Wednesday, October 08, 2008

Performing Magic Tricks At Sales Meetings

Are you screaming, “Who moved my cheese?”

(I assume you have read the book with this title, if not, go to the library and read it…..you can read it in one setting. I promise you it will be worth the read.)

If you are not making money, someone else is. Money does not disappear? Its moved into some else’s pocket. You must now find out who has the money to pay you to present your motivational magic program. Have you thought about Sales Meetings?

I know when business is down you don’t lay off your sales people instead you encourage them to increase business.

The U.S. Department of Labor says in May of 2007 the U.S.A has employed 322,170 sales managers.
(Source: http://stats.bls.gov/oes/current/oes112022.htm )

I figure for every sales manager there is a sales meeting….most meet every month, some meet weekly. You do the math….how many sales meetings in your local area could you be presenting a motivational magic program?

Sales managers are looking to motivate their sales team. If you can create a simple program that will motivate their team to increase sales then you can make money as a guest speaker at the sales meetings in your area.

Here are a few topics for sales meetings. Pick a topic that best suits your interest and abilities. Do some research and write out an outline.

Goal Setting – Time Management – Customer Service – Cold Calling –
Closing the Sale – Objections – Benefits vs. Features - Prospecting

You don’t have to be an expert on these topics. Your expertise is the way you illustrate them with you magic.

I suggest you write out a simple sales training program. Break it down into six modules. Each module will take about 15-20 minutes this way you can create one long training program or one training module for six sales meetings. Most sales managers are will hire you for 15- 20 minutes of their time at a meeting.

Next pick a market you want to focus upon such as Car Sales, Real Estate, Insurance, or Advertising. Contact them in person. Present your proposal in person.

Don’t waist you time mailing letters or sending them to your Website without first meeting them. As an entertainer you will do your best selling face to face when you meet with the sales manager in person.

I invite you to take a look at : http://www.secrets4selling.com/

This is a Magic Kit for Sales people. It is designed for you sell the kit to sales people and teach them how they can perform simple tricks to help them in creating sales.

Look for the link at the bottom of the page for "Magicians." This page will explain how you can use this kit to increase your income teaching magic to sales people.

Steve Hart

Wednesday, September 03, 2008

Trick "No Tear" Pad of Paper

I sell a trick "No tear" pad of paper included in my Secrets4Selling magic kit. It includes a a very strong routine for closing a sale. http://www.secrets4selling.com/

Later on I came up with idea using the same pad of paper just for fun. Here is the idea I have been using with great success.

"Do As I Do Paper Tear"

The magician introduces a pad of paper. Two sheets are removed….one is given to a volunteer and the other is held back for the magician.

The magician instructs the volunteer to do as he does. The magician holds up his piece of paper and folds it in half. He then stands next to the volunteer as he instructs the volunteer to do the same.

He continues by saying, "Tear the folded paper in half." the magician does this while facing the audience. When the volunteer attempts to tear the paper he finds the paper will not tear. The audience will notice the volunteer struggling to tear the paper but the magician continues to give instructions as though the volunteer is doing the same.

The magician continues to demonstrate how the paper will tear not only once but twice and then three times leaving several small pieces in the magician’s hand.

A magic word is spoken and immediately the torn pieces of paper are unfolded show it has magically restored back to one piece of paper. He properly takes a short bow and takes his applause.

The magician then turns to the volunteer and tells the volunteer to open their paper and to show it also has magically restored itself back into one piece. Yuk Yuk.

Of course the magician acts as though the volunteer has done the same as he has done giving the volunteer praise as he instructs the audience to give the volunteer their deserved applause.

The audience will know that the volunteer was not able to tear up the paper as instructed but after the laughter of watching the volunteer try to tear the paper the audience will join with the magician acting as though the volunteer as performed the same magic trick.

Afterwards I sign their paper with a short motivational message and give it to them to keep so they will remember me.

(You may notice this idea was inspired by Whit Hayden’s Linking ring routine.)

If you want one of the pads...... they are available at the bottom of the Web page located at:
http://www.secrets4selling.com/


Steve Hart

Rope Through Body

While attending the "Get-Together" in Colon, Michigan, I was having breakfast at a table next to my friend Bob Bloenk. He shared with me a motivational message he uses with the famous "Rope Through Body" trick made popular by Bob Sheets.

