tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48697846100354579012024-03-14T04:59:41.936-07:00Rebel EntertainerRebel Entertainershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07949780913999797978noreply@blogger.comBlogger45125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4869784610035457901.post-61938871428430645162010-05-04T10:11:00.000-07:002010-05-04T10:16:31.399-07:00It's all about meeeeee!Ok. Normally I have some cool advice or perspective to give you. But today, this email is all about me. But don’t click away. There are still some pretty neat lessons and perceptions.<br /><br />Here we go…<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >First</span>, last week I sent you an email telling you all about my new EXPERIMENT. I’m in the middle of building and marketing a brand new show. I’m posting, step by step, each action I’m taking. You can follow the progress and the strategies on my Facebook Fan Page or Twitter.<br /><br />If you're interested in seeing how I do it, follow me at the links below:<br /><br />Twitter: <a href="http://www.twitter.com/johnabrams1">@johnabrams1</a> or go to www.twitter.com/johnabrams1<br />Facebook:<a href="http://www.facebook.com/rebelentertainers"> click here</a> or go to www.facebook.com/rebelentertainers<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">I encourage you to comment on any post that interests you.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Next</span></span>, on the big Q & A a couple of months ago, Rebel Entertainer David Baker (<a href="http://www.twistedideasballoons.com/">www.twistedideasballoons.com</a>) wrote:<br /><br />“Hey John,<br /><br />Cool idea! Uhh, lets see... what was the best show you've ever put on, and what made<br />it a success?<br /><br />David”<br /><br /> I said you could ask something personal and you did. The answer is kinda tough. After performing literally thousands of shows, I'm trying to think back at which were the MOST successful.<br /><br /> A few stand out in my mind.<br /><br /> My first one, of course, because it got me off my butt and started this whole crazy career.<br /><br /> But there are a few others. One of my favorites was one of the first magic shows I ever did. It was a 6th birthday party at a pizza place. The reason it sticks with me is because years later I befriended the family of the birthday boy. After seeing my show he started studying magic. He's now a teenager and is very serious about his magic. I inspired him to create and follow his life dream. I think that's pretty cool.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Financial success?</span><br /><br /> One of them wasn't a show. It was a showcase. In one 7-minute performance I booked 60 shows. And most of those still repeat year after year. I was new in the area and nobody had ever seen me before. With that one performance I was able to dominate that market for many years.<br /><br /> Another financial success was when someone saw me at a company picnic. They were from the Sheriffs Association of Las Vegas. They booked me after seeing the show and have hired me back 10 years in row. And it's a hefty pay. Not too bad.<br /><br /> Over the years, there have been so many laughing children, happy families and educated students and teachers that it's difficult to pick out more. But success to me is making this world a better place. And if I can do that, make some money, and support my family in the mean time, then it's just gravy.<br /><br /> I try to do that every day.<br /><br /> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Email me your successes. I'll be happy to put them on my blog.</span><br /><br />-John Abrams<br />Rebel Entertainer and Success<br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.rebelentertainers.com">www.rebelentertainers.com</a><br /><a href="http://www.facebook.com/rebelentertainer">www.facebook.com/rebelentertainer</a><br /><a href="http://www.twitter.com/johnabrams1">www.twitter.com/johnabrams1</a></span>Rebel Entertainershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07949780913999797978noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4869784610035457901.post-39052666630629973692010-04-20T11:30:00.000-07:002010-04-20T11:44:34.648-07:00How to get HONEST feedbackStill a few lingering questions from the big Q & A. Rebel Entertainer Justin Morris asked:<br /><br />"How do I get honest feedback from people who have seen my show?"<br /><br />Great question Justin. Like most of us, you want your show to be the best that it can be. And that's a great quality.<br /><br />There are a number of ways to do this. Of course the first thing to do is to invite a trusted friend to see it.<br /><br />They may be able to give small pointers on ways to improve it. But as we all know, your friends probably aren't going to be brutally honest with you.<br /><br />Let's face it, all of our Moms think we're the best.<br /><br />The second way is to send your client (or your audience in some markets) a program or show assessment form. This form will ask your client to give you honest feedback on how you did. You can even have a section on "in your opinion, what could I do to improve my service to you".<br /><br />You gotta be careful with this one also. Don't believe everything you read. Remember, every client has their own agenda. And THEIR opinion is from THEIR perspective.<br /><br />Quick story about that. I had been doing a particular routine for years. In the first program assessment I ever received back, a customer said that she was "terribly offended" by that routine. Well, I was devastated. That routine was the cornerstone of my entire show.<br /><br />So for the next few weeks I asked clients if they were offended by that routine. Most said that it was their favorite part of the show. And, after hundreds of other assessments, I never got that comment again.<br /><br />So ya gotta be careful. If you get the same comment over and over, then ya' gotta listen.<br /><br />Lastly. Hire a nonpartisan professional. For magicians, there are a number of people that offer workshops to help tighten your show. Joanie Spina & Jeff McBride are very popular and I've only heard great things about them.<br /><br />I personally do program reviews for my Rebel Entertainer clients and have been lucky enough to work with a lot of wonderful performers. Send me a personal email if you're interested in hearing more about the program (<a href="mailto:john@rebelentertainers.com">john@rebelentertainers.com</a>).<br /><br />Double lastly, take industry workshops. All jugglers, clowns, magicians, dancers etc have conventions that offer workshops for just this sort of thing. Go to the conventions and check it out.<br /><br />If you take one, two or all of these steps, you will see your show take off.<br /><br />Looking forward to hearing about your progress,<br /><br /><strong>I welcome your comments</strong>.<br /><br />- John Abrams<br />Rebel Entertainer and Program Assessor<br /><br /><a href="http://www.rebelentertainers.com/">www.RebelEntertainers.com</a><br /><a href="http://www.facebook.com/rebelentertainer">www.Facebook.com/rebelentertainer</a><br />or follow me on Twitter <a href="http://twitter.com/johnabrams1">@johnabrams1 </a>Rebel Entertainershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07949780913999797978noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4869784610035457901.post-43914140528843109112010-04-07T07:00:00.000-07:002010-04-07T10:13:44.321-07:00Advertising on Craigs List<div>During the big Q & A, Cheryl Ferguson (<a href="http://www.bayareastars.com/">www.bayareastars.com</a>) asked:</div><br /><div>"Hello John,</div><br /><div>Craigs List is very popular here for a myriad of things. Advertising in the "events" section under "services" is a place where a lot of entertainers have their free ad. Your ad expires in a week, so you have to put it up again.</div><br /><div> What are your thoughts on the content of the different ads? Does it really make a difference?</div><br /><div>Happy Stars to You,</div><br /><div>Cheryl Ferguson"</div><br /><div> </div><span style="font-weight: bold;">Here's your answer:</span><br /><div> </div><br /><div>I don't personally advertise on Craigslist, but I know a number of entertainers that do. They seem to get mixed response. I've never heard anybody saying that it's the end all be all. But certainly, if you can book a few gigs with a free listing, by all means do it (as long as it's worth your time).</div><br /><div><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Nuts and Bolts</span> - First, you need to recognize the nature of the Craigslist beast. It's a place where people go to get DISCOUNTS AND DEALS. This is super important (In fact, I just bought a stand up piano for only $200). If you're a high end entertainer, Craigslist is<span style="font-weight: bold;"> not</span> the place to be. If you do have prices that will work with this market, then it may work for you.</div><br /><div> </div>So with that in mind, the first thing you need to look at is the actual title of your listing. Treat the listing like a headline. Use all the standard marketing techniques to drive them to your listing (for headline writing techniques, refer to my <a href="http://www.shop.rebelentertainer.com/product.sc?productId=1">Rebel Entertainer Success System</a>)<br /><div> </div><br /><div>Lots of folks will just say something like "Face Painting". I suggest something more enticing like "THE VERY BEST DEAL BY THE MOST EXCLUSIVE FACE PAINTERS IN TOWN".<br /><br />Remember the nature of the beast.</div><br /><div> Also, all caps seems to stand out.</div><br /><div>Next, use the text and photo in the ad to drive them to your website. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Don't try to sell your services on the ad itself.</span> Entice them with a "Click here for your SPECIAL CRAIGSLIST DISCOUNT PRICING. Only available for Craigslist customers." or something like that.</div><br /><div>Then direct them to your website for the exclusive offer.</div><br /><div>That's it. By driving them to your website, you take them away from clicking into any other Craigslist ads.</div><br /><div>Also, you have much more room and flexibility on your site than on that small ad.</div><br /><div>Try that and tell me how it goes.</div><br /><div>-John Abrams</div><br /><div>Rebel Entertainer and Fan of Bay Area Stars<br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.rebelentertainers.com/">www.rebelentertainers.com</a><br /><a href="http://www.facebook.com/rebelentertainer">www.facebook.com/rebelentertainer</a><br /><a href="http://www.twitter.com/johnabrams1"></a></span><a href="http://www.twitter.com/johnabrams1">www.twitter.com/johnabrams</a>1<br /><br /><br /><br /></div>Rebel Entertainershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07949780913999797978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4869784610035457901.post-35443303225035960962010-04-05T16:33:00.000-07:002010-04-05T17:08:44.619-07:00My twisting line never ends...<div>Rebel Entertainer Suzy Rush had a question about a situation that I think all clowns, balloon twisters, face painters and close-up magicians run into.</div><br /><div>Suzy writes:</div><br /><div>"John,</div><br /><div>I think my biggest problem is leaving the job on time. The kids always want me to stay and twist more balloons and fix their face paint. Sometimes even the parents push the kids way after I should be gone. How do I say no and have my clients and the kids happy?"</div><br /><div>Great question. We've all run into this situation in some form or other.</div><br /><div>Before I answer, I will say this. Always exceed their expectations. Offer a lot and deliver more. This will get you booked more often than any other strategy.</div><br /><div style="font-weight: bold;">That being said, here's your answer:</div><br /><div>This answer is two fold really.</div><br /><div>First. PUT YOUR OVERTIME IN YOUR CONTRACT.</div><br /><div>Your contract should state the amount and time that you and your client have agreed upon. Then, in big bold letters, state your overtime fee. If you really don't want to stay, make sure the overtime fee is above and beyond your regular fee and is charged in 15 minute increments.</div><br /><div>Upon booking the show, be sure to tell the client of the overtime fee. (This is also a good marketing position, because they may want to add more time when booking and you'll be able to upsell a higher package).