Look into my eye....

Yesterday I talked about diversity and mentioned that if you have many skills to make sure you keep your focus. On this subject I would like to elaborate.

I know a few people who are fantastic artists. They can sculpt, draw, paint, do make-up, etc. They have a portfolio of exquisite work. Problem is there is no focus on any particular area. When you have many talents and want to sell yourself and your skills, you need to know not only what you wanna do but WHO you wanna do... er.. sell to.

A good example is the special FX make-up business. There are many areas of this job. Prosthetics, mold making, animatronics, sculpting, etc. Now most people in the business can do many of the skills previously listed. However, there is usually one they prefer and are the BEST at and therefore, they go with that. If we apply this model to magic you have different levels of magician. Wizard, mage, paladin... wait.. that's Dungeons & Dragons.. sorry. Close-up, stage, illusionist, comedy magic, and so forth. A lot of guys can do one or the other, but they push one more and prefer it.

When applied to business and putting together a promo package, focus on what you LOVE and are GOOD at. Now you can be good at multiple areas, but there is one you would rather do obviously. You also have to know the audience in which you are selling yourself to... much like a hooker. (hmmmm)

Now this isn't to say you can't sell multiple skills, but have a different approach and promo for each one. Now your website can show the various skills or shows you possess because a website should be an online promo package for who you are and the skills you can offer. This site can be used as an example. It displays the different shows and characters he has to offer and includes videos and whatnot. If you want more info on a particular one area, you request it.

I'm not saying you can't send out a brochure or info sheet out of the blue similar to the website, however, you don't want to have too much text, video, or other propaganda that muddies the waters of your skill set. Same goes for you business card. Have separate info for separate shows. Using the previous website as an example, having a video that combined all of those various shows would seem a tad confusing and not show a cohesive unit, but a confusing smattering of character and focus. Too many times I have seen magic promo videos showing someone doing close-up magic and then illusions and then juggling and then some stuff that appears to be.. well nothing really.

What I think I am saying here is aim for each target separately and know the area where you are firing your bullets. A direct hit is easier when you focus on a particular spot.

Make sense?

Bizzaro.