With Bob's permission I pass it along to you:

"Imagine with me that life is like a piece of rope. This rope is like the the path we take. You will make choices as you make the twist and turns while traveling down your path. When you are young you start here and travel toward the end of your rope. Me, I am about here, near the end of my rope but you are young and will soon find that life is full of exciting moments created by the choices you make. You have the power to choose which side of the road you will travel. You can choose happiness or fear and frustration. Its your choice. You don't have to follow the guy in front of you. You get to choose which side of the road you are going to travel.

Here's a word to the wise....happiness does not come from money, possessions, or fame....it comes when you find joy, peace and love. Remember we are all just passing through this life. You can't take money, possessions and fame with you when you leave. Therefore may love, joy and peace be with you always."

If you don't know the trick of passing a rope through your body here is a link to Bob Sheets Website: http://joltofreality.com/

Look for the HANG'EM HIGH DVD.

Back in 1993 I included a trick in one of my gospel lectures called "Crossing the Line." This was inspired by the Rope Through Body trick except I used the barricade tape commonly used by police reading "Police Line Do Not Cross." Today you can find it in party or novelty shops.

My version of that trick was all about what happens when we cross the lines and put ourselves in danger. I created a gimmick just for the barricade tape to allow it to pass through your body.

If you want to know more about that effect, email me.


Steve Hart

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Travel on a Cruise Ship and Speak

Yes you can take a cruise, enjoy the luxury of the ship and be a
featured speaker all on the same trip.

Here is the catch. You may not get paid rather they will charge
you $25 to $75.00 a day but you get guest status.

Some cruise lines may allow you to sell a product like an audio-CD
or your book. This way you could make a few dollars.

More importantly this is a great way to showcase your talents.
Who knows? You may get an additional bookings from some one
who hears you speak.

Here are a few Websites to visit to submit your services.

You can contact the entertainment departments of any of the 25 cruise
companies listed as members of Cruise Lines International Assoc.@
http://www.cruising.org/

You can also contact the following agencies that specialize in placing
speakers and workshop facilitators on the cruise ships:

http://www.toseawithz.com/
http://www.sixstar.com/
http://www.compassspeakers.com/

I not have worked a cruise ship for over 15 years. They paid me well just
to entertain the passengers as a comic/magician. Some day I will go back
and work as a featured speaker while taking a cruise.

You may get lucky and get a speaking engagement from a group taking a
cruise. They should pay your regular fee. Those type of engagements are
usually found through a speakers bureau.


Steve Hart

Thursday, January 03, 2008

Video-Motivational Magic

I am still trying to figure out how to put video on my blog.....

Meanwhile,I have put videos link to youtube.com in catalog page at:

http://www.magic2motivate.com/catalog.htm

As you scroll down the page you will find two new video clips of a trick I have improved: the Secrets of Success Magic Work book.

Note I am giving away Spring Bills with your purchase good until Jan. 7th, 2008.

Also there is another video clip of my improved Coal to Diamond. Offered at a unbelievable price until Jan. 7th, 2008. Almost half the orignal cost.

I hope these short clips will inspire you as you perform your motivational magic.

Enjoy

Steve Hart

Friday, December 14, 2007

Content Mixed with Style

As a magician you are all about style, the pizzazz, your wit, the clever applications and entertainment value. This should be easy for you as a magician.

As a speaker you are all about content, inspiring your audience to take action, delivering relevant information, wisdom and insight. This may take extra work depending on your expertise and the program.

If you keep the right mix of content verses style then your programs will always be successful, finding that right mix for each audience is your challenge.

Ask your clients which do they prefer? Do they prefer 70% entertainment and 30% content or the reverse? Some may prefer as much as 90% entertainment value and only 10% information.

Be sure to stay within the boundaries of your expertise. This is when it is important to know your strengths and talents.

Corporations are challenged more than ever to meet the needs of their employees and at the same time provide good customer service. If your program can help them reach their goals then you will be successful.

Here is a link to a video produced by a consulting company who is addressing the issues as they see it. As you watch this video, ask yourself how your programs and services can meet their needs?

Go to: http://www.thevoiceofincedo.com

This video should be an inspiration to you. Hidden within its message are several topics you could be addressing in your programs. Can you name a few?

If you want to make the big bucks as a motivational magician it is critical you know the value you bring to your clients. How well do you measure up?

