It occurred to me the other day I get paid to attend meetings...so I really should not hate attending all the meetings I'm compelled to attend. And, in retrospect, it's not the meetings I dislike but rather the "blockers" who get in the way of the meeting accomplishing...well...err...they get in the way of the meeting accomplishing anything!
You know who these people are; they always have something to say (I almost wrote the word contribute, but this type contributes nothing) and, generally, what they have to say is negative.
The meeting in question was a "visioning" session (trouble before it even begins). Many of those present had much to contribute, but our blocker always managed to bring the conversation back to a confused, and seemingly endless, maze of words. At every turn, his was the last voice heard on any one issue because no one could follow what he was saying and, thus, did not know where we should go next.
Finally, in desperation, and to prevent my strangling the blocker, I offered a synthesis of the evenings topics wrapping it all into, what I believed to be, a cogent whole. Nods flew around the room and then, just as it seemed we were about to make at least one decision, he began a slow, lengthy, stammering review of what I had suggested liberally punctuated with his own questions (and answers to same). At the end of his monologue we were right back to our previous state of confusion.
This has nothing to do with voiceover business...but I'm still upset at allowing someone to waste three hours (yep, three hours) of all our time. It seems to me no matter how many meetings I attend, no matter where the meetings are held, no matter what the subject being discussed...there's always one.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Monday, November 24, 2008
They Just Don't Get It...Sometimes Neither Do I
I just left a board meeting where the topic of discussion was the continued employment of a sales representative. It was generally acknowledged a rep was necessary, but there is some question as to whether the current person is the right person for the job.
"We need a superstar!" was the sentiment around the table. Then the discussion turned to compensation. As a salesperson for most of my career, I know you don't get, and keep, a "superstar" without offering "superstar compensation." And a good salesperson is worth every penny.
But, for some reason, those around the table thought they could find someone willing to do the work inexpensively. I guess people believe anybody can sell... Believe me, a great salesperson will make his own money if you provide him with product and delivery, but you have to be prepared to write big commission checks. Think about it, the more he makes, the more you're making. What's tough about understanding that?
It's like voiceovers, you may have to pay me more than some others, but you'll get delivery and quality...guaranteed. What's so hard about understanding that? Yet people are always trying to get me to "deal" (and by deal, they mean "do it for less" without any concessions on their part).
A professional takes less time and provides superior results ( see my client testimonials at http://www.smooth-male-voiceover-talent.com/ , or recommendations at http://www.linkedin.com/in/billsharp ) and actually saves the client money.
The same is true of any sales pro...in the long run, a pro will make you more money than trying to save a buck on an untrained, untested, rookie.
All that being said, I guess I should pay better attention to my own advice when I complain about the fees I pay agents for bringing me work. They get the bucks because they bring me more than my fair share of work. What's good for the goose...
"We need a superstar!" was the sentiment around the table. Then the discussion turned to compensation. As a salesperson for most of my career, I know you don't get, and keep, a "superstar" without offering "superstar compensation." And a good salesperson is worth every penny.
But, for some reason, those around the table thought they could find someone willing to do the work inexpensively. I guess people believe anybody can sell... Believe me, a great salesperson will make his own money if you provide him with product and delivery, but you have to be prepared to write big commission checks. Think about it, the more he makes, the more you're making. What's tough about understanding that?
It's like voiceovers, you may have to pay me more than some others, but you'll get delivery and quality...guaranteed. What's so hard about understanding that? Yet people are always trying to get me to "deal" (and by deal, they mean "do it for less" without any concessions on their part).
A professional takes less time and provides superior results ( see my client testimonials at http://www.smooth-male-voiceover-talent.com/ , or recommendations at http://www.linkedin.com/in/billsharp ) and actually saves the client money.
The same is true of any sales pro...in the long run, a pro will make you more money than trying to save a buck on an untrained, untested, rookie.
All that being said, I guess I should pay better attention to my own advice when I complain about the fees I pay agents for bringing me work. They get the bucks because they bring me more than my fair share of work. What's good for the goose...
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Use Message-on-Hold and Make Money Part II
Let's continue yesterday's stroll down memory lane covering an article from the past:
What you must remember
Remember, your caller had a reason for dialing your number, and it was not to listen to your M-O-H. Your number one job is to keep that customer from hanging up during the wait. Too often, new clients instinct is to try to include everything a caller might want to know about the company, their product lines, and the new website.
If you've have someone on hold long enough to hear all that, you're demonstrating a fundamental disregard for your customers' time, and no M-O-H can overcome that (Last week, I was on hold for over ten minutes...I stayed just to see how long it would be...but I won't call that hotel back!).
