{"id":16101,"date":"2024-04-15T19:25:04","date_gmt":"2024-04-15T18:25:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/?p=16101"},"modified":"2024-04-29T17:55:53","modified_gmt":"2024-04-29T16:55:53","slug":"running-a-mentalist-business-ireland","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/blog\/running-a-mentalist-business-ireland\/","title":{"rendered":"The Life of a Mentalist in Ireland: Turning Magic into Business"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-vnqb42-61fd245271deb32d79d2ba10fa92d95e\">\n#top .av-special-heading.av-vnqb42-61fd245271deb32d79d2ba10fa92d95e{\npadding-bottom:10px;\n}\nbody .av-special-heading.av-vnqb42-61fd245271deb32d79d2ba10fa92d95e .av-special-heading-tag .heading-char{\nfont-size:25px;\n}\n.av-special-heading.av-vnqb42-61fd245271deb32d79d2ba10fa92d95e .av-subheading{\nfont-size:15px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='av-special-heading av-vnqb42-61fd245271deb32d79d2ba10fa92d95e av-special-heading-h1 blockquote modern-quote  avia-builder-el-0  el_before_av_image  avia-builder-el-first  av-linked-heading'><h1 class='av-special-heading-tag'  itemprop=\"headline\"  >The Life of a Mentalist in Ireland: Turning Magic into Business<\/h1><div class=\"special-heading-border\"><div class=\"special-heading-inner-border\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-k2xdybux-230e27a254cda97e82c666b20798c6cd\">\n.avia-image-container.av-k2xdybux-230e27a254cda97e82c666b20798c6cd img.avia_image{\nbox-shadow:none;\n}\n.avia-image-container.av-k2xdybux-230e27a254cda97e82c666b20798c6cd .av-image-caption-overlay-center{\ncolor:#ffffff;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='avia-image-container av-k2xdybux-230e27a254cda97e82c666b20798c6cd av-styling- avia-align-center  avia-builder-el-1  el_after_av_heading  el_before_av_textblock '   itemprop=\"image\" itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\" ><div class=\"avia-image-container-inner\"><div class=\"avia-image-overlay-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" class='wp-image-16154 avia-img-lazy-loading-not-16154 avia_image ' src=\"https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Pawal-Szustak-20220930_156-scaled.jpg\" alt='pawal szustak 20220930 156' title='shane-black-mentalist-promo-shot'  height=\"2560\" width=\"1703\"  itemprop=\"thumbnailUrl\" srcset=\"https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Pawal-Szustak-20220930_156-scaled.jpg 1703w, https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Pawal-Szustak-20220930_156-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Pawal-Szustak-20220930_156-685x1030.jpg 685w, https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Pawal-Szustak-20220930_156-768x1154.jpg 768w, https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Pawal-Szustak-20220930_156-1022x1536.jpg 1022w, https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Pawal-Szustak-20220930_156-1363x2048.jpg 1363w, https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Pawal-Szustak-20220930_156-998x1500.jpg 998w, https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Pawal-Szustak-20220930_156-469x705.jpg 469w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1703px) 100vw, 1703px\" \/><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<section  class='av_textblock_section av-39j46m-3ce6d6c64e5e0dbdf10dd15e565d65f3'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BlogPosting\" itemprop=\"blogPost\" ><div class='avia_textblock av_inherit_color'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p>The first time I successfully performed a mentalism trick, the reaction was unforgettable\u2014a look of total shock and awe, as if I had just walked on water. It was intoxicating. What started as a simple parlour trick quickly spiralled into an obsession, not just with wowing people, but with turning this passion into a viable gig.<\/p>\n<p>With over twenty years in the business, I\u2019ve learned that being a mentalist isn&#8217;t just about perfecting the craft of psychological intrigue and engaging audiences. Success in this field involves far more than the performance itself; it requires mastery of the entire operation\u2014from marketing and client relations to strategic business oversight. It\u2019s a journey of resilience and adaptability, where each aspect of the business is as crucial as the performance on stage.<\/p>\n<h2>A Day in the Life: The Not-So-Mystical Daily Grind<\/h2>\n<p><strong>Morning Workout Ritual:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Each morning begins with a decision: boxing, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/posts\/magicireland_bjjlife-herewegoagain-growthandgrit-activity-7160582004638384128-PjEw?utm_source=share&amp;utm_medium=member_desktop\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu<\/a>, or hitting the weights &#8211; because sometimes the toughest mind to read is my own, especially before coffee. It might sound like preparation for handling hecklers, but in reality, it&#8217;s about keeping my brain as sharp as my banter. Plus, it\u2019s essential to stay agile when your job involves dodging sceptical glances as much as it does creating awe. Mentalism demands acute concentration and mental agility\u2014qualities that are sharpened by physical discipline. These workouts help me maintain a sharp focus and a calm mind, ready to tackle the complex challenges of the day.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-16052 aligncenter\" src=\"http:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/bjj2-1.jpg\" alt=\"bjj2\" width=\"762\" height=\"507\" srcset=\"https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/bjj2-1.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/bjj2-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/bjj2-1-1030x686.jpg 1030w, https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/bjj2-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/bjj2-1-1536x1023.