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

Facing Your Fears

Fear, in what ever form, will be the number one obstacle keeping you from getting what you want. Fear is present when you procrastinate, feel frustrated, feel lost, or lack motivation.

Are you facing your fears? Do you know what they are? How do you deal with them?

If you are avoiding your fears then you need help. Don’t let your fears rob you.

You may have heard the acronym for F.E.A.R., “False Evidence Appearing Real.”This means that all fears are only an illusion. It is the fear of the unknown, what we can not see or understand. Once we have faced our fears and acquaint ourselves for what they really are they loose their power. You can see past the illusion.

I assume most of you have already dealt with the number one fear of man, public speaking or stage freight.

Have you dealt with the fear of criticism? This may be an obstacle you have not yet considered and yet its effects upon your mission in life will be very damaging.

This fear may hide from you and yet still control your ambition and your ability to follow through. It will weaken your personality, make you feel inferior. Your fear may be as a result of past experiences of being criticized as a child by someone who preyed upon your innocence. Or you may have been criticized by someone who felt inferior or unwilling to accept you for who you are. What ever the case, there criticism had no value but you allowed it to frighten you. You believed there words were true and got hurt.

It time to forgive them and move on. Face your fear of criticism and understand the real value is in what you have to say.

The fear of criticism is listed as one of the Six Ghostly Fears in Napoleon Hill’s book, “Think and Grow Rich.” Read this chapter. It will help you over come your defeating fears.

Please watch this video of Napoleon Hill speaking about his meeting Andrew Carnegie.
Hill himself talks about his own fears in the beginning of his work.

Go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1GCaEZscfvA

Steve Hart

Thursday, October 18, 2007

The Fast Track To Laughs

Humor in any presentation is a must. Especially if you want to get a repeat booking.

Laughter is a sure connection between you and the audience. Making that connection is critical for every presentation. How do you do it as a speaker?

If you need help and am I sure you do, then let me recommend the perfect training program for you.

It's called the Humor College. It is designed for people just like you. Your instructors are the world's top speakers who use humor in every presentation. They will teach you the professional skills and insight you need to add humor to your presentations.

Here are the details to this exciting program.

Go to: http://www.myonlineshoppingcart.com/app/?af=668039

Your investment will pay for itself over and over again.


Steve Hart

Wednesday, October 03, 2007

Washington D. C. Seminar

During my recent lecture tour one of my stops was in Washington D.C. The local magic club drew a large number of over 70 people for my magic lecture. They made me feel like a star. I had a blast. It was a really fun group.

The following evening I scheduled one of my four hour Motivational Magic seminars.
Again I was very pleased with the response eight attendees. Not only in the number but in the quality of those who attended.

It appears to me that those of you who are interested in this type of business are getting really serious. You are showing a greater depth of interest and understanding compared to when I first began presenting these seminars four years ago. This is exciting.

At the end of four hours I could tell no one wanted to leave. We had covered the plan material but the questions kept coming. We coverd more areas of interest as I answered questions. Their eyes had been opened and they were ready to pursue this business.

If you would like for me to considered bring my four hour Motivational Magic seminar to your city....contact me and let us make it happen.

Steve Hart

Tuesday, July 24, 2007

Don't Fool Yourself

It astounds me how many magicians claim to present motivational programs.

You take a look at their Websites and view their videos you begin to wonder if they
even have a clue.

I am not trying to be critical but I am trying to raise the bar. This motivational magic stuff does not come easy.

Even if you were to purchase an trick from my magic2motivate Website or perform a routine from my DVD series exactly the way I do it …..this does not make you a motivational magician.

Then what does?

Before I answer this question, let tell you 18 years ago when I first begin to present my motivational magic programs, though I was sincere, I don’t think I was successful.

It took me years to studying what I believed was my message before I could successfully present a professional motivational magic program. The message had to come from my heart not just from my head. I had to learn to live what I believed before I could communicate what I was learning.

Don’t fool yourself. Audiences knows when your message is authentic.

Don't be a false prophet. I have been taught that a false prophet is not someone who is preaching something false but the false prophet is one who teaches one thing and yet lives another.

The motivational magician must be living out their own message.

The motivational magician not only knows his or her message and how to communicate it clearly but he or she knows how to teach others how to motivate themselves.

Your audience needs the tools, the insight and the hidden wisdom to reach new levels. They need practical action steps to motivate themselves. They need a vision of what could be. They need to be able to change their belief system and transform their thinking that they might create new behavioral patterns.

