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Voice-over Goals are Doable in 2021

Business Renewal, Personal, Personal VO Views

Note Pad for 2021 GoalsLast year, my view of yearly goals was a little different. This time, I’m considering a happy medium between just thinking up stuff in one’s head to written items in a plan. So, put on your thinking brain and consider these thoughts for making your voiceover and life goals for 2021.

 My thinking about goals is being influenced by, of course, the pandemic. The pandemic has affected how we all think about the world and ourselves. We need to be more on point about what we want professionally and personally. I’m not talking about throwing away your mask. I’m talking about being clear in what you want, the actions (and precautions) you will take, and what you are willing to do for your continued viability.  

In How to set goals for 2021 when everything feels uncertain, Elizabeth Grace Saunders writes, “Despite the unknowns of 2021, setting goals still has great value. Having goals gives you a sense of self-determination that you have the autonomy to make choices for your life and the competence to achieve them. This is a key component of mental and emotional health.”

A goal is not always meant to be reached; it often serves simply as something to aim at.”

Bruce Lee

Set it and don’t forget it 

 Goals are needed now more than ever. The Lockdowns have limited our ability to interact as we have in the past, so we need to find new ways of keeping our lives moving toward a promising future. We will undoubtedly have challenges. That’s why we plan for the best and meet the other stuff as it comes.  

 

Be SMART 

 

Setting SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, or time-bound) goals will provide  steps and processes for reaching one’s objectives. The  21 Goal Ideas to Set and Achieve for a Better 2021 says, “… research shows that 80% of new year’s resolutions are forgotten by February 15th. So, if you’re planning on losing weight, saving money, or learning a new skill, you better have a plan.”

Set the right priorities 

 

Continue your voice-over priorities – it’s your business, it’s your life. Consider what worked in 2020, what was derailed, and what you can do to get back on track. It’s not the good times that define us. The difficult times expose our strengths and weakness. Make sure you are keeping your priorities in placed to meet your goals even throught life’s challenges.  

 

Joan Michelson in Think About 2021 Goal-Setting Differently, suggest you start “… your 2021 goal-setting by first listing all your accomplishments in 2020 – and I do mean ALL of them, in every area of your life, as I outlined in my previous Forbes piece – and see where they are leading you. Looking at the throughlines or patterns and commonalities in these accomplishments will reveal where they are leading you.” 

 

Stay woke

 

The pandemic has brought a lot of hidden realities to light. Being “woke” is not a bad thing but an opportunity to expand your thinking about the world around you. Our lives are moving along in the current of time. You can go with the flow or pull out your goal setting oar and paddle in the direction you’d like to travel. The best way to impact your direction is by writing down your goals covering specific areas of your life.   

 

Write them and they will (or may) come

Your goals’ list does not to be long but should include specific items. Dave Ramsey’s article, How to Set Goals for 2021, recommends goals cover seven life areas: spiritual, fitness, educational, family, career, social, and financial.

 

Today is the best day to get started. We all want 2021 to be a lot better than in 2020. I hope my tips and reminders stir you to take action to do some planning for your future. Setting goals is no guaranteed that you will meet each objective, but aiming at nothing will always get you that result. 

 

Now keep on breaking that lip.

Filed Under: Business Renewal, Personal, Personal VO Views

Holding Up In 2020: Have It Your Way

Business Renewal, Personal VO Views, voiceover, Voiceover Bussiness Tips

Looking hands from Image by Gerd Altmann from PixabayAs I hope you know, the world is in the midst of the Covid-19 onslaught on our society and our way of life.  As such, we have to make drastic changes in our daily lives to stay healthy. Countless news programs, commentaries, podcasts, preachers, and scientists give us their daily take on how to adjust to the ever-changing “new normal.” But I’ve come to understand that changing during this unprecedented time in world history can only go so far. Each of us must decide how to make it through these strange days.

If you’re running a business (like voice acting), there is a fair amount of adjustment needed for dealing with things as a creative and entrepreneur.  I’ve come up with a few thoughts to consider for adjusting to the new normal your way.

Don’t Get Overwhelmed

While voice actors should keep abreast of the types of voice delivery popular in media and entertainment, we need to dial back the doses of bad news. To be clear, communication that leads to feelings of depression, sadness, hopelessness, and fear are bad news. Keeping informed of the latest health developments and strategies for staying safe is a good idea.  But you may have noticed by now that too much of a perceived ”good thing” may not be so good after all.

Limit daily news and media time. If it’s breaking news, you’ll probably get a Tweet or Instagram post about it. Review several sources of news to help you determine a balanced view of the information. You must think critically about what you are seeing and hearing to decide what’s best for you.

In, What to Do When You Get Unexpected Bad News, Suzanne Kane writes “Go straight to the source to eliminate bias or watered-down information that may be more opinion and hearsay than factual.  To properly deal with unexpected negative news, you need to arm yourself with the facts.”

Maintain your Daily Wellness

Hopefully, you have some idea of what a thriving daily routine looks like for you. Keep your physical health in check, and make sure you are also watching your dental health. (Ever since I learned that many of the ancient Egyptians died of gum disease, I’ve become a big supporter of good dental health.) Likewise, watch your weight by getting in regular exercise and healthy relaxation. I find cycling helps me to stay mentally and physically healthy.

