It is the time of year to be thankful for what we have.
I am blessed to have a beautiful loving wife who is and always will be my rainbow. She allows me to see things I would miss if left to my own devices. I am thankful for my son, a young man that makes me very proud. He is filled with promise for a great future and lives his passions. I am grateful my parents, now 84 and 82, are still with me. I need to spend more time with them.
I am thankful for all that the previous year has brought. Excellent shows, safe and fun travels, new and old friends. I am lucky to be able to earn a living doing something I love. And I am thankful for 2010, which has already filled in nicely and will take me places I have yet to go.
We all have things to be thankful about - some large, some small. Please take a moment and comment on what you are thankful for this holiday season.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Advice...
I struggled with making this post. I don't want to seem vindictive, but the "Youthful Suggestions" episode bothered me. A lot more than I cared to admit. I put my heart and soul into my act. To be openly attacked on a forum and then privately advised as to why I am a lame failure... how do you not take that personally?
These young performers had never heard of me. (Except through the Internet.) They have no idea what I do. I am not known in the magic or vent communities because I am too busy earning a living. Their comments have no effect on my business. Yet they stabbed me.
Today I ran across a tweet from one of my "advisors". I was reading his "life" from the past month:
When ur poor, Taco Bell is ur friend.
My magic calendar is looking thin.
No car, job, now no place to live come...
Sitting at BK, drinking my coffee and tweeting...Exciting celebrity life...
Gotta find a cheap car by tuesday!
I wonder, if he reads this blog, how he will feel. His tweets were posted for the world to see - and I saw them. So here is my advice...
Concern yourself with YOUR career. If you have too much spare time, don't go looking for others to insult, focus on yourself. THEN maybe I will be able to look back and say I should have listened. But right now...YOU should.
These young performers had never heard of me. (Except through the Internet.) They have no idea what I do. I am not known in the magic or vent communities because I am too busy earning a living. Their comments have no effect on my business. Yet they stabbed me.
Today I ran across a tweet from one of my "advisors". I was reading his "life" from the past month:
When ur poor, Taco Bell is ur friend.
My magic calendar is looking thin.
No car, job, now no place to live come...
Sitting at BK, drinking my coffee and tweeting...Exciting celebrity life...
Gotta find a cheap car by tuesday!
I wonder, if he reads this blog, how he will feel. His tweets were posted for the world to see - and I saw them. So here is my advice...
Concern yourself with YOUR career. If you have too much spare time, don't go looking for others to insult, focus on yourself. THEN maybe I will be able to look back and say I should have listened. But right now...YOU should.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Youthful Suggestions...
This will be a short one. A few days ago I became aware someone had posted two of my pics on a blog without permission. The commentary contained some rather crude sexual comments. I took immediate action and had the pictures removed.
The episode led to some interesting conversations about how poor my publicity photos are. How I have no style. That the pictures look like bad "Glamour Shots" photos, etc. I appreciated their concern for my career. The advice is coming from vastly experienced gents who are just starting their careers. I've been doing this for over 25 to earn my living. I have no clue.
I guess in a few years we'll see where their careers lead them. I hope they do well. That way I'll be able to look back and say I should have listened to their "youthful suggestions..."
The episode led to some interesting conversations about how poor my publicity photos are. How I have no style. That the pictures look like bad "Glamour Shots" photos, etc. I appreciated their concern for my career. The advice is coming from vastly experienced gents who are just starting their careers. I've been doing this for over 25 to earn my living. I have no clue.
I guess in a few years we'll see where their careers lead them. I hope they do well. That way I'll be able to look back and say I should have listened to their "youthful suggestions..."
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Name Your Price Sale?
Everyone wants my money. Ever feel that way?
A "major" event planning directory offered me a deal two years back, so I decided to give them a try. I contracted one show through the service, which paid for the year. When it was time to renew, they wanted "full price". I said "No Thanks."
We got into a major discussion - they couldn't understand why I wouldn't want to renew when I had contracted work. I explained the basic laws of economics according to Tom. A less expensive listing service provided me with a 10x the return on my investment during the same period. Their site, at actual cost, would have provided me a 1.5x return.
They spouted the return their other clients were claiming. I replied the other clients were in a broader market - my specialty is not in as wide a demand by the masses. They told me I would notice my profits diminish if I didn't re-sign. I hung up the phone.
