What Anne Frank Taught Me About Patience
What Anne Frank Taught Me About Patience We all have those streaks where our patience is tested. Challenge, inconvenience, and delay attack us from all sides. Some of these things are part of daily life – traffic, auto repairs, broken air conditioners. Others are part of our personal interests – after years of fruitless wandering, your team makes it to the championship game… and falls short of glory. (That one just happened for me last night and I’m getting over the sting today. But #hailstate anyway!) While I’m still no expert on patience, I recently had an experience that gave me an opportunity to grow. Let me share it with you. Earlier this month I performed on a Crystal Cruise through Scandinavia. One of our ports was Amsterdam. My daughter and I had previously decided that the most important item on our to-do list in Amsterdam was to visit the house where Anne Frank and her family hid during WWII. We went ashore first thing that morning and practically ran to get in line before they opened. There was already a 45-minute wait, but while we waited the line doubled in length. (Fortunately, the Anne Frank Huis provides free wifi, a fantastic bit of customer service for travelers and tourists!) While I had read the diary and seen the movies and was familiar with the entire story, I was not quite prepared for the emotions I felt as I went through the rooms in that house. After creeping through the secret passage behind the bookcase, we saw the rooms where she and seven others hid in their attempt to avoid being arrested by the Nazis. We wound our way through the bare rooms in a snaking line, looking at photographs of what the rooms looked like during the hiding. As we made our way through the rooms, though, we came to a stop. Nothing sudden, nothing obvious… our progress just slowed and stopped. We stood there for a couple of minutes. Then three. Five. Seven. After about ten minutes, people began to get visibly agitated. Not angry, but mildly annoyed. People were checking their watches, fidgeting with their phones, and starting to have quiet conversations in what had previously been a nearly silent room. While I had turned off the service to my phone, I did take it out to check the time, and I started to think about what we would do next. Then I stopped. I stopped cold. It occurred to me that we had been standing there for ten minutes, and we were already impatient to move out of that room… that room where eight people hid, at the risk of death, for over two years. It seemed almost… profane. Of all the places in the world to allow oneself to get antsy after a ten-minute delay, this seemed perhaps the least appropriate. I was slightly ashamed of myself, and of all of the people in that line – speaking multiple languages, from multiple countries. Nothing disrespectful was said, or done, or intended, but I couldn’t help but notice the irony of what had happened in that moment even if no one else had. After a few more minutes, the line continued to move and we proceeded out to the museum and saw photos, letters, and the main diary. There was video of Miep Gies and of Otto Frank himself. As he spoke of his daughters, I looked at the teenage girl beside me, a young woman who is now the same age as Anne Frank when she died in Bergen Belsen. I mourned with that man. As I processed what had happened, I resolved to challenge myself to think about the virtue of patience. I am no shining example of patience, I assure you. (My daughter would agree – with examples from that same trip!) I would even go so far as to argue that impatience can be a virtue, in some contexts. But not in that room. Of all places, not there. When you are feeling the stir of annoyance, frustration, and impatience, take a moment to look around you. Consider the context and the situation. You will have an amazing impact on those you lead, those you follow, and everyone around you when you can provide the context that allows people to discover for themselves the virtue of patience.
“Now You See Me” Meeting Moments: Wow!
