SHOWING UP

I am good at showing up. People often comment on how busy I appear to be but surely that’s all part of the job? 

We all know that there’s an element of ‘smoke and mirrors’ when it comes to how we present ourselves on social media, but I do like to show up and attend as many events in person as I can to support other professionals, businesses, and networks; I’m there for friends and family when they need me and I really try to be a good listener when needed.

The last of those three, listening, is the most underrated and possibly one of the most important versions of ‘showing up’ and being present. If we don’t listen to others, or indeed to ourselves, then a lack of awareness affects all our social interactions, personally and professionally. 

Since the pandemic people are generally more reluctant to show up for something that might be on the margins of their experience and interests.  There’s less wiggle room socially and tolerance levels are stretched.

I know that I’ve found it harder to manage my time and I am more discerning about what I choose to show up for.  Some of this is influenced by distance and the cost of travel as I live 30 miles outside of London where a lot of professional networking takes place.

On positive note, I’ve got more involved here in Medway and across Kent through various organisations like the Federation of Small Businesses and it’s reassuring to discover that not everything revolves around the capital.

So why is showing up important? 

Making an appearance shows commitment and loyalty which, for many of us, is important for our confidence and self-esteem.  I still feel a little bit sick when I’m running an event and waiting for people to arrive.  I hate to admit it, but I often get fixated on the people who don’t show up rather than appreciating those who have.

Remember those birthday parties when you invited the most popular kid in the class and they didn’t show up? Oh the shame!

I have even tortured myself with the professional version of this when I worked in public relations and my job involved producing countless events like press receptions, premiers and conferences. Again, it was the ‘no shows’ that always haunted me and the awful clients who then held me personally responsible!  

We all know that it’s impossible to attend everything and sometimes we have to compromise.  Celebrities are at the mercy of their publicists and management companies, and I’ve (almost) learnt not to take it personally!

Having recently run 16 Stage Award heats both in person and online for the 2025 Funny Women Awards I can attest to the value of SHOWING UP.  There’s nothing like getting people in a room together, or even on a Zoom, to entertain a live audience.  Admittedly comedy online is tough but, honestly, it was great to see some amazing women performing in our virtual space.

Lastly showing up is about commitment, respect and mutual support. If you are performing comedy in a competition or a showcase, please remember that you are part of something special and it could determine your future.

There are some amazing benefits too. You get seen by audiences who will buy tickets to your future shows, management companies will watch you or hear about you from other people, and most importantly, you will meet other performers on the same journey and trajectory as you.

Thanks to all the amazing acts who showed up to our Funny Women Awards heats because you made it very special for all of us. Corny as it sounds, taking part really is as important as winning and I can’t wait to see what comes next!

The 2025 Funny Women Awards semi-finals take place from this coming week starting with the Frog & Bucket in Manchester Tuesday 12th August, followed by Edinburgh and London. All dates and booking details are here.

Pictures taken at Funny Women Stage Award heats in Dublin (header) and London. Group shot from the Women in Business Big Show here in Kent.