Yes, it's coming to that time of year!! Take a look at your books from 2011 and see how you did. Are you happy with the year compared to previous years? We always want to do better, we all want to see improvement, but I hope that you are happy with how far you've come enough to be able to push yourself to do more and not bring yourself down with the grumpy gusses.
Setting goals for the upcoming year is often a daunting task. You don't want to set your goals so high that they are unattainable, but you also don't want to set them so low that you don't feel like you really accomplished much by reaching them. There are often one or two on my list that go onto the list the next year or two as well... There are sometimes one or two that have been there for a couple of years already and need to be removed so that I can move on to other things (juggling was one of those for me).
I thought I'd take this post to talk about setting those goals so that they can be meaningful and helpful. I'm no expert (as usual), but I hope that some people find my thoughts helpful in setting their own goals.
1. Write them down - put them in a place where you can look at them, often. Studies have shown (ok so I don't have exact references to the studies, but trust me they are out there) that having your goals visually in front of you every day makes it far more likely that you will accomplish them. Keep them at the front of your mind and push for them.
2. Be Specific - REALLY specific. Not, "make more money." Look at your income for the last few years, is there a trend in the amount that you are increasing each year? So take the next number you would expect and bump it up (just a little) for your goal. Make it a little harder than coasting along, but not so far out there that it is a ridiculous expectation. Then, be even MORE specific... HOW are you going to make more money? Are you adding to your offered services? Advertising more? Raising prices? Cutting back expenses?
3. WORK on your goals - ok, is that too obvious? Then why does everyone sit back with their business and wonder why it's not going anywhere? A really important quote that everyone should keep in mind with their goals, "If you keep on doing what you've always done, you'll keep on getting what you've always got." ~ W. L. Bateman
4. Share your goals - well, some of them at least. If there's something that you want to be held accountable for working on, then tell someone about it. Once you've said to someone, "hey, I'm going to learn to ride a unicycle!" ... the next time they see you, they're bound to ask how it's going! And won't you be happier to say that you've come a long way with it rather than embarrassed to say that you haven't gotten on it since you fell three months ago? You don't have to tell your customers your annual income and income goals for next year (unless you have investors and such), but let a few friends know what you're working on so that they can encourage you to get it done too!
Happy New Year everyone!!!
Make 2012 your best year yet :oD
Perry Noia the Scaredy Clown
Monday, 12 December 2011
Monday, 28 November 2011
Happy Holidays!!
I wanted to be sure and put this out there early enough that I wouldn't miss any of the wonderful holidays that stream their way throughout December! There are so many great things that all happen around the time of the winter solstice and however you celebrate, I hope that everyone stays happy, safe and well fed in the company of friends and family!
Merry Everything!!
Perry Noia the Scaredy Clown :oD
Merry Everything!!
Perry Noia the Scaredy Clown :oD
Saturday, 29 October 2011
Ongoing Training as an Entertainer
As a trained teacher, I have always been a firm believer in lifelong learning. I will NEVER stop learning. There are many sources of education for children's entertainers, and this list is only a FEW.
1. Mooseburger Clown Arts Education - I cannot say enough good things about this. The fact that I've been there twice and I'm going back again this summer, should say a fair amount though. ALL levels of clowns are welcome and everyone has more to learn. There are special guest instructors every year as well as an extensive regular staff including Pricilla Mooseburger (Tricia Manuel), Fred Baisch, Karen Bell, Greg and Karen DeSanto, Christopher Hudert, Connie Kennedy, Dan Langwell, Brenda Marshall, Marcella Murad, Rex Nolen, and Terry Ricketts.... there are many other fantastic staff members as well. Instructors are all around you the whole week, eating meals with you, sleeping in the same facilities... they are just completely available to help you with just about anything. It's a whole week of full days of classes, culminating in the presentation of a huge stage show. The cost is frightening to look at first off, BUT when you consider that there are no other costs for hotels or food (except for the fact that I need to be gluten and dairy free, so I bring some special stuff for myself), the amount you pay for this is a steal!! 5 nights in a hotel type room, all your meals and snacks provided, 4 full days of classes with the best in the biz, being part of a stage production and making friends for life... it is totally worth every penny.