“Now You See Me” and Amazing Meeting Experiences: Here are 5 Budget-Conscious (and Completely Legal!) Ideas for Your Next Meeting or Corporate Event In Now You See Me, Louis Leterrier’s latest film, a team of four young illusionists use their talents to pull off a series of glamorous, incredible robberies—often in front of a large audience. Even if you haven’t seen the film, you’re probably familiar with the scene in the trailer in which the team showers their audience with money. Can you imagine doing something like that at your next conference? You’d be talked about for weeks, and you’d undoubtedly be filled to capacity at your next event! Realistically, most event planners don’t have the budget for dollar-bill confetti. But that doesn’t mean you can’t make your next meeting an amazing experience for your attendees. Instead of showering your audience with cash, why not consider showering them with a few unique experiences instead? Five Easy “Wow!” Moments for Meetings Inside Information People are curious by nature, and even the most disengaged audience member may feel special if she’s given the inside scoop. Offer your audience a behind-the-scenes look at how the convention was planned or how the business is run. Provide a brief case study detailing how a recent decision was made, or have key members of the team speak about their daily activities. Honest, personal stories and a little vulnerability here can go a long way. Unexpected Fun Maintaining audience engagement can be difficult, especially after lunch or on the second or third day of a conference. A surprise addition of some type of activity, entertainment or celebrity can liven up an otherwise dull afternoon. Just make sure you know your audience and choose something that will appeal to them. It’s even better if you can find a speaker or entertainer who can create a wow-experience that is both entertaining AND relevant! (By the way, if you are really into the idea of magic and wow, I just happen to know someone who can help you with that immediately.) Found Time If you announced to your coffee-chugging attendees that activities would be starting one hour later tomorrow morning, do you think they would be pleased? What if you told them that this afternoon’s activity was designed so they could complete it at their own pace, then take the rest of the afternoon to explore the venue? Do you think they’d return the next day with renewed energy? Time is our most valuable resource, and people especially love found time. Just remember to plan your found time within the daily schedule, not on the outer edges of the schedule where it affects travel plans. Comfort Food As much as people love found time, they often love free food even more. So spring for an ice cream break! There are very few meetings that cannot be improved with an ice-cream sandwich one afternoon. Hidden Goodies By now, everyone’s familiar with the “hidden envelope under a seat” type of surprise give-away. This is great for the person who wins the $50 prize, but what about everyone else? Instead of – or in addition to – giving a big prize to a single person, consider other giveaways that include everyone. What if a QR code on the back of everyone’s badge led to a web page with giveaways or coupons for local eateries or coffee shops? You could also hide a link, QR code, or special communication somewhere in your registration materials. This hidden communication can lead to a scavenger hunt, a secret activity, or some other bonus reward for the curious and proactive. Don’t spoil the surprise by pointing out the giveaway, either — let the curious people find it and build excitement for you. When you’re planning an event, don’t just give your audience what they expect. Instead, give them something they secretly think they deserve, but never thought they could have. In so doing, you’ll be giving your audience an amazing meeting experience that truly goes above and beyond.
Recent Press Hits in Alabama and Georgia
Just a quick update this time. I had two recent press hits, one relating to an entertainment opportunity in Alabama, and one regarding a speaking engagement on small business branding in metro-Atlanta. Cherokee County Herald 5-15-2013 (PDF file) The entertainment event was for the Cherokee County (AL) Chamber of Commerce. Even in the entertainment setting, though, I couldn’t help but share some of my thoughts on the business and community impact of such organizations. The event received a full page of coverage in the Cherokee County Herald. [gn_spacer size=”30″] Douglas County Sentinel 5-15-2013 (PDF file) The speaking engagement was for the Rotary Club of Douglas County, Georgia. Although I’m not a Rotarian myself, my grandfather was a District Governor and a Paul Harris Fellow. He took me to Rotary meetings when I was a child, and I think I knew the 4 Way Test before I knew my multiplication tables! I have a soft spot when invited to speak to Rotary Clubs. I spoke on small business branding and got a front page article and photo in the Douglas County Sentinel. Interestingly, both press hits appeared on the same day!
Atlanta Magician, Scandinavian Cruise!