</div><br /><div>Then, when you're at the gig and the time comes, and it looks like the children and parents want you longer, be very nice and go to the client and remind them of the overtime clause. Do this BEFORE your time is up. Then let the client make the decision.<br /><br />You can do this very politely and politically correct.<br /></div><br /><div>Secondly. Once you establish the "end of the line", post a sign. The sign can read something clever like "This is the end of the line" or "I'm the lucky last customer". Once again, make sure you do this before the time is up.</div><br /><div></div>Hope that helps.<br /><div> </div><strong>I welcome your comments.</strong><br /><br /><div>-John Abrams</div>Rebel Entertainer and Guy that likes to put it in the contract<br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.rebelentertainers.com/">www.rebelentertainers.com</a><br /><a href="http://www.facebook.com/rebelentertainer">www.facebook.com/rebelentertainer</a><br /><a href="http://www.twitter.com/johnabrams1">www.twitter.com/johnabrams1</a></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div>Rebel Entertainershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07949780913999797978noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4869784610035457901.post-83809635703498505142010-03-17T16:55:00.000-07:002010-03-19T10:19:02.339-07:00Did you see it?This one's quick.<br /><br />I'm a huge fan of the T.V. show The Apprentice. Especially Celebrity Apprentice. If you're not, you should be.<br /><br />I know that reality shows are not really reality. And that they're cut and spliced to get you to "feel" something about the characters and their situations. But once you sift through The Donald's hair and all that crudola, The Apprentice has HUGE MARKETING LESSONS every single episode.<br /><br />If you haven't seen it, here's the premise. Contestants have a very short period of time, as a team, to create and implement a tremendously challenging marketing plan for a particular type of business.<br /><br /><span lang="EN"><span lang="EN"><span lang="EN"><span lang="EN"><span lang="EN"><span lang="EN"><span lang="EN"><span lang="EN"><span lang="EN"><span lang="EN"><span lang="EN"><span lang="EN"><span lang="EN"><span lang="EN"><span lang="EN">In general, the team that makes the most money wins.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br /><br />That's it.<br /><br />If you think about it, that's exactly what we, as entertainers, have to do all the time. <span lang="EN"><span lang="EN"><span lang="EN"><span lang="EN"><span lang="EN"><span lang="EN"><span lang="EN"><span lang="EN"><span lang="EN"><span lang="EN"><span lang="EN"><span lang="EN"><span lang="EN"><span lang="EN"><span lang="EN">We have to create the product, create the marketing plan to sell it, then implement the plan to best of our ability.<br /><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>I've learned so much from this show. It's a free lesson and sometimes even entertaining.<br /><br />Take a look.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">I welcome your comments.</span><br /><br />-John Abrams<br />Rebel Entertainer and Apprentice WatcherRebel Entertainershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07949780913999797978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4869784610035457901.post-57574059835522228072010-03-17T07:39:00.000-07:002010-03-17T16:40:18.279-07:00Oh the Pain!<div>What's the most painful and scary thing in business? Other than losing all your money or getting stabbed in the eye with a red hot poker?</div><br /><div>The most painful process is this:<br /> STARTING<br /><br /> Starting to put together a new show.<br /> Starting a new marketing campaign.<br /> Starting a new job.</div><br /><div>Most people wait their entire lives talking about what they are "going to do" and are simply too frightened of the pain of starting.</div><br /><div>It's kinda like a new exercise program.</div><br /><div>The first week you're tired and soar and hungry. You may even feel weak. But once you get through that start, things get easier. You can exercise longer. You feel stronger. You're body and mind become stronger.</div><br /><div>It's the same way with starting a new show, or new business, or new routine. Once you get through those opening stages, it becomes very easy.</div><br /><div>The solution is, of course, to SIMPLY START. But if you really want to get into the psychology of getting started, here's a step by step process that all "SuperAchievers" use.</div><br /><div>1.) Figure out what you want to achieve. Write it down.</div><br /><div>2.) Figure out what needs to be done to achieve it. Write it down.</div><br /><div>3.) Do it.</div><br /><div>That's it. It really is as simple as that.</div><br /><div> If you need a little kick in the butt to start building that new show you've been thinking about, you're welcome to take a look at my <a href="http://www.rebelentertainer.com/show_building_course.html" track="on" linktype="link">Rebel Entertainer's Show Building Course</a>.<br /><br /> It'll walk you through the process, step by step, using your own talents to create your own sellable show from scratch. It's highly recommended by some of the top names in your field.<br />Click here to check it out: <a href="http://www.rebelentertainer.com/show_building_course.html" track="on" linktype="link">Rebel Entertainer's Show Building Course</a></div><br />Even if you don't invest in the course, take action. Start that new marketing campain. Put together that new show. Put up that new website. With this new economy we're living in, now's the perfect time.<br /><div><br />- John</div>Rebel Entertainer and Pain Reliever<br /><div><span style="font-size:85%;"><a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.rebelentertainers.com/" track="on" linktype="link">www.RebelEntertainers.com</a></span></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.facebook.com/rebelentertainers" track="on" linktype="link">www.Facebook.com/rebelentertainers</a><br /></span><div><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://visitor.constantcontact.com/manage/optin/ea?v=001oqwWjY62mflRWOqxjAsu6Q%3D%3D" track="on" linktype="link">Subscribe to These Free Tips By Clicking Here</a></span> </div>Rebel Entertainershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07949780913999797978noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4869784610035457901.post-19643454417143301242010-03-02T10:46:00.000-08:002010-03-02T10:51:29.123-08:00THE BEST School Assembly ThemesRebel Entertainer Bill Klaus asked this question in the big Q & A:<br /><br />"Hi John,<br /><br />In your opinion, when putting together a new or first time school program, what kind of program seems to be more accepted by the staff and students and why do you think so?<br /><br />Bill"<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Here's your answer:</span><br /><br /> The obvious answer is: "A great show". But I guess that's taking the easy way out.<br /><br /> I think you're asking about subject matter. What's the best theme for an assembly program?<br /><br /> That's a good question. Each school district and each state differs. You can find the most POPULAR by going on other School Entertainer's websites and seeing what they offer.<br /><br /> The slam dunk if you want to book a couple of weeks in October is a "No Drug Show". There doesn't seem to be enough good entertainers with that message to go around to all the schools. Science is a big winner if done right. And character is very popular.<br /><br /> But listen to this advice very carefully:<br /><br /> DOING WHAT OTHER'S ARE DOING DOES NOT SEPARATE YOU FROM THE PACK AND WILL NOT KEEP YOU BOOKED YEAR ROUND.<br /><br /> Putting together something original that nobody offers, or approaching a subject in a unique way that nobody else does, will separate you from the pack.<br /><br /> Go to the Board of Education website for your state and look up "State Standards" (ex: Utah State Standards). These are the curriculum that the teachers in your state must teach the students. Choose a subject that may be difficult for the teachers to convey, create a unique show using the talents that only YOU possess, and you'll have a hit.<br /><br /> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Make sure you present it in a way that a teacher or other staff member can't.</span><br /><br /> Also remember that lots of schools do <span style="font-weight: bold;">family fun nights.</span> Usually they’re just looking for something fun. Not rocket science but must be super fun. If your program can actually MAKE THE PTA MONEY, it's even better. Actually, I know someone that does an assembly on Rocket Science, but that's a whole 'nother story.<br /><br /> Hope that helps.<br /><br />- John Abrams<br />Rebel Entertainer and School Assembly Specialist<br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.rebelentertainers.com">www.rebelentertainers.com</a><br /><a href="http://www.facebook.com/rebelentertainer">www.facebook.com/rebelentertainer</a><br /><a href="http://www.twitter.com/johnabrams1">www.twitter.com/johnabrams1</a></span>Rebel Entertainershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07949780913999797978noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4869784610035457901.post-59023577011121793482010-02-17T14:09:00.000-08:002010-04-27T19:13:25.565-07:00Your Price is Outrageous!Hilarious Clown<span style="font-weight: bold;"> Eddy Rice Jr.</span> wrote to me during the big Q & A (check out his website for the visuals alone. It's very fun. <a href="http://www.flappytclown.com/">http://www.flappytclown.com/</a>)<br /><br />He told me a story about a crazy potential client that was referred to him by a friend and asked how I'd have handled it. Here's the edited version:<br /><br />-------<br /><br />Thanks John. Your articles have helped a lot.<br /><br />Here’s the story. I was referred by a close friend to a person that I was told wanted my services.<br /><br />I called the potential client and told her what I had to offer and when we got to the price she said “That is outrageous! I've been hiring entertainers for years and your price is ridiculous!”<br /><br />After telling her the benefits of my services and how I guaranteed that everyone would have a great time, she said 'Well, we're just going to buy a costume from China and have a friend put it on!'<br /><br />On and on she went trying to get MORE services for LESS money and make outrageous requests. I continued to hold my ground and finally said to her "Thank you very much, I hope you can find someone".<br /><br />After a couple of days a friend of the lady called back (or maybe the lady pretending to be a friend) and booked my services for that exact party.<br /><br />How would you have handled this.<br /><br />Eddy Rice Jr.<br />-----<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Here's your answer:</span><br /><br />First, congrats for sticking to your guns. You're a terrific entertainer and people should pay top dollar for your services. No ifs ands or buts.<br /><br />Personally, I probably wouldn't have lasted that long in the conversation. And I may or may not have gotten the gig.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Because here are MY RULES.</span><br /></div><br />"If you can't afford my services at this time, that's ok. There's no shame in that. I can refer you to a lesser entertainer that you'll be very pleased with." And I do.<br /><br />Notice the wording in that. There's a lot going on there. About half the time they'll call me back and book the show. No arguing. No negotiating. Everybody's happy. And if they do go with the less expensive option, I make some money for a friend.<br /><br />Now, last thoughts on this. Any potential client that is that big of a pain in the ass when they're just in the researching process, is going to be a bigger pain in the butt when it comes to the event and your payment.<br /><br />I don't need the headache. Each of us draw the line at a different place. Each of us needs to know what we will and won't do for a buck.<br /><br />I don't need the business that badly. No client is worth losing sleep over. Especially one that can't pay me what I'm worth.<br /><br /><strong>I welcome your comments.</strong><br /><br />If you like this, spread the word.