How to Graduate from New Talent and Bringer Shows. (Part 2)
Thanks,
How to graduate from Bringer Shows - Part 2
Two weeks ago in my Friday tips e-mail I said that you needed to find a more experienced comic to be your comic mentor/coach. There are several very specific things you can do to attract someone.
Number one is to research them extensively on the internet. Learn everything you can about them. You might find information that will help you connect with them. Remember, you want to develop a relationship with a comic and that can take time. Set realistic goals; don't go after A List superstars just because you might have seen them in a show. Your best opportunities would be hosts, and acts who are regular weekend featured acts at the major Manhattan clubs.
It's best to approach someone who you have met in person at least once if not more. The best candidate would be someone who you have developed a relationship with and who likes you. Finding someone will not happen overnight. This is going to happen from networking with comics by doing a lot of shows- open mics, bar shows, barked shows, club shows etc.
The most important and fastest way to find someone is to get so funny other comics start to offer you taglines, punch lines and guest spots etc. Everybody likes to discover the next big name and if you are killing it, people start offering to help you unsolicited. The funnier you are, the faster people will start to offer things- that is by far the best way.
Things you can offer:
Driver- Offer to drive a headliner to a job outside the city. Many Manhattan comedians do not have cars and depend on younger comics to drive them to gigs.
Intern for them- Interning is a powerful way to get a lot of face time with someone on a regular basis. Many good things can from interning. Such as gigs, auditions, introductions etc.
Promote for them- Offer to promote a show, book or film that they produced. Help them put bodies in seats and they will remember that.
Social Media- Help them with their social media and or website. Retweet for them. Some comics are very social media savvy others are not and need help.
Their favorite charity- Contribute to their favorite charity or help them in any capacity related to it.
Barter- Offer to trade a skill or service you have with them in return for some coaching.
Most importantly, contact them through e-mail or Facebook don't call. Be patient. If you do connect with them don't ask them for favors until you have established a relationship with them first. Be low maintenance, on time and overly respectful.
Takeaway:
Start developing relationships with comics at shows now, to lay the groundwork for finding the best mentor for you.