A Business Approach to Being Funny

Comedy is an art form, but without approaching it like a business many "new" comics fail. So here are a few tips for those of you that are interested in giving it a shot.

Get on stage as much and as often as you can. This may sound obvious but too many new acts go up at the local comedy club on open mic night and never try other venues. It's so important for a new career to make as many contacts and friends in the Industry as possible.

It's also important to be respectful. Show the people that have paid their dues the respect they've earned. Now I don't mean that you should be kissing peoples butts or letting people treat you like dirt. I've know enough Comics to know that they aren't all nice and some of them can be down right hateful at times. Just let me tell you this, people remember how they are treated and I've seen some big names in comedy told never to return to a club because of something the Comic said or did.

Nothing in the entertainment business is more important than contacts and networking. The entertainment industry is small, the comedy business is smaller and mostly family run. The comedy club owner in Nashville is related to the comedy club owner in Florida and they are both best friends with the comedy club owner in Chicago. If you are good to work with and do a great show the owners will talk you up. On the flip side if you are a total jerk that news will travel faster than lightning.

I'm often asked, "How do I get a break?" I don't really think there is any such thing as a break. Most of the guys that are currently on top took a lot of risks. They went out and got what they wanted. They didn't wait for that "big" break. Dave Chappelle was making a name for himself in the local clubs in his area when he decided to go to the Montreal Comedy Festival. He didn't get invited so he wasn't on any of the lists to perform. He still managed to get on stage and captivate an audience. He also made a huge impression on the guy that was to become one of the industries biggest agents and later would be Dave's agent for many years.

One thing I can't stress enough is networking and having a mentor. More comedians succeed today because a "Bigger" name has taken them under their wing. Two of the more well know names in TV comedy Bobby Lee (Mad TV) and Josh Blue (Last Comic Standing) both got a big push in their careers touring with Carlos Mencia. Carlos is the type of guy that will give anyone a shot and is a big fan of going out and working for what you want. The other thing about Carlos that lacks in so many these days is his fierce loyalty to those that helped him when he was starting out. The promoter that took a risk and even a loss when Carlos did his first arena tour is the same guy that is reaping the rewards on his current "Mind of Mencia Tour".

I'm a behind the scenes person and I have no desire to step on stage. My perspective is all based on having worked with these people day-to-day. Nothing will help you if you don't have any talent. But if you have talent always remember there are other people out there that have talent too and the only thing that sets you apart is how you carry yourself. George Lopez has always worn a suit on stage. He always wanted to be a class act, a true entertainer. So he dressed for success even when he was making little money as an opening act. Brian Regan is a clean act. You can take your kids or your grandmother to see him and know that he won't use dirty words or talk about inappropriate things. Pablo Francisco is known for his sound effects. When you go to see these guys you know what you are getting. They are consistent and that is why they have such huge fan bases.

One a completely business side; treat the people that are working with you like human beings. Remember where you came from and don't let your head get bigger than the doors you need to walk though when opportunity knocks. If you treat your agent's assistant like a jerk be prepared for that assistant to forget to submit you on that "#1 show" that could make you into a household name. If you are telling a casting person how awful that director is, you should not expect to get any jobs working with them.

Your name and reputation means everything in this business. Those are the two things that are hard to build up and very easy to bring crashing down. They are very valuable and you should work to keep them keep clean. They are your brand and should be treated like the brass cup. Don't let them be tarnished. I saw a comedian lose a very big deal with one of the "Networks" years ago because he sold them his show based on his family. The show was all set to air when the Comedian announced on Howard Stern that he had an affair and was leaving his wife.

Just treat people like you want to be treated and never think you are above it all. Don't ever forget that they paid to see you…