Kiss My Budget!
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Wait, WHAT? Budget is not a curse word! It’s a term that we should all become comfortable with using frequently. All clients have budgets to work with and we should get used to getting them to talk about it. Remember, this is not a hobby that we are doing for free – this is our business! Since money is a necessity that all people in business have to deal with on a daily basis, it should not be an uncomfortable topic that we try to avoid when speaking with our clients. Based on responses that have been gathered from conversations held with other voice talents, we all get a little reluctant sometimes when it comes to asking a client about their budget and even more so when it comes time to discuss our rates with them! How can this hurdle on the track towards closing a deal be effectively overcome?
First, when it comes to a project, you never want to over sell or under sell your client. The only way that this can be accomplished is if they have informed you of their budget beforehand. This is why it is imperative that you always want to get them to the point of discussing their budget with you. Otherwise, you more than likely will not get the results that you are looking for. For example, if your client sends you a 10-page script and you immediately give them a rate off the top of your head, you are taking a huge risk that could only be of benefit to the client. How so? They would either be joyful because you have made their selection process a lot easier by removing yourself from their list or because you just gave them the deal of a lifetime that would end up costing you more than what you’ll make from doing the job!
Just the other day, a client sent me a 3-page script for a narration. Since I wanted to ensure that I gave her a fair and friendly rate, I politely asked her about the budget set for the voiceover. To my surprise, it turned out that her budget was about $500 MORE than I was originally going to quote her. Of course, you don’t want to come back and say, “Sure that sounds about right!” However, you can certainly come close.
Unfortunately, it does not always work out this way. Sometimes, the client’s budget is far lower than what you were going to quote them. At that point, it is up to you whether or not you want to work within that budget. Many blogs have been created (including some of my own) that have been focused on lowball rates. If you haven’t done so already, it is recommended for you to read over those articles and educate yourself on this so that you can be further prepared whenever these types of situations arise.
We all need to work, but it is also important for us to try to set and maintain the standards for fair and reasonable rates in this industry. Therefore, please be careful when agreeing to do a 5-page script for only $50.
“Budget” is not a dirty word. Get used to the word and implement it into your daily vocabulary! Our clients are comfortable with talking about money for their business, so we need to be just as comfortable (if not more) with talking about money for our own.
Popularity: 1%
Go!
Filed under Blog
Is business a little slow right now? Spending too much time on “Words with Friends?” First quarter can be very slow, no matter what business you are in. The good news is there are steps you can take to make it easier to slide into the fast lane. So, before you push the panic button and start looking on CareerBuilder.com for jobs you don’t really want, here are five steps that I put into action when business is a little slow.
1. Pour a glass of Scotch and sulk. I’m kidding! Sign up for as many meetup groups as you can possibly handle and go to the events. You will learn a ton, meet great people and you’ll get new business! There is usually one for every kind of business person and they are free. There is only a fee, when you register for one of the events. Definitely go to the events and bring lots of business cards!
www.meetup.com
2. Build a Facebook business page for your business. This works as a secondary website and will not only help build traffic to your website, it’s an outstanding way to network with others in your industry.
3. Join your local Chamber of Commerce! These are all business owners you will be meeting with and some may hire you for a job or two. It’s an excellent way to network and also a tax deduction. Search for your local chamber of commerce to locate a website and contact information.
4. Send out postcards! Yes, this may sound like the “old school” way of marketing but snail mail is still effective. This gives the client something tangible they can keep on file or put on their refrigerator. E-mail marketing can be effective as well but sometimes e-mail gets lost in the shuffle or ends up in spam folders. Plus, snail mail is a little less intrusive. My last mail-out consisted of a post card and a refrigerator magnet business card!
