Why You Should Hire A Corporate Entertainer

by: Stephen Daniels

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Date: Wed, 16 Jun 2010 Time: 4:12 AM - 0 comments

If you want to hear a roomful of stifled groans or see hundreds of glazed-over eyes, all you need to do is announce an upcoming "team-building day." Immediately, you can almost hear the wheels in everyone's heads begin to spin. How, they are thinking, can I possibly worm my way out of yet another lame day of touchy-feely break-out exercises, trust experiments and, worst of all, brainstorming sessions? Are there any elective surgeries that I can schedule?

Hiring a corporate entertainer is a virtually foolproof way to transform their cynicism and ennui into receptive attitudes that can open the door to collaboration and revolutionary change. When looking for the right corporate comedian, you need to find someone who can effortlessly walk that fine line between being a stand-up humorist and presenting real concepts in an accessible, fun way that people will embrace in spite of their jaded outlooks. Too much of one at the expense of the other will turn what you had hoped would be a day of team-building into either a vapid laugh fest or a stultifying bore.

What are the advantages that a corporate entertainer can bring to your staff retreat? One of the most obvious is that everyone will be able to forget their cares and work stresses for a short while. In these difficult times, levity is in short supply in many workplaces, and it is sorely missed. Even your elementary school teachers recognized the importance of the occasional movie or field trip. These departures from the norm give everyone permission to have fun and help to recharge depleted mental batteries. Ideally, they could lead to enhanced learning and productivity in the future.

In the work world, pundits advocate "thinking outside the box." Although this phrase is probably one of the most tired of corporate cliches, it can't be denied that whether we're talking about a new invention or figuring out ways to improve morale, the elements of novelty and surprise are absolutely essential. Providing both of these is what a quality, professional corporate comedian will do. The person you hire may even be able to coax your staff to laugh at themselves, as well as to have a well-meaning chuckle at the expense of those above them on the corporate ladder.

The key to the success of the humorist you hire is prior planning. You need, for instance, to know what mood your get-together is designed to promote and let the comedian know in advance. Are there any inside jokes you can make him or her privy to that will foster trust and break the ice? Also, be aware of your budgetary constraints. Since you want this entertainer to be the centerpiece of your team-building workshop, consider spending enough money to get the professional who will help you attain your goal. People will soon forget their box lunches, but an excellent corporate comedian might well be the stuff of legend for years to come.

Before you actually hire someone, do your homework. Obtain and contact the humorist's professional references. Make sure he or she is skilled at interacting with corporate audiences. This is, after all, a very different environment from a comedy club or a child's birthday party. Carefully examine all promotional materials, including the person's website to ensure that he or she will be the perfect fit for your needs. Finally, dot all your I's and cross all your T's. Communication is vital, including the signing of a written contract.

The only surprises you want on the day of your meeting should be in the audience. Ideally, your careful research and planning will result in a team-building corporate entertainer presentation that is both funny and relevant to your corporate mission. If you do it well, there will be neither groans nor glazed eyes when the day is done.