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Messages - grOmmet

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#1
Marketing........plus Advertising Work / SEEKING: Mix/Mingle Twister for Wedding 30/4/11
April 09, 2011, 05:09:47 PM
At a job in Yorkshire, last month, I was approached by a chap called David who asked me if I perform at weddings.

I do [ pun intended!! ] and explained how walkabout balloon artistry is an excelllent icebreaker at weddings.. and certainly NOT just for children!!
He subsequently e'mailed me to say that he's getting married on the 30th April 2011 in Farsley and would like a balloon artist at his evening reception to entertain children and adults alike!!!

I am working in Berkshire on that date, but reassured him that I WOULD forward his request via balloonchat....
 
Do you know of [or are YOU] a balloon artist local to Leeds that might like to contact David in respect of this...?

Please do so directly.. His e'mail is  mailto:david.rafton@hotmail.co.uk">david.rafton@hotmail.co.uk

Please tell him that grOmmet invited you to do so!!

Many Thanks!
#2
Events. Balloon, Magic, Etc / Re: The Levett & Lee Roadshow, Leeds Wed 25th Nov
November 19, 2009, 12:35:36 PM
Looking forward to it!! PLEASE could you lettuce snow the address and POSTCODE for Sat Nav / multimaps, etc...?
#3
Marketing........plus Advertising Work / Re: Tips for closing a queue?
March 14, 2009, 11:26:22 PM
That old "This is the end of the queue" sign can sometimes work against us.. if folk keep passing it back along the line.
I have seen facepainters and balloon twiddlers doing far more than they expected owing to the "just one more" scenario!!

I actually REFUSE to have folk queuing whilst I work.. preferring to have them gathered round in an arc in front of me.
This way they can watch ME.. and see some of the creations which THEY might like when I get to them..
It certainly beats staring at the back if the person in front of them!

The method which I have settled upon is SO EASY... especially if you need to be away at a certain time... utilises:

PROMISE PEGS!!
YES!!!!
NEON COLOURED PLASTIC CLOTHES PEGS!!!
There.. my secret is out!!


I have 7 brightly coloured neon plastic clothes pegs (available from "Pound" Shops everywhere!).
I set the alarm on my mobile phone to go off about 15-20 minutes before I want to finish / take a break, etc...
Upon hearing the alarm, I simply announce that I WILL be finishing quite soon and have time to execute just 7 more "Promises".
Having "Promise Pegged" the next 7 people, I then continue to make them what they wish.. collecting the peg from them once they are satisfied.
Once all 7 Promise Pegs are back on my pouch, then it's time for the Balloon Wyzzyrd to "disappear" !!

(Keep It Simple / Stupid)

Try it sometime!!!
#4
Balloon Chit Chat / GREAT Snails!!
October 03, 2008, 09:44:51 PM
LOVIN' those heart-based snails, guys!! Any chance of some step-by-step instructions???
#5
Events. Balloon, Magic, Etc / Re: Manchester Care & Share 17th July
July 16, 2008, 05:07:22 PM
Greetings, Twiddlers!
It's with considerable regret that I have to inform you that I will not be putting my head round the door, for the Manchester C&S Day tomorrow, after all.

I'm afraid the Mad Hatters Tea Party at the Botanical gardens, Birmingham, simply wiped me out!!! It was a FANTASTIC occasion and I am really glad that I volunteered to support the day-out for over 1000 disabled and underprivileged children who turned up on Monday.

I have a few bookings to look forward to this weekend so I MUST try and rest up for them, in order to be able to bring home the bacon....

Have a GREAT day in Worsley .. and be sure to post some snaps soon!!
#6
How Did You Start Twisting/Entertaining / Back in the summer of 1992.......
July 09, 2008, 10:21:47 PM

I STARTED OUT COMPLETELY BY ACCIDENT!!

Back in the summer of 1992, I was in the process of completing a BA with it's associated Hons. I was ferociously bashing away at the word processor, trying to make some impression upon the required 30,000 word dissertation.
(This was one HELL of a challenge, because I didn't realise that I even KNEW that many words in those days!!)....

