It's tough, but it's not all dark!

For all my optimistic talk when this recession began...I've got to admit, this is a different animal.

Like most of you, I have friends who have lost their positions, and our area has been rocked by a General Motors' plant closing among all the other stories we hear daily.

But there are bright spots...businesses doing well, exploding adult education (an improved workforce is always a plus), and new opportunities making themselves known.

I too have clients who have cut back, but I continue to work everyday, and my attitude has improved as I continue to interview entrepreneurs on my online talk show ( "Just the Other Side of Seven" Wednesday evenings at 7:10pm EDT www.talkshoe.com/tc/43512 ).

There have been some significant gains in selected stocks as well (I follow that stuff and subscribe to a number of newsletters).

Plus, I continue to run...that's free, walk...also free, work in the yard...ditto, watching the birds at the feeders...almost free, and I'm enjoying life lived less complicated.

Bill

Morton Got It Right

"When it rains, it pours," is the power slogan for Morton Salt...ain't it the truth? The life of a freelancer seems to be feast or famine. There is never that steady flow of just enough work to keep one busy...but no burdened. Instead it's like, "Oh my God...not another job! How am I going to get all this done? Why couldn't they have called last week when I spent two days watching my toenails grow (which is really pretty cool if you have the chance to do it).

It's one of the reasons I don't get to the blog as often as I should...how's that for an excuse?

But life has it's own plan and it's own pace. The fun is watching to see how you're going to juggle everything to meet deadlines, maintain quality, and still have time for things like food, sleep, and marketing/sales to make sure you don't have too much toenail time.

I'm a firm believer in time management...but a freelancer's time belongs to others...and their emergencies become our emergencies. We're lucky to have them and lucky to be able to help them.

I'd like to know what I'm doing tomorrow (or not doing...tomorrow is Saturday and I'd like to know that I have the entire day to do things like wash my car, or run in the sunshine, or sit with a beer and watch the hummingbirds), but someone may need me at the last minute and I'll be there for them.

Feast or famine. Yep, Morton had it right.

Business is Fun

Isn't business fun? If it's not, you're probably in the wrong one (business that is). I find people have fun in their businesses for different reasons: one enjoys the battle for new clients; another enjoys the time he gets to spend with customers, yet another gets an ego boost from being recognized in public. All different, yet all the same.

I suppose for younger folks, work is all about survival and accumulation. As one gets a bit longer in the tooth, the challenge and rewards morph into something different (in my mind, something better).

There is satisfaction in the work itself. I smile when I write something clever or playback a voicetrack that nails what I am trying to accomplish, or, now, when an interview goes really well on www.talkshoe.com/tc/43512 .The money is nice, make no mistake about that, but that special feeling tells me I'd do this even if I won that big lottery (of course, I'd have to play to win...wouldn't I?).

A friend's father was a physician of some reputation. In college, my friend pursued medicine for a few years, then went to his father to apologize for deciding medicine was not the career he wanted. No one was more surprised than my friend when his successful father replied, "Don't make the mistake I made, do what you enjoy."

I hope everyone not only enjoys his/her labor, but finds it satisfying and fun.

Survival

Survival during this economy is requiring a new, or perhaps renewed, creativity. The income streams we came to depend upon are changing; which does not mean there are no income streams, only streams that have changed course or streams into which we have never stuck our toe.

Learning new technologies (whether actually new, or simply new to me) and seeking new partnerships are becoming second nature. It's a new way of working, but I like it! The new approach is blowing out some of the cobwebs formed from years of doing business the same way. www.smooth-male-voiceover-talent.com is changing along with much of the other elements of my company.

The new "talkshow" ( www.talkshoe.com/tc/43512 ) is proving to be lots of fun as I worry about the next week's guests, watching the details on downloads, podcasts, etc. to get an idea of how the audience is growing. I think I'll do the next blog on growing a call...that would be good for me.

So, survival brings invention, renewal, exploration and it's all good.

Full Moon? I believe it.

Last night was a full moon...I happened to see it, but I would have guessed it even if the sky had been completely obscured by clouds.

I have this new show on Talkshoe (http://www.talkshoe.com/tc/43512), and I'm having the best time interviewing entrepreneurs and other gutsy folks who refuse to give in to pessimism even in the face of unrelenting bad news on the economy by the "main stream media." Most of those to whom I speak began their businesses in economic circumstances similar to those we're experiencing today.

I love to talk to these interesting, energizing, hardworking and positive people....so what's the problem? Well, last night everything went wrong. My studio computer refused to talk to the Talkshoe website...meaning I couldn't talk to the website.

So I called into my own show on the telephone...but, after the show, the tape reveals a problem with my audio (unheard on my end of the conversation) I can only blame on gremlins or the phone company.

