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."

Just a Few Hours Left

As I sit in my studio and look at the clock, I recognize 2008 has only a few more hours remaining (at least in my part of the world). I, for one, will have biter sweet memories of the year nearly past; and look forward with great anticipation to the possibilities of 2009.

Resolutions? Don't make 'em.

I do believe I'll make some capital investment in the coming year (crap...could have written it off in this year if I had thought about it), and I may add a recurring fee program to my list of expenses.

Exercise is already an important part of my routine, but I think I'll take that up a notch too. I'm having my first physical in several years (oops) next week...we'll see if all my work has been worth it (even if I'm not Charles Atlas...younger readers ask your grandparents...it's been worth it).

Going to kick www.smooth-male-voiceover-talent.com up a notch as well. I've got a few new and exciting irons in, or near, the fire...just need to poke it a bit.

I have great faith in what we can accomplish in the coming twelve months, I hope you have as well. Attitude makes a great deal of difference as I believe we generally find that which we seek, be it good or something less than good.

For a kick, read "The Science of Getting Rich" by Wallace D. Wattles...I believe it's the seminal self-help book (written near the turn of the century...first published in 1910 as far as I can tell).

As Lucia would say, "Be kind to one each other."

It's Still a Kick!

I've been at this voice business for a long, long, long, long time. I've done a lot of work in all the media. But it's still a kick to hear something I've created in a new market or venue.

Earlier this year, Lucia and I were on a trip visiting a city of one of my clients who was running a promotion I had written and voiced. When I heard the spot on the air, I was like a kid with a new toy...you'd think I would have outgrown that by now.

Yesterday I had a note from a new friend that a comment of mine was aired on a television program in another state. Let no one say my ego is under-developed; I got up early today to go online and play the tape of yesterdays program...then I replayed it for Lucia when she awakened. There it was, the host was reading my comment and giving me full attribution...and there I was, the little kid...again.

My fascination with voice work goes back as far as I can remember. In elementary school, whenever we had a "film strip" I was captivated by the voice...Who did that? How did he get the job? How can I do that?

At sporting events, I paid more attention to the stadium, or arena, announcer than I did the game.

And, of course, radio was a world full of voices...and I loved the personalities, the commercials, and the news reports.

Not much has changed over the course of my life...I am still drawn to voices.

How fortunate we are to live in a country where we may pursue our dreams. As we enter 2009, let's not lose site of how much this country has provided for those of us who love her.

It's Not About the Voice

This is all about me...something I allow myself at the end of every year.

I don't have the best voice in the world...I have a nice voice, a voice some find easy to listen to, a voice that is sincere, but it's far from the best voice available. But I contend, it's not about the voice.

There has always been a schism between those who consider themselves "artists," and those who, like me, consider our job to interpret what the client desires in a manner to which the ultimate consumer will respond. This is a purely personal position, but I believe the "artists" are worried about how their performance will reflect upon themselves and their talent. Talents like myself, however, are concerned with giving the client what they want and, ultimately, making the client's cash register ring.

It's a "hired gun" sort of mentality that doesn't get involved with what listeners think of me...it's not about me. I will make suggestions when my input is requested, or if I believe I can suggest something that will either reduce the cost of the project or increase the efficacy of the material.

Artists, on the other hand, make suggestions to bend the material to better display their talent, their voice, their skills. This is not to say their suggestions may not be valid, often they may be. The issue is the motivation for the suggestion; is the suggestion for the benefit of the client or is it to improve how the voiceover will be received...perhaps by potential new clients? Every job is an audition for the next rather than an end in itself.

At http://www.smooth-male-voiceover-talent.com/, the client is our only consideration.

I'm a craftsman, proud of my work...not so proud of myself. Whether I'm creating copy or interpreting someone's words, the client's success is the only goal. In fact, it's in my mission statement (yea, I got one of those): I help successful people be more successful and have fun doing it. It's a position that has served me well for more than thirty years.

