Perception= reality

You have heard of the placebo effect right? Well I believe negative words and negative environments can cause the same thing in a person’s life if they don’t identify the problem. A spouse a family member or friend can offer you bad advice that can hold you back from being successful. John F. Kennedy had a rather odd view of himself; he wasn’t very self confident- his brother Ted told his brother, who cares what you think! It’s what people perceive you to be. Lots of truth to that. Create a positive environment around you, surround yourself with positive people that can keep you motivated and connected to where the action is. Positive and success like each other. So keep a smile on your face, keep your eye on the ball and never stop growing into a successful business man or woman. Your perception of yourself is important, but what others think, is equally important. http://www.57thstreetmedia.com

VO super star

It makes me laugh when I see how many voice-overs produced in the U.S. are from no names! Yes they have a name...But the industry hasn’t awarded them with any sparkling trophies or trips to Vegas. And this is the case with thousands of people in the industry that may never get the acclaim. Don’t let that be your focus, yes be excellent and pursue the big agencies and the high paying gigs...Don’t get sucked into thinking you’re not good if you don’t win a golden trophy for your work. There are plenty of successful people doing well for themselves in market 100 knocking on doors, sending CD’s out and scoring some nice opportunities because they wanted the work. So I say be a VO super star wherever you may be, you are here by awarded this gold medallion for all you do! http://www.57thstreetmedia.com

So you want to be a voice-over artist

One of the first things I ask a prospect exploring voice-overs is why? Here is what I get most of the time. People tell me I have a good voice, my boy friend or girl friend says I would be good at the business, or my mother says I should be on the radio. The most important question I could ask a prospect is what do you think of you doing voice-overs? Many say they don’t know great answer! I like to teach individuals that want to learn the art of voice-over, willing open participants desiring to learn a craft that could make them money. So you want to be a voice-over artist… great! I hope you like hearing your own voice, because you will be hearing it quite often and as a matter of fact most every day in one form or another. Do ego’s help, sure they do, just keep humble in the studio ;-)

The amount of practice for truly professional talent adds up to be in the thousands of hours and multiplied. This is not an overnight get rich scheme, so STOP if that’s what you’ve been told. Can you make a really good living you bet! I believe in purpose, keep asking yourself why, and if it adds up that this is your main passion, there’s no stopping you in the voice-over universe. http://www.57thstreetmedia.com

Rejection, do I suck?

Do you wound easily? Then Voice-overs may not be for you! It’s all part of this dog and pony show. It would be so nice to know exactly how the producer thought for every project but that’s just not likely unless you are a mind reader. So toughen up and break a mic! The fact is… if you are going to get better you will need to have some doors slam shut. Now it’s not always that you sucked, it’s just not what the casting director envisioned for the scrip. Now if the door is closing way, way too many times, perhaps there’s something going on with your performance, or your demo told them something different that you just cannot pull off.

Not all auditions should you cast for, knowing what you’re exceptional at and what you’re not so hot at, should give you a rough idea as to what you should be aiming for. Now if you are still fearful take a breath and remember that you are a commodity, some will go for you , and others will pass you by, not to worry, it’s all part of what we Voice-artisans go through on a weekly bases. Have fun is still a great business ;-) http://www.57thstreetmedia.com

It’s another Friday

Just so everyone knows about my blog postings, I was hesitant at first to daily let alone blog at all because of all the hype already out there. The reason I find it necessary to say so much is to share my thoughts and experiences so hopefully you will be more inspired and encouraged to pursue a voice-over career with passion that inspires others. It is really a blessing that so many seek me out for advice regarding agencies agents, listening to demos and just listening!

I am certainly glad that there is many more like me in the industry that treat others respectfully and conduct their business with integrity and want to pass on what they know to others that eagerly want to make a go of it themselves. I will be 40 in January…I have been proud to have worked with some of the industry’s top names or have spoken to them on the phone about what bonds us together. Have I arrived as the all and all of voice-overs? Lol! Not yet, but believe I’m on my way…how about you? http://www.57thstreetmedia.com

Networking in Voice-overs?

There are so many places to share your day in’s and day out’s these days, what difference do these sites really make? Professionally speaking, you’re not going to tip off your competition as to what agency you’re working with on what project. Many would be envious, and start dialing right behind you!!! marks my words. Be careful as to what information you share, and what content you allow to be seen and heard.

I do believe in friendly banter and connecting with likeminded people, all positive...Just keep in mind what you share and how you share it could end up helping or hurting you. So my rule of thumb is this, tell how you are faring through your projects and scoring another gig, just don’t mention with whom, unless you want to tip others off to your source. I like sharing, but in business to keep my work above reproach on all accounts. http://www.57thstreetmedia.com

Don’t kid yourself!

If you have worked in the industry as I have for the past 23 years things have changed, and loyalties are not what it used to be! When you hit a winning streak and you feel you’re unstoppable, stop and get a grip. I won’t mention any names but many big names have had the carpet pulled out from under them, with not a hint of why! Don’t get to comfortable with your agency…clients come and go; you on the other hand have to keep producing. My recipe is a constant evaluation of marketing. You need to revamp, reinvent, and keep up with lightening speed in this fast paced media age. Some of you have made really good money with your craft and understand the eggs in one basket = stupidity long term. Patience, persistency and a little good luck coming your way all does help. So remember keep your head on, don’t get to complacent about your position enjoy it and keep your eyes on the big picture... Building your business! http://www.57thstreetmedia.com

How bad do you want it?

