{"id":8238,"date":"2025-12-19T12:26:47","date_gmt":"2025-12-19T17:26:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thecomedybook.com\/?p=8238"},"modified":"2025-12-19T12:26:47","modified_gmt":"2025-12-19T17:26:47","slug":"build-potential-clients-contact-list","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thecomedybook.com\/index.php\/2025\/12\/19\/build-potential-clients-contact-list\/","title":{"rendered":"Build Potential Clients Contact List"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong>Hi Dave \u2013 Speaking and comedy both sound like serious business. I\u2019m dead serious about the value of comedy in business \u2014 way more serious than folks who don\u2019t know how to laugh. How do I get those humorless folks to seriously see how silly it is to filter out fun from the expressions of ideas? How do I make it pay for me to show them how to make it pay for them? \u2013 R.W.<\/strong><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_8241\" style=\"width: 317px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8241\" class=\"wp-image-8241 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/thecomedybook.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Potential-Clients.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"307\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thecomedybook.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Potential-Clients.png 307w, https:\/\/thecomedybook.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Potential-Clients-300x195.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 307px) 100vw, 307px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-8241\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><strong>Seeking Humor Benefits<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n<p>Hey R.W. \u2014 Here\u2019s something I\u2019ve noticed about the humorous speaking business: the people who need us the most are usually the last ones looking for us.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"815\" data-end=\"863\"><strong>You know exactly who I mean\u2014the humorless folks.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"865\" data-end=\"1127\">In fact, I\u2019ll go out on a limb and say this: event planners who book humorous speakers already understand the value of humor in business. They get it. Just like we do. Their real challenge is convincing the <em data-start=\"1072\" data-end=\"1079\">other<\/em> people\u2014the ones who need it most\u2014to embrace it.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1129\" data-end=\"1277\">Anyone who understands the value of humor in business (and in life) already knows the benefits. I won\u2019t list them all, but here are a few favorites:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-start=\"1281\" data-end=\"1294\">Less stress<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1297\" data-end=\"1314\">Better teamwork<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1317\" data-end=\"1356\">Increased productivity and attendance<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1359\" data-end=\"1398\">Stronger networking and relationships<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"1400\" data-end=\"1608\">These are the same issues serious business speakers and trainers talk about every day. You\u2019re doing the same thing, except you\u2019re offering humor as part of the solution.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_8242\" style=\"width: 233px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8242\" class=\"wp-image-8242 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/thecomedybook.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Happy-Clients.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"223\" height=\"150\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-8242\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><strong>Humor works!<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n<p data-start=\"1610\" data-end=\"1764\">And honestly, it doesn\u2019t matter whether you\u2019re going to work or cleaning your house\u2014you\u2019re far more likely to do it if there\u2019s an element of fun involved.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1766\" data-end=\"1961\">So yes, I agree with you completely. It <em data-start=\"1806\" data-end=\"1810\">is<\/em> silly to filter fun out of the expression of ideas. And I\u2019m confident many readers of this newsletter agree too (the humorless folks don\u2019t subscribe).<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1963\" data-end=\"2010\">Which brings us to the real question you asked:<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2012\" data-end=\"2085\"><strong data-start=\"2012\" data-end=\"2085\">How do I make it pay for me to show them how to make it pay for them?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2087\" data-end=\"2306\">You want to reach the humorless crowd\u2014and get paid to do it. The problem is, they\u2019re not going to hire you any more than they\u2019re going to sign up for this newsletter. They don\u2019t yet understand the value of your message.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2308\" data-end=\"2374\">That means you need to focus on the people who <em data-start=\"2355\" data-end=\"2359\">do<\/em> understand it.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2376\" data-end=\"2455\"><strong data-start=\"2376\" data-end=\"2455\">Network with event planners and decision-makers who already agree with you.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2457\" data-end=\"2522\">And the best way to do that is simple: show them what you can do.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2524\" data-end=\"2557\">In other words\u2014get out and speak.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2559\" data-end=\"2646\">The best places for this are where both humorous <em data-start=\"2608\" data-end=\"2613\">and<\/em> humorless businesspeople gather:<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2648\" data-end=\"2661\"><strong data-start=\"2648\" data-end=\"2661\">Meetings.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2663\" data-end=\"2814\">I\u2019ve talked about this before in past FAQs, and readers have shared some great ideas on places to showcase a program. But here\u2019s a simple starter plan:<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2816\" data-end=\"3064\">Create a short presentation\u201420 minutes max\u2014on your topic, and volunteer to speak <em data-start=\"2897\" data-end=\"2907\">for free<\/em> at organizations in your area. Rotary clubs, associations, charities, alumni groups, chambers, nonprofits\u2014anything that puts you in front of businesspeople.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3066\" data-end=\"3202\">If putting together a solid presentation feels overwhelming, I cover this in detail in my book <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/stores\/Dave-Schwensen\/author\/B001JS4SFK\"><strong><em data-start=\"3161\" data-end=\"3201\">How To Be A Working Corporate Comedian<\/em>.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3204\" data-end=\"3340\">Think of free gigs the same way comedians think of showcases. You don\u2019t get paid\u2014but you get in front of people who <em data-start=\"3320\" data-end=\"3325\">can<\/em> pay you later.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3342\" data-end=\"3367\">But that\u2019s only step one.<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Showcase Your Comedy Writing | How To Be A Working Comic #11\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/LV7g8Mgp2aY?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3369\" data-end=\"3448\">You also need to build a list of potential clients and stay in touch with them.