Best of Episodes - Show Biz Lessons from Jay Alexander
I'm currently taking a holiday break from my regularly scheduled episodes, so for the next few weeks, I'm\xa0running my\xa0six most downloaded episodes. I'll be back on the first of the year with brand new episodes! In the mean time, enjoy these "Best of" episodes.
\nIn this episode I talk to magician Jay Alexander! We talk all about various methods that Jay uses to market his business, encourage word of mouth, build relationships with his clients, and customize his shows!
\nJay Alexander is one of the top corporate and society entertainers in the country and one of the highest paid magical performers in the industry.
\nJay started his career early performing for the patrons of his parent\u2019s shoe store. At the age of 14 he won the Society of American Magicians Gold Medal of Honor.
\nHe now creates customized shows for Fortune 500 companies. Some of his corporate clients include Apple, Cisco, Lucas Films, Bank of America, Kaiser Permanente, Coca Cola, and Chrysler. He\u2019s also performed at private parties and events for the likes of Robin Williams, The Rolling Stones, and Duran Duran.
\nIn the words of Ron Wood from the Rolling Stones, \u201cJay is the best magician I have ever seen!"
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\nSuccess Mantra:\nUnder-promise and over-deliver. \xa0
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\nFailure Story:\nTells about not quite understanding the market he was targeting and how he created a very specific character called "Moishe the All-Kosher Magician" which didn't work at all for his target market. He learned a very important lesson of knowing your market.
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\nFavorite Success:\nThe time he made a young girl smile who hadn't shown a smile in at least eight years while\xa0performing magic at a school for autistic children. \xa0
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\nWhat's worked well for Jay's business?\nHaving a great show, word of mouth, and having something easy for the audience to remember about his show. (Ammar's adage: KISS\xa0-\xa0Keep It Slogan Simple) \xa0
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\nInteresting Story from the Road\nListen to a fun story involving Jay at the Fillmore with the Rolling Stones, and Card on the Ceiling. \xa0
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\nBiggest Professional Challenge\nStaying relevant as he's becoming "The Old Guy." \xa0
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\nWhat would Jay have done differently?\nCollaborated with more people and got more advice early on. \xa0
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\nParting Advice\nLearn how to manage your money.
\n\xa0\nOther Topics Covered\n\u2022\xa0You get ahead by working harder than everyone else.
\n\u2022\xa0The magic isn't about you, or even your audience. It's about the Guest of Honor, or the person that hired you. It's your job to make them look\xa0great!
\n\u2022 Every moment from the time the client calls to the moment Jay sends the thank you card is planned and intentional. It's all part of the Jay Alexander experience.
\n\u2022 Going out into the audience right after his show to spend time with them, take pictures and do a little closeup magic.
\n\u2022 How he follows up with contacts even if he doesn't get their business.
\n\u2022 Word of mouth and getting video testimonials.
\n\u2022 Customizing his shows for his clients: Facebook is your friend!
\n\u2022 Getting your audience to remember you.
\n\u2022 Getting inspiration by watching bands and how they structure their concerts. \xa0
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\nRecommended books and resources:\nNote: Many of the links in this section are affiliate links, meaning we\xa0earn a small portion of any sales. If you're enjoying our\xa0podcast and decide to purchase one of the recommended resources or books, please consider using our\xa0affiliate links to help support the work we're doing here at the Successful Performercast. Thanks! \xa0
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\nResources
\nSiri: Jay does a great deal\xa0through Siri.
\nAlso, make sure you have\xa0with you at every show, a toothbrush, prop list, color-coded cue\xa0sheet, and intro card.
\nPro tip: If you laminate the prop list, cue sheet, and intro card, you'll always get them back! \xa0
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\nMagic\xa0Books
\nMaximum Entertainment\xa0by Ken Weber
\nStage Performance\xa0by Livingston Taylor \xa0
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\nBusiness\xa0Books
\nMillion Dollar Speaking: The Professional's Guide to Building Your Platform\xa0by\xa0Alan Weiss
\nNever Eat Alone\xa0by\xa0Keith Ferrazzi \xa0\xa0
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\nWhere can we find Jay Alexander?\n\nFacebook\xa0|\xa0LinkedIn\xa0|\xa0Twitter\xa0@JAlexanderMagic |\xa0Google+\xa0|\xa0Youtube \xa0
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