Before you can give them this....you must be living it yourself.


Steve Hart

Wednesday, May 30, 2007

The Power Of Your Smile

Do you know the power of your smile? Do you know what
it looks like, feels like? Are you conscious of the
response you get when you smile?

You may have trouble smiling on and off stage. If you are
one of them then I challenge you to start working on your
smile. People who work from the stage make more
money if they smile. I have always loved the old saying,
“A smile will increase your face value.”

When I was judge for the I.B.M. stage competition the
first thing I would look for from the performer was a
smile. A smile would give you a higher score.

Your smile connects you with your audience. If you
laugh and smile during your programs then your audiences
will do the same.

If you ever visit the Magic Castle in Hollywood, CA watch
the audiences as they leave each showroom. If the people
leaving the show are smiling and laughing then you know
the performer has done the same thing.

You can get the same effect if you watch people coming
out of a break out session during a major convention.

First thing, practice your smile in front of a mirror.
Know what it looks like. Know how it feels. Know
when to use your smile at the exact points in
your program.

My wife says I have two smiles. One is my showbiz smile
the other is my natural smile. She says the first one
says “Hey, it is time to have some fun!” The second
one shows my warmth and sincerity. So I make sure to
use them both during my programs.

Work on placing your smile in your program. Video tape
your self. There is nothing wrong in using your
smile at an exact point in your program knowing
how it will affect your audience. You may feel like a
fake at first but if you are sincere, your heart will follow
and it will become a natural part of your program.

Everyone smiles in the same language. I've never seen
a smiling face that was not beautiful.


Steve Hart

One Minute Is All You Got!

You are coming to the close of your program and you are
told, “One minute is all you got!” Do you know without
timing your self how long a minute is?

A true professional will know what a minute is. I highly
recommend you learn this skill. Time yourself. Know what
is a minute, five minutes and ten minutes.

When I was working in radio and television over the years
I had to learn these time frames so I could pace myself
for each cue. The day will come when you will be in an
interview and the host will say we only have a minute
to close this out. Will you be able to say what you
want to say and stay within that minute?

It is embarrassing to run out of time and the host has
to cut you off before you finish.

When you say you are about to close your program with
this one thought, don’t be guilty of going on and on
with last minute thoughts. Be concise. Your closing
comments should be short, clear and to the point. If
you do your audience will appreciate it.

Practice this skill. Prepare yourself for those
moments when time is critical. When you do you will
be perceived as a professional by the host, your emcee,
and your listeners.

Start off by writing a one minute talk. Most people speak
at about 120 to 170 words per minute. When you practice
on these skills I suggest you read your script out loud to get
the full effect. At the same time learn how to pace yourself.

Once you have practice that and you are comfortable, do
it again without reading it until you once again are able to
pace yourself just under a minute.

Now you can step it up and include a magic trick. This may
feel like starting all over but in time you will figure out
your timing. It is most important to become aware and
comfortable with the amount of time you are given.

I think my minute is up.

Steve Hart

Wednesday, May 16, 2007

My New Blog

I decided to move everything from my disscussion form over to my blog.

What you see posted in the last few days is all the post that were worth saving.

I will be frequently adding new post to this blog for you enjoyment.

I will be letting you know when I make a new post through my e-Newsletter
so please sign up if you wish to keep up-dated.

Go to: http://www.magic2motivate.com/Free_newsletter.htm


Steve Hart

NSA convention 2006 Orlando, FL

The 2006 National Speakers Association International convention in Orlando, FL had several new faces of magician/speakers attending.

I don't have a list of all who attended but I will do my best to mention the magician/speakers who I saw this year for the first time.

Hondo, Glenn Strange, John Cooper, Tim Cimbura, Timothy Hyde, Samual Patrick Smith, Steve Spangler and my good friend Rod Jurado.

This year Gary Roberts and I did a magical presentation at the Un-Official Cigar PEG.

Steve Hart

Speaking with Mark Wilson

Recently I was working in the Parlour of Prestidigitation located in Hollywood's private club, the Magic Castle.

When I stepped out on stage I noticed in the back an old familiar face in the back of the audience. After the show he came up to me and shook my hand saying, I took a look at your Website, magic2motivate and I was impressed with what you are doing.

