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A Lesson from Cycling-Don’t Follow the Wrong Crowd in Voiceovers

Business Renewal, Business Tips, Uncategorized, VO Business Tips

Have you ever been on your way following someone or something only later to find out that you were wrong? Well, I recently had that happen to me. A few days ago, I went on a bicycle ride with a new club. Strangely enough, halfway into the ride, I realized I was following the wrong group of cyclists. Would you believe it that I thought about voiceovers and my auditions and business practices? While my story started with a bike ride, my little blunder reminded me of the importance of following the right leads and looking for the right kind of voice over work.  Don’t follow the wrong crowd, even in voiceovers. Find your proper course.

 

Who’s Zooming Who?

 

When we started the bike ride, the ride leader and about 15 of us started on our way out of the parking lot onto the long, quiet road in front of us. The entire club group (including my group) consisted of about 100 cyclists in several small groups. I assumed each group had its route based on the various clusters, but this was not the case. What I did not realize is that my group shared the same route as another faster group. 

During our first climb, several cyclists started passing me, going up a hill. So, I assumed I was falling behind. As such, I began to work harder to catch up with this cluster of “speed demons.” Peddling faster and harder, I was putting my all into catching up, but I still stayed a few feet behind and never really made the connection. 

 

At first, I thought that I was not ready for my group or not as good of a cyclist as I had thought. Assuming that I was with the proper cyclists, I couldn’t understand why so many passed me. But me being me, I kept trying to ride faster. I didn’t know any of the faces of the speeders, but I attributed that to my being new to the group.  

 

When I slowed down to let a group of other riders catch me, someone in the group told me I was leaving my assigned group. The faster cyclists were a part of another group.  I was following the next speed of riders and had left my original group almost a half-mile behind. (Not a good first impression.)  Awkwardly, I had left my small group of seasoned cyclists and was now exhausting myself trying to catch up to a different group of stronger riders. I was following the right course but the wrong crowd.

 

Follow Your Proper Course

 

There are some great lessons in my story. As related to voiceovers, you can probably see the parallels:    

 

Know and be who you are.  When it comes to voice acting, make sure you pursue voice-over jobs that adapt well to your skill sets. The industry is constantly changing, so make sure your skills rank you at the top of your genre.      

 

Audition within your values.  This is more important than ever. Make sure you’re not auditioning or accepting voiceover jobs just for the money. Money comes and goes, but your integrity and good name are priceless.  

 

Stay within your comfort level.  There is a saying in the business that you should only do what’s fun. So make sure you’re still having fun. If that killer instinct to compete for the high-dollar commercial jobs is working for you, then go for it. If not, find what will work for you and your best market.  

 

Work your genre, well.  We’re all changing, so is your sound changing or becoming more mature? Notice your speech and inflections to make sure you fit into the right voiceover niche for you personally and professionally.

Life teaches us the right path is rarely the easy one.”  Roy T. Bennett

 Working hard to follow the “in-crowd” will only wear you out as it depletes the spirit and the drive of your purpose. It’s okay to follow the slower crew.  It’s okay if you don’t constantly run after projects that can make you thousands of dollars and land your voice on national commercials. It may be better to pursue jobs that are more fulling and enable you to develop long-term relationships with solid clients.  Perhaps, it’s time for more local work or work closer to your values and goals.

 

Don’t get lost following the wrong (voice over) crowd. Instead, find your proper course.  Now, I’m careful to ride and voice with the right group.  Keep having fun as you break that lip.

 

What now in Voiceovers? Thoughts on Coping with Change

Business Renewal, Business Tips, VO Business Tips, voiceover

Man Overwhelmed by What's Next in Voiceovers
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

How many times have you said in the last year, ‘What now?’ It’s incredible to me all the stuff I have to adjust to every week. As a voice talent and business owner, it seems that I’m constantly questioning the latest things. So how do you handle the constant daily changes in your voiceover business and life in general? What do you do when you feel you can’t take another new thing? Here are some thoughts on how to get a grip on ever-present changes in voiceovers.

Don’t panic. Take it slow.

While I genuinely believe I am incredible, sometimes I have to read or hear something a few times before I get it. New social media sites or home appliances can take a moment or two to understand and learn how to operate correctly. If I get stuck in my understanding, I’ll seek expert help.  Depending upon the situation, a good YouTube video can be a great source of information, reducing my anxiety and helping me get up to speed on a matter.

In voiceovers, taking direction is essential to success. One key focus of any good talent is to learn to take direction. Taking direction means correctly hearing or receiving feedback and then making the appropriate changes for the next performance.  Being directed can be stressful and may seem like a lot.  So, it’s essential to calm the mind and then focus on the critical points of the direction. If there is still a disconnection, repeat to the director what is wanted or ask for clarification. It’s better to ask for help than to deliver something completely different or unwanted by the producer.

Accept the Change (That’s life)

News flash.  We are all getting older with every passing second. While this reality may not matter to a young adult, anyone over 35 acutely feels the aging process, especially in today’s youth fixated society.  We should see change as an opportunity to grow and become more than we are at the present moment.  Whether it’s a new technology, a road, app, or business style, there’s usually a simple explanation available to help us through.

The rise in automated voices or Automated Intelligence (AI) software has many voice actors panicking.  Voice professionals wonder if the AI will make it hard to make a living or work in an industry they love and enjoy.

Voiceovers is like any other business. Change happens. A good approach would be to research and fully understand the new variations happening in the business.  With understanding can come a since of where one can fit into the AI industry. It’s better to face change head-on and find a way to make it your friend, not your foe.

“He was swimming in a sea of other people’s expectations. Men had drowned in seas like that.”  Robert Jordan

Don’t Become Overwhelmed.

Of late, I’ve noticed that keeping up with the social media world can be a little challenging. Finding something to post that is stunning and gets a lot of net traction can be like throwing paint on a wall and hoping it sticks.

Seemingly, there is a new app, program, social media platform, or computer thing every week! I’m not sure if humans were built for our technology roller-coaster ride.  Many of us are just hanging on or faking it.  Some are about to get thrown off at the next curve! So instead of barely making it, choose what to add to your business platform or home studio and what to just put on hold.

In Mark Schaefer’s article, Keeping Up with the Furious Pace of Social Media Change, he recommends avoiding Fear of Missing Out or FOMO.  Mr. Schaefer comments, ” As you build your social media tribe and the conversations multiply, you have to adjust and come to grips with the fact that you have a life beyond social media. Some thing(s) are going to slip through the cracks. Allow that to be OK.”

Your life and time are precious, so take on what you can do well and do them consistently. Learn what you must in voiceovers and pick up the rest down the road. It’s better to do a few things well than a lot of things poorly. You’ll sleep better too.

Break that lip!

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.

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.

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!