Atlanta Magician Turner to Perform on Crystal Cruise Through Scandinavia Atlanta’s most-recommended magician, mentalist, and motivational speaker is headed to Scandinavia! Joe M. Turner joins the Crystal Serenity to entertain travelers during Crystal Cruises “Northern Europe Getaway” in June 2013. Crystal Cruises is the world’s top luxury cruise line, and Joe is part of a select new team that has been assembled to provide world-class magical entertainment aboard all Crystal Cruises. This cruise is the Northern Europe Getaway. It features cool cafés, welcoming parks, contemporary design, and old-world hospitality as travelers experience the wonders of Scandinavia. The Crystal Serenity departs from Dover on June 8 and arrives in Copenhagen on June 15. Ports include: Dover, England Zeebrugge, Belgium Amsterdam, Netherlands Oslo, Norway Helsingborg, Sweden Copenhagen, Denmark “Magic Castle at Sea” is an entertainment program devised by noted magician and producer Rich Bloch in partnership with Crystal Cruises and the Magic Castle in Hollywood. Crystal Cruises all over the world now feature talent from the world-famous Magic Castle as entertainment for their guests. Turner expressed pleasure and excitement at being invited to join the team. “This program features world-class entertainers in a world-class luxury setting. I’m grateful for the opportunity to share my magic with great people all over the world.” Turner also mentioned the impact on his family, saying “This cruise is going to be extra special because my daughter is joining me for the trip – we’re going to make a lot of memories on this ‘Daddy/Daughter’ adventure!” Turner is already confirmed to perform on three additional cruises in 2014. Turner notes that he’ll be posting photos and updates on his Twitter, Facebook, and blog feeds.
Planner Perils: The High Price of Cheap Entertainment
Dangerous Waters Ahead Corporate meeting and event planners navigate dangerous waters. Even in a great economy, event planners and producers are right to be cost-conscious. Experienced planners, though, know that there are always significant hidden costs and risks associated with putting low-fee, bargain-basement entertainers or speakers in front of their audience. It destroys the event’s effectiveness. It embarrasses the audience. It undermines the organization’s credibility. Sometimes it can even cost the planner his or her job or client. In the last decade and a half, I have helped numerous planners overcome “last year’s disaster” – cheesy, amateurish, or foul-mouthed ‘bargains’ that ultimately cost them much more than they thought they had saved. People who know that value considerations are at least as important as price concerns make great clients, but I always wish they could have avoided the painful lesson that got them there. Unfortunately, it took a bad experience — followed by a great experience with me! — for these good folks to learn what savvy consumers have known from time immemorial: You get what you pay for. Especially during tough times, I get calls for events where it is clear that the planner is dialing through a list of phone numbers looking for any breathing human who will stand on a stage in return for whatever budget remains after paying for the room, decor, and food… that is to say, for nearly nothing. In their quest to save money, these inexperienced planners are basing the single most focused and memorable part of the evening on ‘whomever we can find for what we have left.’ What They Remember Most Counts Most Your group will be talking to each other and interacting while having cocktails and dinner, but their full attention will be focused on the after-dinner performer for the better part of an hour. From the time the show starts until it ends, the quality of that performance doesn’t just affect the quality of the event – it is the quality of the event. That experience is what the audience really takes with them as their memory of the event – not the floral arrangement, gift bag, or logo-embossed desk accessory. Good or bad, that performance is going to be discussed more than any other element of the event. – If the food is mediocre and the entertainment is great, people will remember the entertainment. – If the decor is mediocre and the entertainment is great, people will remember the entertainment. – If the food is great, the decor is beautiful, the venue is breathtaking, and the entertainment is bad… people will remember the entertainment. No matter what else happens, people remember the entertainment because that is what holds their attention for the most time and with the most focus and intensity. The 10% Non-Solution Some time ago, I got a call from an association that was planning an annual gala in a beautiful, trendy hotel in Atlanta. This was a small group of only a few hundred people, but they were business professionals from around the region, celebrating an important annual event with a nice dinner. They also wanted a professional after-dinner show, but the fee they proposed as an entertainment budget was literally about one-tenth of a reasonable starting price for that service. Many performers and speakers would have quickly ended the conversation and moved on. I took a different approach, though, because I want this group to have a successful event whether I’m there or not. Here’s what I shared with them: As much as I’d love to get your organization’s business immediately, I’m more interested in helping you have a successful event. That way, I’ll have earned your trust, and you’ll know that I’ll be honest and professional with you when you call me in the future and you have a realistic budget to work with. So here’s what you need to know to have a successful gala event this year: Do not proceed with this plan. The nature of the venue you have chosen demands more than the lowest-common-denominator. If $X is your real budget, you should not hire an entertainer this year. Get extra drinks, or decor, or music. Show a fun video montage of people in your organization. But do not use that money to hire an entertainer. Any performer you could get for that fee is not a performer you want to put in front of an audience of professional adults at an annual gala, especially in such a nice venue. That substandard performance will only cloud your interest in having a true professional at a future