I always ask a new client how long they generally have customers on hold before they are connected with the party for whom they are holding. In general, most hope to have their callers on hold no more than 30 seconds, but we all know that is not always the case (in fact, the national average in closer to 45 seconds).
The ideal message
To accommodate a reasonable on hold time and make an impact with your message, I suggest copy not to exceed twenty (20) seconds in length. You may, and certainly should, have multiple messages on your system for those inevitable longer holds, but each should be concise (remember the billboard analogy).
Remember too, your message should ask the caller to take some action. You may choose to ask callers to ask their representative for further information about what they've heard, or check your website for details, or call the receptionist to be placed on the mailing list.
Music...the tie that binds
The style of music you choose for your “M-O-H” is more than personal preference. Music under the message and between messages should compliment your product and business. Music appropriate for a hospital or funeral home is necessarily different than that for a movie theatre or restaurant.
Whatever the style, the music should not overpower your message. You never want to hear callers complain your message interrupted the music, after all...the message is what you've paid for!
Speaking of paying, there are license fees required for use of music, these fees must be paid annually whether your production company bills for them separately or embeds the fee as a recurring part of your invoice.
A powerful tool
Message-on-hold is an opportunity that makes sense. Studies indicate over seventy percent of business callers are placed on hold; callers to educate, cultivate and motivate. Companies taking advantage of this “wasted time” may find new streams of revenue from existing and new customers alike. Don't miss out on this powerful tool. Copyright 2005 - Bill Sharp
What you must remember
Remember, your caller had a reason for dialing your number, and it was not to listen to your M-O-H. Your number one job is to keep that customer from hanging up during the wait. Too often, new clients instinct is to try to include everything a caller might want to know about the company, their product lines, and the new website.
If you've have someone on hold long enough to hear all that, you're demonstrating a fundamental disregard for your customers' time, and no M-O-H can overcome that (Last week, I was on hold for over ten minutes...I stayed just to see how long it would be...but I won't call that hotel back!).
I always ask a new client how long they generally have customers on hold before they are connected with the party for whom they are holding. In general, most hope to have their callers on hold no more than 30 seconds, but we all know that is not always the case (in fact, the national average in closer to 45 seconds).
The ideal message
To accommodate a reasonable on hold time and make an impact with your message, I suggest copy not to exceed twenty (20) seconds in length. You may, and certainly should, have multiple messages on your system for those inevitable longer holds, but each should be concise (remember the billboard analogy).
Remember too, your message should ask the caller to take some action. You may choose to ask callers to ask their representative for further information about what they've heard, or check your website for details, or call the receptionist to be placed on the mailing list.
Music...the tie that binds
The style of music you choose for your “M-O-H” is more than personal preference. Music under the message and between messages should compliment your product and business. Music appropriate for a hospital or funeral home is necessarily different than that for a movie theatre or restaurant.
Whatever the style, the music should not overpower your message. You never want to hear callers complain your message interrupted the music, after all...the message is what you've paid for!
Speaking of paying, there are license fees required for use of music, these fees must be paid annually whether your production company bills for them separately or embeds the fee as a recurring part of your invoice.
A powerful tool
Message-on-hold is an opportunity that makes sense. Studies indicate over seventy percent of business callers are placed on hold; callers to educate, cultivate and motivate. Companies taking advantage of this “wasted time” may find new streams of revenue from existing and new customers alike. Don't miss out on this powerful tool. Copyright 2005 - Bill Sharp
Use Message-on-Hold and Make Money Part II
Concluding our discussion of yesterday:
What you must remember
Remember, your caller had a reason for dialing your number, and it was not to listen to your M-O-H. Your number one job is to keep that customer from hanging up during the wait. Too often, new clients instinct is to try to include everything a caller might want to know about the company, their product lines, and the new website.
If you've have someone on hold long enough to hear all that, you're demonstrating a fundamental disregard for your customers' time, and no M-O-H can overcome that (Last week, I was on hold for over ten minutes...I stayed just to see how long it would be...but I won't call that hotel back!).
I always ask a new client how long they generally have customers on hold before they are connected with the party for whom they are holding. In general, most hope to have their callers on hold no more than 30 seconds, but we all know that is not always the case (in fact, the national average in closer to 45 seconds).
The ideal message
To accommodate a reasonable on hold time and make an impact with your message, I suggest copy not to exceed twenty (20) seconds in length. You may, and certainly should, have multiple messages on your system for those inevitable longer holds, but each should be concise (remember the billboard analogy).
