S5E8: John Kaplan - Fundraising Magic
In this interview, Canadian magician John Kaplan tells us all about his career in creating fundraising shows!\xa0He really takes us into his business and gives some wonderful insight into this specialized niche.
\nWith his Fundraising Magic program, John has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for hundreds of schools and community organizations to use in their worthwhile causes.
\nNot keeping his knowledge to himself, John also teaches his methods to other entertainers and has gained worldwide recognition for his books and courses and is also a sought-after speaker and trainer when it comes to producing fundraising shows.
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\nSuccess Mantra:\nYou can get everything in life you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want. \u2014 Zig Ziglar \xa0
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\nFundraising Shows\n\u2022\xa0Not just selling a magic show, but a way for his clients to make money as well.
\n\u2022 Tells how he got into fundraising shows.\xa0
\n\u2022 Tells about his second fundraising show which proved to be a flop.\xa0
\n\u2022 How he developed his system.\xa0
\n\u2022 His fundraising shows need to: 1. make sure his overhead os covered,\xa0\xa02. make sure he gets paid, and 3. make sure his client makes a lot of money!
\n\u2022 Three pillars to a successful fundraiser: Planning, Promotion, Profitability.
\n\u2022 How he gives his clients all the tools they need to do the fundraiser.\xa0
\n\u2022 Piggyback fundraisers like souvenirs, local celebrities, and pledge contests.
\n\u2022 How he uses email auto responders to guide his clients along the path to their successful fundraiser.
\n\u2022 What a single-day event looks like for a fundraiser.
\n\u2022 Who his competition really is.
\n\u2022 Using celebrities in his fundraisers.
\n\u2022 Having other businesses like realtors sponsor the events to further increase his client's bottom line.
\n\u2022 The story of a 16 year old girl who started a foundation, used Johns services and raised $11,000 for her cause! \xa0
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\nFailure Moment\nJohn talks about his second attempt at a fundraising show that flopped dismally. Good thing it didn't keep him down! \xa0
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\nFavorite Success\nHe created a big campaign for Merlin Motors around a "car vanish" which ended up being a wild success bringing people to their car lot. \xa0
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\nWhat's worked best in growing his\xa0business?\nOver-delivering. \xa0
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\nBiggest Professional Challenge\nReplacing long-term clients that for one reason or another aren't using him anymore.
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\nWhat would he have done differently?\nNurture relationships with agents and event planners more. \xa0
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\nOther Topics Covered\n\u2022\xa0Market first, product second. Sell the show, then if someone buys it, produce it.
\n\u2022\xa0Going the extra mile. \xa0
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\nParting Advice\n1. Invest in yourself.
\n2. Work diligently.
\n3. Over-deliver. \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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\nResource:
\nGoogle Maps for helping in planning his tours. \xa0
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\nBooks:
\nBiographies:
The Great Houdini by Beryl & Epstein
Jimmy: an Autobiography\xa0by Jimmy Pattison
How to Master the Art of Selling by Tom Hopkins
How to Sell Yourself by Joe Girard
Secrets of Closing the Sale by Zig Ziglar
Steinmeyer Books
Paul Osborne Books
The Great Illusions of Magic by Byron Wels \xa0
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\nWhere can we find John Kaplan?\n\n\n\n