Comments on: Packing it in?

By: Bob

Bob — Sun, 27 May 2007 19:35:08 +0000

Robert,

Thank you for sharing a bit of your story. I wish you much success, including lots of paying work, as you go forward.

Be well,
Bob

By: Robert

Robert — Sun, 27 May 2007 14:06:13 +0000

I’m part of, “The new kids on the block” in terms of people trying to go pro, but I’ve been trying to find work when I wasn’t even requesting payment! I know it’s long, tough, and frankly, annoying, but the smile I have on my face when finishing a recording, being able to listen it over, and accepting it as done…nothing can make a single one of my days better, than that single smile I get. I suppose I’m lucky in that I have nobody else to support besides myself, and I do have a ‘day-job’ so-to-speak. I’ve no right to complain about this, and the only time you’ll find me complaining, is when it’s in the script to do so. ^_^

By: Bob

Bob — Mon, 02 Apr 2007 21:31:22 +0000

Kathie,

I look forward to hearing about your success as it develops.

Be well,
Bob

By: Kathie

Kathie — Mon, 02 Apr 2007 21:11:42 +0000

Hello,
I found myself in voice over school last year, because of all those people that have said to me “wow, you have a great voice”.
After reading the blog, I didn’t feel that old discouragment
that I have felt with other things in my life. I feel like
this is something I need to pursue. That this is where I am supposed to be.
Today, and who knows about tomorrow, I won’t quit my day job
I do want to pursue this further. Thank Goodness for a family
that supports my endeavor, and a husband who can produce
both my demo and website at home.
So I will be truckin along with some of ya all. See you behind the mic!!!

By: Bob

Bob — Fri, 16 Feb 2007 04:14:53 +0000

Blaine,

How nice to see your excellent writing here, dressing up my blog for one and all, including me.

Thank you for the cogent and thoughtful comments. Don’t be a stranger.

Be well,
Bob

By: Blaine Parker

Blaine Parker — Fri, 16 Feb 2007 01:06:03 +0000

Well, Mr. Bob–

I just happened to link here through http://www.voices.com. Nicely done. Very good balance and tone. Not nearly as discouraging as I might’ve been–but then, as we both know, you’re a much nicer guy than I am.

We’ve all heard it. Many of us have heard ourselves say it. “Boy. If I can just get in the unions and start getting those national gigs, it’ll all be a sleigh ride from there.” Nope. More cold water. You have to keep training. Keep making new demos. You have to keep marketing your butt off daily in pursuit of the ever elusive butterfly called Overnight Success.

Thanks for this. The neophytes will be warned. The intermediates might find hope. And the ones who really should pack it in might just do that. And the dialogue it’s generated is terrific.

Cheers,

Blaine Parker

By: Bob

Bob — Mon, 05 Feb 2007 22:54:01 +0000

Rich,

This post was originally written to be a splash of cold water to the folks who are being taken advantage of by those who are more interested in helping lighten the prospective voiceover talent’s wallet more than in helping that talent make wise choices about direction, focus, budgeting and so forth.

Staying on course through initial discouragements is one of the ways we know we’re really cut out for this business. Because no one is going to hand us our success on a silver platter.

Stay focused on skill building, relationship building and super serving both your clients and prospective clients. You’ll do well. I wish you much success.

And thanks for stopping by and leaving your comments.

Be well,
Bob

By: Rich Gates

Rich Gates — Mon, 05 Feb 2007 21:42:23 +0000

Thanks for your insightful post as well Bob. I agree that setting your expectations is an important step whenever embarking on something new. I have to admit when I first read the post I was a little discouraged, but after thinking about it in depth I realized that I knew what I was up against when I made the decision to re-enter this field and I just need to stay focused on the end result and work hard to build relationships and improve my skills.

By: Bob

Bob — Sat, 03 Feb 2007 17:36:08 +0000

Rich makes some good points in his post. Read the entire thing. And thanks for the link, Rich.

Be well,
Bob

By: Staying Positive at Rich Gates - Professional Voice Talent

Staying Positive at Rich Gates - Professional Voice Talent — Sat, 03 Feb 2007 17:06:09 +0000

[...] Over blogs over the last few weeks, and one article that really made me think was one written by Bob Souer. While I believe Bob makes a number of good points. After finishing the article I felt that the [...]

