Thinking Like a Magician

"Connections" - January 2009

Over the years of building my business (and life) I've learned the incredible importance of connecting with people. I've learned that I really never can tell where these connections will lead. For example, many years ago while performing magic in a restaurant in Oregon I met a very nice couple who became regular guests of the restaurant and fans of mine. I moved away from Oregon but we never completely lost touch. It's 5 years later and we just booked a great gig in Las Vegas next month.

Connections are equally important (and unpredictable) in the personal world. One of my first experiences with the world of magic was when my father-in-law showed me a videotape of a magician named Doc Eason. I was flabbergasted by both this man's magical skill and interpersonal abilities. Watching that tape lit a fire within me. 2 years later I was living in Los Angeles and spending all my spare time at the Magic Castle nightclub. I'd drive my beat-up Volvo to the club and watch some of the best magicians in the world perform. One night, as was all-too-often the case, I was sitting on the hood of my car at 2am waiting for the engine to cooperate. A car pulled up, the window went down and Doc Eason's face popped out and asked if I needed any help! I couldn't believe it. Over the years our paths have crossed a number of times and a real friendship formed. It's hard for me to believe that one of my first inspirations has become one of my closest friends in magic.

Trick of the Month - Lasting Connections

if you can't see the vid here go to http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=XCR-CPKZTZg

Dan Recommends...
Business Networking International

I've recently become a member of this great networking organization. The goal of the group is to build members' businesses by passing referrals. At the meetings each member and guest gives a 45-second 'infomercial' on their business; one member presents their business for 10 minutes; and then we pass qualified leads to one another. It's a very structured agenda that provides maximum ability to build business. Since last April our chapter has passed referrals leading to over $500,000 in business for members! If you are in the Toronto area I'd love to invite you to a meeting. We meet every Thursday morning at 7am at the Royal Canadian Yacht Club. Please contact me and we'll make it happen.

May 2009 Magic Castle Shows

I'm pleased to announce that I've been booked to perform at the Magic Castle ( http://www.magiccastle.com/ ) this May. The Magic Castle is an upscale private night-club in Los Angeles and is quite possibly the most prestigious venue in the world of magic. I'll be performing 'bar magic' the weekend of May 15 & 16 and I'll be in the 'close-up gallery' the week of May 18-24. If you're interested in visiting this incredibly special place and seeing some great magic, please contact me.

2009 - The year of connections

Some of you may remember how last January I declared 2008 to be my 'Year of No Fear.' (go back and read the post here) I'm happy to say that I followed through with my plans and my business is steadily building pace. After much thought, I've decided that 2009 will be "The Year of Connections." I'm going to focus on building both business and personal connections throughout the year. What will 2009 be 'the year of' for you?

 

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