the Edison Fringe Festival which involved a skirmish on the streets outside his hotel and how one very nice Canadian man drove Alex all over town helping Alex find a prop he needed for his show. Plus, there’s a kicker ending.  

 

Other Topics Covered

• Talks about how he discovered entertaining and juggling.

• Just doing it.

• Reaching out and putting yourself out there as much as possible.

• Lots of failures lead to successes.

• Talks about his branding, “a comedian who happens to juggle."

• Talks about his marketing efforts.

• How he got his first fair gig.

• You never know where your gigs can come from.

• Street performing and how to find spots when he’s traveling.

• What might be on the horizon for Alex Clark.  

 

Parting Advice

Just do it!  

 

Recommended books and resources:

Note: Many of the links in this section are affiliate links, meaning we earn a small portion of any sales. If you're enjoying our podcast and decide to purchase one of the recommended resources or books, please consider using our affiliate links to help support the work we're doing here at the Successful Performercast. Thanks!  

 

Resources:

Tap Forms for iPhone - a database software

Go Button for iPhone | iPad

Boomerang for Gmail - scheduling emails  

 

Books:

Manual of Juggling by Max Holden

Johnny Carson by Henry Bushkin

How to Talk to Anyone by Leo Lowndes  

 

Also Mentioned:

Get More Corporate Gigs with Barry Friedman

Slugbooks  

 

Where can we find Alex Clark?

www.itsalexclark.com

Alex's Cartoons

Twitter @itsalexclark | Facebook | Patreon  

Direct download: SPC_074_Alex_Clark_-_Juggling_and_Cartoons.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:30am PDT

In this interview, Brian Miller talks about how to magically connect with anyone! He also talks about why he decided to try standup comedy and why you should too!

Brian is a nationally acclaimed corporate entertainer and keynote speaker performing mainly at colleges and corporate events. Residing in Connecticut, he regularly performs at more than 200 events every year throughout New England and across the country.

In addition to his magical performing, he’s also regularly invited to speak on topics including: influence and persuasion, secrecy, safety and awareness, the philosophy & psychology of magic, and recently did a TEDx talk on “How to Magically Connect with Anyone."  

 

Kris' Recommendation of the Week

Last week I mentioned that you can use your public library card to access Lynda.com and their extensive wealth of online courses. This week is another great way to use your library card.

OverDrive Media Console: Borrow eBooks, audiobooks, and more from your local public library – anywhere, anytime. All you need is a library card. It's available for free on both iOS and Android platforms and I was delighted to discover a bunch of great books on business and marketing available from my library that I could download right to my phone!  

 

Success Quotes

Leap and the net will appear.

You don't want people to say, “Let’s get a magician, how about Brian Miller.” What you want them to say is, “Let’s get Brian Miller. By the way, he’s a magician."  

 

Comedy

• If you want to get into live entertainment, start doing standup comedy.

• Look for open likes and every opportunity.

• It teaches you how to deal with any audience and situation.

• Tells about his “aha moment” when it came to comedy and writing a show.

• The first time he tried standup comedy and absolutely killed! The next ten times, he bombed dismally.

• You cannot go on auto pilot. Every audience is different.

• Give information and setup, and twist it as hard as you can for the punchline.

• If you’re not naturally funny, you might not want to be a comedy entertainer.  

 

How to Magically Connect with Anyone

• Talks about his TEDx Talk

• Why it’s important to connect with your audience.

• Making sure you’re making a positive connection first impression with your audience.

• Warming up to the audience before you even mention that you’re a performer.

• How to strengthen the connection with your audience and maintain it.

• Talks about some specific things people do that alienate audiences.

• Don’t "perform at" the audience.

• Being present and listening to your audience.

• The real magic is in connecting with your audience.    

 

Failure Moment

His very first NACA showcase. He didn’t listen to the advice from someone who had been in the college market considerably longer than Brian. He ultimately bombed.  

 

Favorite Success

Transitioning into and becoming a sought-after lecturer in the field he was going to pursue a PHD in. He feels it really went full circle.  

 

Biggest Profesional Challenge

Finding time to do creative work in the midst of all the business work.  

 

Other Topics Covered

• You can’t always be completely prepared.

• You want people to hire you because of who you are, not what you do.

• Take a look at your material and if you see a bunch of people doing what you do, you might change up your material.

• Tells how he turned down going after a PHD in favor of pursuing his magic career.

• His plan for the future and a little on his strategy.  

 

Parting Advice

Don’t be afraid to fail. Failure is NOT the opposite of success.  

 

Recommended books and resources:

Note: Many of the links in this section are affiliate links, meaning we earn a small portion of any sales. If you're enjoying our podcast and decide to purchase one of the recommended resources or books, please consider using our affiliate links to help support the work we're doing here at the Successful Performercast. Thanks!  

 

Resources:

Evernote - he likes to make audio notes.  

 

Books:

Absolute Magic by Darren Brown

Born Standing Up by Steve Martin  

 

Where can we find Brian Miller?

Brian Miller Magic

Direct download: SPC_073_Brian_Miller_-_Connecting_with_your_audience.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:30am PDT

In this interview, Thom Britton talks about building and marketing his three-man theatrical variety-type show, The Danger Circus. He talks marketing, publicity, working with agents, and a great deal of other related topics!

Thom is quite the showman, eating fire, directing plays, producing circus shows, lecturing on science, and studying the history of side shows and freak shows. He’s been a professional performer for over 26 years with his various shows including: Freakshow & Tell, his now retired one man show, that combined lecture and performance art, and covered his very personal journey into the world of the circus sideshow.

His current show is The Danger Circus, a three-man circus show that features fire eating, glass walking, knife juggling, dangerous escapes, and a unique blend of illusion and sketch comedy. You’ll be able to catch this show on tour very soon.  

 

Kris' Recommendation of the Week

Lynda.comI don't get any kickback from this, but Lynda.com is a great place to go online if you want to learn how to use professional programs that will help you in your business. We're talking everything from Photoshop to Wordpress, to video editing apps as well. And if that isn't enough, they even have other business related courses on marketing, SEO, and even reducing the amount of spam you get in your email box every day.

Also, I discovered that if you have a public library card and you log into your library's online portal (even from home), you might just have access to Lynda.com for free! I don't know if this is available at all libraries, but it's definitely worth a look.  

 

Success Quotes

If it were easy, everyone would do it. — every juggler ever!  

 

The Danger Circus

• It’s a three-person circus featuring Thom, Chuck Clark, and Keri Kazz.

• They work small to medium theaters and colleges.

• They were trying it out and tweaking it last year and now it’s ready to put on tour.

• Talks about what he’s doing to generate buzz and get the word out.

• Boots on the ground, plastering flyers and old-school promoting.

• Supplements his guerrilla marketing techniques with social media efforts.

• Making personal connections with people as he’s marketing the show.

• Marketing it like PT Barnum.

• Staying for longer runs allows him to get his audiences to market his show and get their friends to come out.

• Generating word of mouth.

• How he decides where to take his show.

• Using anchor dates and filling out other dates around those.

• Engaging with the press on social media.

• Press releases.  

 

Working With Agents

• How to find and work with agents

• Cold calling agents.

• Finding agents that fit with your show and your audience.

• Call other artists in their roster to find out more about the agents. You want to find one you can trust.  

 

Collaborating with the others to build The Danger Circus

• How the three of them got together.

• Working together to create their show.

• Talks about the theme and flow of the show.

• Cutting material that wasn’t working or adding to the show as a whole.

• Dealing with three egos.  

 

Failure Moment

When he launched Freak Show & Tell, he talks about how for one show, only one person showed up to see his show, but he still played his show like he was playing for a full house. Turns out she was a theater theater producer who he ended up working with on many occasions afterwards.  

 

Favorite Success

Taking variety arts into theaters and being one of the very few variety artists invited to perform at the 25th Annual Abbie Hoffman Died for Our Sins Festival, and then being invited back!  

 

Other Topics Covered

• He didn’t mind his day job as a gourmet chef, in fact, he still does it on the side sometimes because he still loves it. It’s still one of his passions.

• When you go on TV, your job is to make them look good.

• If you do a radio appearance, its no longer just audio. They have content going up on Youtube and Facebook, etc. So wear your costume and makeup to radio gigs.  

 

Parting Advice

The entire purpose of theater is to transform the audience.  

 

Recommended books and resources:

Note: Many of the links in this section are affiliate links, meaning we earn a small portion of any sales. If you're enjoying our podcast and decide to purchase one of the recommended resources or books, please consider using our affiliate links to help support the work we're doing here at the Successful Performercast. Thanks!  

Resources:

Sound Byte Control - Remote Control App for the Sound Byte Cart Machine Program
iOS App | Android App  

 

Books:

On Writing by Stephen King

Getting Things Done by David Allen  

 

Where can we find Thom Britton?

DangerCircus.com

Direct download: SPC_072_Thom_Britton_-_The_Danger_Circus.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:39pm PDT

In this interview, Fielding West brings us into his career telling lots of stories from his past and then sharing with us some valuable tips on effective communication from stage. There are many great lesson to be learned from this talk. Enjoy!

Fielding is a comedy magician, teacher, and keynote speaker from Las Vegas. He’s performed in a number of showrooms in Vegas, Tahoe, and Atlantic City like the Tropicana, Sahara, and Caesar’s Hotels. He’s appeared on a number of TV shows on a number of networks like A&E’s An Evening at the Improv, and CBS’ Entertainment Tonight. He’s been the opening act for top names like Liza Minnelli, Phyllis Diller, The Temptations, and Earth Wind & Fire.

He also writes comedy for other magicians and runs a class called Stagecraft 101 where he teaches people how to communicate more effectively from stage. Muhammad Ali says, “He’s one crazy MoFo!"

 

Sponsors:

Click Convert Profit — This episode is brought to you by Josh London's Click Convert Profit and his book Flying Solo, the Smart Solopreneur’s Guide to Making Money Online. Click here to get $10 off and for my listeners only, the free ebook "4 Ways to Find Your Most Profitable Keywords.”  

 

Kris' Recommendation of the Week

11 Event Marketing Books Giveaway

Past guest of the show William Rader from WellAddended.com is giving away 11 books on event marketing to one lucky winner! Here is a list of the books he's giving away:

The Email Marketing Primer – Clay Mabbitt
Standing Room Only – Joanne Bernstein
The Event Marketing Handbook – Allison Saget
Making it Rain with Events – Scott Ingram
The New Rules of Marketing and PR – David Meerman Scott
Stand Out Social Marketing – Mike Lewis
Building Communities, Not Audiences – Doug Borwick
Engage Now! – Doug Borwick
Do It! Marketing – David Newman
Hooked – Nir Eyal
Sold Out! – Susan Ordona

Click here to be taken to the contest page where you can enter.  

 

Success Quotes

Drink a lot of water and carry a big stick.

Treat people the way you want to be treated.  

 

Effective Communication from Stage

• When he works with people, he observes them to find out what their best performance traits are and works to amplify them.

• Tells about an absolute failure he experienced when speaking publicly for the first time.

• Lack of preparation is the biggest mistake he sees people make before going up on stage in front of people.

• Think before you speak, but listen before you think.

• The difference between the professionals and the amateurs, is the length of their pauses.

• Breaking the 4th wall is the true communication of a variety act.

• Timing in communication.

• You can communicate so much with the eyes alone.

• Imagining the audience is in the underwear is the stupidest idea for public speaking!

• Ping pong effect: making eye contact with multiple people in the audience  

 

Four things you can immediately do to improve your stage presence:

• Stand up straight.

• Projecting louder than you would normally speak and speak clearly.

• Eyes looking directly at the audience.

• Hydration - make sure you’re properly hydrated.  

 

Other Topics Covered

• Tells about how he got nose-to-nose with Muhammed Ali.

• Overcoming handicaps. • Tells about his journey, peppered with all kinds of stories!

• Talks about how he was always causing trouble for his dad who traveled the President of the United States.

• Learning from mistakes.

• How Fielding was inspired by Steve Martin to go after comedy and magic.

• How all of his constant performing prepared him for many lucky opportunities offered to him.

• Making a plan for what you want to accomplish.  

 

Parting Advice

Quit worrying about what other people think and quit talking about other performers. You cannot elevate yourself by putting down another performer.

Take every show you can get and if possible, record it.  

 

Recommended books and resources:

Note: Many of the links in this section are affiliate links, meaning we earn a small portion of any sales. If you're enjoying our podcast and decide to purchase one of the recommended resources or books, please consider using our affiliate links to help support the work we're doing here at the Successful Performercast. Thanks!

Resources:

117 Ideas for Better Business Presentations by Tom Kirby  

 

Where can we find Fielding West?

Fieldingwest.com

Stagecraft101.net (Coming Soon)

BillyTopit.com (Fielding plays the Mayor of Las Vegas)

Direct download: SPC_071_Fielding_West_-_Vegas_Magician.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:00am PDT

In this interview, Fred & Bobbie Becker talk all about the ins and outs of performing on cruise ships. They talk about the good, the bad, the unexpected, what sort of shows work on ships, promo videos, and on and on!

