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Old January 19, 2003, 09:00 PM
Don Alm
 
Posts: n/a
Default What I would recommend

Make up a "Preview Video" and offer it to prospects.

Doesn't have to be fancy. I use my old Panasonic Video Cam, mounted on a tripod with 2 floodlights clamped onto the back of 2 chairs on either side of the Camera.

I make 8x10 Cards with Titles of each section. Zoom in on the Cards....fade out...then refocus on area where I will be....go to the area and click on Cam with 20ft On-Off switch.

My "Preview Videos" are beyond "Guerilla" Videos. MY "Preview Videos" are more like "Jungle" Videos. I mean we are talkin' HOMEMADE....BUT..."Homemade SELLS!"

With my first "Preview Video" I made 2 versions;
1) filmed by a local Video guy with Digital Titles, 2 cameras, pro lights and sound, great background, background music
2) filmed by me with 1 cam and 2 floodlights as mentioned above
and...
which one do you think I got the most order from?

Right On Kemosabe....the homemade version.

Why?

Probably because viewers realized they were looking at a REAL PERSON (like them) The ACTUAL person who did the business and not some actor or announcer.

So...make up a homemade "Preview Video" of what you are offering. Include many "reasons WHY" they should give you money with MANY "what's in it for me" items for the viewer.

My suggestion would be to ALSO offer (whether you make a video to sell your biz or not) a 'Biz-Op" "Preview Video"....AND....you can charge $20 for each one by asking for a "REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT OF $20"!

If they return the Video you give them back their $20.

Note: Since I've been doing this ONE out of 100 return the videos. Maybe $20 isn't worth their time anymore OR maybe some just want to keep the video as a "classic example of how to put together a Preview Video".

You can get 100 copies of a 60 Minute Video with Sleeve AND Label for about 2 bux each from NorthStar Video in Van Nuys, CA.

There's a HUGE Niche Market of "magic" interested afficionados out there. Could be a GREAT biz-op package for $495 or more. Include some footage from some of your shows. Also, HOW tricks are done. (If you include some "secrets" you can definitely beef up the price. Heck, the guy selling the StarScape program showing people how to make money painting stars on ceilings is getting $1995 for his program. You SHOULD be able to get that much with some "Secrets"!)

Go for it Millard! There's a HUGE market of wanna-be magicians AND they are an easily identified and found market niche because of the newsletters and publications catering to magicians.

Don Alm


Make money Restoring Wood Decks