Remember too, your message should ask the caller to take some action. You may choose to ask callers to ask their representative for further information about what they've heard, or check your website for details, or call the receptionist to be placed on the mailing list.
Music...the tie that binds
The style of music you choose for your “M-O-H” is more than personal preference. Music under the message and between messages should compliment your product and business. Music appropriate for a hospital or funeral home is necessarily different than that for a movie theatre or restaurant.
Whatever the style, the music should not overpower your message. You never want to hear callers complain your message interrupted the music, after all...the message is what you've paid for!
Speaking of paying, there are license fees required for use of music, these fees must be paid annually whether your production company bills for them separately or embeds the fee as a recurring part of your invoice.
A powerful tool
Message-on-hold is an opportunity that makes sense. Studies indicate over seventy percent of business callers are placed on hold; callers to educate, cultivate and motivate. Companies taking advantage of this “wasted time” may find new streams of revenue from existing and new customers alike. Don't miss out on this powerful tool. Copyright 2005 - Bill Sharp
What you must remember
Remember, your caller had a reason for dialing your number, and it was not to listen to your M-O-H. Your number one job is to keep that customer from hanging up during the wait. Too often, new clients instinct is to try to include everything a caller might want to know about the company, their product lines, and the new website.
If you've have someone on hold long enough to hear all that, you're demonstrating a fundamental disregard for your customers' time, and no M-O-H can overcome that (Last week, I was on hold for over ten minutes...I stayed just to see how long it would be...but I won't call that hotel back!).
I always ask a new client how long they generally have customers on hold before they are connected with the party for whom they are holding. In general, most hope to have their callers on hold no more than 30 seconds, but we all know that is not always the case (in fact, the national average in closer to 45 seconds).
The ideal message
To accommodate a reasonable on hold time and make an impact with your message, I suggest copy not to exceed twenty (20) seconds in length. You may, and certainly should, have multiple messages on your system for those inevitable longer holds, but each should be concise (remember the billboard analogy).
Remember too, your message should ask the caller to take some action. You may choose to ask callers to ask their representative for further information about what they've heard, or check your website for details, or call the receptionist to be placed on the mailing list.
Music...the tie that binds
The style of music you choose for your “M-O-H” is more than personal preference. Music under the message and between messages should compliment your product and business. Music appropriate for a hospital or funeral home is necessarily different than that for a movie theatre or restaurant.
Whatever the style, the music should not overpower your message. You never want to hear callers complain your message interrupted the music, after all...the message is what you've paid for!
Speaking of paying, there are license fees required for use of music, these fees must be paid annually whether your production company bills for them separately or embeds the fee as a recurring part of your invoice.
A powerful tool
Message-on-hold is an opportunity that makes sense. Studies indicate over seventy percent of business callers are placed on hold; callers to educate, cultivate and motivate. Companies taking advantage of this “wasted time” may find new streams of revenue from existing and new customers alike. Don't miss out on this powerful tool. Copyright 2005 - Bill Sharp
Friday, November 21, 2008
Use Message-on-Hold and Make Money
I'm currently producing a new message-on-hold for a client and was reminded of the following article I wrote some time ago...it's still good information.
Use Message-on-hold and Make Money
There is a sizable group of people who believe the creators of the “message-on-hold” (M-O-H) deserve to be held with the terrorists at Guantanamo Bay; I may be one of them. But when you're through with this article you'll know how to effectively use “M-O-H.”
The idea of “message-on-hold” sounds great...in theory. You are presented with a customer who, having called your office (understand that, the customer contacted you...obviously he/she has a real interest), is a qualified lead! An existing customer waiting to speak with someone...and an indeterminate number of seconds during which you may fill his/her mind with your pitch.
What should I say?
When working with a new M-O-H client, I begin by asking what message the client wishes the caller to hear. Surprisingly many have not actually taken the time to think about what they want to say during those precious seconds.
Like a billboard, the message-on-hold must be, by necessity, concise and targeted. Ideally, when connected with his party you want the caller to begin his conversation with something like, “How can I learn more about what I just heard?”
Introduce a new product, describe your award winning service, let the caller know how you can help them make more money. But don't make the mistake of trying to tell them everything you know. Keep each message brief.
Don't assume your existing customers know everything you offer. Amazingly, most customers think of their suppliers in a narrow context and may be going elsewhere for products or services you offer. Such opportunities are veins of gold you've never mined.
Continued tomorrow...or go to my website for the entire article.
Bill Sharp
www.smooth-male-voiceover-talent.com
Use Message-on-hold and Make Money
There is a sizable group of people who believe the creators of the “message-on-hold” (M-O-H) deserve to be held with the terrorists at Guantanamo Bay; I may be one of them. But when you're through with this article you'll know how to effectively use “M-O-H.”