event when you could have afforded it. I have no doubt that you can use a phone book or a search engine to find someone who will do this for you at that fee. When you find that person, run as fast as you can in the other direction. You will have found an inexperienced, sub-par performer who is desperate to put the words ‘corporate events’ on his or her web site or résumé. This is not what you want for your audience. Better to save the money than hire anyone for that amount. Hidden Costs and Unintended Consequences For professional audiences and events, cheap entertainment is an expensive, high-stakes wager on a losing proposition. The hidden costs – reduced effectiveness, diminished credibility, and lasting negative impact – far outweigh the tantalizing prospect of getting an imagined bargain on a speaker or entertainer. There are creative ways to achieve professional results on a wide range of budgets, and I love working with my clients to find those solutions. But you can always trust me to tell you where the real opportunities and the real limits are, and to be honest about what will work best for your event and your audience. Bottom line – the success of your meeting, conference, or gala is as important to me as it is to you. I look forward to working with you, whether
Turner Magic Named Best of Atlanta 2013 for Corporate Entertainment
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Turner Magic Entertainment Receives 2013 Best of Atlanta Award Atlanta Award Program Honors the Achievement ATLANTA May 15, 2013 — Turner Magic Entertainment has been selected for the 2013 Best of Atlanta Award in the Corporate Entertainment category by the Atlanta Award Program. Each year, the Atlanta Award Program identifies companies that we believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and our community. These exceptional companies help make the Atlanta area a great place to live, work and play. Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2013 Atlanta Award Program focuses on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the Atlanta Award Program and data provided by third parties. About Atlanta Award Program The Atlanta Award Program is an annual awards program honoring the achievements and accomplishments of local businesses throughout the Atlanta area. Recognition is given to those companies that have shown the ability to use their best practices and implemented programs to generate competitive advantages and long-term value. The Atlanta Award Program was established to recognize the best of local businesses in our community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to recognize the small business community’s contributions to the U.S. economy. SOURCE: Atlanta Award Program CONTACT: Atlanta Award Program Email: PublicRelations@awardprogram.org URL: https://www.awardprogram.org ###
Dishwasher Courage
Dishwasher Courage: Charles Ramsey, Momentary Hero This week’s rescue of Amanda Berry, Gina DeJesus, and Michele Knight after a decade of captivity in their abductor’s Cleveland home has made an internet celebrity out of Charles Ramsey, the McDonald’s-munching dishwasher whose colorful interviews captured the heart of America and added a bit of comic relief to an otherwise gut-wrenching story. Three women, kidnapped and abused, surviving rape and childbirth… living in chains in a house next door to a making-ends-meet dishwasher who likes salsa music and has enjoyed cookouts with the unknown abductor-next-door. Ramsey even joked that there was nothing interesting about the man until now. It could be argued that the same is true for Mr. Ramsey himself, someone we’d never have heard of had the kidnapping story not ultimately had a happy ending. Without the rescue, his folksy, jokey style wouldn’t have been so engaging. But with smiles and tears of relief flowing, this comic character definitely adds theatrical value to the overall experience. Perhaps the most interesting thing about Mr. Ramsey, besides his role as jester-hero, is the captivating reminder that every one of us has the capacity for courage and initiative, whether our lives have demonstrated it or not. News is coming out about Mr. Ramsey’s past choices. Some of them have been neither courageous nor noble. He has a history of domestic abuse and other associated charges, along with a more recent history of working to overcome those problems. It’s easy to forget that television personalities, though famous for one act or incident, have just as many dimensions as we do. We have no idea, yet, how Ramsey will handle the fifteen minutes of fame or the all-but-certain McDonald’s commercial. We have no idea whether this momentous experience, which freed those women from their captivity, will similarly free Mr. Ramsey from whatever may be holding his own life back. We have no idea whether he’ll launch into a new way of life, or lapse into the old story of any number of would-be heroes who fall and fade and are forgotten. The lesson we should take here, though, isn’t dependent on any of that. This episode is a reminder that each of us faces less dramatic but no less instructive choices every day. Moment by moment, we have the opportunity to do the right things in our lives and businesses. To break down doors that need to be broken, to help people who call to us for help, or to defer reward in favor of enjoying the fruits of our own labor. Perhaps, as Ramsey said, we will choose to do it for faith. Or maybe we’ll do it for country. Maybe we’ll even feel a strange sense of questioning, as Ramsey did, when categories of race and age seem to vanish in a moment of urgent action. Whatever our motivation, we must remember the core message as it was once expressed by President Ronald Reagan, who said, “We can’t help everyone. But we can help someone.” Some would say this just shows “you don’t have to be on a battlefield to be a hero,” but I think that misses the point. We’re not all on physical battlefields with bullets flying, but we are all fighting an internal battle between our better natures and the temptations of easy dodges. We have the option to turn our heads, walk on by, or ignore the call. But we also have the option to take responsibility for doing the right thing. That is a courageous power not reserved for presidents or kings or generals. It’s there for dishwashers, too. And for us.
