Restaurant Work Help

[coastaldude]

I am just starting out in restaurant magic also and it is really tough. Your audience won't necessarily be paying 100% attention even if you have great charisma.

Here is my opinion, the thing about cancer patients and stuff, personally it sounds like you are being a slimy salesman, especially if you have not done that yet. Also the way you say about giving back to the community and what not just seems so cheesy and unreal. If I was the manager it would seem like someone is selling me a whole lot of BS if you started saying some of those lines. Stick to what you are and what you have done.

The first part is good but for the second I would suggest saying that for the people you have performed for have had a great deal of fun listening and watching what you have to offer. Also you believe that you can give that something extra to the restaurant to make it unique and have people talking about it.

I have said something very similar and I got the job, I am doing my first gig in two or three weeks and hopefully all works out. So good luck to you and remember, if it sounds fake to you imagine the person who's listening.

 

[Dylan P.]

Thank You Dylan P. I really like that do you mid if I use it? Chrystall baller I was thinking on charging 50$ per hour, but I will give the first night for free to see how they like it and how the customers like it

Hey man go ahead and use it. I see no problem in sharing with other people so go ahead and use it. Besides I think it will kind of open up their minds about certain things. so sure go for it.

Dylan P.

 

[Donald C.]

In my opinion I think it sounds great becuase it is all true magic does brighten up someones day and people do not realize that. I also know it is true because every thursday I go to our local nursing home and perform for residents their when I leave I know I have brightened up their day
Also I forgot to say in my " promo pack " I am getting my vice principal to write a recomendation and also I should have a few more peple write me a recomendation.
- Donald

 

[Morgan B]

I agree with coastadude on this one - don't over think it - what you do is simple and honest:

You entertain.

With those two words you can expand - you draw people, you take their mind of the food wait, you create an enhanced customer service experience, you make the restaurant unique...especially if they hire you for a certain number of days a week to keep you busy and you can sign an exclusive contract for that restaurant (which often yields more $).

Never say negative things - an odd rule - but dont' say, "business is declining because of the market - DUDE - I would say...then why should I waste money on you? Don't bring up things you haven't done...only what you have.

Lastly, I know this sounds cliche, but - BE YOURSELF. Go in and say - Hi, my name is _______ I have been working on magic for a few years and have been performing every chance I get. I have many people that enjoy my magic, and would love to find a place where people could come and watch. This restaurant is perfect - because of the atmosphere and style of food (sit down). I know that I could increase business if I were performing at a regular place, and I wanted to discuss with you how my services could enhance the restaurant experiecne.


Then talk about what you can do - some say, show them magic, some say don't - I think it never hurts to let them sample the product...if they love magic, that can sell you right there.

Many will say no...keep trying. This is how you will learn.

Good luck......

PS - ARE YOU SURE YOU ARE READY FOR A RESTAURANT? IS the show ready? Do you have routines? What type of effects are you planning? If they sign you for 4 months and I came in every week, how long could you show me something new, polished and that would fit the restaurant scene? What if there are bigger tables? Do you have anything for situations, like birthdays or anniversaries? DON'T GO IN BLIND!

 

[Dylan P.]

I am just starting out in restaurant magic also and it is really tough. Your audience won't necessarily be paying 100% attention even if you have great charisma.

Here is my opinion, the thing about cancer patients and stuff, personally it sounds like you are being a slimy salesman, especially if you have not done that yet. Also the way you say about giving back to the community and what not just seems so cheesy and unreal. If I was the manager it would seem like someone is selling me a whole lot of BS if you started saying some of those lines. Stick to what you are and what you have done.

The first part is good but for the second I would suggest saying that for the people you have performed for have had a great deal of fun listening and watching what you have to offer. Also you believe that you can give that something extra to the restaurant to make it unique and have people talking about it.

I have said something very similar and I got the job, I am doing my first gig in two or three weeks and hopefully all works out. So good luck to you and remember, if it sounds fake to you imagine the person who's listening.

Here is the only thing though. for me that is not BS I have performed for cancer patients who are really depressed I have helped a mother by getting her child to stop crying with magic and even visited a nursing home as a volunteer. I feel that I am giving back to the commyunity. I am brightening up peoples lives. So if you want to call me BullS&*$er, go for it. But I am not saying an BS.

Dylan P.

 

[DannyT]

Charging $50.00 an hour?
Insanity. . .
They don't need you as much as you need them.
Keep in mind their doing you a favor by giving you a job. $8 an hour plus tips you would make is enough.

I'm afraid you took a dose of the Criss Angel ego.

You're also building up your routine each time you perform. You have to open your eyes and see that their doing you a favor by just hiring you.

Also keep in mind Justin Miller is a professional magician, that took MANY years of performances to get where he's at today. He didn't start out just being awesome.

 

[coastaldude]

I'm not saying that cancer patients have not been brightened up by magic or w/e or that you haven't done it. What I was stating that the original poster most likely has not done that and he should be selling something truthful and what he has worked with. What if a cancer patient came in with his family and the owner pointed it out to you so you could do what you usually do for them?

