Peter Margaritas joins me today to talk about his journey from the business world into Improv comedy. The “Accidental Accountant" worked his way in (and out) of a few jobs before finding his way with improvisation.

His first book, Improv Is No Joke, shares what he has learned when it comes to Improv and business. In the book, he teaches business professionals how to become more effective, sharpen their creativity, and develop leadership skills needed to succeed and improve business results through improvisational techniques. By focusing on strategies such as replacing negative phrases and listening to understand, you will successfully relate to and communicate with clients and colleagues.

Specifically, we talk about:

• How easy it is to fall in love with Improv
• How Improv applies to business practices
• How Peter was dubbed “The Accidental Accountant”
• A weekend immersion course at Second City that opened his eyes
• Using humor in speaking to anchor take away points

Learn more about Peter Margaritas at his web site: http://improvisnojoke.com

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• Guest Blog Posts

If you are blogging about your comedy journey or have written articles about your experience we’d love to share them. Send a link to the post and any other info you would like us to know and I’ll consider posting it and promoting from our site.

• Sponsor An Episode

Do you have something you’ like to promote? A new CD, big show, or your very own podcast? Contact us for sponsorship options. You can promote on one or multiple episodes.

• Fix a Joke

We want to help as many comics as possible. If you have a short joke (100 words or less) that you would like some feedback on please send it in! You can email the joke written out or send us an audio clip, or even a link to a YouTube video. We will get it on the show and get feedback for you, give out your web site and / or twitter handle to help you get your name out there. Our show is PG so please take that into consideration when selecting a joke.

• INSIDER TIP SHEET

Better yet, subscribe to the bi-monthly School of Laughs “Insider Tips” email and get exclusive information delivered right to your inbox. It’s fast, free useful and fun. Email: [email protected] and put “insider tip sheet” in the subject header. I’ll make sure you get the official tip sheet and I promise to keep your email anonymous and spam free.

@SCHOOLOFLAUGHS on Twitter

Peter Margaritas joins me today to talk about his journey from the business world into Improv comedy. The “Accidental Accountant" worked his way in (and out) of a few jobs before finding his way with improvisation.

His first book, Improv Is No Joke, shares what he has learned when it comes to Improv and business. In the book, he teaches business professionals how to become more effective, sharpen their creativity, and develop leadership skills needed to succeed and improve business results through improvisational techniques. By focusing on strategies such as replacing negative phrases and listening to understand, you will successfully relate to and communicate with clients and colleagues.

Specifically, we talk about:

Learn more about Peter Margaritas at his web site: http://improvisnojoke.com

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If you are blogging about your comedy journey or have written articles about your experience we’d love to share them. Send a link to the post and any other info you would like us to know and I’ll consider posting it and promoting from our site.

Do you have something you’ like to promote? A new CD, big show, or your very own podcast? Contact us for sponsorship options. You can promote on one or multiple episodes.

We want to help as many comics as possible. If you have a short joke (100 words or less) that you would like some feedback on please send it in! You can email the joke written out or send us an audio clip, or even a link to a YouTube video. We will get it on the show and get feedback for you, give out your web site and / or twitter handle to help you get your name out there. Our show is PG so please take that into consideration when selecting a joke.

Better yet, subscribe to the bi-monthly School of Laughs “Insider Tips” email and get exclusive information delivered right to your inbox. It’s fast, free useful and fun. Email: [email protected] and put “insider tip sheet” in the subject header. I’ll make sure you get the official tip sheet and I promise to keep your email anonymous and spam free.

@SCHOOLOFLAUGHS  on Twitter

John Crist started off as the announcement guy at his church. That eventually led to his first open mic night in 2009. It wasn’t long before Crist emerged onto the national comedy scene winning The Denver Improv’s Got Laughs Competition, The Loonees Comedy Competition, and also by appearing in the finals of the Comedy Works New Faces Contest.