<br /><br />- John Abrams<br />Rebel Entertainer and Guy that likes to hold that line<br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.rebelentertainers.com/">http://www.rebelentertainers.com/</a><br /><a href="http://www.facebook.com/rebelentertainer">www.facebook.com/rebelentertainer</a><br /><a href="http://www.twitter.com/johnabrams1">www.twitter.com/johnabrams1</a><br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;"></span>Rebel Entertainershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07949780913999797978noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4869784610035457901.post-7810941115243795382010-02-17T13:44:00.000-08:002010-02-17T13:59:40.569-08:00Government Bailout for Entertainers?This next question is something that seems to be on everyone's mind. <span style="font-weight: bold;">The economy</span>.<br /><br />Magic Michael asks:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Hi John-</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">With the economy as it is today, what ideas do you have for helping clients who DO want your program but have no government funding or funding of their own to FIND the money to hire you?</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br />Best!</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Michael</span><br /><br /> By the way, before I go on, I just want to say that I like this question and I imagine a lot of people are thinking the same thing. So...<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Here's your answer:</span><br /><br /> First the fun part. I wish the government would cut me a nice fat check for about 40 million bucks. Heck, it's a small drop in the national debt bucket and I deserve it. No such luck.<br /><br /> Ok. Now the reality.<br /><br /> What's interesting about this economy is that the entertainers that saw the writing on the wall a couple of years ago and were aggressive and creative with their marketing actually had banner years in 2009 & 2010. The ones that said "I'll wait until this down-turn passes" are dying on the vine.<br /><br /> I had my BEST YEAR EVER last year and a number of my friends are in the same boat.<br /><br /> But I'm not blind to the plight of others. I do have friends that had been making their living entertaining for years but have had to take 9-5s and have exhausted their savings. Not a good place to be.<br /><br />What's the difference between these two groups?<br /><br /> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Education, Conviction and Aggression.</span><br /><br /> A few days ago I posted a number of different ways to market your business with absolutely no cost. If you used only those strategies - quickly, aggressively and actively - within a very very short period of time you would book enough gigs to invest in every product and every program that I offer. And even some I don't offer.<br /><br /> I've also posted an amazing strategy about a guy in the U.K. making buckets of money working a shopping area with literally no investment. Just a little bit of ingenuity. <a href="http://rebelentertainer.blogspot.com/2008/12/making-money-at-bizarre-bath.html">Click here</a> to read it on my blog.<br /><br /> Last story and I'll hang this subject up.<br /><br /> My first ever investment in entertainment marketing material cost me exactly $100.00. It was Joel Bauer's Hustle Hustle. In retrospect, it wasn't that great and is now very dated. But it did give me a number of ideas that I used to book a number of shows. And that one investment started my journey to becoming a full time professional entertainer.<br /><br /> That was a hundred bucks I couldn't afford to spend. But I also couldn't afford to spend another day in my dreary job. A job that sucked the life out of me and zapped all my creative energy.<br /><br /> I now look back at that as the best hundred bucks I ever spent.<br /><br /> It's up to every single one of us to decide "when's the right time". For me it was about 11 years ago. Whenever that time is for you, it'll be the perfect time in your life for your situation.<br /><br /> <span style="font-weight: bold;"> I welcome your comments and experiences</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"> If you like these tips, spread the word.</span><br /><br />- John Abrams<br />Rebel Entertainer and Guy that's grateful for what entertaining has brought me<br /><br />P.S. If you're ready, here's the link to all of my money making products: <a href="http://www.shop.rebelentertainer.com/"> John's Stuff</a><br /><br />P.S.S. For one-on-one coaching, <a href="http://rebelentertainer.blogspot.com/search/label/One-On-One%20Coaching%20Programs">click here</a>.Rebel Entertainershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07949780913999797978noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4869784610035457901.post-72933090528301463022010-02-10T11:32:00.000-08:002010-02-11T12:16:30.118-08:00Marketing with No BudgetI love variety artists. They have the coolest names.<br /><br />This next question from the big Q & A came from Ken "Super K" Shute. He's a great balloon artist out of Southern California.<br /><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Ken writes:</span><br /><br />John,<br /><br />"What about marketing when there is no real budget for it, I mean, what are the things I can do that have little or no direct cost to me? "<br /><br />Thanks, Ken<br />-----<br />Great question Ken.<br /><br />Every entertainer in the world has asked this question at some time in their career. Sometimes it seems like if you have no money there's no place to start.<br /><br />Not true!<br /><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Here are a few things you can do:</span><br /><br />- Set up a blog that looks like a single page website. You can add video, photos and great copy. Absolutely no cost.<br /><br />- Set up a Facebook Fan Page. These now get full indexing from the major search engines. Not as flexible as a blog, but is another way to get on the search engine list. No cost.<br /><br />- Set up a Youtube account. Also full indexing. Use a video to drive people to your blog. No cost.<br /><br />Make sure to use key words for your market, your art and your area and have each site link to the others.<br /><br />But believe me brother, if it's only internet marketing your doing, it's not enough. Here's an excerpt from my <a href="http://shop.rebelentertainer.com/product.sc?productId=1">Rebel Entertainer’s Success System</a> that talks about that exact subject.<br /><br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">If I Only Had $100.00</span><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">to get My Entire Marketing Campaign</span><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Off The Ground,</span><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">What Would I Do?</span><br /></div><br />I’ve been asked this many times. Down and dirty, here’s what I’d do. I’d sit down and put together two kick-ass sales letters (doesn‘t cost a thing). I’d buy a domain name from Godaddy.com (about $10.00). I would have a friend put the long sales letter on a website as a 1 page website (a friend would do it for free). Then I would get a list from the internet of the people I want to sell to (also free). I would then sit on the phone and call them to introduce myself and find out if they were interested in my service. I would then ask if I could fax over a list of my services (faxing is free if you have a fax machine or can use a friend’s). The fax would be the shorter of the 2 kick-ass sales letters that would ask for the sale and, if they thought they needed more info, direct them to my website.<br /><br />This whole process would cost about $10.00 - $15.00 and done right, would make a lot of sales. The only other thing it would cost is time.<br /><br />Now, of course you can replace the website with a blog and do the entire thing for by yourself for free.<br /><br />There ya’ go. Some quick tips for absolutely no cost.<br /><br />By the way, if you want more info on my <a href="http://shop.rebelentertainer.com/product.sc?productId=1">Rebel Entertainers Success System</a>, just click on it.<br /><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">If you like these tips, spread the word.</span><br /><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">I welcome your comments and experiences.</span><br /><br />-John Abrams<br />Rebel Entertainer and Guy that's been there<br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.rebelentertainers.com">http://www.blogger.com/www.rebelentertainers.com</a><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.facebook.com/rebelentertainer">http://www.blogger.com/www.facebook.com/rebelentertainer</a><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.twitter.com/johnabrams1">http://www.blogger.com/www.twitter.com/johnabrams1</a>Rebel Entertainershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07949780913999797978noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4869784610035457901.post-23350122666995787792010-02-09T19:26:00.000-08:002010-02-10T11:22:53.536-08:00Organizing Your Contacts<div> </div> The second question from the big Q & A came from two completely different Rebel Entertainers from two completely different arts.<br /><br /> <span style="font-weight: bold;"> Magician Charles Watson wrote:</span><br /><br /> "I'm in the middle of creating a plan for tracking bookings, keeping in contact with them, and organizing everything. I am also planning my marketing strategies and trying to put together a list of things that I will do daily to draw new business....reaching past clients, sending thank you cards, confirmations etc.<br /><br /> How would you recommend setting up this system to keep yourself on track. I find myself getting side tracked and not knowing what to do daily."<br /><br />Sincerly,<br />Charles<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">... and Clown/Balloon Artist Patrick Duffek (aka Pat in the Hat) wrote:</span><br /><br />"How do you do your contact management and database work?<br />How do you keep track of your tasks, records, and information? "<br /><br />Patrick<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Here's your answer:</span></span><br /><br /> The number one and most important asset of your business is your client list. I'm always shocked and amazed when I'm coaching someone and they DON'T have that list.<br /><br /> This is an excellent question and much easier solved then people think.<br /><br /> I use a software program called ACT. Here's how I use it and what you can do with it also.<br /><br />- You can keep track of all your current contacts<br /><br />- You can separate them into different marketing groups (ie. Libraries, Corporate, etc..)<br /><br />- You can personalize any marketing or business form you need to send out (everything from sales letters to labels to contracts)<br /><br />- You can set alarms that can remind you of every mailing and contact you need to make with every individual client (ie. Thank you cards etc...)<br /><br />- It has an option of keeping a history of every contact you've made and what was done (example: 2/8/10 - Sent contract, 2/10/10 - Received signed contract)<br /><br />- You can upload any spreadsheet of contacts into it. This makes loading your address book or a list from your favorite list company a breeze<br /><br />It can do much more, but I think you get the idea.<br /><br />There are others on the market, but ACT is the one I've used for over a decade and it works great. Tried and true proven software.<br /><br /> There are a few that have been designed specifically for entertainers also. Check your local artist forums if you want to explore more.<br /><br />Go get organized!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">If you like these tips, spread the word.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">I welcome your comments and experiences,</span><br /><br />- John Abrams<br />Rebel Entertainer and Guy that likes to keep organized<br /><a href="www.rebelentertainers.com">www.rebelentertainers.com</a><br /><a href="www.facebook.com/rebelentertainer">www.facebook.com/rebelentertainer</a><br /><a href="www.twitter.com/johnabrams1">www.twitter.com/johnabrams1</a>Rebel Entertainershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07949780913999797978noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4869784610035457901.post-37295809545642982182010-02-08T08:21:00.001-08:002010-02-08T08:34:20.725-08:00Q & A Answers - Customizing Your Show for LibrariesThe response to my Q & A was terrific. The first one came from Rebel Entertainer Smarty Pants. If you haven’t seen him perform, you should. He’s hilarious and has some great routines.