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Networking to Success
by
Wayne Lee
Networking is a great way
to meet potential clients and get bookings. Networking involves nothing
more than developing supportive relationships. To make your networking most
effective, it is a good idea to know who your potential clients are so you
can target them, whether you perform at fairs, night clubs, colleges, etc.
Following are some ideas to
make your networking more effective:
·
Join an association that is related to the clients
you would like to deal with (IAFE, NACA, etc.)
·
Join a local networking club in your area (Mixer
Clubs, Chamber of Commerce, etc.)
·
Become listed on an entertainer’s directory. For
example, on the Internet it costs you nothing to be a part of many
entertainers’ directories.
·
Talk to other magicians and hypnotists. I find
many entertainers in our field are reluctant to talk to others because they
consider them to be the competition. In my experience this cuts you off
from learning from other entertainers as well as getting referrals if they
cannot perform certain shows. Some magicians only do corporate shows, but
get calls for birthday parties. They can refer the potential client to you
if you perform at birthday parties and if you have built a relationship with
the other entertainer. The reverse is also true. When someone calls you
for a show, which you are unable to do, you can refer that show to another
entertainer. You benefit two ways - you have helped out a buyer, as well as
a fellow entertainer. In the long run, your services will be remembered.
·
Showcase at appropriate conventions and trade
shows.
Contact all the agents,
bureaus, meeting planners, etc., and send them your promotional materials,
etc. I believe that the more people you have selling you, the more bookings
you will get. “No man is an island.” You have the potential to get numerous
bookings from talent agencies, speaker’s bureaus, and event planners. Do
not spend a lot of time telling them how good you are, instead be brief and
have a good promotional package to send. |