5. Be active on Twitter! Don’t tweet stuff like, “Spring sale going on right now. Everything is 40% off!” Instead, tweet about how cool the stuff is that you’re selling or how cool it is to have this product and what it can do for you. Engage in other people’s conversations as well. Don’t just yap about your own stuff. Twitter is one big party. When you go to a party, you don’t want to listen to the same person talk about themselves all night. Chances are favorable that you will get annoyed and leave the party. Instead, share what you have going on but also ask questions about their business! Re-tweeting posts is also very effective because you are showing that you care and are willing to help.
There are times when you should embrace the slow lane because you’ll have more time to work on marketing and other things going on in your life. Sure, money can be tight but life is too short to hover in a corner in a state of stress, wondering where the next gig is going to come from. The gas pedal is still within reach. Get into the fast lane and step on it!
Popularity: 2%
Comments
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January 11,2012
Dave Wallace @ 11:13 am
Hmmm….refrigerator magnet business cards. I have business cards, but never thought of turning them into magnets. Terry, what place/site would you recommend for ordering magnet business cards?
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January 11,2012
Angela DeNiro @ 5:24 pm
Okay Terry…never did get to the refrigerator magnets. I’m still working on suggestion # 1 LOL
2012: No More Excuses
Filed under Blog
We all procrastinate. It’s a part of life but there is always something we can do about it. I have enjoyed a fruitful voiceover career. I am looking forward to doing it for the rest of my life but ever since I spoke at Voice 2010 in Los Angeles, I have wanted to pursue public speaking on the side. 2012 is the year where I plan on being more aggressive with that dream. No more excuses. No more, “I’m just too busy to do it this year.” You are NEVER too busy to start something you are passionate about.
I get calls and emails from people all the time who are looking to get into voiceovers. I love these inquiries because I learn something different from each person. It’s exciting to learn what drives them or what made them pick up the phone or write the email in the first place. It’s that first step that takes a lot of courage. The ones who are determined and have a plan are the ones I love working with.
We all need to work together to conquer our fears and start taking action. This isn’t just a blog for voiceover artists. It’s a message for those who have wanted to try photography, music, marketing or whatever! Put your finger on the pulse of what makes you happy and go for it. We’re not getting any younger! A couple of fine clichés there but it’s true! Phrases like, “maybe next year or maybe when I have a little more free time” are killers! When thoughts like this enter your mind, tell whoever is sitting or standing next to you to smack you. Lol!
The fact of the matter is that you will never begin as long as you allow circumstances to dictate your starting point. You must begin at once. Take action and change your life. You cannot succeed if you never start. Learn what steps you need to take to make it happen. You don’t need to launch at light speed. Put together a plan of attack to reach your goals and begin the journey.
“Put one foot in front of the other and soon you’ll be walking out the door!” Did I really just quote the Winter Warlock from “Santa Claus in Coming to Town?” You bet I did!
Popularity: 4%
Comments
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January 3,2012
Keenya C. @ 8:45 pm
I live in Maryland, and I find it challeging to find work in this DMV area. However, I won’t allow location to stop me, especially since everything is digital now. I just need advice on where and how to begin a career doing voice overs? To no avail, I have searched craigslist, and local papers. Please help!
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January 3,2012
Terry Daniel @ 8:54 pm
Hi Keenya! Thank you for your comment. I can send you some information on coaching/demo production. You can also become a member of Voice Over Club by going to http://www.voiceoverclub.com/join-now. 3-day trial for just $1!
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January 5,2012
Nick Nichols @ 4:49 pm
What do I need to get started with voice overs, equipment-wise? Any recommendations as to brands? Keep in mind that I am starting out with very little cash.
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January 5,2012
Hi Nick,
Thank you for your comments. You’ll need coaching and a professional demo. Unfortunately, very little cash won’t get you very far but you could try out our members area for three days for $1. There are a ton of training modules on script delivery, recording, marketing and more. Just go to http://www.voiceoverclub.com/join-now
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January 17,2012
Leanette @ 7:54 pm
A tidbit that you may deem useful….
If your local area has a Community television station (most areas do), then most likely they have a Radio broadcast dept. that will allow you to volunteer some time during the week, and in exchange – produce a starter demo CD for FREE. There are two CC’s in my area (Grand Rapids, MI) and both offer this for artists wanting to get into professional voice-overs. Their equipment is usually SOA (state of the art) too. Check them out.
