Hitting The Streets

Todd Ethridge · Posted: Fri Jan 18, 2008, 04:04 (GMT) Post subject: Hitting The Streets

So, early this week I did some good, old fashioned cold calling. I went to a few ad agencies and production studios in town, said hi, quick chat and out.

But one guy kind of grilled me. He is the creative director at a one of the biggest ad agencies in town. Here is the conversation:

"How come I've never heard of you?" - Him

"Well, I've been doing this on the side for a few years, but just now going full time" - Me

"Have you done anything I might have heard of?" - Him

"HGTV, NASA, Turner South" -Me

"Really? Oh. OK, we'll give you a shot" - Him

Very Happy

Allison Scussel · Posted: Fri Jan 18, 2008, 04:58 (GMT) Post subject:

Todd,
It was that easy for you? No sh**!! Congradulations!

That's actually my next step in this world of VO....to talk to the local production houses and ad agencies. Fortunally, I know alot of the media buyers at the local agencies because I also serve double duty as traffic manager as well as on-air talent and production talent. I've been a$$ kissing in various ways, including telling the client when I have extra avails at no charge to increase their cost per point. I wasn't sure what my next step should be, but you've just answered that for me. Thanks!
Smile

~Allison~

Melba Sibrel · Posted: Fri Jan 18, 2008, 05:20 (GMT) Post subject:

That reminds me...I was supposed to send you some info on N'ville. Sorry! I'll do that soon.

Your conversation reminds me just a little of this VO guy locally who, when we were introduced by a mutual acquaintance, snarled at my polite, "Oh, yes I've heard of you" with a "Well, I've never heard of you!" But I kept smiling and responded with, "And yet I have the audacity to exist, don't I?"

Congratulations and kudos to you for putting yourself out there, Todd!

Todd Ethridge · Posted: Fri Jan 18, 2008, 14:00 (GMT) Post subject:

Well, one cool thing that helped was the receptionist chiming in. She heard me say that I was in radio for 17 years and she popped in and said, "Are you Todd from 105.3? I used to listen to you every morning!" He warmed up a little more after that. Very Happy

My experience is alot like yours Allison. Being a Program Director, I dealt with lots of agencies and promoters on events and ads. So it was a logical step for me to pop in on them now that my demos are done.

I've given demos to 9 places and gotten 4 yes's so far. 5 no responses. I have a ton more to hit. The catch now is to have them use me SOON.

Dan Popp · Posted: Fri Jan 18, 2008, 22:36 (GMT) Post subject:

Todd Ethridge · Posted: Sat Jan 19, 2008, 00:41 (GMT) Post subject:

No kidding. Brilliant, Melba.

Funny timing. I just got an e mail from a local film company and the guy basically said, "I only hire talent from agencies".

I responded by asking him some of the agencies he turns to for VO work.

He responded with this half assed department store fashion model agency here in town. I know he doesn't hire people from there.

Melba Sibrel · Posted: Sat Jan 19, 2008, 03:11 (GMT) Post subject:

Todd Ethridge · Posted: Sat Jan 19, 2008, 16:36 (GMT) Post subject:

Yeah, I don't believe for a second that he uses that agency. He was just blowing me off.

Todd Ethridge · Posted: Mon Jan 28, 2008, 04:54 (GMT) Post subject:

OK, so the agency I told you about in my first post in this thread (the one that grilled me), called Friday and asked me to audition for some Nascar stuff. Then he had me record some more stuff and said we would probably schedule a session this week.

I can't believe he called so quickly. Feels good to get some business and a potentially strong client out of my cold calling in person.

John Weeks · Posted: Mon Jan 28, 2008, 12:56 (GMT) Post subject:

Todd,
It will happen, just keep planting those seeds.
Good luck on the Nascar stuff!

Todd Ethridge · Posted: Mon Jan 28, 2008, 16:06 (GMT) Post subject:

Thanks John.

I woke and found another reply this morning from another agency. No immediate work, but good feedback and said that they will use me in the future.

Doug Parks · Posted: Thu Feb 28, 2008, 04:38 (GMT) Post subject:

[quote="Melba Sibrel"]"And yet I have the audacity to exist, don't I?"

Melba, I loved your story so much I guess I commited your infamous line to memory. I just googled part of the sentence (not sure if I remembered it correctly) and lo and behold, I found this thread and got to laugh at your story again.

Bettye Zoller

It is fabulous to get your demo into the hands of creatives at advertising agencies and give demo to producers at video houses etc. Everyone should do this. Most of us do it by mail and not on foot, however. Find out who the person is who accepts voice talent demos, who hires vo talents. Usually, there is more than one person in a medium to large-sized firm who does. And if so, you need to get your demo into ALL OF THEIR HANDS unless the people there say, "It's ok. One demo will suffice. We'll share." And a word to the wise: I keep saying over and over here (and always in my seminars!) that it is FINE to be on your own and doing the "internet voice for hire" thing, particularly when new, but everyone must have agents in many cities to get into the BIG money. The big accounts (VISA, NBC Promos, Chiffon Margerine, Advil, American Airlines etc) are created by advertising agencies. The biggest are rated AAA or AAAA. Ad agencies go thru agents to hire on-camera and vo talents. This may not be the case if you are in a medium sized town, but the BIG GUNS would never hire a talent without an agent and usually without a union contract.

Bettye Zoller

I forgot to say in my last post that you should be aware that ALWAYS and FOREVER in your career, you are your publicity machine, that is, until you can afford to hire a press agent and a PR firm like the big stars and major vo talents with long careers have. Never think that an agent is a publicity machine. They are often only a phone answerer who books you when someone asks them for you. You have to do the legwork getting your demo into the hands of those who hire. I once again here am commending everyone who is doing this...getting your vo demo out there, mailing postcards and newsletters. I am AGAINST sending emails. It bothers busy people! But the act of getting your demo into the right hands is a must. Regular publicity mailings are also a must. I also favor giving out pens and calendars and the like as a name reminder. Advertising yourself is primary in this business.