<br /><br />Smarty writes:<br /><br />Hey John,<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> <span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-weight: bold;">“How do you handle marketing when dealing with library summer reading themes?<br /><br /></span></span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">The problem in this area is that some libraries use a common theme (Scare up a Good Book this year) and some definitely don't (some librarians hate this theme) - and some use a completely different theme (there's a Surf up to the Library theme floating around too)<br /><br /></span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">We're in a difficult spot in that by committing to one theme, we're excluding libraries not using that theme for a particular summer!</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Looking forward to hopefully you taking on this topic in your blog!”</span><br /><br />Great question Pants.<br /><br />I understand how difficult it is coming up with great routines. They take creative time, effort, props and performance time to make them work.<br /><br />Although I do recommend creating a new show every so often to keep things fresh and offer your markets another service, I also know that a new show for every summer reading program becomes tiresome. I did it for a few years. I no longer do.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Here’s your answer:</span><br /><br />If you’re new to the market (which I don’t think you are), you should definitely customize your first show to the theme. Maybe even customize it the second year. This will book more shows the first two summers and get you known as the person they can depend on to constantly bring in something new.<br /><br />If you already have a name within the library market, there’s a different answer.<br /><br />Anybody performing for libraries should have ONE STANDARD SHOW that they become known for. The show should promote checking out books and should be some of your best stuff.<br /><br />Notice, I said the show should promote CHECKING OUT BOOKS. It doesn’t have to be a reading show, and quite frankly probably shouldn’t be. There are enough of those and they’re perceived as boring. It should be crazy fun and draw an audience.<br /><br />Within that show, you should have 2-3 routines that can easily be “adjusted” for just about any theme. Just by changing a few words and few actions, it will appear like they are customized for the theme.<br /><br />Example: Most of my Animal Magic Shows start with the lines “When you’re out on safari. And you’re gonna be gone 2-3 weeks at a time, what’s the most important thing to bring?”<br /><br />Well, the altered version is this ““When you’re out on pirate ship…. “ or “When Santa’s flying around all night long…” or “When the Easter bunny’s hopping around everybody’s yard…”<br /><br />And being a balloon artist, you should also be able to easily alter the particular sculpture that you do with the same story. “This is the story of a bird that had a fear of flying” or “This is a story about a fish with a fear of swimming” or “This is the story of a little girl that had a fear of reading books”.<br /><br />Truthfully, most librarians won’t know the difference AND the audience will be mostly new the following year anyway.<br /><br />This way, every year you can say “Here’s my brand new summer show called ‘Scare up, and blow up’. The most amazing balloon show customized to your summer theme”<br /><br />“And remember, if you want something a bit different from the theme, you need my very own Smarty Pants Super Duper Balloon Party Show. It’s the one that has gotten glowing reviews from 100’s of libraries just like yours…”<br /><br />Something like that.<br /><br />Also, you won’t be forced to carry 3 completely different shows in your car. Well, you are carrying those shows, but they’re actually one show cleverly disguised as two or three.<br /><br />Oh, and lastly. If you knock it out of the park every time at every library. And children run to check out books. NO MATTER WHAT KIND OF SHOW YOU OFFER, YOU’LL BE ASKED BACK AGAIN AND AGAIN.<br /><br />Hope that helps.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">I welcome your comments.</span><br /><br />- John Abrams<br />Rebel Entertainer and Library Performer<br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.rebelentertainers.com">www.rebelentertainers.com</a><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.facebook.com/rebelentertainer">www.facebook.com/rebelentertainer</a><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.twitter.com/johnabrams1">www.twitter.com/johnabrams1</a>Rebel Entertainershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07949780913999797978noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4869784610035457901.post-19032324935662074402010-01-26T08:02:00.000-08:002010-01-26T08:14:00.681-08:00Ijet Review<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKO4f6NcNIDdFbM6MwDk0ddq9e8wXD2wBYA72BXF-V9Lc08mmJ0MDtIpc1y9u16xSaDjhzZ2LHjazYSJkDXaTycfSELiZC5wpLVFsFxCGsdxG0mTztU8Zg-M2uB8nW4jtznBO4jATqbG-q/s1600-h/ijet.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 90px; height: 90px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKO4f6NcNIDdFbM6MwDk0ddq9e8wXD2wBYA72BXF-V9Lc08mmJ0MDtIpc1y9u16xSaDjhzZ2LHjazYSJkDXaTycfSELiZC5wpLVFsFxCGsdxG0mTztU8Zg-M2uB8nW4jtznBO4jATqbG-q/s400/ijet.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431080613263338210" border="0" /></a>If you’re looking for a remote for your ipod to run your sound during your show, this may be the ticket.<br /><br />My Virtual Sound Man died on me and the manufacturer went out of business. Each of my shows has 15 - 20 sound cues. So I went in search of a replacement. I searched the various entertainer forums and discovered the Ijet (I’m obviously not the first).<br /><br />The Ijet is described as a remote that attaches to your Ipod that has an “RF signal that travels through walls, ceilings, and around corners up to 150 ft. away.”<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The facts:</span><br /><br />The Ijet comes with the remote control (which is a little like a car remote), two different kinds of belt attachments, the Ijet unit that attaches to your ipod and an RCA cord. The Ijet unit itself is about three inches long, one inch tall and about a half an inch thick. Very discreet.<br /><br /> It attaches to the bottom of your ipod and is ready to work in 30 seconds.<br /><br /> The remote has “play/pause”, “forward track”, “back track”, “volume up” and “volume down” buttons.<br /><br />The Ijet runs on the power of your Ipod and is completely wireless.<br /><br />You can get it on www.amazon.com for about 30 bucks.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Here’s my review:</span><br /><br /> I received the Ijet on Thursday night and after about 10 minutes of practice was using it for shows by Friday morning.<br /><br />I’m a learn-on-the-job kinda guy, so it took me about 4 songs (sound cues) to get use to it. I love it. I can start a song and stop a song. Increase and decrease volume at will.<br /><br /> I didn’t actually measure the distance, but on that one day I performed four shows in three different venues (cafeteria, theatre and multi purpose room) with audiences ranging from 200 to 500 people and it worked fine. I even run through the audience and it worked there.<br /><br />Here are a few things to think about before purchasing:<br /><br />- Because the Ijet attaches to the bottom of your Ipod, the headphone jack must be elsewhere. My wife’s Nano has the headphone jack on the bottom, so it wouldn’t work. I have a Classic, so it was fine.<br /><br />- Check the compatibility on-line. Doesn’t work with all ipods.<br /><br />- The remote does not have a fade-out feature. If this is important to you, you may want to look elsewhere.<br /><br />- I would say it’s about 95 percent dependable. If your show is dependant on EXACT sound cues such as sound effects, you may want something a bit more reliable. But if you just run music cues, it’s perfect.<br /><br />- All the entertainer forums suggest that you have a blank track between each track to make managing your list easier. I didn’t find this necessary.<br /><br />- Because the Ijet works on the power your Ipod, you’ll need to charge the ipod between shows. I don’t like taking any of my equipment out of my sound bag between shows, so you can solve that problem by charging your ipod while setting up or breaking down your show. That way everything stays together.<br /><br />All that being said, if you want the perfect remote to use for your music cues for only about 30 bucks, this is a no-brainer. Great for a one man/woman show. If you need all the other bells and whistles, you can invest the thousand or so dollars in something much more fancy schmancy.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">I welcome your comments.</span><br /><br />Have fun!<br /><br />- John Abrams<br />Rebel Entertainer and Guy that has the music in him<br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.rebelentertainers.com/">www.rebelentertainers.com</a><br /><a href="http://www.facebook.com/rebelentertainer">www.facebook.com/rebelentertainer</a><br /><a href="http://www.twitter.com/johnabrams1">www.twitter.com/johnabrams1</a></span>Rebel Entertainershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07949780913999797978noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4869784610035457901.post-90399789596272536762010-01-14T21:29:00.000-08:002010-01-15T16:11:57.009-08:00What happens when your client says "We Have A Problem"?A crazy thing happened today that I had to tell you about. Here it is.<br /><br />I was hired by a school to perform my Animal Magic show.<br /><br />So, I drive two and half hours to the gig. (I accepted the distance because I was able to book four more shows the next day in the same area so it made it worth my while)<br /><br />I show up. On time. Ready to set up. I meet with the principal that hired me.<br /><br />She pulls me aside and says "WE HAVE A PROBLEM".<br /><br />OK. Other than "<em>I'm late for my monthly visitor</em>", "<em>we have a problem</em>" is probably the worst thing you can here.<br /><br />She goes on to say that because of an animal act that they had last month that was busted by the Department of Fish and Game, the district is no longer allowing animal acts at any of the schools.<br />"So I'm really uncomfortable with you performing today"<br /><br />Well gee. Ya coulda' told me that before I made the drive! Animal Magic has animals. Heck, it's in the name! Thank goodness she paid in advance (true).<br /><br />I didn't lose my cool. Instead, I remembered that I came prepared to perform a completely different show the next day. My Bully Prevention show.<br /><br />So I calmly told her that "I have another terrific show loaded in my car right now that doesn't use any animals. I guarantee your kids will love it". I went on to tell her a bit about the show.<br /><br />She agreed and I performed two of my Bully Prevention shows.<br /><br />Now, I could've said "Hey lady, you're out of luck. I made the drive here. You already paid. Too bad. I'm going to the hotel".<br /><br />But I knew that the kids were expecting a "caught being good" reward assembly. And I wanted to make sure I made good on my end of the bargain. So instead, I worked it out with her.<br /><br />She was thrilled. At the end of the two shows she gave me a huge high five and said "Thank you so much. You are my hero! Ya really pulled my butt out of the fire."<br /><br />Right before leaving, I subtly (ok, maybe not so subtly) suggested that she tell this story to the schools around the area. Forty five minutes later, by the time I got to my hotel room, there was a call from another school in her area ready to book the show.<br /><br />Do I come prepared with two completely different shows every time? No. Will I from now on? Yes.<br /><br />See how many lessons you can pick out of this crazy day.<br /><br /><strong>I welcome your comments.<br /></strong><br />-John Abrams<br />Rebel Entertainer and guy that loves his job!