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November 30th, 2007
11:28 am - a corporate christmas party in Chicago
The Holidays are here – and I can’t believe it. As usual I am too preoccupied with the upcoming shows that we will be doing to think about shopping. We are performing in Chicago this weekend – and the weather is supposed to be BAD. So we are considering leaving a day early. While we will be away from our family over Chirstmas – which is not ideal – we will be performing in Branson, MO instead. This is not such a bad deal because the weather is warmer there – or maybe not as cold. We used to perform in the Caribbean on Cruise Ships during the winter – but I like performing in Branson better. Branson has become our residence for more than half the year – and our second home. It now feels like we have friends and family there too. Plus even the people you don’t know in Branson are very friendly too. If you ever get the chance to go you should – and while you are there – check out our show Amazing Pets at Grand Country Music Hall on the 76 Strip!
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October 29th, 2007
11:38 am - Choosing the right type of Entertainment...
You can find a variety of corporate entertainters in the yellow pages or on the Internet. Don’t assume that the one with the biggest ad will be the best. As with any other service professional, make sure they have experience and good references. Any quality performer should be able to provide you with background credits, testimonials, and reference letters from past clients.
And don’t make the mistake of letting price be the only deciding factor. It’s important that the entertainment not only provides a fun filled, lively experience, but also that none of your guests are put off or offended in any way. If your audience is conservative, or a family group, make sure that the entertainer’s material is appropriate.
Comedians and other performers who are used to working in adult nightclubs can sometimes have a very different idea of what’s “clean” than what you may have. So make sure you’re clear and specific about your needs. If you’re working with a talent agency, make sure they also have good references and are a licensed agency. Be certain the contract spells out all details of the performance agreement, including the amount to be paid to each performer, the agent’s commission, as well as who is responsible for each. In some cases you’ll pay each performer directly, and he or she is then responsible for paying the commission to the agent. With others, you may pay one fee to the agency, who then pays their acts, after deducting their commission. Some unscrupulous agents have been known to charge a much higher fee than the performer would normally ask, without telling either the client or the entertainer, and then keeping the difference. So be sure everything's laid out in the written agreement.
Make sure you’re clear about the technical needs of each of your entertainers. Spending top dollar on a great entertainer is largely wasted if your room is set up so that a big part of the audience can’t see the performer, or if an inadequate sound system means they can’t be heard. If the performers are visually appealing, make sure everyone has good sight lines, and that there is adequate lighting on the stage, platform, or other performance area. Any experienced entertainer should be able to help you plan for these needs and give you a list of their technical requirements.
Making a quick decision can be a costly one - even if you think you are getting a deal.
The less expensive acts may not have the experience to deliver the quality show that you need at your event.
That being said, be aware of the Corporate Performers that charge a ton - but don't have the show to back it up. This happens from time to time and it isn't necessary.that charge a ton - but don't have the show to back it up. This happens from time to time and it isn't necessary.
Whoever you end up hiring, you want to be certain you’re getting the best value for the money you spend on entertainment. Here are a few useful tips to help you determine whether an entertainer can come through for you in bringing the best experience to your guests.
Be sure to ask these important questions…
"Are you a full time professional Corporate entertainer?" While there are exceptions, in many cases if an entertainer isn't full time, it may mean he's either not experienced enough, doesn't have a good enough show, or is simply not professional and dependable enough to support a full
time career. In general, those who make their living as entertainers have to be good enough to continue getting strong referrals, customer loyalty, and repeat business, and will tend to be more talented and more professional than those who merely do it as a sideline.
"Can you provide references from past clients?" As I mentioned, any performer worth his salt should be glad to furnish you with letters and testimonials from his happy, satisfied customers. If he can’t, you may want to proceed with caution!
"Do you offer a money back guarantee?"
If an entertainer doesn’t guarantee his work, there may be a reason he’s not prepared to do so! Even paying a much lower price is still a waste of money if your guests aren’t thrilled, or worse, are somehow offended or put off by the performance. You need to be certain the entertainment can deliver for your event.
"Can you tell me clearly and specifically what benefits you provide for my event?"