Together Fred and Bobbie have 45 years of combined performing experience and spend their time performing on cruise ships! They also have a program for entertainers called Gigs on Ships where they teach the ins and outs of performing on cruise ships.

 

Sponsors:

Click Convert Profit — This episode is brought to you by Josh London's Click Convert Profit and his book Flying Solo, the Smart Solopreneur’s Guide to Making Money Online.

Click here to get $10 off and for my listeners only, the free ebook "4 Ways to Find Your Most Profitable Keywords.”  

 

Kris' Recommendation of the Week

Magician Business Podcast and Kids Entertainer Podcast

Ken Kelly and Julian Mather are doing a smashing job over there at Magician Business cranking out wonderful podcasts and super helpful content for those who want to make a living performing. They're a great neighbor resource and you should definitely give them more than a glance.

Magician Business Website | Podcast

Kids Entertainer Hub | Podcast  

 

Success Quotes

From Fred: Anything worth doing is worth doing right!

Whatever you vividly imagine, ardently desire, sincerely believe, and enthusiastically act upon…must inevitably come to pass! — Paul J. Meyer

From Bobbie:  I don't want you to ever look back at your life and have any regrets. — Bobbie's Dad  

 

Gigs on Ships!

• What sort of shows are they looking for?

• You need to be good with a very diverse crowd. You need to be comfortable with people from all walks of life.

• You need at least a 50 minute act. Fred and Bobbie have two 45's and a 30 minute magic class.

• You live with your audience.

• You have to be "people people." It's all about relationships.

• You need a demo reel that's specific to the cruise ship market. The agent needs to "see you on their stage."

• Your demo reel also needs to sell you as a person too. Tug at the heartstrings.

• Don't do your reel in the same order as your show. Lead with your strongest piece.

• Figure out what sets you apart and capitalize on that.

• Working with agents vs. the cruise director.

• Pros:you get to work in the best, most equipped theaters in the world, no overhead expenses, you only work a couple nights per week, it's a dream lifestyle.

• Cons: You're stuck on the ship, you can't just pick up and go somewhere. You miss family events like holidays and funerals. Since you share bunks, if you're in a couple's relationship and have a fight, there's nowhere for you to go.

• How to keep things in order at home on land while you're away at sea.  

 

Their Online Course on Cruise Ship Gigs

Gigs on Ships is a 9-week course where Fred and Bobbie literally open up their business to help those who want to land a cruise ship gig.

It has three modules:
1. Building Foundation - preparing yourself and show for ships.
2. Getting the gig.
3. Life at sea and how to be successful.

Learn more at www.gigsonships.com  

 

Other Topics Covered

• Talks about fear standing in your way.

• Taking risks.

• Some interesting storied from each of their lives that helped shape their careers.

• Not letting failures beat you up.    

 

Parting Advice

Don't let fear hold you back! Step out of your comfort zone. Pick up 6 more pieces of parting advice by signing up for Fred & Bobbie's newsletter at GigsOnShips.com.  

 

Recommended books and resources:

Note: Many of the links in this section are affiliate links, meaning we earn a small portion of any sales. If you're enjoying our podcast and decide to purchase one of the recommended resources or books, please consider using our affiliate links to help support the work we're doing here at the Successful Performercast. Thanks!  

Resources:

Having a notebook to write things down in.  

 

Books:

Maximum Entertinament by Ken Weber

Fitzkee Trilogy by Dariel Fitzkee | Ebooks

Magic & Showmanship by Henning Nelms

Breaking Out by John Butman

Start with Why by Simon Sinek  

 

Where can we find Fred & Bobbie Becker?

Gigs on Ships

Fred Becker's Website

Twitter @realbeckermagic | Facebook

Direct download: SPC_070_Fred_Bobbie_Becker_-_Cruise_Ship_Gigs.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:00am PDT

In this interview, Brad Ross tells us how to market our show business and holds nothing back! My head is still reeling with all the knowledge Brad dropped. Also, find out how you can get a free 30 minute phone consult with Brad! For six years, Brad toured with Disney Live in Mickey’s Magic Show. This alone has taken him to 5 continents, 25 countries, and allowed him to perform in 16 languages. In fact, he’s entertained literally millions of people worldwide! He’s been featured in over 500 national and international TV appearances including the Rosie O’Donnell Show, FOX TV’s Good Day New York, Decco Drive, and on the Disney Channel. Brad was awarded the prestigious Merlin Award by the International Magician’s Society being named the “Best International Family Entertainer.” He can now be seen touring his brand new illusion show “Brad Ross’ Unbelievable,” where he brings a new approach to the classic theatrical art, the art of magic. Finally, Brad is also a well-known author, speaker, and marketing guru to magicians and other entertainers worldwide. He helps fellow entrepreneurs live their dreams through his seminars and training courses including his flagship course, “The IT Factor: Secrets to Skyrocketing Your Career!"

Sponsors:

Click Convert Profit — This episode is brought to you by Josh London's Click Convert Profit and his book Flying Solo, the Smart Solopreneur’s Guide to Making Money Online. Click here to get $10 off and for my listeners only, the free ebook "4 Ways to Find Your Most Profitable Keywords.”  

 

Kris Mentioned at the Top of the Show

A Life Well Designed from previous guest Jonny Zavant (Jonathan Pritchard)

This is a blog and podcast that teaches how to design the ultimate life for yourself. It's basically a resource for anyone who is interested in reducing waste in their life whether it be a waste of time, energy, resources, or efforts with the goal of helping you design the life that you've always wanted to live.

A Life Well Designed Blog | Podcast  

 

Success Quotes

Do what you love and love what you do!

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. — Marianne Williamson

If you can dream it, you can do it. — Walt Disney  

 

Marketing!

• You need to have a good website.

• Have good branding, it needs to be clear and defined.

• Your personality needs to come across in pixels and on paper.

• Put your personality out there. It's all about connecting.

• What is unique about you?

• Your personal brand it The IT Factor.

• Separate yourself from everyone else.

• Selling benefits instead of features.

• Selling the sizzle as well as the steak. What is the package that you've wrapped yourself in? That's the sizzle.

• Know what it is that you're selling and who your ideal customer is.

• The audience that you perform for could be different than the audience that you're selling to.

• People buy based on emotions.

• "So what?" That's the filter you need to run all your marketing copy through to find the value and benefits to the customer.

• Deliver the right message to the right market via the right media.  

 

The IT Factor Live

• Skyrocketing your career by creating the illusion of celebrity.

• It's a compilation of everything he's used to have a successful career in magic up to this point.

• a live workshop that teaches business-building for magicians.  

His original It Factor Course

It Factor Live (limited to 25 people)  

 

Other Topics Covered

• Learning from your mistakes.

• Magic happens outside the box (outside of our comfort zone).

• Talks about his journey and some of his challenges.

• Making decisions.

• How he grew his dream.

• Mentored by Dave Dee (who now works with Dan Kennedy!).

• Investing in yourself.

• It all comes down to passion.

• Talks about how he landed his Disney gig.

• Opportunity knocks for everyone. If you're prepared, you'll hear the knock and open the door. If you're not prepared, you will never know it was even there.  

 

Parting Advice

Get up off your butt and make your own success. Change the equation!  

 

Recommended books and resources:

Note: Many of the links in this section are affiliate links, meaning we earn a small portion of any sales. If you're enjoying our podcast and decide to purchase one of the recommended resources or books, please consider using our affiliate links to help support the work we're doing here at the Successful Performercast. Thanks!  

 

Resources:

It Factor Live!  

 

Books:

Tony Robbins Personal Power

Joanie Spina's Get Your Act Together Videos  

 

Free 30 Minute Phone Consult with Brad!

This is a special offer for Successful Performercast listeners! Visit www.bradcoachme.com to fill out an application for a free 30 minute phone consultation with Brad about your show business.

www.bradcoachme.com  

 

Where can we find Brad Ross?

Make Magic Money

It Factor Live

Brad Coach Me

Twitter @bradrossmagic | Facebook

Direct download: SPC_069_Brad_Ross_-_Make_Magic_Money.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:00am PDT

Clay Mabbitt runs a blog and podcast called Sold Out Run where he helps theaters fill their seats with more than just friends and family.

Basically, he’s a marketer and an actor. He’s using his skills and knowledge taken from his years working in a marketing firm in Indianapolis and applying them to find out ways to get butts in seats in theater productions. It seems to work because in 2010 he applied what he knew from his professional marketing background to his first theatre production, and he sold every seat for the entire run. Hence the name, Sold Out Run.

 

Sponsors:

Click Convert Profit — This episode is brought to you by Josh London's Click Convert Profit and his book Flying Solo, the Smart Solopreneur’s Guide to Making Money Online.

Click here to get $10 off and for my listeners only, the free ebook "4 Ways to Find Your Most Profitable Keywords.”  

 

Kris Mentioned at the Top of the Show

Overdrive - Borrow eBooks and audiobooks from your local public library.

Zombie Loyalists by Peter Shankman: This is a book that talks about using great service to create raving fans, or in this case, Zombie Loyalists, that will not only buy your services, but also tell all their friends about you and get them to buy from you! It's a good read for sure!  

 

Success Mantra

All things in moderation, including moderation. — Oscar Wilde  

 

His First Sold Out Run

• What he had to start with.

• Focused on what could be done inexpensively.

• Created a blog for the show and a content calendar.

• Contests for free tickets.

• Varying content for blog and social media outlets.

• Staying Top of Mind.

• Creating a marketing calendar. (Template available at SoldOutRun.com.)

• Listing out what you'll need and when you'll do them.

• Other resources at SoldOutRun.com.

• Tells about the website he created for the show.

• Doing mini profiles for the cast and crew and having them share it on their social profiles.

• Having multiple points of contact with people before they actually buy from you.

• For every show there's a specific audience and a way to reach them.

• Tells us about a marketing tactic that he thought would work well but ultimately fell flat.  

 

Sold Out Run Blog

• Tells what he's trying to accomplish with this venture.

• It started out as him getting his thoughts out for himself in regards to marketing a theater show.

• He wants to change the culture around the arts and make them more commercially viable.

• He gets out his ideas and reports his findings.

• Blog and podcast at SoldOutRun.com are all about helping to improve theater marketing.

• His guest post: 5 Things Theatre Marketing Can Teach You About Promoting a Magic & Illusion Show by Clay Mabbitt.  

 

Failure Moment

Talks about his Open Book Project where he tried to help a theater with a show that just didn't work out.  

 

Favorite Success

His very first production, Enter Love, and his successful marketing efforts with it.  

 

Biggest Professional Challenge

Defining his niche.  

 

Interesting Story

Clay was on stage with someone who forgot their place and he couldn't help them.  

 

Rapid Fire Questions

In his podcast, Sold Out Run, clay asks his guests a series of fun rapid-fire questions. I turned the tables on him and gave him a fun Rapid Fire experience of his own!  

 

Other Topics Covered

• If you aways play it safe, you'll never have any real big success.

• Tells about his background in marketing and how he got into acting.  

 

Parting Advice

Don't get complacent with small houses.  

 

Recommended books and resources:

Note: Many of the links in this section are affiliate links, meaning we earn a small portion of any sales. If you're enjoying our podcast and decide to purchase one of the recommended resources or books, please consider using our affiliate links to help support the work we're doing here at the Successful Performercast. Thanks!  

 

Resources:

AWeber email list management.  

 

Books:

Art of the Turnaround by Michael M. Kaiser

The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod  

 

Where can we find Clay Mabbitt?

Sold Out Run Blog | Podcast

Twitter @claymabbitt

Direct download: SPC_068_Clay_Mabbitt_-_Sold_Out_Run.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:00am PDT

Brian Campbell shares some great practical business advice especially when it comes to navigating relationships. After all, if you're in show business, you're really in people business.

Brian is a professional magician, trade show presenter, and hypnotist and has been for over 25 years. In fact, he’s performed magic for over a million people face to face.

He’s worked everything from private parties, restaurants, and corporate events and for many years even managed other restaurant magicians, one of his biggest clients being Dave & Busters.

Today much of his work comes from corporate and trade show work where he and the Amazing Allison, his wife and past guest on the show consistently draw the largest crowds to clients booths. Fortune 500 clients have included Cisco, Microsoft, Johnson & Johnson, Pepsi, Frito Lay and the Anaheim Angels.

He’s also put together a wonderful online resource for magicians, teaching some of the ins and outs of the business side of magic in a video series called “The Big B and the Small S."

 

Sponsors:

Click Convert Profit — This episode is brought to you by Josh London's Click Convert Profit and his book Flying Solo, the Smart Solopreneur’s Guide to Making Money Online.

Click here to get $10 off and for my listeners only, the free ebook "4 Ways to Find Your Most Profitable Keywords.”  

 

Success Mantra

Winners never quit, quitters never win. No education is lost.  

 

Big B, Small S

This is the video series that Brian did with Penguin Magic where he teaches on the business side of show business. Watch and learn, it's FREE!

  

Show Business is Really People Business

This whole interview has a through line of show business really being about people. It's all about your personal interactions with people and your relationships that help to define your business and where it goes. Here are some of the points. 

• People are your best resources. 

• Show business is all about people.