I couldn't believe it, one of my childhood hero's, Mark Wilson from the 60's TV show the Magic Land of Alakazam was impressed with what I was doing.

In recent years I had purchased a video of the old TV show and I noticed how Mark and Bev, (Rebo the Clown) had done some ground breaking magic with their product promotion for Kelloggs cereals, the TV show's sponsor.

I told Mark how I was impressed with the tricks they came up with many years ago. They inspired me in my magical product promotions. He said at the time they had no idea the creativity that was going into those creations.

If you get the chance, take a look at those old video's.

Steve Hart

Recommended Training!

Hi,

If you are interested in starting a career in motivational magic, Steve Hart's Magic2Motivate is GO!

I have been studying with Steve for awhile and the 3 Day M2M seminar is where I really started to put the pieces together. Thanks to Steve's and Daina's help, I now know what to do to make it happen. It's a great feeling to have a guide like Steve to lead me to success!

Steve Hart and Daina Gold are all about relationships. Their expert training and style are more on the level of a personal coaching team. They offer more guidance and inspirations to succeed than I had expected.

Magic2Motivate's informative training uses innovative technologies that actually accelerate the learning curve.

Steve has some amazing tools for self discovery to help you understand yourself, revealing who you are and why. The results from this will simply blow you away! Steve is an excellent instructor that gives the feeling that the material is custom prepared and presented just for me personally.

How does he do that?

Sincerely

Greg Steele

www.motivationalminds.com

Why Motivational Magic?

I know that I have made some fairly strong statements about "Motivational Magic" and it's future.

It is neither because I have used a crystal ball nor had my fortune read. I have real solid reasoning behind why I believe that "Motivational Magic" is one of the fasted growing industries in the field of magic.

Recent events and history have set the stage.

If you are a magician who enjoys the idea of speaking, training or selling with your magic then you have a bright future. Now is the time to learn this business. Put yourself ahead of the learning curve.

This is why I was prompted to create the magic2motivate training program. I was asked by several of my friends, I saw the need, and I knew I was gifted and experienced enough to teach this to others and help make them a success in the world of "Motivational Magic".

Over the last four years it has proven to be true. Every week I hear from those who are taking the training and how they are experiencing a whole new world of Magic. Not only are they entertaining their audiences but passing along valuable information, and finding great satisfaction in presenting their "Motivational Magic."

Believe me now is the time to learn this business. For those who have ears to hear what I am saying....... Why do you think "Motivational Magic" is a growing industry?

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Recent Shifts in the Speaking Industries

Just eight years ago a Keynote Speaker delivered a memorized speech as the main feature of an event, such as a conference or a convention.

In the last few years there has been a shift away from canned speeches toward a more spontaneous presentation involving the audience in the learning experience. You will now find a Keynote speaker working more as a facilitator who happens to be an expert on a particular topic.

The audience is encouraged to get involved in the learning process. The speaker asks questions and invites the participants to share their own experiences on the topic.

Can you see how this would provide greater opportunity for a motivational magician to work with an audience as a keynote speaker?

*********************************************************************************

Let me clarify the word "Motivational" when used with the word "Speaker" or "Magician."

It is a descriptive title for someone who is using a message to motivate a person or audience to take action or educate them to believe or understand a topic.

The word "Motivation" is defined as something that motivates, inducement, incentive, or to create a state of motivation. A state or condition of being motivated.

So the title, "Motivational Magician" could be used for anyone who uses the art of magic to illustrate any message be it inspirational, educational, or in marketing a product or service.

I hope this helps to clear up any confusion you may have on this.

*******************************************************************************

Check the Numbers

I decided to check the numbers and discover is the title of "motivational magician" is still growing.

By going back to the year 1999 there were only 163 Websites that mentioned the words "motivational magician."

Today we have 347 on Yahoo and 562 on Google.

So the popularity of this title is growing but not to the degree that I would think. These numbers could be very confusing.

For example I know of several hard working motivational magicians who are not ranked high in the search engines as motivational magician. They use the term "corporate speaker." They are extremely innovative and aggressive. They are breaking new ground in the field of motivational magic.

Take a look at Robert Strong's Website: http://www.strongentertainment.com/index.html

I have decided I am going to start collecting the addresses of all the magicians who are billing themselves as speakers or motivational magicians. I can use your help.

When you find a site that impresses you send it to me.

