From: "Joseph A. Owens" <vwidiot@idcomm.com> To: <hrthrob@pacbell.net>, <balloon@fooledya.com> Subject: Re: Restaurant work Date: Mon, 17 May 1999 20:31:55 -0600 I think this post is the sanest one regarding this subject. I recently bought your book "Marvelous miniatures" and to be honest, I found it to be too basic for me but I can still glean a few things from it. (I love the hair on the dolls) Overall though, I would recommend your book to an ambitious beginner. Nicely done, well written and clear diagrams. It's hard to buy a book over the net.(or from a catalog for that matter) I would like suggestions on what book would be the best for a twister of advanced skill. My weakest points have to be hats and improv. Any suggestions are welcome. Thanks! Uklear Joe Denver CO The plutonium trigger capitol of the world >When I approached the manager, I told him that I had two goals, to >increase their business and to increase my business for clowning and >twisting. The restaurant pays me for 2 hours of twisting. I approach >every table and offer complimentary balloon creations. > >If they ask how much (and they do) I tell them that the restuarant has >hired me to entertain all their dinner customers on Saturday nights. I >make some one balloon creations but mostly fast two or three balloon >designs (mostly 160s). > >Most people ask for my card. They like my entertainment and since the >restaurant has hired me, they are more interested in also hiring me. >Because I am on the restaurant's "payroll" while I am there, I do not >quote any prices when asked how much (frequently) but tell them to call >me. > >If people offer me a tip, I first say it is not necessary but do accept >tips if they insist. I don't hang around the table waiting. Often people >find me and hand me a tip and that is a nice signal for the new table to >also tip. > >Some nights, I barely make it around the restaurant in two hours. Other >nights I am able to visit some sections more than once. > >I bring 6-9 sample creations and display them in the lobby along with a >sign that says "Balloons By Linda (or Heart Throb), (smaller type) For >display only, please do not handle, (larger type)Balloons >Sculpted Tableside for Dinner Customers 7 - 9 p.m. > >The display works in several ways. First it tells the regulars that I am >working. Second it shows a bit of my variety and gives people a idea of >what to request. Third, if I can't get to a table, the manager gives >them one of the samples. At the end of the evening, I give the samples >to the staff or take them home (I made them on my own time before I >start working) and sell them at my Sunday morning gigs. > >I don't make my most time-consuming creations but will make something >special for a birthday or other special event. People come back >regularly for the food and the balloon entertainment. > >I am paid a very nice wage for the two hour personal marketing effort. >And I get lots of attention and applause every Saturday. And most >importantly, I get lots and lots of bookings from restaurant customers. > >The tips are just the frosting on the cake. > >Linda Berman/Heart Throb The Clown >http://www.wizvax.net/smiles/HTHROB.HTM >author of "Marvelous Miniatures" and "More Marvelous Miniatures" (avail >soon) books using 160s for intermediate twisters >