<br /><a href="http://www.rebelentertainers.com/"><span style="font-size:85%;">www.rebelentertainers.com</span></a><br /><a href="http://www.facebook.com/rebelentertainer"><span style="font-size:85%;">www.facebook.com/rebelentertainer</span></a><br /><a href="http://www.twitter.com/johnabrams1"><span style="font-size:85%;">www.twitter.com/johnabrams1</span></a>Rebel Entertainershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07949780913999797978noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4869784610035457901.post-69684203048292682232009-12-21T07:51:00.000-08:002009-12-21T08:04:47.500-08:00Marketing During Your ShowThe last word on name recognition comes from one of my most prolific Rebel Entertainers Carmen Tellez. You read her success story a few weeks ago. Well, there’s a reason she’s so successful.<br /><br /> Before you read what she says, notice that even in writing this letter to me, Carmen mentions her own website 5 separate times.<br /><br /> Also, notice all the contact web pages at the bottom.<br /><br />Ok. Here's what Carmen had to say:<br /><br />The routine with Jeff & Peanut is superbly funny to me regarding his name and dot com. Myself, I hired a singer/songwriter to assemble a <a href="http://charmandhappy.com/">CharmandHappy.com</a> jingle. I have it posted on my website for viewers along with a page that includes the words and the option to download.<br /><br />Funny bit of info.... My friend Jack M., who is a Magician/Balloon Artist even has my Jingleon his iPod that HE takes to events. ;0).<br /><br />I have this song play at the beginning & end of most of my appearances on a portable music player next to my <a href="http://charmandhappy.com/">CharmandHappy.com</a> Photo Banner I hang on my ShowBox.<br /><br />One of the magic tricks I perform is to use a Magic Bag with the end revealing a <a href="http://charmandhappy.com/">CharmandHappy.com</a> T shirt as a gift for the Bday child. If working a company event, then I make sure I choose a child that the t-shirt would fit and the shirt would be one that excludes Happy Birthday printed.<br /><br />One of the contests at the party is for the participants to say "<a href="http://charmandhappy.com/">CharmandHappy.com</a>" 3 times clearly without messing up.<br /><br />And another contest is the Singing Contest where participants get a print out of the words as they try to sing their own way to the <a href="http://charmandhappy.com/">CharmandHappy.com</a> Jingle.<br /><br /> I started an online YouTube contest, but with being pregnant at the time and dealing with other biz & family, I never followed thru with that, but I plan to soon<br /><br />Well, that's all for now. I'm gonna post this as a note on my FaceBook too so it can nudge me to continue that contest. Your email has made my wheels spin yet again John.<br />Thank you so very much!<br /><br />Carmen@CharmandHappy.com<br />- Artist Entertainer with a Twist of Charm -<br /><br /><a href="http://charmandhappy.com/">http://www.CharmandHappy.com</a><br />877-725-6967 office<br />562-237-3327 cell<br />Face Painter - Balloon Artist<br />Whittier (Los Angeles) CA<br /><br />FOLLOW OUR DAILY UPDATES:<br />http://www.FaceBook.com/CharmandHappy<br />http://www.Twitter.com/CharmandHappy<br />http://www.YouTube.com/CharmandHappy<br />http://www.MySpace.com/CharmandHappy<br /><br />PERSONALIZED PHOTO BUTTONS<br />http://www.aPhotoButton.com<br /><br />ONLINE PARTY SUPPLIES<br />http://www.CharmandHappy.MakesParties.com<br /><br />As always, an awesome post from Carmen!!!<br /><br />- John Abrams<br />Rebel Entertainer and Guy that learns from other Rebel Entertainers every day<br /><br /><a href="http://www.rebelentertainers.com/">www.rebelentertainers.com</a><br /><a href="http://www.facebook.com/rebelentertainer">www.facebook.com/rebelentertainer</a><br /><a href="http://www.twitter.com/johnabrams1">www.twitter.com/johnabrams1</a>Rebel Entertainershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07949780913999797978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4869784610035457901.post-55817405557474077852009-12-18T14:50:00.000-08:002009-12-18T14:52:59.577-08:00Advice from a Clown & a HypnotistI’m cleaning out that inbox of great ideas from other Rebel Entertainers. Here’s part 4 of your ideas.<br /><br />It’s all about name recognition…<br /><br />The first comes from T Tator Tot (<a href="http://www.ttatortot.com/">www.ttatortot.com</a>), a wonderful clown out of Snohomish, WA.<br /><br />She wrote:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">"This sounds like something Ruthie (Champagne) did at her twist and shout class in February this year. Repeat repeat repeat. Have the kids say your name at least 10 times!! I try to do it too!!</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">Thanks! - Terri "</span><br /><br />Great idea for kids shows Terri. I use this myself.<br /><br />The next came from Master Hypnotist Jesse Lewis (<a href="http://jesselewishypnosis.com/">http://jesselewishypnosis.com</a>). Jesse writes:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">" John,</span> <span style="font-style: italic;"> I am a stage hypnotist. You asked how we can add our names into our show for stage.</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">For hypnotists its easy. In the middle or end of the show we can do a skit where we just tell our volunteers that every time they hear the name Jesse Lewis they will say he’s an awesome hypnotist, or he’s an idiot, something along those lines.</span> <span style="font-style: italic;"> This also is a great way to get the crowd involved. That is how I get the audience to say my name </span> <span style="font-style: italic;">Jesse "</span><br /><br />Very powerful advice Jesse. Thanks for sharing it.<br /><br />More to come.<br /><br />-John Abrams<br />Rebel Entertainer and Guy the thinks Jesse & Tator are awesome!<br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.rebelentertainers.com/">www.rebelentertainers.com</a><br /><a href="http://www.facebook.com/rebelentertainer">www.facebook.com/rebelentertainer</a><br /><a href="http://www.twitter.com/johnabrams1">www.twitter.com/johnabrams1</a><br /></span>Rebel Entertainershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07949780913999797978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4869784610035457901.post-64874730127755410062009-12-14T10:04:00.000-08:002009-12-15T10:44:12.100-08:00More on name recognitionFirst off, I want to thank Sean Miller of Grey Cloud Studios. Sean has a repertory company of variety entertainers (<a href="http://www.greycloudstudios.com/">http://www.greycloudstudios.com</a>).<br /><br /> Sean was the one that reminded me of the Jeff Dunham routine.<br /><br /> Now, part 3 of your ideas.<br /><br /> That Dunham post got a huge response from other Rebel Entertainers. So here some others from Sean. More to come from others in later posts.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">First, Sean wrote back reminding me of Chevy Chase:</span><br /><br /> “How many people who are old enough think that Chevy Chase was on Saturday Night Live for several seasons? The truth of the matter is that he left after the first season, but for that first season his name got said at least once every episode. How? Simple, he decided to finish each "Weekend Update" segment with the words, "I'm Chevy Chase and you're not." That put his name on the lips of people all over the country if not the world. It was a great piece of marketing and served him well enough to land the movie deals he was after.”<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Then he mentioned a couple of others:</span><br /><br /> “I'm not entirely sure where I heard this, but I seem to think it was on a PBS type special. They were talking to Red Skelton and he was telling about how after the first matinee everyday he would call the local hotels that had active lobbies and have himself paged with something like, "Red Skelton, Red Skelton, phone call for Red Skelton from the Palace Theater." That way, his name would be heard along with the theater he was playing in that day. It kind of goes along with what Larry The Cable Guy did by calling into radio stations around the country to build his following. Oops, that makes two more self promoting entertainers.”<br /><br />**<br /><br />Thanks so much for chiming in Sean. We can definitely use these.<br /><br />- John Abrams<br />Rebel Entertainer and guy that uses name recognition in every post<br /><br /><a href="http://www.rebelentertainers.com/">www.rebelentertainers.com</a><br /><a href="http://www.facebook.com/rebelentertainer">www.facebook.com/rebelentertainer</a><br /><a href="http://www.twitter.com/johnabrams1">www.twitter.com/johnabrams1</a>Rebel Entertainershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07949780913999797978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4869784610035457901.post-7210786155496826422009-12-14T07:24:00.000-08:002009-12-14T09:42:22.277-08:00Twitter TipsI’m finding some serious gold in them there hills! Here’s part 2 of the series of ideas I’ve collected from other Rebel Entertainers.<br /><br />I was talking about social media (Facebook, Twitter, etc…) and I got this response from Balloon Artist Jason Vaughn of Higher Hope Entertainment (www.higherhopeentertainment.com).<br /><br />He has some great points. Here ya’ go.<br /><br />****<br />John,<br /><br />I thought you and your readers might find some of these tips useful as they begin working with twitter. So here are five tips to get the most out of it.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">1.) Have a plan</span><br /><br /> Like all social media you can waste days on twitter. There are so many people to follow and meet and things to tweet about that it can become overwhelming. So before you come to twitter make a plan. Decide when you'll get on twitter and how much time you'll spend.<br />I suggest 3 times a day and spending five to ten minutes replying and tweeting.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">2.) Use photos and video</span><br /> Your thoughts are interesting, but people really want to see through your eyes. Tweets with photo links or videos really stand out. They also really help you say may more just 140 characters.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">3.) Don't just advertise</span><br /> So many companies get on twitter and all they do is talk about themselves. No one wants that. It is okay from time to time to talk about your service, but remember that to really be recognized you need to offer value to those reading your tweets. Post stories, thoughts, and inspiring quotes.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">4.) Don't be corporate</span><br /> The days of the nameless faceless companies are gone. And good riddance. Today people don't want that third person nonsense, they want connections and emotions.<br /><br />Here is an example. Instead of tweeting: “St. Louis Balloon Artist at Chick-Fil-A on Olive from 5-7.”<br /><br />Tweet: “I can't wait to be at Chick-fil-a on Olive tonight. The families and staff are a blast! I'm there from 5-7 if you get a chance to swing by.”<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">5.) Speak don't yell</span><br /><br /> When I first got on twitter I made stupid mistakes like all those above. The biggest I made was that I set up an automated welcome tweet. And of course it was all about me.<br />For those that don't know an automated welcome is when you set up your account using a twitter application to send a tweet to people when they first follow you. A lot of folks do it (especially companies) but it really does get annoying.<br /><br /> Instead of the automated tweet I suggest looking at your followers' accounts and replying to something in a personal manner.<br /><br /> Well those are a few tips to get started. I'll be expanding on this a lot more at FLOAT for anyone interested. And you know you're always welcome to e-mail me.<br /><br /> John, I'm loving both your <a href="http://shop.rebelentertainer.com/">courses</a>. It has been a great investment. I've been very profitable in getting my name online and with your help I'm getting great returns offline as well.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">I sincerely thank you.</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Twistedly yours,</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Jason Vaughn</span><br /><br />****<br /> Thanks for sharing these tips Jason. We all really appreciate it!<br /><br />By the way, you can follow Jason on twitter @HigherHopeDecor and follow me @JohnAbrams1.