The idea of “message-on-hold” sounds great...in theory. You are presented with a customer who, having called your office (understand that, the customer contacted you...obviously he/she has a real interest), is a qualified lead! An existing customer waiting to speak with someone...and an indeterminate number of seconds during which you may fill his/her mind with your pitch.
What should I say?
When working with a new M-O-H client, I begin by asking what message the client wishes the caller to hear. Surprisingly many have not actually taken the time to think about what they want to say during those precious seconds.
Like a billboard, the message-on-hold must be, by necessity, concise and targeted. Ideally, when connected with his party you want the caller to begin his conversation with something like, “How can I learn more about what I just heard?”
Introduce a new product, describe your award winning service, let the caller know how you can help them make more money. But don't make the mistake of trying to tell them everything you know. Keep each message brief.
Don't assume your existing customers know everything you offer. Amazingly, most customers think of their suppliers in a narrow context and may be going elsewhere for products or services you offer. Such opportunities are veins of gold you've never mined.
Continued tomorrow...or go to my website for the entire article.
Bill Sharp
www.smooth-male-voiceover-talent.com
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Holy Smokes!
Holy Smokes! The skies have opened and I'm swamped with work and projects (paying and non-paying). I'm glad there's a recession...I couldn't handle all the work if the economy was healthy. Guess the much needed work on www.smooth-male-voiceover-talent.com will have to wait for yet a bit longer.
Here I go........
Here I go........
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Anyone Can Do It
I just returned from my weekly Rotary meeting. I don't know how long I plan to remain a Rotarian, my track record with service clubs reveals a pattern of interest and involvement followed by abrupt resignation. I served as president of the local Rotary a few years ago and am, frankly, amazed I still belong. But I find the friendship and service to be of a different caliber than I've experienced in other service clubs...then again, maybe Rotary isn't different, perhaps I am (growth is possible at any age...I hope).
Anyway, this isn't about that. Today I was just sitting there when the current president asked the membership to stand for the invocation to be presented by...me! He went on to say, as I was walking forward, that I may not have been aware of the honor as he had failed to contact me prior to the meeting. I said no, I was not aware of it being my turn...but that's OK.
I approached the microphone and asked everyone to join me in prayer and we'd see how it goes.
Naturally, it went just fine.
I have always been puzzled by people's discomfort when faced with the task of praying aloud. No matter what your faith, most public prayer is merely giving thanks for that with which we have been blessed, a request that we be kept mindful of opportunities for service to our families, communities and world, and that all our efforts may be guided to a positive outcome. No need to get into any deep theological thought or sectarian "preaching" that may offend anyone present (I recall even Jesus warned against making others uncomfortable by the practice of one's specific religious tradition).
Prayer should be a natural act...a conversation with some higher power...and the biggest secret of all (kind of like the secret we have in the voiceover business)...anyone can do it. They may not do it well, but they can always improve with practice. It's absolutely true...anyone can do it.
Anyway, this isn't about that. Today I was just sitting there when the current president asked the membership to stand for the invocation to be presented by...me! He went on to say, as I was walking forward, that I may not have been aware of the honor as he had failed to contact me prior to the meeting. I said no, I was not aware of it being my turn...but that's OK.
I approached the microphone and asked everyone to join me in prayer and we'd see how it goes.
Naturally, it went just fine.
I have always been puzzled by people's discomfort when faced with the task of praying aloud. No matter what your faith, most public prayer is merely giving thanks for that with which we have been blessed, a request that we be kept mindful of opportunities for service to our families, communities and world, and that all our efforts may be guided to a positive outcome. No need to get into any deep theological thought or sectarian "preaching" that may offend anyone present (I recall even Jesus warned against making others uncomfortable by the practice of one's specific religious tradition).
Prayer should be a natural act...a conversation with some higher power...and the biggest secret of all (kind of like the secret we have in the voiceover business)...anyone can do it. They may not do it well, but they can always improve with practice. It's absolutely true...anyone can do it.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Now I'm Worried
I attended a meeting in the local public high school today. Now I'm worried. The students were as dorky as you would expect high school students to be...but the administration supplied the unexpected "fear factor."
The school was like a war zone with noise and confusion everywhere. And at the end of the day, some adult got on the PA and actually sang juvenile Thanksgiving songs (yes, that's plural) to these young men and women trying to grow-up. It was awful!
