Street hypnosis anyone?

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Anthony Verderame, Jr. on July 23, 2011 at 3:28pm

Dude!!! I smiled when I read this, because I could've written this as well.  No real wisdom here....LOL!!!  Just wanted to say thanks for your honesty.

Permalink Reply by Byron Rodriguez on July 24, 2011 at 5:24am

i myself perform mostly in bars, though lately by doing this, i have been booked for parties, and have generated several walk around shows, just by doing small demonstartions in bars. i find it easy to approach and chat to people, but then i used to be a salesman, and the more people you talk to the more chance of success.

i was just told to relax, smile, introduce yourself, and be friendly, and this is what i do in the bars today, i look for a group of people, and just smile, say hello, and ask if they have ever been to a hypnosis show, or if they have ever experienced hypnosis, i usually complmient them in some way, by saying you look like you enjoy having a laugh, and then just ask if anyone would like to volunteer and like to enjoy a wonderfull experience, ok you will always get your  rejections, but all it takes is one person to volunteer, and from that point on you gather a crowd, and there will always be one or more people asking if they could have a go. i always ask the bar owner permision when i walk into a bar, and let the bar staff know, but i have a few bars that a i go to regularly, and because my face is now known and of course people who drink there know who i am, it makes approaches easier as in some cases i have had people approach me.

one important thing i must add, dont have a drink in your hand, if your going to do this, be well dressed, drink soft drinks and act professional, there is plenty time for a drink afterwards, and at that point you make it known that your not performing anymore, as you are now having a drink, people do remember this, and this gives a great impression of profesionalism and builds the most important aspect, Trust.

as for street performing i personally cant comment, as i have not done this yet, but i believe the above will hold, be professional, friendly, smile, give a compliment, ask a question along the lines of have you ever experienced hypnosis before, and remember its always a numbers game, and the more you talk with people the more comfortable you will get, but above all, be confident, smile always, and enjoy

Permalink Reply by Juan Acosta on July 24, 2011 at 6:05am

Thank you for your replies!

I also use the same approach of compliment, introduction, invitation and I think you're right, being "dressed to perform" makes a difference in my mood and readiness to get going. You make a good point about becoming a regular at a few places where people get to know me. Maybe part of my issue is that I want to try lots of different places and atmospheres and walking around alone just feels weird. Going with friends that are not into hypnosis is even stranger... they see it as a chore...

I've been in sales for a long time as well and have no problem with approaching then. I'll start thinking about my performances as the product I'm selling. We'll see. Thanks again!

Permalink Reply by Jonathan Chase on July 24, 2011 at 6:10am

Are you being payed to 'perform' by the venue, group or whatever?

 

Permalink Reply by Juan Acosta on July 24, 2011 at 6:18am

Hi Jonathan,

 

Not generally. In the instances when I have been asked by the venue to come and do some "walk-around" hypnosis it makes it so easy as it's my job to entertain. It's when I go out just for fun and practice without any expectation that I end up waiting and waiting and maybe hypnotize a few people when I could have done a dozen had I started right away. 

I don't really understand my hesitation... maybe I need a hypnotist... :-)

Permalink Reply by John B. Lee IV on July 24, 2011 at 9:43am

There is no difference in approaching someone with hypnosis than approaching someone with any other random intention. Do you feel comfortable approaching groups or individuals outside of the realm of hypnosis? If not, it stands to chance that you approaching someone with your hypnotic prowess can be a little off-putting as well.

 

 

 

Permalink Reply by Byron Rodriguez on July 24, 2011 at 10:08am

i use various bars, in order to do demonstrations and to explain what hypnosis is and that its perfectly safe, just the usual procedural stuff, and i make good contacts through this, just by frequenting various bars in my area. i never do a show or never go into a routine, im not selling at this point only demonstrating a few things, which generates interest, and most times when i see these people again, they want their friend to experience this or to do something themselves, and i have found i have drinks bought for me, and also i have been booked for weddings and parties, i have 4 bookings of which im being paid to do walk around, and i generate at least 1 paid booking a week, just by demonstarting and being friendly. the bar owners also enjoy the fact that they have people in their bar, buying an extra round, or asking if i am in, so again i find myself with a drink or two behind the bar, so if they have a band on, or dj, i add a little value to that by doing some walk around for a few hours.

just to ad, im only starting out and have been doing this for a couple of months, and its also helping me try things, that i would not do if i was being paid , and it helps getting a name for yourself in the are you live. all you need is one good subject, and gather a crowd, dont embarass them but give them an experience, and others will want to try.

whether im doing it the right or wrong way i dont know, but it works for me, and i think thats the most important lesson, what works and feels comfortable to you

 

Permalink Reply by Juan Acosta on July 24, 2011 at 10:24am

I know it. I don't have a problem approaching people in general and I know the experience they'll have with my hypno routines is going to be awesome. I honestly don't understand my hesitation... I am getting more comfortable as time goes. I suppose the fact that I've only gotten to practice some things on my own maybe adds an element of fear of trying them for the first time on a live subject. A catch 22 really... I'll just go for it. The worst that can happen is that I don't get the practice right?

Thanks for the feedback!

John B. Lee IV said:

There is no difference in approaching someone with hypnosis than approaching someone with any other random intention. Do you feel comfortable approaching groups or individuals outside of the realm of hypnosis? If not, it stands to chance that you approaching someone with your hypnotic prowess can be a little off-putting as well.

 

 

 

Permalink Reply by John Alexander on April 1, 2012 at 8:05am

I wish I would have found your post earlier for it contains a lot of the information that I am looking for.  Great feedback.

Permalink Reply by Byron Rodriguez on April 1, 2012 at 8:40am

i find that gathering the crowd is the easy bit, and so when i have more than say 10 people watching and laughing i try and get them involved with a skit or 2, then i finish my little routine, i tend to keep them around 8-12 mins, and i find there are 1 or 2 who want to have a go, so i say at that point, if you can find me some people who want to take part and see some more, then i tell them i will do another little demonstration but if you want to see some good stuff, then i tell them i would appreciate a drink, so please feel free to drop some change and the more you drop the more i will do.

a few weeks ago, i had a group of over 30 and even put up 4 seats, so it was like a mini stage show, and i started small, and said do want to see something bigger, then moved into the hallucinations, and the people watching were just throwing their loose change into a bowl i borrowed, there was even a few notes, so something that i was only going to do 10-15 mins or so ended up close to 30 mins.

dont be afraid to ask, but have skits that you will do as free demos, as just having fun, then maybe have a couple of stronger ones, and if they are great subjects, you just tell people we can have lots of fun here, and its up to you to keep this going so please show your appreciation, and if its in a bar i also add that if its your friend up here, please buy then a drink afterwards, or on thursday night, the manager of the bar i was on, put up a bottle for the star of the show.

also be aware of the crowd, a younger crowd tend to tip more, and older crowd tend to give you more private bookings, that in the end pay more, and of course ive booked a few bars on the basis of doing some demos on their premises and ended up with an hour gig, before a band or dj and even a short 30 min gig when bands or djs are on a break.