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Hub You - Magicians, Restaurants, and Getting a Job
Borrowing from the SBABorrowing money is one of the most common sources of funding for a small business, but obtaining a loan isn't always easy. Before you approach your banker for a loan, it is a good idea to understand as much as you can about the factors the bank will evaluate when they consider your loan. This discussion outlines some of the key factors a bank uses to analyze a potential borrower. Also included is a self-assessment checklist at the end of this section for you to complete.Key Points to ConsiderSome of the key points your banker will review:1. Ability/Capacity to RepayThe ability to repay must be justified in your loan package. Banks want to see two sources of repayment - cash flow from the business, plus a secondary source such as collateral. In order to analyze the cash
(5) Be Prepared -
Give the owner/manager a promo package of some sort. If you have to go to the mall and get a good photo of yourself at the glamour photo place - do it - and attach a business card to it. If you have a resume, take copies with you to give out, as well.
Some of the chain restaurants may want a contract. If you don't have one - I have a basic contract posted on my website at:
http://streetmagic.info/contracts.html
Print it out, modify it to suit your specific purpose, and run a few dozen copies off at Kinko's.
(6) Convince the Owner/manager -
The owner/manager must be convinced that you can increase their business on traditionally slow days. If you're working on salary (or by the hour), you need to show that you can increase
Building a product into a brand leader is not easy, but I truly believe that you can improve your branding impression if you follow these 2 rules; Passion & Consistency as well as the 4P’s of Branding that I have developed, PRODUCT – PLACEMENT – PROMOTION – PEOPLE. These 4 P’s will enable you to check the way your brand is interpreted. Each of these very distinct headings has an impact on your brand, and the brand in turn will affect each of these areas. For those of you who have gone through Marketing 101, you will see that the only difference between the 4P’s of Marketing and my 4P’s of Branding, are People, and people affect the brand more than any other area.ProductImagine this scenario, it’s lunchtime, you have decided, after working in your office all morning, that you would like to have an orange for dessert. You drive to
Working as a close-up performer in a restaurant is probably the easiest way for the inexperienced magician to gain valuable 'face time'. It's also one of the best ways to develop your close-up skills and work on your confidence.
Working the same location, week after week, requires a different strategy and finesse from say - working birthday parties. Approaching friends, family, and co-workers to get a birthday gig is one thing - approaching the general manager of a national restaurant chain is something else.
Here is a list of tips I consider "essential ":
(1) Look for the proper type of Restaurant -
It will be your responsibility, among other things, to help the restaurant cover that period of time between ordering and receiving the order. Seek restaurants that meet the criteria of having a legitimate 'wait time'. TGI Fridays and Applebees are good examples. Pizza restaurants that cook pizza on-demand are another good example. (Customers typically wait at least fifteen minutes on a fresh baked pizza)
There are always exceptions to this 'rule', but these type of restaurants are a good place to begin your search.
Since many restaurants hire magicians to work on typically slow days of the week in order to increase mid-week traffic, mention that you, for a fee of course, can just as easily perform for waiting customers on weekends. Not only will these customers appreciate the time-consuming entertainment, but it will help cut down on walk-offs that leave at the first sight of a long line.
This little-used technique will definitely bring more money into the restaurant and keep paying customers from going elsewhere. Plus, it gives YOU work both during the week and on weekends.
(2) Dress Appropriately
- To be taken seriously, dress seriously. I'm not suggesting you wear a tuxedo to an interview, but as Michael Finney is fond of saying.." dress like you have some place more important to go later."
(3) Leave the Case
- Don't walk in carrying your close-up case, but it certainly wouldn't hurt to have it in your car. Leaving it outside will give you a few moments to think about what strong magic you want to show the general manager/owner -IF- they insist on seeing a sample of your magic.
(4) Deal with the Decision-Maker Only -
You're not there to perform a free show for someone who can only refer you to someone else. Although some performers say call and set an appointment, I say go to the restaurant about one-thirty, eat lunch, and then ask to speak to the general manager/owner. Because you're there as a customer, it makes it more difficult for the manager to 'brush you off'.
