Business card – got one?
Hi Dave – I’ve decided to order business cards. I was wondering exactly what information to include. I was thinking phone number, email, and website. I was wondering if there was anything else or if there was a reason not to include my address. – K.S.
Hey K.S. – I’m always surprised at how many self-proclaimed professional comedians or humorous speakers don’t have business cards. Maybe it seems like a relic from the past – like sending a videotape instead of a DVD or YouTube link – but it’s still an important promotional tool.
How is anyone going to know you’re out there and available for gigs if you don’t promote yourself? Unless you’re a known headliner, have a Comedy Central special, or a big-time agent pushing for you, you have to make an impression to get noticed. And I’m talking even before you get an audition or showcase to make your impression through a live performance. Your promotion is what gets your foot in the door.
Like I said in my book Comedy FAQs And Answers: They may call it amateur night, but nobody’s looking to hire an amateur.
Memorize that – because it’s true.
I’m not going to get into all the different methods and ways to promote yourself or even talk about auditions since that’s not what your question is about. Let’s talk business cards.
I write a lot about networking and being part of your area’s comedy scene. If you’re out there, you never know who you’re gonna meet that could actually help your career. But are you always prepared to take advantage of it?
Don’t call us
We’ll call you??
There are comedians who come to The Improv and talk with me about the workshops, how to audition, or the best way to send in a promo video. Then instead of leaving a business card they’ll say, “Let me give you my email address,” (or you can substitute “phone number” or “website” or “Facebook page,” etc…). They expect ME or one of the other managers to write it down – or they ask for a bar napkin or scrap of paper to scribble out the info.
Are they nuts or what?? There’s no way I’d take someone like that seriously. Sorry but in the back of my head I’m thinking, “Amateur…”
Or worse yet, they just tell me their name and say, “I’ll send you a DVD” or “Keep me in mind when the club does a showcase.”
Sorry, but I suck at remembering names. In fact, right now I have this woman bugging me while I’m trying to write this. Oh man… what’s her name? I should remember since I’m married to her…
Get the idea?
When someone like a talent booker or event planner deals with a LOT of comedians and humorous speakers, give them the BEST and EASIEST opportunity to remember who you are and how to get in touch with you. Business cards are not a relic from the past or uncool to hand out. In fact, it’s an important part of doing business – if you’re serious about it.
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(Page 70 – Business Cards!)
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Another example, just last night a young comedian dropped off a DVD for possible work at the club. Instead of an unreadable name and phone number scribbled in marker on the DVD (which I see all too often), he had a professional looking business card in the plastic cover. That won’t mean he’ll get hired or even get a showcase – talent and experience will determine that – but it certainly gives the image of being serious about his career.
Remember – nobody wants to hire an amateur.
So to finally answer your question, a business card should include your name, what you do (comedian and/or speaker, etc…), the best way(s) to contact you, and where potential clients can see your video and promo material:
Phone
Website
Facebook, LinkedIn or other (website is more professional)
A good idea is to design your business card to stand out from the competition. A photo of yourself or a logo will work. But if you (or a friend) have experience doing this, the idea is to have a business card that’s so unique and interesting and basically sooo cool - the people you give it to will actually keep it, rather than eventually tossing it away or losing it in a drawer.
I know that’s tough to do – and I’m still trying to come up with a design that fits my definition of sooo cool. But it’s always a goal.
If nothing else, go on a website that offers inexpensive business cards (there are plenty – but for a suggestion try VistaPrint) design one or two with different looks, and never leave home without them. You can always change or update them later (cuz they’re inexpensive and sometimes free), but if you’re serious about this business you have to take promoting and networking seriously.
When you make a contact a business card makes it clear who you are and just as important, how they can get in touch with you. There’s nothing amateur about that.
Word of warning: Never put your address on your business card or any promotional material. You don’t know who will wind up with this stuff and the last thing you need is some wacko stalking you, (I’ve known this to happen – especially with female comedians and speakers).
If you feel potential clients should know where you’re located for hiring purposes, just use the largest city near you. I say I’m in Cleveland – but actually don’t live all that close to the city. It’s nearby enough to get there in a hurry if someone calls and wants to hire me for a last-minute area speaking gig. That’s a good enough reason for me to say I live in Cleveland, (because it’s certainly not the sports teams!).
Amateurish? Not when a business card can make it easy to find you and hire you. It’s called being a professional.
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Dave Schwensen is the author of How To Be A Working Comic: An Insider’s Business Guide To A Career In Stand-Up Comedy, Comedy FAQs And Answers: How The Stand-Up Biz Really Works, and Comedy Workshop: Creating & Writing Comedy Material for Comedians & Humorous Speakers.
For information about these books, comedy workshops at The Cleveland Improv, and private coaching for comedians and speakers in person, by phone or via Skype visit www.TheComedyBook.com
Copyright 2013 – North Shore Publishing