Nope, I don't have the best voice...and I recognize my voice is not the best voice for every product or service. This realization has saved me a lot of agonizing over jobs not won. And I think I'm happier than those who can't understand why everyone isn't using his/her voice...after all, it's not about the voice.

I Can't Wait

Lucia and I have had a tradition for the past several years...we check into a state park lodge on Christmas Eve (Inevitably we are among only a hand full of guests in the entire complex). We drink wine and play ping pong or cards, we eat a leisurely dinner, then go for a swim.

Last year we had the pleasure of a beautiful snowfall...so we went for a walk in the woods. There is nothing so peaceful as a quiet snowfall on a dark night. This year, it was raining...so the swim was our excitement.

Christmas morning, we awaken and eat breakfast; again we were the only guests in the dining room. We watched as birds and squirrels ate from feeders outside the dining room window and laughed as they competed for available space (we're easily amused).

Finally, we went for another swim before heading home. It is the most relaxing and rejuvenating experience one can imagine. Yet it's only a few miles from home.

We then had Christmas dinner with a wild assortment of friends at the home of an elderly friend whose daughter and son-in-law we know well through http://www.smooth-male-voiceover-talent.com/. The room was filled with laughter, smiles and great food. The host then presented each one of us with our own stockings (an unexpected treat that immediately transported everyone back to our childhood).

We know we'll be back to the lodge next year...and now we've been told we'll be invited back for another Christmas dunner. I can't wait.

Can't move, can't sit still...

After a huge Christmas meal with friends...more on that next time...I spent today with wine, good food and one martini (for medicinal purposes).

Now I'm so full I can't even sit still. I have managed to complete a bit of work for a client out of state, but most of the day has been pure pleasure. We all need to do that once in a while.

Next up, reflections on Christmas and anticipating New Years.

The Language of Success Part III

In this final installment, I'll wrap-up the article found on www.smooth-male-voiceover-talent.com.

We’re cheating our children

The use of substandard English limits one's horizons socially and professionally, and we are cheating our children by allowing them to misuse our language.

As one paid to speak (voice-overs, on-camera, public speaking), I am a strong advocate for mandatory speech education in our public schools. And I will never accept substandard English, written or spoken, with the oft heard, “It's the expression of the ideas that is important, not the form.” Unacceptable!

I host a regional academic challenge television program featuring the very brightest of the young people in North Central Ohio. I am truly humbled by the intellect of these young scholars and the facts at their command. Yet I cringe when I overhear their off camera conversations.

I blame it all on advertising! We have chosen to “race to the bottom” without regard to the effect upon our audience. We have ignored our responsibility to model the language of commerce and industry...the language of success.

Copyright 2005 - Bill Sharp

I hope your holiday was as wonderful as mine...full of friends, food (too much), and family. As we look forward to 2009, we anticipate renewed hope and the belief that the world is unfolding as it must. Success is an inside job!

The Language of Succes Part II

Yesterday I introduced a serialized version of a complete article available at www.smooth-male-voiceover-talent.com. Today, we continue...BUT, we would be less than honest if we did not take this opportunity to acknowledge the Christmas holiday and all that it holds for so many of us. My wish is for everyone to have a very Merry Christmas. Hold your families close, remember your friends, and pray for those among us who face difficulties (whatever the cause).

Our obligation

I believe we have an obligation to model proper grammar in all contexts, but particularly in any broadcast messages to be viewed by the general public...and definitely when the message may be viewed by children.

There are so few models of good grammar in the media in which we choose to immerse ourselves. Television and movies glorify substandard grammar and slang and have vaccinated much of the population to the pain of such utterances.

From what has been dubbed “Black English” (ask Bill Cosby about that issue) to just plain poor word choice and lazy pronunciation, the examples manifest themselves thousands of times a day. What chance do our children have of learning the importance of grammar, word choice and pronunciation?

The Voice of Sharp will be absent tomorrow for the holiday, but will return on Friday, December 26, with the next installment of "The Language of Success."