2. Face Painting workshops and conventions - Thus far, I have mainly invested in full day face painting workshops rather than conventions. You can occasionally find something within a day trip to do workshops with people like Nick and Brian Wolfe (of Evil Twin FX), Mark Reid, Marcella Murad or many other fantastic painters. If you can afford to travel and spend a little more, there are conventions like FABA in Florida where you'll find many more instructors in one place and multiple classes and competitions. You'll be paying a lot though for conventions since there is not only the admission fees but hotel and food expenses as well... not to mention travelling to Florida.
3. Balloon Twisting classes and conventions - I've found these to be a little harder to come by since so many balloon classes seem to be at the beginner level. There are a couple of conventions I believe, but I've been sticking to mostly day trips for classes so far. You can look up things like Twist & Shout or there seems to be a long list here.
4. www.Balloon-Animals.com - there are a lot of great videos on this website to get you started if you've never twisted before or if you're stuck on single balloon creations. I love his style and find his balloons to fit well with my cute style. There are many other twisters online as well, some of them more elaborate in other ways, but you need to find things that you like the looks of for your style of twisting. Sometimes just watching someone else do something a certain way will give you an idea for how to make up your own version too.
5. FABA tv - I haven't started watching it myself yet, but there are many face painting videos online too.
6. Look for classes on the skills you want! - Keep your eyes open at local community centres, colleges, etc. for classes on public speaking, music, puppetry, kid's crafts... whatever you want to learn to improve your craft. Just keep on learning everything you can, you never know where it might take you.
1. Mooseburger Clown Arts Education - I cannot say enough good things about this. The fact that I've been there twice and I'm going back again this summer, should say a fair amount though. ALL levels of clowns are welcome and everyone has more to learn. There are special guest instructors every year as well as an extensive regular staff including Pricilla Mooseburger (Tricia Manuel), Fred Baisch, Karen Bell, Greg and Karen DeSanto, Christopher Hudert, Connie Kennedy, Dan Langwell, Brenda Marshall, Marcella Murad, Rex Nolen, and Terry Ricketts.... there are many other fantastic staff members as well. Instructors are all around you the whole week, eating meals with you, sleeping in the same facilities... they are just completely available to help you with just about anything. It's a whole week of full days of classes, culminating in the presentation of a huge stage show. The cost is frightening to look at first off, BUT when you consider that there are no other costs for hotels or food (except for the fact that I need to be gluten and dairy free, so I bring some special stuff for myself), the amount you pay for this is a steal!! 5 nights in a hotel type room, all your meals and snacks provided, 4 full days of classes with the best in the biz, being part of a stage production and making friends for life... it is totally worth every penny.
2. Face Painting workshops and conventions - Thus far, I have mainly invested in full day face painting workshops rather than conventions. You can occasionally find something within a day trip to do workshops with people like Nick and Brian Wolfe (of Evil Twin FX), Mark Reid, Marcella Murad or many other fantastic painters. If you can afford to travel and spend a little more, there are conventions like FABA in Florida where you'll find many more instructors in one place and multiple classes and competitions. You'll be paying a lot though for conventions since there is not only the admission fees but hotel and food expenses as well... not to mention travelling to Florida.
3. Balloon Twisting classes and conventions - I've found these to be a little harder to come by since so many balloon classes seem to be at the beginner level. There are a couple of conventions I believe, but I've been sticking to mostly day trips for classes so far. You can look up things like Twist & Shout or there seems to be a long list here.
4. www.Balloon-Animals.com - there are a lot of great videos on this website to get you started if you've never twisted before or if you're stuck on single balloon creations. I love his style and find his balloons to fit well with my cute style. There are many other twisters online as well, some of them more elaborate in other ways, but you need to find things that you like the looks of for your style of twisting. Sometimes just watching someone else do something a certain way will give you an idea for how to make up your own version too.
5. FABA tv - I haven't started watching it myself yet, but there are many face painting videos online too.
6. Look for classes on the skills you want! - Keep your eyes open at local community centres, colleges, etc. for classes on public speaking, music, puppetry, kid's crafts... whatever you want to learn to improve your craft. Just keep on learning everything you can, you never know where it might take you.
