{"id":8220,"date":"2025-12-13T15:06:01","date_gmt":"2025-12-13T20:06:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thecomedybook.com\/?p=8220"},"modified":"2025-12-14T13:27:17","modified_gmt":"2025-12-14T18:27:17","slug":"business-card-got-one","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thecomedybook.com\/index.php\/2025\/12\/13\/business-card-got-one\/","title":{"rendered":"Business card – got one?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Hi Dave \u2013 I\u2019ve decided to order business cards. I was wondering what information I should include. I was thinking phone number, email, and website. Is there anything else I need, or any reason not to include my address? \u2013 K.S.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Could use more info…<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n

Hey K.S. \u2013 Great decision. I\u2019m always surprised how many comedians or performers still<\/em> don\u2019t have business cards. Maybe they think it\u2019s a relic from the past\u2014like mailing out DVDs instead of sending a link\u2014but a business card is still an important promotional tool.<\/p>\n

How is anyone supposed to know you\u2019re out there and available for gigs if you don\u2019t promote yourself? Unless you\u2019re already a known comic, have a Comedy Central special, or a big-time agent pushing for you, you need to be prepared to handle the business side of your career.<\/p>\n

Of course, the first<\/em> step in any business is to be so good on stage that people want to see you again. That comes from writing, performing, then repeating the process countless times. But once you\u2019re ready to move forward, promotion becomes a major part of your plan. It helps you take advantage of opportunities that can lead to showcases and paying gigs.<\/p>\n

Promotion gets your foot in the door. Talent, hard work, and dedication are what get you hired. As I say in my book Comedy FAQs and Answers<\/em><\/strong><\/a>:<\/p>\n

They may call it amateur night, but nobody\u2019s looking to hire an amateur.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Memorize that\u2014it\u2019s true.<\/p>\n

Now, your question wasn\u2019t about showcases or all the ways to promote yourself, so let\u2019s talk specifically about business cards.<\/p>\n

I write a lot about networking and being part of your local comedy scene because you never know who you\u2019ll meet\u2014someone who could genuinely help your career. But are you prepared when that moment happens?<\/p>\n

\"\"

My latest<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n

Back when I worked at The Improv, comedians would often ask how to get an audition or how to submit a video. Then, instead of handing over a business card, they\u2019d say, \u201cLet me give you my email,\u201d and expect a manager to write it down\u2014or they\u2019d start searching for a bar napkin to scribble on.<\/p>\n

Were they nuts? That\u2019s not how you make a professional impression. And in my head, every time someone did that, I\u2019d think: \u201cAmateur\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Even worse, some comics would just give their name and say, \u201cI\u2019ll send you my link,\u201d or \u201cKeep me in mind for showcases.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sorry, but I\u2019m terrible with names. Honestly, there\u2019s a woman interrupting me right now while I\u2019m trying to write this. Her name escapes me\u2026 I should remember it\u2014we\u2019re married.<\/p>\n

Get the idea?<\/strong><\/p>\n

People like talent bookers, event planners, and club managers deal with a lot<\/em> of names. Make it easy for them to remember you and contact you. Business cards aren\u2019t outdated or uncool. They\u2019re a simple, effective professional tool.<\/p>\n

So to finally answer your question:<\/p>\n

Your business card should include:<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \n
  • Your name<\/strong><\/li>\n
  • What you do<\/strong> (comedian, speaker, etc.)<\/li>\n
  • Your best contact info<\/strong>\n
      \n
    • Phone<\/li>\n
    • Email<\/li>\n
    • Website (with video and promo materials)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      If you have a blog, newsletter, or podcast that supports your career and is actually interesting<\/em>, you can include that link too.<\/p>\n