A Positive for the other 99.44% who "Won't Make It"

Phyllis K. Day

It's true that the overwhelming (there's a word for ya') majority won't "make it" as a voiceover talent. That is no reason to stop trying.

Whatever you learn on your way to try to achive this goal will stay with you. That includes increased confidence in your speaking voice, a new presence when addressing people at meetings and other venues, finding your words much easier and that you are less rattled in high-pressure situations.

There are so many others, too! Can anyone think of some more? Tell us!!

This is the perfect win-win situation no matter what happens - you still come away with more than you started.

And that home studio you set up? Some musicians would love to pay you for an hour (or more) to tape their songs. How about people who'd like to put together a cute song for someone as a present? Maybe start a business recording special messages for people. Start with those ultra-cheap ads in the school newsletters - moms will come out in droves to have you tape and MP3 their little sweeties.

And while you hover, enjoy this forum and the wealth of knowledge it holds. Something unexpected will surely follow.

Joe J Thomas · Posted: Wed Jan 03, 2007, 15:31 (GMT) Post subject:

Thanks Phyllis... appreciate the positive thinking.

Besides, how do you know you're not in the 1% if you don't give it a shot.

The goal is the path,
Joe J Thomas
www.JoeActor.com

Robert Jadah · Posted: Wed Jan 03, 2007, 15:56 (GMT) Post subject: A Positive

Phyllis:
And Joe, you said it.
As did Ol' Willie S. - 'Nothing Comes From Doing Nothing'.
[url]Startling new thought[/url]: Ever wonder who's getting all the jobs while we sit here chatting with each other and posting Day's Demos and sharing Hit Ratios and Yearly Incomes?
I had a look through V123's testimonials page, where some 40 talents crow about their success stories. Strangely, I recognized NOT A ONE of the names from these chatty boards.
Who are these high-flying birds? And why would they talk as testimonials, but not to us?
Makes it seem like Joe, Phyllis, Scott, Todd, Lou, Phyllis, Nikki, me and other regulars are old soldiers lounging around the briefing table while an unknown platoon is out winning the war.
Just a thought, since I'm still without a lead this entire year.
Robert Jadah

Joe J Thomas · Posted: Wed Jan 03, 2007, 16:16 (GMT) Post subject: Re: A Positive

Todd Ellis · Posted: Wed Jan 03, 2007, 16:31 (GMT) Post subject:

Good points all. Even Roberts (just kidding) I think for those of us who work alone all or most of the day need an outlet like this to talk to another human being every now and then - even if it's "virtually". My dog is a great office manager; let's me know when DHL is here, gets me out of the studio for a walk once in a while - but he hardly ever holds up his end of the conversation.

As far as making it vs. not making it goes - who's to say. I've always has the belief that everything I have done or will do is only preparing me for the next thing that I will or must do in the future. Who knew that selling telephone systems would push me into full-time VO? I sure as hell didn't. It also got me a single job that is going to cover this years nut. You can't plan for these things. I just keep putting one foot in front of the other and hope I see most of the gopher holes.

The next big score is right around the corner ...

down the alley ...

third door on the right ...

ask for "Lefty".

Russ McLamb · Posted: Wed Jan 03, 2007, 16:38 (GMT) Post subject:

Good points made by all. Let me ask this, what is considered "Making It"? To me, providing for my family and giving them a comfortable life is making it. Everyday that work comes in whether it's one spot or 10, your "making it". Is it just doing National campaigns? Is it getting to the point that everyone knows your name "making it"? To me, it's up to the individual as to what their aspirations and dreams are and only they truly know and believe that their "making it". So in '07 here's to everyone obtaining their dreams and aspirations no matter how big they may be.

Russ

Victor Harris · Posted: Wed Jan 03, 2007, 18:02 (GMT) Post subject:

Anastasia G.H. · Posted: Wed Jan 03, 2007, 19:52 (GMT) Post subject:

Hi Phyllis,
Thank you for the inspiration. What's the point of pursuing anything with the notion that you won't succeed?

It's important to listen to and follow YOUR heart. My passion provides the daily momentum as i'm sure it does for all of us. A negative defeatist attitude is often thinly disguised as realism. Stay at it, grow, learn, seek, find, rejoice...share with me! Laughing

Simon Hill · Posted: Fri Jan 19, 2007, 11:01 (GMT) Post subject:

There's plenty of voice-acting gigs to go around for everybody I say!

Nikki Saco · Posted: Sat Jan 20, 2007, 23:36 (GMT) Post subject:

Terrific post, Phyllis, and too true. There is no downside to trying with VO work, unless you go nuts buying equipment on credit. I would say start conservatively and let the jobs you get fund your next stage of equipment. Except for the mic. I think that needs to be a good one from the start. But certainly working in VO just makes you a better communicator -- an excellent asset for any career.

Now as for that pesky statistic about a mere 1% succeeding. Yes, it could be right -- but it's useless information. As you guys said, you don't know if you're in the top percent until you try.

That figure could also be wrong or at least misleading. What was the criteria for arriving at the 1% figure? Anyone? How was success defined? Who was polled? And when were they polled? Before the Internet (1979), before the World Wide Web (1990), before V123 (fill in the year) and that other marketplace? Did it include podcasting, voicemail, video training?

You see my point. I'm also reminded of an old statistics joke: two statisticians go hunting. One shoots at a buck 50 feet to the left, the other shoots 50 feet to the right, and the first one yells, "hey, we got him!"