• You're not in the business of magic, you're in the business of people.

• Talks about how he put magicians into restaurants when he was working with Dave & Busters.

• Talks about working with Penguin and his FREE video series on the business of magic called Big B, Small S.

• Magic is a 24-hour job. If you can't do something on the spot, you're not really a magician, your just someone who does tricks.

• You never know who you're going to meet. If you're not ready to do a short routine, you could miss out opportunities.

• Talks about the power of asking.

• Be an interested person instead of an interesting person. Learn about other people.

• As Zig says, you can get whatever you want in life if you help enough people get what they want.

• If you build a good rapport with people, you're more likely to do business with them.

• You can sell your magic if people like you.

• Tells how he literally knocked on the door of Microsoft and booked his biggest contract ever!

• Never say no, always say yes!

• Always look for ways in which you can help people, even if they haven't hired you yet. You want to become their "go-to person."  

 

Failure Moment

Brian gives us a few examples of things that didn't go according to plan including how he lost a woman's very expensive ring performing Ring Flight and the time he spent looking for it again. Always be prepared for anything!  

 

Parting Advice

Always have your business card at hand to hand out. It's no good in your own pocket.  

 

Recommended books and resources:

Note: Many of the links in this section are affiliate links, meaning we earn a small portion of any sales. If you're enjoying our podcast and decide to purchase one of the recommended resources or books, please consider using our affiliate links to help support the work we're doing here at the Successful Performercast. Thanks!  

 

Resources: People. People are your best resource.  

 

Magic Resources:

Mark Wilson's Course in Magic

Jaw Droppers Series

Dan Harlan's works on magic  

 

Success Resources:

Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill

How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie

Zig Ziglar - Secrets of Closing the Sale

Verbal Judo — How to Deal with Difficult Situations  

 

Where can we find Brian Campbell?

ShowPros.biz

AmazingAllison.com

Big B, Small S Video

Direct download: SPC_067_Brian_Campbell_-_Business_of_Magic.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:00am PDT

Steve Spill has a lot to talk about! We talk about some of his early days doing bar magic at The Jolly Jester, his venue, Magicopolis in Santa Monica, CA, and some stores from his latest book, I Lie for Money, Candid Outrageous Stories from a Magician's Misadventures. Throughout this interview we learn some bar magic strategy as well as some of the ins & outs of running a full-time magic venue.

Steve Spill is a magician who’s had a lifetime of magic and still has room for more! Having studied under magical legends like Dai Vernon, Charlie Miller, and Francis Carlyle, he’s performed and produced shows around the world in places like the French Riviera’s Cannes Film Festival, Universal Studios Hollywood, Harrah’s Tahoe, and Massey Hall in Toronto.

He’s had his hand in a number of TV magic specials like "World’s Greatest Magicians" on CBS and "Penn & Teller’s Sin City Spectacular.” on FX.

He was the magic bartender at Aspen Colorado’s “Jolly Jester,” and along with fellow magician Bob Sheets, starred in the longest running show in Washington DC, called "Magicomedy Cabaret.”

In 1998, Steve opened up his very own magic venue called Magicopolis in Santa Monica, CA which is the home of “Escape Reality,” the show that stars him and his wife, actress Bozena Wrobel.

Finally, Steve just released his brand new book, “I Lie for Money, Candid, Outrageous Stories from a Magician’s Misadventures,” which is a memoir of his life so far.

 

Sponsors:

Click Convert Profit — This episode is brought to you by Josh London's Click Convert Profit and his book Flying Solo, the Smart Solopreneur’s Guide to Making Money Online.

Click here to get $10 off and for my listeners only, the free ebook "4 Ways to Find Your Most Profitable Keywords.”  

 

Success Mantra

Nobody makes a living as a magician by accident. You have to want it pretty bad. When you're obsessed, you make your luck.  

 

Bar Magic & The Jolly Jester

Note: It was a very different time when Steve was selling drinks while performing bar magic. We do not recommend heavy drinking, smoking, or use of drugs for recreation. If you drink, please do so responsibly. 

• Talks about The Jolly Jester

• Talks about some of the ways they'd sell drinks. 

• They ow;don't start a show until the drinks were full and ow;don't let anyone said at the bar that didn't have a drink. 

• Talks about some of the differences in bar magic from then and now.

• Talks about how he uses the bar at Magicopolis.  

 

Magicopolis

• Talks about his interactions with guests at his venue.

• Why he built Magicopolis.

• Sometimes it's best to forge ahead, mistakes & all.

• Being resourceful in construction.

• Talks about how his theater was built with magic in mind.

• How he got things rolling using a lot of publicity rather than advertising.

• Tells us about some of the other revenue streams other than just ticket sales like private parties, fundraisers, corporate events, etc.

• How they came up with their birthday party package.

• Some of the very exclusive things he offers for custom parties.  

 

I Lie for Money

Available at all regular bookstores, online at Amazon, and Audible. Plus, if you buy it at Magicopolis, he'll sign and personalize it just for you!

• Tells about the origin for his book idea.

• Practical as well as entertaining: there are fun stories within as well as practical lessons gleaned from his life.

• Tells a few fun stories from his book including one involving a lit cigarette dropper, a story about Cardini, and the subsequent performance with said prop.  

 

Failure Moment

Tells about doing a foreign TV show with a very specialized prop and all the things that went wrong during the live performance.  

 

Other Topics Covered

• His earlier entrepreneurial pursuits and sneaking his magic flyer into newspapers he was delivering.

• The harder you work, the luckier you get.  

 

Parting Advice

By utilizing your skills, being true to yourself, and working hard, it's possible to create an act that will, if not rake in millions, at least not find you on welfare at the end of the day.  

 

Recommended books and resources:

Note: Many of the links in this section are affiliate links, meaning we earn a small portion of any sales. If you're enjoying our podcast and decide to purchase one of the recommended resources or books, please consider using our affiliate links to help support the work we're doing here at the Successful Performercast. Thanks!  

Resources:

Scripting. Script all your work and do as many shows as you can.  

 

 

Books:

Getting there, a Book of Mentors by Gillian Zoe Segal

Born Standing Up by Steve Martin

 

Where can we find Steve Spill?

Magicopolis in Santa Monica, CA 
Public Performances are every Friday & Saturday at 8 PM and every Saturday & Sunday at 2 PM.

I Lie for Money | Also on Audible  

Direct download: SPC_066_Steve_Spill_-_Magicopolis.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:00am PDT

Mac King tells us about his early days performing in comedy clubs and talks about how he keeps things fresh in his show at Harrah's in Vegas.

I probably don’t have to say this, but if you’re a magician and don’t know who Mac King is, I hereby revoke your magician card.

That said, Vegas Headliner Mac King is resident magician at Harrah’s Hotel & Casino and has been there for 15 years. This makes him the longest running magician in Vegas to be working at the same hotel!

He’s appeared on TV in countless shows on a variety of stations and in multiple countries. He also performs at corporate events for a select number of clients each year.

He’s authored and co-authored three books on the subject of magic, wears an awesome couch-plaid suit, and has a Fig Newton complex. Yet, according to his wife and daughter, he is a fine husband, a great dad, and all around swell fellow.

 

Sponsors:

Click Convert Profit — This episode is brought to you by Josh London's Click Convert Profit and his book Flying Solo, the Smart Solopreneur’s Guide to Making Money Online.

Click here to get $10 off and for my listeners only, the free ebook "4 Ways to Find Your Most Profitable Keywords”.  

 

Success Quote

Big slumps come before big jumps. — Mac's wife  

 

Keeping his show fresh

• He really makes an effort to keep things fresh in his show. 

• Keeps a dialogue open with the audience.  

• Doesn't just use audience members "as a prop."

• Has a script for structure yet tries to find "little detours" to stray from the script and add variance to his shows.

• Talks a little about burnout and how it's affected him.

• Doesn't really add material, but he finds ways to tighten it.

• Things evolve and change over time.

• How he uses his show to test fly things he'll perform elsewhere, for example the suspension he performed at the Academy of Magical Arts Awards.

• Likes to "feel rushed" right before going on stage. It helps him to think on his feet and discover new things.  

 

Failure Moment

Tells who he ended up vomiting up a goldfish on stage and how the audience seemed none-the-wiser. And the lessons he learned.  

 

Other Topics Covered

• How your brain still works while you sleep and helps you work out problems.

• Tells his journey in magic which included a lot of hard work in comedy clubs.

• Working as a magician and sharing the stage with comedians.

• Laughs-per-minute.

• Recording and listening to your shows to make improvements.

• Emulating what you see other successful performers do.

• Having a beginning, middle, and end to your show.

• Finding his niche in Vegas.

• Tells some of the pitfalls he had to overcome before starting his current residence at Harrah's.  

 

Parting Advice

Do as many shows as you can and be a good listener.  

 

Recommended books and resources:

Note: Many of the links in this section are affiliate links, meaning we earn a small portion of any sales. If you're enjoying our podcast and decide to purchase one of the recommended resources or books, please consider using our affiliate links to help support the work we're doing here at the Successful Performercast. Thanks!  

 

Resources:

Keeping a count of all the props you have in your pockets before you go up on stage.

Be sure to set up a retirement account.  

 

Books:

McComb's Magic by Billy McComb

Learn Magic by Henry Hay

Harpo Speaks by Harpo Marx  

 

Where can we find Mac King?

Mac Performs at Harrah's Casino in Las Vegas every Tuesday thru Saturday at 1 & 3 PM.

Mac King's Official Website

Twitter @MacKingShow | Facebook

 

Direct download: SPC_065_Mac_King_-_Vegas_Magician.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:00am PDT

Jeff Civillico brings us into his career in juggling and gives us some practical advice when it comes to intentionally designing your own life and career.

Jeff is a high-energy Vegas headliner who takes juggling, audience interaction, and lots of comedy to compose his show, “Comedy in Action,” which can be seen at the LINQ Hotel & Casino on the Las Vegas Strip.

His passion has taken him around the world garnering him once-in-a-lifetime opportunities like sailing the Queen Mary II, sky diving in Australia, and getting to perform at The White House.

He’s a favorite onboard the Disney Cruise Line and has performed many venues on Vegas Strip including, V: The Ultimate Variety Show, Nathan Burton, and The Improv at Harrah’s.

He’s the founder and president of Win-Win Entertainment, which is a non-profit that pairs performers willing to donate their time and talent with charities in need of entertainment.

He also speaks on “Branding your Passion,” which helps people design the career and lifestyle of their dreams. Not bad for someone that juggles plungers for a living.

 

Sponsors:

Click Convert Profit — This episode is brought to you by Josh London's Click Convert Profit and his book Flying Solo, the Smart Solopreneur’s Guide to Making Money Online.

Click here to get $10 off and for my listeners only, the free ebook "4 Ways to Find Your Most Profitable Keywords”.  

 

Success Quote

You're fast becoming the person you're going to be. — Jeff's Dad, Mr. Civillico

Stay young, stay foolish. — Steve Jobs

Work harder on yourself than you do on your job. — Jim Rohn  

 

Designing your Life & Career

• Finding your passion VS. being a passionate person. 

• Branding yourself. 

• Passionate people find ways to channel their energy and drive. 

• Passionate people find ways to build things that are bigger than themselves.

• Personal philosophy and values.

• Taking initiative and being proactive.

• Leveraging what you have for more and taking action.

• Being able to pivot.

• Engaging with the community.

• Talks about how he got his show in Vegas with certain leverages and out-hustling his competition.

• Bartering. Everyone has something that someone else needs and can be bartered.  

 

Failure Moment

Talks very candidly about a soured business relationship with another entertainer and what he learned.  

 

Favorite Success

Sticking it out after above "falling out."  

 

Biggest Professional Challenge

Making his Vegas show profitable.  

 

Interesting Story From the Road

Tells how he really made a difference in one woman's life with his act.  

 

Other Topics Covered

• Congruency between who you are both on and off stage.

• Staying connected with his family.

• Talks about how he moved out to Vegas.

• Win Win Entertainment: matching charities with performers.

• Abundance Mentality VS. Scarcity Mentality    

 

Parting Advice

Take action and leverage what you have for more.

If something doesn't work out, pivot.

 

Recommended books and resources:

Note: Many of the links in this section are affiliate links, meaning we earn a small portion of any sales. If you're enjoying our podcast and decide to purchase one of the recommended resources or books, please consider using our affiliate links to help support the work we're doing here at the Successful Performercast. Thanks!  

 

 

Resources:

Daylite CRM

TextExpander

Dropbox

Quickbooks  

 

Books:

Born Standing Up by Steve Martin and other biographies

Linchpin by Seth Godin

Success Principles by Jack Canfield

How to Win Friends and Influence People  

 

Where can we find Jeff Civillico?

Jeff Civillico's Website

Win Win Entertainment

Direct download: SPC_064_Jeff_Civillico_-_Vegas_Juggler.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:00am PDT

Ivan Pecel talks about his career as a professional juggler, targeting specific markets, and his take on comedy.

Ivan is quite an accomplished comedy juggler based out of Los Angeles, CA. As funny as a stand up comic, and as skilled as a chinese acrobat, he's appeared on MTV, America’s Got Talent, and the “Tonight Show with Jay Leno.

