My blog of things and thoughts
Very unprofessional magicians!
14 April 2011
When I became a full time professional magician in 2006 I was a member of my local magic society and was greatly helped by many of the members. I met up with some of the full-time professional magicians in the club who were eager to give me advice, as well as some of the semi-professional and amateur magicians who where all helpful in giving ideas and inspiration.
The reason the professional magicians were so eager to help a potential competitor is because they realised it was better for the greater good, ie., the magical community and the people that book us. Everyone has to start somewhere and they realised that. They also realised I could offer a good product and service to clients.
I, like many magicians I know, don't mind losing out on business to another professional magician. By that I mean an experienced magician who acts professionally, charges a sensible fee, gives quality entertainment and doesn't try any underhand tactics. Basically, the sort of magician I would book for my wedding or event. Although I may miss out on the fee but at least I know the guests at that event will see (and remember afterwards) some great magic, and not a bumbling amateur trying out tricks for the first time.
Of course, it's more than just the tricks, it's the way it's performed, the experience at dealing with the public, taking control and entertaining. You wouldn't book the office joker to headline at The Comedy Club, would you? That's why I don't want brides booking an amateur to entertain at their once-in-a-lifetime wedding.
Anyway, I digress.
The point is, last year I met up with someone who has newly became a "professional" magician. (I didn't realise at the time that they became "professional" at about the same time they became "amateur" - it's common practise to at least do magic for at least a few years as a hobby before you start asking for money...)
The reason I met up with this person is because I wanted to continue the favours shown to me when I turned professional. I admire people who think positive in the face of adversity and attempt to build a new career, and wanted to help for the "greater good".
However, it appears the good nature wasn't reciprocated. Instead of helpful hints being discussed it was a green light to replicate my business model, then try to use it against me. That's because I no longer am a friend to get advice from, but now the competition.
Oh, and I'm pretty sure some of the tricks in my repertoire are now in theirs...
As far as my fee goes, it is decided through various factors, but the two main factors are (a) how much I think I am worth, and (b) how much the marketplace thinks I am worth. My fee isn't based on sending fake emails under false names to other magicians and then charging cheaper.
As an aside, I openly explain that I'm not the cheapest magician to brides and grooms. But then again, who wants Tesco Value on their wedding day? And who wants to be Tesco Value? If that's your business model then good luck, you're welcome to that business as that's not my client base anyway.
All the professional magicians I know are happy to discuss their fees and marketing with each other. This isn't because professional magicians are operating some sort of price-fixing cartel, it's because professional magicians often pass business to each other. Naturally there are price fluctuation within the industry, but each magician sets their own price based on their own worth, not based on sending out fake emails.
I know the person in question will read this because I am the "competition", so I'd like to let them know that I won't be passing any bookings their way in the future, and already some professionals are now aware of their underhand tactics.
Although I don't want to publicly name the person on my blog, any magicians who would like to know who it was so you can avoid them, or know what fake names to look out for please email me at robert@robertbone.co.uk.
Similarly, any agents, event management companies or people that looking to book a magician please let me know. Even if you don't want to book me, please at least let me give you the contact details of some magicians that can be trusted.
For anyone looking to send me (or any other professional magician) a fake email then I suggest you spend more time concentrating on your business, not someone else's. If you really want to find out then you'll get a lot more information by emailing (with your real name!) and stating your intentions. Myself, or any other professional, would be happy to answer a couple of questions or point you in the direction of your local magic society where you can meet with up to discuss the business.
The reason the professional magicians were so eager to help a potential competitor is because they realised it was better for the greater good, ie., the magical community and the people that book us. Everyone has to start somewhere and they realised that. They also realised I could offer a good product and service to clients.
I, like many magicians I know, don't mind losing out on business to another professional magician. By that I mean an experienced magician who acts professionally, charges a sensible fee, gives quality entertainment and doesn't try any underhand tactics. Basically, the sort of magician I would book for my wedding or event. Although I may miss out on the fee but at least I know the guests at that event will see (and remember afterwards) some great magic, and not a bumbling amateur trying out tricks for the first time.
Of course, it's more than just the tricks, it's the way it's performed, the experience at dealing with the public, taking control and entertaining. You wouldn't book the office joker to headline at The Comedy Club, would you? That's why I don't want brides booking an amateur to entertain at their once-in-a-lifetime wedding.
Anyway, I digress.
The point is, last year I met up with someone who has newly became a "professional" magician. (I didn't realise at the time that they became "professional" at about the same time they became "amateur" - it's common practise to at least do magic for at least a few years as a hobby before you start asking for money...)
The reason I met up with this person is because I wanted to continue the favours shown to me when I turned professional. I admire people who think positive in the face of adversity and attempt to build a new career, and wanted to help for the "greater good".
However, it appears the good nature wasn't reciprocated. Instead of helpful hints being discussed it was a green light to replicate my business model, then try to use it against me. That's because I no longer am a friend to get advice from, but now the competition.
Oh, and I'm pretty sure some of the tricks in my repertoire are now in theirs...
As far as my fee goes, it is decided through various factors, but the two main factors are (a) how much I think I am worth, and (b) how much the marketplace thinks I am worth. My fee isn't based on sending fake emails under false names to other magicians and then charging cheaper.
As an aside, I openly explain that I'm not the cheapest magician to brides and grooms. But then again, who wants Tesco Value on their wedding day? And who wants to be Tesco Value? If that's your business model then good luck, you're welcome to that business as that's not my client base anyway.
All the professional magicians I know are happy to discuss their fees and marketing with each other. This isn't because professional magicians are operating some sort of price-fixing cartel, it's because professional magicians often pass business to each other. Naturally there are price fluctuation within the industry, but each magician sets their own price based on their own worth, not based on sending out fake emails.
I know the person in question will read this because I am the "competition", so I'd like to let them know that I won't be passing any bookings their way in the future, and already some professionals are now aware of their underhand tactics.
Although I don't want to publicly name the person on my blog, any magicians who would like to know who it was so you can avoid them, or know what fake names to look out for please email me at robert@robertbone.co.uk.
Similarly, any agents, event management companies or people that looking to book a magician please let me know. Even if you don't want to book me, please at least let me give you the contact details of some magicians that can be trusted.
For anyone looking to send me (or any other professional magician) a fake email then I suggest you spend more time concentrating on your business, not someone else's. If you really want to find out then you'll get a lot more information by emailing (with your real name!) and stating your intentions. Myself, or any other professional, would be happy to answer a couple of questions or point you in the direction of your local magic society where you can meet with up to discuss the business.