One of the young ladies to whom I spoke is in the digital media program and wanted to know more about broadcast careers. She asked about websites, so I directed her to www.smooth-male-voiceover-talent.com as an example of how not to build and maintain a website. We spoke at length and, after she left the room, she returned to thank me for the time and the opportunity to meet with me. Manners will go a long way in a world, seemingly, without any.
If the administration cannot control what's happening in the building, and condescends to the students, what hope is there for our youth? Like I said, now I'm worried.
The school was like a war zone with noise and confusion everywhere. And at the end of the day, some adult got on the PA and actually sang juvenile Thanksgiving songs (yes, that's plural) to these young men and women trying to grow-up. It was awful!
One of the young ladies to whom I spoke is in the digital media program and wanted to know more about broadcast careers. She asked about websites, so I directed her to www.smooth-male-voiceover-talent.com as an example of how not to build and maintain a website. We spoke at length and, after she left the room, she returned to thank me for the time and the opportunity to meet with me. Manners will go a long way in a world, seemingly, without any.
If the administration cannot control what's happening in the building, and condescends to the students, what hope is there for our youth? Like I said, now I'm worried.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Hey! There's a Person Sitting Here.
Last week I attended a meeting of the advisory board at a local career center. Following the meeting I was going to visit my barber, but it occurred to me I should try the school's beautician training program if I really wanted first hand knowledge of the kind of training that the students are getting (and what the hell, it's only hair...it'll grow back...and I don't have that much of it to begin with).
The little girl assigned to me told me I was the first "real human" she had been assigned (Oh joy!). After a few minutes she asked if I would mind having a senior student observe and assist her. I said that would be fine.
The two of them went to work on me and things were going well...until I stopped them after they had referred to me, for the third time, as "the head." "Hey! There's a person sitting here," I said, "You may call me Mr. Sharp, sir, the client...anything but "the head." You need to remember that when working with the public."
Then the instructor came over and asked how things were going. We all said things were fine, and the instructor proceeded to tell the younger lady to all keep her non-dominant hand on the top of "the head" to better control the process. Ah ha! I knew from where the girls had picked-up the habit.
Remembering our clients are complete, complex and deserving human beings is something of value for everyone to remember. I know how often we are thought of as merely a disembodied voice...but how often do I so objectify those with whom I work? It's a lesson we all learned from a simple hair cut.
www.smoothmale-voiceover-talent.com
The little girl assigned to me told me I was the first "real human" she had been assigned (Oh joy!). After a few minutes she asked if I would mind having a senior student observe and assist her. I said that would be fine.
The two of them went to work on me and things were going well...until I stopped them after they had referred to me, for the third time, as "the head." "Hey! There's a person sitting here," I said, "You may call me Mr. Sharp, sir, the client...anything but "the head." You need to remember that when working with the public."
Then the instructor came over and asked how things were going. We all said things were fine, and the instructor proceeded to tell the younger lady to all keep her non-dominant hand on the top of "the head" to better control the process. Ah ha! I knew from where the girls had picked-up the habit.
Remembering our clients are complete, complex and deserving human beings is something of value for everyone to remember. I know how often we are thought of as merely a disembodied voice...but how often do I so objectify those with whom I work? It's a lesson we all learned from a simple hair cut.
www.smoothmale-voiceover-talent.com
Friday, November 14, 2008
TGIF
I'm having "one of those days." You know the ones...I didn't run well this morning (point of order: I never run well. If you saw me on the street, you'd know I was doing something, but you may not recognize it as running...which explains why I run at 4am), the entire day has dragged, and yet I need to sound "up." I also looked at my website, http://www.smooth-male-voiceover-talent.com/ , got more depressed, and decided I have to do something to update it next week without fail (a promise I've been making to myself for months).
Fortunately, I've always been able to compartmentalize and do the job before me without letting the rest of my life intrude upon my performance. But that doesn't change the reality of how I'm feeling.
TGIF...I'm within spitting distance of wine and food with lots of friends to kick-off the weekend. On those rare occasions when I have a day that feels like today, it helps to stop and consider the more important things in my life and how truly fortunate I am to be so blessed. Good friends, good food, good wine...I guess I have much for which I should be grateful. I am.
Fortunately, I've always been able to compartmentalize and do the job before me without letting the rest of my life intrude upon my performance. But that doesn't change the reality of how I'm feeling.
TGIF...I'm within spitting distance of wine and food with lots of friends to kick-off the weekend. On those rare occasions when I have a day that feels like today, it helps to stop and consider the more important things in my life and how truly fortunate I am to be so blessed. Good friends, good food, good wine...I guess I have much for which I should be grateful. I am.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Humility Has a Way of Imposing Itself in Our Lives
As I look back over the past few posts, I see I declared I was not going to be a part of the "recession." Sounds good...sounds arrogant...sounds, well, kind of stupid to me today.
