March Fan Of The Month - Amanda B. From Oklahoma

Comedy Hypnotist Rusty Z’s March Fan Of The Month is Amanda B. Amanda had a great time watching her fellow students at Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, OK get hypnotized and put on quite an entertaining show. Thanks, Amanda, and all of the NSU students and staff!

How To Not Have A Crappy Company Party - Part 2 Sound Systems And Microphones

"What did he say?” That’s something you don’t want to hear at your company party or conference. And it’s what you hear when the sound system is inadequate. Here’s a secret: You know those speakers up in the ceiling at hotel ballrooms where most company parties are held? (The meetings aren’t held up in the ceiling, that’s where the speakers are.) Most of them are worthless. Unless your ears face upward. Which would be really annoying in the rain.

I’ve entertained as both a comedian and hypnotist at hundreds of company parties and conferences and association meetings and, as Bob Hope would say, “I wanna tell ya,” the P.A. System can make or break the entire affair. If people can’t hear or if they have a hard time understanding what the speakers and entertainers are saying, they’ll tune out.

So what do you do? For smaller groups within driving distance, I bring my own sound system. It’s adequate to 100 to 200 people and as a bonus, the client can have music during dinner and before and after my show.

When I’m traveling, I usually bring my wireless microphone (although I still make sure that there is a backup corded mic available) and Virtual Soundman remote cueing system. Then I know I’ll have the handheld mic I’m familiar with and no one will have to cue my music.

But, we still need a sound amplification system and speakers. These can be rented from music stores, DJ equipment retailers and live sound support companies like ACA Audio in Denver. For about $150 a day you can rent a system that will cover a medium-sized hotel ballroom filled with 200 to 300 people. Of course, larger systems will run a bit more.

Another alternative is to hire a professional disc jockey like I-Mix Mobile DJ (see post below) in Albuquerque or Sweetness and Company in Denver, Colorado. That way, for a little more scratch, you’ll get great sound, your choice of music and someone who knows how the sound system works. Usually, lighting (more on that later) is included.

When I do my comedy or hypnosis show for your company, I’ll be happy help guide you through the maze of live sound reinforcement. Here’s to your successful and audible event! (Whether you hold it in a hotel ballroom ceiling or someplace else.)

Marketing Tip - Drizzle A Little Chocolate On Your Product

Last night I went to my local gelato shop Berry Ocean to treat myself to a frosty dessert. The flavor I opted for was panna panna which has a light, creamy flavor with little chocolate drizzled on top. As I ate my frozen goodie, I talked to Brandon, the gelato-scooper guy about the different flavors which ranged from mango/green chili (hey, it’s New Mexico) to, well, panna panna. I wanted to know which flavors were the best or worst sellers. From what I gathered, strawberry and chocolate move quickly while panna panna moved slowly. Moved slowly, that is, until the management had the idea to drizzle the plain white frozen tundra looking landscape of the panna panna with a little chocolate syrup. Now the stuff is flying out of the freezer case. And the public is loving it!

So if you have a great product or service that just isn’t doing as well as it should, drizzle a little chocolate on it.

When I decided to become a comedy hypnotist, I went to several other stage hypnotist’s shows. Most were pretty bland and generic. I knew that I didn’t want to be like them. I wanted to drizzle a little chocolate on my act. So, to sweeten up my hypnosis act product, I decided to drizzle on some of my stand up comedy experience and for good measure, add my lounge hipster persona maraschino cherry on top. So far, my instincts have worked out nicely. I may not get the gigs from the customers who are price shopping and will settle for a generic hypnotist, but I do find myself working for forward thinking clients with a vision. And that’s how I want it.

By the way, if you’re ever in Albuquerque, stop by Berry Ocean. Try the mango/green chili, the panna panna and all of their great flavors. Maybe, if you ask, you’ll get a maraschino cherry on top!

February Fan Of The Month - DJ Carlos M

February’s Fan of the Month is Carlos M. from I-MIX MOBILE DJ.  Besides being a fantastic DJ and MC, Carlos was a great help to me with my live sound at a recent corporate show in Albuquerque, NM. If you’re planning an event in New Mexico and need a DJ, contact Carlos. Of course, if you need a comedy hypnotist, contact me, Rusty Z.