Topic: How about an update.....

[John Pyka]

There are a million reasons why something could be. That's why ultimately it doesn't matter.

[glen_peterson]

There are a million reason why you or anyone else doesn't get a certain gig.

How was your promotional material compared to theirs?
Did they want a singing magician?
Do you mail a promo kit, did you mail a DVD or did you send them a link to your EPK?
Is the vanilla magician not overbearing or gregarious?
Did they choose based on price? Do you know the other guy's price? Are you sure you do?
Were you considerably under priced and thus must not be good enough?

I can go on and on about any gig, two performers and why one got it and the other didn't. I doubt I need to list 999,994 more reasons.

[John Pyka]

Scott, I didn't get a reason and it didn't matter. It was just a huge payday and I was frustrated that this guy got it. Really begins and ends there.

[Scott Burton]

Did you get a reason for the decision?  Remember that some buyers just want (or think they want - same thing really) your standard magician - especially if they are very price conscious.  Or, it may be our failure to communicate our strengths in an effective and persuasive manner.  Regardless, there is a reason and a lesson to be learned. 

Also to remember that people lose out on gigs all the time (sales in a numbers game).  Depending upon how much your pre-qualify in your prospecting techniques, I bet most people close less than half of inquiries/opportunities.  One lost gig does not make or break a career.

Great thing about corporate work is that a lost sale today can be earned 1, 2, 3, 5, or even 10 years in the future.  Perseverance in this market earns some trust via your longevity and increasing credibility.  This is especially true if they end up regretting not hiring you this year and want you with increased desire next year due to the experience.

[John Pyka]

You are correct Scott.

I had just lost a corporate gig to an uber vanilla magician who does the same tricks and same presentations as 95% of the other magicians out there.

[HeliMagic]

I think he was being sarcastic when he said that John.  I don't think that Pyka could live without a fedora.  ;-)

[jslonina]

Big Daddy Cool says: After 11 years as The Cool One I've decided to pack up the zoot suit and fedora, scrap the original material and do the same material that everyone else is doing.