Season’s Greetings

’tis the season folks. It all started with my Birthday . . .

October 26th ever year rushes in the holiday season for me. A few days later it’s Halloween . . . a few weeks later . . . Thanksgiving! On the heels of that . . . Christmas, and soon thereafter . . . New Year’s. Of course, there are other holidays in the mix. Whether you celebrate Christmas or other holidays this year, always remember to respect the season and those who celebrate it.

If someone says, “Merry Christmas” to you . . . simply respond with “Thank You” or “Merry Christmas to you too.” Etc.

If someone says, “Happy Hanukkah” to you . . . simply respond with “Thank You” or “Happy Hanukkah to you too.” Etc.

I think you get the idea. Who cares which, if any, holiday(s) you celebrate. We’re all fellow earthlings.

This is good general advice for all of us humans, but it’s also good specific advice for the Magician-Client relationship as well. I’ll keep this short and to the point by asking you a few questions:

  • Do you know the religious/holiday affiliation of your clients?
  • Have you sent them holiday cards?
  • If you haven’t, are you crazy!?

When sending them cards, there are plenty of ways to do it. However, in general, I suggest one of these two:

  1. Just a Card
  2. A Card with a Coupon

I think each one has merit. “Just a Card” can mean a lot to your client to know that you were thinking of him/her. If you don’t know your clients’ holiday beliefs, that’s fine, a “Happy Holidays” card is good. However, think of how meaningful it would be to your Jewish clients when they receive a “Happy Hanukkah” card –  Imagine how your Japanese clients will feel when you wish them a “Happy Omisoka.” This simply shows that you care about them and that you’re thinking of them during this magical time of year.

Secondly, you can send a “Card with a Coupon.” In this case, you would, of course, send the card wishing them a Happy Holiday, but you would also include a discount. You can offer them a discount on a future show or bigger bonus for a referral – you should already be giving bonuses for referrals.

A simple note goes a long way:

Dear Mr. Smith,

I just wanted to take a moment to thank you, again, for allowing me to entertain your guests last Spring, and wish you a Happy Holiday season. As you know, I offer $50 bonuses for referrals. Well this holiday season, I’ve decided to double my referral fee and offer $100 bonuses for any referrals until the end of the year. Just another way for me to say thank you.

Merry Christmas!

Jeff Stone

That’s a simple way to do it, and I really don’t think much more is needed. It’s an easy way to make sure your clients know you’re thinking of them. Plus, as a bonus, you just might end up with a few referrals to boost your holiday show volume. Good luck gettin’ the gigs folks. Until Next Month . . .