Photo courtesy of Correen Demers

Joe Ferranti Mass. Magician 339-927-4710

Building a clientele is a process, that’s what I’m telling myself. It is a slow process. I know little about organic SEO, and throwing money at ads might be tantamount to flushing money down the toilet.

Learning SEO

My income does not allow me to pay an SEO expert to promote my business. So I experiment myself with all in one SEO.

AIOSEO is my tool of choice, (for now) this is not an ad. I should be the last person you should ask for advice on SEO. I have found it user friendly, but I am never sure if I am using it to its capacity.

This lingering question regurgitates in my mind. How do I inform new clients that I have the talent that they are looking for?

Getting out my message.

How do I convey I am one of the top professionals in my field? Be honest, when you are looking for a service or product does your search often begin with… “the best…” So, I need to promote myself as “the best” whatever that means. Of course the best is subjective, and I have faith I will deliver excellent service to my clients, so I imagine they’ll forgive my hyperbole.

I have many testimonials from satisfied clients. I don’t write them myself. Do people think I do? I also have many videos, if you can take 60 seconds or a little more.

Paying for Client leads

I don’t get all inquiries through my website. I belong to The Bash and GigSalad. They charge for a membership and in exchange I receive leads from people looking for magic entertainment. This adds cost to myself and, at times, the client. This is just a fact of operating a business. These sites show up at the top because they have paid ads, not to mention they can afford the best in web development.

Joe Ferranti Boston Area Magician

Bridal Shower at the George Wright Golf Course

I always say, “Magic for every occasion”. I’ve yet to work on every occasion, but I’m
Getting there. I recently found myself in Hyde Park, MA. Performing for a Bridal Shower at the George Wright Golf Course, named for baseball Hall of Fame and Boston Red Stockings shortstop George Wright.”

Who was George Wright?

“George Wright was a Hall of Fame baseball player who played for the Cincinnati and Boston Red Stockings in the 1800s. After his baseball career, Wright became prominent in the Boston community through Wright and Ditson Sporting Goods, which imported and sold golf clubs in the Boston area and helped in the development of Boston’s Franklin Park Golf Course in 1890. The legendary Francis Ouimet was once an employee of Wright and Ditson Sporting Goods. ”

I’ve yet to find a venue where Magic” was not the highlight of the event. I truly believe it never fails. How can you measure that to ensure your total satisfaction? My advice is to read as many reviews/testimonials as you can find. There are also video testimonials from actual clients. Look at the pictures. Not of the magician, see if the audience is having a good time. (I.e. smiling, spitting out a drink, yeah it happens.)

When I have a large event in which the fee is also very large, I will have a meeting to introduce myself. I want the client to feel comfortable with their decision. Frankly, they know when I walk in the door. I always go in my performing suit, polished shoes, combed hair, clean shave, clean hands, etc. It is almost an “interview”, but I refer to it as a meeting. I might do a couple of quick tricks so they know they are hiring a professional magician.

Joe Ferranti

Boston Magician

Working with Senior Whole Health

I’ve been working a lot with Senior Whole Health ®. They hire me to “warm up” the crowd; I do 30- 40 minutes, and then hand them over to the pros. The idea is to provide a free magic show and get potential clients in the audience.

In the real world where we meet, they run the gamut on health and mental capabilities. Many are sharp and witty; they enjoy Magic and the personal connections that are made during the performance. If not for this connection, I would not have contact with the elderly. How fortunate for me, we always have many friendly laughs.

Morgan Silver Dollars from the 19th Century

I do a routine with silver dollars; these are Morgan dollars from the 1800s. I always hand out one or two so someone can have a look and verify it’s truly a silver dollar. Choosing an older woman can prove interesting. Reminding them… “It’s not a souvenir.” Not losing their sense of humor, nine out of ten times, the woman will put the coin in her bra. “I’m not going in there,” I reply. “I’ll send Tony”, naming one of the elderly gentlemen.

One man had molecular degeneration and said, “I have to feel my way around.”. We always have a good time and a few laughs, which keeps us all going. The oldest attendee so far has been 99 years old.

An appreciative audience

I love these shows, and the audiences could not be more appreciative. Most of them aren’t getting out to the movies anymore. I work for 10- 15 people at a time. There are many others that choose to stay in their rooms. I suppose I see the ones who are in the best physical and mental health.

Perhaps they’ve lost interest? I’ll never know, but those who venture out always have a good time. Now that’s a lesson for all of us.

Joe Ferranti

Boston Magician

The Modern Magician

David Blaine

I’ve been working a lot lately. Not that I’m complaining. That means I usually present the same material, and no matter how many times I perform an effect, I have to present it as if it is the first time. Yes, I’ve got to keep it fresh.

Being busy is financially good; as a semi-pro, the money is a bonus and comes in handy for many things. Sometimes, magic related. As a magician, we’re always searching for the newest trick, the method never dreamed before, perhaps… Real Magic.

Keeping up with the latest magic

However, I usually find some time to go on my computer and watch the latest tricks being pitched in the business. (Inside secret, many are old tricks repackaged for a younger generation and overpriced; yes the same tricks hidden in books and VHS videos for pennies on the dollar!). What’s the point you must ask? Well, although my material is solid, my look is apparently out of date. I work in a suit. My shoes are polished and I don’t wear a hat.

Tattoos are in!

Now tell me if I’m just too old to continue… the magicians peddling the “new” magic all have tattoos up and down their arms. Sorry to disappoint if I remove my jacket and reveal my arms. There’s nothing to see, except some sparse hair and my not so muscular physique.

Now, my dad had a couple of tattoos. Something you sometimes did in the army. (WW II) You know the Popeye stuff. He actually cared little for them. Stories of the War went untold. I’m no longer cutting edge. You are as people see you today. They don’t imagine you as a young man.

There’s a young man inside my heart, but no longer visible in the mirror. I know my magic is up to date, in the sense that it pleases my audience. Classic plots never die. They sometimes need reframing or a little dusting.

Well, I’ve got to go shopping for a hat and some colored sharpies. Need to keep up to date.

Joe Ferranti

Magician Boston