Wednesday, December 31, 2008

The Top 20 things I Learned About voice Over in 2008

A few weeks ago I started making a list. I wanted to write down 10 things I learned this year about voice over. I quickly realized 10 just wouldn't cut it. If I was to be honest with myself, the list would likely be closer to 1000 things I've learned this year!

I decided to stick with the number 20.

While I actually learned a few of these items prior to 2008, they were at the very least reinforced in 2008- and therefore worthy of my top 20 list.

So, in no particular order...here are the Top 20 Things I Learned About Voice Over in 2008...

1. Trusting your own instincts with voice over work is always the way to go.

2. Social networking (VOICE, VO-BB, Facebook, Twitter, Linked In, etc) is vital- you never know where your next job may come from, and you never know when you may have a job to offer!

3. If you want to install ISDN at home, it helps tremendously if you are incorporated. They will want your tax ID#, incorporation date, state, etc. Otherwise, expect to wait at least 6 weeks for instillation.

4. It is possible to keep deadlines regardless of what happens behind the scenes.

5. Relocating is no fun, but building a new studio is!

6. Creating a budget and sticking to it will help you be successful.

7. To have a home studio- you need an engineering degree. If you don’t have an engineering degree, it is important to have smart friends.

8. Receiving feedback from clients on your work really helps you improve!

9. It’s not how many clients you have; it’s how many relationships you develop that counts.

10. Saying no to work is OK.

11. Saying yes to fun or meaningful work at slightly lower rates is also OK.

12. Regular, monthly work rocks!

13. Unexpected, last minute work rocks!

14. I don’t do hard labor for a living; therefore it isn’t the end of the world when a client asks for major revisions. I can do them, and I can find a way to not be insulted by them.

15. Pilates helps with a stiff “I’ve been producing for 8 hours straight” neck.

16. When you are up against a deadline, and the creative juices just aren’t flowing…take a walk and have a conversation with your dog. Both will clear your head and inspire you.

17. When a project feels overwhelming, focus on recording the first line…the rest will then flow right out of you. Just getting started can be the hardest part.

18. You have a thousand chances to win over a client, but only one chance to lose them. Once they are gone, they aren’t coming back (said as a customer who will no longer give my business to a certain company- that blog will come later).

19. It is always best to under-promise and over-deliver than to over-promise and under-deliver.

20. The greatest people in the world are in our line of work. Those who may be your competitors will likely also be your best friends. Pick up the phone at any time and call tech support for any of the audio equipment suppliers, they will be the most helpful folks around.

So, there you have it...the top 20 things I learned about voice over in 2008! One thing I've always known is how truly blessed I am to have a job I completely love. Waking up each morning, walking into my studio, recording the best audition I can, and solving my client's problems make each day unique and special.

This New Year's Eve I will be looking forward to a 2009 that is even better than 2008, though I'm not sure how that could be possible! I'll also be wishing the same for you.

Feel free to leave a comment telling us the top things you learned in 2008! And, for a look ahead at 2009- be sure to check out "The Report On The Voice Over Industry in 2009" by Voices.com!

Happy New Year!!

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi Kara,

Very interesting lessons you learned! Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Thank you also for mentioning David's report. Very kind of you to do so.

Have a wonderful, healthy and prosperous 2009!

Best wishes,

Stephanie

Kara Edwards said...

Stephanie-

David's report is wonderful, thank you for everything you guys do for us!!

Kara

Unknown said...

Hi Kara,
Nice list. Great ideas! Hope things are settling after the move.
Your Pal,
Bobbin

Kara Edwards said...

Thanks Bobbin!

Yes, we are finally settling in, and I'm very pleased to say we are loving FL so far!

Happy New Year to you and yours!!

Kara

Bob Souer said...

Kara,

Excellent stuff. Thank you.

Be well,
Bob

Kara Edwards said...

Bob,

Thank you!

Kara

Anonymous said...

Kara,

This is fantastic stuff! Thanks so much for your insight and helpful hints.

Barry Trussell

Kara Edwards said...

Barry,

That's very kind of you! Thank you for stopping by!

Kara

Anonymous said...

Hi Kara,

These are brilliant. You're right. social networking has become very imiportant. I'm happy to be getting to grips with it. And we do have to trust our instincts on pricing our services.

Thanks for sharing. I'm working on marketing a lot this year, and am learning so much from you and my other cyber-mates. And, I'm always happy to help whenever I can!

Stefania
:D

Kara Edwards said...

Stephania,

It has been a pleasure getting to know you over cyber space in these last few months! Hopefully we have the chance to meet in person this year as well!

Kara

Anonymous said...

Hi Kara,

Glad to see you are so happy with your move to FL and with your new studio. That's always exciting. I did that myself in Aug, '07.

You've made some great points here in your list. Thanks for sharing!
I know I need to work a bit more on on-line social networking.

I've had so much fun last year gaining new experience and confidence, I'm setting myself up for another good year of 2009!

Take care... HNY!

Rick

vomictest said...

For me...add
#21. Regularly check Kara's blog.

Kara Edwards said...

Rick-

I hope your 2009 is the best year yet! Thank you for stopping by!

Kara

Kara Edwards said...

VOMicTest-

Is that your real name? :) It wouldn't let me click on the link to see who you 'really' are...but I think I know :)

You made my day! Happy New Year!

Kara