In Honor of Teacher Appreciation Week
It’s Teacher Appreciation Week. In honor of teachers, I’d like to tell you about a few who had an impact on my life. First, my mother, father, and my grandmother. Naturally your parents are your first teachers, but my grandmother Mildred was also an enormous influence on me. Mammaw was a high school English teacher, and she was a stickler for clear enunciation, good projection, and perfect grammar. My family got me off on the right foot. In fact they did such a good job that I started first grade directly without attending kindergarten. In addition to my family, I’d like to mention these fine folks from Jackson (MS) Public Schools and the Rankin County School District: Green Elementary 1st grade: Mrs. Bass, Mrs. Thompson, Mrs. Kitchens 2nd grade: Mrs. Farrier 3rd grade: Mrs. Belt, Mrs. Pete (Gifted) Powell Elementary 4th grade: Mrs. Caldwell, Mrs. Brakefield, Mrs. Thompson (Gifted) Brandon Middle School 5th grade: Mrs. Bogart, Mrs. McKinney, Mrs. Hales, Mrs. Crawford (Gifted) 6th grade: Mrs. King, Mrs. B. White, Mrs. C. Williams, Mrs. Crawford (Gifted) Brandon Middle School – Junior High 7th grade: 1 Gifted: Mrs. Gill 2 Social Studies: Mr. Turner 3 Band: Mrs. Hagan 4 Science: Mrs. Ferriss 5 English: Mrs. Touchstone 6 Math: Mrs. Morgan 8th grade: 1 Math: Mrs. Fortenberry (now Thornton) 2 English: Mrs. Galloway 3 Band: Mrs. Hagan 4 Social Studies: Mr. Earl 5 Science: Mrs. Goodman 6 Gifted: Mrs. Gill Brandon High School 9th Grade 1 Band: Mr. Hagan 2 Latin I: Mrs. Boyd 3 Algebra I: Mrs. Perry 4 MS History/Civics: Coach Sheppard 5 English: Mrs. Boyd 6 Biology: Coach Lowther Summer: Driver’s Ed: Coach Thornton 10th Grade 1 Band: Mr. Hall/Ms. Crosby 2 Algebra II: Mrs. Nickles 3 Latin II: Mrs. Boyd 4 World History: Mrs. Hollis 5 English: Ms. Perritt 6 Chemistry: Mr. Jones 11th Grade 1 Band: Ms. Crosby 2 English: Mrs. Ratcliff 3 American History: Coach Cameron 4 Keyboarding: Mrs. Stanton / Computer Lit: Mrs. Tucker 5 Advanced Chemistry: Mr. Worley 6 Geometry: Mrs. Patrick 12th Grade 1 Band: Ms. Crosby 2 AP English: Mrs. McGuire 3 Advanced Math: Mrs. Britt 4 Physics: Mrs. Patrick 5 US Government: Mrs. Cutrer 6 Early Dismissal Yes, it’s true. I remember every teacher and every class schedule I had from first grade through my senior year of high school. And for Nancy Patrick, Bobby Worley, June Hollis, Joyce McGuire, Toni Boyd, Gerry Britt and Tracy Crosby, please know this: I certainly wouldn’t have made it this far without your lasting influence and example. I hope you take this post as an indication of my immense gratitude to you all! (Are you interested in improving your own memory? Check out my Memory Mojo course!) Joe M. Turner
Social Media and Networking Results!