Have you ever wanted something bad enough that you would be willing to walk barefoot on hot coals? I think dreams are made from willing participants who are willing to stop at nothing from attaining the goal. You want to be a success in your voice-over profession but are you giving it your all? There are two types of people in the world…those that choose the road before them, and those that follow the road without knowing where it Leeds. I speak from firsthand experience, hard work and a desire to be the best keep me reaching, knocking and pursuing avenues in front of me. Life can be hard and circumstances can change things on a dime…just be inspired at the men & woman in uniform that risk their lives every day to protect our freedoms! Go for the gold, get that audition nailed and be your very best. A blind man living in a city nearby once could see…that impairment didn’t stop him from producing! What’s your limitation? http://www.57thstreetmedia.com

OMG Use an expert.

There are companies that claim so much, yet fail in the fundamentals of teaching. If a student cannot interoperate the copy, or deliver a read that complements the copy, then what’s the point? I have researched and have sent students off to places all over the country on my dime just to see what my so called competitors are up to. To my amazement, substance and relevance were sorely lacking in most. Please ask good questions, in my blog I have posted titled, how to choose a voice-coach...PLEASE READ!!! It’s sad that many are led a stray by wolves, do your homework! and you won’t be disappointed.

I have redone many demos from these workshops/ seminars to reeducate and reenergize an individual that was taken to the cleaners. I am just glad I am not the only caring coach out there. There are many exceptional ones that are worth every dime they make. So use your noggin, and use a real expert! http://www.57thstreetmedia.com

Making the most out of each opportunity

When the phone rings, or the e-mail says you have a job that requests your voice, be ready to impress. Proper phone educate and listening to pertinent information about the project is all part of the gig. Listening is so much of the job, making sure you understand where the director is coming from so you have the whole picture before taking to the mic.

You may not always be impressed with the client, or the job your doing, but how you carry yourself is all important.

I have heard of Guys and Gals that have totally ignored these rules and have missed out on the next wave of spots because they were not professional. A friend of mine says you have to “check yourself, before your wreck “yourself!
That’s one of my favorites for sure. So the next time you’re at it, remember to check yourself at the door, and make a good impression not just on the mic, but in the whole dealing with the client. That’s what I call Making the most out of each opportunity. http://www.57thstreetmedia.com

Making money in Voice-overs

The idea for most people in the industry is to make money, and lot’s of it right! Well you may have to place a dollar amount on how much you will need to have so you feel you have arrived. For some $150,000 is all they need to be happy...Still others need $300,000 and so on. The incentives in making more money is contingent on several factor’s your time, popularity, and availability to the movers & shakers in the industry. We all want to do well financially speaking it’s a given! Just keep in mind that money follows success...Are you successful? Now perhaps your phone is not ringing and your bank account is not impressive, don’t worry money...is a means to do more, so if you need more money, you’re going to have to get your voice out there so people know who you are. Some have managers to assist with this process, others use marketing and pr firms to accomplish this, and still others use their own methods. Let me suggest doing some of this through PR/Management and self promotion. If no one knows who you are, how can you expect lightning to strike? So how much money do you want to make? Success means many things to many different people, ask yourself what you hope or want to accomplish with your carrier…many of us just want to continue doing what we love until the last breath. As you can tell, I love the business...It’s what I am made for and hope you feel the same. http://www.57thstreetmedia.com

Being you

There was a song in the 50’s my parent’s generation that talked about being true to your school-true to yourself. In a culture that seems fixated on stars and celebs it’s so hard for many to hold on to their own personas. I’m not saying everyone is walking around with an identity issue, it just clarifies something in my mind…Be happy with who you are as an individual living in a sea of many others.

We can get lost in the shuffle and end up stop listening to that voice inside of self! It’s the deep down you… that needs to get something done and do it better than anyone! Some of the best talents I have met are just themselves...Keep your eyes focused on being the best you. Besides you will be much happier and experts tell us, that will add years to your life. Have fun in the booth make your clients happy, your family happy, and everyone’s happy…what a deal, all because you are being you. http://www.57thstreetmedia.com

Push the envelope

I have been at the business of Voice-overs for over 15 years, so versatility and flexibility are my middle name. I do believe certain people should stick to one particular niche area that just makes sense for them. If you are a creature of the night, like me, you can seemingly take a piece of copy and make love to it like nobody’s business. If you’re looking to push the envelope and get your voice out of a certain stereo type that may be following you...break out of that box and learn another niche area, narration, promo, movie trailer-even Animation!

I teach people those areas and always realize it’s not a one size fits all world.
Go ahead and experiment with doing different reads, listen to the pro’s, and emulate the best you can. If you don’t practice you won’t be very good at any of these! In this age the more you can do, the better you’ll do! Roll up your sleeves and learn something new. Have a great weekend everyone. http://www.57thstreetmedia.com

Live your dream

I have been in the middle of a move for the last several of days, and have found some interesting items from the past inside of a box that I thought was discarded with the trash years ago. It was a demo of mine from 1990! What memories and good times with mentors and experiences that had shaped me into the person I am today. I stood there with the tape in hand and pondered these things. I found a cassette deck, blew the dust off it and powered it up and It was me….you know what, I listened to that cassette and smiled and thought to myself way to go! I never gave up, or gave in to the pressures of people saying I would never make it, of there’s no real money to be made; instead I remained steadfast on the road towards my goals and dreams. No matter what life brings you, stay true to your dreams, and never give up. Dreams are what makes life livable, and without them bad things happen to people if they never act upon them. Alright back to unpacking more boxes...Fun fun ;-) http://www.57thstreetmedia.com