It's a new year

It’s a new year and I believe 2010 is going to be a great year! Attitude is fundamentally important for success and knowing this truly will help you in your career pursutes. This year I am committed to reaching out of my comfort zone and exploring other avenues of revenue like on camera and spokesmen for top fortune 500 companies. If this economy has taught us anything flexibility and creative endeavors has made all of us work so much harder.

I can honestly say I profited in 2009 not that I made what I was hoping for, but God was good and fed my family. Let me encourage you whoever you are, keep dreaming, keep doing, keep learning, and keep a good attitude! that in itself it will propel you to do more I believe. Some may say that is sweet and thanks for the feel good Keith, I say practice these things and see if what I’m saying adds to your bottom line this year. http://www.57thstreetmedia.com

All hooked up in your studio and no business?

Make no mistake about it, the economy has hurt many talents but don’t pack in the towel just yet. If you’re looking to get your voice out there so others can at least hear your golden delivery, don’t forget your local TV affiliates and production houses. Far too often talents never get in the car- or network in their own back yards! Not good if you need to make some extra cash. The fact is if the agent isn’t calling you…you need a source of income! and to do that you need to visit and make appointments with potential clientele, such as TV stations, Cable companies, production houses, video companies, churches, voice-mail / hold companies.

There are many possibilities, don’t think they are coming to you! Go to them and befriend some businesses to use your services. Will power is necessary but so worth it. Break a Mic! http://www.57thstreetmedia.com

Name your price?

As the economy hits all sectors with still high unemployment do you drop your rates, or stay where you’re at? From what I have experienced from New York City to Davenport, is people want deals! Yes your agent may keep you at the standard rate while the smaller guys need to wheel and deal to keep their clients happy. How low will you go is the question?

My advice is this, don’t cheapen yourself to insult, keep a fair price on your services, or you will have a tough time getting anymore anytime soon.
I know things are tough and a man or woman needs to make a living, be careful in your approach word get out faster than you think, and it’s your business that’s on the line. http://www.57thstreetmedia.com

Voice-over demos and studios

Home studios have definitely caught on across the fruited plains, so much so that if you needed to build an army air force, navy, or marine barracks you’d be all set! The only problem with that notion with having a studio and kick ass equipment is someone that has brains enough to know how to produce a quality spot. It drives me crazy when Lee Roy tells Jimmy he’s got the hook up to produce the world’s greatest demo, yet Lee Roy hasn’t a clue as to what a VO demo is! One of my main functions I think besides being a talent and teaching others the art of VO…Is “good old common sense” I say all this to caution you from making the mistake so many people have in thinking they made the right decision when it came to their all important demo.

My company 57th Street Media www.57thstreetmedia.com is one of many company’s who assist people in their pursuit in the world of Voice-over. It’s not all about money with me; it’s about training a person to be able to discover the many facets of the industry and with evaluation, formulating a plan that makes sense for them! It’s never a one size fits all world. Be careful for the Lee Roy’s out there! http://www.57thstreetmedia.com

Mentors

I think about my beginning years how instrumental and pivotal each person was to my development in Voice-over. I have been at it since 1986 moving up on 40 in January I believe the best is yet to come! What made my mentors special was the no holds bar approach that seemed to stick with me the most, tighten up, open your mouth, breath…don’t breath! Their love for the business and professionalism inspired me to reach higher and to believe in myself. I find myself hearing a mentor Don Keys saying things like, Keith is that the best you have? Are you proud of that?

Many of you have fond memories of those who showed you the ropes and continue to have affection for him or her. You will find becoming a mentor yourself, an accelerating experience showing others the methods you use to get the job done. If you have not had the unique privilege of having a mentor, look around Voiceover universe, you will find many who would assist you and befriend you. http://www.57thstreetmedia.com

Knowing your good, ain't good enough

In school you may have wanted to try out for the team, only to find the coach wasn't much interested in you. Meanwhile your frustrated and agitated, as to why the coach didn't try you out! On a Thursday the same kid who didn't get the chance to pitch was pitching after school with some friends...the coach noticed the kid and made note of the ability he saw and the next practice the coach asked the boy if he would pitch, the kid excitedly answered yes..then said do you think I have what it takes?

you have never seen me pitch! the coach smiled and said yes I have... and you got it kid..now show the team what you can do. Now that was a happy ending, not all get the chance to be called into the game. In the field of Voice-overs knowing your good, ain't good enough..its what your fellow colleagues say, and its what producers say,& what the agent says after reviewing your demo. Never forget... know one go's it alone out here..you need feedback and critique to propel you towards success. http://www.57thstreetmedia.com

Follow-up

It’s not the easiest thing to get a good agent, let alone a great agent! It’s really an interesting process in New York for instance the heat is on there and you can be really good at your craft; however so are100 s if not thousands of others. If I thought I had every agency nailed as to what they were thinking, I would be a house hold name worldwide. It sometimes can be a mystery because you are not in the room or have a clue as to what their full talent roster looks like. The variables are plenty and can leave you wondering what you did or didn’t do. Have you been there? I have and still find it strange when things are said great talent, Good raw talent? That one always kills me! I had this twice said two me in my 20 + career. Take a breath and pursue another agency and be sure to check back with the others as things change often in this business, sometimes daily.

You cannot win them all, but you can have a decent cut if you allow yourself the discipline and determination of not giving up! I will tell you the follow up is the main ingredient and yes timing is sometimes everything, right time, right place...But if you’re not marketing yourself and getting yourself out there, nothing is going to happen. http://www.57thstreetmedia.com