Many performers are more interested in looking good than in meeting your unique needs. As I mentioned at the beginning of this article, make sure the entertainer is clear about how they can help meet your specific needs. As with every other aspect of planning your event, don’t be afraid to be creative and to think “outside the box”. Don’t assume that certain types of entertainment are “just for kids”. (That’s one of the biggest misconceptions I encounter regarding magic, here in the midwestern United States.) Or that they won’t work in certain situations. Quite often the least obvious types of entertainment can be just the unique twist that will bring a touch of freshness and appeal to your event. The main thing is, don’t automatically rule something out because you think it “wouldn’t work”. Look into a variety of options and ask for input from other creative or knowledgeable individuals.
Current Music: Minneapolis, MN
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October 26th, 2007
12:33 pm - Why consider rewarding your employees with something fun?
The issue of how best to entertain your employees, clients and business partners away from the office can be a difficult one to get right. In fact, corporate entertainment has a tendency to go disastrously wrong unless it is given consideration and a period of time is set aside for careful planning and preparation. In general, corporate entertainment is about people. A corporate culture where people are valued as the greatest asset helps the company to attract and retain its key audiences. An entertaining event, be it outdoor activities, travel or a party, not only makes people get together, but also creates the sense of unity. Entertaining activities encourage communication between colleagues, team members, subordinates and superiors. People have the chance to get to know each other better.
Sometimes the most Basic and easiest event to plan is dinner at a restaurant some night after work.
Entertainment incorporates the human element into relationships both within and outside the company (depending on the audience) which is equally and sometimes even more important in building or improving relationships. The element of entertainment is often present in employee reward programs and incentives. Employee entertainment as a sign of recognition and a way to say thanks to top performers helps to build the culture of recognition, that is, a culture where employees are valued and shown appreciation. Besides respect and evaluation given to deserving employees in everyday communication, tangible rewards in the form of corporate entertainment strengthen the ties between the company and its employees. The same can be said about client entertainment, where a well-organized entertainment program is a message that a company does care about its clients and that they are important. After busy seasons, employees feel exhausted. Corporate entertainment events make tremendous rewards for employees’ effort and commitment. Letting employees unwind and have fun is a way to help them maintain a healthy work – rest balance and improve their morale. Original corporate entertainment events such as outdoor activities take people out of their everyday routines; new scenarios inspire new ideas. Thus, companies who see employee wellbeing and creativity as their main business accelerators can benefit a great deal by regularly providing corporate entertainment. In the ever more demanding work environment it is easy to slip into tensions, misunderstandings, and conflict, which do no good for the corporation. Changing the environment and a bit relaxation while taking part in entertaining events helps the participants get rid of everyday stress and enjoy each other’s company. Thus relationships between team members, business associates, companies and their clients are being based on positive emotions, which have a great impact on people’s behavior in their social environment and performance at work. One of the forms of corporate entertainment where shaping relationships is practically the aim is team building events. Through entertaining activities that require the contribution of each member and a common decision, the group receives a dose of positive emotions and learns basic teamwork skills at the same time. Good corporate entertainment leads to confidence in the company and allows your employees to relax, producing a more efficient work environment and therefore increasing productivity. Finding corporate entertainment online makes your life easier when it comes to event management. Corporate events can be essential for team gets your building that team working together in a fun environment.
Current Location: Minneapolis, MN
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October 25th, 2007
10:32 am - Finding a venue? You can delegate that to a specialist!
Finding a venue for a corporate event can be an daunting task for any business. Investing the time and resources that will be needed to organize the event can also prove to be a challenging prospect, especially if the event has to be organized within closing deadline.
Furthermore, you might also have to consider things like a corporate entertainer, equipment, and catering services.
The good news is that the market for specialist conference or venue finding services has become a rather competitive one. This means that there are many companies to choose from, most of which will be able to provide you with a fully customized service. It is important to patronize only those corporate events specialists who offer a free service. These firms are funded by hotels and conference venues; hence, they will be able to provide their services on a free-of-charge basis. This of course will ensure that you save both time and money when it comes to organizing your corporate event. Not only that - you won't feel like you are completely on your own in this process.