My friend Myles Grogan, who I had taught to juggle a few years previously, paid me an impromptu visit.
Pulling a green 260 from his pocket, he proceeded to blow it, tie it and make a parrot-in-a-swing before my very eyes!!
"Very impressive", said I, "but when on Earth am I ever going to need to know how to do THAT??"....

Several weeks later, whilst sampling some fine cask ales at a local hostelry and watching Rob-the-Bones (AKA Bobby Bonehead) playing with the Boat Band, Myles and I started playing around with some very basic Marvin L Hardy creations.
Week by week we persevered.. giving creations away to unsuspecting drinkers.. until one evening, the landlord bought us both a pint each and passed a hat around!!

Within a year, I had started going into the beautiful city of Chester and set up a busking pitch.
Folk stopped to watch.. and maybe take a balloon. Some even dropped an unsolicited Appreciation into my hat.
Handing out cards and fliers whilst busking soon got me invited to Birthday, Engagement, Namings.. and even Wedding Celebrations.
[Word of mouth is a VERY powerful form of [non] promotion].
Other kinds of engagements then followed...

My presentation style is flambouyant and the speed of my banter matches that of my digits... and somewhere in the days before that infamous Potter fellow... His Flatulence the Balloon Wyzzyrd came into being!!

Not coming from the Magician, Circus or Theatrical fraternities... and having little in common with balloon decorators and the like, I pretty much operated in a vacuum for YEARS, during which I developed my own energy-saving, ergonomic style of hand / twisting movements and then trained friends to a standard worthy of wearing the turquoise Balloon Platoon t-shirt.. little aware of developments in the wider world of Twiddlology....

... until I turned up at one of the Sempertex Care and Share Days in 2006, that is! ...

I have been a Self Employed entertainer since the summer of 1997.
It's been my sole source of income ever since.. and I LOVE it!!
All my work still comes from recommendation and I have no designs on World Dotcomination whatsoever.
Who needs richES when they can have the richNESS of the performing lifestyle???
..... and what IS this "security" which I hear so many desperately seek, anyway???......

In addition to my Balloon Wyzzyrd persona, I also do Meet and Greets as Twizzle Gumboot the Scarecrow, and occasionally one of several other characters including the Good Knights Out, the Wiz of Iz , the Strolling Kippers.. Lost In [public] Space Aliens etc..,

My partner, Anni, is also a Balloon Platoon member... in addition to her own face painting enterprise..
She is also the amazing mother of our son Frank Peter [who joined us in March 2007].

I do hope you've managed to read this far without falling asleep... and look forward to reading about how you found YOUR way into this fascinating and rewarding realm of work / play.....
#7
Balloon Chit Chat / Re: Getting happier ..
July 09, 2008, 08:46:46 AM
Good Luck with creating the magic space within the circle you make with your [non-line] audience gathered around you, Adie!!
Some people ask me how I know which person is "next".
 
My reply is usually something along the lines of:
"Hey!, I'm a dizzy old wyzzyrd who's busy twiddling his fingers off and making smiles for you. I don't "do" crowd control, but I DO "do" helpful and polite people who are honest about who should be "next".

This sometimes gets around situations where someone might have to dash off, whilst others will gladly relinquish their "place" in the [non] queue in order to stay a little longer and enjoy watching.
For me, it helps to take the "competitive" element out of waiting, in order that the whole encounter is more enjoyable for us ALL.

There's NOTHING worse than being a squabbled-over "balloon machine" and having to placate fierce and aggressive parents who are perpetuating this kind of behaviour by the example they give their kids!!

For ME the balloon creation is the by-product of a Special Encounter. and I hope that folk head off back to their rat-race, having encountered something a little out of the Ordinary which will add a touch of richness to their "ordinary" lives!!

I refuse to justify or even apologise for this "Esoteric" approach to my work.
I just do what I love and the money follows.......... so, whilst I will never be rich...
My life has richNESS beyond measure!!!