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3450\" data-end=\"3475\"><strong>That\u2019s called networking.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3477\" data-end=\"3622\">Yes, bring a stack of business cards and hand them out after your presentation. That\u2019s basic business sense. Make it easy for people to find you.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3624\" data-end=\"3727\">But handing out cards alone is a slow game. You can give out a hundred cards and hear from one\u2014or none.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3729\" data-end=\"3775\">So, here\u2019s how to kick-start your contact list:<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3777\" data-end=\"3822\"><strong data-start=\"3777\" data-end=\"3822\">Do a prize drawing at every free program.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3824\" data-end=\"4031\">The prize can be almost anything\u2014a printed transcript of your talk, a plate of cookies, a discounted presentation, even a free one. Use your imagination and offer something your audience would actually want.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4033\" data-end=\"4050\">Here\u2019s what I do.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4052\" data-end=\"4284\">At the end of my programs, I announce a drawing for a free autographed copy of one of my books. To enter, people drop a business card\u2014with an email address\u2014into a basket. In return, they\u2019re added to my <em data-start=\"4254\" data-end=\"4265\">corporate<\/em> e-newsletter list.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4286\" data-end=\"4406\">And this part is important: I make it clear they can unsubscribe easily after receiving it once. No tricks. No pressure.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4408\" data-end=\"4512\">One person leaves with a book.<br data-start=\"4438\" data-end=\"4441\" \/>I leave with a basket full of contacts who might become paying clients.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4514\" data-end=\"4527\">That\u2019s a win.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4529\" data-end=\"4582\">So how do you reach the people who need your message?<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4584\" data-end=\"4801\">You preach the gospel\u2014your ideas\u2014in front of people who already believe. You go where businesspeople and event planners can see and hear you. You use free gigs to build relationships, grow your list, and stay visible.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4803\" data-end=\"4889\">There are no guarantees they\u2019ll hire you, but at least you\u2019re giving them \u2013 and yourself \u2013 a chance. You need to show them what you can do and stay in touch.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4099\" data-end=\"4168\">Thanks for reading and as always &#8211; keep laughing!!<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4099\" data-end=\"4168\"><a href=\"https:\/\/thecomedybook.com\/index.php\/comedy-workshops\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-6950 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/thecomedybook.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Tampa-FB-Workshop-Logo-e1705119396161.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"308\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thecomedybook.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Tampa-FB-Workshop-Logo-e1705119396161.jpg 308w, https:\/\/thecomedybook.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Tampa-FB-Workshop-Logo-e1705119396161-300x195.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 308px) 100vw, 308px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\" data-start=\"4099\" data-end=\"4168\"><strong>Winter 2026 Standup Comedy Workshop at The Cleveland Funny Bone:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\" data-start=\"4099\" data-end=\"4168\"><strong>Saturdays &#8211; January 10, 17 and 24 from noon to 4 pm.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\" data-start=\"4099\" data-end=\"4168\"><strong>Performance at The Funny Bone &#8211; Thursday, January 29 at 7:30 pm<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\" data-start=\"4099\" data-end=\"4168\"><strong>Space limited &#8211; for details and to register visit<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/thecomedybook.com\/index.php\/comedy-workshops\/\"><strong>COMEDYWORKSHOPS<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\" data-start=\"4099\" data-end=\"4168\">*<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Click on the banner below to sign up for Dave\u2019s free newsletter.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/visitor.r20.constantcontact.com\/manage\/optin?v=001jarSHX2McaTyP3Ymgn_YyXYEHLc8-iFY0gJB4e-TSzz5xHxH14Kft1qGWv7bo5TATdSz2InvP8kGc3wje2bFQAL0ysYXLh9qtlXl1fafTkEYQjgfjsHYFHbpTfcVHhls\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-184 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/thecomedybook.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/Newsletter-Banner-copy.jpg\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thecomedybook.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/Newsletter-Banner-copy.jpg 500w, https:\/\/thecomedybook.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/Newsletter-Banner-copy-300x71.jpg 300w\" alt=\"\" width=\"500\" height=\"119\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Here\u2019s something I\u2019ve noticed about the humorous speaking business: the people who need us the most are usually the last ones looking for us.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[38,36,22,48,253,39,11,4,137,6,296,70,84,49,186,7,235,220,43,53,5,37],"tags":[291,280,199,303,277,295,443,301,270,366,193,274,264,395],"class_list":["post-8238","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-advice","category-audition","category-books","category-business","category-business-cards","category-career","category-comedians","category-comedy","category-corporate-events","category-entertainment","category-how-to-be-a-working-corporate-comedian","category-humorous-speakers","category-marketing","category-networking","category-people-skills","category-performing","category-public-speaking","category-references","category-showbusiness","category-showcase","category-stand-up","category-talent-bookers","tag-audience","tag-business","tag-career","tag-corporate-comedy","tag-corporate-events","tag-entertainment-business","tag-humorous-presentations","tag-humorous-speakers","tag-marketing","tag-performers","tag-performing","tag-standup-comedy","tag-talent-bookers","tag-working-comics"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/thecomedybook.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8238","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/thecomedybook.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/thecomedybook.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thecomedybook.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thecomedybook.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8238"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/thecomedybook.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8238\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/thecomedybook.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8238"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thecomedybook.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8238"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thecomedybook.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8238"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}