He’s become a favorite performer for a wide variety of venues like corporations, colleges, trade shows, comedy clubs, cruise ships, and casinos.

An interesting fact about Ivan is that in the twelve years he’s been performing professionally, he’s never had a slow time in his business! We’ll delve into that topic for sure!

 

Sponsors:

Click Convert Profit — This episode is brought to you by Josh London's Click Convert Profit and his book Flying Solo, the Smart Solopreneur’s Guide to Making Money Online.

Click here to get $10 off and for my listeners only, the free ebook "4 Ways to Find Your Most Profitable Keywords”.  

 

Success Quote

Talent is overrated. — Geoff Colvin  

 

Having a Great Video

• Invest in a good camera.

• If you don't have video editing capabilities, hire a good pro.  

• Targeting your video to the market you want to work in. 

• Make sure the exposure is correctly adjusted so you;re not washed out.

• The better the video quality, the better the video.  

 

Comedy is King

• Knowing your audience and telling appropriate jokes that relate to them.

• Getting the comedy out of audience interactions.

• How "far he goes" in his antics.

• Acknowledge the heckler once, then twice, then ignore him.

• Hecklers: watch this video of how Ivan almost completely lost control of his show as the drunkest woman in the world heckles him. 

 

Failure Moment

Tells how he cancelled one gig in favor of a better gig which fell through because he didn't get a contract.  

 

Favorite Success

1. Doing a show in Vegas called Jubilee. 2. Being on Jay Leno's show.  

 

Biggest Professional Challenge

Crushing the stigma of being a juggler.  

 

Interesting Story From the Road

Juggling at a restaurant and having a kid up on stage with him pee on his leg.  

 

Other Topics Covered

• There's more to show biz than just having a good show.

• Meeting with agents and event planners.

• His desire to work on cruise ships and what he did to get there.

• Never put all you eggs in one basket.

• His email list and how he interacts with it.

• Content for his monthly email newsletter.  

 

Parting Advice

Just do it! Show biz is not a part time job.  

 

Recommended books and resources:

Note: Many of the links in this section are affiliate links, meaning we earn a small portion of any sales. If you're enjoying our podcast and decide to purchase one of the recommended resources or books, please consider using our affiliate links to help support the work we're doing here at the Successful Performercast. Thanks!  

Resource:

TripIt

FlightAware

GateGuru  

 

Books:

Born Standing Up by Steve Martin

Talent is Overrated by Geoff Colvin  

 

Where can we find Ivan Pecel?

Ivan Pecel's Website

Twitter @ivanpecel | Facebook | Instagram | Vine

Direct download: SPC_063_Ivan_Pecel_-_Comedy_Juggling.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:00am PDT

Matthew McCoy gives some great theatrical advice for magicians in some practical steps you can take to improve your act!

Matthew is a theater actor, director, choreographer, and producer up in the Bay Area of Northern California. He’s the founder of BAM!, or Bay Area Musicals and currently serves as Artistic Director.

Holding a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre he’s acted professionally in countless productions like The Wiz, Guys & Dolls, The Sound of Music, Chicago, and Hairspray. He’s also choreographed and directed such shows as Cinderella, The Music Man, Dracula, and Mary Poppins.

This is just naming a few. Finally, he has an extensive background and knowledge of magic which has made him a sought after asset to direct new magical theater projects in the United States and around the world.

 

Sponsors:

Click Convert Profit — This episode is brought to you by Josh London's Click Convert Profit and his book Flying Solo, the Smart Solopreneur’s Guide to Making Money Online.

Click here to get $10 off and for my listeners only, the free ebook "4 Ways to Find Your Most Profitable Keywords”.  

 

Success Quote

Follow your bliss and the universe will open up doors where there were walls. — Joseph Campbell  

 

BAM! Bay Area Musicals

• Where his inspiration came from in starting this project. 

• Spotted a need and aimed to fill that need.  

• Forming a board of advisors.  

• Creating a business plan.

• Branding.

• Raising funds.  

 

Coaching & Direction for Magicians

• Common magician mistakes: not knowing your audience, not knowing the story, not making eye contact, originality, taking criticism.

• Variance - adding variety "so you're not just doing cards or split fans."

• Specificity - every single second should be accounted for. This allows you to test and measure things and find the best options for timing and movement, etc.

• Physicality - the physical life and nature of your persona on stage.  

 

Some tips for magicians:

• If you don't have a script, write one.

• Kill all stock lines.

• Take an acting class.

• Exercise and take care of your body.

• People don't care about you or the show. They're looking for an escape from their day-to-day life.  

 

Failure Moment

Called the music incorrectly when calling cues for show. They weren't able to recover. Ouch!  

 

Favorite Success

BAM! Starting Bay Area Musicals!  

 

Biggest Professional Challenge

Raising capital. You don't want to set sail until you can afford to sink.  

 

Interesting Story From the Road

A quick fun story involving Master Magician Chris Capehart  

 

Other Topics Covered

• Talks about moving out to San Francisco and how he went about it. It was very calculated and planned.

• Talks about his background in magic.

• His involvement in Magic at the Beach and producing variety shows.  

 

Parting Advice

Honesty, originality, and professionalism.  

 

Recommended books and resources:

Note: Many of the links in this section are affiliate links, meaning we earn a small portion of any sales. If you're enjoying our podcast and decide to purchase one of the recommended resources or books, please consider using our affiliate links to help support the work we're doing here at the Successful Performercast. Thanks!  

 

Resource:

Apple Calendar with alerts and a giant wall calendar to show a bird's eye view.  

 

Books:

The Viewpoints Book by Anne Bogart  

 

Where can we find Matthew McCoy?

Matthew McCoy's Website

Champions of Magic

BAM! Bay Area Musicals

 

 

Direct download: SPC_062_Matthew_McCoy_-_Theater_Tips_for_Magicians.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:00am PDT

This week I talk to musician and school assembly performer Pete Ellison about how he started his very unique school shows and how he keeps all his show booking and client info straight!

Pete Ellison is the founder of One World Rhythm, which provides live, interactive, musical entertainment for schools, libraries, churches, and other private events. Their show combines multimedia with live instrumentation, even placing instruments into the hands of the students to create a unique, interactive musical experience for everyone involved.

Pete has studied for multiple years with Drum Circle Music, and is a Vic Firth Educational Artist. He's also founded other notable groups like The Black Knights Drum Corps, which is a nonprofit youth organization in Burbank, California, and he was a founding member of the Southern California Percussion Alliance which serves over 3,000 youth percussionists each year.

In addition to this, he's also created Show Operations, the ultimate show contact and booking system for entertainment professionals, which pretty much allows you to ditch your spreadsheet and Rolodex in favor of a more intuitive system.  

 

Sponsors:

Click Convert Profit — This episode is brought to you by Josh London's Click Convert Profit and his book Flying Solo, the Smart Solopreneur’s Guide to Making Money Online. 

Click here to get $10 off and for my listeners only, the free ebook "4 Ways to Find Your Most Profitable Keywords”.  

 

Success Quote

Job security is not the job you go to each day or the time clock that you punch. Job security is the skill set you develop along your life's journey and that will always give you job security. It's the things you know and can do. — Pete Ellison  

 

Show Operations

• Tells what Show Operations is and what he was trying to solve in creating it. 

• It's basically a system that keeps all your client, show, and book-keeping info all in one place. It's kind of like a virtual assistant. 

• It's browser-based, so all your data is stored in the cloud. You have access to your data wherever you have access to the internet.   

Special offer for Successful Performercast listeners! 50% off for the lifetime of your account. Click here!  

 

Failure Moment

Made a cultural faux pas performing at a Jewish Chabad candle-lighting.  

 

Favorite Success

Winning a bid to work for Radio Disney.  

 

Biggest Professional Challenge

Getting the word out about his business.

 

Other Topics Covered

• The difference in mindsets of entrepreneurs vs. those that punch a clock.

• What is job security really?

• Tells how he started his business, how he tried different markets for his drumming idea and eventually decided on the children market.

• Don't be consumed by a failure.

• Tells how he took his idea and pitched it to schools and libraries. He had the added challenge that nobody was currently doing what he was wanting to do.

• How he keeps control over 200 kids with percussion instruments in their hands.

• When you give kids something to do, they're not doing things that you don't want them to do. It's replacing undesired actions with desired ones.  

 

Parting Advice

Go out there and take action! You're not getting any younger.  

 

Recommended books and resources:

Note: Many of the links in this section are affiliate links, meaning we earn a small portion of any sales. If you're enjoying our podcast and decide to purchase one of the recommended resources or books, please consider using our affiliate links to help support the work we're doing here at the Successful Performercast. Thanks!

 

Resource:

Show Operations  

 

Books:

Be Our Guest! by The Disney Institute

Dan Kennedy books on Marketing  

 

Where can we find Pete Ellison?

OneWorldRhythm.com

IncredibleSchoolAssemblies.com

Show Operations

Direct download: SPC_061_Pete_Ellison_-_Musical_School_Shows.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:00am PDT

For this episode, I had the honor of interviewing Post Modern Vaudevillian, Michael Rayner about his career in juggling, mayhem, and on doing audience warmup shows! Yeah, he's one of the guys that entertains live audiences between takes during TV show filmings!

To call Michael just a juggler would do him no justice, because his hilarious stunts range everywhere from balancing various objects on his face to spinning a cheeseburger on an umbrella.

As an actor you may have seen his appearances on Judging Amy, Sesame Street, Late Night with David Letterman, numerous appearances on Nickelodeon, and on countless commercials. He’s also a TV writer having written for The Game Show Network, E! Entertainment Television, and Nickelodeon.

Finally, he also warms up audiences watching filmings of sitcoms, but something tells me this is just scratching the surface of Michael’s world.  

 

Sponsors:

Click Convert Profit — This episode is brought to you by Josh London's Click Convert Profit and his book Flying Solo, the Smart Solopreneur’s Guide to Making Money Online. 

Click here to get $10 off and for my listeners only, the free ebook "4 Ways to Find Your Most Profitable Keywords”.  

 

Success Mantra

Anarchy! He really likes a show where literally anything can happen!  

 

Audience Warmups

This is a specific area of performing where you warm up the live audiences watching the taping of a sitcom.

• Tells how he broke into this particular arena of entertaining. 

• It's not about you or how funny you are, it's about making the sitcom look as good as possible. 

• You have to scale your own performance so you're not funnier or more entertaining than the show. 

• Read the script to make sure you're not "stepping on any jokes or bits" or other material from the show.

• How to break into doing warmup shows. 

• Targeting your resumé to warmups. What looks best on a resumé?

• What to do for your audition.

• How to prepare for your first night performing.

• Being able to estimate how long it will be between takes.

• Having enough material.

• Knowing the cast and the production team.  

 

Failure Moment

Splitting up the Olsen Twins when announcing them during a warmup gig. You NEVER split up the Olsen Twins. Never.  

 

Biggest Professional Challenge

Realizing that he doesn't have to be a "big name" to be successful. The fact that he's making a living means that he's won! (Plus, he married Mo from Nickelodeon's Guts, for the WIN!)

 

Other Topics Covered

• "Taking the offer" in improvising.

• Found Object juggling show.

• You don't need a lot of money to start performing.

• His approach to creativity.

• The science and finer points of spinning a hamburger on a parasol. 

 

Parting Advice

Figure out how you can make things a little different and be open to new experiences.

 

Recommended books and resources:

Note: Many of the links in this section are affiliate links, meaning we earn a small portion of any sales. If you're enjoying our podcast and decide to purchase one of the recommended resources or books, please consider using our affiliate links to help support the work we're doing here at the Successful Performercast. Thanks!  

Resource:

PODCASTS!!!  

 

Book:

True & False by David Mamet  

 

Where can we find Michael Rayner?

MichaelRayner.com

Twitter @brokenjuggler | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube  

Direct download: SPC_060_Michael_Rayner_-_Juggler.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:00am PDT

In this interview, Shawn Popp talks about adding music to your performances and answers many questions that people have asked about his app Show Cues.

Shawn Popp, AKA the Magic Dude, is one of Colorado's favorite performers. He's built a career traveling the country performing his magic at corporate events, trade shows, private parties, and other special events. His thouroughally entertaining show includes magic, mentalism, comedy, and music.

Speaking of music, Shawn is also the mind behind the iOS app Show Cues, a sound control system which helps you to bring music to your shows. It's almost like having a sound engineer in your pocket.  

 

Sponsors:

Click Convert Profit — This episode is brought to you by Josh London's Click Convert Profit and his book Flying Solo, the Smart Solopreneur’s Guide to Making Money Online. 

Click here to get $10 off and for my listeners only, the free ebook "4 Ways to Find Your Most Profitable Keywords”.  

 

Success Quote:

Make every day great and fun as well as every show!  

 

Magic and Music

• How important music really is to a magic act.  

• How he chooses music for his shows. 

• Each performer needs to find what speaks to them and their own style.  

• Having a well-defined character helps when picking music.  

• Be aware of your audience.  

• Common places in a show where you can add music. 

