I don’t know about you, but for many years the single thing that kept me from really moving forward with my voiceover business was a lack of confidence. Oh, I knew that I had a “nice” voice. I knew that I was pretty good at reading technical copy and sounding like I knew everything I was saying. But, fundamentally, I didn’t really believe I was good enough to accomplish everything I was hoping to accomplish.
Two people have made a huge difference in my thinking over the last few years, and that has made all the difference.
Nancy Wolfson. And Marice Tobias. These two ladies, through their superb coaching, helped me understand that I am enough. I just need to do what I all ready know how to do and simply be myself. Their methods are different, but between the two of them, the message finally sank in.
Now, I mention all of this to introduce you to a recent blog by Seth Godin called Conflicted. It’s well worth a couple of minutes of your time.
You see his key point? The person you most need to market to is … you. You have to believe, really believe, you are enough before you can truly moving forward the way you want to move forward. In fact, all of the other marketing and selling you may be trying to do? Until you understand that you really are enough, isn’t going to get you anywhere near what you’re looking for. But catch hold of this simple truth and the momentum will begin to build.
Try it. You’ll see.
(edited to fix typo)
You, sir, must have the gift of encouragement. I’ve been reading books on VO and acting with an improv troupe for almost two years now. I know those things aren’t enough to fully qualify me to do competent VO work, but your blog today has given me the nudge to take the next step forward…whatever that may be 🙂 Thank you for your dedication to your craft.
Well said, Bob. It’s an internal conflict that virtually everyone has to resolve. And, of course, the more one works at resolving these internal conflicts the more self-confident one becomes. Thanks for this bit of sage daily wisdom.
Enthusiastically,
Ed
Scott and Ed,
Thank you for your encouraging comments.
Be well,
Bob
Bob. Im standing beside Scott and Ed in the Bob
I would be interested in knowing techniques folks use to market to themselves.
My favorite is visualizing myself walking into the various studios in town. Hearing the producer’s enthusiastic feedback and seeing cash on the desk for me.
I have variations, but visualizing keeps me focused on the idea, that everybody in the room agrees that I’m the best person for the job. ( through demo, audition or past history) and they are there to support me being outstanding, so they can be outstanding.
Your blog is the only one I read consistently and I always am educated, enlightened and entertained.
Thanks for your selfless gifts.
Gene
Oops. iPad dropped a line.
The Bob Souer appreciation gallery!
Two essential ingredients to success: competence and confidence.
For most people, it’s easier to become more competent. Skills can be learned.
Confidence is a state of mind.
For some, the two are linked: the more competent they become, the more confident they’ll get.
On the other hand, some very accomplished artists purposely kept a low profile because they didn’t believe in themselves or the quality of their work.
To me it comes down to one thing: Facing your fears and learning to love yourself.
Confidence and self-worth is not for sale on the shelves at Target. Affirmations just try to beat the mind into submission. Books and blogs can lead the way, but at the end of the day it all comes back to you and me, becoming who we are meant to be.
Paul,
Thank you for the thoughtful and thought-provoking comments. Well said, sir.
Be well,
Bob