The manager should respond to you as he would any other customer. Once at your table, ask him if he has a couple of minutes to 'talk'. Chances are, even after you disclose your reason for wanting to talk, he will still see you as a customer, and not an inconvenience.
Go on a Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday, and try to talk to the manager around two-thirty - the slowest part of the day for most decision makers. Ask the manager to have a seat. It puts you both on an equal level. Be confident.
(5) Be Prepared -
Give the owner/manager a promo package of some sort. If you have to go to the mall and get a good photo of yourself at the glamour photo place - do it - and attach a business card to it. If you have a resume, take copies with you to give out, as well.
Some of the chain restaurants may want a contract. If you don't have one - I have a basic contract posted on my website at:
http://streetmagic.info/contracts.html
Print it out, modify it to suit your specific purpose, and run a few dozen copies off at Kinko's.
(6) Convince the Owner/manager -
The owner/manager must be convinced that you can increase their business on traditionally slow days. If you're working on salary (or by the hour), you need to show that you can increase
The chief reason why we overlook the variety offered by a cash back portal is the cash back itself. We are too concerned with the cash back offers and forget about the variety of products that we get at such portals.Besides the cash back offers, a cash back portal also has thousands of products in store for us to choose. Mobiles, credit cards, shares, designer clothes, books, computers, DVD players, cameras, televisions, cookers, beauty and fitness products, insurance products, chat rooms, gambling, dating, insurance, gifts and toys, DIY kits- the list of products and services is endless!Some of the new portals coming up are also likely to include web designing service providers, career counsellors, real estate agents, saving vehicles (pensions and ISAs) providers etc. to their list of categories. On most of the portals you are a
There are always exceptions to this 'rule', but these type of restaurants are a good place to begin your search.
Since many restaurants hire magicians to work on typically slow days of the week in order to increase mid-week traffic, mention that you, for a fee of course, can just as easily perform for waiting customers on weekends. Not only will these customers appreciate the time-consuming entertainment, but it will help cut down on walk-offs that leave at the first sight of a long line.
This little-used technique will definitely bring more money into the restaurant and keep paying customers from going elsewhere. Plus, it gives YOU work both during the week and on weekends.
(2) Dress Appropriately
- To be taken seriously, dress seriously. I'm not suggesting you wear a tuxedo to an interview, but as Michael Finney is fond of saying.." dress like you have some place more important to go later."
(3) Leave the Case
- Don't walk in carrying your close-up case, but it certainly wouldn't hurt to have it in your car. Leaving it outside will give you a few moments to think about what strong magic you want to show the general manager/owner -IF- they insist on seeing a sample of your magic.
(4) Deal with the Decision-Maker Only -
You're not there to perform a free show for someone who can only refer you to someone else. Although some performers say call and set an appointment, I say go to the restaurant about one-thirty, eat lunch, and then ask to speak to the general manager/owner. Because you're there as a customer, it makes it more difficult for the manager to 'brush you off'.
The manager should respond to you as he would any other customer. Once at your table, ask him if he has a couple of minutes to 'talk'. Chances are, even after you disclose your reason for wanting to talk, he will still see you as a customer, and not an inconvenience.
Go on a Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday, and try to talk to the manager around two-thirty - the slowest part of the day for most decision makers. Ask the manager to have a seat. It puts you both on an equal level. Be confident.
(5) Be Prepared -
Give the owner/manager a promo package of some sort. If you have to go to the mall and get a good photo of yourself at the glamour photo place - do it - and attach a business card to it. If you have a resume, take copies with you to give out, as well.
Some of the chain restaurants may want a contract. If you don't have one - I have a basic contract posted on my website at:
http://streetmagic.info/contracts.html
Print it out, modify it to suit your specific purpose, and run a few dozen copies off at Kinko's.
