{"id":8378,"date":"2026-05-24T23:08:30","date_gmt":"2026-05-25T03:08:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thecomedybook.com\/?p=8378"},"modified":"2026-05-24T23:08:30","modified_gmt":"2026-05-25T03:08:30","slug":"the-comedy-business-secret-let-clients-sell-you","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thecomedybook.com\/index.php\/2026\/05\/24\/the-comedy-business-secret-let-clients-sell-you\/","title":{"rendered":"The Comedy Business Secret: Let Clients Sell You"},"content":{"rendered":"

Hey Dave – You had an article a while back about using quotes from clients as promotion on websites. I’ve been doing sets for some local businesses and clubs and the people who hire me say they like what I do. Can I just take what they say and post it on my website, or do I need it in writing? How do I get these quotes? I want to move into doing better paying corporate shows. Thanks – H.P.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Great idea!!<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n

Hey H.P. \u2014 You have a good memory. I ran an FAQ a while back about using \u201cBlurbs and Letters of Recommendation.\u201d Since I only keep these ramblings online for about six months before hitting delete, it\u2019s gone into the comedy workshop archives. But because I\u2019m such a generous and caring individual (please try not to laugh too hard), here\u2019s the updated version\u2026<\/p>\n

The original article talked about what makes a strong recommendation letter, email, text or DM from a client. At its best, it\u2019s more than a compliment \u2014 it\u2019s advertising. It tells future clients what you brought to the event and why they should hire you for their next one. Then you pull a line or two from that recommendation \u2014 the \u201cblurb\u201d \u2014 and post it on your website or promo material, just like those glowing quotes you see on book covers.<\/p>\n

And now that we\u2019re caught up, let\u2019s continue\u2026<\/strong><\/p>\n

Most comedians and speakers already know that getting a recommendation isn\u2019t always automatic. A client may absolutely love your performance, promise to send you a testimonial, and then\u2026 disappear into real life. It usually doesn\u2019t mean they didn\u2019t like you. It means work, family, meetings, deadlines and everything else shoved your recommendation to the bottom of the pile.<\/p>\n

Or they simply forgot.<\/p>\n

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What are friends for?<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n

I also think a lot of people view writing a recommendation the same way comedians view helping friends move furniture. They know they should do it\u2026 but they keep hoping it somehow goes away on its own.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s where this next tip comes in. I learned it years ago from successful speakers and comedians and believe me \u2014 it works far more often than it doesn\u2019t.<\/p>\n

Always bring a self-addressed stamped envelope to your gigs.<\/p>\n

Seriously. I\u2019m not joking.<\/strong><\/p>\n

When the client is praising you after the show \u2014 \u201cYou were great!\u201d \u201cThe audience loved you!\u201d \u201cBest event we\u2019ve had in years!\u201d \u2014 don\u2019t just smile, say thanks, and head for the parking lot. Ask for the recommendation right there while the excitement is fresh. When they say yes \u2014 and they usually will \u2014 hand them the envelope and say, \u201cI\u2019m making this easy for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Before I started doing this, recommendations were hit-or-miss. Once clients had that envelope in their hands, the follow-through rate went way up. Part of it is convenience. Part of it may be guilt. Either way, the system works.<\/p>\n

And there\u2019s another bonus.<\/p>\n

Some clients may send a formal letter on company or school letterhead that you can scan and post on your website. Others may decide typing an email is easier. Either one works in your favor.<\/p>\n

It also helps to send a thank-you email, card or note after the performance \u2014 something you should be doing anyway. If you haven\u2019t received the recommendation yet, that follow-up gives you another opportunity to remind them.<\/p>\n

And yes \u2014 you really should get recommendations in writing.<\/strong><\/p>\n

A verbal compliment is wonderful, but if you\u2019re posting someone\u2019s quote, name, company or photo online, it\u2019s smart business to have written permission. An email is perfectly acceptable. Think of it the same way publishers use written permission for quotes and endorsements on books.<\/p>\n

Now\u2026 let\u2019s deal with the chronic procrastinators.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Years ago, I heard a highly successful humorous speaker at a National Speakers Association meeting share this strategy. I tried it myself, and it worked beautifully.<\/p>\n