Instant Magician: 1) Learn a magic Trick 2) Buy business cards. You are now in business. That's how many magicians start.

Actually, it's not all that bad if you know how to use business cards as an effective marketing tool and not just a calling card.
Your card doesn’t have to be expensive to be effective. For most of my business uses, I use non-perforated business cards I print on my laser computer. They are inexpensive and I can customize them to different clientele. But be sure you use the non-perforated cards. The cards you have to tear apart look as cheap as they are.

Professional cards are the way to go if you are marketing to corporations and professional groups. Do not use the "free" cards that put the printer's info on the back.

Here are some simple ways to get your business cards to produce for you.

1. First off, do not overload the front of the card. No need to put your address on the card. You need your real contact information there. Phone number, email address and website. Put your slogan or unique selling point on the front. Your name and your offer. That's it.
Your "offer" is what you do. Specialize. Never put "Magic For All Occasions" on your card. You will look amateurish. You should have separate cards for each market you approach. I have cards for school shows, church programs, restaurants and fundraisers. I am the specialist. This justifies my high fees and creates a positive image in the prospect's mind.

2. Use an 800 Number. I live within 30 miles of 6 small cities of 10-20,000 people. Out in the country, sort of the center of a wheel. My local numbser might cause folks in all these towns to believe I was too far away. By using an 800# and not putting my address on the card, they don't know where I live, and this is immaterial to them booking me. For an 800# that will ring right into your home at 7 cents/minute,
go to GET AN 800#

3. The Back Of Your Card. The back of your card is a great place to put client quotes. Make sure the quote is relevant to the front of the card. Or you can use it to do a magic trick for the customer and leave them this special card.

4. Use Color. Color grabs the eye. A color photo of you on the card front or back creates a positive image. They know who they are hiring.

5. Be unique - be sure your card doesn't look like every other magician's card. Don't use stock clipart. You may even want some unusual sizes. One magician I met gave me his card and it was a custom playing card that he used in a trick at my table. A great souvenir. Doc Dazzle has a business card where he pushes a large button through a small hole. A challenge magic trick and a great give-away.

6. Hand them out. When someone asks for a card, give them 2 0r 3. Put them in your mailings. Put them in your bill payments to the electric company. Leave them at restaurants with your tip. As a Christian, I leave tracts everywhere I go. (Okay, not as much as I should, but I try.) The most important thing I can do is introduce people to my saviour, Jesus Christ. The second most important thing I can do is introduce them to my business. You should have a zeal for promoting your business. It is what feeds your family.

7. Learn some magic that uses business cards. Then you will have memorable ways to leave your card with prospects.

Remember, the key to success is promote, promote, promote. Get your name out there.