Regardless of how many of your delegates that would be attending the event, your entertainment, and time schedule requirements, such services have the specialist expertise and contacts that would enable them to meet all your corporate event specifications.
A good way of ensuring this is to look out for testimonials and recommendations on the site of prospective companies. One of the key benefits of patronizing a corporate event organizer that offers a free service is that you are guaranteed that they will be able to negotiate the best possible rate on your behalf. Their team of professional and experienced staff would be well-versed in providing you with top-notch consultation and negotiation services.
The best free corporate event organizers will also be able to provide venue sourcing, negotiation, and booking. Another key advantage that you could enjoy from such venue finding services is the fact that you only need to deal with one point of contact throughout the process. This removes many of the bottlenecks and pitfalls involved with organizing a corporate event.
Next we will talk about Food, Speakers, and of course ENTERTAINMENT
Current Location: Minneapolis, MN
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October 24th, 2007
01:25 pm - Planning successful Corporate Events....
Planning successful Corporate Events....
The thing about events is that it may appear that everyone is capable of planning and creating an event. To a point that is true. It is quite easy to get in and to quickly obtain responsibility. Of course – there is the big word – RESPONSIBILITY. If the event goes well – you might get a pat on the back. If the event is a BOMB – you might be tempted to update your resume.
Nonetheless, I am convinced that there is a marked line that divides those working in events randomly or amateurs from successful event managers or planners.
I am not talking about motivation and drive, which of course are basic, but there are few characteristics that inevitably single out a professional. More to come in the next chapter…
Current Location: Minneapolis, MN
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October 23rd, 2007
08:42 am - Back from Branson!!!
I am now producing and starring in a show called Amazing Pets!
This show is at Grand Country and originally the spot was called "Comedy Pet theater" which starred my friend, Gregory Popovich! He moved his show to Las Vegas, and so I ended up with the show.
We have alot of great acts in the show and for the 1st year - under the new name and direction, we have done incredibly well.
The property is called Grand Country and it is one of the most developed properties in Branson. They have 3 hotels, several restaurants, a shopping mall, Indoor Mini Golf, an indoor waterpark, and of course the GRAND COUNTRY MUSIC HALL! That is where we perform at christmas time, for spring break, and for the full summer, 6 days a week.
In our Amazing pets show I perform with my wife Juliane, and our monkey Frankie. Also in the Show is Valery, who is a star of the Moscow russian circus. He performs with his 6 dogs and 6 cats. Yes House cats perform in our show. We also have a comedy act - Stanley the Usher - who is both amazing and hilarious. Coming in 2007 we will have a new bird act. Amazing and talented parrots who talk very well, and fly over the audience. I can't wait.
For more information about Amazing Pets or Grandcountry please visit http://grandcountry.com/s_amazing_pets.asp
I welcome your comments!
Current Location: Branson, Missouri
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March 27th, 2006
12:57 pm - Life on a Cruise ship with a monkey…
Life on a Cruise ship with a monkey…
If you have read my other blogs – you know that I am a corporate entertainer and I entertainer at sales meetings and corporate dinners and have for the last 18 years. My specialty is after dinner entertainment – and it is something I enjoy doing – but last year –I did something very different.
Last year I spent over 6 months living on a cruise ship with my wife and my monkey. We were guest entertainers for Holland America Cruise Lines – we went all over the Caribbean, and Alaska, it was fantastic!
But it was over 6 months – how many times can you go to Barbados? Answer: every Tuesday. And you know something is wrong with your life when all you can think about is on Friday when the ship pulls back into Port Canaveral – FL. Because then you can get on a public bus and go into town and go shopping at WALMART! This is a huge deal – because while you do eat lobster and caviar on the ship – there are no nutter butters and better cheddars – and sometimes you just can’t get by without those.
After a while the floating hotel starts to feel like a floating cell block C or should I say Sea. It has nothing to do with the company or their rules – its is just that you can never get in your car and DRIVE, and there are only a few days a week that you can use your cell phone. Fortunately they do have internet on the ship – and for the crew it is made pretty affordable. But if you have ever seen the movie Ground hogs day with Bill Murry such is the life as a guest entertainer on a ship.