Pretty sweet
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January 18,2012
Thanks for your comments, Leanette. It may sound like a good idea but this isn’t the way to do a voiceover demo. A demo needs to be produced by a professional voiceover coach and after a series of coaching sessions. Community television stations are not staffed with professional voiceover coaches.
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Taking Care Of Your Voice
Filed under Blog
Just in time for the holidays, here are some great tips on taking care of your voice!
Popularity: 2%
Comments
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November 23,2011
Jeff DeMuth @ 9:32 am
Hello Terri Daniel,
I dont know if your recall, but you assisted me in putting together a demo several years ago in Louisville. You added one that was a movie trailer that you had done. It’s good to know you are still around. Recently became unemployed and am going to push forward with the voice over work. I am also singing barbershop now with the Thoroughbred Chorus and know how improtant vocal health is. Quit smoking 2 months ago also. I look forward to working with you soon through this website. Have a Blessed and Happy Thanksgiving. -
November 24,2011
Howard Ellison @ 7:57 am
Great advice. I got worried once: after a long read I thought I heard distortion on the track. Looked liked lumps of coal stuck to the waves, sounded like the dreaded ‘digital rattle’ some people report.
My wife, with much sharper hearing than mine, said it sounded just the same as I did, but she noticed I was getting hoarse! Now I trust the trace, and do shorter takes. -
November 30,2011
VJSings @ 3:57 pm
I have always wanted to do voiceovers. Never found a resource of info. I can’t wait to dig into your databases. Thanks much for the assist and for your selflessness.
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November 30,2011
Thank you so much, VJ! Let me know how I can help or if you any questions about the VO biz! You can also become a member of Voice Over Club by joining here; http://www.voiceoverclub.com/join-now
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Bouncing Higher
Filed under Blog
Like it or not, we are living in the era of craigslist. Someone will mow your lawn for $20. A photographer will shoot your wedding for $100 and so-called voice talents will record a 10-page narration for $50! This is the world we are living in. Every profession deals with low-ball inquiries from clients. You don’t have to like it but there are some things you can do about it. I used to get upset when clients would call me up for a quote and then come back to me, telling me they found someone else that can do it for less. Now, I just ask them a few questions.
1. How important is your business to you?
2. What is your marketing objective with this script?
3. How important is it that you have professional audio quality?
4. Is this person who can do it for less a professional voice talent?
5. Can I provide a sample for you first and then you can decide?
6. What is holding you back from wanting to pay my requested rate?
7. If I throw in a free voicemail message for your business, will you hire me for this rate?
8. Would you like to hear some samples of work that I’ve done that are similar to your content?
9. Did you know that 50% of the rate I am asking for is allocated toward my studio expenses?
10. Do you have Toto’s first album? (I always throw that in for fun!)
While cost is a factor in any business decision, it should not be the number one objective when hiring voice over talent. Take car shopping for example. Do you look for the lowest price tag or the car that will best fit your needs? The same holds true with a well-versed and seasoned voice talent.
No matter how hard you try, many will still take the less expensive route only to be dissatisfied with the quality of the talent and eventually hire a more experienced talent to record the voice over. In my career, I have had several of these clients come back to me after originally going elsewhere for a cheaper rate.
Thankfully, there are a lot of wonderful clients out there who understand that in order to move product, they will need to hire a professional and pay them what they deserve. When clients hire so-called VO talents for $20, it shows you what they think of their own business. The cost should not be a factor as the end product will result in exactly what you are looking for.
Popularity: 4%
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November 3,2011
Hi Terry. Well said, as always. Just to cheer us all up, here’s a posting seen this week on a biz to biz site:
“I have a 500 word article to be converted into
a video presentation.
The article will be required to be narrated in an american accent.
I’m looking for someone familiar with powerpoint and windows movie maker.
