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Voice Overs

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Speak your Truth as a Voiceactor 

Personal VO Views, VO Business Tips, Voice over Training, Voiceover Bussiness Tips

Should your individual opinions affect your choices in voiceover projects? I recently read a blog related to truth, or should I say, statements reported as news in the American news media. The post was about how some people shrewdly use social and news media platforms to develop messages. These messages may contain misleading or belief-based information to sway receivers to a particular point of view. If accepted, the persuasive message may convince receivers that an opinion-based report is a fact.

I wondered how voice actors cope with questionable information they must communicate through scripts and projects. For example, how do you deal with voicing projects where you believe the information is askew? It’s one thing to listen to the news and read social media, but what if you’re voicing a message that is contrary to your values? The wrong answer can affect one’s finances. As a talent, define your standards of truth as a voice of integrity.

Nowadays people know the price of everything and the value of nothing.”   Oscar Wilde

Set The Standards

To run a successful business, you must have standards within that business. Those standards govern what you can and should do to please a customer. So, first, become clear on what you prefer to voice as an actor; the rest is follow through. For example, I know actors specific on the types of reads they record and only voice those types. The actors are not biased in any way; they have simply decided what kinds of projects they will perform.

Times and thinking have changed a lot in the past five or even two years.  Your standards should be top of mind throughout your daily business life.  In Focusing on Your Core Values as a Small Business, Matt Wilson says, “And if you started your company a week ago or 10 years ago, I urge you to spend a bit of time considering just who you want your company to be and make sure that it is living up to your standards.”

Live With The Choices

When a voice actor hangs out the “For Hire” sign, they tell the world they are available for almost any project. But before a voiceactor is ready to work, they must be clear as to the tone of the business. Producers may not just judge you on your demo, but your previous projects and affiliations posted online may also be reviewed. You don’t have to pen a statement of values per se, but if you note on your public profiles the types of projects you enjoy and the work you want to voice, it’s a subtle way of letting others know your choices.

You also show your choices through social media followers, posts, and support. It’s a given today that someone will review your social media pages to see what you’re really about. So, make sure your post and support align with your principles.

Distance yourself from causes and pages that can give a bad and incorrect view of your business and who you are as a voice actor. Sometimes, it’s best not to participate in publicly bashing elected officials or celebrities. While you can have your point of view, making political statements as a voice actor and offending potential future clients may not be suitable for business.

Voice Integrity

You are the most intuitive as a voiceactor when you participate in projects you can agree with or believe in the message. Don’t take any job because money is slow. Your voice recording could be heard indefinitely, and you may become the talent that supports a particular position. In addition, if you believe in what you’re saying or selling, your read will go much better because you can connect with the message and why it’s important to others. Moreover, if you want to connect with a message, know what you want the listeners to feel, and that will come through in your voice.

I’m not saying you have to love aftershave cream or hard tack screws, but if the message is one you can believe in, such as the importance of aftershave cream and hard tack screws, you can voice the script with meaning and conviction.

Know What Fits For You

I know from experience that sometimes we get asked to do projects that don’t align our values even though the position is popular in the media. Going against the social media influencers or the messages in the news may seem like walking into a windstorm headfirst. But you cannot compromise yourself and still be an effective, emotive voiceactor.

Seek projects that you can proudly stand behind and would not be embarrassed if your parents or children recognized your voice. It may seem hard, and that’s because it is. You may have to walk away from some big-dollar jobs, but in the end, you’ll have done what’s right for your future.

Speak your truth at a voiceactor, and you’ll never have to lie about who you are or how you feel. Your feeling matter as a voice actor. No do what you do best as you break that lip!

Six Ways Voiceactors Can Skip the Scam Forest

Business Tips, VO Business Tips, voiceover, Voiceover Bussiness Tips

Getting through the forest of scams to the Kingdom

It’s true. There is good business out there for new and established voice talent. As a seasoned professional voice actor, I pride myself on giving clients fast, courteous service at a fair price. Therefore, like any other small businessperson, I enjoy meeting and collaborating with new people and expanding my list of potential voiceover contacts. However, with so many interactions strictly over the Internet, marketing to and attracting good new clients and contacts can sometimes feel like walking through a mysterious forest looking for the right path to the kingdom. The last thing anyone wants is to lose time and money being hurt or robbed by a scammer. To that end, below are six ways to lessen your chances of being scammed in the voiceover business.

