5. NEWS RELEASE OF THE MONTH:
For More Information:
BJ Hickman
(603) 742-4010
BJ@BJHickman.com
623 Sixth St., Dover, NH 03820
Every Child Sees the Show
No Exceptions
The price of fuel is outrageous. The economy is as sluggish as
many of us have ever seen it. A local magician has “conjured up” a
system to stay profitable while also understanding the dilemma of
the paying public. Whellah! He wrote a booklet, “The Show Must Go
On! 25 Ways to make it Happen.” This “system” can also be used in
other business situations where creativity is necessary.
When magician BJ Hickman decided to take his hobby of magic full
time a dozen years ago, his marketing initiative composed a system
for booking shows. He wanted to be busy. One of his concerns,
however was, “What if a worthy non-profit or charitable
organization wanted a magic show or speaking presentation? Who
pays? Who doesn’t? Where do I draw the line? How do I stay
profitable and also respond to the communities’ needs and give
back?” Occasionally, and more often recently, there would be an
organization decision maker who realized the value of his services
but just didn’t have the budget. Previously, some of these
organizations would not have thought twice about the price or
where the money was going to come from. Hickman has had to use his
“bag of tricks” usually reserved for the non-profits to help close
the sale for those who previously would have had the budget.
Some of the tactics in the booklet are obvious to any casual
advertising observer, “No Money down,” “3 easy payments,” and
other credit arrangements. Other ideas Hickman has included would
never have been traditionally thought of to finance something,
especially a magic show. He came up with the list after
interviewing several other performing artists and speakers in
various parts of the country, financing research, and a history of
having tried many creative tactics to close the sale from his
business experience performing magic shows and previously in
broadcasting.
Fortunately for business, discounting is not one of the answers.
Reducing a fee for a reduction of services, however, is one of the
possibilities. For example, there might be a reduction in the fee
if the buyer wouldn’t mind providing an appropriate, approved,
sound system. That would mean less time for the performer as far
as set-up and break-down, less to travel with, etc. Other ideas
written up in the booklet include:
• bartering
• combining of audiences
• being flexible with date selection to allow for block booking to
practically eliminate the cost of travel
• making available more show or program options
• encouraging advance booking to secure fees
• percentage plans
• creative suggestions to guarantee ticket sales
• sponsorship options, and
• help marketing a program that is open to the public.
The booklet, “The Show Must Go On, 25 Ways to make it Happen,” is
available to those prospects who acknowledge that the show is
worth it, but they just can’t swing it. Most of these methods have
been a staple in Hickman’s work consulting other performing
artists and speakers over the last 10 years.
BJ Hickman, based in Dover, NH, performs entertaining magic shows
for family audiences throughout New England and occasionally in
other parts of the country including Hollywood’s Magic Castle. He
also speaks to health care professionals and others who want to
improve communication with children. (PediaTRICKS.com). His book
is titled, Magic Speaks Louder than Words.
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6. What's the next "stage" in the life of BJ Hickman?
BJ Hickman's Schedule Highlights for May
University of New England, Biddeford, ME
Andover, NH (private)
Tewksbury, NH (two days)
Epsom, NH (private)
Holy Cross Health Center, Manchester, NH
Concord High School (NH)
Our Lady of Mercy School, RI
Greenland, NH Central School
Perkins Elementary School, Marlow, NH
Milton, MA Public Works Open House, May 11, 11A and 1P
Plymouth State University (NH)
Amherst Street School, NH
Manchester (NH) Corporate show (private)
Fransted, Franconia, NH
Laconia Center (NH)
Bow, NH (private)
Coming in June, 2008:
Maple Avenue School, Goffstown, NH
Little Folks, Somersworth, NH
Riverside, Dover, NH
Seacoast Learning Center, Rochester, NH
Barrington Community Child Center
K.A. Brett School, NH
Rindge Memorial School, NH
New Searles School, NH
Interlakes, NH
NH Special Olympics, Durham, NH (10:30, June 13)
Portsmouth High School (NH)
Barnzs Cinema, Meredith, NH June 14 at 11:30 (tentative)
Madbury Day, 4PM, June 14 (NH)
Growing Places (NH)
Luxury Mountain Getaways (several dates) (NH)
Merrimack, NH Rib Fest, Sat.,June 21 at 3 and 5 PM.
First Choice, NH
Hampton Falls Child Care, NH
Charles River Lab event at Canobie Lake Park
Sugar Hill, Wolfboro, NH
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7. PARTLY PERSONAL
Quite a surprise for Jen's Mom, grand-Mom and others having Jen
home for Mother's Day weekend. It was a nice weekend having the
whole family together.
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8. LINKS:
For further information about BJ Hickman Family Entertainment and
Speaking Services, please go to these websites:
www.BJHickman.com. This is
BJ Hickman's home page, which will connect to all departments.
www.PediaTRICKS.com. This
is specific to speaking engagements for groups of professionals
who work with children.
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9. A FUNNY THING HAPPENED:
(Watch this space next month.)
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