Risky Bidness...

Over the next few days I am going to be touching on things that are important questions to ask yourself and things to think about. We'll be dealing with advice and concepts on the business side of your show. (Show business is two words. Sure it's trite, but it sure is true.)

Today I'm going to touch on little boys.. no wait that's Michael Jackson... I meant on Diversity. Over the course of the rest of the week I will also talk about where and how to focus you efforts and what you should do between shows. Even a little theory about the best way to sell yourself. However today we will talk about Diversity.

What I mean about this is the more you can do, the more you can work. If yer a stage guy, learn some close-up. If you're a close-up guy learn some stage stuff. Pick up those juggling balls and actually learn to use them. Dabble in fire eating. Are you any good at puppets? Nows the time to find out! If yer desperate, learn mime. The more you can do, the more you WILL work.

There is nothing wrong with being a one-stop shop for certain skills. However, never EVER mis-represent what or who you are. If your love lies on the stage, promote yourself as a stage magician, BUT let the local agencies and bookers know there are other things you are capable of. Don't let your business card look like a contest to see how much text you can fit on a 3.5 x 2 inch piece of paper. Also never promise more than you can deliver. IF they are looking for a 30 minute juggling show and you can only fill 10 minutes, don't say you can do it. You will hurt not only yourself but professionals who actually perform those skills for a living.

Diversity also expands your magic into other realms. By combining fire manipulation or marionettes into your act, you can appear to have a broader appeal and and helps break up the monotony between dove productions. By offering more, you will work more. If you are a stage illusionist that has three assistants, four tigers, and a poodle you might want to consider having a solo parlor show for when they can't afford the bigger acts. There is a reason there are three rooms in the Magic Castle and the same guys tend to work those three rooms. They are capable of entertaining those three specific venues because they have diversified their skills and translated them across the venues.

In the end, you will work more as you have more to offer. Like I said, don't lose your MAIN focus of who you are and what you wanna do, but be CAPABLE of delivering on many levels.

Tomorrow I will discuss how to do that... maybe.

Bizzaro.