Using Your Network

A TSM Essay Written by Aidan O’Sullivan

We’ve all heard phrases like “Your Network Is Your Net-Worth” but what does that ACTUALLY mean?

I’ve had the opportunity of talking to a wide variety of people throughout the course of 2020, ranging from close friends to some of the world’s leading CEO’s, psychologists and entrepreneurs.

All a result of one thing – my network.

For fans of the podcast, you’ll have heard me talking about the fact that 90-95% of my paid work as an entertainer has evolved from me leveraging my available network, with very little effort.

I want you to do the same.

Don’t worry though, I’m not going to ask you to go and start schmoozing at networking events and dishing out business cards (or e-business cards, thanks COVID)

In fact, I’m not going to ask you to attend any networking events at all.

(Okay, maybe one, but more on that later.)

Instead, I want you to start thinking about your existing network.

• Who do you talk to?
• Who do you spend time with?
• Who do you work with?
• Who are you in contact with currently?
• Who have you previously been in contact with?

Think about colleagues, clients (past, present and future) and friends. Local venues, communities and events that you’re involved in and have attended in any capacity, not just as a performer.

Were you able to identify or create an opportunity for collaboration, or even a gig with those people or at those events?

Maybe you were?

Maybe you weren’t?

Either way, that’s not a problem. If not, chances are that you wasn’t actually looking for an opportunity in the right places, or at all for that matter.

If you really want to start creating powerful opportunities that will actually benefit and leverage you within your performance career, you need to be able to do one simple thing that most people fail to understand:

YOU NEED TO PROVIDE VALUE.

There are some rules though…

This has to be genuine, useful and honest value and can range from anything to an introduction to someone that can fix a problem they have to offering advice or support in any way that you can.

Luckily for us magicians and mentalists, this is much easier than we might imagine because we already know enough about the industry so we can pick and choose from the knowledge of our peers and connections to really elevate our performances and overall careers.

If you’ve not had the chance to listen to episode #027 of our podcast, I would strongly advise checking this out because we share some of the best practices that myself and Ashley have adopted when collaborating with others in the industry so that we can get the most out of our networks.

Here’s a quick link to the episode page: Community | TSMP #027

The point I’m trying to make is that you can really optimise and use your network to get you exactly where you need to be or better yet, WANT to be in the presentation of your mentalism and magic – without ever having to do any real ‘outreach’ that the business guru’s will tell you is crucial.

Sure, it’s important to expand your network at some point but you can train yourself up and get ready to do that by practicing some techniques in your existing communities so that you’re better prepared and can create some powerful opportunities in a much easier way.

Aside from the podcast, we’re going to be covering many more techniques to help you identify and maximise these opportunities in due course, but because you’re on the TSM platform, we have an opportunity that we know you’re really going to value…

Every month we host a live lecture as part of our ‘All About The Tricks’ series BUT this month we’re doing things a little differently…

This month’s event is completely free and is an ideal way to expand your network and get used to a coelevating and collaborative community that are willing to help you take your magic and mentalism a step further.

Our topic of conversation is simply;

Making & Breaking Magic

The session will consist of two mini-lectures followed by some breakout rooms in which you can actively discuss and apply the material covered into a routine that you have already and are looking to improve.

Everyone will be bringing a routine that they perform and can talk about and take through the exercises in a small, friendly group environment that will expand your approach to the presentation of your effects and start training your creative thinking.

As an added bonus, you’ll be meeting new and interesting like-minded performers that you can be open with and improve your connections within the industry.

The session is happening at 8pm London Time on Monday 21st December 2020.

For more information, visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/aatt-christmas-special-interactive-session-tickets-131582325277

We are limited to just 100 seats and once they’re filled, we’ll be fully booked!

Unlike our previous ‘All About The Tricks’ lectures, this session WILL NOT be made available for resale in our shop because the value of the session will be in the breakout room activities.

Myself and Ashley are really hoping to see you there,

See you there?

-Aidan