1. An amazing honor to end 2006

    Posted December 31, 2006 by Bob

    As my final post of 2006, I’ll point you to Ryan Salazar over at the Voicemarketer.com vBlog, who has decided to interview me. I’m sure he’ll get back to interviewing real voiceover celebrities, shortly.

    Category: General | Comments (0)

  2. The secret sauce for your career

    Posted by Bob

    There is a secret sauce recipe in this post at Adam Creighton’s blog that, if you follow these directions, will have a startlingly beneficial effect on your voiceover career.

    Now, keep in mind that Adam is writing from the point of view of an actor pursuing on-camera work as well as voiceover work. In the case of someone (like me) who only does voiceover work, the comments about a headshot don’t really apply. But, preparing a personal “thank you” card for each of your auditions…brilliant. Having your own business cards? Pretty obvious, don’t you think? (Note to self: get the business cards done!)

    The key point, about expressing gratitude for the opportunities you receive…is vitally important. I thought this was the best bit of the whole post…

    I’ve heard people say, “I didn’t send a card, because I sucked at the audition.”

    Get over yourself! Send a thank you card, and acknowledge the person for taking out of their day to spend with you. You’re sucking didn’t make their sacrifice any less.

    A simple expression of gratitude. You’ll see. It will make a world-changing difference in your life.

    Category: Career Advice, General, People | Comments (5)

  3. How to ask for a critique

    Posted by Bob

    Doc Phillips has a number of valuable and useful articles on his site. I think one of the best is called “If you can’t take the criticism, DON’T ask for it!”

    Here are a couple of key points…

    Don’t make the mistake of asking your significant other, best buddy, grandma or bartender. I guarantee they will be inclined to praise your talent(s). Why? Because they care about you and don’t want to hurt your feelings. There’s another very good reason. They don’t do your work.

    NEVER argue with your mentor concerning their critique of your work. NEVER attempt to defend why you read a line this way, or why you chose this entrance over that entrance. Instead, thank them for taking their time to help you. Also, take from the critique what you can use – then, chuck the rest!

    Good thoughts from a talented man. Doc’s site is here. You’ll find more valuable articles from Doc here.

    Category: Career Advice, General, People | Comments (0)

  4. Another tasty load of…Philip Banks

    Posted December 30, 2006 by Bob

    Posted today on the VO-BB by Mr. Banks, in response to the one year anniversary of working in the voiceover business by one of our colleagues were these 16 years of lessons learned…as he put it, “from an elderly and frail man a few random thoughts.”

    1990 – No matter what you believe there is nothing better than speaking to the decision makers and getting your demo in front of them.

    1991 – Keep looking for those elusive new clients and keep your existing clients happy.

    1992 – Aim high as the person you know will say “No” may surprise you and say “yes.”

    1993 – Get to know the people who work alongside your clients and producers as most will be the clients of the future. Get to know them, DON’T network them.

    1994 – Don’t work for nothing, but be prepared to make a loss, as in the long term the loss will prove to have been an investment.

    1995 – Steer clear of the gossips, moaners and negs. You believe you are able to rise above them, but in truth you will catch yourself stooping to their level and one day you’ll moan about the wrong person to the wrong person.

    1996 – When someone gives you a tip it’s usually because they’ve been given a better one. Good or bad, always say thank you and never say “I knew that” even if you did.

    1997 – Do the jobs you hate doing as often as possible. Master those and when the jobs you love come along your star will shine brightly.

    1998 – Don’t become a Voice Over bore, most people really don’t care. To be interesting one first must become interested.

    1999 – Wise up to the users. Introduce the word “No” into your vocabulary and learn to use it without malice, vitriol or bitterness.

    2000 – Let people know you are open to offers, work is work. The reason you aren’t being asked could be because people think you are not interested.

    2001 – Embrace change but don’t follow the pack. Get better at making what works for you WORK BETTER.

    2002 – Are you kidding yourself that one market makes you money or is it just taking more of your time than the profitable jobs? If you think something is not worth the effort you’re probably right –- Fortune really does favour the brave.

