I love to laugh. Even more, I love to have others laugh with me.
In fact, my less than lady like guffaws have been known to infect entire groups of people.
After countless hours of research (and belly laughs), I have come up with proven techniques that will have you laughing all the way to the bank!
Improv Techniques to Boost Your Bottom Line
Limited Vocabulary
Have you ever watched old episodes of the Drew Carey hosted improv show “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” One of the games they play is to restrict the vocabulary of the performers.
I never cease to be amazed at their ability to take a few words and create an entire scene, a funny one at that. After some good-natured joking with my Peak Performance Profit Coaching Clients I realized I do this too.
What are these magically funny and profitable terms?
So what?
Focus!
When a client tells me about a new idea or, horror!, expense, I bring out the So What’s. So what type of return do you expect? So what type of groundwork will be involved? So what are the benefits versus the less expensive option?
Another common mistake I see made with entrepreneurs is the loss of focus. Since we are by nature optimists, with the ability to see the potential everywhere, it is easy to get distracted by Bright Shiny Things.
When inspiration strikes ask yourself, am I staying focused? Or simply repeat this mantra when you feel tempted to wander far from your original plan. Focus. Focus. Focus.
Sing (Off Key for Extra Credit)
Nothing makes a topic funnier than putting it into a song, the sillier the better.
Singing can be a great brainstorming technique. Letting go of your inner critic is hard. Sure we’ve all heard there are no bad ideas in brainstorming. Easier said then done when you are the one having to throw ideas.
Since you can’t stop in the middle of the song, it forces you to say something. Feel uncomfortable? Try it in the shower or alone to start. Trust me, it really works.
Crowd Interaction
When you attend a live improv comedy show you expect the performers to interact with the crowd in some way. Isn’t that part of the fun? To see how a group of comediennes can work the call out of “lint” or “vacuuming” into a routine?
Your customers and clients expect interaction with you. You don’t have to make them laugh, but you do need to make them feel appreciated.
Be sure they leave your theater smiling and satisfied.
Final Thoughts
Do you have a favorite improv technique or schtick you enjoy watching? How might that tie into your business?