Thank you both Paddy and Benji, I have only been using this forum for a couple of weeks and from what I've seen you have both taken a lot of effort to help fellow magicians, Paddy your advise is shown regularly all throughout and has helped many people in my situation and Benji, you have contributed significantly to people looking to get hired and being paid to perform.

So THANK YOU both very much!!

New Video: Live hotel crashing...

Blog:
http://paidtoperform.blogspot.com/2011/ ... shing.html

Youtube:
http://youtu.be/eP4k3zNPp90

New Video: Booking $1,000 Corporate Gigs from testiominials...

Blog:
http://paidtoperform.blogspot.com/2011/ ... using.html

Youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=niZeuHVAUi4

On another site someone was writing about what agents and bookers really want. That's a DVD of you performing. Not a long one, just a couple of minutes, but it MUST show the audience. Here's what he wrote:
Just another opinion from a successful performer

Using testimonials is a whole different subject. The subject in the recent blog post is about what to say BEFORE the testimonial.

What you say BEFORE you capture a testimonial can help book gigs.

I'm not sure who wrote what you're quoting Paddy but they're talking about a different subject. They're simply saying....
Show people the results you produce

That is the basis of sales. But you have to change the way people see the results you're producing.

Imagine Copperfield out in the street performing for people that don't recognize him. And then imagine you perform for the same group. They won't see a difference between your value. But if Copperfield walks up to a group of people with a big camera crew then it changes the way the group will see his performance.

Everything you do and say influences the people around you. Learn how to use it to your advantage. This camera technique teaches you one of the ways (getting a testimonial isn't the subject)

This was brought out on the green place and that statement was made there. The point is testimonials mean bupkis. If you show the audience having fun, laughing, enjoying your show, THAT is the butt kicker that gets you booked. You don't have to show yourself doing an effect, but showing the finish of an effect with the crowd going berserk will do it. Not some guy saying "gee he's good."

Social proof is what sells. If you don't believe me then pay attention to what you do when you go to Amazon and buy a book....you look at the REVIEWS. If it has 4-5 stars then you are more inclined to buy it than if it has 2 stars. If your friends tell you they saw a movie and it sucks then you won't see it. Don't tell me that social proof doesn't work when EVERYONE is influenced by it.

I take business advice from guys who make millions of dollars like Joel Bauer and not from people on The Magic Cafe. If a multimillionaire makes 90% of his income from social proof then there must be something to it.

Ask anyone who is making money and they will tell you....social proof sells

Benjii, I am making money. In spite of being on dialysis 3 time a week I am booked solid for the rest of the year doing a combination of corporate shows (about 75% of my bookings) and parties for older clients. My promo pack has a list of clients and the DVD showing a lot of audience reactions. it works for me.

All I am saying is that there are several approaches to selling your act. Yours, and even mine, are not the only way. You & I both sometimes come across as"my way is the truth and everyone else is wrong!" I am just pointing out that there are options so look at and try all the ways to success.

In fact on the magic Cafe on your post of this in Tricky Business there 58 responses, mostly with pros disagreeing with you on this point.

Why not a compromise? Have reviews in your promo clips, AND shots of the audience gasping?

I'm not saying to have one or the other. It is about social proof. Another person's word carries more weight than yours. We are influenced by it when we buy books, go to the movies, etc.

Paddy I've learned not to trust a magician's "word;" most of them aren't telling the truth. Unless someone can show me their website, videos, etc...I highly doubt they're working.

Well a couple of points. One I KNOW several of these guys personally, if they tell you how much they make, you're right, it won't be truthful. it will be about 50% of their real earnings, the same as they tell the IRS. Also my website and any others will not tell you my fees, not even ballpark fees. My fees are between my client and me. The reason is simple I don't charge the same price for the same thing. i.e. I have workrd for Proctor & Gamble company and for GE Aircraft Engines (both located where I live) Also done the same show for a local hardware chain. P&G and GE can afford a he11 of a lot more than the hardware chain. same show, 2 prices, no one gets P.O'ed because I lowered my price so a small company can afford me

No offense Paddy, but that is not the website of someone who is booked with 75% of corporate work...you don't even have a video

You live in very different areas. That might make different promotional techniques more effective.