    2003 – Life 1st, Voice Over work 2nd. For some strange reason if you concentrate on the 1st you get more of the 2nd.

    2004 – Don’t send wine by the bottle, send it by the case. Most of the people for whom you work do not earn $300 per hour. A “Thank you” package can really make someone’s day.

    2005 – Set yourself goals and stick to them. If the goals don’t make you think “I’m not sure if I’ll …..” they’re too low.

    2006 – If you want to play, enjoy. If you want to get somewhere as a Voice Over you have to earn the right to play and it takes serious commitment. Be nice, be approachable, be easy to work with, be honest even when tempted to do otherwise. It’s worth bearing mind that people don’t have to like you, they have to hire you.

    2007 – To anyone who got this far. May yours be happy, healthy, peaceful, prosperous and full of dreams come true.

    Category: Career Advice, General, People | Comments (4)

  5. I’m going to make my first trip to Las Vegas

    Posted by Bob

    At the end of March 2007, I’m going to make my very first trip to Las Vegas. Not to gamble. In fact, if you come too, we’ll both be there for a sure thing. What sure thing? Making the leap to the next level in your voiceover career.

    Yes, I believe that’s what I’m going start, based on what I’ll experience March 27 through 31, 2007 at the Palace Station hotel. If you come, you’ll gain the same benefits.

    If you’d like to know more about V.O.I.C.E., the event I’m talking about, check out their website voice-international.com. Once you’ve read over everything, then click on this registration page to sign up.

    Will you be there? Let me know. I look forward to meeting you in March.

    Category: Career Advice, General, Getting started in Voiceover, Tools | Comments (0)

  6. And all this time I thought it was me

    Posted by Bob

    According to Dave Christi’s blog, he is Time Magazine’s “Person of the Year.” (If I knew anything about manipulating computer images, I’d have tried this myself.) Great fun, Dave. Very well done.

    (Update:) My favorite line is right at the end of his post…

    I can’t wait to put this on my resume (don’t think I won’t).

    Yes, Dave. You and only about 6,000,000,000 other people!

    Category: General, People | Comments (0)

  7. Where to find scripts

    Posted by Bob

    Several times on this blog I’ve written about my conviction that learning to write better also improves one’s voiceover work. But, it’s entirely possible that you don’t like to write, don’t have the time to write or just don’t want to write.

    And why would you need or want to write anyway? Well, maybe you’re new to voiceover work and you need some scripts for building your demos? Or maybe you have the kind of business where you don’t just do voiceovers, but you’re also responsible to write and produce commercials for local radio or cable television? Or…?

    Voices.com has a possible solution for you. It’s called The Voice Over Script Collection.

    Now, in the interests of full disclosure, if you click through on that link and buy their collection of 50 professionally written scripts, I’m going to get a small commission from them. But, I’ve read through all of these scripts. They are in fact well written. They cover a wide range of styles, ages and approaches to copy. I think you’ll get your money’s worth, if you need commercial copy for your demo, or that you can adapt to your local retail store or service.

    Category: General, Getting started in Voiceover, Tools | Comments (0)

  8. Too cute for words

    Posted December 29, 2006 by Bob

    Dave Christi is a brilliantly talented voiceover guy. But, this post isn’t about Dave. It’s about the video you have to see that he’s just posted on YouTube, and at his blog. It really is too cute for words!

    Category: General, People | Comments (2)

  9. Two new podcasts for you to check out

    Posted December 28, 2006 by Bob

    Check out the latest editions of the Voice-Over Podcast. Featured are Rikki Simons (Episode 3) and a special Holiday Episode with the amazing Pat Fraley. You’ll also find the podcasts at Avi’s MySpace page here. (Or search for voice-over in the iTunes stores.)

    Category: Blogging, General, People | Comments (6)

  10. Celebrating the Power and People of Radio Drama

    Posted by Bob

    I’ve just added a site to my blogroll called Lit Between the Ears, which is a blog (as the title of this post says) celebrating the power and people of radio drama.

    As someone old enough to remember the last few years of the way radio used to be, I’ve been and remain a fan of radio drama. I plan to visit Lit Between the Ears often. I hope you will too.

