How To Be A Professional Magician, Podcast 4
What Should You Do At A Networking Meeting?
In this episode we ask what the benefits of a networking meeting are, what you should do when you are there and how to prepare before you attend.
Networking meetings are events were people in different professions get together to explain what they do to other professions; with the view of exchanging business between each other.
Often at the meeting each attendee will be asked to stand up and give a short (often for one or two minutes) pitch. Therefore, if you are attending a networking meeting prepare in advance what you will say. This is sometimes known as an ‘elevator pitch’.
Ensure your pitch makes it clear why someone would want to book you; just saying you are a magician and list the type of events you work at isn’t enough.
Ensure you make clear the benefit to others – not just to those at the meeting. Often people will refer friends and family to others they met at a networking meeting.
Don’t just perform a trick in your pitch. It will be fun and entertaining, but it won’t give the benefits. You may not even want to introduce yourself as a magician at first, but explain the benefits first.
If people are interested in the service you offer they may come up to you at the end of the meeting, and this is then a good opportunity to show a demonstration.
Networking is a two-way street, and you will be expected refer business to the other attendees. If you turn up expecting people to give you business without giving any in return it’s likely they won’t.
Take plenty of business cards.
Some networking groups have membership fees, and you will need to be a member before you can take full advantage of the benefits of the group.
As well as membership costs there are costs for food and travel, as well as the time taken to attend. It’s likely that you won’t recoup these costs straight away, but as time goes on people will still remember you and pass you business years afterwards.
If you have any questions about building your magic business please email [email protected].
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You can also listen to the Podcast on the following formats:
Apple Podcasts (iTunes):
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/how-to-be-a-professional-magician/id1513191973
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https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/how-to-be-a-professional-magician