(6) Convince the Owner/manager -
The owner/manager must be convinced that you can increase their business on traditionally slow days. If you're working on salary (or by the hour), you need to show that you can increase
In my experience there are a lot of companies out there that make claims exactly like the title of this article. In other words, you buy their product or service and they will then do the work and you will make money. This is a fallacy, unless of course your talking about interest bearing accounts. In this case, you are lending your money to a business, and they pay you interest for using it. This is all well and good. The problem usually arises the moment that you begin looking for a "business opportunity".The moment you begin searching for a business opportunity, it seems like everyone and their brother comes slithering out of the woodwork trying to show you how you can make money for doing next to nothing. The latest craze seems to be exactly what this article is about. People claiming that they will do the work for you.
This little-used technique will definitely bring more money into the restaurant and keep paying customers from going elsewhere. Plus, it gives YOU work both during the week and on weekends.
(2) Dress Appropriately
- To be taken seriously, dress seriously. I'm not suggesting you wear a tuxedo to an interview, but as Michael Finney is fond of saying.." dress like you have some place more important to go later."
(3) Leave the Case
- Don't walk in carrying your close-up case, but it certainly wouldn't hurt to have it in your car. Leaving it outside will give you a few moments to think about what strong magic you want to show the general manager/owner -IF- they insist on seeing a sample of your magic.
(4) Deal with the Decision-Maker Only -
You're not there to perform a free show for someone who can only refer you to someone else. Although some performers say call and set an appointment, I say go to the restaurant about one-thirty, eat lunch, and then ask to speak to the general manager/owner. Because you're there as a customer, it makes it more difficult for the manager to 'brush you off'.
The manager should respond to you as he would any other customer. Once at your table, ask him if he has a couple of minutes to 'talk'. Chances are, even after you disclose your reason for wanting to talk, he will still see you as a customer, and not an inconvenience.
Go on a Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday, and try to talk to the manager around two-thirty - the slowest part of the day for most decision makers. Ask the manager to have a seat. It puts you both on an equal level. Be confident.
(5) Be Prepared -
Give the owner/manager a promo package of some sort. If you have to go to the mall and get a good photo of yourself at the glamour photo place - do it - and attach a business card to it. If you have a resume, take copies with you to give out, as well.
Some of the chain restaurants may want a contract. If you don't have one - I have a basic contract posted on my website at:
http://streetmagic.info/contracts.html
Print it out, modify it to suit your specific purpose, and run a few dozen copies off at Kinko's.
(6) Convince the Owner/manager -
The owner/manager must be convinced that you can increase their business on traditionally slow days. If you're working on salary (or by the hour), you need to show that you can increase
Day after day my in box, and I'm sure yours as well, fills with opportunity propaganda on how to make money. Do this, and poof, you're rich. Become an affiliate and sell my ebook, and poof, you're making lots of money. I don't know about you, but I can't tell what’s a good opportunity and what’s not any more. Because of this, I created a list of nine criteria, a sort-of checklist, to use when I do find something that I don't think is full of "poof."1. Is the product any good -- in my opinion, and in my markets?This is especially true for me. I've found that informational fre*e products are nothing more than a tease. I just get tired of wading through 150 pages to find four pages that have anything "real." In addition, if they aren't decently organized or written, less than 2 out of 25 reach this from the hundr
You're not there to perform a free show for someone who can only refer you to someone else. Although some performers say call and set an appointment, I say go to the restaurant about one-thirty, eat lunch, and then ask to speak to the general manager/owner. Because you're there as a customer, it makes it more difficult for the manager to 'brush you off'.
The manager should respond to you as he would any other customer. Once at your table, ask him if he has a couple of minutes to 'talk'. Chances are, even after you disclose your reason for wanting to talk, he will still see you as a customer, and not an inconvenience.
Go on a Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday, and try to talk to the manager around two-thirty - the slowest part of the day for most decision makers. Ask the manager to have a seat. It puts you both on an equal level. Be confident.