Steve Hart

Motivational Magic Tricks & Routines

One, Two, Three Ropes Routine

I found an old motivational idea for the 1,2,3, Ropes trick.

The three different lengths represent different priorities. Too often we allow them to run together and they all appear to be important. (Same Length)

That is why it is so important to plan out our day by deciding which task are the most important and which are not.

Magically transform them back to their different lengths. I thought this was a good idea and useful.

Anyone else have a good routine for the 1,2,3, Ropes?


I just read a quote I thought might lend it self to a great message using the 1,2,3. Ropes.

"Habit is a cable; We weave a thread of every day, and at last we cannot break it.” Horace Mann

Here is my idea...... As three different ropes one short, one medium, and one long we each stand our test of strength but when we team up and weave ourselves together we create a cord that cannot be broken. This is said as you transform each rope to the same length.

Then while holding the gimmicked end with one hand the other hand is weaving the three ropes together creating a much stronger cord. I think this idea will be an excellent illustration for a message on team work. What do you think?

I can't wait to try it out on a live audience.

Steve Hart

********************************************************************************

No Tear Newspaper

I love this version of Gene Anderson's Newspaper tear. It is easy to set up and easy to perform and it gives you a power ending.

My motivational routine has varied over the years but the basic idea is this. I pull out the pieces of the torn paper and I read them as though they were articles that I had torn from the paper.

I read headline as though they read accolades about the company I am performing for. I make the head line sound as though they are all about the great reviews about XYZ company or association.

After I have collected all the pieces, I say sounds like it is all good news to me! Bam the whole paper is restored.

Steve Hart

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Blendo Effects

For those of you who know what a blendo is please allow me to explain it to those who don't. The basic effect is you show several colored silk handkerchief and they transform into one large silk scarf with a color print using those same colors. It could be a picture or a message.

I offer two version in my Catalog page. The first one is the "Target" silk and the second one is the "Butterfly" silk which also includes a caterpillar silk so you can tell the story of a hard working caterpillar who transforms into a beautiful butterfly.

For beginners I suggest you use a "Change Bag" to make the switch. This is easy to perform and the bag is gimmick to do all the work for you.

I also want to mention here the idea of doing a bare handed blendo. Their is on the market gimmick silks that give you the same effect but they are hard to find and not easy to work with.

The bare handed version involves stealing the large silk (which is folded into a bundle) as you are showing the smaller colored ones. You end up hiding the large silk until you bunch up all the colored ones into a small bundle then at that magic moment you allow the large one to un-fold while hiding the smaller ones in bundled up in your hand. With practice this is the best version.

The easiest is still using some type of change bag. I thought you may enjoy the idea of doing the same trick using different method.


Steve Hart

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Correct Key


If you who don't know, this is the specially made lock that use to be called "Key-R-Rect" which is now called "Correct Key" by me. The owner of "Key-R-Rect" passed away and it was not available for over three years. I approached the owner's widow and she said the secret had died with her husband.

A year later I found a magician/locksmith who figured out the secret and we put this effect back into production. This magical device is very versatile and effective. There are several routines that you use with this trick lock.

I will tell you that the secret is built into the lock and it is set by one of the keys. Once this is done you, the magician, doesn't have to do anything from that point on it is self-working. On my Video-CD (Magnify Your Strengths, Be You!) you will see me present my favorite routine with the "Correct Key".

There are several reasons I really like this effect, one is it plays big but packs small. The second is it easily ties into my messages, be it "The Key to understanding....." "What is it that keeps us locked up......" If you don't own one of these locks it is available in my catalog of motivational magic tricks.

If you do own one, would you be willing to share with us your routine using the "Correct Key"?

Steve Hart

I sell the video of that complete program through my Website by going to: www.magic2motivate.com/special_vcd_offer.htm

You can watch two short video clips from that program there from my Website. I have sold over a hundred of these videos. I hear people enjoy the video.

I want to tell you if you own this trick, "Correct-Key" then you will want to know about this idea. It saved me from making a big mistake during one of my shows.

I found in a dollar store a package of key labels each a different color. So I put those on the keys that come with this trick to make it easier to hold on to during the performance. (I pass mine out to the spectators during my routine.)

Well one day I started my program and when I went to do that routine I realized that I had not separated the gimmick key from the others. Luckily I remembered which color I had attached to that key. I was able to grab it complete the trick with any problem. If I had not done this I would have been extremely difficult finding that key among the others. My eye sight is not as good as it use to be.

