Emazdads Story

Started by Emazdad, December 15, 2008, 01:56:20 PM

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Emazdad

How did I get started?
I started off just doing magic shows which like most magicians grew from a hobby into a business. Emma was at infant School and I used to go and help the kids read while on Leave from the Navy and show the kids little tricks as rewards, I even used to put a little show on for Emma's class at Xmas. It's where my name comes from all the kids used to say Emma's Dad, Emma's Dad, show us some magic.
One day a neighbour asked how much I'd charge her friend to do a show at her kids party, I charged a mere £10 expenses and found I had a talent for it. From that one show roots for my business took hold and I've never looked back.
In fact I successfully ran Emazdad as a business alongside my naval career for 6 years until I left in 2000 and went full time.
Not long after I started  one of the Pro's at the Plymouth Magic circle asked why I didn't do Balloon models as well.
He taught me how to blow them up, and how to make a dog, Swan, Rabbit and the basic 4 petal flower, and I started to give these out as rewards for the helpers during the magic show, and then to all the kids at the party.
Over time the standard of my balloons has grown, especially in the magic show where the helpers get multi balloon models instead of the basic ones, now I wouldn't be seen dead making rubbish 4 petal flowers, the minimum I do is the 6 petal flower.
This then led to me being booked to just do Balloons, which I really enjoy, especially when I can be creative and make what I like, as opposed to just being a balloon factory and having to bang them out.
Now along with Billy I'm one of the 2 most popular entertainers in Plymouth, I believe our secret is not just that we do good shows, but we go that extra mile to ensure we are professional in every sense of the word, and the customers is extremely happy with what we do.
If you're just starting out yourself you'll hear guy's say stuff like, "Oh you don't need to do that, you can get away with this" Billy and I hear this all the time from guy's who're no-where near as busy as us.
Remember when you get booked for a gig, it's not the money you're earning from that gig that's important, it's the bookings that you can get from that gig that's top of the list. Every time you perform is an advert for your services. If you got the extra mile and do a great job, the kids are happy and they'll ask their parents to book you for their party, the customers happy and will recommend you to their friends.
Yours Funfully
Clive
http://www.emazdad.co.uk

Smiggle

#1
Spot on Emazdad - it's a great principle to work to 'under promise - over deliver'

It's kept me busy adding the little touches that aren't advertised or listed in a booking so the customer thinks they got a extra value for money
C\'mon Let\'s twist again...

Emazdad

#2
Everything you do effects your business, and bad stuff spreads even faster than the good.

A lady at a party told me how she'd seen another magician at the venue recently, he'd given all the kids balloons at the end of the party, and unfortunately her daughters dog burst as they went out the door.

The lady said she went up to the guy and asked politely if he could replace it, he answered gruffly that he'd given all the kids a balloon and was now off the clock!.

This wasn't one of those gigs discussed in another topic where you struggle to finish with loads of people still wanting a balloon, this was a birthday party, 15-20 kids, It was one child, who was upset, It would have taken seconds to replace the dog, he'd have looked like a nice guy, and may have got the kids party  out of that simple gesture.

Instead this lady is telling everyone what a prat he was; he's not only lost the possibility of her booking, but all her friends as well.
Yours Funfully
Clive
http://www.emazdad.co.uk