(Female preferred)
I’ll pay you $5 for the job done” -
November 3,2011
Maya Kuper @ 9:11 am
Great questions, but I feel that they should be addressed in your first communication with the potential client, when they call you for a quote.
Asking “How important is your business to you?” right out of the gate is REALLY going to put any business owner on the defensive. Who WOULDN’T consider their business important, and who wouldn’t be offended by a stranger who even suggests otherwise? I think I’d be upset if someone asked me that in a non-rhetorical way.
And I would address all the questions in a less confrontational way…like this:
“Since it sounds like your business is important to you (question 1), I just wanted to find out your marketing objective for this script. (question 2).”
(they answer)
“Thanks for telling me more about the project. It actually sounds familiar to me since I’m a professional voice talent (question 4) and I’ve done similar work for other clients. Along with my quote, may I send you some samples of those so you can hear what I’m capable of? (question
Or, how about a free sample of me reading YOUR script? (question 5)”(They answer)
“I offer to provide samples, because I know it’s very important to you to have professional audio quality (question 3). You should know that half of my rate goes directly to maintaining my studio (question 9). My rate for this kind of project is _____.”
(they respond)
“It sounds like you’re hesitant to pay my requested rate, and I respect that you want to spend money wisely (question 6). I want to work with you, so I’d like to offer a free voicemail message as well. Are you willing to consider my offer (question 7)?”
(They answer. If the answer is no, tell them you’ll send them a free audition anyway because you’d like to work with them in the future and you’re confident they will be pleased with the quality you can provide. The end.)
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November 3,2011
Maya,
If they are offering a fair rate for the project, I don’t feel it’s necessary to address all of the questions provided in my blog. Why waste time if you are both on the same page right away? And yes, those that ask us to do a 10-page narration for $50 rate sometimes need to be asked how important their business is. You can present it in a way that is not condescending. Text can be interpreted this way but it’s the tone in your voice that matters. I’ve had success using this strategy . If I didn’t, I wouldn’t have written a blog about this subject. I appreciate your perspective.
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November 3,2011
Rick Lance @ 9:48 am
AMEN, Terry! You spelled it out nicely!
The whole idea, I believe, is to get a client to think differently… considering other aspects of VO work besides price alone.And yes, I do have Toto’s first album! I keep their Greatest Hits CD, which won 5 Grammys in my car.
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November 3,2011
Dave Wallace @ 8:01 pm
Terry, this blog entry of yours was cosmically-timed. Today a client asked me to do a job for a rate that was…not ridiculously low per say, but it was still a tad lower than what I would consider “economically fair” for lack of a better term. So I threw out a few of the questions you mentioned in this blog entry, and offered to do their phone message system for free.
And guess what? It worked! I got them to agree to the fee that I proposed. It was very gratifying to know that I convinced someone that my job was worth the extra money. Thanks very much!
-Dave
Reconstruction
Filed under Blog
Out of bad comes good, rewiring, evaluating of self & wisdom
This week I watched the documentary on the Discovery channel about the rebuilding of Ground Zero in NY.
So emotional, so inspirational, so sad & happy at the same time. The building of the first new tower is emotional for me to watch. After all these years of so much pain and an empty hole, it is nice to see that there is finally restoration taking place. In a way, it’s like spending years not knowing what you are going to do with your life and then out of nowhere, things start taking shape. One brick at a time. We are always rebuilding. Whether its highways, buildings or our inner soul. I think of my voiceover career this way. Like I’m building a tall skyscraper, one floor at a time. Each floor has a goal. An objective.
Resilience- In the voiceover business, it’s easy to get down on yourself when you are having a bad day, week, month or even year! Focus on what has worked in the past but don’t be afraid to try new things. Success will come back to you like a boomerang. Some weeks are great, some weeks are tough. It’s a like musician who makes it to the top of the charts and then has to work twice has hard to back there again.
