Wow. Again I look at the date of the last post and again I am shocked at how long these pages have been neglected.
It’s not as if I haven’t been busy, and that’s reason to celebrate in this economy. But in the interests of getting something going again, without waiting for a flashy new project to write about, I’ll take a cue instead from a lot of the talk about training I’ve noticed, locally and online.
Every week or so, I hear from someone who is excited about getting into voice work. And even the ones who aren’t deluded into thinking you just talk and then wait for the sacks of money to arrive are leaving one important thing off their “to-do” list.
Yes, you need a voice. Yes, you need to know how to use it. Yes, you need basic recording/editing skills and a good place to do it. Yes, you absolutely must have your own website and stuff to put on it.
But here’s one answer I’ve never yet heard anyone give anyone as advice for surviving as a voice talent. And after 40 years of doing this, I’m surprised I’m only now thinking of it in words:
“Whatever you do, make a lot of friends. …and make sure a lot of them are also your clients!”
I’ve noticed my best clients (or business connections, if not actual clients) are also among my best friends. At its best, there’s an element of fun that’s often commented on. At its most basic, it’s a level of comfort that a job is going to be done, a deadline is going to be met, and life is going to be made a little…or a lot…easier. While it’s not a guaranteed thing, it happens more often than not. And when it does, it makes the person I’m in contact with want to make contact again.
If you’re “just doing the job”, that’s nothing special. That’s only doing what’s already expected of you. But if clients can feel you’re helping them, even while you’re admittedly helping yourself…you become more than just another person with a nice voice. You’ve established a better shot at being remembered as a friend.
…and, given the chance, wouldn’t you rather work with one of your friends next time around? I can’t think of anything more valuable for a voice talent to have in his/or/her took kit.
— over and out —