Dry Cleaning
2lbs New Potatoes,
Butter,
Soap,
Washing Up Liquid,
Lottery ticket.
#8
Picture Gallery / Re: one balloon duck
July 08, 2008, 10:09:25 PM
I LOVE that little yellow duck!!
Once again there's an innocence in it's simplicity.
I have been twiddling the heart balloon-based quacker since I saw it at a Care & Share day last year.
Go on, Graham... post a picture of the little fella!!
#9
Balloon Chit Chat / Re: Asking to take photos.
July 08, 2008, 10:05:24 PM
Hi, Graeme!
Have you thought of giving folk your card/flier and asking them to send you any pictures they might like to see online.
An opportunity to "appear" online might prove sufficient incentive...
That way you would be handing them the responsibility for any "permission"...

How about a line such as:
"Hey! If anybody has been able to grab any good pictures of me at work today, I'd love to see them, and maybe put them on my website.
As you can see, my hands are just too busy to try taking pictures of MYSELF!!" ......???
#10
Balloon Chit Chat / Re: Getting happier ..
July 06, 2008, 11:26:17 PM
Hi, Dave!
That old "This is the end of the queue" sign can sometimes work against us.. if folk keep passing it back along the line.
I have seen facepainters and balloon twiddlers doing far more than they expected owing to the "just one  more" scenario!!

I actually REFUSE to have folk queuing whilst I work.. preferring to have them gathered round in an arc in front of me.
This way they can watch ME.. and see some of the creations which THEY might like when I get to them..
It certainly beats staring at the back if the person in front of them!

The method which I have settled upon is SO EASY... especially if you need to be away at a certain time... utilises:

PROMISE PEGS!!          
YES!!!!
NEON COLOURED PLASTIC CLOTHES PEGS!!!
There.. my secret is out!!


I have 7 brightly coloured neon plastic clothes pegs (available from "Pound" Shops everywhere!).
I set the alarm on my mobile phone to go off about 15-20 minutes before I want to finish / take a break, etc...
Upon hearing the alarm, I simply announce that I WILL be finishing quite soon and have time to execute just 7 more "Promises".
Having "Promise Pegged" the next 7 people, I then continue to make them what they wish.. collecting the peg from them once they are satisfied.
Once all 7 Promise Pegs are back on my pouch, then it's time for the Balloon Wyzzyrd to "disappear" !!

(Keep It Simple / Stupid)

Try it sometime!!!
#11
Marketing........plus Advertising Work / Re: Starting off..ooo scary.
July 06, 2008, 11:07:11 PM
Interesting conversation BUT I am EXTREMELY concerned about the usage of the word "busking" in conjunction with the word "pricing".

Do NOT confuse illegal street vending or permitted balloon selling ( ie., within an event or on private property) with REAL public / street busking.
Let me explain......

A busker does not / CAN not have "prices".
Busking is freely GIVEN entertainment (usually music, singing, or circus spectacle) where contributions of money are, by definition, VOLUNTARILY offered by the public.

In the case of people doing a juggling / escapology, etc., "show", then they may "bottle" , or collect at the end. This may be after a brief bottling speech explaining that nobody is paying them to be there so contributions and appreciations would be well received, IF folk wish to do so.

Many musicians have a hat or instrument case down for folk to place their appreciations into. Their performance is usually continuous and attracts folk as they pass by.

TRUE balloon busking is a kind of hybrid between these two. I have been out balloon busking for over 15years now. It is how my business was founded.
 
As regards busking, have you seen //http://balloonchat.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=26&t=118&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&start=0?
I posted a few of my own thoughts on the subject: //http://balloonchat.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=26&t=118&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&start=10

My own experiences of "selling" balloon creations at events have not always been particularly lucrative from a money-making point of view, so beware the "I'll get rich quickly because I can make a few balloon animals" approach!!

At most fetes, fayres, village events, carnivals, etc., there are other attractions and often commercial competition from vendors of hotdogs, candy floss, rides and so on...
Families are apt to come out with a certain amount of money to spend.. and no more..