It seems every day there is this fine line between good & bad. There will always be people trying to take us down, intentionally or not. Spreading negativity, trying to break down what we are trying to build. It can be challenging because now we have social networking sites, where people can either choose to be supportive and positive or cynical and discouraging. The beauty is that we can decide who we are going to be connected with. This is the same in the real world.
So remember it is always your choice. Your choice who you are connected with, your choice to not be afraid, your choice to wake up every day & decide what brick you will add to your tower of life.
Build the life you dream of…..
*Special thanks to Tracy Blowers for contributing to this blog.
Popularity: 3%
Comments
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September 23,2011
Paris F. Robinson @ 12:37 pm
Why is there not a website, Company, Association, Program, etc., that will offer assistance with job placement or marketing as such, that will offer “work” as a V/O Artist instead of constant solicitation to JOIN their establishment, attend yet another seminar, enroll in some v/o training camp, etc., in other words we find ourselves constantly being drawn into the endless money pit of investment into a voice over vertigo canyon that goes no where. Some of us are quite ready and talented enough to be working. The primary reason we aren’t is simply because the doors of opportunity are not being opened to us via the “right” people. Instead old favorites are monopolizing the business thereby choking out “new talent” Where does one go for real help and direction that results in work…not another useless class, seminar, workshop.etc. ?
Enough with the tips, talk and motvational webinars that serve only to displace the dollars from our pockets to yours. We need real opportunity and a fair chance to compete. For those of us who are ready, we know who we are and after hearing our voices…so do you! Bring us over that hurdle, beyond that obstacle and through that “kryptonite” barrier and you will have our “ultimate” respect and endorsement for those just getting started as well.
Paris
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September 23,2011
Hi Paris,
I am sorry that you are frustrated. It’s easy to blame training companies for your shortfall. Let me ask you this. How much of an investment have you made toward voiceover training? Did you spend a lot of money and get nothing? Our members area is jam-packed with all kinds of modules on recording, auditioning, marketing and more! I’m aware that there are seminars and webinars that do nothing but blow smoke. That is why we created Voice Over Club! We wanted to build a unique program that covered it all!
Unfortunately, if you’re looking for a magic pill for free, you might as well give up. Nobody will train you for free. Nobody will produce your demos for free. Be thankful for the free information that is already out there. Let me know how I can help. I’m not a smoke blower and I never guarantee success to any of my students. I merely provide a compass and the right tools to help you get there.
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October 15,2011
Miné Bilgé @ 12:36 pm
Thank You,Terry Daniel, for your emotional and inspirational article.
I -indeed – am thankful for the free information (as above) with a great generosity you always share; like those -very few.
..
Not only success,but also right tools that you show others, would come back to you like boomerang: wider and wiser students for your
*busy-bee* VO Business…PEACE and Blissful Horizons…
voiceofmine
Out of Focus- Spectacles For The Brain
Filed under Blog
Listening is such a key to success in the voice over business, whether following labeling instructions from an agent or direction from a client. My good friend and agent, Erik Sheppard will not even listen to an audition if the the talent hasn’t labeled the audition according to his instruction. When we don’t listen, we are creating more work for the other person. Not listening to a client or an agent can be toxic toward your career. People want to work with talent who can follow instructions.
This is also very important when training with a voice-over coach. The coach is there to take you to the next level. Really, this applies to any coaching, schooling, etc. If we don’t listen to their instruction, we are wasting our time and not getting the most of it.
In this crazy world of so many gadgets, multi-tasking, pushing to do more, it can be hard to focus and things we communicate look fuzzy. Especially, if one chooses to only communicate via e-mail. The tone can easily get lost in the message. If you are unsure of what to do, don’t assume what you DO know is good enough. Ask the questions. Pick up the phone and call your agent or client.
A small thing that can make a huge difference in the multi-tasking area is to stay off the Internet and email while on the phone. Many of us are guilty of this. Thinking that looking at that email will just take a second and we can do both. But we can’t. That is when we miss very important information.
