New Year, New Commitment

John Lindemann · Posted: Tue Jan 02, 2007, 23:57 (GMT) Post subject: New Year, New Commitment

OK, enough reading Voice 123 public posts and saying, "Ooooh, there's one worth trying." New year, renewed effort. Time to dust off the local contacts list--tell 'em I'm still alive. Time to plug in the new MBox Mini. Upgrade to premium (no, really, Freddie). Glad to find the forum. Best wishes for a prosperous, healthy New Year to all!

Joe J Thomas · Posted: Wed Jan 03, 2007, 00:39 (GMT) Post subject:

Welcome John,

I like your attitude. Go get 'em!
Joe J Thomas
www.JoeActor.com

Robert Jadah · Posted: Wed Jan 03, 2007, 01:29 (GMT) Post subject: New Year etc

John:
I agree: that's the stuff...
We can't hope to have this stuff land on our lips.
We're a huge pack of scavenging hounds (and I mean that in a good way), scrapping over a few choice morsels. As I've said elsewhere, if 1000 of us are vying for - what? - 40 postings per week, it don't take a rocket science to figure the odds.
To you to, Sir, may you have a bustling 2007 and scads of Private Leads.
Robert Jadah

Todd Ellis · Posted: Wed Jan 03, 2007, 03:43 (GMT) Post subject:

THATS what i'm talkin' about! the internet is great, no doubt, but nothing tops a little old fashioned door knob turnin'!

George Karnes · Posted: Tue Jan 16, 2007, 02:24 (GMT) Post subject:

I am curious what some of you more experienced artists think about those of us who are at the south end of the learning curve.

My thought process is this, I am in fairly small town maybe 80 market. I don't want to burn the doors I can knock on while I am still so green. I want to spend 6 months to 30 years homing my abilities and then start the door knocking circle.

Voice123 seems perfect for this.

Is my thinking hosed on this?

Victor Harris · Posted: Tue Jan 16, 2007, 02:44 (GMT) Post subject:

If anyone thinks they will get rich off these kind of websites, it simply won't happen. You have to market yourself and make contacts. For me it's never ending.

Todd Ellis · Posted: Tue Jan 16, 2007, 02:48 (GMT) Post subject:

George - for what it's worth - it's never too early to start. Since you are in a smaller market there are bound to be a few businesses around that are more sympathetic to your cause. These are great 1st appointments. Set yourself up for a few "lay-downs" - and here's the important part learn from your mistakes. I try to make it a rule to never make the same mistake twice- but - hoo-boy do I think up new ones!

As I'm sure you've seen on this board - "talkin' into yon can" is only about 20% of this business - the rest is marketing - "sales" to you and me. Join a networking group, the chamber of commerce, read books.

So, yeah ... you're thinking is hosed ... get out there and start hustling.

Good Luck & remember - they're not saying "no" - you're just not giving them enough information to say "yes".

Lynne Alston · Posted: Tue Jan 16, 2007, 02:53 (GMT) Post subject: How soon?

Victor, how soon did you start to market other than on a web site. I, like George, am in a mind set to wait a year before doing door to door sales.

If you marketed soon after starting this career, do you think you were ready. In fact, that is a question to all in the field.

George Karnes · Posted: Tue Jan 16, 2007, 03:07 (GMT) Post subject:

Hey Todd-
I just want to ping you one more time on this. I agree with most of what you say, (here it comes) BUT...if I show up with a set of plumbers tools to fix an electrical problem, would they ever let me back to even change a light bulb?

I just don't want to make a first impression that nixes me for time and all eternity on future chances.

If it is common in this business to start out knowing nothing and people are used to that and will give you real second, third and fourth chances, great, I have a thick skin and someone saying no won't hurt me a bit, I will start door knocking. I just know in the IT world if someone shows you they are an idiot, they are an idiot forever.

Do you still feel the same way?

I really respect your opinion and will take it very seriously,

George

Todd Ellis · Posted: Tue Jan 16, 2007, 03:21 (GMT) Post subject:

George - OK - so let me backtrack - a little bit. I'm not saying jump into the deep end if you don't know how to swim. Be comfortable with your demo, get some coaching, read some books. THEN go sell yourself. Maybe I got off on my sales rant prematurely. I do that because so many folks think they can plug a mic in the hole and be the next Mason Adams. This obviously isn't you - since you are asking the question. But if you DO know some business people - talk to them about their message on hold - local radio ads, etc. Get you foot in the door in a non-threatening manner - adding to your resume and building your confidence.

Good Luck!

Amy Snively · Posted: Tue Jan 16, 2007, 03:32 (GMT) Post subject:

Todd's advice is sound, but your instincts are solid, George. At least in my hometown market, you don't get much in the way of second chances. People just don't have the time, and memories are looooong.

Practicing and figuring it out in the V123 sandbox is good, but not enough. Expert training from respected professionals wil get you there faster. Then when you feel like a pro, and can live up to what your demo promises, then out into the big, bad world you go!

George Karnes · Posted: Tue Jan 16, 2007, 03:34 (GMT) Post subject:

Todd-
Thanks again, I guess that checks a little more with my reality. Wink

I am going to start putting some feelers out sooner rather than later though.

I am itching to do something more proactive so looking for some low key voicing opportunities feels right.

George

Victor Harris · Posted: Tue Jan 16, 2007, 03:35 (GMT) Post subject:

I'm sure that everyone has their own story and reason for getting into VO. As for me, I was introduced to a very famous VO guy while recovering from injuries from Iraq. This VO guy is a vet himself and took interest in me after a mutual friend introduced him to me. From the beginning, I took my time. Several months of reading, listening, researching, practicing, recording. Since, I was a closet musician somewhat, I already had some knowledge of audio production. This famous VO guy, mentored me along till he thought I was ready and most importantly...I knew I was ready. I am very aggressive and knew I was going to jump into this oddessy with both feet running...having the funding and business plan needed to succeed.

I guess the bottom-line is when you can listen to another talented VO persons demos and feel yours is just as good....thats when it will hit you that you are ready. Make your demo and have it critiqued the hell out of...then make the suggested improvements and redo it all over again till you get the kinks out. I wouldn't put a set time limit on it. Some people are faster then others. The reality is...your demo is NEVER, EVER, DONE. It will always be a work in progress. Know yourself and seek self-improvement. Like Clint Eastwood said, "Every mans got to know his limitations". Wink

George Karnes · Posted: Tue Jan 16, 2007, 03:40 (GMT) Post subject:

Victor and Amy more very good advice and much appreciated.

George

Todd Ellis · Posted: Tue Jan 16, 2007, 03:47 (GMT) Post subject:

What I'm saying is this - don't JUST read VO books and take VO training. Read SALES books and take some SALES training. Here's one that will help with both: Psycho Cybernetics by Maxwell Maltz. It's a pretty tough read the 1st time through - but it's good stuff.