(5) Be Prepared -
Give the owner/manager a promo package of some sort. If you have to go to the mall and get a good photo of yourself at the glamour photo place - do it - and attach a business card to it. If you have a resume, take copies with you to give out, as well.
Some of the chain restaurants may want a contract. If you don't have one - I have a basic contract posted on my website at:
http://streetmagic.info/contracts.html
Print it out, modify it to suit your specific purpose, and run a few dozen copies off at Kinko's.
(6) Convince the Owner/manager -
The owner/manager must be convinced that you can increase their business on traditionally slow days. If you're working on salary (or by the hour), you need to show that you can increase
Mobile detailers have all types of customers, many of whom are self-employed. We know that these customers love their automobiles as most Americans and therefore love the services we provide. So much so that they will refer us new customers and tout our services. But they are willing to do much more if you ask them. Like referrals you get more when you simply ask. Let me give you another couple of ideas.Have you ever seen a sign in the window of a business that says UPS YES/NO. Well, how about “Reflections Auto Detailing” (A Logo) with a slider for YES or NO. And on the other side a matchbox car glued to the slider handle. How about a sign that says; “No Soliciting Except For Reflections Auto Detailing” or a half sheet of paper that says; “Reflections Auto Detail Country”. Your very best customers will let you put them up and it’s gr
(5) Be Prepared -
Give the owner/manager a promo package of some sort. If you have to go to the mall and get a good photo of yourself at the glamour photo place - do it - and attach a business card to it. If you have a resume, take copies with you to give out, as well.
Some of the chain restaurants may want a contract. If you don't have one - I have a basic contract posted on my website at:
http://streetmagic.info/contracts.html
Print it out, modify it to suit your specific purpose, and run a few dozen copies off at Kinko's.
(6) Convince the Owner/manager -
The owner/manager must be convinced that you can increase their business on traditionally slow days. If you're working on salary (or by the hour), you need to show that you can increase traffic enough to cover your pay.
Don't wait until you're asked- to outline your plan. Have three or four good examples mentally ready, and look for an early opportunity to present them.
Tell the powers-that-be what YOU can do for THEM, and how you can make them look good in the eyes of their owner, regional manager, or spouse.
They aren't interested in how many awards you've won, or how many other restaurants you perform for. They're interested in THEIR bottom line.
Managers are in charge for a reason - they know how to separate profitable ideas from costly ones.
(7) Compromise-
Offer to work one night for free - if the management has reservations about your ability or usefulness. Give the a chance to see, first hand, the effectiveness of your magic.
If you're offered a tip, politely decline, and ask that, instead, they put in a good word with the manager. This is VERY Important.
(8) Pick your Poison -
If you're talented and personable, you can make more working for tips. Keep in mind that you will be competing against the wait staff, to a degree, for the customers money.
Think of creative ways to work WITH the wait staff instead. Consider offering them a tip if they refer tables to you. I wouldn't 'quote' them a dollar amount, instead, just tip them a percentage of your tips. If they can 'pre-qualify' the table, it will save you time and money in the long run anyway.
(9) Get Paid Accordingly -
If you decide to work on salary, or hourly, remember that you will perform a valuable service for the restaurant - one that no one but you can perform. You deserve to be paid according to your talents.
Good wait staffers can easily make a hundred dollars plus a night. Shouldn't you?
(10) Negotiate -
To make your job easier, negotiate the right to place card holders on the tables. This lets the customers know you're working, that you're working for tips or courtesy of the management, whatever the case, and to request a visit to their table through the wait staff.
Some of the biggest names in magic perform regularly in restaurants. Not so much because they need to - but because they want to. It's the perfect place to introduce new magic in your repertoire and make important contacts that may lead to very profitable performances.
Mastering the ability to be personable is equal to mastering your magic. Both work hand-in-hand to elevate your status as a performer. Restaurants are the perfect place to develop your craft, build your confidence, and gain invaluable contacts.
Good Luck!
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