• Three steps to adding music to your show.  

 

About Show Cues App

SPECIAL FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMERCAST LISTENERS: For three days only, May 1–3, 2015, Shawn is offering 20% off of both the Show Cues App (taking it from $89.99 down to $69.99) and the Show Cues Remote (taking it from $59.99 to $47.99).   

 

• What it is and why he created it.

• Android version coming soon.

• They're open to feedback from users and take it into account to make the app better.

• A universal app (iPhone and iPad) is on the horizon and current users will be able to upgrade for free if they currently own one or the other.

• Why so expensive?

• Addresses questions and concerns regarding remotes not working with the app.  

 

Failure Moment

Talks about a failed "card stab" on stage and what he did.  

 

Favorite Success

Being booked over and over by the same clients year after year.

 

Other Topics Covered

• Talked about how he shifted into performing full-time which involved him freelancing as a graphic designer.

• Saving up money before you "jump ship."  

Parting Advice

Don't sell yourself short. Do great magic. Price yourself accordingly.  

 

Recommended books and resources:

Note: Many of the links in this section are affiliate links, meaning we earn a small portion of any sales. If you're enjoying our podcast and decide to purchase one of the recommended resources or books, please consider using our affiliate links to help support the work we're doing here at the Successful Performercast. Thanks!

 

Resource:

Show Cues

Manager Sal

Showbiz CRM

Evernote  

 

Books:

Secret Agenda by Roberto Giobbi

Selling the Invisible by Harry Beckwith

The Expert from Out of Town: Marketing a Business Nationwide by Anthony F. Perry    

 

Where can we find Shawn Popp?

Open the Trap Door

Shawn Preston's Website

Conjuring Cabinet

Twitter @magicdudeco | Facebook

Direct download: SPC_059_Shawn_Popp_-_Music_and_Magic.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:00am PDT

In this interview, John Abrams brings us into his business performing assembly shows at elementary schools. He doesn't hold anything back and even gives us some example scripts designed to make his shows more effective in their intended objectives!

John Abrams is a magician, actor, Emcee, husband and dad, who has found his passion, and probably also his calling in performing school assembly shows for elementary schools.

Since 1998, John has performed school assembly shows, starting with his flagship show, Animal Magic, featuring all live exotic pets. He would perform that show an average of 250 times per year. Since then, he’s created countless other shows that bring inspiration and help teachers tackle topics like bullying, drugs, and the importance of good character. He currently performs over 500 shows each year at elementary schools and libraries all over Southern California.

John is also an expert in marketing and has taught his methods of getting shows to other performers over the internet, through lectures, and various information products.  

 

Sponsors:

Click Convert Profit — This episode is brought to you by Josh London's Click Convert Profit and his book Flying Solo, the Smart Solopreneur’s Guide to Making Money Online. Click here to get $10 off and for my listeners only, the free ebook "4 Ways to Find Your Most Profitable Keywords”.  

 

Success Quote:

If you think you can or you think you can't, you're right. — Henry Ford  

 

Assembly Shows

• Tells how he came up with topics to create shows around. 

• Finding out what the teachers need, finding a pain point and building a show around that.  

• Tells how he researches topics.  

• You can look up school curriculums online at the Department of Education Website. 

• Go online and see what other assembly shows are doing. 

• Talks about his website and the elements he uses: benefit-driven headline, benefit-driven content, and market-specific testimonials. It's basically a sales letter website. 

• Pricing on assembly shows: what he charges ($900 for two assemblies) and what someone breaking in should charge ($700 for two assemblies). Mentions other possible pricing structures.

• How he uses Yelp to get testimonials.

• Differences between assembly shows and library shows. They want different results!  

 

Failure Moment

Hear about a physically intense sales letter that he sent out to schools that he'll never send out again!  

 

Favorite Success

A very successful library showcase he did while wearing a space suit and booked 60 shows from it!  

 

Biggest Professional Challenge

Letting the cooperate market go. He discovered that he didn't want to travel and perform on weekends and nights. It was tough for him to walk away from the market and potential money.  

 

Awesome Sample Scripts!

Note: These scripts are tailored to John's performance style and character. Please use these as guidelines to write your own pitches for your shows. 

Pitch for the jumbo dollar bills you give away: "Kids, if you enjoyed yourselves and had a great time, not only are there five magic tricks on the back of this dollar bill, but there's a handsome and good-looking guy on the front here, as well as my phone number and website in case you want to invite me to your party."

At the end of an assembly show after summarizing the teaching: "If you enjoyed the show, here's what you've gotta do. I know you're going to be excited and talking in your loud voices, but I want you to go back to class and talk in your quiet voices for your teachers, because, if you talk in your quiet voices, maybe, they'll invite me back . If you think that's a good idea, everybody shout yay!"

Pitching books at libraries during his animal show: "Who liked the dove? Who liked the snake? Who liked the chinchilla? Who liked the tarantula? If you liked any of these animals, right over there are all kinds of books on snakes, and doves, and chinchillas, and spiders. Do you see that shelf over there? Let's make sure that shelf becomes completely empty before you go home!"

Pitching magic books at libraries: "Do you want to know how I did all this magic? In this library there are books that teach you magic tricks. All you have to do is check them out for free with your library card, open them up and practice them with your mom and dad, and one day you can do a magic show just like I did! Doesn't that sound cool?"  

 

Other Topics Covered

• The importance of marketing.

• Anything you give away needs to be of value, but you also need to pitch it so they know what to do with it!

• Talks about his menagerie of animals and how he handles, cares for, and travels with them.

• Laminate the flyers you give out. If you do that, nobody will ever throw them away!

• Shaping your career around what you want your lifestyle to be.  

 

Parting Advice

You already have enough to shows and sell them. Just do it!  

 

Recommended books and resources:

Note: Many of the links in this section are affiliate links, meaning we earn a small portion of any sales. If you're enjoying our podcast and decide to purchase one of the recommended resources or books, please consider using our affiliate links to help support the work we're doing here at the Successful Performercast. Thanks!  

 

Resource:

Podcasts! Specifically School of Greatness and the TED Radio Hour  

 

Classic Success Books:

Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill

The Strangest Secret by Earl Nightingale

Success Principles by Jack Canfield

GOALS by Brian Tracy  

 

Newer Books:

The Actor's Handbook by Constantin Stanislavski

The Ultimate Sales Letter by Dan Kennedy

Chasing Cool by Noah Kerner  

 

CALL TO ACTION: Get John to Write a Book on Assembly Shows!

If enough people email John and request him to write a book on assembly shows, he'll do it! Email him now! john@amazingschoolassemblies.com  

 

Where can we find The John Abrams?

Amazing School Assemblies

California Bully Assemblies

California Character Assemblies

Animals and Magic

Twitter @johnabrams1

Direct download: SPC_058_John_Abrams_-_Assembly_Shows.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:00am PDT

In this interview, The Amazing Allison shares her journey with us and offers some valuable insights into performing in corporate venues.

The Amazing Allison Campbell is considered to be corporate America’s leading female mentalist and infotainer and has performed in virtually all types of venues, including as a magical bartender at America's Top Chef Rick Moonen's RM Seafood at Mandalay Bay and many appearances on national TV & radio.

She’s also a world-class mentalist, spokes-model and presenter for corporate applications working with and breaking sales records for dozens of Fortune 500 companies like Microsoft, Cisco, SanDisk, and Dell-Wyse.

In addition to all this, Allison has lectured on the business of magic and mentalism, being the first woman to lecture at Mindvention and the only person to be asked back to lecture for two consecutive years.  

 

Sponsors:

Click Convert Profit — This episode is brought to you by Josh London's Click Convert Profit and his book Flying Solo, the Smart Solopreneur’s Guide to Making Money Online. Click here to get $10 off and for my listeners only, the free ebook "4 Ways to Find Your Most Profitable Keywords”.  

 

Success Mantra:

Obstacles are those frightening things you see when you take your eyes off your goal. — Henry Ford  

 

Corporate Performing

• Courting clients.

• Staying top of mind with your clients and prospects. 

• Being of value to your clients. 

• "Leading the conversation" with their prospects planting the idea of hiring them in their minds so it seems like their idea. 

• The importance of verbiage and language in your contracts.

• Drawing people to the trade show booths.

 

Biggest Profesional Challenge

Being a female mentalist in the "boy's club" of magic and being taken seriously.  

 

Failure Moment

Tells about a show for a very big client where they changed everything about the show at the very last minute.  

 

Favorite Success

The same show from the failure story above. She tells how they got that client, and that they're still working with them!  

 

Differentiates Herself

The fact that she's a female entertainer. Also, being able to draw the biggest crowds at trade shows.  

 

Interesting Story

Sharing the stage with a paraplegic soldier and all the inspiration gained from him.  

 

Other Topics Covered

• What it's like working with her husband in business.

• How she landed her first restaurant gig.

• Separating business and personal life.

• Her experience lecturing at Mindvention.

• There's always room for improvement.  

 

Parting Advice

Don't ever think that you can't do something.  

 

Recommended books and resources:

Note: Many of the links in this section are affiliate links, meaning we earn a small portion of any sales. If you're enjoying our podcast and decide to purchase one of the recommended resources or books, please consider using our affiliate links to help support the work we're doing here at the Successful Performercast. Thanks!  

 

Resource:

LinkedIn — She gives some tips in using it for business.

Brian The Magic Guy Campbells Magic Business Lessons  

 

Books:
Psychological Subtleties 1 by Banachek
Psychological Subtleties 2 by Banachek 
Psychological Subtleties 3 by Banachek

Verbal Judo by George J Thompson 

 

Where can we find The Amazing Allison?

Amazing Allison's Website

ShowPros

Lecture notes and magic products are available through email. allison@amazingallison.com

Twitter @magicallie | Facebook | LinkedIn

Direct download: SPC_057_Amazing_Allison_-_Corporate_Mentalist.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:00am PDT

In this interview, Canadian magician John Kaplan tells us all about his career in creating fundraising shows! He really takes us into his business and gives some wonderful insight into this specialized niche.

With his Fundraising Magic program, John has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for hundreds of schools and community organizations to use in their worthwhile causes.

Not keeping his knowledge to himself, John also teaches his methods to other entertainers and has gained worldwide recognition for his books and courses and is also a sought-after speaker and trainer when it comes to producing fundraising shows.

 

Sponsors:

Click Convert Profit — This episode is brought to you by Josh London's Click Convert Profit and his book Flying Solo, the Smart Solopreneur’s Guide to Making Money Online. Click here to get $10 off and for my listeners only, the free ebook "4 Ways to Find Your Most Profitable Keywords”.  

 

Success Mantra:

You can get everything in life you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want. — Zig Ziglar  

 

Fundraising Shows

• Not just selling a magic show, but a way for his clients to make money as well.

• Tells how he got into fundraising shows. 

• Tells about his second fundraising show which proved to be a flop. 

• How he developed his system. 

• His fundraising shows need to: 1. make sure his overhead os covered,  2. make sure he gets paid, and 3. make sure his client makes a lot of money!

• Three pillars to a successful fundraiser: Planning, Promotion, Profitability.

• How he gives his clients all the tools they need to do the fundraiser. 

• Piggyback fundraisers like souvenirs, local celebrities, and pledge contests.

• How he uses email auto responders to guide his clients along the path to their successful fundraiser.

• What a single-day event looks like for a fundraiser.

• Who his competition really is.

• Using celebrities in his fundraisers.

• Having other businesses like realtors sponsor the events to further increase his client's bottom line.

• The story of a 16 year old girl who started a foundation, used Johns services and raised $11,000 for her cause!  

 

Failure Moment

John talks about his second attempt at a fundraising show that flopped dismally. Good thing it didn't keep him down!  

 

Favorite Success

He created a big campaign for Merlin Motors around a "car vanish" which ended up being a wild success bringing people to their car lot.  

 

What's worked best in growing his business?

Over-delivering.  

 

Biggest Professional Challenge

Replacing long-term clients that for one reason or another aren't using him anymore.

 

What would he have done differently?

Nurture relationships with agents and event planners more.  

 

Other Topics Covered

• Market first, product second. Sell the show, then if someone buys it, produce it.

• Going the extra mile.  

 

Parting Advice

1. Invest in yourself.

2. Work diligently.

3. Over-deliver.  

 

Recommended books and resources:

Note: Many of the links in this section are affiliate links, meaning we earn a small portion of any sales. If you're enjoying our podcast and decide to purchase one of the recommended resources or books, please consider using our affiliate links to help support the work we're doing here at the Successful Performercast. Thanks!  

 

Resource:

Google Maps for helping in planning his tours.  

 

Books:

Biographies:
The Great Houdini by Beryl & Epstein
Jimmy: an Autobiography by Jimmy Pattison

How to Master the Art of Selling by Tom Hopkins
How to Sell Yourself by Joe Girard
Secrets of Closing the Sale by Zig Ziglar

Steinmeyer Books
Paul Osborne Books
The Great Illusions of Magic by Byron Wels  

 

Where can we find John Kaplan?

