VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

Whit · Posted: Thu Jun 10, 2010 5:09 pm Post subject: Well, I quit my day job.

Yep. I'm terrified and excited at the same time. Here's my game plan. I'd love it if anyone could tell me if I'm missing anything...

Just told the boss a couple hours ago. He rocks, and will hook me up with discount ISDN until I'm ISDN capable here at home.

Game plan

- contact all the other studios in the area that I haven't been able to work for until now, send demos. I'll feel kinda dirty still, but it must be done.

- contact out of town studios I've worked with

- contact agents, let them know I've gone full time. Considering getting a local agent, but paying a "web fee" seems to be the norm here I'm not sure it's worth it.

- continue compiling database of local advertising/marketing/web peeps who I got to know over the years at my old studio

- email said peeps, ask if they'd be cool with me sending them my new demos

- email peeps I already sent the new demos to, let them know I've gone full time.

- continue learning the tech end of things to become more proficient. My husband currently helps with editing, but over the last couple weeks I've been nearly able to fly solo

- get a website already

- postcards? yes, no? I've seen various opinions while perusing the boards here. Did I spell perusing wrong?

- currently do ok with one of the p2p sites... considering joining another

- Inspired by my perusing here, I am seriously considering cold calling... but not quite sure who to call.

- Practice practice practice

- If there was one book to read, what would you say it is? Voice for Hire?

So that's my list so far. Getting in with studios seems to be pretty huge in my experience from the other side.

IT'S GO TIME!!!

Thanks for reading, and thanks in advance for any additions to my list you might have to offer.

bobsouer · Posted: Thu Jun 10, 2010 5:28 pm Post subject:

Whit,

Good for you! Regarding your question about books, before I read anything about voiceover, I'd spend some time reading through some top notch business and marketing books. Linchpin, the latest by Seth Godin is at the top of my recommendation list. Seth's book Tribes is number two. Others (by other authors) to check out: Guerrilla Marketing. Tipping Point. Selling the Invisible.
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Be well,
Bob Souer (just think of lemons)
The second nicest guy in voiceover.
+1-724-613-2749
Source Connect, phone patch, pony express

Whit · Posted: Thu Jun 10, 2010 5:47 pm Post subject:

Bob thanks! I'm psyched. I will check out your book recs, that makes a lot of sense. Btw, chatting over ice cream with you and Ben and Dan was certainly a step on my path to this decision, so thanks for that. You too Ben and Dan.

Frank F · Posted: Thu Jun 10, 2010 6:05 pm Post subject:

Congratulations! or Condolences. You will do well.

You have most of the qualifications for a solid Business Plan, now add the marketing and the financial goals and plans. Then put your plan into action.

The only advice I would offer is don't spend time reading, spend time "doing". Listening to others will help get you psyched, but until you take the step to put your exuberance into action you have only made the author rich(er).

Go For It!

Frank F
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Be thankful for the bad things in life. They opened your eyes to the good things you weren't paying attention to before. email: thevoice@usa.com

Whit · Posted: Thu Jun 10, 2010 6:20 pm Post subject:

Frank, thank you for your kind vote of confidence. I'll take those condolances too... I'm kinda sad to be leaving my studio and to know I won't be a part of that group dynamic anymore. And my boss is just a fabulous, smart ethical man who was so encouraging and supportive when I told him. But this is the right thing to do, and it's not like I won't see them anymore or have them as friends.

I hear you - action. Can reading one of Bob's book recs count as action since I really need schooled in marketing and promotion?

Moe Egan · Posted: Thu Jun 10, 2010 7:23 pm Post subject:

Welcome to the world outside of the box - the ride can be bumpy at times, but you can't beat the view. cool

_________________
Moe Egan
i want to be the voice in your head.
~~~~~

Whit · Posted: Thu Jun 10, 2010 7:36 pm Post subject:

Thanks Moe. Smile

A song from Annie popped into my head... "I know I'm gonna like it here!!".

Jeffrey Kafer · Posted: Thu Jun 10, 2010 7:38 pm Post subject:

Plus, you'll love getting the inevitable question: "So what do you do for a living?"

"Why, I'm a professional voice actor."

I so love saying that.
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Jeff
http://JeffreyKafer.com
Voice-overload Web comic: http://voice-overload.com

todd ellis · Posted: Thu Jun 10, 2010 7:39 pm Post subject:

congrats whit! i'll second "Guerrilla Marketing" and add "Big Things Happen When You Do the Little Things Right" by don gabor. a TINY read that will do you wonders!
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"i know philip banks": todd ellis
who's/on/1st?

Deirdre · Posted: Thu Jun 10, 2010 7:48 pm Post subject:

Congrats for diving in!

Yeah, scary at first, but many things worth doing are worth blazing a trail for.

woo hoo!
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Whit · Posted: Thu Jun 10, 2010 7:57 pm Post subject:

Hee hee. Yeah Jeff, that has definitely occurred to me. Love it.

Todd, thanks. I'll be checking out some books tomorrow.

DB eeep!! Scary, yes, and definitely worth doing. Thanks for the congrats. Smile

Now that telling the boss is over, it's like a weight has been lifted, and I am so so ready to move forward!

JBarrett · Posted: Thu Jun 10, 2010 8:04 pm Post subject:

Congratulations, Whit! I can only imagine how you must feel...both the good and the bad. All the best to you!
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Justin S. Barrett
http://www.justinsbarrett.com/

Whit · Posted: Thu Jun 10, 2010 8:24 pm Post subject:

Thank you Justin. Smile

Frank F · Posted: Thu Jun 10, 2010 9:18 pm Post subject:

Read the books(!) when you are not doing anything else (which now you wear many hats won't be too often).

I love reading and I really prefer the hard copy paper type books over the eBooks, but you have to decide what you prefer. Reading is my Rest and Recuperation time.

Bob's suggested books are good information, but before reading start on your journey without the "expert" advice - you will find you know more about the business that you thought.

Frank F
_________________
Be thankful for the bad things in life. They opened your eyes to the good things you weren't paying attention to before. email: thevoice@usa.com

Moe Egan · Posted: Fri Jun 11, 2010 6:03 am Post subject:

One thing to point out Whit- don't be disappointed if it takes some time to ratchet up your business. That's NORMAL. I had to hold down a couple of part time jobs the first two years I was a 'full time VO' in order to pay bills and make ends meet. Don't get discouraged- know that if you have to take a part time gig, it's a temporary necessity to meet your end goal of making your living 100% on VO. Follow your bliss, the money will follow. (yea, I know that sounds all tie-dye and granola, but it's true darn it)
_________________
Moe Egan
i want to be the voice in your head.
~~~~~