Then, the chair in which I'm sitting falls apart in the middle of a guest's most important point...all you hear is a loud crash and muffled (remember, the sound sucked) profanity followed by my own laughter (I laugh at myself a lot).

I thought that was it, but when I awakened this morning, the grease I noted on my thumb last night from trying to repair the chair with one hand, while still talking to my guest and holding the phone in the other, well, that grease turned out to be a very painful bruise that makes my thumb look like I just cast a vote in an Iraqi election.

Say what you will, I blame the moon.

Social Obligations

I find myself in a constant state of over-commitment. Every invitation I receive sounds great at the time of reception...but my interest inevitably wanes as the event draws near. So, I find myself either calling to withdraw my reservation...or attending with extremely low expectations of enjoying the event.

Such was the case with a meeting I attended this past weekend. It was an important planning meeting, and my presence was absolutely critical. Initially I had, of course, thought the meeting sounded boring, but the dinner afterward might be a lot of fun. Then, as the day drew closer, I began to dread the entire experience. Who wanted to have dinner with a lot of people who were virtual strangers? What fun would that be...a lot, as it turned out!

We had an exceptional time learning all about our new acquaintances, and free flowing wine lubricated the conversation to a pleasant degree. I now look forward to the conference we gathered to plan...not because of the conference material, but because of the opportunity to spend more time with our new friends.

Perhaps I'll change my pattern when it comes to social obligations...nah!

Spring Fever

Now this is more like it! The weather today is as much like the Spring days we remember from our childhood. And it's made just that much sweeter because we know there's probably at least one or two more snows hiding just around the corner.

When the weather turns I remember why I choose to live in a place with four seasons. Each change brings new possibilities and old memories.

Of course, Spring and Summer also bring allergies, so I have to time my work to coincide with those times when my voice actually sounds like me. Often this time of year, my voice lacks the resonance and power to which I'm accustomed.

Clients of www.smooth-male-voiceovertalent.com deserve to voice they're paying for...so I do whatever it takes...recording late at night or early, early, early in the morning if that's when the voice is present.

One disadvantage of the new online conversation, http://www.talkshoe.com/tc/43512 , is my belief it's important to be live at the same time each week...so, voice or no voice I'm there.

But right now, I'm going to walk around the block in the sunshine and forget all about work...it's just way too nice. This, this is Spring Fever, and I love it.

Listen to "That Still Small Voice"

Sometimes we know so much we get in our own way. Last night I had dinner with a family I had been told had children with "a problem." Expecting behavior less than conducive to a relaxing meal, Lucia and I met the family at the appointed hour. The children were absolutely wonderful.

Like all children, the three year old had a few moments of drama, and her five year old brother was initially shy, but the entire evening was more fun than I could have wished for.

The point, too often we accept the opinion of others instead of following our own instincts. We doubt our own inner voice in favor of what we're told by those who, we believe, have more insight (experience, education, etc.) than do we.

I believe most people know what's best for themselves or their children. Too often we listen to others and run out to find a quick fix be it therapy, drugs, or some other intervention...when what's really needed is patience, love and understanding.

I hope the parents follow their own counsel instead of listening to any one's opinion...including my own! And I hope too, that I have learned to listen to that still small voice within and ignore all the clatter going on around me.

This has little to do with voiceovers or the new project, http://www.talkshoe.com/tc/43512
but it's important to me.

This is a great day!

Monday...what a great day. NOT!

Everything falls apart on Monday; and this was no different. From a conference I'm planning to a visit to the dentist to complete my "drive-by" root canal.

In addition, I still haven't heard from my invited guest for Wednesday night on www.talkshoe.com B. Sharp's Just the Other Side of Seven." Apparently, I'm the only one concerned that I'll open the show and have no one to talk to for a hour...it reminds me of my early days in radio. I had the opportunity to fill in for a popular talk show host and soon discovered if the listeners don't know you (and trust you), they don't call...and you spend an entire week saying, "still have four lines open, call now..."

So, I'm looking forward to Tuesday...at least it ain't Monday!

This is So Much Fun!

http://www.talkshoe.com/tc/43512

That's the link for the new online conversation "B Sharp's Just the Other Side of Seven" heard every Wednesday night live on TalkShoe, but also recorded for downloading or podcast. In the current environment, we're talking to a lot of economists and entrepreneurs to learn how they're surviving...and in some cases thriving...during this downturn. For me, it's a blast to speak with these bright and upbeat people.

And you can speak to them too by calling in during the show, or texting if you're following online.

Last Wednesday we had a caller from England who really kept the conversation going as we compared the economies of our two countries and our governments attempt to fix things (or screw them up). You can hear that conversation by clicking on the above link and playing Episode 2.

I want to shout at someone

Stimulus - Sminulus...let me keep more of my money and I'll stimulate the economy.