    Category: Blogging, General | Comments (0)

  11. VOICE in Las Vegas

    Posted December 26, 2006 by Bob

    By now there should be two key things you’ve learned from reading this voiceover blog, if you want to be truly successful as a voiceover talent. Always work on improving the art and craft part of your work. Always work on improving the business part your work.

    If you’re great at marketing yourself, and you find lots of work as a voiceover talent; but you can’t deliver the goods once you’ve been cast, you’ll have a very short career.

    If you’re a brilliant talent, can make grown men weep and women swoon with your voice; but you have no idea how to market yourself and find work, you’ll have an equally short career.

    Both sides of the equation are equally important.

    Which is why, if you’re serious about your voiceover career, you should make plans now to attend VOICE in Las Vegas, March 27 – 31, 2007. I’ve already paid my registration to attend. I’ve already bought my plane ticket. I will not miss this opportunity to improve both sides of the voiceover equation.

    Read about it here. Register here.

    Category: Career Advice, General, Getting started in Voiceover | Comments (2)

  12. Merry Christmas

    Posted December 25, 2006 by Bob

    Every year since 1949, the Wall Street Journal has published a Christmas message written by the late Vermont Royster. You’ll find it here. May this day be a day of peace and joy for you and those whom you love. And may your 2007 be filled with success and prosperity.

    Category: General | Comments (0)

  13. What if it’s not perfect?

    Posted December 24, 2006 by Bob

    I have no idea how many of us there are, but a significant percentage of the population is made up of perfectionists. Some of us are easy to spot because just about everything around us is always just so. Others not so much. We’re the frustrated perfectionists, with too little time, energy, ambition or something to make things “just so” all the time; and frustrated because, regardless of reality, that’s what we want. I live in the second of those scenarios, pretty much full-time. Just come look at my desk, sometime. On second thought, don’t. Some things are better left as mysteries.

    So, I’m fascinated by Adam Creighton’s post ” Foiled, every step of the way …” both because of what it reveals about his own perfectionism and how he is gaining some needed health in this area. Good for you, Adam. And much continued to success to you.

    (edited to fix typo)

    Category: General, People | Comments (0)

  14. Knocking on opportunity’s door

    Posted December 22, 2006 by Bob

    It’s important to be prepared when opportunity knocks…prepared as one can be for the completely unexpected. But, David Houston points out in an excellent post at his blog, you can turn the tables on opportunity. Read. Apply. Repeat.

    Category: Career Advice, General, People | Comments (0)

  15. ‘Twas the night…like no other

    Posted by Bob

    If you’ve never seen this, or even if you have, I hope you enjoy this delightful Christmas reading.

    My thanks to Chuck Davis for posting a link to this on the VO-BB.

    Category: General | Comments (0)

  16. How to make a bad first impression

    Posted December 21, 2006 by Bob

    I hope that’s not your goal when you’re in a social situation. But as Karen Commins points out in a blog post here, it’s actually pretty easy to do.

    Along with her story, she makes some sage observations that you might want to remember. Read the whole thing.

    Category: Career Advice, General, People | Comments (0)

  17. Remarkably unremarkable, and that’s a good thing!

    Posted by Bob

    A little earlier today I was thinking back on some of the lessons I learned at the 11th International Radio Creative and Production Summit in August of 2006. (Search on the word summit here and you’ll find my reports not only from 2006, but also 2005; and references to experiences from earlier years.)

    Anyway, I realized that I hadn’t given sufficient thought to some things I learned from Harlan Hogan in his session. This relates to Harlan’s fundamental approach to the business part of this voiceover business. He said…

    Keep your current clients, expand the work from those clients and get new clients.

    Simple, isn’t it? Actually doing these three simple things, that’s what separates the professionals from the pretenders.

    And while I’m writing about Harlan, check out this interesting article about him. It’s well worth your time. (And while you’re at his site, check out the other interviews and articles about Harlan, here.

    One, actually two more things. I have and high recommend both of these books from Harlan Hogan. The Voice Actor’s Guide to Home Recording and VO: Tales and Techniques of a Voice-Over Actor.