So let’s try to bring things back into focus. Take time to listen and don’t be doing two things at once or thinking about the next thing you’re going to say. A clear view so we can communicate more effectively.
“I know that you believe you understand what you think I said, but I’m not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant.” ~Robert McCloskey
Popularity: 3%
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June 12,2011
Bettye Zoller @ 12:54 pm
So true! We who teach certainly know this, Terry, as we all say “Amen!” And when students pay us coaches for instruction and don’t listen…well how out of touch is that? So often, I follow up with a former student, concerned about their progress or career moves, only to find out they have done practically nothing I’ve suggested. Many times, it’s that they ‘forgot’ or ‘didn’t understand.’ I often use the teaching method of “three.” It’s often called ‘the rule of three’ and I learned this in education courses in my post-graduate work: Say something to students three times. Repeat yourself. It often takes three times for people to hear clearly or understand.” Try it not only in your classes but in life! And hey…try to start listening better everybody, me included!!!!! I always tell my students I probably learn more from them than they learn from me!
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June 12,2011
Meghan Weimer @ 8:48 pm
Great article, Terry. Your guidance related to focus is applicable across the professional board! As a relatively new voiceover actor, I’ve actually experienced too much focus in coaching sessions… There have been instances in which I’ve become so myopic about nailing one piece of direction that my coach has to repeat another a couple of times. It’s a rare occurrence but quite embarrassing nonetheless. I’ve learned that the key to that scenario is trusting myself to take direction and run with it.
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June 14,2011
Ron "Supajok" Clark @ 10:35 am
The wisdom cited in these written words is a key component to the essence of life. It is valuable in every business arrangement that we enter. The main reason that we fail in life is that we fail to keep appointments and agreements. If we don’t hear or understand them, then we certainly can’t keep them.
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June 16,2011
Alissa @ 7:42 am
So true, and it works both ways. I can’t count the number of times I’ve responded to audition requests and have said, “here is the link to my demos. Please click to listen.” (assuming of course, they haven’t specifically requested a sample be sent), and received an email in response saying something along the lines of, “thank you for your email. Do you have a demo I could listen to?”
Just curious, what does Erik Sheppard say about someone who sends something labelled incorrectly, but then sends it in again, labelled properly? I had a backwards moment where I labelled my file with the right info, but in the wrong order and I realized it exactly at the moment I hit “send.” I bill myself as being very accurate, and I felt too much of a moron to send it again, labelled correctly.
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September 4,2011
Noel Burndahl @ 7:15 pm
Hi Terry,
Excellent advice, however as a new person coming into this profession, it would certainly help if better instructions were provided.
With auditions I have been involved with, the instructions many times are not really clear and all right for those of you who are the long time pro’s, you know exactly what to do, but for those of us who are new and just starting out, it is not that clear.
This means, from what you have shared, most likely all or many of my auditions have been booted out the door because of following the instructions. What if you are following them to the best of your ability again based on what you believe your suppose to do and it is still wrong. This then says according to what you are sharing and it is good I really appreciate and like it, that my audition will never be heard and what if, what if I am that right voice they were looking for, it says to me I will never have the chance or know because I was removed immediately.
I have asked several times for help exactly with a better explanation of instructions that are given and have not received answers because we are not to contact the individuals requesting auditions, just send them in.
Please if you have anything thing on this subject that you could actually display or show, examples of an audition and exactly what you are suppose to place in what I often times see as the description of what ou are suppose to put on the site you are providing your audition for can be Name the MP3: Joy_FirstLastname.mp3.
So just exactly how am I suppose to fill this out. Do I put Joy_JohnDoe_.mp3, or do I put Joy JohnDoe.mp3, The other concern, what if what the commercial say if that is what this is you are auditioning for, doesn’t really have a correct selection of choices already in a pre-selected choice exactly what it is. There might be four or five choices, but what if none of them really seem to suit that choice for commercial nor do any of the many other types again in the drop down list to select from fit the choice. Are you going to eliminate yourself again because you didn’t select the correct Commercial choice. I sort of think so after reading your article.
