Or perhaps more to the point, there is no single map everyone can follow to get to a successful voiceover business. You could do everything I’ve done for the last 27 years and you might be wildly more successful than me, or you might bomb completely. But since you can’t transport yourself back 27 years into the past, you can’t follow my exact path. The same is true for every other success you know in voiceover.
There are foundational things. Like getting the training you need to operate at a professional level. Making sure your demos are first class. Always being on time. Always performing at your highest level. But, there’s no map.
Now, you can take this news one of two ways, and here’s part of what I promised when I said I was going to write more about anxiety and fear. You see, I allowed my own anxieties and “what if” fears to keep me from moving forward full speed many times during those last 27 years. If you’re inclined in that same direction, that not having a map is bad news. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if you could just take a class, or a series of classes, learn everything you need to know to be successful in voiceover and then just become successful because you do what you learned?
Actually, I don’t think that would be wonderful at all. That would be like working at a drudge job in a factory. One step, followed by another step. And another. And another. On and on. You see, not having a map means you get to make your own road. You get to draw your own map. I think that’s really good news. I hope you do too.
This is brilliant & inspiring advice Bob! We could spend forever chasing after this VO teacher & that, switching tactics everytime we read of another’s path to success & never really find our own groove caz we’re chasing everybody else.I have a feeling I’m starting to find my own path now. Thanks 4 ur great advice to watch out for the “what ifs” of life! Cheers, Stefania. 😀
This is beautiful. I’m going to make sure I put a stop to visit you on my map!
The joy of communicating has always been the impetus that has moved me through my journey as a voice over artist. When my heart is full of joy, there is no room for fear or anxiety. Don’t you find that to be true?
I have been at this for 36 years, and continue to be inspired by the wonderful challenges this ever-changing industry presents.
Along the way, I met you Bob, and I count that as one of the highlights of my journey.
Thanks for the poignant post.
No map? How about an app? They’ve got an app for everything nowadays!
Doug,
There may or may not be an app, but either way you have to find out on your own. And Debbe, that goes both way.
Be well,
Bob
I think these words of wisdom from Seth Godin are relevant to the subject:
“Here’s another way to think about it: delight the audience you already have, amaze the customers you can already reach, dazzle the small investors who already trust you enough to listen to you. Take the permission you have and work your way up. Leaps look good in the movies, but in fact, success is mostly about finding a path and walking it one step at a time.”
After all, a journey is one step at a time …
Well said, Bob. I often contemplate the journey of life – the paths we travel through the years that make up that journey. I love the “draw your own map” idea. Thanks for sharing this. Be blessed!
-jm
When I first started out in voice overs I didn’t know where to begin. It seemed overwhelming. So I made a list for myself of what I needed to accomplish. Take workshops, make a demo, design a web site, set up a studio, learn software, do marketing etc. I realized I had made a map to follow and it no longer seemed overwhelming.
Joining the vo-bb and meeting people like yourself made the process much easier. The support and encouragement I’ve received have helped me hang in.
I can’t thank you enough.
Chris
Oh, Bob, bravo on so succinctly summing up and reminding us of this truism about life. You are so right – which may seem like an odd thing coming from a professional “map-maker” (a.k.a. career strategist)! But I’ve known for a long time that, underneath it all, what I am actually doing for people is drawing them a map that leads right back to themselves; guiding them towards the realization that they can use what they already have – inside and out – to courageously take, as you said, “One step, followed by another step.”
You serve us well, Mr, Souer!
Kristine
Kristine,
Thank you for your very gracious comments. You, oh map-maker to the stars, were the inspiration for this post.
Be well,
Bob
This is brilliant! I feel so much better about my wacky journey now!