<br /><br />- John Abrams<br />Rebel Entertainer and Big Twit<br /><a href="http://www.rebelentertainers.com/">www.rebelentertainers.com</a><br /><a href="http://www.facebook.com/rebelentertainer">www.facebook.com/rebelentertainer</a><br /><a href="http://www.twitter.com/johnabrams1">www.twitter.com/johnabrams1</a>Rebel Entertainershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07949780913999797978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4869784610035457901.post-79141714027473245132009-12-09T08:59:00.000-08:002009-12-11T10:13:13.669-08:00Your ideas are amazing!At the end of each of my blogs and email posts, I ask you to respond. Well, I get lots of amazing Rebel Entertainers emailing me the techniques and methods that they use.<br /><br /> So, in the next few posts, I’m going to share with you some of the terrific ideas that other entertainers have shared with me.<br /><br /> The first of this series was sent to me by Chris McDaniel (www.chrismcdaniel.net). We were talking about searching the internet for your name and finding photos, newspaper clippings and such.<br /><br />Here’s what Chris had to say:<br /><br /> Hey John,<br /><br />Speaking of this, did you know you can do a Google alert on whatever<br />you want to regularly search. And anytime that combination of words<br />comes up, you get an email on it.<br /><br /> It's automatic.<br /><br /> I have Chris McDaniel on Google alert. And sure, I have to go through quite a few<br />'Chris Thompson and Sally McDaniel' or other Chris McDaniels who are<br />out there, but I've found LOTS of things about me that I would have missed<br />without it.<br /><br /> I recommend it highly. Google Alerts rule!<br /><br />- Chris<br /><br />Great idea Chris! You can also Google Alert “great party ideas” or any other keyword search that might help you with blog content.<br /><br />Special thanks to Chris McDaniel for sharing this idea.<br /><br />P.S. - Oh, I also received a number of entertainer success stories. I’ll be posting those as soon as I can get to it. If you have a great story for me, shoot me an email. I’ll be happy to post that too.<br /><br />- John Abrams<br />Rebel Entertainer and Guy That Loves to Share Ideas<br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.rebelentertainers.com/">www.rebelentertainers.com</a><br /><a href="http://www.facebook.com/rebelentertainer">www.facebook.com/rebelentertainer</a><br /><a href="http://www.twitter.com/johnabrams1">www.twitter.com/johnabrams1</a></span>Rebel Entertainershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07949780913999797978noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4869784610035457901.post-47168851409862365692009-12-09T08:35:00.000-08:002009-12-09T08:38:42.143-08:00Why is Jeff Dunham so famous?There’s a lot of reasons. First he’s amazingly good at what he does. He’s hilarious. And he’s put together a great act.<br /><br /> But how did he get so famous so fast?<br /><br /> He didn’t.<br /><br /> He’s been doing it for a loooooong time. I first saw Jeff at the Comedy Magic Club in Hermosa Beach some 15 years ago. He was somewhat famous then.<br /><br /> But he now has his own show with signature routines that everyone knows from his Cable special.<br /><br /> What people don’t think about, is that he is a master at MARKETING DURING HIS SHOW. This is where most entertainers fall short.<br /><br /> I recently watched a routine of his on you tube. You all know it. It’s where he’s arguing with Peanut about his name. And over and over he and peanut repeat his name. And then peanut always adds “dot com!”<br /><br /> I counted fourteen (14) times that they said Jeff Dunham. And seven (7) times that peanut said “dot com”. I think there were more.<br /><br /> Do you think that every single person that has seen his show, either live or on tv, remembers his name? The answer, of course, is yes. And how many people went to his website right after the show and joined his fan club?<br /><br /> How do you market during your show?<br /><br /> Well, you can’t steal his routine, but you can certainly figure out interesting ways to say your name throughout your show. You can also simply hang a sign with your name and “dot com” in front of any working “table” that you’re using.<br /><br /> How do you use name recognition?<br /><br /> I welcome your comments.<br /><br />- John Abrams<br />Rebel Entertainer “dot com”<br /><br />P. S. I forgot which Rebel Entertainer reminded me of this, so if it’s you, I want to give you full credit. Email me if it was you. <br /><a href="http://%20www.rebelentertainers.com"><br /></a><a href="http://www.rebelentertainers.com"><span style="font-size:85%;">www.rebelentertainers.com</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><a href="http://www.facebook.com/rebelentertainer">www.facebook.com/rebelentertainer</a><br /><a href="http://www.twitter.com/johnabrams1">www.twitter.com/johnabrams1</a><br /></span>Rebel Entertainershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07949780913999797978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4869784610035457901.post-75453945972792572392009-11-29T11:37:00.000-08:002009-12-01T12:33:47.027-08:00John's Brand New Coaching Program<span style="font-style: italic;">Attn: All Children and Family Entertainers</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Take Your Career to the Next Level,<br />Create A Career That<br />Exactly Fits The Personal Lifestyle That You Want,<br />And Finally Make<br />The Kind of Money You Deserve<br />With<br />John Abrams’</span> Rebel Entertainers'<br /></div><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:180%;">PERSONAL ONE-ON-ONE<br />“FASTRACK TO SUCCESS”<br />COACHING PROGRAM<br /></span></div><br />Dear Friend,<br /><br />I am now accepting ten (10) people - only ten <span style="font-weight: bold;">children’s and/or family entertainers</span> that are hungry to take massive action to change the course of their careers. Ten people that are ready to take full control of their career and CREATE and IMPLEMENT a performing and marketing plan that they’ll be happy with for years to come.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;">YOU MAY QUALIFY FOR THIS PROGRAM IF…<br /></div><br />You’re a PART-TIME Children’s and/or Family Entertainer, and you’re ready to make that big jump into making your entire living as full-time entertainer…<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Or<br /></div><br />You’ve been MAKING YOUR LIVING as a Children’s and/or Family Entertainer for years, but don’t feel you’re making the kind of money that you want to, AND you’re ready to take your career to a much higher level…<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">First, let’s both get on the same page…</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >What is a “Success Coach” anyway?<br /></span></div><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">A success coach is</span> </span>- A person that’s already done the things that YOU WANT TO DO and is READY, WILLING and HAS THE TOOLS to give YOU so you can succeed.<br /><br />There’s a reason that my <span style="font-style: italic;">One-On-One Fast Track To Success Coaching Program</span> is only available to children’s/family entertainers. It’s because I’ve been there. I’ve worked the birthdays, the schools, the daycares, the libraries, the city events and just about every type of children and family venue there is. All by choice. I still perform about 400 shows a year and I’m proud as heck to be a children’s entertainer!<br /><br />AND it’s my goal to help every person that truly has a love of the field to do the same.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:130%;">A success coach is</span> </span>- A person that’s gonna keep you<span style="font-weight: bold;"> ON TASK</span> and <span style="font-weight: bold;">ON TRACK</span>. One that will hold you accountable to your mission and your purpose. A person that cares that you succeed and will do everything in his power to help you make that happen.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">OK. I’m not gonna beat around the bush with a bunch of marketing hype.</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(204, 0, 0);font-size:180%;" > Here’s how the program works:<br /></span></div><br />For THIRTEEN (13) WEEKS, I’ll be your very own personal coach. Every contact will be focused on your career and your goals.<br /><br />Why 13 weeks? It’s simple. This is not a “get rich quick” scheme. You’ll be asked every week to take action. Your progress every week will build upon the progress of the previous week.<br /><br />I believe that in three months time your career will be on a path that you’ll be thrilled with. You’ll have a system in place for performing and marketing your talents that will last as long you choose.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Here’s how we’ll communicate:</span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);font-size:180%;" >- One 35 Minute Focused Phone Call Each Week</span> - In thirty five minutes we’ll make a plan of action for that week. These plans will include everything from creating or customizing your show, researching new markets, creating innovative marketing material, and much much more. A “Focused” call.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">- Fast Action Follow Up </span></span>- Within minutes of the phone call you’ll receive, via email, the Fast Action Follow Up listing every plan of action that we discussed. This form is invaluable in keeping us “On Task” and on course.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"> - One Mid Week Pick-Up email</span></span> - Sometimes we need a little kick in the pants to get ‘er going. I’ll be checking in and seeing how you’re progressing and if you’ve come upon any stumbling blocks.<br /><br />That’s how the program works.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:180%;">Along with the weekly communication,</span><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"> you’ll also receive these three bonuses bonuses</span><br /></div><br />As you may know, simply talking on the phone and by email may not be enough. If you are one of the ten that get accepted, you‘ll also get…<br /><br /><ol><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">A “quick review” of your website</span></span> - Although I don’t profess to be a website SEO guru, I do know what sells and how to portray your personality on your website. Once we get rolling and have a plan, I’ll do a quick review and suggest any changes that can be made to enhance the site.</li><li><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">A “quick review” of every marketing piece your sending out</span></span> - Whether it’s a direct mail piece, a promo DVD, or even an email marketing piece, if you created it while in this program, I’ll want to take a look and help you make it the best it can be.</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >A “quick review” of your current show and/or the one that you build using this program </span><span style="font-size:130%;">(if you’re a twister or face painter, you’re still doing mini “shows”)</span> - You’ve heard the old expression “The show’s the thing”. Well it’s true. Without a good show, ya got nothin’. Subtly (and not so subtly) marketing during your show is one of the key elements of a successful performing career. And don’t worry. I’m not gonna go all Simon Cowell on ya’. I just want to make sure we’re all on the same page.<br /></li></ol>As you can see, the program is comprehensive in every way. No stone is left unturned.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:180%;">BUT…This Program is Not For Everybody!<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: left; font-weight: normal;">I’ve spoken to a lot of entertainers. And not every one of them is in a place in their life where they’re ready to take on the challenge of attacking their career head on. I’m not interested in wasting your time and I expect that you’ll show me the same courtesy.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> I’ve told you what this program is, here's what it is not...</span><br /><br />- <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-style: italic;">This is NOT an audio, video or internet course with a few emails thrown in to make you think that I’m doing something</span></span> - It’s a PERSONAL COACHING PROGRAM. I expect you to pick my brain every single week.<br /><br />- <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-style: italic;">This is NOT a program where we meet every week and moan about the economy and all other forces that surround us that keep us from succeeding</span></span> - Yes, we need to find the obstacles and overcome them, but I’m not interested in sitting there listening to someone bitch and moan with no solution.