Keep Smiling :D
Perry Noia the Scaredy Clown
Sunday, 16 October 2011
Cold season is coming
One thing that is a problem for every small business owner is illness. This is especially a problem as an entertainer though. What do you do when a little cold medicine isn't enough to get you back to your tip top shape?
First and foremost, don't go to a party when you cannot represent your business at its best. A runny clown nose is gross. Unless it is part of your character, a silent clown isn't much fun at a party. And if you aren't feeling well, your show is going to suck. I hate to say it, but I've learned these things the hard way.
Have a list of other people you can call. I there isn't another clown available, at least try and find another face painter, balloon twister, magician or other entertainer to fill in for you.
Call your client and clear it with them. Let them know personally that you are sick and express your sincere regrets that you won't be able to come yourself but that you have found a replacement if it's alright with them. Don't just send someone without talking to the client first.
If you cannot find a replacement, you need to at the very least offer their deposit back. You can't charge them anything if you cancel no matter how much preparations you may have made. If they cancel, you are out of work and need to be compensated but if you cancel, they are already losing out on entertainment for their party and should not be expected to pay anything. (I hope this goes without saying but you never know)
Another thing that I hope goes without saying is try not to do this often and ONLY when you are really sick. It's not a way to skip work. If you wanted the day off them you shouldn't have booked it to begin with. Once you have said you will be there, only extreme circumstances should stop you from being there. A better paying gig is no excuse either.
Take lots of vitamin C,
Perry Noia the Scaredy Clown
First and foremost, don't go to a party when you cannot represent your business at its best. A runny clown nose is gross. Unless it is part of your character, a silent clown isn't much fun at a party. And if you aren't feeling well, your show is going to suck. I hate to say it, but I've learned these things the hard way.
Have a list of other people you can call. I there isn't another clown available, at least try and find another face painter, balloon twister, magician or other entertainer to fill in for you.
Call your client and clear it with them. Let them know personally that you are sick and express your sincere regrets that you won't be able to come yourself but that you have found a replacement if it's alright with them. Don't just send someone without talking to the client first.
If you cannot find a replacement, you need to at the very least offer their deposit back. You can't charge them anything if you cancel no matter how much preparations you may have made. If they cancel, you are out of work and need to be compensated but if you cancel, they are already losing out on entertainment for their party and should not be expected to pay anything. (I hope this goes without saying but you never know)
Another thing that I hope goes without saying is try not to do this often and ONLY when you are really sick. It's not a way to skip work. If you wanted the day off them you shouldn't have booked it to begin with. Once you have said you will be there, only extreme circumstances should stop you from being there. A better paying gig is no excuse either.
Take lots of vitamin C,
Perry Noia the Scaredy Clown
Sunday, 25 September 2011
Adding Other Services
The birthday party business has its busy periods and not so busy periods through the year. It seems odd because kids are born year round, but winter parties seem to be less in demand (at least in my area of the world). It may be a different time of year in your area, but the fact remains that there are slower periods and you may want to fill in those gaps by adding other services to your business. Here are examples of a couple of things that I've added and comments on making these things worthwhile for your pocketbook.
Costumed Singing Telegrams - I usually do this as a chicken, but I also offer a clown as an option too. I make a large balloon sculpture (like the birthday cake in the video below or a bouquet of balloon flowers) and show up to sing/cluck Happy Birthday to them in front of all their friends (usually at work). The whole thing takes about 5 to 10 minutes with pictures and stuff.
Holiday Elf - yes, I know a lot of clowns like to dress as an elf for the holidays. It's fun for holiday events to be sure, but I've also added another service. I get a copy of kids' letters to Santa and write them a customized letter back. I try to make it as personal as possible, commenting on the letter, on what they are asking for and try to find out something about their family/home life to comment on as well (like "be extra nice to your little brother, Jack" or "don't forget to feed your cat, Fluffy"). This can be for individual kids at home or a whole classroom of kids all at once. I'll sing some carols and read Santa stories as well on these visits.
