When I became a full time voice talent (or actor, or “-over” or artist, or faffer…whatever you want to call it these days! ;-), one of the statements that I heard over & over again was “Oh forget it, it’s always the same 10 people that get booked for those jobs.”
Really? So how have I managed to make a full-time living at this?
Well:
1) because I didn’t listen to the naysayers (or “dream bashers” as my mentor Barbara Winter calls them)
2) because I managed to find an amazing community of voice talent who are some of the most talented & supportive people I know!
In the past 2 months I’ve booked jobs from referrals from 4 fellow female voice talent: Amy Taylor, Denise Kelly, Moe Egan, and Lili Wexu – Yep. My “competition.” I also got a job from fellow talent Paul Payton…OK, so he’s not a female, but he could’ve called anyone, and he called me. And that’s just in the past 2 months! (Click on their names to be taken to their websites, they all rock!)
The voiceover community is amazingly generous. Both on the job and off, and that’s really what it’s all about.
When I broke my leg in 3 places back in May I was surrounded both “virtually” and in real life by voice talent who sent me goodies (the VO-BB rocks!), helped me get around at VOICE2010 (Thanks Moe, Kafer, Bob, CourVo, Pam & everyone else!) and drove me to gigs in NYC (Thanks Melissa!)
When my mom passed away at the end of July, this amazing community again surrounded me both virtually and in real life with love & support, calls, emails & Bailey’s! ;-)
I am constantly struck by the generosity of spirit of this community. And I am thankful for it everyday.
We may go up for some of the same gigs, but that’s OK. If I don’t get it, I want one of my friends to book it!
That’s what it means to be in a community like ours.
If you are new to voiceover, get involved. Do not fall into the trap of thinking that everyone else is your competition and therefor to be kept at arms length. And if you've been at this a while, well, you probably already realize this!
Read the blogs, pick an online board that fits your personality and contribute, get out and meet people at voiceover and networking events. Help out a fellow talent with information, support, or even a lead!
Basically: Get out of the booth! You'll be glad you did.
14 comments:
Preach it sister! ;) I made this point during my panel at VOICE...I hope the noobs heard me! I wouldn't be where I'm at if it weren't for other VO's......not just booking jobs but I've LEARNED so much from others. Editing tips, marketing ideas, admin advice.....I can all attribute things I know to people in the business that have been generous in sharing their knowledge with me.
Absolutely, Trish!! Me too! I have learned so much from fellow VOs, that's why I try to be there for those that have questions for me. Thanks for stopping by!
You receive what you are to this community, Liz: a blessing!
It's all about setting an example, hoping that others will follow, even if it goes against the grain. That's the only way change happens.
You have found your voice, and others are smart enough to have discovered it too.
As with your loss and your broken bones, you've realized that it's best to take things one step at a time.
Wishing you health, wealth and harmony!
Awwww...Thanks, Paul! :-)
You said it, Girl! I was just thinking about the number of gigs and leads that I've shared and that have been shared with me simply by being friends and not competitors. Keep on keepin' on, Liz!
You only get what you give. :)
Best always,
-Peter
See what I was saying? You guys ALL prove it! :-)
Thanks for this post Liz. You're the greatest. I've sure learned a lot from my fellow VO peeps on the boards; and I'm always happy when I can pass along a lead to someone.
Cheers...heal and be well & happy!
:D
Through life's ups and downs, it is the support and kindness of family, friends, and colleagues, that get us through the tough spots. Isn't it good to know, Liz, that so much positive love and light are being sent your way!
Your article was spot-on about the VO world being a community. There is something special that links us. Thank you for your generous, giving spirit!
Couldn't have said it better, my friend. The Internet has opened the door for traditional competitors to become friends.
Scarves Scarves
Next year will be better this year, a slight malaise and fatigue
Wish all of the network of friends have a new start, and I myself wishing, wishing to family health, work success
Liz, I love your positivity!! Those that succeed always ignore the naysayers and move forward...This may be an unusual request but I will ask anyway. I am interested in advertising on your blog over at http://www.caregiverscommunity.com/blog/blog.html.
You see, we have recently partnered up with Carol from "Minding Our Elders blog" and were wondering if you also might be interested in a similar agreement? I represent JRS Medical, an online supplier of medical supplies & equipment. They are interested in paying you an annual fee to be listed as a "Caregiver Resource " (Or just a one time fee if preferred).
If you have any other ideas we are open to discuss for that blog or even this site. Look forward to hearing back from you.
Sincerely,
David Patterson
JRS Medical Consultant
cell: +1-850-758-7510
Really community is a place where we can live freely and its the place where we usually shares all our happiness and sad moments also. So we should keep it pleasant in order to have a good life. Thanks for making such a nice post.
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