Last night I returned to my home and was fighting with the garage door opener that was, apparently, malfunctioning. I pushed every button I could find. When that didn't work, I did what any rational being would do, I pushed the buttons harder! Ultimately, I got out of the car and walked toward the door just in case the battery was weak and I needed to be closer. My neighbor was in his front yard doing something (he's always doing something) and he had a big smile on his face.
"It won't work!" he said very self-assured. I asked how he knew my garage door was not going to work, and he told me, "The electricity went out more than an hour ago, a transformer blew at the main station. Gonna be dark for a while."
He was right. We had no power through the rest of the evening. When Lucia came home we decided to go out for dinner (couldn't cook). So we went to a favorite spot, had some wine, and ate as slowly as we could. Not slowly enough.
Still without power when we returned, we found flashlights, got ready for bed (brushing one's teeth in the dark is interesting...not difficult, just interesting), and turned in for the night.
The electric company succeeded in doing what the recession couldn't, I could not work. I couldn't even make phone calls as our telephone is supplied by the cable company...no cable, no phone. The perfect storm...even my cell phone was depleted. The very strength of working for oneself grinds to a halt if you don't have access to one's tools; and all my tools need electricity.
Today the power is once again surging through the lines, but I'm a bit less cavalier about my situation versus others struggling in today's economy. All it takes is one little element to misfire, and we're all in the same boat. My suffering was short, this time. My humility has grown.
Last night I returned to my home and was fighting with the garage door opener that was, apparently, malfunctioning. I pushed every button I could find. When that didn't work, I did what any rational being would do, I pushed the buttons harder! Ultimately, I got out of the car and walked toward the door just in case the battery was weak and I needed to be closer. My neighbor was in his front yard doing something (he's always doing something) and he had a big smile on his face.
"It won't work!" he said very self-assured. I asked how he knew my garage door was not going to work, and he told me, "The electricity went out more than an hour ago, a transformer blew at the main station. Gonna be dark for a while."
He was right. We had no power through the rest of the evening. When Lucia came home we decided to go out for dinner (couldn't cook). So we went to a favorite spot, had some wine, and ate as slowly as we could. Not slowly enough.
Still without power when we returned, we found flashlights, got ready for bed (brushing one's teeth in the dark is interesting...not difficult, just interesting), and turned in for the night.
The electric company succeeded in doing what the recession couldn't, I could not work. I couldn't even make phone calls as our telephone is supplied by the cable company...no cable, no phone. The perfect storm...even my cell phone was depleted. The very strength of working for oneself grinds to a halt if you don't have access to one's tools; and all my tools need electricity.
Today the power is once again surging through the lines, but I'm a bit less cavalier about my situation versus others struggling in today's economy. All it takes is one little element to misfire, and we're all in the same boat. My suffering was short, this time. My humility has grown.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
They'll Do It Every Time
I received an email today from a friend who was on his way to the local TV station to make a commercial and he wanted to "run his copy by me" for any suggestions (and by suggestions he means free advice). I looked at the copy and saw it was deficient in one area and included some additional information better suited to graphics that could be cut from the copy. That's when it all began.
Oh, he took my advice and made the changes, but then decided he had lots of time he wasn't using, so he added about thirty words to, what I thought, was a complete thirty second spot. He said he was amazed at how many words he could get into a thirty. I suggested he was probably reading the copy silently to himself (he was). "Try reading it aloud...and like you mean what you're saying." I said.
How often people who write their own copy make these simple mistakes...he had included a phone number which, in a thirty, can take a lot of time as each number is a word (people forget that)...that's seven words (in our area it's actually ten words because you have to use an area code for every call). Then he tried to cram as many words as as possible into the spot forgetting TV offers three modes of communication: sound, graphics and pictures.
I offer tips for copy writing on www.smooth-male-voiceover-talent.com for those who decide to write their own. In more than thirty years of this business, I've noticed most beginners make the same mistakes and they'll do it every time.
Oh, he took my advice and made the changes, but then decided he had lots of time he wasn't using, so he added about thirty words to, what I thought, was a complete thirty second spot. He said he was amazed at how many words he could get into a thirty. I suggested he was probably reading the copy silently to himself (he was). "Try reading it aloud...and like you mean what you're saying." I said.
How often people who write their own copy make these simple mistakes...he had included a phone number which, in a thirty, can take a lot of time as each number is a word (people forget that)...that's seven words (in our area it's actually ten words because you have to use an area code for every call). Then he tried to cram as many words as as possible into the spot forgetting TV offers three modes of communication: sound, graphics and pictures.