The Language of Success Part I

In the following brief selection, I'll introduce my humble thesis that we must not lose sight of the importance of language or our society will (has) suffer. From the time I wrote this for www.smooth-male-voiceover-talent.com, the situation has only become more dire. Everywhere I turn I am confronted by poor grammar...our society is more crass, and I believe that leads to a number of unpleasant consequences.


The Language of Success

I don't know when it began, but advertising in this country has been engaged in a grammatical "race to the bottom" for some time.

I remember the controversy in the 1950's (I believe) over the “Winston tastes good like a cigarette should” campaign and, more recently, the Apple “Think different” slogan. But these are minor offenses compared to what passes for English in many commercials.

I was asked to write a piece of copy a few years ago featuring gentleman walking into his home with a section of frozen garden hose. I opened the commercial with a character actor entering from outside dressed for winter, holding the hose and saying , “Honey, my hose is frozen.”
The production company liked the idea, but wanted the character to say, “...my hose is froze.” I would not allow it to be changed and argued for days until I prevailed.

Tomorrow, I'll explore why I believe we have an obligation to police the way we use language in the material we write and voice.

Finally, The Feeling Has Returned.

I was becoming concerned due to an almost complete lack of sensation regarding the Christmas season. Today, the feeling returned after I stopped at a Dollar General, of all places, to buy a few gift bags and boxes for gifts that need wrapping. Suddenly, I found my internal monitor recognized a smile and feeling of light within.

I still have much to do before I can relax in the glow of the holiday, but when you're doing work you love, you don't mind. Every day as I prepare my studio for recording, I'm reminded of how lucky I am to be doing work that seems more like play (well, thin about it...I guess much of what I do really is playing).

I'm not the best voice available, although I may be the best for specific applications. I am, however, one of the hardest working voiceover talents around, and I'm completely dedicated to the success of my clients. I may also be one of the best at listening to the client and translating their message to a script. No brag, just fact.

I don't think I've ever spent any time at the end of the year reflecting upon how lucky I've been, how much I appreciate my clients, and how grateful I am for everything that has come my way; this year...I'm going to do it. I have so much for which I am grateful...and I'm glad the feeling has returned.

Recognizing I'm generally writing to myself...and ignoring that fact, I'll close by hoping all y'all (the proper plural of the singular y'all) have a wonderful Christmas...and may we all have an even more prosperous 2009.

He was GREAT!

Had an economist who appears frequently on several television networks, Bruce E. McCain, speak today for a group I oversee. Bruce spoke to the current economic environment and where he sees it going...more importantly, when. He was GREAT!

It was not all gloom and doom, but it does appear we're in for a long ride (no surprise there). I feel better having heard the speech...but now I'm back to thinking about TV (don't try to follow it, just go with it...buy the premise, buy the bit).

I used to host a television show (local...small town stuff). Next week I'm going to expound on television vs. voiceover work and http://www.smooth-male-voiceover-talent.com/ .

Right now, I'm going to a Christmas party!

Meetings...You Gotta Love 'em. NOT!

That's it, two meetings and more than half the day is gone! Even better...two more to go. Let's not discuss the "productivity" problem in this country. Besides, anyone with whom we'd discuss it can't be reached because, you guessed it, they're in meetings.

There goes my day...crap.

Another day...

I spent today with the Young Leaders Institute, a group composed of two high school sophomores from every public school in the county plus the two largest parochial schools.

I find the time with these bright, eager and talented young people to be energizing. I speak to them of the opportunities to follow their passion, create a job for themselves, explore untapped markets. We have innumerable examples right here at home, as does any city, and there is no end to creativity.

We discuss www.smooth-male-voiceover-talent.com and they are amazed to learn a company like mine exists and prospers. They're even more amazed when they consider the real possibility of doing something themselves.

No one should be confined to thinking of traditional, "go to work at 25 and retire at 65" working for someone else. If you want something different, something better, something your own...go for it! And you'll never have just another day.