The *Starbucks Solution by Jerry Lazar (proud member of Asher's Announcements)

I don't believe in ambushing strangers. However, nothing is more enjoyable than taking new pieces you've been working on (after they're ready for primetime) and performing them for unsuspecting strangers. Below is the exact approach I use, patter and all.

In my opinion, this is one of the better ways to venture out of your comfort zone to premiere new pieces. For instance, let's take a new card trick you want to try out for the first time.

Casually play with your deck of cards at the table in your local Starbucks. Don't be obnoxious or overly obvious, just do a few fancy things, like you're entertaining yourself. This inevitably catches the attention of nearby customers. The two nice things about Starbucks customers are they usually aren't racing off somewhere, or consumed in heavy business / romantic conversations. In short, they're 'ripe' for a bit of friendly disruption.

Wait for a moment where you see someone (close enough to you without getting up) looking at what you're doing. Turn to them (and the group they're with, if any) and specifically say, "Hey, let me show you something I'm playing with. I really wanna hear what you think." Flattery always works!

"It'll only take a second, and it is relatively painless." Humor goes a long way when performing for strangers too.

Notice my patter line is not overly mystical and I'm not coming on strong as a magician who's gonna fool them or mess with their head. I certainly don't come across as someone begging for spare change, but rather, my approach is a down-to-earth guy who wants to unobtrusively show them 'something cool and entertaining'.

The chances of them refusing you are almost zero.

Now engage them with the piece you're prepared to perform. That's it, you're in.

In the one percent chance case they say no, thank them anyway, sit back in your chair, and keep playing with your deck of cards. Remember, you still have 99 more chances to go.

*(Feel free to substitute Starbucks with Coffee Bean, Jamba Juice, Tim Hortons, Second Cup, YFB, etc.)

To read more about leaving your comfort zone and the 48 hour challenge, click here.