I offer tips for copy writing on www.smooth-male-voiceover-talent.com for those who decide to write their own. In more than thirty years of this business, I've noticed most beginners make the same mistakes and they'll do it every time.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Just an Ordinary Day
In the studio by 4:00am...finished early...so I visited my friends at the local General Motors stamping facility. While they had some good news by being awarded some jobs for a car not due for production until 2010, they can't accept that as proof they will be immune from the GM downsizing/plant closings we see across the country.
One of the benefits of the computer age is the ability to send voice tracks anywhere in the world from the comfort of my home studio. How reassuring that my future isn't in the hands of some far off corporate decision maker who knows neither me nor my family.
I returned to my studio re-energized and even more determined to not participate in the current economic environment of doom and gloom; but rather to continue and make http://www.smooth-male-voiceover-talent.com/ an oasis in the midst of depression.
One of the benefits of the computer age is the ability to send voice tracks anywhere in the world from the comfort of my home studio. How reassuring that my future isn't in the hands of some far off corporate decision maker who knows neither me nor my family.
I returned to my studio re-energized and even more determined to not participate in the current economic environment of doom and gloom; but rather to continue and make http://www.smooth-male-voiceover-talent.com/ an oasis in the midst of depression.
Monday, November 10, 2008
It's Cold...I'm Tired...I want to take a nap
I developed a habit several years ago that requires I awaken before 4:00am each morning and head outside to run 4 to 5 miles regardless of the temperature (I may choose not to run if preciitation or ice would safety an issue). So this morning I hit the road on schedule and could not wait to return to the warmth of our home.
I use the running time to work on projects, write scripts, think about what I can do to increase my value to my clients. It was the latter thought that occupied my run today. How many of us continue to try to earn our existing client's business once we already have it? Think about it. We work so hard to get new business...then we frequently stop doing all the things we did to earn the business in the first place. It's a prescription to lose business...and we very seldom see it coming.
To keep the good clients we have, we need to find ways to increase our value beyond the reason they hired us in the first place. If I'm providing only voiceover for a client, I offer copy improvements whenever there's a legitimate reason to do so. If I'm providing commercial production, I offer message-on-hold advice and/or production.
All of this requires a good relationship with the client, but the opportunity of continued business is well worth the investment of time.
Be sure to visit my website...who knows, maybe I'll even update it (right) www.smooth-male-voiceover-talent.com
I use the running time to work on projects, write scripts, think about what I can do to increase my value to my clients. It was the latter thought that occupied my run today. How many of us continue to try to earn our existing client's business once we already have it? Think about it. We work so hard to get new business...then we frequently stop doing all the things we did to earn the business in the first place. It's a prescription to lose business...and we very seldom see it coming.
To keep the good clients we have, we need to find ways to increase our value beyond the reason they hired us in the first place. If I'm providing only voiceover for a client, I offer copy improvements whenever there's a legitimate reason to do so. If I'm providing commercial production, I offer message-on-hold advice and/or production.
All of this requires a good relationship with the client, but the opportunity of continued business is well worth the investment of time.
Be sure to visit my website...who knows, maybe I'll even update it (right) www.smooth-male-voiceover-talent.com
Sunday, November 09, 2008
I'm Not Going to Do This Any More
Last night I acted as auctioneer for the local Chamber of Commerce live auction...I'm not an auctioneer, but people have fun and open their wallets when I do my best imitation of a professional. It's hard work...I don't enjoy it...and I'm old enough (in spades) to not continue doing things I don't enjoy...so last night was my final auction (probably).
The worst part of last night's auction was the evening hours. I get up and run at 4:00 am every morning...that makes anything in the later hours of the evening (and by later hours I mean anything after 7:00pm) very difficult...even when there's alcohol involved.
The problem is, I enjoy being in front of large crowds; I like making people laugh, and I have this huge ego, all of which get stroked when I do things like the Chamber auction. Oh well, I'll probably say yes again next year.
I far prefer to stay in my studio and do my voiceovers, work on my website www.smooth-male-voiceover-talent.com (which I've ignored for three years), or find opportunities as keynote speaker for breakfast meetings. So, load me with work and I'll be happy.
The worst part of last night's auction was the evening hours. I get up and run at 4:00 am every morning...that makes anything in the later hours of the evening (and by later hours I mean anything after 7:00pm) very difficult...even when there's alcohol involved.
