Branding...It's Everything You Are

I have learned more about being a voice actor in the last two weeks than I ever could have imagined. Many questions have been answered, many more have presented themselves. As you may be aware from previous posts, I recently began studying with Nancy Wolfson, an amazing woman in LA. (Our first private session is in June) She is known for her abilities in coaching voice talent and helping them reach the next level of their careers. The best part is, she is a very cool person! I have been fortunate to exchange several e-mails with her recently that shed some light on many things I never fully grasped. The main one being [Que scary music]...BRANDING!

Before you run screaming from the computer...allow me to share a few things Nancy has taught me. First, branding is much easier than you realize. It simply comes down to who you are as a person. Period. It's not any more difficult than that.

What are your likes, your dislikes? What are the colors and images you surround yourself with everyday? With Nancy's permission, here is a section from an e-mail Nancy sent me...

"I've done branding sessions where I've been sitting across the room with someone who might genetically sound just like anyone else, but they're wearing some really funky outfit or earring or pocketbook or even something on the checks they write that is just unlike anything anyone else would be wearing or having printed on their checks. I've had people say straight to my face "There's nothing unique about me" whilst holding a key chain that nobody else would have and/or sporting some bejeweled hair clip that nobody but that person would wear and I've stripped them of it and thrown it in my scanner. People REEK of their brands - they just are not trained to be objective viewers of themselves. Here's a quote you can tell the bloggers I gave them to chew on: “Oh what a power to see ourselves as others see us.”--Robert Burns (Scottish poet)" - Nancy Wolfson

Wow. Have you ever heard it put quite that way? I hadn't. It makes sense doesn't it? Look at your walls, look at the greeting cards you send your friends, look in your backyard, look at yourself. YOU ARE YOUR BRAND! Just find the image that shows it. Find the colors, the shapes, the lines...those are the things that will represent your voice and your business.

I've found mine (with Nancy's tremendous help!)...what's yours?

As a side note: I am learning so much so quickly I can't keep up with it all! In future posts, I will share a few things I've learned about finding the right coach, surrounding yourself with the right people, and how hard it can be to put together a great audition! Stay tuned!

For North Carolina Voice Actors

My friend Bob Souer has a post on his blog today talking about a fantastic get-together we are having in June!

If you are a voice actor or voice talent of any level, and live in the Carolinas...we would love to see you there!

It will begin June 23rd at the Village Tavern restaraunt at 11am in Winston-Salem, NC. Afterward, we will go bowling (where you will learn why I once won a bowling trophy for the best golf score)! It will be a chance to meet new people, and visit with old friends.

For this get-together, it is VO people only, no family or friends please. If you plan to attend, please e-mail our friend Donovan Corneetz at:

success [at] doncopro.com

It will be a great day- I hope to see you there!

You Are Never Too Young to Advertise!

I was leaving the house the other day and noticed my mailbox was open. When I got out of the car to close it, I saw a folded piece of paper inside. Upon inspecting the piece of paper, I realized it was a handmade flier. It seems we have an entrepreneur in our neighborhood!

I've attached a picture of this flier above (with the child's name and number blacked out). Isn't this GREAT?!

The flier for Brooke's business is hand-made, which gives it a personal feel. I know everyone on our street got the same note, but I also know this one was done just for me. A lot of time went in to her marketing campaign, she chose a fair price for her product (albeit a little low in my opinion!) and set out to get new business. You better believe I will be buying her cupcakes!

Ok, maybe I am over-analysing a child's idea and artwork- but I did find it impressive. What is funny to me is that most adults don't fully grasp the idea of marketing and branding nearly as well as little Brooke here!

In fact, after much thought and research, I have finally made the decision to take the next steps in my own career. Recently, I was fortunate to have my commercial demo reviewed by Nancy Wolfson during one of her telesiminars with Anna Vocino. I have been waiting a long time for an honest review of my work. Nancy felt that my demo wasn't properly showcasing my talents, but she did compliment me on my branding! Understanding who you are is the most important part of any business. What do you offer, and how can you portray that to your clients? Obviously, I need much more work on my presentation, which is why I have chosen to begin private classes with Nancy right away! (Our first phoner is in June)

I am already confident in my product (my vocal ability) but realize I can still learn more about technique. When the time is right, I will have a professional demo produced, a professional website and logo designed, and then I will be ready to advertise! Who knows, maybe I will start with hand-drawn fliers in each of your mailboxes! Get ready!

Side Note: For some reason, the links above are not working properly on this post. Please visit Nancy Wolfson's website at www.braintracksaudio.com and Anna Vocino at www.annavocino.com. Thanks!