Point blank he would be screwed and being honest and truthful is going to leave him open in the long run instead of the chance of a little lie turning into a bad rep with the manger/owner or whomever.

Also, the economy thing you should definitely leave out and forgot to mention that. Just say that while many other restaurants may have their unique atmosphere you believe you can add to it with a good time and night they won't forget anytime soon.

Good Luck to ya man.

 

[chrystal baller]

Charging $50.00 an hour?
Insanity. . .
They don't need you as much as you need them.
Keep in mind their doing you a favor by giving you a job.

You're also building up your routine each time you perform. You have to open your eyes and see that their doing you a favor by just hiring you.

Also keep in mind Justin Miller is a professional magician, that took MANY years of performances to get where he's at today. He didn't start out just being awesome.

I totally agree. I mean if you work your way up over time to charging 50 an hour then great but you should not ask for that now. You need more experience to charge that much. I however do think a little more than $8 would be appropriate.

 

[Morgan B]

Hmm - sorry guys - if you aren't ready to ask for anywhere near that wage - you may not be ready to work.

"working your way up in wage" is not that easy - when you are performer, there is NO government regulation on raises - so if you can't negotiate a good fee early, what makes you think it is so easy later? I would recommend holding off until you are worth somewhere close to that fee.

Secondly - you are only worth what you decide. I did a show for a group of lawyers, and when the "boss" handed me my pay - he said, "you know, you made more per hour than anyone is this room". I said, "I used to say that when I was a lawyer"...he laughed, but then I said, "think of it this way - how many lawyers do you know in this town"? He pointed around the room and said, "well, obviously many" - I said - "me too". I think said, "how many talented magicians do you know in this town"? He replied, "just you". I said, "me too".

The moral - lawyers, doctors and professionals that make good money, are still a dime a dozen - but a talented magician is far and few between. Why should I charge less?

Now - that being said - I have been doing magic professionally for a long time - BUT - the moral for you is - if you feel like your magic is a dime a dozen...why are you charging anything for it - build up your show so you can ask for what you are worth....not what you can get.

If you think you are going to start off at 10-20 dollars and hour - and you are working at the same place...please share your "game plan" on how you are going to work your way up to $50.

If you charge $20.00, and think you can get raises of $30 over a few years...you are dreaming. How would you justify that?

If you live in a small to medium size town - and you leave to another restaurant - and that owner finds out you are charging him $30 more a hour for the same service - how would you justify that. Believe me, clients talk and fee - YOU do about things you buy right? So, how would you justify if your boss called you on it? You can justify 10 bucks a hour maybe, but 30 or more?

So again, if you aren't worth the going rate of WORKING PROFESSIONAL's - why are you trying to be one? You may see it as "starting wages" but this is really you sellling yourself short - for what reason? So you can say you are working? So you can do magic for more than you make at McDonald's? I have helped many young people use magic to help fund their way through school or do it full time - if you think you can do close up magic only and make a good living charging $8 or less than the standard - you will struggle. Give it time, wait until you can charge what you are worth...if you are worth so little...DON'T work professionally yet, build up to it by working on your magic.

Being a working magician doesn't mean you are good - being a working magician over a long period of time, may be a better indicator.

Anyhow - good luck.


PS - I did reassure the lawyer saying, "the other difference is you work a 40 hour week - where I may only work 4 hours"...I didn't want him to give up being a lawyer to be a magician...as I was happy with the monopoly in my towns and didn't want the competition, haha.

PPS - I can't speak for Justin Miller, but I would bet that even at his early stages of magic, he wasn't working for peanuts - I bet he filled in for another magician here and there to gain experience, maybe working one night for a bit less under that magicians contract - maybe not - as we don't all have this option. I didn't. The point is - there are ways to gain experience and become awesome, without selling yourself short at the start.

 

[DannyT]

If you don't mind Morgician, what would you consider a good pay for a serious performer who has been performing magic for 4 years and is really good.
What would be a good going rate enough for the restaurant to think about hiring you?

If you don't mind (or send me in a pm if you want to), how much do you get paid doing restaurant magic?
Have you ever received a raise?

 

[Donald C.]

DannyT I can answer that I would say anywhere 75 - 100 $ an hour but that is asuming you have much experience in performing and you can make sure your audience is having a good time. Please corect me If I am wrong

 

[cm763]

I'd like to mention again that when I asked Justin Miller how much I, not he, should be charging, knowing full well it would be my first paid experience in a restaurant, he suggested no less than $100-200 for three hours (plus anything else I could bargain for, like free meals whenever I worked). Thjat's just what working professional magicians start out with for a salary--like Morgician said, if you don't think you're worth it, then you may want to reconsider (like I said in an earlier post, you may want to consider volunteering your time, as I'm sure there are plenty of people who can benefit from the joy of seeing some magic, just as you would be able to benefit from the experience).