The problem is, I enjoy being in front of large crowds; I like making people laugh, and I have this huge ego, all of which get stroked when I do things like the Chamber auction. Oh well, I'll probably say yes again next year.
I far prefer to stay in my studio and do my voiceovers, work on my website www.smooth-male-voiceover-talent.com (which I've ignored for three years), or find opportunities as keynote speaker for breakfast meetings. So, load me with work and I'll be happy.
Friday, November 07, 2008
I'm Not Going to Play
OK...another morning filled with negative news about the economy. Things are not as we would wish, but...they are what they are. I for one, and this is not an original thought by any means, choose not to participate in the recession.
A few weeks ago, just before my birthday, I visited the license bureau to renew my driver's license. The little girl behind the counter never looked up as she took my nearly expired license and began the questions she must ask hundreds of times each week (what a boring job that must be).
"Are you still at 35 M@#$%* Drive?" I said I was. "Are you still 5'9", 180 pounds?" I said I had probably lost ten pounds. "Brown hair, brown eyes?" I said nothing...after several minutes she finally looked up and I said, "What do you think?" She responded, looking at my very gray quickly receding hair, "We're not allowed to say!"
If you have as much gray hair as I have, you've been through at least three recessions and I know three things:
1) This will be over and the economy will recover and be stronger than before.
2) This is not the time to panic and sell everything in your retirement account...selling near the bottom is never a good idea.
3) There is plenty of work out there for those willing to go out and find it.
We may have to change the way we market ourselves (For instance, I may have to get around to improving that website that hasn't had new content in years... www.smooth-male-voiceover-talent.com ), and we may have to work harder to find those jobs we need...but if we choose to do what it takes, we don't have to participate in the recession. And I'm not going to play.
A few weeks ago, just before my birthday, I visited the license bureau to renew my driver's license. The little girl behind the counter never looked up as she took my nearly expired license and began the questions she must ask hundreds of times each week (what a boring job that must be).
"Are you still at 35 M@#$%* Drive?" I said I was. "Are you still 5'9", 180 pounds?" I said I had probably lost ten pounds. "Brown hair, brown eyes?" I said nothing...after several minutes she finally looked up and I said, "What do you think?" She responded, looking at my very gray quickly receding hair, "We're not allowed to say!"
If you have as much gray hair as I have, you've been through at least three recessions and I know three things:
1) This will be over and the economy will recover and be stronger than before.
2) This is not the time to panic and sell everything in your retirement account...selling near the bottom is never a good idea.
3) There is plenty of work out there for those willing to go out and find it.
We may have to change the way we market ourselves (For instance, I may have to get around to improving that website that hasn't had new content in years... www.smooth-male-voiceover-talent.com ), and we may have to work harder to find those jobs we need...but if we choose to do what it takes, we don't have to participate in the recession. And I'm not going to play.
Thursday, November 06, 2008
The Generation Gap Slaps Me
I just returned from a trip to meet with a client for whom I've been doing work for almost a year...but had never met face to face. It was an excellent meeting with the client and his advertising agency, until the subject moved to my most recent voiceover.
I produced a radio spot for the client utlizing a "needle scratch" sound effect I thought quite effective and humorous. The client had approve the spot, but asked me how I had the nerve to send it to them. "Nerve? Why would you think that?" I asked. The client went on to explain they had to have a meeting to decide if the commercial was suitable to use with the "fart sound" in it.
I was horrified and tried to assure them I would not do such a thing...but they insisted it was a "fart sound." They obviously had used the spot, and found it effective...even crediting it for a large sale...so I stopped talking. But later I thought about the entire incident, and I think I've got the answer.
The client is too young! They never had a record player...never heard a needle scratch acorss the surface of a 33, 45 or 78. The generation gap...now I know how it feels; and I know how it sound...like a fart!
Don't forget to visit my website: www.smooth-male-voiceover-talent.com .
I produced a radio spot for the client utlizing a "needle scratch" sound effect I thought quite effective and humorous. The client had approve the spot, but asked me how I had the nerve to send it to them. "Nerve? Why would you think that?" I asked. The client went on to explain they had to have a meeting to decide if the commercial was suitable to use with the "fart sound" in it.
I was horrified and tried to assure them I would not do such a thing...but they insisted it was a "fart sound." They obviously had used the spot, and found it effective...even crediting it for a large sale...so I stopped talking. But later I thought about the entire incident, and I think I've got the answer.
The client is too young! They never had a record player...never heard a needle scratch acorss the surface of a 33, 45 or 78. The generation gap...now I know how it feels; and I know how it sound...like a fart!
Don't forget to visit my website: www.smooth-male-voiceover-talent.com .
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