Fundraising Magic Website

John's Products for Magicians

John's Business Building Resources for Entertainers

John on Facebook

Direct download: SPC_056_John_Kaplan_-_Fundraising_Magic.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:00am PDT

In this interview, singer/songwriter Julia Othmer talks about her career as a musician as well as her experience with her successful (and over-funded Kickstarter) campaign!

Julia has been captivating audiences for the past decade with her energetic performances. She’s shared the stage at the Lilith Faire Tour with the likes of Sarah McLachlan, Emmylou Harris, Heart, and Ingrid Michaelson, and shared the stage with artists like Regina Spektor, Amos Lee, and John Waite.

She’s won numerous awards for her songwriting including several Honorable Mentions at the Billboard World Song Contest, Semifinalist at the International Songwriting Competition, and Runner-Up at the Singer/Songwriter Awards.

You may have heard one of her songs featured on TV on shows like Witches of East End, Switched at Birth, The Lying Game, Army Wives, Party of Five, or DeGrassi: The Next Generation.

Be sure to check out her critically acclaimed album Oasis Motel as well as keep your eyes peeled for her followup album nearing it’s release very soon!  

 

Sponsors

Click Convert Profit — This episode is brought to you by Josh London's Click Convert Profit and his book Flying Solo, the Smart Solopreneur’s Guide to Making Money Online.

Click here to get $10 off and for my listeners only, the free ebook "4 Ways to Find Your Most Profitable Keywords”.

 

Success Mantra:

Living in the question.

"How does it get better than this?"
"What else is possible?"
"What could be missing?"

Remaining in a state of questioning helps to keep creativity open.  

 

What She Learned from her Kickstarter Campaign

• Tells how she went about her campaign.

• Reaching out to fans to find out what she could do for them.

• It's not just a way to raise finds, but also a way to connect with and communicate with your fans.

• Tells how she figured out the different tiers of support and the rewards for such.

• Great way for your supporters to feel intimately involved with your art.

• Knowing what you want to accomplish with Kickstarter.

• Some of the underlying benefits of her Kickstarter campaign.  

 

Working as a Muse

She's had the opportunity of being the vehicle to help others with their own creative endeavors. For example, overcoming writer's block, starting/finishing projects, or inspiration.  

 

Favorite Success

Playing for a benefit at the Philadelphia Zoo and then getting to go backstage and see the big cats up close.  

 

What's worked best in growing her business?

Learning from her mistakes and valuing her audience.  

 

Biggest Professional Challenge

Creating a workable business plan in an ever-changing industry.  

 

Other Topics Covered

• Being creative when you don't feel inspired.

• How she goes about begin creative.

• Allowing yourself to be steered by your creativity.

• Authenticity in what you build.

• Moving to LA and some of the things she did to get the ball rolling on getting gigs.

• Create things for yourself. Things you love and that you believe in.

• Not losing yourself in your process.  

 

Upcoming Album

Julia talks a bit about her upcoming album which has yet to be named.

Here's her current album: Oasis Motel  

 

Parting Advice

Follow your joy.  

 

Recommended books and resources:

Note: Many of the links in this section are affiliate links, meaning we earn a small portion of any sales. If you're enjoying our podcast and decide to purchase one of the recommended resources or books, please consider using our affiliate links to help support the work we're doing here at the Successful Performercast. Thanks!  

 

Resource:

Pen & paper  

 

Books:

The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron

The Creative Habit: Learn It and Use It for Life by Twyla Tharp  

 

Where can we find Julia Othmer?

www.juliaothmer.com Julia's Overfunded Kickstarter Campaign Twitter @juliaothmer | FacebookInstagram | Youtube

Direct download: SPC_055_Julia_Othmer_-_Singer_Songwriter.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:00am PDT

In this interview, William Rader talks all about the ins and outs of selling tickets to your shows online and why he decided to create his own platform in an attempt to solve the issues from the big dogs in the industry.

For the past decade, William has traveled the country mesmerizing audiences at exclusive parties, universities, and corporate events with his show entitled, “An Enchanted Evening.” His show has been seen by thousands of people.

With his new project, WellAttended, William has also been working to solve a problem in the entertainment community of how to sell tickets to your show online without having to mess with the big dogs of the industry. WellAttended is a simple platform that makes it quick and easy to create a site and sell tickets online.  

 

Success Quote:

You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with. — Jim Rohn  

 

Selling Tickets Online

• Tells how he started performing theater shows in restaurants.

• Discovered he could make more money doing a theater show rather than doing strolling magic.

• Tells how he was originally selling tickets online and why he decided to create his own platform, WellAttended.

• The exorbitant fees that the "big dogs" charge.

• Created a more intuitive ticket-selling process—essentially a better machine.

• How he's been listening to his users to find out what they need and implementing them as new features to his service.

• WellAttended is intended for performers producing smaller scale shows that they want to sell tickets to online.

• Breaks down his much more reasonable fee structure and how that works.  

 

What is WellAttended?

WellAttended is a simple platform that makes it quick and easy to create a site and sell tickets online. Feature your brand by uploading your logos, images, and social media profiles. You can use WellAttended if you already have a site or if you want to create one dedicated to selling tickets.  

 

The Creative Process: How He's Put it all Together

• Talks about working with a developer to build a product and bring his vision to life.

• Brainstorming and his creative process.

• Talking to people who are using similar services and building your product based on that.

• Building something you're passionate about.  

 

Biggest Professional Challenge

Finding new users for his system.  

 

Failure Moment

Found the "perfect place" to have a theater show at and gave them his promo materials. They promised to promote the show but never did. He trusted them, but ended up having to cancel the show.  

 

Favorite Success

Getting his first standing ovation for his theater show.  

 

Parting Advice

Don't be afraid to make mistakes.  

 

Recommended books and resources:

Note: Many of the links in this section are affiliate links, meaning we earn a small portion of any sales. If you're enjoying our podcast and decide to purchase one of the recommended resources or books, please consider using our affiliate links to help support the work we're doing here at the Successful Performercast. Thanks!  

 

 

Resource:

A notepad and pen. Specifically "field notes" notebooks.

Pocket Mods

Soldout Run — Theatre Marketing | iTunes

Rocketship.fm | iTunes

Gigging Success | iTunes  

 

Books:

Guerrilla Marketing by Jay Levinson

Guerrilla Selling by Jay Levinson

Guerrilla Publicity by Jay Levinson

Resonate: Present Visual Stories that Transform Audiences by Nancy Duarte

Get it FREE on her website!  

 

Where can we find William Rader?

William's Performing Website

WellAttended

WellAttended Blog

Twitter @WilliamRader

Direct download: SPC_054_William_Radar_-_Selling_Tickets_Online.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:00am PDT

22 Years ago, magician Phil Ackerly was laid off from his day job at Fujitsu Microelectronics with a wife, a ten month old son, and a brand new home that was just coming out of escrow. This ultimately resulted in him taking his passion of performing magic full-time, making it his career.

 
Flash forward to today, Phil is an award winning magician taking home numerous awards like first place close-up from Pacific Coast Association of Magicians in 2010 and five-time Gold Medal Winner for favorite Party Entertainer by Bay Area Parent magazine. He now performs over 350 shows every year at corporate events and private parties.

 

Success Quote:

In order to be successful, you have to fail.  

 

Things Learned from Working for a Talent Agent

• How to plan events.

• You can't be hung up on yourself.

• Finding out what the clients need and fill that need.

• Up-selling to your client.  

 

Failure Moment

Not showing up at a show because of a rescheduling and a paperwork mixup.  

 

Favorite Success

Being able to make a living performing magic. Also, performing at the Hollywood Magic Castle and having The Professor, Dai Vernon compliment him on his show.  

 

Biggest Professional Challenge

Balancing his "creative work" with his "business work."  

 

Other Topics Covered

• Tells his story about how he got layer off from his day job and then was able to transition into his passion of performing magic full time. He talks about his first year out there.

• Carving out a niche for himself in the family show market.

• Increasing your fees.

• Personalizing your show and differentiating yourself.

• Value and perception of value.

• The lengths he goes to confirm and re-confirm his bookings.

• Thank you notes.

• How he uses Yelp and how he gets reviews.

• How he uses his blog to connect with his clients on a personal level. He talks specifically about one post entitled Treasure the Moments

  

Parting Advice

"Make me care." — Max Maven

Make your audience care.  

 

Recommended books and resources:

Note: Many of the links in this section are affiliate links, meaning we earn a small portion of any sales. If you're enjoying our podcast and decide to purchase one of the recommended resources or books, please consider using our affiliate links to help support the work we're doing here at the Successful Performercast. Thanks!  

 

Resource:

Arthur & Leslie Stead for writing custom music.

Doug Bennett the Magic Writer  

 

Books:

Beyond Deception by Tobias Beckwith

The Presentation Secrets of Steve Jobs by Carmine Gallo 

The Apple Experience by Carmine Gallo  

 

Where can we find Phil Ackerly?

www.MakePhilAppear.com

Phil on Facebook

Direct download: SPC_053_Phil_Ackerly_-_Magician.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:00am PDT

In this interview, David Aiken talks about his juggling career, branding, interjecting comedy into real life, and a great story that involves him on the Barenaked Ladies Ships & Dip Cruise!

David Aiken, AKA the Checkerboard Guy is an award-winning interactive comedy juggler from the Great White North! Performing for corporate events, cruise lines, and at other various venues, David has traveled the world with his act including North America, Austrailia, Europe, and Asia, and even learned to perform his act in Japanese since he was invited back there so often. He’s performed for clients such as Air Canada, Honda, the Canadian Football League, The National Hockey League, and even had the opportunity to perform for Canada’s Prime Minister.

Royal Caribbean International says that David is "A wacky crazy man that will keep you laughing! and a delight to work with!"  

 

Success Quote:

Once you can laugh at your own weaknesses, you can move forward. Comedy breaks down walls. It opens up people. If you're good, you can fill up those openings with something positive. Maybe you can combat some of the ugliness in the world. — Goldie Hawn  

 

Failure Moment

Missing a flight to India because he didn't look at the time correctly. He showed up at 2:00 PM instead of 2:00 AM.  

 

Branding and His Checkerboard Guy Persona

• How he evolved into his persona.

• How he uses "trading cards" in his marketing efforts.

• Living his persona on stage and off stage.

• How his branding helps him generate "celebrity."

• When people want you specifically, that's the beginning of celebrity.  

 

Biggest Professional Challenge

Slowing down and not yelling during his show.  

 

Worked Best for His Business

Going out and being awesome, doing good shows, and exceeding expectations.

 

Fun Story from the Road

Hear about how he met and befriended the Barenaked Ladies, got to perform on some of their Ships & Dip Cruises, and took a huge group Barenaked photo with the Barenaked Ladies.  

 

Other Topics Covered

• Impostor syndrome.

• Using comedy in life to break down barriers.

• Talks about the support he had from his mother who put him on a bus at 14 years old to go to a juggling convention for a few days. It was a different world.

• Being a juggler/jester in the Society for Creative Anachronism.

• You become the average of the five people you spend the most time around.

• Working as the usher at his own shows helps him to interact and get to know his audience from the get go.

• Working in Japan and learning Japanese so he could perform his show in their language…and ask for his now wife's hand in marriage.

• Always trying to interject humor and find "places to play."

• Making mistakes and learning from them.

• Growing as a creative person.

• GGoL: Generous Gifts of Love

• Strategic thanking and marketing.  

 

Parting Advice

Have fun! If you're not having fun, you're doing the wrong thing!  

 

Recommended books and resources:

Note: Many of the links in this section are affiliate links, meaning we earn a small portion of any sales. If you're enjoying our podcast and decide to purchase one of the recommended resources or books, please consider using our affiliate links to help support the work we're doing here at the Successful Performercast. Thanks!

 

Resource:

Scrivener — a powerful content-generation tool for writers.  

 

Books:

Negotiating Higher Performance Fees by Michael Ammar

The Comic Toolbox by John Vorhaus

Start with Why by Simon Sinek  

 

Where can we find David Aiken?

www.thecheckerboardguy.com

Stories from the Pitch Podcast

Another side of Lindsay Benner's Story about Shitman, as told by Pete Sweet.

Twitter @checkerboardguy | Facebook

Direct download: SPC_052_David_Aiken_-_Juggler.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:00am PDT

In this interview, James Galea tells us how he spends every day having the best day ever! He also talks about how he's put together shows like the Band of Magicians, pitching his ideas, and getting funding for his visions.

James Galea is an award-winning magician, writer, songwriter, director and producer residing in both sunny Los Angeles and sunny Sydney Australia.

Trying to make every day his best day ever, he’s literally traveled the globe performing his magic. He’s the creator of and has toured with the acclaimed "Band of Magicians," performed at corporate events for the likes of Microsoft, Virgin, Ford, and Disney, and he’s headlined worldwide in places like the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, The Hollywood Magic Castle, and the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.

You may have also seen him on one of his many TV appearances on the Ellen DeGeneres Show, The TODAY Show, Good Day LA, his own series Urban Magic, or starring in the Discovery Channel series Breaking Magic along with fellow magicians Wayne Houchin, Billy Kidd, and Ben Hanlin.

Daily Telegraph says, "James has reinvented the art of trickery, taking it far from its traditional comfort zone."  