Social Media and Business Networking in Action Ever wondered about the real-life value of your social media activity? Ever felt like you were wasting time at the business networking events you attend? Let me share with you something that recently brought the sometimes-fuzzy ROI of social media and business networking into the realm of the tangible for me. A couple of weeks ago my kids were on spring break. I had a couple of bookings that couldn’t be shifted and had to stay home, but the rest of the family was ready to get out of town for a while. So that Friday afternoon, my wife and kids piled into our well-used, well-loved, 13-year-old mini-van and headed to her parents’ home to visit for a few days. About two hours after they left, I got a frantic phone call. “Dad, something is wrong with the van. Engine warning lights are on, and we’re barely moving along the interstate in a small town outside Birmingham, Alabama. It’s called Leeds. There’s an exit coming up, I think. What should we do?” Naturally, I did what anyone would do: I went to Facebook and Twitter for help. [gn_quote style=”1″]”Family mini-van breakdown near Leeds, AL. I can’t get there for at least 2 hrs. Recommendation for repair help nearby?”[/gn_quote] The Network Responds Within minutes, I had multiple responses from my network popping up on my phone and my computer. High school friends who lived in the area. Clients. Vendors. People I have met networking out and about in Atlanta, Birmingham, and around the Southeast. Before I could even finish Googling up repair shops in the area to see who might still be open, I was getting responses from people within a few minutes’ drive of my stranded family. Places to check. Places to stay overnight if needed. Offers of rides to get to hotels. Lots of help. In particular, one person – Joel Atkins of A+ Printing Services – was of the most direct assistance. He is a relatively recent arrival in metro-Atlanta, and came to the area from… Leeds, Alabama. He put his network there to work for me, and in less than 30 minutes, I had a trusted referral on his way to help my family. (For the record, it was Greg Messer of Express Oil Change in Leeds – a great guy!) Think about this for a second. After business hours, on a Friday, during rush hour, a hundred miles away, a person of goodwill whom I had never met in person got in his truck and drove to meet with my family in a public location and check on their condition. He diagnosed the problem, he made sure they were able to hobble into a nearby hotel to get a room, and he offered to meet them there the next morning to help them get the van to his shop. He fixed the problem on that Saturday morning and got them on their way, just about 18 hours behind schedule. The People Behind the Profiles This situation worked out well, but only because each individual along the way recognized that the value of networking – online or in person – is not to connect to profiles and collect business cards, but to connect with the human beings behind those cards and profiles. This gentleman was willing to help because someone he trusted asked him to do it. That person was asked by another person. That person was asked by another person. And that person was asked by me. All of those connections were based on relationships that have been built and sustained through in-person and online networking. Many of us go to events. Many of us spend a lot of time online. Many of us have a lot of connections and contacts. But if you aren’t building relationships with people you’d trust to help your family, I think you might be doing it wrong. You’ll have better results for your business and your life if you change your goals while you’re out or online networking. The whole frustrating situation turned out to be a win for my wife, too. She safely got where she was going with unexpectedly minimal inconvenience, and she also gained an inarguable reason for me to finally go shopping for a new van! Tell me about how YOU are building relationships in your personal networking, either in person or online. Do you have a great example of a time when your contacts’ contacts’ contacts saved your skin? Let’s hear it!