Alaska was my favorite! Never too hot – and you always are close to land and the ship doesn’t move too much .
Now if you are married and have been for a while – imagine yourself in CLOSE quarters with your wife and then throw a monkey into the mix – yeah it takes patients. There were some awesome moments – like when a Stewart was delivering room service to the cabin and he didn’t know that Frankie the monkey was under a table – and as the Stewart walked in Frankie reached out and swiped at the poor mans leg and scared him half to death! Then as the Stewart tried to recover his composure our little magic monkey just sat there and laughed at him.
I will write more about these stories later…
If you video clips of our show on the MS Volendam – please go to www.impactmagic.com and check out my site.
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March 24th, 2006
04:25 pm - Corporate Event Mistakes
This is an article about planning successful corporate events.
Many companies that that have 100 or more employees have some kind of annual Banquet/dinner at least once a year. Larger companies have them more often. This usually involves a social hour, dinner, and some kind of speech from the. The unfortunate thing is that many times – that’s it! And if it is a week end night – and people have made the time to “come to work” on a Friday and Saturday night – many employees may feel obligated to come to the event – because they want to stay in the good graces of their co-workers and superiors.
They get a sitter for the kids and maybe deny themselves what they really want to do that night – to come to the company function. Has this ever happened to you?
This whole situation can be turned around.
A corporate event be more than the company is just giving their crew and their spouses a free meal. A corporate event should every time strive to be AN EVENT!
Something that can be promoted through out the office. Leading up to the event there can be fun contests running through the office for the whole month leading up to the big event.
Perhaps a joke submission contest where the employees submit their favorite jokes to their office manager – and the upper staff sorts through the jokes and picks the top 5 – then at the company party/event- the president reads off the jokes (because those guys are always looking for funny content to start their talk) and the audience votes on who submitted the funniest joke. That person “WINS” a prize instead of the LAME door prizes that you so often see at these events.
Finally, the most important part – AFTER DINNER ENTERTAINMENT. If this function has 350 people at it – and the company is spending 22 bucks a plate for food – do the math – that is over $7,000! Which is a lot of money.
In planning your event - Are you going to spend your whole budget on food, a venue, and DOORPRIZES? If you answer yes – that would probably be a mistake.
Being a corporate entertainer –I know that you can definitely get a quality entertainer(Comedian, Hypnotist, Variety Act, Magician) as low as $1000 for the night – which compared to the food is less than $3.00 a person at your event – you couldn’t even take the whole office to a movie theater for that kind of money. Now not all entertainers are equal but if they are evenly slightly interactive with the audience – you have just stacked the deck in your favor. Generally speaking the more you spend on the entertainer the more memorable the event will be – but BEWARE there are entertainers out there – that are better salesmen. He are great at talking themselves up by dropping the names of the other companies they have worked for and commanding HUGE money – but the reality is that their act is only average and doesn’t match the price. The best way to insure yourself against this happening is to ask to see a video of their show – done somewhere previously – ask them for references.
Your guests will almost go to go home raving about the food you spent 22.00 a head on – unless it’s bad – but if you do have entertainment at your event that makes them laugh and gets the president of the company up on stage to do something funny – you can get away with Bar B Q meatballs and mini hotdogs during the cocktail hour. Your employees will more than likely talk about your event for months or even years to come.
If you are interested in what I can do in the way of corporate entertainment – please go to www.impactmagic.com and check out my site.
Thanks for reading.
Sean-Paul the magic man with Frankie the real mind reading monkey!
Corporate Entertainer
www.impactmagic.com
www.afterdinnerentertainment.com
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March 22nd, 2006
09:20 pm - Will the real Sean-Paul Please stand up!!!!
I have been an entertainer since I was 8 years old , semi professional by the age of 11, and full time professional at the age of 19. And get this at the age of 18 I abandoned my given name Sean-Paul and went with something catchy like THE AMAZING DEXTER.
For many years I had the website www.amazingdexter.com and I was automatically picked up by directories and listing and at the time I did stand out with that name.