 

Success Quote:

Nobody knows anything. — William Goldman  

 

Failure Moment

James tells us about the most dismal failure that anyone could have on stage. Literally. Everything went wrong! James describes it in excruciating detail.  

 

Favorite Success

Whatever he's working on right now.  

 

Producing and Pitching Shows

• Talks about his musical about a magician.

• Pitching his ideas.

• How he started the Band of Magicians and his vision for it.

• How he promoted the Band of Magicians to get butts in seats.

• How he raised money for the show.

• How they're different from The Illusionists.  

 

Biggest Professional Challenge

Trusting his instinct and knowing what's right to do. That and telling people no.  

 

Other Topics Covered

• Being a life-long learner.

• How he spends every day having the best day ever and how he discovered that philosophy for himself.

• His first experiences on cruise ships.

• How he marketed himself early on.

• Learned by doing and observing.

• What his parents thought about his "professional pursuits."  

 

Parting Advice

Be careful who you listen to and take advice from.  

 

Recommended books and resources:

Note: Many of the links in this section are affiliate links, meaning we earn a small portion of any sales. If you're enjoying our podcast and decide to purchase one of the recommended resources or books, please consider using our affiliate links to help support the work we're doing here at the Successful Performercast. Thanks!  

Resource:

Show Cues - iOS App  

 

Books:

Find the Stuff That's You by Chris Carey

War of Art by Steven Pressfield  

 

Where can we find James Galea?

www.jamesgalea.com

Twitter @jamesgalea | Facebook | Instagram

Direct download: SPC_051_James_Galea_-_Magician.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:00am PDT

In this interview, Norman Ng talks about his career in magic which includes family, lifestyle design, and building his own talent agency.

Norman Ng is a magician and talent agent based out of Maine.

Being full-time going on thirteen years, Norman has performed live for more than 500,000 people in all of North America including Canada and has logged more than 3,000 performances in his career so far. Among these performances, he’s presented at more than 600 college campuses and was awarded "America's Best Variety Act," by Campus Activities Magazine in 2011.

In 2013, he started his own talent agency, NMP Talent, where he books musicians, comedians, speakers, and variety acts around the United States.  

 

Success Quote:

Carpe Diem!  

 

Failure Moment

Norman tried to create a fundraising show, invested thousands of dollars in it, and ultimately failed because he didn't fit the demographic.  

 

Favorite Success

Transitioning from being a local performer to an international one.  

 

Differentiates Himself

Knowing his client's needs and working to fulfill them.  

 

Owning a Talent Agency

• Started it so he could be home more with his family but still stay in show biz.

• Tells how he adds talent to his agency.

• Being a true artist.

• To stand out, have a good website that shows you care about what you do.

• Biggest mistake he sees is people make is not being ready.  

 

Worked Best in Growing Business

Keeping in constant contact with clients. The squeaky wheel gets the grease. Top of Mind Awareness.  

 

Biggest Professional Challenge

Staying in the game.  

 

What would he have done differently?

Accounted more for what it would be like having a wife and kids when being a traveling performer.  

 

Interesting Story

Norman tells how he almost died on the road because of a mysterious illness.  

 

Other Topics Covered

• Never saying no to a gig.

• Talks about how he marketed himself early on.

• Working on material first before marketing his show.

• Knowing yourself and your performance style before jumping into a market.

• How he planned for and moved his business across the country.

• Commenting on the current temperature of the college market.

• How important it is to have the support of your family.

• Balancing work and family and maximizing time with family.  

 

Parting Advice

Start with good material and build from there.  

 

Recommended books and resources:

Note: Many of the links in this section are affiliate links, meaning we earn a small portion of any sales. If you're enjoying our podcast and decide to purchase one of the recommended resources or books, please consider using our affiliate links to help support the work we're doing here at the Successful Performercast. Thanks!  

 

Resource:

Quicken Small Business  

 

Books:

Books of Wonder by Tommy Wonder

Start Small, Finish Big by Fred DeLuca  

 

Where can we find Norman Ng?

NormanMagic.com

NMPTalent.com

Twitter @normanmagic | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

Direct download: SPC_050_Norman_Ng_-_Magician.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:00am PDT

In this interview, Dan Chan takes us on his journey into how he became a professional magician. He also talks about his dinner show, his experiences with Groupon and LivingSocial, and how he's teaching his two young children how to juggle and perform magic.

Dan Chan is a magician and variety show producer up in the Bay Area.

Dan is quite the versatile performer, from close-up magic to stage illusion to pickpocketing, he's taken his talents in front of some impressive audiences including George Lucas, the US Marine Corps, and performing over 15 times for Google.

In addition to this, he’s works with his wife, Kat, in many of his productions and has been training up his two children, 7 year old James and 5 year old Grace, in juggling and magic as well.

Dan is an intense three-ring circus rolled into one man. Bring in the rest of his family and you have a quadruple threat class act!  

 

Success Quote:

With our council, plans are frustrated, but with many councilors, they succeed. — Book of Proverbs  

 

Failure Moment

The way he found out he was charging too little for his services.  

 

Favorite Success

Dan lists off some rather nice gigs he's been blessed to have performed at.  

 

Differentiates Himself

Knowing his client's needs and working to fulfill them.  

 

Worked Best in Growing Business

Top of Mind Awareness with giveaways bearing his logo (an ambigram).  

 

Biggest Professional Challenge

Trying to get his dinner show touring.  

 

What would he have done differently?

Studied transactional law and more theatre.  

 

Interesting Story

Hear how Dan got out of a traffic ticket by showing the officer a magic trick.  

 

Other Topics Covered

• Talked briefly about journaling.

• Training his young children in magic and juggling.

• His experiences with Groupon and LivingSocial.

• Some of his goals.

• Luck is where preparation and opportunity meet.

• Talks about his dinner show and how he's marketing it.

• Pitching his dinner show to restaurants.

• Pricing your shows.  

 

Parting Advice

Get your foot in the door and then gain momentum.  

 

Recommended books and resources:

Note: Many of the links in this section are affiliate links, meaning we earn a small portion of any sales. If you're enjoying our podcast and decide to purchase one of the recommended resources or books, please consider using our affiliate links to help support the work we're doing here at the Successful Performercast. Thanks!  

 

Resource:

Waze - iOS App, Social GPS  

 

Books:

The Richest Man Who Ever Lived by Steven K. Scott

The Enlightened Magicians: The Best of the Best by Michael Jeffreys  

 

Where can we find Dan Chan?

DanChanMagic.com

BayAreaDinnerShow.com

 

Direct download: SPC_049_Dan_Chan_-_Magician.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:00am PDT

In this interview, Niels Duinker talks about how he's been able take his passion of juggling and make it into a career. He also talks about how he's been designing the ultimate juggling cup!

Niels Duinker is a comedy juggler from the Netherlands.

Niels has taken his juggling around the world earning him many accolades including Gold Medal in the 2009 Taiwan Circus Festival, multiple Gold Medals at the National Juggling Championships, Variety Act of the Year in 2012 from the International Magicians Society, and he’s a three-time world record holder in the Guinness Book of World Records.

He boasts quite an impressive resumé performing at top casinos, cruise lines, theme parks, and festivals as well as for clients like Coca Cola, Intel, Mitsubishi, and IKEA.

Finally, Niels also teaches what he’s learned in juggling as well as in life when it comes to pursuing your dream in lectures, DVDs, and his book, “Catching Greatness."  

 

Success Quote:

Make yourself a little bit better every day.  

 

Failure Moment

Niels tells how he missed a gig because of a nap and a time difference.  

 

Favorite Success

Finally being able to nail something he's been woking on.  

 

Differentiates Himself

Getting away from standard props.  

 

Niels on Prop Design

• Talks about designing shaker cups specifically made for juggling.

• Building prototypes.

• Using his mechanical engineering degree.

• Having a list of objectives to achieve with new design.  

 

Worked Best in Growing Business

Showing up every day, working hard, and being faithful.  

 

Biggest Professional Challenge

Coming up with new goals after attaining all of his current ones.  

 

Interesting Story

Niels tells us an interesting story of a photo he printed and looked at every day and how it eventually became a reality in his own life.  

 

Other Topics Covered

• How he approached cruise lines.

• Getting help from other people.

• How his parents were supportive but also how they pushed him to help him grow.

• Making things happen for yourself.  

 

Parting Advice

Improve a little more each day.  

 

Recommended books and resources:

Note: Many of the links in this section are affiliate links, meaning we earn a small portion of any sales. If you're enjoying our podcast and decide to purchase one of the recommended resources or books, please consider using our affiliate links to help support the work we're doing here at the Successful Performercast. Thanks!  

Resource:

A notebook and pen, or the notes app on his phone.

Dan Holzman's Brain Drizzles Coaching  

 

Books:

All Seth Godin Books

Joanie Spina's "Get Your Act Together"

Catching Greatness by Niels Duinker  

 

Where can we find Niels Duinker?

comedyjuggler.com

Niels' Juggling DVD

Direct download: SPC_048_Niels_Duinker_-_Juggler.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:00am PDT

In this interview, Daniel Martin drops some serious knowledge on how he's been able to make a living performing magic! Among other things, we talk about overcoming fear, performing in restaurants, and how to find where you fit as an entertainer.

Daniel Martin is a magician, escape artist, and comedian. He’s toured multiple shows around the country at colleges and university campuses, and his work has been featured on television networks like CBS, NBC, ESPN, and VH1.

For two years in a row, he’s been ranked as one of the top 3 touring acts in the country by event producers and activity directors. He was selected as “Best Live Performer” in 2012, was four times nominated for “Entertainer of the Year” and three times nominated for “Best Male Performer” all by Campus Activities Magazine in which he’s also been featured.

He has a highly interactive show that brings comedy and amazement alike.  

 

Success Quote:

Feel the fear, and do it anyway! — Susan Jeffers  

 

Touring His Stage Show

• To break into a new market and do it well, it will take an average of 3–5 years and cost $40–50K.

• Customizing his shows.

• Recording audio of every show.

• Getting butts in the seats.

• Advancing shows.

• Making sure the venues have promo materials for the shows.

• Communicating with the client to find out what they need.

• Using comment cards for his shows.  

 

Other Topics Covered

• Fear, motivation, and stage fright.

• How he cut his teeth in restaurants.

• The effects of 9-11 on his business.

• "If you're a starving artist, you're doing it wrong."

• How he learned marketing while working part time for various companies.

• How he worked the hardest he ever had while trying to get his performance biz off the ground.

• Balancing family life and work life.

• Benefits of performing in restaurants.

• If you want to be the smartest person in the room, shut your mouth and open you ears.

• Listen to what life is telling you.  

 

Daniel on Comedy

• A laugh is equally as important as a magical moment.

• He combines his magic and comedy in a way that matches his character.

• Using laughs as misdirection.

• Cultivating emotion from laughter.

• Laughter is a way to people's souls.  

 

Favorite Success

How his show prevented a young girl from taking her life.  

 

Recommended books and resources:

Note: Many of the links in this section are affiliate links, meaning we earn a small portion of any sales. If you're enjoying our podcast and decide to purchase one of the recommended resources or books, please consider using our affiliate links to help support the work we're doing here at the Successful Performercast. Thanks!  

Resource:

Get help from people that are smarter than you. Don't go Solo, take a Wookie!  

 

Books:

Raving Fans by Ken Blanchard

War of Art by Steven Pressfield

Wise Guy by Harry Anderson

Mind & Magic of David Berglas  

 

Vote for Daniel!

Daniel Martin has been nominated for Entertainer of the Year by Campus Activities Magazine! Let's help him out with a vote! VoteDM.com

 

Where can we find Daniel Martin?

DanielMartin.com

Twitter @iamdanielmartin | Facebook | Instagram

Direct download: SPC_047_Daniel_Martin_-_Magician.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:00am PDT

This is a bonus episode, something new I'm trying out. Don't worry, your regular scheduled interviews will continue uninterrupted.

This episode is just me getting behind the mic without an interview, talking to you and sharing whats on my heart and mind. I'm going to do these bonus episodes about once every month and I'm hopping this will be another way for me to connect with you all who listen to my show. If you like this, let me know.

If you don't like it, let me know. Let me throw this spaghetti against the wall to see if it sticks! :)  

 

Here's what I ramble about in this bonus episode:

• I introduce myself and tell a little about who I am. I know, I should have done this a looong time ago.

• Why am I doing this show? What are my hopes?

• My restaurant gigs and an interesting experience I had at a table a few weeks ago.

• My word for the year: Value.

• Some shoutouts.

• How can you help support the show? My Amazon Affiliate Link  

 

Thanks for listening. I really appreciate each and every one of you. Please let me know how I can serve you. :)

Drop me a line! ks@successfulperformercast.com | Facebook | Twitter @krissheppard

Direct download: SPC_Bonus_Feb_2015.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:55pm PDT

In this interview, Brian Glow and I talk all about corporate entertaining. We discuss everything from customizing your shows, targeting your marketing, and communicating with your prospects!

Brian Glow is a corporate magician based out of Winnepeg, Manitoba, Canada.