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.  

Most of us have heard of the emails (usually with poor spelling) or the messages that we have won $1M and need to send an unknown person our bank account information. Or you have heard the one about the long-lost uncle or aunt who has just died somewhere overseas, and you are the only one inheriting his or her entire fortune. When is the last time you heard of someone leaving a hefty sum of money to a “relative” they didn’t know or had ever met? I think in these cases, eccentrics like that die and leave their money to their cat. So, we figure out pretty quickly it’s a fraud. Common sense is our first line of defense when weeding out scams.

When you receive a request for voiceover services, ask the person how they heard about you. Voice talents often refer business to other trusted colleagues for voice services outside their particular genre or field. Also, this helps you verify the person is a legitimate business contact.  Get as much information as you can without acting too much like Sherlock Holmes.

Don’t ever take a fence down until you know why it was put up.”
― Robert Frost

Don’t be afraid to speak directly to a potential client. 

As voice talent, we often collaborate with clients from all over the world. If possible, try to arrange a short introductory call to hear the person’s voice and give them a mini-speech on how you can meet their voiceover needs. This practice allows both of you to get a feel for each other.

PowerHomeBiz.com recommendations the following:

When trying to determine if your new client is a scammer, it’s important to speak with them on the phone. As most criminals use the internet to hide their true identities, most will shy away from getting on the phone. However, there are a few things to consider when on the phone with a potential client.

When speaking with new clients, use software that protects your identity and sensitive information. With the help of tools like a conference call bridge, you’ll also be able to use secure conference calling to verify the identification of new callers. Additionally, you can use screen sharing for further confirmation that you’re speaking to the person you believe you are talking to.

Beware of fast turnaround request from strangers.

While most of the work in the voiceover industry is fast, that is no reason to drop your guard. Beware of those who contact you for a quick turnaround job and not mention rates, usage, or how you can be compensated. You don’t want to rush out and do a job and never receive a dime. This can easily happen to new voice actors desiring to build their client base. Also, a promise of paying you after a job is completed is no real guarantee. Make sure the client provides you with at least a down payment before the delivery of any voice work.

PowerHomeBiz.com says, “Whether it’s a new client with a “rush order” or someone looking to hire you immediately, having incredibly tight deadlines is often a red flag of a scam.  Scammers use pressure and urgency to force their victims into making the wrong decision. While there are often clients that need quick turnarounds, having a stranger demand work immediately is cause for pause.”

Market to and work locally.

You can skip the shaky contacts if your roster is full of good clients. Seek to build relationships with local companies that need your voice-over services. It’s always a good idea to review a company’s business profile online and check with the Better Business Bureau for an idea of the company and the experiences of the current and former clients. In addition, your local Chambers of Commerce may have a listing of companies you’re looking to work with, so you can verify if the company is on the up and up.

Connect with caution on Social Media.

In BBB, 10 Steps to Avoid Scams, it’s suggested, “Consider only connecting with people (or companies) you already know. Check the privacy settings on all social media and online accounts. Imposters often get information about their targets from their online interactions, and can make themselves sound like a friend or family member because they know so much about you.”

Protect your money. 

Consider wisely who you share your online cash sharing credential with. Most low-cost or no-fee cash apps carry little protection if your account is hacked. While it’s good business to provide accessible payment services to clients, you want to ensure you are not opening yourself to a scam. Never share your cash app information with a company you are unsure of and not confident of the relationship. In addition, most cash apps have no provision for recovering lost or stolen money; therefore, you are responsible for what goes out of your Cash app account.

Safeguard your accounts by signing up for Voice Verification or Push Notifications for your mobile banking transactions—signup for email notifications of any transactions on your business accounts. Monitoring your accounts is the best way to catch fraud before it becomes an unrecoverable situation.