Also, he mentioned that it might not be the best idea to accept tips in a restaurant. You have to remember that the waiters are there making their money off of tips, too, and they definitely won't be making nearly what you make as a salary...and by accepting tips, you'd definitely be stepping on their toes. You want to be seen as a friend of the waiters and waitresses there, not an enemy...they're often the ones who introduce you so you CAN work at a table.

Again, I'd HIGHLY suggest reading Justin Miller's Strolling Hands notes as they are full of a LOT of good advice that would clear up a LOT of confusion in this thread.

Also, I completely agree with the rest of Morgician's post wholeheartedly.

 

[Morgan B]

Hi Danny,

Not trying to dodger your question, but the best answer I can give you is this.

You should ask for what you feel comfortable asking, and remember, the restaurant has to be able to afford it. I can't GIVE you a price - but I can say - think about what you are really offering, and what you are worth.

I know guys in it for 2 years that make as much as guys in it for 10 - time is not the issue, it's about your self worth - that can be equated by looking at ability as a magician, as well as, (perhaps more important) if people are willing to come see you repeatedly - DO YOU INCREASE BUSINESS.

As for my fees - I don't feel comfortable disclosing, but I charge what I feel I am worth, and it is competitive, yet expensive...although, all I have worked for say - "you are pricey, yet underpriced" or something of that nature. In other words, I am not giving my services away, but for what I do - I am a deal. I charge what the market can afford, and if they can't afford me - I don't want to work there....as it is a waste of my time and theirs...so instead of settling for less than the standard rate (whatever that is - when I say standard rate, I am referring to what I read in an earlier post Justin Miller charges) - I create my own rate based on percieved value, restaurant budget, and experience.

Again - I am not worried about getting a raise - as my focus while doing restaurants is booking private shows - as I mentioned "one night stands" pay more - and the long term relationship pays more over a period of time. However, I will tell you this - I would NEVER work a restaurant for less than the going rate - which varies according to area.

So - to recap - can a restaurant afford 100 bucks a hour? I don't know many that can - IF you want to work more than one hour (giving you more time to sell yourself). Is $20 dollar and hour too cheap? If you are working one hour, yes...10...maybe not - again, what do you feel comfortable asking for...and is it undercutting or competitive.

You may only feel comfortable asking for 20 a hour...but then, more working pro's don't charge that little...so, you may want to hold off. You may feel comfortable charging 100 a hour...but can the restaurant afford that? Are you worth that? How many hours can the afford at that price?

It is a juggle, which is why it is hard to give or have ONE right answer - as I know some guys that charge 100 bucks for 3 hours of work...and some that get that in 2 hours.

My point is this - don't RUSH into restaurant work to make a little money, think about what the show is REALLY worth - go see a guy that you know does it for a living if you can. Watch what he does - how he interacts - WHY he is worth the money he charges.

Then make a choice - am I as good/can I offer the same or better? If so, can I charge the same or better? If not, by charging less - I can get a restaurant, but am I offering a deal...or a poor product with a cheaper fee attached?

This is a hard topic - because MAGIC is your product...but so are YOU as a person - so what are YOU worth really...that is a hard question, because of two reasons - what you are REALLY worth is not always how people see it....as you may see yourself as GOOD and your are not, even if you have been told how great you are by your friends and family. It is a real test to show it nightly to strangers - because they will JUDGE YOU before your magic.

Secondly, your worth can be affected by your personality and ability PAST your magic - like I said about - you will be judged by your character as WELL as your magic.

So again - only you can answer that question - but be real with yourself...be harder on yourself than an audience would be - and you will know when you are ready.

I don't know many really talented restaurant workers - but I do know many good magicians...there is a difference.

 

[Morgan B]

Thanks CM763 - you bring up all common questions and valid concerns that are issues once working. Thanks for the support.

 

[cm763]

Burried within that heap of a (great) post you mentioned something in passing that I would like to bring some focus to...that you often make more doing outside gigs, and that you use the resaurant as a springboard to those outside gigs. That's something that is very important to remember (and is one of the reasons, among many, that I work at my brother's resaurant for free). But, at the same time, that shouldn't be used as an excuse to undercut yourself when it comes to your regular paid job at the restaurant. While experience and outside gigs are a great bonus that you get from working at a restaurant, you shouldn't let that excuse getting underpaid at the restaurant. By that logic, you shouldn't ask for much ANYWHERE, because no matter where you work, you'll likely have the opportunity to hand out some business cards and get more work while you're there (yes, even at something like a private party).

Like Morgician and I have been pointing out, you should definitely ask for what you're worth as a magician, and although by no means a price point that is set in stone, there is somewhat of a standard of around $100-200 for three hours for those just starting out (Justin also mentioned in one of the chats the minimum he would ask for as a very experienced magician, and while I'll respect his privacy and not broadcast it here on the forums, lets just say it's a bit more than the price mentioned above, heh--in other words, that $100-200 for three hours price point is definitely aimed at us).

Although not really mentioning anything groundbreakingly new, I wanted to highlight that point, as it's really an important one when it comes to working restaurants.