Practice Caution until the Cure

Many of us are finally getting opportunities to do more outside our homes than grocery shop. We can now visit museums, shops, beaches, churches, restaurants, and friends! But there is still a need for extra caution in society. Have your fun and do as much as you need to maintain good relationships. Of course, make sure you’re practicing the official guidelines for venturing out in public and around others.

Stretch your Creativity to the (legal) Max

It will take most of us a lifetime to understand and reveal our true selves. Use this time of adjustment to continue to see what is in you and express it creatively. For example, you don’t have to be a voice actor to invest in training in voice or acting. Get in on virtual learning and artistic pursuits to see what comes from within you. Let yourself laugh at life and dream of how the world would be if everyone were just like you. If you’re a voice talent, never stop investigating the possibilities of advancing your creativity to that which lies within you. Continue to harness your creative “gold mine,” your mind.

Nurture your People

Your new normal should not be void of people. Again, voiceover people know and understand the importance of human interactions. We know that you cannot relate and reach others without understanding them. We need our families, friends, neighbors, and even some of our enemies. People teach us to succeed, fail, fight, love, grow, and adapt. Spending all your time behind physical or virtual walls does not lead to good relationships or mental health.

The worst solitude is to have no real friendships.” Francis Bacon

Use the virtual tools available to connect with others. Moreover, meet others in safely distanced setting to talk, laugh, and just be yourself. You need your people and they need you. Don’t deprive them of you.  Nurture others and you will find your spirit is a little lighter every time you interact with people. Find a way to make it work your way.

Your survival is now in your hands. You are too special to lose, we need you. Take the advice on being safe, but don’t let being safe strip away your life. You can make it through 2020 and beyond. I’ll be listening for you breaking a lip.

Filed Under: Business Renewal, Personal VO Views, voiceover, Voiceover Bussiness Tips Tagged With: bussines skills, voice acting, voiceover

5 Things Voice Actors Can Do Now to Stay Noticeable

Business Renewal, Business Tips, Voiceover Bussiness Tips, Voiceover Clients

Be Noticed-We All MatterNo matter your background, language, or location, life for you has changed.  The COVID-19 incident has changed the present and is yet to reveal its whole effect on our future.  But as an optimist, I believe life is still worth living. As a creative, living is not just consuming food or having fun; it means being able to create, share, and give to others. This is a great time to find new and emerging opportunities for helping others through the expression of one’s creative talents.  But, with the ongoing readjustments facing our society, you may be wondering how to adapt to the fluctuating “new normal.”  Here are five ideas on how to re-evaluate where you stand in the voiceover market and stay noticeable to current and potential customers.

1. Let Others Know You’re Available

The current business environment presents a great time to send friendly contact messages to customers.  Let your current voice over clients know that you care about them and are here to help if needed.  You don’t have to ask for work but offer something meaningful to your client.  If you have other skills, talents, or related contacts, let others know you can be a part of their solutions to adjusting to the new challenges of today’s business world.

When reaching out to potential voice-over clients, use the same approach.  You want to see where people are and how you can help them with their needs.  Show your heart as a creative and someone that brings value and service to society.

Most people don’t like change. They revolt against it unless they can clearly see the advantage it brings.”   John C. Maxwell  (Pastor & Motivational Speaker)

2. Get Really Good at Social Media

Social Media is the preferred method of daily communication. Usage over many platforms continues to escalate. Review your social media analytics and what others are drawn to in your postings or blogs.  Note what is working for your sites or not working.  Review other voice-actor sites and see what posts are getting the most attention plus look into incorporating similar methods into your platforms.  Learn to communicate in the language of current and potential customers.  Oberlo notes that “If you cater your content toward the audience of the social media platform, you’ll be successful.”  Direct your strategy for meeting the right market at the right time.  Make your presence about willing to meet the needs of others.

3. Develop Partnerships

You don’t have to limit new partnerships to just voice talents.  Most of your outreach should be to those who can use your services or who you can help reach their business goals. Follow various businesses on social media or in virtual meetings to get an understanding of other industries.  When possible, make meaningful contributions to postings and conversations. Look for connections related to shared interests, activities, and future goals.

Inc.com says, “Such partnerships are just as beneficial for businesses of all sizes, provided each partner knows how to build, cultivate, and make the most out of the partnership. Once you’ve found your partner, work together to build something that will benefit you both for years to come.”

Look for companies that are doing something that would benefit both of you and help seek to develop mutually beneficial partnerships.  And always interact with respect and in a positive, bipartisan way.

4. Renew your Mailers

Contact via mail is making a comeback.  This is a good time to use postcards or other printed material to reach out to local businesses.  Develop a timely message and let your community know you are here and how to make contact.

5. Keep a Virtual Eye on the Industries

With the current pandemic, there has been an explosion of virtual video meetings.  Diligently watch the virtual meetings and industry leaders’ presentations.  With such a wide variety of virtual experiences, don’t limit yourself to voice over sites.  You can find potential clients across the board and in many genres.  Increase your personal knowledge about new topics or take up new skills.  Open yourself up to the winds of opportunities and skills you may not have considered in the past.

It’s a new day and time. Don’t limit yourself.  Keep yourself marketable and viable through the crisis of 2020.

Break a lip!

Filed Under: Business Renewal, Business Tips, Voiceover Bussiness Tips, Voiceover Clients Tagged With: bussines skills, voiceover

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