What's holding you back?

[meggisonj]

What is holding you back from getting paid as a magician? I'd like to know.

For me it's getting hired. I'd love to perform for a live audience and get paid for it. But no one in my area comes seeking magicians. I have come across 2 people over the course of a year.

So, what's holding you back?

 

[FormlessMars22]

Not being able to find the audience as well as the lack of general need for a magician.

 

[Tower of Lunatic Meat]

Lack of experience in magic and knowledge of it are big ones for me.

 

[Josh Burch]

As much as I love magic my family comes first and right now it is best for us that I have most of my evenings open. Magic is a great side job though. I can chose what I want to do with it.

 

[JButterfield]

Winter.

Can't busk with gloves on, when the wind chill hurts your face.

Can't build the tip when everyone is in a hurry to get indoors.

 

[meggisonj]

I feel for you guys! Keep up the hard work! It's not always easy!

 

[WitchDocIsIn]

Nothing stops me getting paid. When I do a gig, I get paid. I get the gigs by hunting them out and proving I'm the person they need to hire (Or by 4 Walling it - then I have to convince the audience members my show is what they need to do that day)

It's not easy - but that's why it's business.

 

[Alfie_Whattam]

Don't focus on the problem, focus on the solution (I feel like Tony Robbins right now...)

If your not getting gigs then here is how to get them:
- Make some YouTube videos (which link to your website with a booking page at the end of the video) and ask your friends to help share them on social media.
- Do street magic / busking and give out business cards after each performance (this method has got me well over 100 gigs alone).
- Approach restaurants and ask if they would like entertainment for people waiting for their meal to come on busy nights. I do this with 3 places (at a reduced rate) and then make the real $$$ when you hand out business cards at the end and get booked for gigs.

Good luck.

 

[meggisonj]

Alfie, me and my buddy do this thing called "20 ramen" Because when you mumble.. "20 ramen" sounds like Tony Robbins. So one day I sent my buddy a "20 ramen" message.

"Fight the disease, not the symptoms."

Then today I asked my buddy, (who is also a performer) to give me some 20 ramen advice. So he sent me "Fight the disease, not the symptoms." Then after I read that, I was performing within 5 minutes.

20 Ramen LIVES!

Nice tips though.