In this episode we talk about:

• Being home schooled
• The crazy nature of standing on stage with jokes
• The lowest point of his comedy career
• Why some comics get HUGGED by audience members
• Being a comedian AND a comedy fan
• His horrible first joke
• Why he picked Wiseguys in Ogden, UT to record his DVD
• His Christian Mingle Inspector video
• Posting video directly to Facebook for over 21k shares
• Using your comedy to connect with people
• Why the words you use make ALL the difference
• If the audience does it laugh it COULD be your fault

In addition to his stand-up, Crist has also found success on YouTube. Hitting over 1.5 million views on his YouTube channel and counting.

His new DVD "I GOT QUESTIONS" is available at his web site www.JohnCristComedy.com.

• Guest Blog Posts

If you are blogging about your comedy journey or have written articles about your experience we’d love to share them. Send a link to the post and any other info you would like us to know and I’ll consider posting it and promoting from our site.

• Sponsor An Episode

Do you have something you’ like to promote? A new CD, big show, or your very own podcast? Contact us for sponsorship options. You can promote on one or multiple episodes.

• Fix a Joke

We want to help as many comics as possible. If you have a short joke (100 words or less) that you would like some feedback on please send it in! You can email the joke written out or send us an audio clip, or even a link to a YouTube video. We will get it on the show and get feedback for you, give out your web site and / or twitter handle to help you get your name out there. Our show is PG so please take that into consideration when selecting a joke.

Better yet, subscribe to the bi-monthly School of Laughs “Insider Tips” email and get exclusive information delivered right to your inbox. It’s fast, free useful and fun. Email: [email protected] and put “insider tip sheet” in the subject header. I’ll make sure you get the official tip sheet and I promise to keep your email anonymous and spam free.

@SCHOOLOFLAUGHS on Twitter

John Crist started off as the announcement guy at his church. That eventually led to his first open mic night in 2009. It wasn’t long before Crist emerged onto the national comedy scene winning The Denver Improv’s Got Laughs Competition, The Loonees Comedy Competition, and also by appearing in the finals of the Comedy Works New Faces Contest.

In this episode we talk about:

In addition to his stand-up, Crist has also found success on YouTube. Hitting over 1.5 million views on his YouTube channel and counting.

His new DVD "I GOT QUESTIONS" is available at his web site www.JohnCristComedy.com.

If you are blogging about your comedy journey or have written articles about your experience we’d love to share them. Send a link to the post and any other info you would like us to know and I’ll consider posting it and promoting from our site.

Do you have something you’ like to promote? A new CD, big show, or your very own podcast? Contact us for sponsorship options. You can promote on one or multiple episodes.

We want to help as many comics as possible. If you have a short joke (100 words or less) that you would like some feedback on please send it in! You can email the joke written out or send us an audio clip, or even a link to a YouTube video. We will get it on the show and get feedback for you, give out your web site and / or twitter handle to help you get your name out there. Our show is PG so please take that into consideration when selecting a joke.

Better yet, subscribe to the bi-monthly School of Laughs “Insider Tips” email and get exclusive information delivered right to your inbox. It’s fast, free useful and fun. Email: [email protected] and put “insider tip sheet” in the subject header. I’ll make sure you get the official tip sheet and I promise to keep your email anonymous and spam free.

@SCHOOLOFLAUGHS  on Twitter

Tim Grable of "The Grable Group" generously allows me to pick his brain in this episode. I want to know how comedians and speakers can make it EASY for booking agents to hire them.

Tim's background as a talent booker stretches back to his days at Taylor University, where he turned around their live events in a big way within just a year. He was hired quickly after college to book speakers for events. Shortly thereafter he founded The Nashville Speakers Bureau, became President of Nashville Agency, and ultimately started The Grable Group. Tim utilizes a comprehensive background in business and entertainment sectors to locate and develop endorsements, licensing, and film and TV resources.

Tim exclusively represents a handful of clients, including comedians Taylor Mason, Bob Stromberg, Jeff Allen, Daren Streblow, Thor Ramsey, and rePercussion - a Drumming Comedy Show.