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">-</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"> <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">This is NOT a program that lingers on and on until you run out of time and patience</span></span> - I’m</span> not a psychologist and I’m not interested in sucking your pocketbook dry only to see you fall on your face. It’s quick, intensive and effective.<br /><br />-<span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">This is NOT a program that I offer to anybody in the Southern or Central California area</span></span> - If you’ve read this far and you’re from So Cal, sorry Charlie, but your out of luck. The truth is I still pay my bills by performing in and around Southern and Central California. I don’t need someone else using the tools that I’ve painstakingly gathered over the years to use to compete with me. So if you’re from So Cal, you can stop right now and write me a nasty letter.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">WHO DOES QUALIFY TO APPLY</span><br /></span></div><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">You qualify if…</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size:180%;">1.) </span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">You have a variety art that you are proficient at</span> - Juggling, magic, stilt walking, ventriloquism, balloon twisting, face and body painting, singing, dancing, or any other talent that has intrinsic entertainment value. Remember, you don’t need to be the best, just proficient.<br /><br /></span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size:180%;">2.) </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> You are most interested in marketing to Children/Family markets</span> - If you’re interested in corporate, cruise ships or any other markets not dealing with Children or Families, I’m probably not your guy. I can only teach what I know. Although marketing 101 can be applied to just about every market, to seriously dominate a market, you’ll need to know the smallest details. Children and Family Entertainers Only Please.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size:180%;">3.)</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">You are at a place in your life where you’re ready and willing to make changes in your career without excuses.</span> ‘Nuff said.</span><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size:130%;">THE BIG QUESTION:<br />DOES JOHN’S COACHING STYLE<br />FIT WITH YOUR CAREER IDEAS…<br /></span></div><br />I’ll be honest with you. I didn’t take one of these “How to be a Life Coach” seminars and I’m not interested in any kind of life altering experience. This is about YOUR career.<br /><br />Here’s how I’ve arranged my career and maybe it’ll give you some insight in the direction we’ll go.<br /><br />I believe in PERFORMING TO FIT YOUR LIFESTYLE. Like many of you, I started out doing birthdays, company picnics etc... Working every weekend performing three, four, sometimes six and seven shows every weekend. But I missed my family. I have a wife and two kids to look after.<br /><br />It didn’t fit my lifestyle. I wasn’t the happiest plum in the pie. So I took action. Within 6 months I completely rearranged my marketing and became one of So Cal’s top school entertainers. Now I’m home when my kids get home. I’m there to help with their homework and help my wife with the laundry.<br /><br />This is <span style="font-style: italic;">Performing to Fit Your Lifestyle</span>. Let’s face it, you’re going to be spending a good portion of each day working (or playing as the case may be). You’ll want to arrange your performing around your own personal life. Everybody should!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:180%;"> Let’s get to it…<br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">WHAT’S THE BOTTOM LINE? </span><br /></span></div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">The total investment is <span style="font-size:180%;">$497.00</span> per month for three months.<br /></div><br />****Now hold your horses! I understand that for some people this is a big investment. But that’s exactly what it is. An investment.<br /><br />****SO BEFORE YOU CLICK AWAY, THINK ABOUT THIS: This investment price is less than you would be getting paid for just a couple of additional gigs each month. Only a couple of gigs. In fact, in the markets I work in, it’s less than one.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;">RIGHT ABOUT NOW, YOU MAY HAVE A NUMBER OF QUESTIONS<br />SWIMMING AROUND YOUR HEAD…<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;">“How do I know it’ll work?”<br />“Will it take too much time?<br />“Will I really make the money I want to make?”<br /></div><br /><br />I understand that you want to make sure that you see RESULTS. After all, that’s the only reason you’d even consider ANY coaching program.<br /><br />This program is designed to create a SYSTEM for YOU. A performing career that you‘ll be happy with. A lifestyle type of career. Not a couple of shows to pay off a few credit cards.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" > So here’s my</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(204, 0, 0);font-size:180%;" > TRIPLE NO RISK GUARANTEE</span> </div><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">GUARANTEE #1</span></span> - If, after the first phone call, you are not satisfied with the direction that we’re going, I will refund your entire first month fee. No harm, no foul. No additional charges. We’ll still be friends and we‘ll both go on our merry way.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" >GUARANTEE #2 </span>- You can discontinue after any single month. Once you discontinue, you will not be charged for any unused services.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" >GUARANTEE #3</span> - If, after completing this entire program and following my instructions exactly, you still don’t make enough money to cover this investment, I will send you a full refund.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">No risk, all the way through the program. It’s that simple.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;">OK John, I’m ready, how do we get started?<br /></span></div><br />Since I can only take ten (10) people for the program, I’ll need to keep a sharp eye on who applies first and who is qualified. So, as soon you decide, send me an email at john@rebelentertainer.com.<br /><br />Tell me <span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >“I’m ready for your coaching program”</span>. As soon as I receive it, I’ll email you the One-On-One Fast Track Coaching Application. Fill it out and fax it back to me at <span style="font-weight: bold;">714-283-3884</span> or email it back to the above email address.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">IMPORTANT:</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> I can only take the first ten entertainers that send it back and qualify</span>. And I will only be accepting applications three times a year. So send it back to me immediately.<br /><br />As soon as I get the application, upon verification, I will contact you via email and set up our first coaching call. Your credit card will not be charged the first payment until <span style="font-style: italic;">after</span> you’ve been accepted.<br /><br />If you are not qualified or you do not get your application in on time, you’ll be put on a waiting list and be the first contacted for the next cycle.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Email me now to make sure you get a spot:<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">John@rebelentertainer.com</span></span><br /></div><br />I’m looking forward to working with you and helping you create your own success story.<br /><br />John Abrams<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >P.S. </span> Remember, I can only accept ten people. And I’ll only be offering this program three times per year. The next cycle will start around April. So don’t delay. Get yourself on the Fast Track to Success right now.Rebel Entertainershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07949780913999797978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4869784610035457901.post-49570711634061271672009-11-25T14:19:00.000-08:002009-11-28T14:03:31.662-08:00Google yourself lately?Pardon the dirty sounding title to this email. But this is something I do about once a month. And you should do.<br /><br />OK. We’re really not talking about anything outrageous. I’m suggesting that every few months you take a look at the internet for your own listings.<br /><br />You never know what’s gonna come up. Just the other day I Googled “Magician John Abrams” (me) and I was surprised at what I saw.<br /><br />Of course, I found out if my websites were getting the ranking that I wanted, but I discovered a lot more. I found web links to newspaper articles that I’ve been in (and didn’t even know it), links to newsletters with my name and all sorts of assorted stuff that I can now use fo<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjClCt_0kRq2BYgOJngW8NPYKHyQTcM0bILKlGVDjSQTYLXycbmnTbHYRRLQ-WUSjFfYj80SUibMBMt56xHsn44GHffqwMJ5mIy9yfq_WQCrNDWAED_7ktBkmIBl6Y6tqwLZ2Yor1m5vnqW/s1600/Dove+on+Kid+at+Say+No+Way.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 192px; height: 143px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjClCt_0kRq2BYgOJngW8NPYKHyQTcM0bILKlGVDjSQTYLXycbmnTbHYRRLQ-WUSjFfYj80SUibMBMt56xHsn44GHffqwMJ5mIy9yfq_WQCrNDWAED_7ktBkmIBl6Y6tqwLZ2Yor1m5vnqW/s320/Dove+on+Kid+at+Say+No+Way.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408170752916869794" border="0" /></a>r my own personal promotion.<br /><br />I put a couple of pics on this blog that I found in a news report that I may or may not use. But at least now I have them.<br /><br />With everybody carrying around a camera in their phone nowadays, and with Facebook, Twitter, Flickr and all the other social networking sites, you may find a gold mine in promotional photos that are starring you.<br /><br />Here’s a couple of ideas to get you started.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7zwwALgbK95qhPoQXdQ7RWQqd1eT49bfFFZUbJ-IGPz-Uh2mHqeQYWxOQslfZeZZ5NTp_9Y2xwVLw1EGW3IkLyY1eOBZTVLhF1uazY5JeomE05zgzCP8BoPC-B96LW_j_fvkqTx1TNPTN/s1600/Laughing+Audience+at+Say+No+Way+Show.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 189px; height: 141px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7zwwALgbK95qhPoQXdQ7RWQqd1eT49bfFFZUbJ-IGPz-Uh2mHqeQYWxOQslfZeZZ5NTp_9Y2xwVLw1EGW3IkLyY1eOBZTVLhF1uazY5JeomE05zgzCP8BoPC-B96LW_j_fvkqTx1TNPTN/s320/Laughing+Audience+at+Say+No+Way+Show.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408170955679323314" border="0" /></a><br />- Google your Name<br />- Google your Name plus your art (ie. John Abrams Magician)<br />- Google your art and city, state or area (ie.. Jugglers in Texas)<br />- Google your key words (ie. Kids parties in Los Angeles or Corporate Magicians in Talahassee)<br /><br />You can also search Yahoo, Ask, or any other search engine you can think of.<br /><br />Remember, if it’s in the news, it’s something you can use.<br /><br />Oh, P.S. - I’ll be rolling out my coaching program next week. If you’re a children or family entertainer and want to put your career on the fast track, keep your eye out. Well don’t actually keep your eye all the way out, just watch for it.<br /><br />Have fun.<br /><br />John Abrams<br />Rebel Entertainer and Glutton for Publicity<br /><span style="font-size:78%;"><a href="http://www.rebelentertainers.com/">www.rebelentertainers.com</a><br /><a href="http://www.facebook.com/rebelentertainer">www.facebook.com/rebelentertainer</a><br /><a href="http://www.twitter.com/johnabrams1">www.twitter.com/johnabrams1</a></span>Rebel Entertainershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07949780913999797978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4869784610035457901.post-71951140086473367582009-11-24T08:55:00.000-08:002009-11-24T13:24:53.443-08:00Are your clients Rock Stars?How do you get your clients to hire you back again year after year? There are many ways including reminders, follow up phone calls etc… but here’s a sure fire plan to get them to remember you.<br /><br /> Simply put - TREAT ‘EM LIKE A ROCK STAR!<br /><br />Here are five quick ways to do it.