Monetizing this kind of thing - Yes, these visits are a lot shorter than your average party. As a result, you can't use your regular hourly rates as a comparison for the amount to charge or you'll put yourself out of business in gas and wear yourself out running all over creation. These are not the kind of services that you will market towards cheapskates.... these are premium services for people with money for extras or corporate situations. I've had workplaces hire me directly to do a chicken-o-gram for a manager. Private schools and daycares may have the extra funds for special things to do with their class for elf deliveries where an individual family might not spend that kind of money. These are also services that can be hired during the week while we, as clowns, are usually only hired on weekends. You'll notice if you look at my prices for these services though, that I have to charge almost as much as my hourly rate for one of these visits... while the visit itself is maybe 5 or 10 minutes, when you add in my driving there, costume costs (wear and tear, makeup, etc), and material costs, the expenses are almost the same as one hour of regular work anyway.
Have fun and be creative!!
Perry Noia the Scaredy Clown :D
Costumed Singing Telegrams - I usually do this as a chicken, but I also offer a clown as an option too. I make a large balloon sculpture (like the birthday cake in the video below or a bouquet of balloon flowers) and show up to sing/cluck Happy Birthday to them in front of all their friends (usually at work). The whole thing takes about 5 to 10 minutes with pictures and stuff.
Monetizing this kind of thing - Yes, these visits are a lot shorter than your average party. As a result, you can't use your regular hourly rates as a comparison for the amount to charge or you'll put yourself out of business in gas and wear yourself out running all over creation. These are not the kind of services that you will market towards cheapskates.... these are premium services for people with money for extras or corporate situations. I've had workplaces hire me directly to do a chicken-o-gram for a manager. Private schools and daycares may have the extra funds for special things to do with their class for elf deliveries where an individual family might not spend that kind of money. These are also services that can be hired during the week while we, as clowns, are usually only hired on weekends. You'll notice if you look at my prices for these services though, that I have to charge almost as much as my hourly rate for one of these visits... while the visit itself is maybe 5 or 10 minutes, when you add in my driving there, costume costs (wear and tear, makeup, etc), and material costs, the expenses are almost the same as one hour of regular work anyway.
Have fun and be creative!!
Perry Noia the Scaredy Clown :D
Wednesday, 14 September 2011
My NEW YouTube Channel
I needed to change things around a bit with email addresses and such... as a result, I've had to move my YouTube channel to a different spot. The old one will stay up there for now so you can still watch all that stuff, but new stuff from now on will be posted to the new channel.
Thanks!!
Perry Noia the Scaredy Clown :oD
Thanks!!
Perry Noia the Scaredy Clown :oD
Sunday, 4 September 2011
Putting out feelers about classes in Windsor
I am thinking about offering to share some of the things that I have learned through my experiences as a clown the past few years. But before I start trying to pick a date and book somewhere to do it, I need to know if anyone would even think about coming.
The subjects that I feel confident that I could offer are:
Intermediate Balloons (Monkey in a tree, Super Hero/Ninja, Birthday Cake, Penguin...)
Approaching Uneasy Children
Beginner/Intermediate Face Painting (I'm certainly not the Wolfe Bros. but maybe some feel intimidated or financially unable to attend those?)
Applying Clown Makeup
Marketing your clown on a shoestring budget
If any of these would interest you, please comment below with which one you think you might like and what days are easiest for you. If you want to see the kind of balloons and face painting that I can do and hope to share, you can look on my website at www.perrynoia.ca
The subjects that I feel confident that I could offer are:
Intermediate Balloons (Monkey in a tree, Super Hero/Ninja, Birthday Cake, Penguin...)
Approaching Uneasy Children
Beginner/Intermediate Face Painting (I'm certainly not the Wolfe Bros. but maybe some feel intimidated or financially unable to attend those?)
Applying Clown Makeup
Marketing your clown on a shoestring budget
If any of these would interest you, please comment below with which one you think you might like and what days are easiest for you. If you want to see the kind of balloons and face painting that I can do and hope to share, you can look on my website at www.perrynoia.ca
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