    Category: Career Advice, General, People | Comments (0)

  18. Insights from an imaging lady

    Posted by Bob

    Jennifer Vaughn is a top flight voiceover talent, especially in the field of television and radio station imaging. She’s also the feature of an interview that Ryan’s done over at the Voicemarketer.com blog. Check it out here.

    Category: General, People | Comments (0)

  19. In the most unlikely of places

    Posted December 20, 2006 by Bob

    If you keep your eyes and ears open and your mind active, you can find lessons for your voiceover career in all kinds of places. Karen Commins, for instance, was on vacation in Egypt recently. The day she and her husand spent at the Great Pyramids turned out to be full of lessons, as she relates brilliantly in this post at her blog.

    Here are a couple of key points.

    In this setting of vendors barking their prices at us as we passed them, my marketing mind couldn’t help but think: How does a person selling a product that is the same or similar to his competitors distinguish himself in a saturated marketplace?

    Karen has 10 observations in response to that question. Every one is well worth your time, but I want to be sure to highlight observation #3…

    If you give away something for free, you can’t have any expectation of getting anything in return.

    And observation #6…

    Just because everybody else in your sandbox is charging low prices and negotiating price cuts with every new prospect doesn’t mean that you have to follow the trend.

    As I said, it’s an excellent article. Read the whole thing.

    And my thanks to Mary for reminding me to look at Karen’s post again.

    Category: Career Advice, General, People | Comments (0)

  20. Dangerous Dreamers

    Posted December 19, 2006 by Bob

    John Cassidy-Rice offers some stirring words about dreamers and when they are dangerous is this excellent post on the American Small Business blog. My conviction is that, to be a success in the voiceover business, you must be at least somewhat of a dangerous dreamer.

    What do you think? I’d love to read your comments.

    Category: Career Advice, General | Comments (0)

  21. The Year of the Apology

    Posted by Bob

    One of the blogs I visit on a fairly regular basis, that has nothing directly to do with voiceover work, is The Nice Blog. It’s a blog presented by the folks who wrote the remarkable book The Power of Nice.

    I mention all of this because the post today has much to say about what being nice really means, and what it doesn’t mean. Which is important, because I firmly believe that being nice is the best way to live.

    Read the whole thing. You’ll be glad you took the time.

    Category: General | Comments (0)

  22. He’s fond of penguins

    Posted December 18, 2006 by Bob

    That’s just one of the things you’ll learn about Chris Flockton, in this interview with the actor and voiceover artist at ActorsLife.com. With thanks to my friend, Joe Rodriguez again for pointing out this interview on the VO-BB.

    Category: General, People | Comments (0)

  23. There’s so much to learn

    Posted December 17, 2006 by Bob

    The great Daws Butler has left behind many wonderful voices and characters, including Yogi Bear, Huckleberry Hound, Quick Draw McGraw, Snagglepuss, Wally Gator and many, many more.

    You can hear him at work here, (though you’ll need to register for a free PRX account to do so.)

    My thanks to my friend Joe Rodriguez for letting me know about this online service and this specific release on the VO-BB.

    Category: General, People | Comments (0)

  24. More excellence on display

    Posted December 16, 2006 by Bob

    I’ve interviewed Mary C. McKitrick and I’ve written here a few other other times about Mary’s great work ethic and how seriously she takes the process of marketing herself and her voiceover services.

    Now, thanks to her latest blog post, you can see for yourself. As I told Mary in a comment, I think the most important line of her entire post is this one…

    I would absolutely love to be able to write a newsletter, click Send, and be done with it. That would certainly be easiest for me.

    But, staying in contact with your clients and potential clients isn’t about what’s “easiest for me.” It’s about what those clients and potential clients prefer. And there’s evidence to support the email rather than newsletter approach. For example, one of Mary’s clients who writes and distributes a newsletter was in need of some voiceover work. He told Mary…

    …that he appreciated my regular emails and that I was the first person he thought of when he needed female voice talent. I had first written to him at the end of March 2006, and his first response was 6 December, with a work proposal.