I believe all who are striving to do things right in Voice Over work always want to do it correctly but if the instructions are really not clear then how can you comply.
Thanks, Love these lessons, they are really helpful
Noel
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September 14,2011
Andy Castro @ 2:41 pm
I not sure how many time I need to read this blog. It’s importance is seriously noteworthy to me and I am sure to many others.
Low level listening skills are as poisonous to a career as snake venom is to humans. And as for me, I’m not willing to get bit any more.
Thanks for the reminder.
Andy
Gully jumping – get out of the ditch!
Filed under Blog
Life is full of highs and lows – we get sidetracked into the ditch and have to find our way back to the road we are meant to travel. We need to jump out of the gully.
This past week I ran into a roadblock. It made me realize a few things & make some changes.
I have a cornea condition called, “Cornea Dystrophy”, a disorder that clouds up your vision and creates a constant burning sensation. It’s a problem that heals and then comes back. During the times that it is acting up like this last week, it makes it difficult to focus on work through the pain and struggle of trying to read a script. I always fight through it & manage to get everything done but it seems to be twice as hard to accomplish. I always tell myself that I am lucky and that things could be much worse. What if I were a Pilot? My career would likely be put on hold or even over. First realization.
When facing a hurdle, it is natural to run for the ditch and give up. It’s too easy to just let the frustration overwhelm you causing you to just walk away from your project. Second realization. If you make sure to take a short break when you feel like that and then get back to your project – it will run much smoother and you will feel better. My days were difficult while dealing with my eye but when I would take just a few minutes to rest it, it made all the difference. When doing voice-overs, If you are dealing with pain or discomfort, don’t force it to happen when it’s not there. Your frustration can lead to a dissatisfied client because they will hear it in your recording.
Third realization. We are all dealing with struggles at different points in our lives. It is the way we look at those struggles, our attitude that makes or breaks us. When facing a challenge, find a way to jump out or around it. What can you do differently? How can you manage your time, so that these types of hurdles don’t get in the way of delivering excellence?
There is always a detour around every roadblock and you might even enjoy the scenery.
Popularity: 3%
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May 15,2011
DVS Voice Overs @ 9:30 am
No one can ever truthfully say: “I understand”, Unless they actually have the same difficulties that you have or I have. I can only say how much I Sympathize with you, only due to severe Back Pain that is always constant and I have to live with it until I can get the proper medical help. But until then, yes, those things are very frustrating and even Maddening to the point where it can affect your voice over production. I find at times that I need to go through perhaps what an actor in the Movies goes through, I need to psych myself up into the mentality of the Copy at hand, and then run with it. Actors do that sort of thing, even when their personal lives are in the dumper. It’s not easy, but we as voice over Actors must approach it in that same way. Many of you probably do, but even I am learning new things all the time. And Terry, I feel for you my friend, and I am 100% behind you on what you have said! May your discomfort be little and fleeting!! – DVS
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May 21,2011
Kevin Scheuller @ 8:15 pm
I agree – great article, Terry! Thanks for sharing your struggles – I’m sorry you have problems with your eyes. My dad lived with retinitis pigmentosa (a.k.a. RP) most of his adult life. It gave him progressively decreasing peripheral vision. By the time he died at 72, he only had 2 % of the vision field most of us sighted folks have.
God bless & keep the faith!
Kevin Scheuller -
October 11,2011
Ann M Richardson @ 3:38 pm
Terry, great article. You must be from the midwest, where we commonly use terms like “gully-washer” , and everyone knows to head for a ditch if you’re out and about when a tornado comes around. Your point about attitude is spot-on.Thanks for sharing this with us.
Ann -
October 11,2011
Good article, Terry!
I’ve done a few voice overs that I should never have done when I was in pain.
And I’m not talking about the one I get in my a$$ from some clients…. but real pain from an injury or surgery.Thanks for the reminder!
Hope your eye condition improves!
