Google yourself lately?

Pardon the dirty sounding title to this email. But this is something I do about once a month. And you should do.

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.

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.

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 for my own personal promotion.

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.

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.

Here’s a couple of ideas to get you started.

- Google your Name
- Google your Name plus your art (ie. John Abrams Magician)
- Google your art and city, state or area (ie.. Jugglers in Texas)
- Google your key words (ie. Kids parties in Los Angeles or Corporate Magicians in Talahassee)

You can also search Yahoo, Ask, or any other search engine you can think of.

Remember, if it’s in the news, it’s something you can use.

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.

Have fun.

John Abrams
Rebel Entertainer and Glutton for Publicity
www.rebelentertainers.com
www.facebook.com/rebelentertainer
www.twitter.com/johnabrams1

Are 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.

Simply put - TREAT ‘EM LIKE A ROCK STAR!

Here are five quick ways to do it.

1.) Make booking, set up, follow up material etc. so easy, that they literally don’t have to lift a finger.

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)

3.) Follow up the very next day with a phone call to make sure everything went as planned

4.) Have a small gift for the person that hired you BEFORE the show (hand it to them) and AFTER (by mail)

5.) Have a dynamic entertaining show (should go without saying. But there, I said it)

Do these things work?

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.

John,

“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.”
-Tricia

Think they’ll come back? I’m gonna do everything in my power to make sure of it.

Now, what else can you do to treat your clients like a rock star?

I welcome your comments.

-John
Rebel Entertainer and Guy That Treats His Clients Like Rock Stars
www.rebelentertainers.com
www.facebook.com/rebelentertainer
www.twitter.com/johnabrams1

The Story of Charm and Happy

Here's Carmen Tellez's fascinating story... written by Carmen in her own words...

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.

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".

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".

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.

I gathered a few thrift store colorful clothes to create a homemade version of a clown helpers outfit. Looked pretty darned good too.

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.

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!

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.

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".

This video was actually for children to understand how to be a clown in the circus but it was just what I needed.

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.

He was giving his customers MY phone number!

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.

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!"

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.

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".

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.

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.

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.

In 1998, now online, CharmandHappy.com went full time with a business license, insurance, regular clients & approx. $30,000 in a savings account.

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.

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!

***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".

*** 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.

***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.

***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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

That's my story & I'm sticking to it!

Carmen@CharmandHappy.com
- Artist Entertainer with a Twist of Charm -

http://www.CharmandHappy.com
877-725-6967 office
562-237-3327 cell
Face Painter - Balloon Artist
Whittier (Los Angeles) CA

Edited by John Abrams
www.rebelentertainers.com
www.facebook.com/rebelentertainers
www.twitter.com/johnabrams1

Times, they are a changin'

If you're not taking advantage of the social media networking sites (twitter, facebook, youtube, etc), you're about to miss the boat.

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.

If you don't believe me, here are the stats:

- There are over 75 million videos on youtube. Youtube is now watched more than ABC, CBS, ABC and FOX combined

- People 19 - 34 years old (the prime buying demographic) spend more time on social media networking sites than on TV, Radio & Newspapers COMBINED.

Facebook is huge. People are still trying to figure out "why twitter", but don't let that fool you. It is catching on.

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.

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)

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.

P.S. If you liked this blog, be sure to comment. It really helps me if you give me your feedback.

- John Abrams
Rebel Entertainer and Guy that's becoming more and more social every day!

www.rebelentertainers.com

Friend me on www.facebook.com/rebelentertainer
Twitter @johnabrams1

Teri Stokes - How’d she book 67 shows in one day?

Last week I wrote to you about taking massive action and asked what you had done. Well, I got quite a few people telling me what they had recently done to drum up business in this “glass half empty“ economy.

By far, the most impressive was Teri Stokes AKA Happy Heart the Clown. Everything she did was a great lesson in marketing and making money with a very small investment.

Here’s what she wrote and what she did (edited):

“You rock as always, John. Last Thursday I bought a table at a taste of the town and handed out 300 cards.