Stay away from my doctors...unless Teddy Kennedy is willing to forgo his treatment thereby "accepting" the inevitable results of aging rather than burdening the health care system with his case.

It feels like we are surrounded...but I prefer Glenn Beck's take on it: "We surround them!"

This is not a political blog, but it's tough to sit by and watch this circus without shouting at someone.

Music Rocks!

I had the opportunity to spend several hours in he car alone yesterday, and I used the time to crank up the radio to levels not reached since my teens (a long, long, long time ago).

Ahhh...music. What else has the power to move one? From classical to country to rock...moods may be elevated, depressed, and everything in between. There can be no doubt of the efficacy of music therapy...I self-prescribed yesterday.

I laughed and cried as the music and the words washed over me. I noticed the artists' voices had more impact upon me than did my own...hence the description "artist." I chose music for racing this summer as I felt myself running to the beat and saw my stride easy with quick turnover.

It was a great day.

Catharsis has a place and music is wonderful tool. On www.smooth-male-voiceover-talent.com I have an article I wrote regarding message-on-hold wherein I cautioned against choosing music for your message that might interfere with the message. The last thing you want is to have your customer on hold upset when the music is interrupted with a message...after all, it's the message you wish to be heard.

Be careful how you use music...it's powerful stuff.

This won't take long

The more I watch our new President, the more concerned (and by concerned I mean scared sh*tless) I become.

It's the Little Things

You have got to be kidding! I just got a fax...that's not the news; it's what the fax said that has me really steamed, amazed, and saddened about the state of business today (especially in the current business environment).

I'm the chair for a conference in April that is bringing nearly 350 people together for a minimum of three days and two nights at a resort. The bill exceeds $500 per room (figuring two people) for the two evenings plus meals plus all the other costs a conference of this size incurs. Well, the planning group wanted to meet for a few hours this weekend at the hotel to discuss some details, see the meeting rooms, and have dinner. We figured about 15 people would attend the two hour discussion and then have dinner in the dining room.

The hotel just sent me a contract for $200 for the meeting room (for two hours?), and $5 per chair for all attending!

I know the resort (it's a golf resort in the summer...not so much in winter in a location suffering temperatures and wind chills well below zero) is not busy in February, but come on...$200 for two hours when I'm bringing more than 100 rooms plus loads of day guests in April?

How far we have come from the days when businesses tried to serve the customer and accommodate them to keep their patronage. It is an unwritten policy of www.smooth-male-voiceover-talent.com that I will always over-deliver. I will always try to provide any extra possible to increase my value to the client. I am not interested in making every possible dollar from one encounter with a client, I want to establish a relationship and have a client for life (or, at least, as long as I'm able to be of service and the client is able to pay).

It's too late to move the conference to a different venue for this year, but I'm sure going to suggest we never return to this place...and it's all because we wanted to sit down for two hours. This was not a big request but, as we all know, it's the little things that count.

Here We Go Again

I really like new things...I like learning new things, I like trying new things, I like finding new things. So, while this isn't entirely new to me, I'm about to launch a new component to www.smooth-male-voiceover-talent.com and Sharp Associates.

With the urging of Bill Millikin, wjmillikin@billandlou.com , I'm going to launch an Internet radio/podcast program on TalkShoe. While the format and details are still unsettled, I'm really looking forward to the new experience. Well...it's not really new, I was in radio during and shortly after college, and then again several years later.

The format on TalkShoe is, as the name implies, talk based with interviews and discussions on topics of my choosing. The fun I'm having right now is choosing a theme and putting together a list of guests I might interview.

I haven't done anything as far removed from my usual voiceover and message-on-hold business for a long time...it's a real kick to dream of what I want and then create same. So, get ready... may be calling upon you to participate.

When I told Lucia I was planning to try something new, all she could say was, "Here we go again!"

Made in America

I recently had a call from a production house for whom I do a fair amount of work. They had a script they needed me to voice, but didn't have time to get me into their studio. They asked if they might email the script to my studio, have me record it, and send it back to them for an edit in just a day or two.

www.smooth-male-voiceover-talent.com always aims at returning scripts to clients within 24 hours, so I said their deadline was very possible...uh huh. I received the script and began as soon as possible to record the six pages of copy. My voice wasn't cooperating...so I gave up for the day. The next day, I still didn't like what I heard, but completed the assignment to meet the client's deadline.

Bottom line, the production house was thrilled with what they received (who knew?). They complemented my studio, my microphone, me, and most members of my immediate family. Further, they indicated an intention to do more business through my studio rather than asking me to visit their facility.

I was feeling sheepish about the quality of the voiceover I was submitting...and they were really really happy with it! I can only guess I am, as I've always suspected, my most severe critic. But I think that's common in our profession. We have an image of the best sound or each job, and we'll work overtime to get that sound for our client. If we fall short of our imagined best, we're not happy...and no one can convince us that what we have done is "good enough."