A wise voice actor takes care of business, so he or she is free to take care of the clients. So go you, break that lip.

 

Gracefully Maturing as a Voice Actor

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

Man with microphoneSince the late 60s, our society has idolized youthfulness by discarding the old and driving to the new. While such thinking grabs Media headlines and Social Media likes, meeting daily challenges in business and life can be more complicated. I’ve recently celebrated a birthday and still like what I see in the mirror. However, as a voice talent, learning to continue to like what you see in the mirror as you age and your performance as an actor can be a constantly moving target. So, looking back on my life, I’d like to share what I think can help you mature gracefully as a voice actor and continue to perform at your best for as long as you like.

Know why you do what you do

 Regularly review your voiceover goals. Your goals will focus your motivation and methods for the following. If you don’t know why you’re in the business, you won’t last long in the business.

It’s okay to lose…sometimes

 As voice actors, we do a ton of auditions. But, for most of us, we lose more auditions than we book. No one wants to lose a good-paying voice job. Yet, if you’re sending out quality auditions on time, you will sometimes not get the job you thought you were the best fit. So, remember to pat yourself on the back for doing your best for the audition/client and move on to the next opportunity.

You can’t do everything

 Sometimes, we get overwhelmed by the business of voice acting.  Make sure you’re not wearing too many hats. Social media, website management, marketing, and more can be done using software or hiring help. Even if you have been doing everything yourself, you may find some tasks can become a heavier lift as you age or as your personal life requires more attention. Look into what needs to be farmed out to keep you from losing your love for the business.

Practice, get coached, practice

We know things change, and things change twice as fast in voiceacting. While the fear of the Artificial Intelligence takeover in all voiceovers may be subsiding, that does not mean read styles stop evolving. Continue collaborating with a good coach and also record yourself and make sure your sound is current and marketable within your genre.  

Check your speed and articulation

 As we age, we tend to slow down. Others can hear the speed change in our delivery before we may notice the difference ourselves. Continue to practice your regular articulation exercises to keep your diction on point. Moreover, listen to your auditions to make sure you’re not speaking too slowly or losing momentum in long-form narrations. With a little review, you can keep your voiceover game up to speed.

Keep up with the changes in the industry 

As we accumulate years in business, we may get slack in keeping up with changes in the voiceover industry.  Moreover, changes in technology, payment methods, communication, and the like directly affect the voiceacting industry. So, make a point to set aside time each week to engage with forms, webinars, online sessions, and blogs to keep an eye on industry changes.

There is a fountain of youth: it is your mind, your talents, the creativity you bring to your life and the lives of people you love. When you learn to tap this source, you will truly have defeated age.”  Sophia Loren

Know your changing voice/style of delivery

 You may have been good at sounding like a teenager a couple of years ago, but today you may not be so good at that. Or your auditions for commercials may not be getting you the jobs. No worries, it may be time to add the middle-aged or senior voice to your repartee or change your voiceover niche. Be open to your coach’s recommendation about your sound and other voiceover genres that you may have become vocally qualified.

As we age, it’s important to take safe care of our voice.  In the article, “Does Your Voice Get Deeper as You Age?,” WebMD Editorial Contributors provide some useful tips to prevent or slow vocal issues and significant vocal changes.

Have Fun in business and life

 While we all love getting those big-ticket voiceover jobs, make sure you are still having fun working your business and enjoying your life. Each of us has finite time on this Earth. We should never work to live. Whatever your beliefs about the afterlife, if you’re reading this, your last day of life will come.

With age, you can get better, so keep making those revisions and breaking that lip!  

Voice Actors, Don’t Get A Dog

Personal VO Views, voiceover, Voiceover Bussiness Tips

The Dog You Love
Dog with Paw-He Cares

We love our pets, but like getting a new pet or going into voiceacting, we sometimes buy without considering the overall cost to maintain our new furry friends or a new business.  If you’re a voice talent like me, we have to think about the long term.  Will voiceacting return the love we put in it?  Who can say?  It’s kinda of like getting a new pet. Allow me to draw a few parallels in my story about investing in a pet, in this case a dog, and pursuing a voice-over career.

