Determination

Goals are important in life no matter what you’re trying to accomplish. When I embarked on this journey in 1986 in Voice-over I had a desire to win and allowed nothing, including age to hold me back. It is a fact that your dreams may not be anyone else’s, and chances are people wont understand your determination doing so! If you want to succeed at this business, reputation is so important! How you treat others ultimately comes full circle. Think of the people you talk to regularly and those who are in contact with them, etc. Just practice being the best VO guy or girl you can be…the future can be bright, be diligent in your quest for more work, and take each job as if it were your very first opportunity. I take nothing for granted; each job blesses my family and helps me stay in the game. I call what I do “fun”. But make no mistake about it…its still a business and there is money to be made. Be determined and live with purpose. http://www.57thstreetmedia.com

What’s stopping you?

In a day it’s not imposable to speak to over 100 people, how about 350 people a day! If your wanting to find an agent and someone that will represent you, you will have to pick up the phone and smile and dial baby;-)) Its not always easy having the phone hang up on you, however the proven number of calls made shows that persistence pays over the long haul. What you can expect commonly out of 100 calls, at least 15-20 that may want to have some continued dialog with you and your voice. How many calls have you made today? this week, and this year? What’s stopping you? If it’s the phone bill get magic jack, $19.95 a year! If you want to work in this business start making calls. Many just rely on e-mail…bad mistake, the human connection is so much stronger and they can hear your voice. I practice what I preach, and you will find me on the phone smiling and dialing all throughout the week, sharing my talent and expecting results. You will find after 40-50 calls, you can do this…practice makes perfect! http://www.57thstreetmedia.com

Can I do this?

Many wonder if Voice-overs are right for them! This is a trade that you should learn to love, and love to learn. My experience in the industry has given me true insight as to the realities and possibilities for a talent pursuing voice-over. In a sea of voices there is many more people getting in to this business, that can be a little freighting and exciting if you are in it for the long run. I have had many mentors throughout my career and almost positive that there will be more as I stick with my profession. Like many businesses, there will be up’s and downs and the downs sometimes can feel like an eternity. The one certainty if you love this business and continue to learn and seek out true professionals that will work with you…your bottom line should start growing. I have found that excellence is only achieved through hard work; and real life experiences that broaden ones prospective to give you a full view, as to all you can be. So can you do this? I think the bigger question is will you do this? If succeeding matters to you, remember the price that was paid for you… to call yourself an American! That should motivate anyone that truly gets it.http://www.57thstreetmedia.com

Voice-over JAUNDRA’s

As I tell my students studying Voice-over, there are as many different reads in voice-over as music Jaundra’s! Knowing this is very important and critical to your success. A seasoned professional will know this and certainly will stay in their range of delivery. Not many people are great narrators or story tellers, yet they have a read that works best for them. They say variety is the spice of life..YES and the more you can do the better. My rule of thumb is read as much copy as you can stomach, in doing so you should get an idea of what you’re good at; and what is just not you. If you’re looking to broaden your appeal, pick up your listening skills and let a specific delivery speak to you! Listen to that read/delivery only until you nail it. Mastering individual reads will open more doors and put more money into your bank account. http://www.57thstreetmedia.com

Realizing your potential

Have you ever doubted yourself? It’s not that you suffer from depression or low self esteem; it’s when you just don’t know what to think…you’re at the point where you just don’t know what to do! I have been there, and you know what…it helps me to go through that now and then to reset. A good old fashioned reality check sometimes is in order. In business you’re in control of your destiny, I believe that; and hope you do as well. If you are going to realize your full potential in Voice-over, jump off the cliff and enjoy the ride….Yes it’s unnerving, but it’s worth the risk and the lessons learned. If I hadn’t gone into the production business and rented a location many years ago, I wouldn’t have realized what a blessing it is to work for myself. Stop look and listen, advice given to children when crossing the road...Its advice we adults need all the time. Take advantage of daily opportunities all around you...Who knows, you may even surprise yourself! http://www.57thstreetmedia.com

Show me the money

Jerry McGuire’s line “Show me the money” has been my motto and business principle. I just think if you are good, you shouldn’t have to lower your price! Sure there’s plenty who will; and cheapen their worth in my opinion. Your reputation in how low you can go will travel to fast. If this is your bread and butter so to speak, let them know you have mouths to feed! I don’t feel bad asking what I feel I’m worth, and you shouldn’t either. Have you ever paid for something that others would say you were crazy for doing so? It’s because you felt good about your purchase, the same holds true in how much you sell yourself for! Reputation is all too important, set your sights higher, be better and ask them to show you the money! http://www.57thstreetmedia.com

A recession proof job

As the recession continues, companies still needs to reach consumers and that means voice-over talent make money! Make no mistake about it...Voice-over and advertizing a multibillion dollar industry that continues to make headway. Whether you want to supplement your income or make a great living, voice-over opportunities are plentiful.

As a talent that voices commercials for radio & TV, I can tell you agency representation is the key to working!!! If you are seeking representation don’t stop until you have an agent that believes in you and is getting you work. Not all will come to you immediately, some may say; call us when you land a big deal...Still others not even a mere response? And you wonder what is going on right! My best advice to you all is this…. Keep your demo up to date, Have your demo gone through by industry professionals, keep dialing, continue practicing your craft, and never give up! Theres work out there, go get it. http://www.57thstreetmedia.com