I won the decorating contest. Received an award and a plaque by City of Houston Mayor’s office.

Picture will be in paper.

Booked a kids night at a Country Club (monthly). Booked one more night at a different Chick-Fila (weekly) and a few more events.

I guess it’s worth it to show off once in while (you asked ). Oh yeah and having a blast.

One thing I wish I would of done instead of handing out cards is hand out coupons for a percentage off. I didn’t think of it ‘till I was at the venue.

Glad you are back,

Teri"

Terrific work Teri!!! If you add up the 12 monthly gigs plus the 52 weekly plus a few mixed extras mixed in, that equals at least 67 shows. All booked in one day.

And by the way, this doesn’t even count the many referrals you’ll get by promoting yourself at these gigs.

Great job.

John Abrams
Rebel Entertainer and Guy That is Inspired by Other’s Work
www.rebelentertainers.com
www.facebook.com/rebelentertainers
Twitter: @johnabrams1

Oh Crud, I lost My Snake!

A couple of weeks ago, I came back from a weekend in Vegas. Only to discover that my Snake had escaped!

Ok. I hear you snickering. It's the Ball Python that I use in one of my shows. I'm in the middle of a 100 show summer, and one of the stars of the shows is missing.

Ok. Go to plan B - The Bunny. Not as high of an impact, but has the awe factor.

Then, a few days ago, I'm driving to San Diego for a couple of shows and realized that I didn't have a couple of props.

Ok. Go to plan B - Use toilet paper for Dove appearance.

Last week at a Library show, the librarian told me that he (yes, a man librarian - I shall call him a libariman) needed me to shorten the show by 10 minutes.

Ok. Go to plan B - Take out the tortoise trick.

Do you have a plan B for all of your routines? What if you'd forgotten props or had to shorten or lengthen the show? Do you have enough material ready? Can you cut something without ruining the structure of your show?

I used to always keep a little case with a couple of sets of all my parishable props. I do again now. Not a bad idea.

Are you prepared? If not, take a look at all your routines and come up with Plan B.

Also, I'd love to hear your stories of how you McGyvered your show.

Oh, I know you're wondering... I did find her and she's safe and sound in her heated snake condo.

-John
Rebel Entertainer and The Man With The Plan
http://www.rebelentertainers.com/
www.facebook.com/rebelentertainer

The Art of Repitition

I was driving down the 91 freeway on my way home from a show, and saw something very different. It was a billboard for the Lapband. I guess it's some kind of weight loss surgery or something. I'm not sure and I really don't care.

BUT, here's the odd thing. There wasn't just one sign. There were three huge billboards. Of the exact same sign. The EXACT SAME. One right after the other.

It caught my eye not because it was a good billboard, but because there were three of 'em.

Then, this weekend, I was in Vegas and I noticed the same thing. Giant billboards advertising the exact same act. One billboard right next to another right next to another. Three in a row.

Then, driving back from Vegas (a torturous, traffic packed 8 hour durge that should have only taken about 4 hours), there were signs that advertised Alien Jerky.

I think I've written about that before.It starts out "Alien Jerky 50 miles". Then the next "Alien Jerky 30 miles" then "10 miles" then "Next exit". Well you gotta stop and get yourself some Alien Jerky!

It's the art of repetition. If you're not using it in your marketing, then you're not marketing right!

Here are a few ways to do it:

-Three or four letter campaigns
-Three ads exactly the same in a magazine
-Three separate thank you cards

People don't always respond to one single contact. The more you contact someone, the more they'll respond. In fact, it'll increase your response rate exponentially.
What other ways can you use The Art of Repitition? I'd like to hear YOUR ideas. I've started a discussion on my Rebel Entertainers Facebook Fan Page. Check it out and join in with your own.

-John
-John
-John
Rebel Entertainer
Rebel Entertainer
Rebel Entertainer
http://www.rebelentertainers.com/
http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=kjoj86cab.0.0.4u4jjucab.0&ts=S0414&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Frebelentertainers&id=preview
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