Over the past few months, I've gotten a "sales" e-mail from them about every other week. Today I got their "Name Your Price Sale" notice. That's sad. They claim the economy is hurting and they are trying to help me. I have my doubts about the last part, although the e-mail does prove their economy is having some issues.
Name you own price? Sorry - I expect to deal with results. If their site did what it claims, they wouldn't have to make this offer. Deliver results and people will pay your price.
By the way - when you want an audience laugh, contact me. If my act is a good match, I promise I will deliver the results.
www.ComedyVentriloquist.com
A "major" event planning directory offered me a deal two years back, so I decided to give them a try. I contracted one show through the service, which paid for the year. When it was time to renew, they wanted "full price". I said "No Thanks."
We got into a major discussion - they couldn't understand why I wouldn't want to renew when I had contracted work. I explained the basic laws of economics according to Tom. A less expensive listing service provided me with a 10x the return on my investment during the same period. Their site, at actual cost, would have provided me a 1.5x return.
They spouted the return their other clients were claiming. I replied the other clients were in a broader market - my specialty is not in as wide a demand by the masses. They told me I would notice my profits diminish if I didn't re-sign. I hung up the phone.
Over the past few months, I've gotten a "sales" e-mail from them about every other week. Today I got their "Name Your Price Sale" notice. That's sad. They claim the economy is hurting and they are trying to help me. I have my doubts about the last part, although the e-mail does prove their economy is having some issues.
Name you own price? Sorry - I expect to deal with results. If their site did what it claims, they wouldn't have to make this offer. Deliver results and people will pay your price.
By the way - when you want an audience laugh, contact me. If my act is a good match, I promise I will deliver the results.
www.ComedyVentriloquist.com
Monday, November 9, 2009
Guaranteed Entertainment
I recently had a conversation with an "entertainer" who said most of his customers hire him because he offers a money back guarantee. In 18 years, he proudly told me, no one has ever requested their money back.
Who is going to check that claim?
As a client, you hire entertainment to do one thing - entertain the audience. If the act is no good - you've failed. At the point his money back guarantee kicks in, your event was already ruined. Money back? Or success? Which one do you really want?
Why would an act have to offer that type of guarantee? To make you feel more comfortable with selecting them as an entertainment option? Can you really be comfortable knowing there is a chance you may not be happy with their act? No matter how small the chance?
Salesmen offer a money back guarantee. I'm an entertainer - I make people laugh. I offer proof that I am the act that "can" make your evening a success. Salesmen will always try to make the sale. As a professional entertainer, I turn down more offers than I take. I accept only the programs that I will enjoy. Ones that fit my act. Events where I can be successful - and in turn, make the event a success.
So the question should really be: As a client searching for entertainment - should you hire a salesman, or an entertainer? Get proof the act is good. I'm pretty certain Jay Leno doesn't offer a money back guarantee either.
Who is going to check that claim?
As a client, you hire entertainment to do one thing - entertain the audience. If the act is no good - you've failed. At the point his money back guarantee kicks in, your event was already ruined. Money back? Or success? Which one do you really want?
Why would an act have to offer that type of guarantee? To make you feel more comfortable with selecting them as an entertainment option? Can you really be comfortable knowing there is a chance you may not be happy with their act? No matter how small the chance?
Salesmen offer a money back guarantee. I'm an entertainer - I make people laugh. I offer proof that I am the act that "can" make your evening a success. Salesmen will always try to make the sale. As a professional entertainer, I turn down more offers than I take. I accept only the programs that I will enjoy. Ones that fit my act. Events where I can be successful - and in turn, make the event a success.
So the question should really be: As a client searching for entertainment - should you hire a salesman, or an entertainer? Get proof the act is good. I'm pretty certain Jay Leno doesn't offer a money back guarantee either.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
What's Your Price?
Hiring entertainment isn't like buying lunch at McDonald's. (At least it shouldn't be.) If the first question a client asks is "What do you charge?", chances are, I'm not the right act. That doesn't mean I am expensive, but I guarantee I am not the value meal either.