When New Things become New Headaches

I have a friend who was down in the dumps because his beloved new dog needed surgery.  He adopted the dog from an animal shelter at the beginning of the COVID-19 shutdowns.  My friend and the dog really hit it off.  The pup was only a few years old and seemed to bring the companionship feeling that my friend longed.  But, the animal had a few hidden health issues that have recently surfaced.  So, my friend is struggling to keep his little canine healthy and happy.

Many voice actors have a great start and a honeymoon relationship with their career for the first couple of years or good jobs.  Then, as it usually happens, the jobs start to become less and less as delivery styles change.  As a result, the talent may struggle to stay sustainable in the voice-over industry. Now time and what little money is made may be spent on the wrong items. A person may start to feel hopeless and concerned that the pursuit of voiceovers was only a pipe dream.

How to keep New Things Feeling New

When it comes to pets, my friend does have some options.  He is considering purchasing insurance for future bills or delaying the surgery for as long as he safely can for his pet.  He enjoys his new dog and does not want to lose his new friend.  My friend is also working a little overtime to help bring down the impending veterinarian debt.  While finances are tight, he wants to keep his new four-legged companion.

Voice acting is incredibly rewarding and can allow a person to experience so much personal fulfillment. So, while voice actors are faced with challenges like automation and Artificial Intelligence voices, actors may still want to stay in business and find ways to adapt and evolve with the industry.

When It’s Time to Call It Quits

My friend is lucky because he wants to keep his dog, but he has admitted if his beloved pet suffers another financially burdening illness, he may need to give him up.  Pets can be a lot of fun to have, but paying big bills and prolonged hospital stay costs may not be within the owners’ budget.

You do not write your life with words…You write it with actions. What you think is not important. It is only important what you do.”   Patrick Ness, A Monster Calls

In voice-overs, when running a business becomes more of a burden than a job, or when it’s no longer fun, a voice actor must consider his future.  While there is more work than ever, competition is more fierce that ever!  Keeping up with the industry can seem like a foot race. Voice talent must stay in contact with their peer groups and industry leaders to keep up with what is happening as well as continue to train and adapt to industry changes.

So, the lesson of this little anecdote is to consider the cost of every choice, whether it’s a new pet or a new career.  Like getting a furry new pet, the first few days or months after making a significant choice or decision may seem like a honeymoon, but only at first.  Voice acting is a fun, fulfilling career, but it’s a lot of challenging work.  Training is necessary.  Good demos are necessary, and finding customers is a must.

We must be willing to let go of the life we planned so as to have the life that is waiting for us.” ― Joseph Campbell

Think about your choices beyond the new, fun stage and into the long term of living with the selections you’ve made.

Keep breaking that lip.

Five Concepts to Becoming a Voiceover Entrepreneur

Business Tips, voiceover, Voiceover Bussiness Tips

One good thing about being an employee is you are usually not the person taking all the business risks.  I live near a Government town, and Federal Jobs are at a premium.  Perks to being a Fed are you have lots of benefits, healthcare, and a regular paycheck.  If you’re sick, you get paid. If you go on vacation, you get paid. If you work well at your job, you get paid, and if you don’t work so well, you still get paid.  It’s nice work if you can get it. However, if you decide to make voice acting your side business or second career, the transition from employee to running your own voice-over business can be from one extreme to the other.  In a few words, no work, no wealth.  While the learning curve is very real, applying these five concepts may help you go from employee to voiceover entrepreneur.

As an employee, you can work hard and become a big shot!  While you may be a great team player and phenomenally successful in your job, your responsibilities and functions as a self-employed voice actor are going in a new direction.  A successful voice talent must be a marketer, editor, director, producer, manager, housekeeper, troubleshooter, and more. But if you’ve never run a business, it may take longer than you expect to get your head around all the stuff to be done.   Here are a few unconventional concepts.

Cast off the Old Thinking

Most of us have had at least one bad boss, and some of us have had many bad bosses.  As a self-employed voice actor, you may need to change your opinion of what a boss is and does.  As such, there is a vastly different mindset and risk level when all the voiceover responsibilities fall to you.  You are the fall person for the good and bad decisions connected to your business.

