Corporate Magician Kevin Viner : Corporate Magician Kevin Viner's Blog

An Open Letter To My Clients

It's been a great year for me this year, and I really have all of you to thank for it. You have hired me for shows, you have allowed me to enter your homes and corporate offices, and you have given me the chance to share with you something that I am passionate about. Thank you for that.

When I was young, an older magician at the Magic Castle gave me a great piece of wisdom. He said, "When you do magic full time, you will never get paid to perform. You will get paid to drive to and from the show, set it up, and practice every day to improve." This year has given me a chance to fully realize the meaning of those words. Some of the most fun I have had this year has been onstage, seeing your smiling faces in the crowd, and letting you into my world for a small time.

With that, I would like to give something back in return, a few words of encouragement, so to speak. 2007 has been a great year for many, but there have also been many difficulties we have faced both as a country and as individuals. The focus of the new year has always been one of change and rebirth, and many of you will be working on your New Year's Resolution. That's right, the one thing you will try NOT to do next year. Instead of deciding what NOT to do, why not come up with a few goals for the new year. What CAN you do this year that you have not done in the past? Make your goals realistic and acheivable, and then go out and do them.

Once again, thank you all for what you have given me so far, and I look forward to seeing you again next year.

Kevin Viner

Posted By Kevin Viner Monday, December 31, 2007

Comments (0) Trackbacks (0) PermaLink

Picking a Good San Diego Magician

There are quite of few magicians here in San Diego county. How do you pick the right one?

1) Decide what type of event you are hiring a magician for. For example, are you looking for a corporate event or a children's party?

2) Do a Google search for "San Diego Magician" or "San Diego Magicians." You will find many results pop up, and you have to decide if you would like to deal with an agency like PartyPop or Gigmasters, or deal directly with the performers themselves.

3) Check out the performers' web sites. Who looks like they actually spent time putting work into their site? While this does not always correlate with the skill of a performer, those who have taken great pride in their online image probably do the same in real life.

4) Call the performers individually and ask them what kind of events they typically perform. You don't want to hire somebody who specializes in children's shows to come entertain at your company party. Also, be wary of entertainers who seem to spread themselves too thin. You want to find somebody who specializes in the type of event you are looking for. By the way, if you need some more information, visit the <a href="/san-diego-magicians.aspx>San Diego Magicians</a> page on my website.

Posted By Kevin Viner Thursday, October 04, 2007

Comments (0) Trackbacks (0) PermaLink

Red Stripe Commercial

A commericial that can teach all of us magicians something: don't do stupid magic. Only do the good stuff! :)
Posted By Kevin Viner Thursday, September 13, 2007 Comments (0) Trackbacks (0) PermaLink

Triple Espresso - A Highly Caffeinated Comedy

For my dad's birthday, I took him and my sister to the Horton Grand Theater in San Diego to see Triple Espresso, a great comedy. A couple things stood out to me, besides the obvious fact that it is HYSTERICAL.

1) During the intermission, I noticed a table filled with postcards. People were filling them out and dropping them into a large mailbox in the theater. When I looked closer, I realized that they were mini-ads for the play, and the theater paid postage for people to mail them out to their friends. What better way to spread word of mouth!

2) The actors literally ASKED the crowd to tell their friends and family how much they enjoyed the play, and jokingly asked anybody who may not have enjoyed it to keep their mouths shut.

To many marketers miss out on word of mouth, the greatest marketing method around. So while we are here, let me ask all of you a favor. If you know of anybody who could use a magician, please pass on my name.

Posted By Kevin Viner Monday, August 27, 2007

Comments (6) Trackbacks (0) PermaLink

Learning From Pearl Jam

Pearl Jam is by far my favorite band, and has been for some time now. I recently returned from watching them perform in Chicago, and had a very interesting realization. They are some of the best business people in music today. You see, Pearl Jam has cultivated a fan base that cannot be faked. They have done it by caring more about their fans than arguably any other band. Their shows clock in at 160+ minutes, they put out the same energy night to night, and they change their set list every show. Hard work, but it pays off. Because of their dedication, fans travel around the world to see show after show. The band then took it a step further. They realized, in the words of Seth Godin (marketing genius) that it is easier to sell to the converted. Rather than worry about coming out with new album after new album, they decided in 2000 to release EVERY concert on CD, for the fans to buy. So here's the business plan we can all learn from Pearl Jam:

1) Deliver a superior product that will attract people and get new customers.
2) Treat those customers right, trying to bring them back again.
3) Focus on selling new product to those who already trust your company.

Posted By Kevin Viner Friday, August 10, 2007

Comments (2) Trackbacks (0) PermaLink

Business Conferences

A couple weeks ago, I received a phone call to perform a show in Idaho for an annual business conference. I just finished the show, and am thinking about the benefits that such a conference can yield. I performed the show with another magician, as well as a juggler, both of whom I did not know very well before the event. Getting away from the hustle and bustle of daily living can sometimes be just the right thing to kick the mind into gear, especially when surrounded by others who are the best at what they do. It can be truly inspirational at times. By getting to know the other performers, I was able to both give and receive advice that will only serve to make me more mature as a performer and business person. Find people you can trust who are in the same business as you, and start learning!

Posted By Kevin Viner Sunday, July 15, 2007

Comments (0) Trackbacks (0) PermaLink

A Lesson in Ownership and Management

Normally, when I start performing magic at a new restaurant, I'm a little leery the first few times I enter. As a magician, I have to make sure of a few things: that the management sees the tables are enjoying themselves, that servers don't get tips lessened because people tip me as well, and that I don't impede the service in any way.

Calypso Cafe is the first restaurant I've worked where the owner and the manager both seem to "get it." They treated me great from the moment I entered, and acted like I had already been a long time employee. The entire staff at the restaurant is like family, and they all seem to put their egos aside for the greater good of the establishment. Something much easier said than done at times. But you know what, it works. More so than any other restaurant I've worked, I feel obligated to be my best every time I'm there. It's really a great atmosphere they've created.

If you want to come check it out sometime, Calypso is located at 576 North Highway 101, Encinitas, CA 92024. You can make reservations for the restaurant by calling 760.632.8252. See you there!

By the way, they also have great live music 7 nights a week.

Posted By Kevin Viner Monday, June 25, 2007

Comments (0) Trackbacks (0) PermaLink

You've Seen the Rehearsal . . .

Now check out the real thing! This is me doing the sub trunk for the first time live.
Posted By Kevin Viner Friday, June 01, 2007 Comments (0) Trackbacks (0) PermaLink

Please . . . Judge Me By My Cover

Since we have been young, we have been taught to never judge a book by its cover. Unfortunately, this doesn't always hold true in the business world. Look at Subway, McDonald's, and Shell Gasoline. All have instantly recognizeable logos and/or slogans (and Subway has our good friend Jared Fogle). While your products and services will always keep your clients coming back, and even bring some to you in the first place, your image may be more important than you think.

It's 2007 now, so stop looking like you and your company are stuck in 1984?

Posted By Kevin Viner

Comments (0) Trackbacks (0) PermaLink

Take the Gift

A couple weeks ago, I attended a business motivational seminar put on by an acquaintance. About 10 minutes in, she held up a $20 bill, and told the crowd that it was available for whoever wanted it. At first there was no action, and she simply remained silent. After about one minute of silence, somebody finally stood up, walked forward, and took the bill back to their seat. The lecture continued on.

Always remember that if you don't take the initiative, somebody else will.

Posted By Kevin Viner Monday, April 30, 2007

Comments (0) Trackbacks (0) PermaLink

Call Kevin Viner Today

760.586.3947

Blog