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Archive for July, 2010

Some Real Magic: “Synthesis” Performed by Magic’s Royal Duke Sammy Cortino World Record Challenge

30 Jul

"Synthesis" World Record Challenge August 6, 2010

Isn’t it time for something new, fresh and fun?! How about establishing a brand new World Record? I’m hearing a lot of folks talk about “magic” methods, biz systems, and how things have worked like it — how about adding some real magic to your day — in just 90-seconds?!

Here’s the scoop, and how to do that…

Magic’s Royal Duke Sammy Cortino is presenting his card manipulation challenge — “Synthesis”:

Event to be held on Friday, August 6 1:30-2:30PM EDT; “Synthesis” performed at 2PM EDT, from Facebook and in-person at the Julian G. Whitener Municipal Building in downtown Hickory, NC and streaming live on Facebook…

Sammy’s “Synthesis” is a combo of Houdini’s old sleight of hand techniques, presented in new way, as a ‘stunt,’ in Houdini’s style… the challenge will be officiated by the Honorable Mayor Rudy Wright.

“Synthesis” details: Sammy’s World Record Challenge is manipulating 300 cards (almost 6 decks of playing cards, 5 1/2″ high, stacked), blindfolded, with both hands. It is rare to be able to manipulate cards equally well with both hands — almost unheard of, in fact… very few on record as able to do this.

*This is a “Thank you” to Hickory for everything, as Sammy launches his Magic career onto a new level, in this next year!

*This is a Global Celebration, event streaming L-I-V-E —  Everyone is invited! We have been and are harnessing the social and new media, as well as the traditional…

*If you miss the event, hi-def vid will be uploaded to YouTube — catch it any time: http://youtube.com/SammyCortino

Key Points in Sammy’s magic career:

At the age of 12, Sammy was inducted into the International Brotherhood of Magicians. Seigfried & Roy, Lance Burton and Terry Evanswood signed his application, and all have served to inspire Sammy’s performances. He has remained in contact with them.

Sammy is a member of London’s Magic Circle. He holds a Doctor of Magic degree, conferred by the International Magicians’ Society, the world’s largest magician’s society.

First stage show at Hickory Community Theatre at age 14…

Broyhill Civic Center Grand Illusion Show in ’06

Hayes Performing Arts Center ’07

Appalachian State University show in ’08

Sammy has been actively involved Frye Regional Medical Center’s Charlie’s Chaplains Hospital Creative Arts Ministry since 1997, performing simple tricks to brighten the patients’ days and empowering them by having them participate (as possible) in the performance. He serves as Assistant Coordinator of the ministry, since 2004: http://CharliesChaplains.blogspot.com

At 21, Sammy is a rising senior at Appalachian State University, where he studies broadcast.

Magic’s Royal Duke Sammy Cortino: http://www.SammyCortino.com

Recent Media Blitz Interviews, over the last 3 weeks:

Fox-Charlotte “Fox News Rising” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gwW7Oga_edA

NBC-WCNC “Charlotte Today” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7utOWkTxm4o

Hickory Daily Record: http://www2.hickoryrecord.com/content/2010/jul/28/illusionist-will-try-make-300-cards-disappear-and-/

This is a Global event, streaming live! What time in the world will this event be for you?

World Clock Time+Date Converter: http://timeanddate.com/worldclock/

World Clock Time Converter: http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/converter.html

Hope to see you there!

 

Gracie ‘Gets It.’

14 Jul
BeckyCortino.com Customer Service CommunicationIn most small businesses and service organizations, employees operate on the front lines of customer service, directly interfacing with the customer. They are the official company representative for your business. They are the smiling face and friendly voice your customer sees and hears first.

One of the best examples of this is the wait staff in a restaurant. Everyone knows if they received good service — or not, although some customers come in with their troubles of the day, or expectations that may never been met by any human effort. Regardless of how they arrive at the dining establishment, a professional, service-minded staff will seek to allay those troubles and provide a satisfactory dining experience for their patrons.

Key elements of excellent customer service:

  • Knows the product inside and out. If never experienced personally, is attuned to customer feedback to advise accordingly.
  • Builds relationships and a loyal following by a strong bond with the customer, forged through good communication skills, empathy for others and by placing the customer as their number one concern.
  • Knows how to help solve problems as they arise; while adeptly aware how and when to upsell, as appropriate.
  • Makes doing business or receiving the product or service “easy” for the customer. Takes a proactive approach to serving the customer, by applying the leeway given to them to “make it right,” providing a satisfactory shopping or dining experience.

Customer Service and how the customer is treated on behalf of your business or establishment is important any time, but especially when business isn’t so great — wouldn’t you agree?

Keeping the business coming to you in the form of loyal customers is far easier and much less expensive in the long-run, than having to constantly develop new business and attract new customers on an ongoing basis.

Gracie ‘Gets it.’ Do you?

 

The Digital Handshake: Proven Strategies to Grow Your Business Using Social Media

12 Jul

I had the opp to interview Internet Social Media Consultant Paul Chaney soon after the release of his book The Digital Handshake: Proven Strategies to Grow Your Business Using Social Media. I found his insight to realistic, on-target, resonating with my Social Media applications and philosophies.

Paul’s book is an easy-read, and one of the clearest presentations I’ve seen on the topic of Social Media and using it effectively to communicate. This SlideShare presentation summarizes the main points…

 

Magic’s Royal Duke Sammy Cortino to Set Card Manipulation World Record

07 Jul

An August 6, 2010 attempt: Magic’s Royal Duke Sammy Cortino will set the world record for manipulating the most cards in 90 seconds: 300. Cortino will be blindfolded and manipulate cards with both hands. This routine is inspired by Harry Houdini’s early sleight of hand work and performed in the style of the stunts that brought the illusionist international notoriety.

Join us at the event in person, or streaming L-I-V-E on Facebook!

For more detailsclick on this link (here)

Stay tuned for insight on behind-the-scenes of setting up a special event like this, on: communications, public relations, media work…