So look for the same package of those plastic key colored labels. It will make it easier to keep track of the gimmick key.

Steve Hart


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A New Coloring Book

Yes, I am producing a new coloring book.

But this one is completely different. It is designed for your corporate programs.

It will read something like, "Magic Secrets for Success!" on the outside of the booklet.

As you flip through the pages they are seen a blank, until the motivational magician shares one of the great secrets of success that is Innovation!

At this point the pages are flipped and the audience sees the word "New Ideas" printed on every page in black and white.

But once the motivational magician explains how these new ideas bring change and profit the pages are flipped again and they are now in full color with the words, "New Ideas!"

You can purchase your Motivational Coloring Book through the magic2motivate Website.
It is on the catalog page.

Steve Hart

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Here is an idea I thought of using the Squaring the Circle trick.

You start off with the circle shape and comment, "It is not always easy being honest with everyone. Often we find ourselves going round and round on the same issues.

The same problems keep coming up over and over again." "There comes a time when we must be honest with our selves and with others and stop beating around the bush and become square with people!"

"That is the beginning of change." At the proper moment the circle turns into the square.

Then I put my face into the square as though it was a picture frame and smile real big. Often you will get instant applause.

Steve Hart

Is Magic a Benefit For Selling Your Program?

I have been asked before if you promote the fact that you are a magician if you are going to be a motivation speaker?

It all depends upon your market and who is your audience.

Please understand I am talking about the promotion of your program not the program it self. Meaning you may choose not to mention you magic in your advertising of the benefits of your program but you could still use it as an illustration to your message.

The client if buying the message and the experience you give them. What is most important? They get the message, remember it, and make changes accordingly.

At this time choose to use the fact that I am a magician to help promote my program. On down the road I may change that approach with hope that people will not be confused and think that my program is just fun and laughter.

What a client wants and what they need may not be the same. Often they need a speaker who can break the ice with fun and laughter to get the message across.

Steve Hart

Perception as a Magician

Yes, I understand that your target market is different, and you probably go to great lengths to explain that you are a "Motivational Magician" But...do you ever have a problem with people passing you off as "just an entertainer", or ask you if you do birthday parties?

Tig Wallis

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Sure, once people understand that you are a magician they think to themselves how can I use this guy?

Some people have no idea exactly what a "Motivational Magician" is and I understand. But they also have no idea of the difference in pay.

So if they ask you if you can do a show of just entertainment or a birthday party, that is up to you.

This type of work allows you to choose your lifestyle. I have no problem doing them if my schedule allows me to. But I am not the cheap and explain that this is not part of my regular work. I do it cause I enjoy it.

I don't fight with my own identity. I know who I am and what I am best at. But I also know that people will draw their own conclusion about based upon what they know and understand.

I figure if I present myself properly I will get the type of work I desire and deserve.

Remember it is all "Show Business!" even speaking.

Enjoy, Steve Hart

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I have been reading a book by NSA member, Alan Weiss. In his book "Money Talks: How to Make A Million As A Speaker", he offers the following advice to a ventriloquist.

"Lose the dummy. Lose it altogether. As long as it's here, you're a ventriloquist, and you'll have to work mightily to convince any buyer that you also can deliver a powerful message about "change" that will be the focus of your value. And stop talking about your "act" unless your buyer is the manager of the lounge at the Golden Nugget".

Charles Green is the "Corporate Shuffle" and Paul Gertner is "America's Favorite Corporate Presentainer(TM). Seems the big guys hide the fact that their magicians.

How do you feel feel about that Steve?


Steve Steele

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Great Question.

I have wavered on this for sometime.

My conclusion is it depends upon you and your niche markets. Some may see the word magician as a problem and then others like the idea because it invites variety and humor.

I compare it with the idea of using humor in any program. Some would say you should never use humor be serious and to the point when presenting a program. Others will say if you don't use humor mostly likely you will never be hired back again. National Speakers Association has a consensus that supports the later.

So I don't see a real problem with the word "magic tricks" or magician in your promotional materials.

I do strongly suggest if you are going to continue to work as an entertainer at the same time work as a speaker, separate all of your promotional material. Don't try to promote both services on the same page or the same Website. Those who are buying you are most likely different people with different needs.

I love Allan Weiss he has taught me so much but I don't always agree with him.

How would you handle this question?

Steve Hart