Principles of Killer Magic - Part 2
By Mitch Praver - Thursday, September 5, 2024
Welcome to Part 2 of The Principles of Killer Magic, a special multi-part blog series exploring how the concepts which propel the most successful businesses can also be used to improve your magic.
In case you missed Part 1 (which you can read here), my name is Mitch Praver. I’ve been a successful C-Level executive at some of the largest branded companies in the world, including National Geographic, NPR and Discovery Channel. I also perform and present at corporate retreats and sales management offsites as The CEO Magician—a role in which I use my passion for magic to help businesses trigger innovation, think differently, challenge the status quo, and inspire the possible.
With that being said, let’s not waste any more time. It’s time to further explore the overlaps between successful business and great magic.
Going Above and Beyond to Surprise and Delight
The element of surprise and delight is highly valued by audiences, both in magic and business. It creates strong emotional connections and lasting impressions. In fact, you could make a very strong argument that surprise and delight are more impactful than any technical skills or theatrics.
I’ll never forget the time that the Ritz-Carlton Maui greeted my wife, my then one-year-old son, Cole, and me with a several key personalized touches. They gave us handwritten notes,a playpen filled with stuffed animals, a bathtub with water toys for my son — and the staff had even cut out the letters C-O-L-E from colored sponges. They also tossed in some much-appreciated free Hawaiian drinks for us tired parents. These simple gestures cost them practically nothing, yet we still remember them fondly 25 years later.
Apple and Disney are some other companies known for superior customer service. They follow the same Ritz-Carlton method, training their employees to go out of their way to create memorable experiences that foster brand loyalty.
In the world of magic, these moments of surprise and delight can ensure memorable performances and that your audiences will provide valuable word of mouth to others. You don’t have to look any further than Penn & Teller for proof of this. The legendary duo famously stands in the lobby after every show, chatting and taking photos with any interested guest. As Teller explains in this incredible must-watch interview on Vanishing Inc’s YouTube channel, this little bit of extra work has an exponential impact on the overall guest experience. It makes people feel special and is one of the biggest reasons they continue to return for years to come.
So, take a look at your magic. What are some ways you can go above and beyond to improve your audiences’ experiences?
You Never Stop Being a Student
Continuous improvement and innovation give both businesses and magicians the ability to adapt to changing tastes and expectations. A culture of continuous improvement is a key competitive advantage. Companies that don’t evolve…generally die.
Blockbuster is one of the most famous examples. The famed video rental company had a chance to buy Netflix in the early 2000s, yet shrugged off the opportunity. CEO John Antioco was convinced that getting movies off the internet was just a fad that would eventually pass. This was a $150 billion dollar mistake that eventually sunk Blockbuster and revolutionized an entire industry.
Embracing change and innovation keeps both magicians and businesses ahead of the curve. In magic, there was a “cutting edge” book in 1876 titled Modern Magic. It featured the secrets of the latest and greatest tricks using then-popular items such as cigarettes, brass pillboxes, lanterns, thimbles, top hats, silk foulards, bobby pins, coin purses, and walking canes. Today, most of these props are largely outdated and would look very out of place.
Even our trusty playing cards are not immune to enduring change. You may have noticed that younger generations are less familiar with the suits and values of playing cards. Does this mean card magic is dead? Absolutely not. It just means that you should be looking for opportunities to perform effects where the identity of the card is not vital, like the Ambitious Card or Torn and Restored.
Remember, change is good. Embrace it. It wasn’t long ago that the “bra trick” was a staple among cruise magicians, and women in magic were seen as nothing more than props to stab spikes through, cut in half, or change into animals. Thankfully, magic is continually evolving, and you need to be a continued student of the art if you want to keep pace. Seek opportunities to adapt, or even be a leader of change, and you’ll find yourself enjoying continued success.
Possess the Magical Qualities of a CEO
CEOs are a different breed of human. They often possess almost magical qualities that allow them to lead organizations; to engage, captivate, inspire, and create trust that unlocks the full potential of a workforce. The most successful CEOs are visionaries. They see beyond the obvious, creating environments where innovation flourishes and impossible goals are made possible. Follow their lead and you’ll prosper too.
Acting like a Magical CEO requires you to recognize that you are more than just a purveyor of tricks. If you find that your audience only cares about figuring out the methods to your tricks, it’s likely because you are not engaging them and inviting them to join your journey. You’re presenting a puzzle, and they want to solve it.
Your magic should make an audience feel something. It should captivate them or inspire them or even strike an emotional chord. Fooling an audience is a requirement, but not the ultimate goal. Instead of treating them like mindless robots, invite them to join you on a magical journey. It will be impossible for them to forget you.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this article and have been inspired to look at your magic differently. Tune in next time when we discuss the value of avoiding blindspots, embracing change, diversifying your skillsets and seizing missed opportunities. Until then, make sure to catch up on Part 1 of Principles of Killer Magic if you haven’t yet.
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