HOWEVER>>> If you view such events as enabling you to cover basic costs (I have successfully got "retainer" fees before now, before a balloon even gets "sold").. whilst PROMOTING your skills.. ie., "Today I am supporting this event. Tomorrow you can BOOK me... Here is my card / flier.." This can generate fresh business.. and DOES!!

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE.... DO NOT GO OUT ON THE STREET AND SWELL THE RANKS OF THOSE WHO TWIDDLE POORLY CONSTRUCTED "THINGS" AND ASK FOR MONEY FROM THE PUBLIC!!!
SOME OF US HAVE SPENT YEARS TRYING TO RAISE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF WHAT TRULY PROFESSIONAL BALLOON ARTISTS CAN PRODUCE.. AND WIDENING THE GAP BETWEEN OURSELVES AND THEM...

Many towns and cities have Licensing Officers who are on the prowl for illegal vendors.
The minute you ASK for a set amount, that's what you become... and you are also quite likely to be tested by a "mystery shopper" too!!
In my opinion, this approach to street work really does make our profession look shoddy and desperate and simply reinforces some people's view of it being a begging endeavour of little worth or Honour!!

People are MUCH more likely to come over to you if you are relaxed and having a good time, rather than vexing over how much money you have made.....
I've found that if I am asked "How much are the balloons?" then an answer like "Well that depends on what you think a smile is worth....." ~or~ " there's nobody paying me to be here today, so take what you like and leave what you can"... then you'll often get MORE than you might have ASKED for!!!!

I hope there's some food for thought there!!

Respect, Best Wishes, frogs and Fishes...
#12
Balloon Chit Chat / Re: Injuries!
July 02, 2008, 12:08:51 AM
Injuries???? Oh YES! Discounting the time a 260 burst and snapped back, hitting a colleague's eyeball......
I have ended up with severely cramped / aching thumb muscles several times.. especially after hectic spells of balloon hat twiddling.
If this warning is ignored, then it can escalate into areas of complete numbness around both hands, depending on the nerves affected.

But, hey!!!.... I could be working on the till at Tesco HAHAHAHAHA  :lol:   :lol:   :lol:

[What's a pump??..]
#13
Balloon Chat Challenge / Re: July Balloon Chat Challenge
July 01, 2008, 11:06:34 PM
Looking good, Graham, but I wonder if balloonchat members have their own versions,
...upper AND lower case perhaps....
...and even numbers
[...and the odd ones, too!]

Just a thought...... g:o)~
#14
Balloon Chat Challenge / Re: July Balloon Chat Challenge
July 01, 2008, 08:38:29 PM
What about LETTERS AND NUMBERS??
There are plenty of occasions when people ask for their initials and/or ages!!
#15
Balloon Chit Chat / Re: I was really stressed...
June 30, 2008, 04:34:16 PM
HEY!! I KNOW what you mean about it lifting your Spirit. It's something I love doing too.. and used to do a LOT.. which helped me become established in the first place ....

I do hope you remembered to take plenty of business cards and/or fliers with you!!
I have found this can be a VERY good way of attracting new leads, depending on where you go for that drink, of course!!

... BUT...

Experience has taught me to make it policy NEVER to discuss work or pricing whilst I am actually twiddling (whether this is paid or not).. and certainly NEVER where alcohol is concerned.
I explain that they now have my contact details. I am not in the office... nor am I  willing to consult my diary, or make any assurances, etc.. whilst drinking!!
They can contact me in the usual way and we'll take it from there..

Be sure to impress on folk that, whilst you may be a professional, what you are doing there is in YOUR OWN TIME... otherwise it can be difficult to disengage and folk fail to appreciate the value of what they have just been GIVEN...
"Today I'm out having a pint with you.. Tomorrow you can book me!!"
 
Whilst it's fun to do and cheers everyone up INCLUDING US..
We are not always on "show" and you are also entitled to enjoy a quiet pint, too!

A useful line I acquired years ago is:

"Landlord! Give me a pint of that fantastic ale I'm helping you to sell!"
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