Leave them wanting more...

[darosa.justin]

I performed Stigmata to two of my friends. One of them had a "DAMN! Oh ****" reaction. The other one was slighly more amazing, asking me to show him more, and he kept asking- "show me more man!", etc.

In the end I didn't show anymore, because I wanted to leave him wanting more, so he would truly appreciate my magic. However, I think I played it wrong, because he didn't relly ask for more the next day.

My question is: How should I [have] left him REALLY wanting more, so that the next day he would come up to me asking me to show some more magic?

 

[robotsunshine]

Show him one or two more things after the initial trick. Then hype up a last trick ("There's this one thing I've been wanting to try... it's... I don't know. It's something just... speechless.") Then say, maybe now's not a good time. Maybe tomorrow.

This way, you've told him you know amazing things, and that you've got something totally killer that surpasses all of it. Naturally, curiosity will beckon.

 

[darosa.justin]

That sounds like quite a good idea...

Maybe I shud've started with something les impacting as Stigmata. Maybe a simple 2 Card Monte could've let me build up the hype easier (stigmata is quite hard to top!).

I just didnt expect him to want more...it was actually the first time someone came back to me and REALy wanted more. Now, I've learnt my lesson, gotta prepare for...more!

See, Im more of a Hit and RUn type magician, I don't really like showing a whole routine lasting 5 minutes to the same people.

 

[Big George]

I performed Stigmata to two of my friends. One of them had a "DAMN! Oh ****" reaction. The other one was slighly more amazing, asking me to show him more, and he kept asking- "show me more man!", etc.

In the end I didn't show anymore, because I wanted to leave him wanting more, so he would truly appreciate my magic. However, I think I played it wrong, because he didn't relly ask for more the next day.

My question is: How should I [have] left him REALLY wanting more, so that the next day he would come up to me asking me to show some more magic?

Dont worry, its not you. It human nature. Sometimes people see you agian and go mad for more, other times they dont seem to be bothered.
The best way to end is on your strongest routine. That what people tend to remember.

 

[jimbowmanjr]

That sounds like quite a good idea...

Maybe I shud've started with something les impacting as Stigmata. Maybe a simple 2 Card Monte could've let me build up the hype easier (stigmata is quite hard to top!).

I just didnt expect him to want more...it was actually the first time someone came back to me and REALy wanted more. Now, I've learnt my lesson, gotta prepare for...more!

See, Im more of a Hit and RUn type magician, I don't really like showing a whole routine lasting 5 minutes to the same people.

If that is your style and it suits you then it is what it is. It is not really much different than guys who do strolling or restaurant magic.

Most of the time I do 2-3 effects for a particular group, then do 2-3 different effects for another group. I let the magic do it's job at that point and obviously people at the party are going to talk to each other, hopefully, and discuss what they just saw. Now group 1 is talking to group 2 and hyping up something without me even saying a word or discussing what I am going to do. This is more my style than doing to the hit and run mainly because I like to spend time between effects talking after they are done doing the typical "no freakin way?!", "wait...how is that possible??". I avoid doing things back to back and let things sink in a bit and mix in some conversation. Thats just me though and I think everyone should have their own style that works for them instead of copying what everyone else is doing =)

--Jim

 

[SHANE BLACK]

I believe this is one of the hardest questions as a performer we can answer. How can we keep them wanting more? I know at some point all of us have tried tactfully to keep the attention of repeat customers and what is the answer?

I agree with the fact it's human nature and some people you just can't win over and you should cut your losses and usually you'll know in your gut who those individuals are. In fact the steps I take usually follow as finish with a big ending then change to your business face and ADVERTISE! Give them your card and take theirs as well and set a date. Tell them "If you think that was good you should see me swallow razor blades", Give me a call next Tuesday and I'll come perform for your friends. Usually this approach leaves them hyping you up to their friends and that's good and bad. For the bad side, is be prepared to have to win their friends over with a great performance, this requires all the practice you put into your everyday routine. Second the good, is you create a domino effect where the friends want to meet up with you to perform for their friends. You won't get paid during these times of course but you get gig's from this and that's not bad just for showcasing your talent.

Anyways hope this helps.

Shane.