By: Bob

Bob — Sat, 16 Dec 2006 00:04:31 +0000

Bob,

I appreciate your comments. And I agree, hustle is a big part of what it takes to make it.

Be well,
Bob

By: Bob Worthington

Bob Worthington — Fri, 15 Dec 2006 22:01:35 +0000

Lots of great and informative input!

I worked 7 years doing voice-overs on a part-time/full-time basis while working in radio.

The upside, was that I was really hustling in the morning and mid-day hours, and just barely making it in to do my afternoon drive radio show in Baltimore on time on some days!

The positive signs…
My income generated from my voice-over business increased significantly every year, these were strong indicators that I may be able to make the transition full time.

It’s tough to say WHEN do you take the plunge to full-time voice talent. Certainly, the indications have to be there and in place.

Use your current job as much as you can and for as long as you can take it, before taking the full time leap.

You will work harder and hustle more than ever to maintain an income level to pay the bills, pay the mortgage, and pay the tuitions, but it is the greatest reward to be heading your own business and doing what you love.

By: Bob

Bob — Mon, 04 Dec 2006 17:19:20 +0000

Liz,

I agree. Sharing insights and raising the quality of our work benefits all of us. And yes, Mary’s post is wonderfully insightful.

Be well,
Bob

By: Liz de Nesnera

Liz de Nesnera — Mon, 04 Dec 2006 16:19:59 +0000

This is SUCH a great conversation!
Thanks SO much Bob for starting/continuing this!

Hey Johnny – Mind if I “borrow” the “consultant” idea? After spending 9 years in the IVR recording world & 5 years in Radio, I think I can qualify!
I think your comment about being an “Overnight success after 35 years” was great.

Mary, I LOVED your post on your website as well!

Thanks so much – ALL of you for sharing your insights. This is what it’s all about!

Liz
–
Liz de Nesnera
“Voice Tracks Voiced Right!”
Reservoir Road Productions
973-610-2019
lizden@gmail.com

By: Bob

Bob — Mon, 04 Dec 2006 16:15:03 +0000

Johnny,

Thank you for your insights. I wish you much success.

Be well,
Bob

By: Johnny George

Johnny George — Mon, 04 Dec 2006 16:08:08 +0000

Bob,

I too whole-heartedly agree with your insight. I added the title “consultant” after my title for this very reason. I’ve become an overnight success after only 35 years. Since VO was part time for most of that time, I never had to totally depend on it to sustain my food & bed for me & my family. I am now and it’s rough.

I too try to inform and give a direct answer to inform the newbies looking for that magic dollar. I work my marketing butt off and still have a simple income after so many years. I may even have to pick up some extra work to make ends meet if things don’t POP since I left my creative job in broadcasting. But I’m giving it an honest try before I realize the posibility that I cannot survice on voice alone.

Great advice to newbies and oldies alike. We need more honesty in our corner of the industry and your words will really make a difference.

My best to you.

Kind regards,

Johnny George
VO Actor/Consultant

By: Bob

Bob — Wed, 22 Nov 2006 01:45:22 +0000

Mary, Thank you for your comment. Thank you even more for your very cogent and thought-provoking comments at your blog. About which, more later. Be well, Bob

By: MCM

MCM — Wed, 22 Nov 2006 00:20:10 +0000

Bob, this post definitely made me think. I thought so hard I ended up writing about it myself over at MCM Voices.

Many thanks-

Mary

By: Bob

Bob — Tue, 21 Nov 2006 16:12:53 +0000

Liz,

Thank you for reading and commenting. As you said, it is a job; but much better than working for a living.

Be well,
Bob

By: Liz de Nesnera

Liz de Nesnera — Tue, 21 Nov 2006 16:04:58 +0000

Bravo Bob!
You really hit the VO Talent on the Head with the mic!

You’re absolutely right about the fact that this “biz” really is a business. As much as we may be drawn to “The Glamorous life of Voice Over” it has so much more to do with Marketing (sending out those demos) Sales (sending out those invoices once the job is done!) and building & maintaining relationships with your Clients.

It’s also about continuing to learn new techniques & improving your skills….gee…could this actually be a “job”?

Thanks for a great post!

Liz