In this episode I asked him specifically about:

• Making the transition from booking bands to speakers and comedians
• Ways to get on an agent's "radar"
• What are things performers do that make it hard to book them?
• Pros and cons of an online public calendar
• Social media strategies
• Benefits of blogging
• Web site frustrations
• Budgeting for marketing
• Sand artist Joe Castillo

And much, much more

To learn more about Tim, visit http://thegrablegroup.com/ and follow him @TimGrable on Twitter

• Guest Blog Posts

If you are blogging about your comedy journey or have written articles about your experience we’d love to share them. Send a link to the post and any other info you would like us to know and I’ll consider posting it and promoting from our site.

• Sponsor An Episode

Do you have something you’ like to promote? A new CD, big show, or your very own podcast? Contact us for sponsorship options. You can promote on one or multiple episodes.

• Fix a Joke

We want to help as many comics as possible. If you have a short joke (100 words or less) that you would like some feedback on please send it in! You can email the joke written out or send us an audio clip, or even a link to a YouTube video. We will get it on the show and get feedback for you, give out your web site and / or twitter handle to help you get your name out there. Our show is PG so please take that into consideration when selecting a joke.

Better yet, subscribe to the bi-monthly School of Laughs “Insider Tips” email and get exclusive information delivered right to your inbox. It’s fast, free useful and fun. Email: [email protected] and put “insider tip sheet” in the subject header. I’ll make sure you get the official tip sheet and I promise to keep your email anonymous and spam free.

@SCHOOLOFLAUGHS on Twitter

Tim Grable of "The Grable Group" generously allows me to pick his brain in this episode. I want to know how comedians and speakers can make it EASY for booking agents to hire them.

Tim's background as a talent booker stretches back to his days at Taylor University, where he turned around their live events in a big way within just a year. He was hired quickly after college to book speakers for events. Shortly thereafter he founded The Nashville Speakers Bureau, became President of Nashville Agency, and ultimately started The Grable Group. Tim utilizes a comprehensive background in business and entertainment sectors to locate and develop endorsements, licensing, and film and TV resources.

Tim exclusively represents a handful of clients, including comedians Taylor Mason, Bob Stromberg, Jeff Allen, Daren Streblow, Thor Ramsey, and rePercussion - a Drumming Comedy Show.

In this episode I asked him specifically about:

And much, much more

To learn more about Tim, visit http://thegrablegroup.com/ and follow him @TimGrable on Twitter

If you are blogging about your comedy journey or have written articles about your experience we’d love to share them. Send a link to the post and any other info you would like us to know and I’ll consider posting it and promoting from our site.

Do you have something you’ like to promote? A new CD, big show, or your very own podcast? Contact us for sponsorship options. You can promote on one or multiple episodes.

We want to help as many comics as possible. If you have a short joke (100 words or less) that you would like some feedback on please send it in! You can email the joke written out or send us an audio clip, or even a link to a YouTube video. We will get it on the show and get feedback for you, give out your web site and / or twitter handle to help you get your name out there. Our show is PG so please take that into consideration when selecting a joke.

Better yet, subscribe to the bi-monthly School of Laughs “Insider Tips” email and get exclusive information delivered right to your inbox. It’s fast, free useful and fun. Email: [email protected] and put “insider tip sheet” in the subject header. I’ll make sure you get the official tip sheet and I promise to keep your email anonymous and spam free.

@SCHOOLOFLAUGHS  on Twitter

This week I get to share with you a buddy of mine who is truly the total entertainer. Comedy – check. Musician – Check. Customized programs – Check. Hosting and Emceeing – Check. Fat Elvis suit … double check.

When I first got to Nashville in 2000, it seemed everywhere I went people were mentioning Gary. I was either the comedian they booked the year after he performed or the one they booked because Gary was already booked. Today, you will discover why.

Gary shares with us about 150 or more great ideas (no lie) in this jam packed interview. Among them, Gary shares with us:

• Why thinking you’ve got it figured out is the first step towards THE END
• How identifying what your gift is makes things so much easier
• How he started at a young age with old music
• The excitement of his first real corporate gig paycheck
• Tips on being “easy to work with”
• The tricky parts of performing for the same group multiple times

and much, much more!