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/bjj2-1-1500x999.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/bjj2-1-705x470.jpg 705w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 762px) 100vw, 762px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Marketing That Connects:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>In this line of work, the best advertisement is the awe captured in an audience member&#8217;s eyes\u2014the moment they witness the impossible. This genuine astonishment is why I prioritise word-of-mouth referrals; nothing is more convincing than firsthand experience. Through my social media channels, I curate a collection of these unscripted, captivating moments, providing a window into the profound impact of each show. This visual showcase not only demonstrates the unique experiences I offer but also amplifies the natural power of word-of-mouth. Potential and past clients don&#8217;t just hear about the magic; they see it, feel it, and are drawn to experience it for themselves.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-16106\" src=\"http:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/marketing.jpg\" alt=\"marketing\" width=\"560\" height=\"560\" srcset=\"https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/marketing.jpg 600w, https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/marketing-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/marketing-80x80.jpg 80w, https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/marketing-36x36.jpg 36w, https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/marketing-180x180.jpg 180w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 560px) 100vw, 560px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Client Relations: Direct and Personal<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Maintaining a direct line to my clients is not just a preference\u2014it&#8217;s a cornerstone of my business philosophy. I handle all bookings personally, which is essential for more than just building trust; it ensures every detail is perfectly understood and no subtlety is lost. It&#8217;s true, there\u2019s a bit of added mystique when your mentalist is also your main point of contact\u2014it enhances the entire experience.<\/p>\n<p>This hands-on approach not only streamlines communications; it also allows me to meticulously tailor each performance. By directly engaging with clients, I gain valuable insights into the audience&#8217;s dynamics and the event&#8217;s atmosphere. This understanding allows me to customise my act to align closely with the client&#8217;s vision, ensuring each show is not only memorable but deeply resonant. The result is an experience that is perfectly suited to the occasion, making every performance uniquely impactful.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/David-McClelland-Opel-Event-131.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-16108\" src=\"http:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/David-McClelland-Opel-Event-131.jpg\" alt=\"Shane Black Corporate Magician and Mentalist\" width=\"985\" height=\"985\" srcset=\"https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/David-McClelland-Opel-Event-131.jpg 985w, https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/David-McClelland-Opel-Event-131-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/David-McClelland-Opel-Event-131-80x80.jpg 80w, https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/David-McClelland-Opel-Event-131-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/David-McClelland-Opel-Event-131-36x36.jpg 36w, https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/David-McClelland-Opel-Event-131-180x180.jpg 180w, https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/David-McClelland-Opel-Event-131-705x705.jpg 705w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 985px) 100vw, 985px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Prep Time: Deep Dive into Mentalism<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>My daily preparation is rigorous and varied. I devote time to creative thought, developing new ways to seamlessly integrate mentalism into various event themes and settings. This time is also spent reviewing feedback and notes from previous shows, studying advancements in psychology, and practising new techniques to keep my act fresh and engaging. Each session is an opportunity to refine my craft and ensure that I bring an innovative and captivating performance to every event.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-16114 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/practise.jpg\" alt=\"Mentalist &amp; Mindreader Shane Black shuffling cards\" width=\"1795\" height=\"1193\" srcset=\"https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/practise.jpg 1795w, https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/practise-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/practise-1030x685.jpg 1030w, https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/practise-768x510.jpg 768w, https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/practise-1536x1021.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/practise-1500x997.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/practise-705x469.jpg 705w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1795px) 100vw, 1795px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>The Real Magic of Business Management<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Behind the scenes of a mentalism show, there\u2019s a meticulous blend of art and science\u2014planning, preparation, and a touch of spontaneity. Running a show business in this unique field demands a keen understanding of both human psychology and the mechanics of entertainment. It&#8217;s about balancing logistical demands with captivating moments, ensuring everything from client bookings to the final act comes together seamlessly.