The Professional Magician

Phil Ackerly: Passion, Connection, Personalization

Cris Johnson Episode 127

#127 - WOW. That's the reaction I had after my interview Phil Ackerly. He's funny, creative, and a deep thinker about his magic. He's also big on personalization. You'll be amazed and delighted with everything Phil shares in this 60-minute+ interview!

Today's Trick Talk features Bill Abbott's Postcards From Paradise!

Below are notes, video links, and more from Phil's interview:

WEBSITE

www.MakePhilAppear.com

 

SHOP PAGE

www.Ackerly-Entertainment.com/shop

 

 

PERFORMANCE VIDEOS

 

OLD GLORY – My version of Mis-made Flag

https://vimeo.com/392637345

 

BLACKSTONE BUNNY – This will be explained in my lecture notes

https://vimeo.com/926990343

 

Multitasking – My Zig-Zag Routine

https://vimeo.com/147540126

 

Diversity 2020 – My News Tear Routine

https://vimeo.com/406272584

 

Heroes – My Gypsy Thread for Blue Star Moms Fundraiser

https://vimeo.com/147540126

 

 

PRODUCT VIDEOS

 

STAR OF THE SHOW

https://vimeo.com/950341920

 

CANDY MAN

https://vimeo.com/914633525

 

GHOST KNOTS

https://vimeo.com/makephilappear/bekosghost

 

13 RINGS

https://vimeo.com/928959750

 

RISING CARDS

https://vimeo.com/810001532

 



 

How I got started

 

1989

Travelin’ Magician Act – PCAM, SAM Award Winner, Magic Castle Close up Gallery

 

1992

Lay off from High Tech / Career Change

 

32 years full time - Busiest Performer in SF BAY AREA

 

Weekend Warrior – how do I manage 3-4 and sometimes 6 shows a day

 

Corporate and Private Shows – 

From a kids show in the morning to an adult birthday in the afternoon and corporate show on stage in the evening.

 

2021 Moved to No Nevada 2yrs ago – performing and now building products for magicians. Giving back to the magic community.

 

My sales approach – 

Ask Permission to Ask Question

Paint a Picture in their Minds

Selling is Performing

How do I respond when the first question they ask is How much you charge.

How I connect with the kids/parents upon arrival and during the show

 

My Three Pillars of Success – My Phil-osophy

Passion, Connection, Personalization

Personalizing – my niche

 

My Prized Routines

BirthDYE Surprise

Blackstone Bunny

13 Rings

Star of the Show

You Made the Front Page

Magical Message

Chicago Opener – my way

Royal Prediction

 

 

Always a Student

 



 

My coaches, mentors and influencers in Magic

Daryl

Patrick Martin

Ormond McGill

Bob Fitch

Tobias Beckwith, Jeff McBride, Larry Hass

Bruce Gold

Paul Burleson

Brian Nunez

Mike Stroud

Glenn Haywood

People on this episode