Bosses have to take chances and make the tough calls and, if so, stand-alone with their decisions.  You may need to change how you feel about persons in charge in general and start mentally developing the mindset of a leader who is ready to take on the unpopular challenges.

The greatest day in your life and mine is when we take total responsibility for our attitudes. That’s the day we truly grow up. “ John C. Maxwell

Forgive the Past

The older we get, the more we have experienced.  While our past is excellent material and foundations for our acting, it can also remind us of  hurts, regrets, and old wounds.  These negative thoughts and attitudes can affect how you run your business, interact with people, market for clients, and your performance as a voice actor.

Voice acting or acting for that matter is a performance art.  We bring all we are to any performance even when it’s too much or in the way.  Release yourself from the old attitude and thoughts, which may not have been a problem in other professions and jobs but could seriously hinder your voice over success. Forgive (yourself included), make peace with your past, and learn to shape your history to fuel your future.

Learn to Play – Anew

I’m a big proponent of playing, but I’m referring to the kind of play that leads to creativeness.  Likewise, allow yourself to think like a child, be silly, have fun, and use your imagination in creative ways.  These activities can awaken hidden acting talents and help your succeed.

Storefront VoiceoversStop Thinking Like your Former “In Crowd”

As a native of the US East Coast, I’ve noticed that we have a way of thinking and acting.  Many people come to my area to climb the ladder of success. Often people pick up an attitude about themselves that exhibits a perceived self-importance.  They brag about their success, who they know, or their educational background.  The “In-Crowd” enjoy each other’s company, so there’s no loss of conversation among them.

While bragging about one’s job success may be nice, it will not usually endear you to potential clients.  Humility is a quality successful voice actors know well.  Thriving voice talents understand the importance of listening (being directable) and having empathy for others.  And since voice actors often have to lean on each other,  good actors know how to encourage and build up others.  The spirit of humility and forthrightness is an incredible magnet for making the right connections and developing strong relationships.

Success is the byproduct of good communication, the right attitude, and confidence as a voice actor.  Arrogance, no, but confidence knowing you’re a good talent and doing your best even when you don’t get the job.

Give yourself Time to Renew

Unless you began voice acting as a child, you have years of learning and relearning to do.  Give your self-time to learn how to run your business well, develop encouraging friendships, work with coaches, and the many other aspects of the professional.  In 9 ‘Mindsets’ You Need to Switch From Employee to Entrepreneur, Maite Baron writes, “Being an entrepreneur involves learning many new skills, unless you have the funds to outsource what you’re not good at or don’t want to do.

I once heard of a voice actor that waited four years between his first VO job to his next one, all while traveling to auditions, getting coaching, and learning the business.  Can you imagine four years between voice-over jobs?

If you love this business, it may not love you back right away.  Give it time.  Learn and actively seek to grow your skills.  Shape your company for the success that brings you true fulfillment as a voice actor and as a person.  If you hang in there, the accolades will come.

That’s my two cents, now break 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!

8 Things That Can Make A Staycation Work For You

Business Tips, Personal, Personal VO Views, Voiceover Bussiness Tips, Voiceover Clients

This week, it’s all about the Coronavirus (COVID-19). It’s a threat to our way of life and seems to be the only news we hear. No matter your business or employment state, all people are affected by this medical crisis to our society. But what can you control, change, or improve? Yes, we have choices, even during this worldwide medical crisis. Choose to take your mind off the crisis with 8 things that can make this time of staycation work for you.  

1. Work Your Undone “To-Dos” 

 If you’re like me, something is always falling off your “To-do list.” Look around your office and home, and notice what you have been planning to do but just have not gotten around to completing. Are there rooms that need to be cleaned, painted, or just organized? Use this time to take a crack at your list. Then again, these undone tasks don’t have to be just work. Get to your fun To-do list too.   

2. Express your Creativity

Many voice talent are creative people by nature. If you’re not a voice talent or actor, that does not mean you cannot take up a creative habit or be creative. Consider adopting new practices like painting, writing, or even coloring. 