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-16115 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/performing-mindreading.jpg\" alt=\"Wedding Magician and Corporate Magician Shane Black Performing Mind Reading\" width=\"1198\" height=\"799\" srcset=\"https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/performing-mindreading.jpg 1198w, https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/performing-mindreading-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/performing-mindreading-1030x687.jpg 1030w, https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/performing-mindreading-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/performing-mindreading-705x470.jpg 705w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1198px) 100vw, 1198px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Why Mentalism Matters<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>What sets mentalism apart isn\u2019t just the awe it inspires but the conversations it sparks and the memories it creates. In a world where digital distractions are everywhere, offering an experience that truly captivates and engages on a deeply personal level is not just entertainment\u2014it\u2019s a rare and valuable art.<\/p>\n<p>#Mentalism #EntrepreneurLife #IrishBusiness #EventEntertainment<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/magicireland\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-16104\" src=\"http:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Stay-in-the-loop.jpg\" alt=\"marketing\" width=\"691\" height=\"389\" srcset=\"https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Stay-in-the-loop.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Stay-in-the-loop-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Stay-in-the-loop-1030x579.jpg 1030w, https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Stay-in-the-loop-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Stay-in-the-loop-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Stay-in-the-loop-1500x844.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Stay-in-the-loop-705x397.jpg 705w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 691px) 100vw, 691px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Photo Credits:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>@davidmcclellandphotography<br \/>\n@dyltroy<br \/>\n@odeandarthur<br \/>\n@shane_turner_photo<br \/>\n@olgahoganphotography<br \/>\n@dermotbyrnephotography<br \/>\n@giveusagoo<br \/>\n@pawel.szustak.photography<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-ka81djpc-ef4bfa9355c791fa2adbf351a3d0d2ce\">\n.flex_column.av-ka81djpc-ef4bfa9355c791fa2adbf351a3d0d2ce{\n-webkit-border-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px;\n-moz-border-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px;\nborder-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px;\npadding:20px 20px 20px 20px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div class='flex_column av-ka81djpc-ef4bfa9355c791fa2adbf351a3d0d2ce av_one_full  avia-builder-el-3  el_after_av_textblock  avia-builder-el-last  first flex_column_div column-top-margin'     ><section  class='av_textblock_section av-kahznbg1-317b7f0418c4a61bf6a4aa1bd985a044'  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BlogPosting\" itemprop=\"blogPost\" ><div class='avia_textblock'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p><span style=\"color: #ff9900;\">\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-2mz90t-9e6361a1b3f2e2c8edef3c4ef1f09763\">\n.av_font_icon.av-2mz90t-9e6361a1b3f2e2c8edef3c4ef1f09763 .av-icon-char{\nfont-size:30px;\nline-height:30px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<span  class='av_font_icon av-2mz90t-9e6361a1b3f2e2c8edef3c4ef1f09763 avia_animate_when_visible av-icon-style- avia-icon-pos-left av-no-color avia-icon-animate'><a href='http:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/blog'  class='av-icon-char' aria-hidden='true' data-av_icon='\ue830' data-av_iconfont='entypo-fontello' ><\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<h3><a href=\"http:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/blog\"><span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">Back to blog.<\/span><\/a><\/h3>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Twenty years as a mentalist has given me not just the skills to read audiences but also equipped me with the expertise to run a business in this enthralling field. Discover the daily challenges that come with the territory. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":16157,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"none","_seopress_titles_title":"Insights into Running a Mentalist Business in Ireland | Personal Experiences","_seopress_titles_desc":"Discover how a mentalist in Ireland turns magic into a flourishing business. Learn the secrets to captivating audiences and mastering entrepreneurial skills.","_seopress_robots_index":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[9,8,15],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16101"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=16101"}],"version-history":[{"count":13,"href":"https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16101\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":16155,"href":"https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16101\/revisions\/16155"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/16157"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=16101"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=16101"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/shaneblack.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=16101"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}