James Sanden

I know the post title sounds like a cheesy infomercial, and had you asked me a couple of years ago if I would be an avid networker, I would have told you I didn’t have it in me.  But what I’ve learned as a full time Chicago magician is that powerful networking isn’t some abstract business technique.  It’s just building relationships with people you can trust and share business with.  Once I saw it for what it was, it became easier, began to occur as a huge opportunity and is now something I search out for the opportunity to do.  In fact, I actually spent the entire day yesterday networking.  I had a great time, met some wonderful people and started to establish some solid connections.

All without performing a single magic trick!

(OK, just one.)

But I only performed it once.

(OK, twice.)

I’m excited because, while I love performing my children’s magic show, I’m looking for more opportunities to perform close up magic and my stage comedy magic show.  The market for this type of performance is mostly at corporate events, where word of mouth is king.  And one way to get the right kind of word to spread is to know people who are spreading the word.

By networking.

The event was also fun because they showcased some great entertainment, including two outstanding magicians, Ryan Oakes and David & Dania.  (I also had the chance to meet Ryan, who is also a really great guy.  If you’re in New York and he’s got a public appearance, you should check him out.)

What’s even better, of the four entertainers at the event, 2 of them were magicians.

Looks like I picked the right job.