Coloring books are popular these days. In an article appearing in O Magazine, Brigitt Earley’s Best Adult Coloring Books to Melt Your Stress Away, notes that coloring books are not a kid only activity. She writes, “… the advanced options (coloring books) are chock-full of beautiful and insanely intricate designs; others are a little irreverent; some are more functional, doubling as a journal or a calendar… .” Coloring is considered quite calming.  

Still not convinced?  The blog by Eva Williams, 8 Therapeutic Benefits of Coloring in Adult Coloring Books and Apps, says, “While our mind is engaged in coloring, it seldom diverts and relapses into negative thoughts.” It’s all about refocusing your mind.  

3. Reconnect with Family and Friends

 While social media is all the rage, make time to pick up the phone to talk or live stream friends and family. Check on older loved ones as well those who are single or live alone. The act of reaching out and caring about others has a calming and pleasing effect that can last for days.  

4. Take an Inventory of You

It’s okay for a little self-focus. Moreover, this is probably the best time for such an activity. During the Coronavirus, we may want to examine what is essential in your life, are we pursuing our goals, and are they the right goals. Writing down what you want, where you want to go, and where you are in the process can help bring your life into focus. Make the best of your time and talents. (For more, see my blog on keeping your goals fresh and on point).  

5. Keep Moving 

The old saying is, ‘If you don’t use it you will lose it.’ So, make time daily to stretch and get your body moving. From my point of view of a voice talent, you should practice breathing and other techniques to keep your voice at it’s best. The body works succinctly with all its parts. If you’re stressed or upset, it will come out in your voice-over performances. Release a little stress through movement.  

Tell your readers to use it or lose it. If you don’t use your muscles, they get weak. If you don’t use your mind, it begins to fail.” John Templeton

6. Update your Software Knowledge 

Do you have books or software you’ve downloaded and have still not mastered? (Guilty) Now is the time to check on what you have. Make sure your remote directing, editing, and other software updates. 

Moreover, find out about any new features and learn some of the old features to make sure you’re getting the most out of your purchase. The information and tools only help us when we know how to use them and use them well.  If you need help, Facebook and YouTube usually have loads of software tutorials to help you get up and functioning. 

7. Plan your Next Vacation 

If money is no object, where would you like to go? If money is an object, where would you like to go? Find a happy medium between the two and plan your next (post staycation) Vacation. Consider your budget, travel, location, and activities. There is nothing wrong with dreaming, and just thinking of time away in the future can lighten your spirits today.  

8. Use Social Media Wisely 

Not all news is good news or real news. Watch what you need to stay safe and healthy, then cut off the Media. Don’t worry, there’s always an update in a few hours, so it’s fine to give yourself a break. If you are hooked on social media, watch a few cat videos, or kids throwing food, and feel free to laugh out loud.  

Go ahead and break that lip!

Pay it Forward: Your Day Will Come

Personal VO Views, VO Business Tips, Voice talent renewal, Voiceover Bussiness Tips

Red Rose Given AwayChristmas season 2019 did not go as I had planned.  I covered my shopping list, made gift purchases, and developed plans for spending time with family and friends.  However, just days before the Christmas holiday (while singing with my church no doubt), I noticed that I was struggling with my breathing.  My breath was so shallow, then I suddenly and without warning had no breath to finish the song I was singing.

That day in church was the beginning of my 6-week recovery from pneumonia.  But instead of reflecting on my temporary illness, I fondly remember the unexpected kindness I received from my family and friends during my time of recovery.  I realized how important it is to stay connected to family, friends, and associates because a lot of life catches us off guard. The lesson I observed is if you pay it forward (and back to the person), your day will come.

Embrace the Help

If you’ve helped enough people get what they want or need (loose paraphrase from Zig Ziglar), you can expect something positive in return.  Don’t be too proud to accept help especially when you know you need help and cannot do things for yourself.  Moreover, there’s no shame in letting others know you need help.  By allowing yourself to be on the receiving end of support, you give others an excellent feeling of giving when they can come to your rescue. Accept the help and be sure to return the favor later.