The other day I was approached by a potential client. They were having a small event and wanted 20 minutes of entertainment. The woman had seen my web site, watched my videos and was positive she wanted me. Because it was a small group, I was in the area and I could easily drop by to do a short set, I gave her a great deal. She replied I was too expensive. I was curious as to what she thought I would charge. She told me she could get a magician for $100. My reply was, I'm sorry you can't afford my rate and I truly hope you have a successful event.
$100? I've opened concerts for major names. I spent a month in Mexico performing at 5 star resorts. I've worked for major corporations throughout the U.S. with rave reviews. This is evident on my web site. What about those even suggest I would charge $100? This is a case of someone who didn't understand the value of entertainment.
Before I can give a quote, I need information. I want to know if your planned event is a correct fit for me. If you are looking for the lowest price, I can't help you. If you want the best value for your budget, e-mail me and we can talk about your event.
The other day I was approached by a potential client. They were having a small event and wanted 20 minutes of entertainment. The woman had seen my web site, watched my videos and was positive she wanted me. Because it was a small group, I was in the area and I could easily drop by to do a short set, I gave her a great deal. She replied I was too expensive. I was curious as to what she thought I would charge. She told me she could get a magician for $100. My reply was, I'm sorry you can't afford my rate and I truly hope you have a successful event.
$100? I've opened concerts for major names. I spent a month in Mexico performing at 5 star resorts. I've worked for major corporations throughout the U.S. with rave reviews. This is evident on my web site. What about those even suggest I would charge $100? This is a case of someone who didn't understand the value of entertainment.
The $100 kid's birthday party ventriloquist would not be the act you want for an important corporate dinner. The corporate entertainer, is not the act you want for a children's party. The two things people remember about most events are the food and the entertainment. Trust me, having a few less decorations because the correct entertainer was a bit more expensive is worth it. Does that mean a more expensive entertainer is actually worth more? Only if they are the correct entertainer for your type of event. You need to do your homework. Watch videos, read references, check them out. Talk to the entertainer, make certain he or she isn't just looking for a paycheck. (Too many of them are...)
Before I can give a quote, I need information. I want to know if your planned event is a correct fit for me. If you are looking for the lowest price, I can't help you. If you want the best value for your budget, e-mail me and we can talk about your event.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Laugh for the day...
Technology, you have to love it! Well, when it is helpful anyway.
Last summer, while I was on the road for shows, our cell plan came due and we were offered new phones. Not being around, I told my wife to pick something she thought I'd like. She chose a phone similar to my old one, except it was by a different manufacturer. I wasn't overly thrilled, but by the time I figured that out, they no longer allowed an exchange. So I am stuck with this wonderful piece of junk.
I carry my phone in my pocket, so the side buttons are constantly being bumped. I've taken about 300 pictures of the inside of my pants. The other day I had taken eleven before I heard the shutter going off.
Before you tell me I can change the functions of the buttons - sorry, not on this phone. It doesn't allow you to set the features. Can you say cheap?
So today, for perhaps the four hundredth time, I heard a faint: "Say the Command" coming from my pants. I was pretty certain it was the phone. I pulled it out and cleared my throat.
"Text or Picture Message?"
I again cleared my throat.
"Send text message to?"
I cleared my throat really loud.
Apparently the phone did not understand I was being sarcastic and proceeded to set up a text message for my mother.
Nice...there has to be a routine in there somewhere.
I hate this phone.
Last summer, while I was on the road for shows, our cell plan came due and we were offered new phones. Not being around, I told my wife to pick something she thought I'd like. She chose a phone similar to my old one, except it was by a different manufacturer. I wasn't overly thrilled, but by the time I figured that out, they no longer allowed an exchange. So I am stuck with this wonderful piece of junk.
I carry my phone in my pocket, so the side buttons are constantly being bumped. I've taken about 300 pictures of the inside of my pants. The other day I had taken eleven before I heard the shutter going off.
Before you tell me I can change the functions of the buttons - sorry, not on this phone. It doesn't allow you to set the features. Can you say cheap?
So today, for perhaps the four hundredth time, I heard a faint: "Say the Command" coming from my pants. I was pretty certain it was the phone. I pulled it out and cleared my throat.
"Text or Picture Message?"
I again cleared my throat.
"Send text message to?"
I cleared my throat really loud.
Apparently the phone did not understand I was being sarcastic and proceeded to set up a text message for my mother.
Nice...there has to be a routine in there somewhere.
I hate this phone.
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