Tips, Anyone

Beverly Mahone · Posted: Tue Feb 27, 2007, 01:05 (GMT) Post subject: Tips, Anyone

I joined Voice123 two months ago and haven't received on job YET. How long does it normally take? Maybe I'm doing something wrong. I'm a broadcast journalist with an extensive background in voice and diction. What kind of response do you put when you're replying about the job. I've just been thanking them for giving me the opportunity to complete the project.

I feel like I've wasted my money so far and since I'm currently unemployed, I don't have alot of money to waste.

Desperate in Durham

Robert Jadah · Posted: Tue Feb 27, 2007, 01:24 (GMT) Post subject: Tips

Beverly....
Please read through the forums a bit.
You'll find that two months without a gig is what the really successful voicers endure all the time.

Your topic is covered extensively all over these boards, and your question demonstrates a certain cavalier attitude that will not help in your quest for success.

Read On!

Keith D. Milby · Posted: Tue Feb 27, 2007, 01:26 (GMT) Post subject:

Hi Beverly,

I just wanted to say Hi. Some other nice folks will be around to fill you on how things work in the online VO business. I am still new around here and learning the in and outs.

All the best,

Keith

Scott Nilsen · Posted: Tue Feb 27, 2007, 03:18 (GMT) Post subject:

I echo what Robert already said. This site is not paving the way to riches for us, but it might provide the occasional gig.
Expectations should be adjusted accordingly, and it will do wonders. Make this only one small part of a complete marketing plan.
Best to you,

Scott

Scott Pollak · Posted: Tue Feb 27, 2007, 04:36 (GMT) Post subject:

Hi Beverly,

One question I have for you is: Do you have any other demos besides what's on your page? You have a decent speaking voice, but your demos are very weak in a couple of areas. Production quality is terrible and your presentation in both is average at best. On top of that, they're not really demos, merely one spot each.

I'm not trying to come on here and rip your demos up, but the truth of the matter is based on what I heard, you're going to lose out to folks with much stronger voices and demos. And being African American may be reducing the number of qualified leads you're getting. The sad truth is that most advertisers are still wanting white male voices in spots. I don't know what the ratio of male vs. female leads are (Freddie? Can you tell us?) but I'm betting clients are looking more for males than females.

Do yourself a favor and listen to some killer, professional demos such as Amy Snively, Connie Terwilliger, Julie Williams, and so on, all on voice123.com. Learn from the pros, model what you do after them, train, practice, improve and persist and the jobs will come in.

Best of luck!

Amy Snively · Posted: Tue Feb 27, 2007, 05:39 (GMT) Post subject:

(Thank you for your kind compliment, Scott. Embarassed

)

Beverly! My dear, you have talent! And you're darling-- so photogenic! (Nobody will hear that, but I had to say it all the same.)

If you're serious about transitioning to VO, I think you'd really be able to get your money's worth from investing in just a little advanced VO training and getting a professional demo produced. You have a very commercial sound, and you could get to a competitive level quickly!

You're at a bit of a disadvantage as far as making a full-time living at VO, since you don't live in a major market. But I think you're awesome!

Being female, we do have fewer opportunities. Race will not be an issue for you.

You have a versatile, commercial sound. A little mic-technique training, some coaching on how to really connect with the copy, and then a killer demo to show it off, and you're a contender!

Freddie Molina · Posted: Tue Feb 27, 2007, 16:41 (GMT) Post subject:

Hello Beverly,

There are a few basic things to succeed in this business, talent, a great demo, hard work and perseverance.
Be patient.

Welcome to the forum.

Debbie Deutsch · Posted: Thu Mar 15, 2007, 08:38 (GMT) Post subject:

Welcome, and I love the forum and my experience with 123 has been a terrific learning opportunity to grow and hone my skills. I never thought of it has a quick road to riches.....Good Luck and read, read the forums!

AJai HIlton · Posted: Fri Mar 16, 2007, 15:13 (GMT) Post subject:

"And being African American may be reducing the number of qualified leads you're getting. "

Scott can't be the only one who believes this. So should African Americans not post their pictures? Because I wouldn't say Beverly "sounds" African American Wink

Paul Sleboda · Posted: Fri Mar 16, 2007, 17:28 (GMT) Post subject:

Beverly,
Welcome and did someone tell you that this was going to be easy? I also joined earlier this year but only after 6 months of voice training and well over a hundred demo's and I still have not landed one paying job. As everyone before me has said that it takes patience and constant work to even get your first inquiry. Again V123 should be 1/4 of your resource pool for work. You might even think about doing something for free in your church, school or community just to build confidence and exposure. If you're comming into this thinking that money is going to be thrown at you, maybe reading more of these forums you'll see that even the Voices that have been doing it for many years are also not doing it full time.
Good Luck
Paul