You can get everything in life you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want.”  Zig Ziglar

Be Thankful

When you receive unexpected help or support, make a point to send a thank you card, note, or email letting others know that you are thankful for their kindness.  Kindness is in shrinking supply in our current culture. Something as small as a heartfelt hug or note can go a long way.

Please pay it forward… Again

Voice actors are not exempt from paying it forward. As a matter of fact, the most successful voice actors are usually very good at giving back.  The act of giving back can include rendering excellent services to clients along with helping and volunteering at community and non-profit causes.

If you’re ever down for a time, once you’ve recovered or gotten back on your feet, start to fill other lives with help, encouragement, and acts of genuine kindness.

Voice over’s pay it Forward

Make time to volunteer and give to others regardless of their ability to give back to you.  Also, it’s not too late to send a Valentine’s Day card to clients as a way of expressing kindness.  Life is full of reciprocal opportunities personally and professionally. A blog by the Talented Ladies Club gives some nice thoughts:

We’re often presented with opportunities to do favors for others in life – from
passing on outgrown baby clothes and toys to friends and family (or donating
them to charities), to brilliant schemes like Share the warmth, where you
‘pre-purchase’ a cup of coffee or tea in a cafe, and leave as a credit for someone
in need to use another time.

I challenge you in the last half of Valentine’s week to look for ways to give to others.  That way (hopefully) when your day comes (and it will) your family and friends will rally around you.  As you face life’s challenges, may your recovery include help and support from others so you can get back to doing and being your best.

Break a lip!

 

What has voice overs done for you lately?

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

As a burgeoning or continuing voice-over talent, you may have thought the title phrase even if you didn’t say it aloud. Like other business owners, voice actors are in the business of doing what they love and making a profit. However, there’re times, when one must step back and ask, “what have I done for voiceovers lately?” Instead of focusing on getting to get, focus on giving to give.

Network to Give

Social media is indeed all the rave, but face to face time can be a great way to connect. While that’s no new thought, connecting to learn and understand another’s journey in the voice over business takes a little more work.

After you’ve exchanged business cards at networking functions, and the casual conversations begin, quite your spirit and take the time to focus on what the other person is saying. Listen to a person’s speech and inflections. Listen for what moves them and what may be an area of concern. I’ve noticed that if you allow others to talk about their favorite subject (themselves), they will tell you quite a lot about what’s on their mind and in their career. Listen to the character cues behind the words and even the insecurity that may underscore phrases. Listen without judgment, then understand to respond.

Giving in-network can be processing what you have heard spoken and carefully suggesting or commenting to the listener. This giving is not an opportunity to lay out a full speech about you and your business, but to respond to small tidbits with information that may be useful to your listener. Your objective is to give to your listener something they can use and perhaps help change his or her future. Providing the right, brief tip shows your compassion and caring for another.

Diplomacy is listening to what the other guy needs. Preserving your own position but listening to the other guy. You have to develop relationships with other people so when the tough times come, you can work together.”  Colin Powell

 Network to Help

There are causes in voice acting too. Sometimes you can volunteer your time and talents to help new talent, barter for services, or mentor others.  Not every networking event should have a money aim; networking is an excellent way of making a difference in the business community and educating others on the topic.

I live in a town where it’s all about competition and getting ahead. As such, listeners and encouragers have a way of sticking out even in the most casual of meetings.

Don’t miss this. If you network to give, you’re doing something more profound than just gleaning a future contact. You are learning how to listen and care about another person and give without looking for something in return.

As a voice talent, the simple act of giving will help improve your ability to connect and emphasize as you tell a story and see things from another’s perspective. In a world climate of so many people pushing for their recognition or success, being open to listening and giving to others can be a way of improving your relationships and communication.

“Turnabout is fair play,” or so the saying goes. If you focus on giving what is needed in networking and other areas, your business and life will richly develop. The next time, you could be the person who gets that little tidbit of relevant info from a new pal that changes the way you live your life and operate your business.

So, the next time you think, what has voice overs done for you lately, I hope the answer is, “it’s done a lot.” Find better ways to help others as you break a lip.