Find out more about Gary at his web site: www.garyjenkins.net

• Guest Blog Posts

If you are blogging about your comedy journey or have written articles about your experience we’d love to share them. Send a link to the post and any other info you would like us to know and I’ll consider posting it and promoting from our site.

• Sponsor An Episode

Do you have something you’ like to promote? A new CD, big show, or your very own podcast? Contact us for sponsorship options. You can promote on one or multiple episodes.

• Fix a Joke

We want to help as many comics as possible. If you have a short joke (100 words or less) that you would like some feedback on please send it in! You can email the joke written out or send us an audio clip, or even a link to a YouTube video. We will get it on the show and get feedback for you, give out your web site and / or twitter handle to help you get your name out there. Our show is PG so please take that into consideration when selecting a joke.

Better yet, subscribe to the bi-monthly School of Laughs “Insider Tips” email and get exclusive information delivered right to your inbox. It’s fast, free useful and fun. Email: [email protected] and put “insider tip sheet” in the subject header. I’ll make sure you get the official tip sheet and I promise to keep your email anonymous and spam free.

@SCHOOLOFLAUGHS on Twitter

This week I get to share with you a buddy of mine who is truly the total entertainer. Comedy – check. Musician – Check. Customized programs – Check. Hosting and Emceeing – Check. Fat Elvis suit … double check.

When I first got to Nashville in 2000, it seemed everywhere I went people were mentioning Gary. I was either the comedian they booked the year after he performed or the one they booked because Gary was already booked. Today, you will discover why.

Gary shares with us about 150 or more great ideas (no lie) in this jam packed interview. Among them, Gary shares with us:

and much, much more!

Find out more about Gary at his web site: www.garyjenkins.net

If you are blogging about your comedy journey or have written articles about your experience we’d love to share them. Send a link to the post and any other info you would like us to know and I’ll consider posting it and promoting from our site.

Do you have something you’ like to promote? A new CD, big show, or your very own podcast? Contact us for sponsorship options. You can promote on one or multiple episodes.

We want to help as many comics as possible. If you have a short joke (100 words or less) that you would like some feedback on please send it in! You can email the joke written out or send us an audio clip, or even a link to a YouTube video. We will get it on the show and get feedback for you, give out your web site and / or twitter handle to help you get your name out there. Our show is PG so please take that into consideration when selecting a joke.

Better yet, subscribe to the bi-monthly School of Laughs “Insider Tips” email and get exclusive information delivered right to your inbox. It’s fast, free useful and fun. Email: [email protected] and put “insider tip sheet” in the subject header. I’ll make sure you get the official tip sheet and I promise to keep your email anonymous and spam free.

@SCHOOLOFLAUGHS  on Twitter

David Hooper joins us to day to share ways comedians might market themselves based on what he know from the music business. in 2013 David released his book, "Six-Figure Musician - How to Sell More Music, Get More People to Your Shows, and Make More Money in the Music Business”.

During our brainstorming session he reveals a lot of great actionable tips, including:

• How demographics play a role in product choice
• Being in the business of being YOURSELF
• The experience that can’t be replicated
• Long tail marketing … what is it?
• How to make money in Chunky, MS
• What you can learn from Lynard Skynard
• Colt Ford and his cult following
• The benefit of a physical product
• Innovative distribution of TONIGHTS show
• Market like Disney
• Monetizing the live experience
• Making email lists a priority
• Owning your masters
• How being topical can get you on the radio
• Tapping out before you reach your potential
• Being known for one bit you hate
• The reason Chris Stapleton is an overnight success
• My upcoming book “Anchors & Hooks”
• Including your fans in your journey on stage (and off)

And much, much more!

http://blog.musicbusinessradio.com/shows/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/hooperdavid

http://www.redpodcast.com

David Hooper joins us to day to share ways comedians might market themselves based on what he know from the music business. in 2013 David released his book, "Six-Figure Musician - How to Sell More Music, Get More People to Your Shows, and Make More Money in the Music Business”.

During our brainstorming session he reveals a lot of great actionable tips, including:

And much, much more! 

http://blog.musicbusinessradio.com/shows/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/hooperdavid

http://www.redpodcast.com