P.U.R.P.L.E IS THE COLOUR OF COMEDY...

P.U.R.P.L.E IS THE COLOUR OF COMEDY

6 THINGS REMARKABLE COMEDIANS DO THAT OTHERS DON’T

Yes I know I got your attention with the title of this piece. That aside, what comes to your mind when you think of colour purple? Purple signifies deep passion, royalty.in Japan it signifies wealth and position. According to studies, people who like colour purple are creative. So what’s the relationship between colour purple and comedy? Take a chill pill. Any comedian who desires to be a royalty in the comedy terrain, making mega bucks, and also making impact, must exemplify what colour purple stands for. Jokes apart, a vivid look at Nigeria’s blossoming comedy industry is a pointer to the fact that any craft can be grown into a money making venture with the right skill set.

We’ve seen comedians become brand ambassadors, anchor popular TV game shows, host their own sold out comedy concerts, and publish their own magazines. It only goes to buttress the words of Ben Murray Bruce:’ I am almost driven to excel, and I think that is the difference between me and the guy next door.I always want to be innovative and different’ and that is simply what remarkable comedians do. They stand out from the crowd to become outstanding. So let’s look at the word .P.U.R.P.L.E as the pathway to becoming a remarkable comedian.

1. P-Public speaking

To be a remarkable comedian that boasts of clientele from the corporate world you ve got to gain mastery in your communication. The truth is that you are first a communicator before you are a comedian. The days of speaking ‘Pidgin English’ throughout an event you are compeering , is fast coming to an end.Take a course in public speaking, read books on public speaking, observe excellent public speakers. The likes of Julius Agwu, Koffi, TejuBabyface, are not just ordinary comedians, they’ve overtime gained mastery in their communication. It’s not just about what you say, but how you say it.



2.U-UNDERSTAND.. . that comedy is more than a joke, it’s a business.

It pricks my heart when I see some comedians carry themselves with the demeanor of a contractor, lobbying for shows to perform. That’s not bad in itself if you are just starting out, but with a proper business structure you can soar beyond that level.A.Y has over the years proven that comedy is more than just having a talent. From kicking off his open mic comedy competition, to his comedy concerts, to the A.Y show, to the A.Y magazine. What A.Y is selling is not comedy, A.Y is selling a brand with a strong business foundation. Dear comedian, if you are going to be taken seriously, you need to have a business structure for your talent.Aside that, it is also important to have products that helps to increase your market value.For a Tejubabyface, it his show, for a Basketmouth its his ‘Lord of the ribs comedy show’, for a Gbenga Adeyinka, its his’ Laffmattazz show’.Have a product that pushes your brand.



3.R-RESEARCH

Ignorance is not an excuse .You’ve got to stay aware and abreast of the trends, events, new developments in your area of expertise.Ali Baba’s leadership edge is not just because of his pioneering efforts , but because of his passion for knowledge.He is known to have a huge library that houses books from various spheres of life.Being sought after requires an investment n knowledge which pays the best interest.





4..P-PUBLICITY

In this business, your visibility is more important than your ability.People only do business with individuals who have gained name recognition through publicity.A new comedian must be capable of generating favorable publicity in the media or it wont have a chance in the market place.How do you generate publicity for you?Firstly get in touch with a publicist who will be responsible for creating visibility and the right perception for you in the media.Secondly, do something new, fresh, unique…When your brand can make news it’s a chance to generate publicity.

5.L-LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

The true measure of a wealthy man is not his wealth, but that he enriches others.Good comedians are funny, great comedians raise other funny comedians in order to create a multiplier effect.I have heard stories of Alibaba buying cars for different comedians, paying rents and school fees for other comedians.He is simply multiplying himself in others, that is what great leaders do.. they raise others to be leaders too.Same principle applies to A.Y,who has been able to raise a host of young comedians to make a living for themselves. Jesus taught 11 men how to do what he did. Then he left them to carry on while he moved on to other things. From the simple act of one man teaching 11 others, a church and the largest, most influential religious movement the world has ever known was born.




6.E-EVERYONE COUNTS

People don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care.Its critical for you to upgrade your relational skills.The fact that you are being shown on TV and make good money doesn’t give you the right to talk down on people and undervalue your fans an friends.Your success is tied to how you treat your fans, colleagues, and even those you don’t know who love you for what you do.Always treat people right.I have personally met comedians who have a monster sized ego.

I hope this tips will help you make an indelible mark as a comedian.See you on the P.U.R.P.L.E stage!

Kehinde Ajose is Nigeria’s foremost Talent development coach and publicist, who helps individuals to deploy their talents in order to create wealth and become global brands.He is reachable @ splendidkenny01@yahoo.com or follow him on twitter @ splendidkenny