<br /><br />1.) Make booking, set up, follow up material etc. so easy, that they literally don’t have to lift a finger.<br /><br />2.) Recognize the person that hired you or the VIP of the event during the show. Something like “Did you all have a good time!? Well, I’d like to thank Joe Smith for bringing me here today so we could have such a great time. Let’s give Joe a Hip Hip (Horray), Hip Hip (Hooray!)…” (NOTE: For line twisters and face painters, make sure to send some of your happy customers over to the VIP to thank him/her personally)<br /><br />3.) Follow up the very next day with a phone call to make sure everything went as planned<br /><br />4.) Have a small gift for the person that hired you BEFORE the show (hand it to them) and AFTER (by mail)<br /><br />5.) Have a dynamic entertaining show (should go without saying. But there, I said it)<br /><br />Do these things work?<br /><br />Here’s an email I just received from the PTA President of a school I performed at a couple of weeks ago that prompted me to write this blog.<br /><br />John,<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">“Thank you for two great assemblies. Everyone thinks that I’m a rock star and I didn’t even do any of the work. Thanks again for making my job easy.”</span><br />-Tricia<br /><br />Think they’ll come back? I’m gonna do everything in my power to make sure of it.<br /><br />Now, what else can you do to treat your clients like a rock star?<br /><br />I welcome your comments.<br /><br />-John<br />Rebel Entertainer and Guy That Treats His Clients Like Rock Stars<br /><span style="font-size:78%;"><a href="http://www.rebelentertainers.com/">www.rebelentertainers.com</a><br /><a href="http://www.facebook.com/rebelentertainer">www.facebook.com/rebelentertainer</a><br /><a href="http://www.twitter.com/johnabrams1">www.twitter.com/johnabrams1</a></span>Rebel Entertainershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07949780913999797978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4869784610035457901.post-14189337809966391002009-11-09T17:14:00.000-08:002009-11-10T06:55:04.728-08:00The Story of Charm and Happy<span style="font-weight: bold;">Here's Carmen Tellez's fascinating story...</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> written by Carmen in her own words...</span><br /><br />One April afternoon, a friend of mine visited me at Avenue Press in Downey, CA. I worked as the Desktop Publisher at this print shop.<br /><br />My friend Edgar (Eggo the Clown) asked if I would help him at his next gig by face painting the children's faces. I kindly declined letting him know "No offense, but I don't like clowns".<br /><br />He convinced me that he was a friendly clown as I have only seen & known him "out of make up", so there was nothing to be concerned about. He said "Plus, I already bought the make-up paint and the kids would be so disappointed if I didn't go".<br /><br />I let him know that I can draw a little, but never painted faces before. He assured me that I would do just fine. I believed him.<br /><br />I gathered a few thrift store colorful clothes to create a homemade version of a clown helpers outfit. Looked pretty darned good too.<br /><br />At that first party April of 1994, I saw Egoo and thought "Oh My! He does need help". He didn’t have an actual costume or clown looking get-up at all.<br /><br />His running shoes were dirty, He wore 80's style beach pants, a t-shirt with suspenders and his make-up looked scary. He had a beat up cardboard box and had written "Clown Stuff" on it with a sharpie. Aaaaaaagh!<br /><br />So I sort of played the soft friendly clown helper. The kids had a great time, but the look on the parents faces were to be noted.<br /><br />During the next few days, I went to the local library to read what a "real clown" is supposed to do and look like. Found a video featuring Frosty Little (Master Clown) of Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus titled "Behind the Red Nose".<br /><br />This video was actually for children to understand how to be a clown in the circus but it was just what I needed.<br /><br />I became infatuated with learning how to be a clown so I could help my friend. I instead ended up helping myself! For just a few short months later, Eggo the clown decided not to continue his 2 year part time business of entertaining for children's parties.<br /><br />He was giving his customers MY phone number!<br /><br />This prompted me to get my drivers license so I could drive to my first party all the way to La Mirada. Boy was I scared. I talked my slightly younger brother into going with me.<br /><br />That was the first & LAST time he dressed as a clown, but continued to assist me for several other parties until the year 2000. In that time my 7 year old sister started working with me most regularly thus becoming "Charm and Happy Clowns 4 all!"<br /><br />A couple of clowns Yo-Yo & Yo-Ya called me one day to help them start a clown club. We did. A group of about 15 local clowns to date still keep in touch and remained the very best of clown friends all these years after learning from each other and genuinely enjoying each others company and growth in the clown business.<br /><br />I wish I could remember the club name. It no longer exists for we all just got so busy. I believe it was called "Pueblo de Payasitos Latinos - Latin Clowny Town".<br /><br />At Grant Rea Park in Montebello, CA,, a clown named Doodle approached me after my show. She asked if I was hiring. Heh! I was flattered that someone thought I had a business doing well enough to ask if I was hiring.<br /><br />I did end up hiring her, her boyfriend, her cousin and a few more clowns she knew. CharmandHappy was literally turning down so much work that hiring these new clown workers made sense now.<br /><br />After years of saving money to start my own Graphics House business, I was able to buy equipment for my home office and accept side jobs creating Desktop Publishing now called "Graphic Arts". I thought since I was creating magazines, ads, flyers, forms, logos and the like for customers, then heck, why not use these same efforts to start my own Clown business. I was getting hired EVERY weekend and was interested in expanding. I started making much, much, much more money with my part-time clowning business then my full time job.<br /><br />In 1998, now online, CharmandHappy.com went full time with a business license, insurance, regular clients & approx. $30,000 in a savings account.<br /><br />After looking at several listings for clowns, party planners and family entertainers in the yellow pages, church bulletins, newspapers, local circulations & magazines, I decided that I wanted to be where the "Big Dogs" were.<br /><br />So I began to INVEST some of my savings into advertising so I could keep not only myself busy, but my new team busy EVERY weekend. Worked like a Charm!<br /><br />***But what worked best was good old fashioned footwork. At Jungle Solutions, a real estate marketing printshop firm, I learned how real estate agents set themselves apart from the general real estate agent. Mostly, those clients just had to have really big egos, but they pushed "Personality",rather than "real estate".<br /><br />*** At Dominoes Pizza, located in Pico Rivera, CA (one of my first teenage jobs), I learned that for every pizza delivery, the driver would take a coupon and deliver it to a customer, then also one house to the left and one house to the right to help triple odds of new &repeat clients.<br /><br />***At Sir Speedy Printing located in Commerce, CA, I learned that if there was a job that we did not or could not complete "in-house", then we worked with a trustworthy company who could, so we could still provide the service for the client and make a small profit as well.<br /><br />***Visiting and talking to workers, owners, managers at party shops, bakeries, pre-schools, flower shops, children's clothing, etc. helped to get the flow of referrals to CharmandHappy better than expected.<br /><br />That was the basis of how "CharmandHappy" began to grow. By accepting reservations not only for clowns, but for other forms of Party entertainment like pony rides, jumpers, reptile presentations, online party goods, personalized photo birthday buttons, etc.<br /><br />What I did not plan or expect was the lack of dedication & work moral some hired help displayed. Calling in last minute or not at all. This caused GREAT turmoil for my client & myself as I did what I could to rectify certain situations.<br /><br />Since being online and getting orders now nationwide, it was hard to determine one’s dedication. After a few mishaps so to speak, I re-evaluated the purpose and goals for CharmandHappy.<br /><br />The end result was I wanted Qualified, Skilled & Dedicated team members. Even though I made a ton of money, I had to make the choice to release & never again hire several team members. I didn't care that I'd make less financially. I cared more about the CharmandHappy reputation and client satisfaction much more.<br /><br />To date, I still attend workshops, conventions, read books, watch dvd's to help me to continue my growth as a business person and a family entertainer. My focus for the last several years has been developing myself into a "Specialty Artist Entertainer". To feature the best of what I can offer.<br /><br />I'm not actually the best at any of them, but I try my best and my clients recognize, appreciate & keep calling as well as referring others.<br /><br />That's my story & I'm sticking to it!<br /><br />Carmen@CharmandHappy.com<br />- Artist Entertainer with a Twist of Charm -<br /><br /><a href="http://www.charmandhappy.com/">http://www.CharmandHappy.com</a><br />877-725-6967 office<br />562-237-3327 cell<br />Face Painter - Balloon Artist<br />Whittier (Los Angeles) CA<br /><br />Edited by John Abrams<br /><span style="font-size:78%;"><a href="http://www.rebelentertainers.com/">www.rebelentertainers.com</a><br /><a href="http://www.facebook.com/rebelentertainers">www.facebook.com/rebelentertainers</a><br /><a href="http://www.twitter.com/johnabrams1">www.twitter.com/johnabrams1</a></span>Rebel Entertainershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07949780913999797978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4869784610035457901.post-49669002080844676442009-11-09T14:20:00.000-08:002009-11-09T16:46:17.144-08:00Times, they are a changin'<div style="font-weight: bold;">If you're not taking advantage of the social media networking sites (twitter, facebook, youtube, etc), you're about to miss the boat.</div><br /><div>I'm not talking about the fun and frolicking Carnival cruise. I'm talking about the next wave in marketing. It's here. Right now.</div><br /><div>If you don't believe me, here are the stats:</div><br /><div>- There are over 75 million videos on youtube. Youtube is now watched more than ABC, CBS, ABC and FOX combined</div><br />- People 19 - 34 years old (the prime buying demographic) spend more time on social media networking sites than on TV, Radio & Newspapers COMBINED.<br /><br /><div>Facebook is huge. People are still trying to figure out "why twitter", but don't let that fool you. It is catching on.</div><br /><div>These sites will come and go. But right now they're killing radio and TV advertising. Add the advent of TIVO/DVR and the fall of your local and national newspapers, you're talking about having to completely re-invent how people get their message out.</div><br /><div>A few weeks ago I sent out a 4 part course on marketing with Facebook. Take it seriously. Social networking sites are here to stay! (at least until the next shiny thing comes along)<br /></div><br /><div>And yes, you'll notice that I've listed my social networking sites after my signature. You're welcome to friend me or follow me, but more importantly, I'd like to see you listing yours.<br /></div><br /><div>P.S. If you liked this blog, be sure to comment. It really helps me if you give me your feedback.</div><br />- John Abrams<br />Rebel Entertainer and Guy that's becoming more and more social every day!<br /><div><span style="font-size:78%;"><a href="http://www.rebelentertainers.com">www.rebelentertainers.com</a></span></div><span style="font-size:78%;">Friend me on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/rebelentertainer">www.facebook.com/rebelentertainer</a><br />Twitter <a href="http://www.twitter.com/johnabrams1">@johnabrams1</a></span><br /><div></div>Rebel Entertainershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07949780913999797978noreply@blogger.com2