Just to add that performing in your own "way" doesn't counts for nothing when performing, people are not going to be comparing you to Chad Nelson or Daniel Garcia per se.
Same thing applyes to the thing about "creating your own stuff" if you like it, go ahead but it doesn't has anything to do with making a name for yourself, do you think that people are going to be like "woao! that was a cool effect! did you created it?" if you did your work right they will be far more concerned about feeling the magic
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(is it just me or Cedric kinda advertises himself and his "created effects" in subtle way everytime he cans?)
Anyway, in my personal opinion, reverhart pretty much summed it all, be charming, work on your persona, be well groomed and like rever hart said you need to build up connections.
Also, if you can set up situations that makes you seem "cool and well known" do it.
For example, I performed at a friend's party, and one of the most amased people there was a guy that works at coffee shop. I had a date (she didn't knew that I did magic) and I desided to go that cofee shop.
Long history short, my friend was working, he saw me and called some of his waiters friends to see me do a trick, I excused myself with the girl and I performed a trick for those guys, (obvously I apologised to the girl later for taking the attention from her)
But anyway, I have never ever performed or work at a restaurant or a party (just in walmart once) and from personal experience, reverhart advice is the way to go. (at least it worked for me)
Btw, sorry for the arrogance kinda feel in my post there
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