The Business of Magic
New Leadership
by BRAD ROSS
November 2008

I voted... exercising one of the most honorable rights as a United States citizen. The polls have closed and the tallies have been made and unless you've been sleeping under a rock, you know that Barack Obama is our new President Elect. However in the hours after this historic event, I wanted to go on record to let you know my thoughts on the matter. I am certain that while it is comforting to believe in leadership, your greatest liberty will not come from being at the polls but will be the result of taking personal responsibility for the quality of your own life and your own business. (read more)

Too many magicians who consider themselves entrepreneurs and small business owners dive right into the thick of operations without following basic marketing principles. In business, as in most things, it pays to occasionally take a step back and evaluate the bigger picture. Drafting a very basic marketing plan can help you focus on the right activities, target the right customers and set the best prices for your magic business.

 

The STP Process

R-E-S-P-E-C-T
by Brad Ross • May, 2008 
I recently encountered something that bothered me more than just a little bit. It has to do with the concept of RESPECT. As members of the organization, I feel we all could benefit from doing some deep thinking on just this topic.  How does one respect magic as an entertainment art form? From one magician to another, how do you show respect for your fellow magician? (read more....)

A Day In The Life • by Barry Tamarkin • April/May, 2008
The hotel alarm clock starts ringing at 6:30 a.m. and the day is off to an early start. Getting into the routine with a shower, the razor and finally dressed in a nice freshly pressed business suit, I head downstairs to the hotel restaurant for a big buffet breakfast. This will be my only meal until dinner late tonight. After eating, I venture back up to the hotel room for a final run-through of my script. I then double check and re-pack my briefcase and it's back down the elevator to catch a cab over to the convention center. (read more...)

(Brad Ross • March) In this world of magic, it’s hard to maintain your individuality against the crowd. We all order the same new tricks & illusions from the same dealers or builders. It is difficult to stand out without feeling awkward and out of place. We’ve all seen the guy at the local magic competition who did something so “OUT THERE” and didn’t get a good reaction that we have become afraid to be different. But did you know that trends were first visualized by people who thought of something else aside from the usual? That little dose of creativity may just be what you need…Let me elaborate on that… (read more...)