Create a Body of Work
Suppose that you made a hilarious video, uploaded it to YouTube, and watched it become a hit. It gets more than a million views within the first two weeks, and people are raving about it on the Internet and at the water cooler. Now suppose that industry insiders take notice and contact you to see what else you have to offer.
In 1982, Steven Wright was discovered at a small Boston comedy club called the Ding Ho, and appeared on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. He received such an amazing response that he was asked to make another appearance just a week later, which was unheard of. If he'd only had one good set in him, he wouldn't have the career that he's had. But he had lots of jokes prepared that were just as good as the first set — if not better. He also had a notebook full of ideas for future jokes.
What position do you want to be in when you get that call? What if they ask to see what else you have or ask about your ideas for future projects?
“Uh, that's all I have right now, but I'm sure I'll come up with some more great stuff” is not going to cut it. You'll be seen as a one-shot wonder. You got lucky. You had one great idea, but that's it. They will pass you over and look for the next phenom. You will have blown a great opportunity by being unprepared.
Now suppose your answer is “I'm glad you like it. I have five more videos that I haven't posted yet, but I can send them to you. I also have a script for a sitcom that I'm developing.” Now you sound like someone with potential, an undiscovered new talent with a clear vision.
Don't go for your shot too soon. Before you post that great video, wait until you have a few more to back it up. Before you try to get an audition for a stand-up television spot, make sure you have a lot more material than your great six-minute audition set. You might get the show, but you'll have nothing to back it up.
Before you say “Hey world, here I am!” you want to make sure that you are ready to have the world take more than a passing glance. You can be great, but that doesn't matter unless you're prepared.