Brian specializes in corporate magic shows melding the companies message, theme, logos, products, and services into his magical performances wowing and educating all that witness his presentations. He’s performed over 7,000 corporate shows in over 40 countries for Fortune 500 and local businesses alike, including, but certainly not limited to Ford, Canon, Apple, Air Canada, and Hewlet Packard.

The Chicago Tribune says, "Joy and cleverness seem to pervade his work.”

 

Success Quote:

To be good is not enough when you dream of being great! — Anonymous  

 

Corporate Magic

• Creating and customizing material that fits with your clients.

• Gives specific example of creating material with a custom presentation.

• The magic is secondary to selling product or the corporate message.

• Tells how he broke into the corporate market.

• Having loyalty with your clients and not jumping ship to go with their competition.

• How he markets himself.

• Finding trade show directories.

• What makes you different from everyone else?

• Keeping in touch with contacts to keep Top of Mind Awareness.  

 

What's worked best for growing his business?

Cold calling!  

 

Biggest Professional Challenge:

World touring and all that goes with it.  

 

Failure Moment:

A one year contract was negotiated with a company in China, and the deal was killed because of the SARS outbreak. It left him with a huge hole in his calendar that he had to fill again.  

 

Favorite Success:

His children.  

 

Other Topics Covered:

• Having a good website.

• Social proof: video testimonials, etc.

• Having your marketing materials targeted to who you're going after.

• Responding quickly to inquiries.

• Losing luggage and being prepared for everything.  

 

Parting Advice

Be prepared.  

 

Recommended books and resources:

Note: Many of the links in this section are affiliate links, meaning we earn a small portion of any sales. If you're enjoying our podcast and decide to purchase one of the recommended resources or books, please consider using our affiliate links to help support the work we're doing here at the Successful Performercast. Thanks!  

Resource:

Lists! For packing, traveling, prop lists, pre packed shows, etc.

Show Cues - iOS App  

 

Books:

Life is a Contact Sport by Ken Kragen

It Takes Guts, Dammit by Paul Diamond

All Jim Steinmeyer Books

Tarbell's Course in Magic | Ebook Version  

 

Where can we find Brian Glow?

CorporateEventEntertainmentMagician.com  

 

 

Direct download: SPC_046_Brian_Glow_-_Magician.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:00am PDT

In this interview, Christopher Lyle and I talk all about restaurant magic! He offers some great insight into landing gigs, keeping them, and working with the restaurant staff as a team.

Christoher Lyle, also known as the guy in the yellow suit, is a magician, comic, daredevil, and balloon twisting genius! Some have described him as a “modern day cartoon."

Based out of Dallas, TX, he offers 10 different types of shows that he performs for audiences of literally all ages at private parties, restaurants, fairs, festivals, and anywhere else you can think of.

He’s taken his act across the globe, on television, and has also become a much sought-after coach for other performers wanting to improve their acts and he was also a columnist for the Magic Menu.  

 

Success Quote:

Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it. - Ferris Bueller  

 

All About Restaurants

On the Magic Cafe, it's been said that Christopher Lyle can walk into any restaurant he wants and walk out with a gig. He details his strategy in this post at The Magic Cafe.

Christopher offers some insights into performing at restaurants.

• How he qualifies restaurants before he approaches them.

• Which restaurants he will and won't go after.

• How he pitches restaurants in person.

• Free performance incentive.

• Keeping your gig once you have it.

• Why he doesn't do contracts with the restaurants.

• Promoting outside gigs at his restaurants.

• Business card magic.

• Signage at the restaurants.

• Talking to the restaurant owner about card on the ceiling.  

 

Sleightly Delusional

If you've ever wanted to work in restaurants but just didn't know how to get started, or have been working restaurants for some time now and need a fresh perspective on how to change it up, then THIS is the book for you.

"Slightly Delusional" is available as a digital eBook for sale for $30.00USD. Pick up your copy here!  

 

Failure Moment:

How he ended his run at a pizza joint after ten years.  

 

Favorite Success:

His ten-year run at the pizza joint mentioned above.  

 

Biggest Business Challenge

Learning how to play well with others, especially online.  

 

Other Topics Covered:

• How he started getting gigs after moving to Dallas.

• Perform as much as possible for as many people as possible.

• Diversifying your work.

• His online image, mainly on the Magic Cafe.

• Targeting your marketing efforts.  

 

Recommended books and resources:

Note: Many of the links in this section are affiliate links, meaning we earn a small portion of any sales. If you're enjoying our podcast and decide to purchase one of the recommended resources or books, please consider using our affiliate links to help support the work we're doing here at the Successful Performercast. Thanks!  

 

Resource:

Show Cues - iOS App BOSE Sound Dock  

 

Books:

The Magic Menu by Jim Sisti | ebook version

The Restaurant Magic Reader by Jim Sisti | ebook version

Christopher Lyle's Sleightly Delusional

Fitzkee Trilogy | ebook version

Jeff Hobson's Multimedia CD on running a successful business, only available directly through Jeff.  

 

Where can we find Christopher Lyle?

ChristopherLyle.com | Twitter @guyinyellowsuit | Facebook

Direct download: SPC_045_Christopher_Lyle_-_Magician.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:00am PDT

In this interview, Dan Holzman and I talk about his ups and downs in his juggling career. We cover some great topics like how to find creativity, the power of positive thought, and exercising your comedy!

Dan Holzman is a comedy juggler who’s juggled with the Raspyni Brothers as well as a solo performer.

He's opened for the likes of Robin Williams, Dana Carvey, and George Burns. He’s appeared on countless TV shows including The Tonight Show with both Johnny Carson and Jay Leno, Entertainment Tonight, and the Howie Mandel Show. He’s also performed for top name corporate clients including IBM, Kraft Foods, McDonald’s, Macy’s, and Sears.

He’s skillful enough to be a great variety act…funny enough to be a comedy club headliner. - Mike Lacey  

 

Success Quotes:

Don't say no to yourself. Take care of the day-to-day, but also swing for the fences!  

 

Failure Moment:

he hasn't focused on a target market yet for his solo juggling endeavors.  

 

Favorite Success:

Being able to rise to the occasion when the risk is high. He gives an example of when he opened for Robin Williams.  

 

Differentiates himself:

Tries to "out-clever" people.  

 

Interesting story:

Dan tells about when he was part of the Raspyni Brothers and they had the opportunity to fly and perform in Europe for one of the wealthiest people in the world. All because they were seen performing at a Renaissance Faire.  

 

Other Topics Covered:

• How he finds time to work on new projects.

• How he ads variety to his shows.

• Comedy is like a muscle. You have to exercise it.

• Connecting with your audience.

• Targeting your marketing efforts.

• Talks about how he ended up broke and then learned how to handle money.

• Acting calm when you don't feel calm.

• The power of positive thought.

• Constructive criticism.

• Life is like a crap sandwich. The more bread you have, the less crap you have to eat. :)  

 

Creativity

• Finding your flow. • He finds a happy medium in doing what he wants and what people want to see. • Being creative within constrictions. • Organic Creativity vs. Inorganic Creativity. • Taking established ideas and reworking them so they're unrecognizable from what they started as. • Direct your thought towards a creative problem. • Men create, monkeys imitate.  

 

Parting Advice

Bruce Lee philosophy: using no way as way, having no limitation as limitation. Michelangelo philosophy: cutting away what isn't your masterpiece. Don't get in your own way.  

 

Recommended books and resources:

Note: Many of the links in this section are affiliate links, meaning we earn a small portion of any sales. If you're enjoying our podcast and decide to purchase one of the recommended resources or books, please consider using our affiliate links to help support the work we're doing here at the Successful Performercast. Thanks!  

Resource:

A stopwatch and journal to keep track of how he spends his time.  

 

Books:

Comedy Writing Workbook by Gene Perret

Eccentricks by Charlie Frye

The Power of Your Subconscious Mind by Joseph Murphy  

 

Where can we find Dan Holzman?

DanHolzman.com

DanRaspyni.com

DanielDaVinci.com

BrainDrizzles.com - Dan's Coaching Website

Drop Everything - Dan's Juggling Podcast  

Direct download: SPC_044_Dan_Holzman_-_Juggler.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:00am PDT

In this interview, Justin Willman and I talk about his career in magic and TV and cover a great deal of topics like how he's gotten TV appearances, performing magic for a TV audience, and some business and marketing tips he's used to help him get where he is today.

Justin Willman is a magician, actor, comedian, TV host, and all around fun guy. He’s been a regular guest on TV shows like The Tonight Show, Ellen, Rachael Ray, and Chelsea Lately as well as hosting the Food Network’s Cupcake Wars and Disney Channel’s Win, Loose, or Draw. You may have also seen him on such shows as Gilmore Girls and Disney’s the Suite Life on Deck.

In addition to all this, he’s been touring his comedy and magic show “Tricked Out” around the country to great success and acclaim.

With all this going on, I’m amazed that he was able to find time to talk to me for this interview.  

 

Success Quotes:

Stop chasing the money and start chasing the passion. — Tony Hsieh of Zappos

If you set your goals ridiculously high and it’s a failure, you will fail above everyone else’s success. — James Cameron

Success is walking from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm. — Winston Churchill.  

 

Failure Moment:

Justin tells us how he tried to pitch a magic reality TV show idea with a friend and how nobody liked it. He learned all about how to pitch a show.  

 

Favorite Success:

The Boston kid show market. This was his first venture into creating a successful business where he was actually turning shows down because he was booked.  

 

Biggest Professional Challenge:

Relinquishing control of his booking. not micromanaging. You have to trust the people that you hire to work for you.  

 

Worked best for growing business:

Creating a brand and having a mentor.  

 

Interesting story:

Justin tells us about a show he does every year out of tradition and how it ultimately caused him to get heckled by The First Lady while performing a Halloween show at the White House.  

 

Other Topics Covered:

• Likability. When people like you, they book you.

• Pitching ideas for TV shows.

• Magic Meltdown web series.

• Tells us about a pilot he's working on right now with Comedy Central called Sleight of Mouth.

• How he created the Justin Kredible brand.

• How he morphed his kid shows into something that would work for colleges.

• Looking at your competition's marketing efforts and doing something vastly different to stand out.

• Having an assistant to answer your phone and an agent to help with booking shows.

• How he got on talk shows like Rachael Ray and Ellen as a guest.

• Performing magic for a TV audience.

• Working with a publicist.

• Making the people who hired you look great.  

 

Parting Advice

Never "phone it in."  

 

Recommended books and resources:

Note: Many of the links in this section are affiliate links, meaning we earn a small portion of any sales. If you're enjoying our podcast and decide to purchase one of the recommended resources or books, please consider using our affiliate links to help support the work we're doing here at the Successful Performercast. Thanks!  

Resource:

Voice memo app on his iPhone that he uses to record his shows.  

 

Books:

The Magic of Michael Ammar

Maximum Entertainment by Ken Weber

The Tipping Point and Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell    

 

Where can we find Justin Willman?

JustinWillman.com

Twitter @justin_willman | Instagram

Direct download: SPC_043_Justin_Willman_-_Magician.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:00am PDT

In this interview, Doug Scheer tells us all about creating themed educational magic shows!

Doug Scheer is a magician and an expert at creating customized educational shows.

He’d originally worked in the auto industry for two decades creating custom magical presentations for General Motors.

And now he’s found success in offering 13 different shows to the educational school show market creating and performing shows that teach lessons as well as amaze!  

 

Success Quote:

I don't know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody. — Bill Cosby  

 

Theme Shows:

• Brainstorming ideas for themes.

• How to match tricks with topics.

• How to choose a topic to teach on.

• How bolding a theme show is like building a house.  

 

Doug's Book and a Contest!

Entertaining Education: A Comprehensive Guide to Creating & Performing Educational Magic Domestic Shipping | International Shipping

This book teaches us Doug's method of creating educational magic shows and includes 18 scripts to different tricks, a DVD of one of his theme shows, a graphic novel-styled-book to go with the DVD, and a bunch of his promotional materials he uses to promote that show.

Contest: I have one copy of Doug's book to give away which includes all of the items mentioned above.

Enter to win by leaving a comment at the Show Notes Page and telling us who your favorite interview has been and one thing you've learned and implemented in your business.

I'll randomly pick a winner from the comments and announce it on my next episode!  

 

Other Topics Covered:

• What it's like working with your spouse.

• A really cool story about how his show helped a single mother and child.

• Increase your credibility by writing a book.

• Connecting and working with special needs children on stage.  

 

Recommended books and resources:

Note: Many of the links in this section are affiliate links, meaning we earn a small portion of any sales. If you're enjoying our podcast and decide to purchase one of the recommended resources or books, please consider using our affiliate links to help support the work we're doing here at the Successful Performercast. Thanks!  

 

Resource:

Verbalink.com  

 

Books:

Ultimate School Show Secrets by Joe Romano

When I Stop Talking, You'll Know I'm Dead: Useful Stories from a Persuasive Man by Jerry Weintraub  

 

Where can we find Doug Scheer?

DougScheer.com

Wacky Science Franchised Show

Direct download: SPC_042_Doug_Scheer_-_Educational_Magic.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:00am PDT

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