David Blaine and David Copperfield might be the most famous magicians today, but they may not be remembered in 100 years like the Great Houdini. And it has nothing to do with magic, and everything to do with publicity.
Magicians and publicists at the top of their games possess similar skill sets. They must know how to tell a story and sell the invisible, both need a hook to lure you in and they have to differentiate their act (or product) from competitors. No magician did this PR act better than Houdini, from the 19th century until even today.
If you want publicity for your business, put aside those MBA case studies and read up on Houdini. He turned his name into a global brand without any of the technology we have today. Houdini built up his name, town by town, by courting controversy, engaging in publicity stunts and using publicity tactics that still work today. This podcast explores how you can bring out the magician in your PR campaign.