I think that's a healthy attitude and reflective of the work ethic we all wish were the norm in today's world. There is nothing noble about our chosen profession (by a long shot), and I'm sure many others feel the same pride in their work (from assembly line workers to...shudder...attorneys). It is, after all, the private enterprise system and it's inherent rewards that make our country the only place one can achieve "the American dream," but we sure don't read, hear, or see much about it.

We need to collect examples of American pride so whenever someone expresses great surprise at our quality of work we can respond, "What's the surprise? It's made in America!"

And Now for Something Completely Different

Hold it...I'm not going to do anything about clients, "almost clients," or my prostate. I just called a friend whom I see far to infrequently. This friend was a fast rising superstar in the political world, supported by people in both parties, and just one hell of a nice person who always did what he told you he would do. An honest politician...who knew they existed? Then, at the height of his popularity, an aneurysm in his brain burst.

Following hours of fear he would not survive, weeks of fearing he would not regain consciousness, months fearing he would never walk or talk...he surprised us all by doing all of the above and more. He was, however, left without short term memory and a few other assorted disabilities. Now he stays at home most of the time, but can still play golf and drink beer...two of his favorite pastimes.

Today is his birthday, I call everyone I know on their birthday...if it's in my daytimer; and once I know someones birthday, I call for life. So, I called my friend today. His wife answered the phone, recognized my voice, and knew why I was calling. She had him take the phone and I started singing...he really enjoyed it and laughed heartily, but he had no idea who I was. It was a bittersweet phone call, but I knew that before I dialed.

I hope I brought some light to his "special" day...I'm sure most days must seem pretty much like every other. I think of him often and all the good he did during his years in office...and all the good he did not have a chance to do. His wife is a saint (and that's the only time she's ever been called that!); her love and devotion are primarily responsible for my friend's survival and the quality of life he enjoys today.

How lucky we are who have not faced a challenge of the magnitude of the one that changed both of their lives. And how lucky I am to have friends who may not always recognize me, but who always have a smile and a cheerful attitude in the face of a difficult life.

I'm lucky on so many levels, and I'm thankful for all that I have in my life. I just wanted to say that while I still can because you never know..................

Welcome Back

Actually, it is I who have been missing. But now I'm back with vigor...literally. Not that I felt bad before, I didn't. After a four or five year hiatus (did I spell that correctly?), I had a complete physical a few weeks ago. A few days later I received a call that I needed to make an appointment to discuss my lab results with the doctor as my thyroid was "abnormal."

My thyroid has been abnormal as far back as I can recall. The first time the doctor discovered my under active thyroid, he told me he was not going to start treatment but would monitor it for a while. The following year, the reading had actually improved, but was still out of the normal range. Still no treatment as I was asymptomatic. So, this call was neither unexpected, nor did it cause me any real concern.

When the doctor came into the room he announced I was going to feel wonderful. "I already do!" I said. The doctor said he couldn't believe it...when he got the test results back he reread my chart noting I was running and exercising regularly, felt great, no excessive weight gain...none of the symptoms one would expect to find when the normal range is somewhere around 0.4 to something over 4.0 (the higher the number, the less active the thyroid)...and my test came back over 25!!

I asked the doctor, "How good am I going to feel? Will I be able to run 7 minute miles instead of 8 or 9?" He had no answer.

So, Synthroid is my new drug of choice, apparently for the rest of my life. To date, I don't feel any real difference...but how would I know? I am hoping http://www.smooth-male-voiceover-talent.com/ will notice an improved sound (it could happen). And who knows, maybe I'll be collecting new trophies when the weather breaks.

Next time, I'll talk about some new "almost" clients and my prostate (they're not connected). Until then....

More later

Ever had a catastrophic computer crash? I just did (well, actually, it happened Monday...I carried the carcass to the computer repair geeks and told 'em to "FIX IT!" today I was told it will be at least a week before I have it back...aaauuuggggggg!)...I guess I'll be back later.

So That's What They've Been Talking About"

Took most of the day off today...except for some writing. I awakened with the alarm at 3:45am, got dressed and went out for my usual run, came home and had some coffee and watched Lucia head for the office.

About thirty minutes later, I decided to dust the house...but I vacuumed first. Then, I thought I'd clean the bathrooms...I had no idea it would take so long. By the time I got done, it was time for a shower and some lunch.

It was after lunch that I hit the studio for some writing(after all, that's what I'd been avoiding all morning). When the writing was done it was time for my appointment with a friend for coffee and conversation. No time for voiceovers today!! Of course, that means no money today either.

I have friends who have retired and they each say they have no idea how they ever had time to work with all they find to occupy their days. I never understood that...until today. Sitting down now to write this before I pour a manhattan I have to say, "So that's what they've been talking about."