I used this stage name for 6 years before I think I outgrew it. There was crap like Dexter’s laboratory on TV and I think it was tough to be respected in the Corporate Market – although I was performing all over the country for General Motors at the time and they seemed to respect the name and identity just fine.
So I reverted back to my given name Sean-Paul (which is my real name – first and middle) my last name is Niemiec. I thought it had a European sound to it and sounded more sophisticated than “the amazing dexter” which while very easy to remember for audience - did sound extremely HOKEY!
Well now as I try to get the name recognized I learn – I AM NOT THE ONLY ENTERTAINER on the web with that name! There is a guy from Jamaica – a singer and his music isn’t bad – and that is saying a lot considering I named my monkey after Frank Sinatra. But this Sean Paul the reggae pop singer and I couldn’t be more different – but it doesn’t matter – go to Google and type in my name and even if you put magician or monkey in the phrase – more than likely you will get the Singer who is DA LYRICAL MAGICIAN! And to make things worse for me – I got a monkey in my show – and you would think surely that would help me stand out – But no! The Singer Sean Paul wrote a song with the word monkey in the title.!
ITS NOT FAIR! My name! Yeah I am whining – sure – but can you imagine – how do I separate my identity from the Singer?
Right now I go by “SEAN-PAUL THE MAGIC MAN – TRY TO CATCH HIM IF YOU CAN…”
But now I think I will change it to …. “Sean-Paul – THE WHITE ONE!”
If you go to www.impactmagic.com and check out my site and watch the video of my show – maybe you can suggest to me other ways to differ my identity.
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March 20th, 2006
09:18 pm - Mind Reading Monkey Delivers Corporate Message.
Okay so now about me….
I will continue to blog about what I do, where I have been, and what I have seen – but for now you should find my latest press release compelling – please leave a comment if you like it.
Corporate Entertainer “Sean-Paul the magic man” of Minneapolis, MN, now has a break through in delivering a company message. That break through is Frankie - his adopted real capuchin monkey who can read minds.
This is no joke – you can ask Frankie a yes or no question and he will answer you by pushing buttons that light up signs and activate bells and buzzer to give the affirmative or negative response. During Sean-Paul’s corporate performance he delivers a message or script only to be interrupted by Frankie’s buzzer which tells the audience that Sean-Paul is lying!
This premise has also been adapted for company messages at corporate sales meetings and banquets – to talk about new products, goals, and the competition in the market place.
In fact at some shows they have opened the forum where people in the audience can ask Frankie questions. “Some of these questions from the audience - are so funny that afterwards me make them a part of the act in future shows. I love the free comedy writers in the audience!”
For more information regarding Sean-Paul the magic man and his Mind Reading Monkey Frankie – please visit – www.impactmagic.com .
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March 15th, 2006
09:15 pm - This is my first time...
I like to consider myself more than Computer Literate, and fairly adept at using the internet - and yet I don't mind telling you that trying my hand a "blogging" is somewhat intimatading. But I figure that if my favoriate mentor Larry Kahlow can Blog - I have no excuse.
Larry Kahlow owns and operates the oldest magic shop in the US and is very knowledable in the art of magic and the game of life!
I have been going that shop since I was 8 years old and by the time I was 18 I started referring to him as "uncle larry" because my connection with Larry is much greater than any of my relatives that share the same title.
Larry's shop is Called Eagle Magic and is in Minneapolis, and the phone number is 612 333- 4702 - a number I have had commited to memory longer and almost any other phone number I have known - except my parents.
I have been in most of the magic shops around the country at this point - as my show has taken me all over the country and beyond - and Larry's shop is like something you see less and less of - no doubt - this has come as a result of more and more ON LINE magic companys taking the business of "brick and motar" magic shops. When you go into the shop and talk to Larry - you are not just shopping for magic are you in or an EXPERIENCE!
Well I really didn't talk to much about myself for my first blog and I hope I haven't violated any blogs laws by basically just endorseing "uncle Lary".
I have many more stories I plan to share - I just wanted get off the ground for now.
If you would like to see what I do please visit www.impactmagic.com
Take care,
Sean-Paul The magic monkey man!
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