    The title of Mary’s post is “How do you stay in touch?” What ever methods you use, finding work is always going to be a substantial part of your professional efforts. If you don’t put effort into marketing yourself, you won’t be doing voiceovers for a living very long.

    Don’t believe me? Try it and see.

    Category: Career Advice, General, Getting started in Voiceover, People | Comments (0)

  25. Excellent thoughts about excellence

    Posted by Bob

    Karen Commins is a talented lady who lives and does her voiceover work from her studio near Atlanta, Georgia. (Listen to her demos here. You’ll see what I mean. Talented.)

    Recently Karen posted some thoughts on her blog about providing excellent service to our voiceover clients that really resonates with my own point of view.

    I strive to ensure that every client is totally delighted with the work I perform.

    Like Karen, I want to leave every client completely delighted with my work. And as she points out, sometimes that’s more difficult than others…

    Delays are an inescapable fact of life. Have you thought about safeguards so that you don’t cause a delay?

    Your contingency planning for delays and other unavoidable problems can be your saving grace in the eyes of your client.

    What will you do if your Internet connection suddenly goes down, and you can’t deliver your recordings when you promised? Do you have some sort of back-up delivery method?

    These are really important questions. I have two back-up plans for delivery, and two back-ups for those back-ups. If you haven’t thought about the answers to these questions, I hope you will. (I’ve had to use one of my back-up plans twice in the last year.)

    Another question Karen asks is…

    What do you do when a client contacts you and needs a recording that you can’t produce in the time allotted because you are ill, on vacation or swamped with other projects?

    About 3 months ago, I was the recipient of a job for exactly this reason. A good friend was so busy he couldn’t take a specific job. The friend recommend the producer contact me. I did the job. The producer was happy with my work. Everyone wins. And you can be sure that friend is at the top of my list of people to recommend if the situation is ever reversed.

    I commend Karen’s entire article to you. It’s well worth your time to read. It’s even more worth your time to formulate answers to her questions, and even to try to come up with a few more of your own.

    Category: Career Advice, General, People | Comments (2)

  26. If Brian recommends her…

    Posted by Bob

    My friend Brian Haymond’s most recent blog post is about a young lady who also lives here in Charlotte (as do both Brian and I) named Kara Edwards. Her demos are on her main website, here. Quite a talented lady, as you can hear. I’m adding her to my talent list as soon as I finish this post.

    Category: General, People | Comments (0)

  27. Insights from the voice of Bart Simpson

    Posted December 15, 2006 by Bob

    With thanks to my friend Joe Rodriguez, click here for a terrific interview with Nancy Cartwright.

    Category: General, People | Comments (0)

  28. It’s not too late to get involved

    Posted by Bob

    A couple of days ago I noted Dave Christi’s request for volunteer voiceovers for a Public Service Announcement he was creating for a charity called VoicesForAChange.org. It’s not too late to get involved. More importantly, it’s not too late to sign up to donate your services going forward. I’ve already done so. I encourage you to do the same. You’ll find a link on how to sign up at VoicesForAChange.org.

    Category: General | Comments (0)

  29. Google Audio Ads

    Posted December 14, 2006 by Bob

    Kudos to my friend Brian Haymond for getting some international press on the ZDNet web site. Brian was interviewed as part of an article about the new Google Audio Ad marketplace by Donna Bogatin.

    Like Brian, I’ve applied to be one of the Ad Creation Specialists. I figured I might as well since I’ve spent many years writing, voicing and producing radio commercials both locally and nationally. I have no idea if I’ll make it past the first round, but it will be interesting to see how it goes. I’ll update this post when I learn more.

    Meanwhile, good for you, Brian!

    Category: General | Comments (0)

  30. The new podcast is online

    Posted by Bob

    One of my favorite, on-going voiceover projects is the podcast edition each quarter of the “bridges” newsletter from the Office of Science and Technology at the Embassy of Austria. Science has been an interest from my youth, so it’s a delight to record the articles and stories for each edition.

    You’ll find the current edition, Vol. 12, of “bridges” here. And you can listen to the podcasts either through the links with each individual article, or all collected on one page, here.

    Category: Blogging, General | Comments (0)

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