Take care!Rick
Surround Yourself With The Extraordinary
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When you surround yourself with inspiring and uplifting people, amazing things will happen. It makes such a difference to have people in your life who support & encourage you. It can make the difference of a successful, fulfilling life or having an average, uninspiring life. Life is so short…don’t we all want to feel inspired?!
When you are trying to accomplish your objectives and goals, stay away from cynical glass half empty folks that will only bring you down. Most times, when people discourage you, they are wrestling with demons on their own.
When I took the big step of starting my own voice-over business, I definitely had those people telling me it was too competitive and not to waste my time. While these people might have been trying to support me in their own way – it was very discouraging. I chose to focus on the people that would say to me “you are talented and you should go for it!” Every business is competitive and that should never stop you from following your dreams.
Even if you were to fail at least you tried – we learn the most from our failures. I think we always have to keep that in perspective. What is the worst thing that could happen if you did fail – then you move on to the next thing with more knowledge and confidence in knowing that you tried at something instead of always wishing you would. Edison had 10,000 prototypes of the light bulb. What an amazing example of perseverance and not listening to the naysayers.
So many people give up too easily due to FEAR. We all get stuck in the spin, forgetting to grab hold of what you want and letting others steer your life…the DAILY ROUTINE. Ugh. Sometimes, the only person that is in the way is yourself. Take a minute and just imagine what you could do if you did get out of your own way. If fear wasn’t stopping you. If you weren’t listening to that little voice in your head as a result of those few naysayers. Listen to your gut and GO FOR IT!
Find your EXTRAORDINARY. Surround yourself with those that support you, can give constructive criticism and help you to move FORWARD.
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February 8,2011
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July 13,2011
tl murray @ 12:23 pm
So true, Terry! My grandmother used to say, “Do what you’ve always done, you’ll get what you’ve always got!” On the days that I think I’m crazy for freelancing, I remind myself that it’s all about chipping out of the old shell and creating new habits, . . . forging new paths to get “something new” . . . since I don’t want to go back to what I had. Whenever I’m feeling doubtful, I repeat the mantra, “Do what you’ve always done . . . ” and I push myself to do whatever new “thing” is creating the anxiety. So far, so good! Every time I push past a fear, I uncover a new resource or supporter.
An Epidemic: Mediocrity
Filed under Blog
How many times have we said the phrase “Ah, it’s good enough” when we knew darn well that is wasn’t? God knows, I have been guilty of that myself. Mediocrity should be illegal in this country. A crime punishable by a slap in the face and a kick in the ass! Okay, I’m kidding. Sort of.
When I first started out in voiceovers, I didn’t have the same principles that I do now. I would record a script and send it off. Always with the old “that should be good enough” phrase dancing in my brain and rushing to move on to the next project. I realized how unsatisfied I felt working this way – I knew I needed to make a change. Once I started giving every project my best and full attention, I felt fulfilled. It actually ended up giving me more time in my day because I wasn’t going back and forth with clients to make changes and edits.
When we settle for mediocrity and don’t do our best – our integrity and creativity starts to get lost. We tend to spread ourselves too thin, so we don’t do anything well. I can say from experience that this is not a good place to be – for ourselves, our clients or even society. Whether I am producing a voiceover demo for a student or a commercial for a client, I always take the time to review it. Listen! Listen! Listen! You are always going to be able to do it better. Don’t do something once, say that it’s great and pass it on. Work at it like an artist works on a painting.
The creative industry is filled with talented people with short attention spans, I should know, I am one of them! Clients used to tell me that I sounded like I was in a hurry or that I was rushing the copy. Again, this goes back to the frame of mind I was in. I was not in the mindset of a professional. I would always try and get each project done as quickly as possible without even thinking about the client. Shame on you, Terry! I was settling for mediocrity.
The great Martin Luther King Jr said “Whatever your life’s work is, do it well. A man should do his job so well that the living, the dead and the unborn could do it no better.”
Find your passion, don’t settle and you will be amazed at what you can do!
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