Let’s be clear: no one in this industry owes you anything. Harsh? Maybe. True? Absolutely. At Broken Drift, we tell comics over and over—if your networking approach is “Hey, book me,” followed by an unsolicited reel in someone’s inbox, you’re not networking. You’re just cold-calling without context. And bookers aren’t buying what you’re selling, especially if your opener is “Yo.”

Real networking is rooted in relationships, not requests. It’s about knowing the industry well enough to add value, not just ask for things. Go to festivals. Stay for the shows you’re not in. Ask other comics about their process. Support club staff. DM a comic you admire—not to ask for work, but to say, “Hey, I liked your bit about anxiety at weddings.” It builds rapport. And if rapport sounds like a boring word, think of it as charisma + patience.

We see this at Comedy Camp all the time. Comics who ask smart, respectful questions after panels build longer-lasting connections than the ones who pitch their five-minute set during lunch. Be a person first. A comic second. A leech never. When you show people you’re curious, collaborative, and coachable, they’ll remember you.

Also? Always follow up. One email. One thank you. No guilt-tripping. No “just circling back again” five times in a row. Bookers have lives. But the ones who like and trust you? They keep you in the loop. Build the network before you need it—and it’ll work for you.