As I begin my voyage into this crazy world of little friends, i find myself wondering about a name for the act. Mark Wade suggests in his book that your name needs to be on top and that makes sense. At the same time I like the idea of say a "show name". ( I have been thinking about using "Grampa's Critters" )
since most of you are aleady in the market place, what do you use and what works for you?
i am all ears, mark
1. Is it a name that could be a website? (For example, I would love to have a show called "World of Wonder" (acronym WOW), but the website name is not available.
If you called yourself Puppet Man, that too is taken. So, whatever name you advertise may lead to a search on the internet for your website. Don't advertise a name that's already taken. You're welcome to put schoolassembly.net on your posters and advertise my website, however.
2. The people who do the hiring tend to remember YOUR name, rather than your business name. So consider putting your name in the title. Example:
Jack Smith's Hour of Wonderment! or Jack Smith, Ventriloquist! This also helps when getting a business license and you're not likely to be using someone else's copyrighted name. I'll give you an example. I have a friend who goes by Sacramento Magic, Real Magic, and a few other names. But when his friends refer him, they call him by name. You will get referals from people who know you, so even if you have a website under another name, you should pay for your own name and have it automatically go to that name. My website www.tonyborders.com automatically goes to www.schoolassembly.net. (or vice-versa)
3. Your poster should tell something about the show. "Jack Smith's Big Mouth" doesn't really explain that you are a ventriloquist. "Kids' Extravangaza Show" doesn't tell me anything either. Consider adaptations of Jack in the Box, since that's easy to remember. Example: Jack From the Box is available as www.jackfromthebox.com. Other familiar adaptations:
The Jumping Jack Show
Jack's Giant Beanstalk Show
The Puppet House that Jack Built
Jack and the Beans Talk!
Jack and the Giant Fun Show!
4. You will eventually have different shows and need different names for a show. That is another reason to primarily push your own name rather than a catchy phrase. For example, a school and library will hire you for Jack's Giant Steps in Reading show, but it wouldn't mean much to a boy scout troop or adult venue.
5. You could use a catch nickname. Jack Smith: Central Valley Ventriloquist (or wherever you live)
Jack Smith: Vaudeville Revisited
Jack is out of the Box!
Jack's Ventriloquism Variety Hour!
6. So, my main suggestion is that your name appear on everything and that you set up a website with your name. To check out website availability at a low price go to www.virtualave.net. There will be a little box that says 67% off on domain names. They are also cheap in hosting, if you have someone that can set the site up for you. Check out the availability of different names.
I attended a lecture put on by the local magic club with Eric Anderson on the business of the business. He strongly advocates naming your shows for a few reasons.
1. It sounds more professional and therefor increases perceived value
2. It makes it YOUR show
Because I changed in the last year to a point all my characters are animals, my show is now Neale Bacon and his Crazy Critters. I also have Neale Bacon's Birth Blast, Neale Bacon and his Puppet Pals for younger groups etc.
It is paying off. People don't want just any ventriloquist - they want Neale Bacon.
Thanks, Neale. You will find that piggyback marketing is a great way to continue to bring home the bacon. Word of mouth works best when they know your name.