I think it is important to ask yourself seriously…

Why are you trying to become a comedian? But before you do…

Let me just cut right to the chase and tell you what perspective I am going to approach this question from.

I come from the perspective that stand-up comedy is a business. Your stand-up comedy act is a product for sale.

That’s the way Hollywood looks at it. That’s the way comedy clubs look at it. That’s the way corporations, cruise ships and resorts look at it.

Seems to me that this is how you should look at it too.

When you go into show business (which is actually what speaking professionals do but don’t realize it), you are in business for yourself.

I will always tell you that your absolute BEST marketing tool is your stand-up comedy act. The funnier you are, the better the performing opportunities that you can command and the greater income you can achieve.

I will also tell you that if you have a “blue” or profane act, still it must be hilarious and you had better know how to swim through the “comedy club network” because that’s where you are going to be for awhile.

There is no higher paying gig work for folks who have a blue act. Your “big shot” is Las Vegas comedy clubs, TV and movies.

Low end cruise ship work can pay $1500 for a single 45 minute show. I know because I’ve done it. I’ve done numerous corporate events that paid $500-$600 for a 15 minute show.

But no matter what approach you are taking with your stand-up comedy act…

It is still a business. You can approach it like most comedians do, ignore the business end of comedy then gripe and complain about how you aren’t getting anywhere or…

You can pull up your big girl panties and treat your business like a business.

What I am going to share with you next is for those who already have an act—a tight, solid 20+ minute act that consistently averages 4-6 laughs per minute every minute you are on stage.

Here’s a basic starter list of things you should be looking at right now in terms of your future comedy business and reaching your stand-up comedy goals if you are serious about a stand-up comedy career:

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The bottom line is this:

If you don’t treat your business like a business, you aren’t going to get very far no matter how funny you are.

Businesses fail because they don’t generate enough income. Your stand-up comedy business will fail if you don’t generate enough income from your business.

I plan to talk extensively about how you can use the Internet to develop your fan base and how to use your Internet presence for income generation.

This post started with this question:

Why are you trying to become a comedian?

If it is simply a hobby for you, then what I have just presented is pretty much useless.

But for those who are serious about a show business career…

Make no mistake—the Internet is the vehicle that will ultimately impact your stand-up comedy career and your income.

That and a bit of business knowledge can take you a long way.

So, stay tuned. I’ve got some exciting stuff in store for you.

Cheers,
Steve Roye
The Professor of Funny for Money

About the Author/Founder of the SCP Blog


Steve Roye is the author of the Killer Stand-up Comedy System and is a globally recognized expert in the field of stand-up comedy material development and presentation strategies -- for entertainers as well as speaking professionals.

Please check out the Featured Articles page for direct links to articles on this blog for pro comedians, comedy entertainers, and speaking professionals.

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