3 Key Dynamics of Strolling Magic
Adding Interactive Magic and Mentalism to Group Receptions and Networking Events Event planners and meeting planners face unusual challenges. One of these is the “networking event” or “welcome reception” – traditionally held on the first evening of a conference. Imagine that you’re planning a meeting or conference that is going to draw people from around the nation or even around the world. In order to have an effective conference, these people need to meet and interact with others, hopefully creating new relationships and deepening existing ones. So, on the first evening, after everyone has arrived from the airport and checked into the hotel, we put them all in a room, give them some drinks, and hope that a sense of community starts to form. Sometimes it happens by itself, at least in a limited fashion. Every group will include some individuals whose social skills and intuition will start to click and they’ll start to work the room. Generally speaking, though, most people find these events at least somewhat uncomfortable and awkward, and find it difficult to introduce themselves to new people or inject themselves into group conversations. Left to themselves, most attendees will cluster with people they already know, reducing the intended effectiveness of the event. These people often leave with the sense that the event was boring, pointless, and unsuccessful. Interactive Strolling Entertainment and Group Dynamics The addition of an interactive, mobile entertainer, particularly using magic and mentalism, changes the dynamic of these events in some important ways. We can look at those dynamics in three main ways: 1) how the performer relates to the participants, 2) how the participants relate to each other, and 3) how the event relates to the participants. Strolling Magic: The Performer-to-Participant Dynamic First, a skilled presenter of visual or psychological illusions is by definition giving people an unusual, out-of-the-ordinary experience. It is an automatic conversation starter, even among people who have never previously met. Just as shared experiences over time help to coalesce people into teams in the macro sense, these small shared experiences start to build community in the micro sense, facilitating interaction by giving the attendees an obvious and immediate topic on which to comment. As a performer, this “performer to participant” relationship is at the foundation of all my event goals – and it’s my challenge as an artist to deliver the highest quality, most entertaining illusions for the eyes and minds of the audience. Appealing, stunning, interactive mysteries create buzz and get people excited. Strolling Magic: The Participant-to-Participant Dynamic Second, an experienced professional with an understanding of communication and the dynamics of interpersonal interaction will proactively use these moments of attention and response to make introductions. This cannot always be scripted, nor should it be forced or wedged into every single situation; it is a social skill that performers develop after years of experience in real-world situations. When I perform in the mobile, “strolling” environment, one of the most important tasks I set for myself is to find out where people are from and to introduce them to people from other locations as the event proceeds. “Carl, what company, division or department are you with? Have you met Claire? She’s from Connecticut – and she has an impressive sense of intuition! Watch this…” In this way, the “participant to participant” relationship is enabled and enhanced by the experienced close-up entertainer. Strolling Magic: The Event-to-Participant Dynamic Finally, there are some events and situations where the entertainment may have the additional objective of communicating some specific messaging about the event or organization. For example, a conference may wish to create anticipation about a surprise announcement to happen later in the convention – an unexpected guest, product launch, or special event. Perhaps there is a specific goal that the conference is either setting or celebrating. Maybe there is a specific key word or important number that the organizers want people to buzz about after the event. Or maybe the message is nothing more than, “We really want you to have a great time at this conference!” My Goals for Strolling Magic and Mentalism Entertainment Whatever the reason or message, my goals for all performances of strolling magic and mentalism are: To work with the event organizers to understand the objective of the event and the message, if any. To draw upon my experience and expertise to support the objective and integrate the message with magic. To deliver that message in an entertaining, memorable way. “Message driven entertainment” takes many shapes, and I work with the conference planners to identify various solutions for each situation. The ability to design and deliver exciting and effective “event to participant” communications is a specialized skill that, in conjunction with a highly skilled performer, helps to ensure that the objectives for the event are achieved. Each of these three relationships – Performer-to Participant, Participant-to-Participant, and Event-to-Participant – plays a significant role in the effectiveness of a group event or reception. Many performers and entertainers in this industry have a pretty firm grasp on how to relate to some audiences, such as children or casual gatherings. That is great for some events! The fact remains, though, that not all performers are equally experienced in relating to corporate groups. Once the element of corporate identity is introduced, then the entertainment stops being just a part of the event – it is now in some sense a reflection of the brand. Performers who have real-world experience interacting with corporate groups, speaking with executives and managers, leading teams, and representing brands have a value that goes beyond just the tricks. What sets some performers apart then is not just mastery of the performance, but the ability to take it to the next level – and the next! – to ensure that the entertainment supports the overall objectives and messaging of the conference or the event, to the appropriate degree. Are you working on a meeting or conference that includes a group reception? Call me, and
