12 thoughts on “10 Metrics Comedians Can Use To Judge The Progress Of Their Career

  1. Mark New says:

    Nice, Josh…Miss the frequency of posts. Glad to see you back! Mark

  2. Josh Spector says:

    Thanks, I’ve been busy but trying to find time to post a little more frequently.

  3. Todd Kravitz says:

    Thank you for this post. I would be considered a beginner in regards to the profession of comedy and really appreciate receiving this type of information to motivate and measure my progress. I generally dislike social media, but understand how it is an important tool in creating a fanbase. Thanks again.

  4. Josh Spector says:

    Glad to hear it – social media is really what you make of it. I dislike the way a lot of people use social media too, but what’s nice about it is you can use it in whatever way (and to accomplish whatever goal) you want.

  5. James says:

    Solid stuff I think that could help wonders over a broad spectrum of comedic issues.I know I tried 2 set goals for myself but I haven’t tracked the good & bad & since I don’t do alot of sets I have lost the idea of fans & drawing people shows.

  6. J. Burrell says:

    Hey man, just wanted to say I appreciate your insight into the comedy game. I been onstage about 30 something times, but am still an open-micer but your help keeps me steady adjusting and anticipating my next time… I’m in school now for writing and don’t get to go like before but eventually plan to be consistent and eventually mix my writing with my comedy > hopefully they can cross-promote each other… I read your articles whenever they come out, and they have given me insight that probably would take yrs to learn. Appreciate it.

  7. Ward says:

    Don’t be fooled into thinking that the clubs want comics who “Try something new”. Hacky sells tickets. And people love it.

    How many of us know clubs still booking guys who close with “The Arms”? Monica Lewinsky jokes? Decades-old impressions? A fallen star?

    The comedy industry doesn’t look to discover talent. It looks to latch onto the talent that other people have already discovered.

    The way to getting noticed is the same as it has been for the past twenty years: Get on TV, people will give you work. Otherwise, get ready for a very long, long uphill climb and a lot of being ignored. Being funny hardly makes you special…and most people aren’t paying attention anyway. Get yourself on TV or get a million hits on youtube. Then you’ll be noticed…and other people will latch on to those who noticed you. Congrats.

  8. Jamie says:

    Great article. I think a lot of comics are afraid to have an honest talk about ways to measure success and growth. Of course we all understand the “subjective” nature of comedy and the “luck” and “x-factor” that exist, but there is nothing wrong with those comics that choose to use tools that are available to aid in their growth. A lot of the comics in my market frown on my boring and methodical approach to stand-up, but it works for me, and out work them, and by out work them.

    I’d like to share my take on the topic as well, about the ambigious nature of “goal setting” that we often hear comics talk about. I have to say, my blog is HEAVILY influenced by connectedcomedy.com and all the awesome information that has been shared by Josh and other great comics that aren’t afraid to have this conversation.

    http://jamiecomedy.wordpress.com/2011/09/06/if-your-goal-is-to-become-a-better-comic-you-probably-never-will/

  9. Josh Spector says:

    Thanks Jamie, and nice post – I’m including a link to it in tomorrow’s Connected Comedy Daily.

  10. Nigerian Comedy School says:

    Great article, i’m gonna train my budding comics on this tips. Keep it up Josh!

  11. Mark Miller says:

    There’s some good meat here.

    This year I set a goal to get on stage 100 times, and I’m closing in on that, so I’m trying to come up with a new goal for 2014. This list is a good starting point.

  12. truthmaat says:

    Dear Josh, I appreciate your emails and posts so very much… it has always been the marketing that eludes me… thanks a bunch. There is one particular mailing sent to me on September 11ish, 2013 regarding working together as comedians..like a troupe… I cannot find that for the life of me. I thought I had archived it…but nope, gone, baby gone.

    Is it possible to send that one again? I really would love to read it and perhaps act on its suggestion.

    Thank you. Great respect, truthmaat

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