Try Not to Miss an Open Door

The morning began early- I had a lot to get done. There was music and SFX to be chosen for one project, voice tracks to be recorded for another project, files to be rendered and uploaded, e-mails to answer, calls to make, etc. I knew my afternoon was full - I had an appointment that would likely take until 5pm- so I was wasting no time getting everything done. At 1pm I received an e-mail asking if I could do an ISDN session at 5pm- and I knew it was going to be a very tight squeeze. Unfortunately, the client couldn't push it back any further. So- I gathered my belongings to head to my appointment early, in the hopes it would be over early- getting me home well before my 5pm session.

As I juggled my purse, my cell phone, my car keys, and my bottle of water (I like to always stay hydrated!) I made my way to the door. That's when a nice looking man in a dark suit caught my eye through the window just as he rang my doorbell. I had been spotted- there was no ignoring this visitor. I knew in an instant he was there to sell me something- I could tell by the little notebook he held in his hand. Plus, it's a billion degrees in FL- why else would someone wear a suit?

I cracked the door slightly and before he could say anything I blurted out, "I'm really in a rush- I'm sorry!"

Undeterred, he went straight into his spiel, "Hi- I'm starting a new business in the neighborhood- and doing a survey- do you have time to answer some questions?"

"No, I really don't." I said.

"It will only take a couple of minutes."

"I'm sorry- I'm really running short on time right now, do you think you could come back another time?" I asked.

He grimaced for a moment before replying, "It's only five questions."

"No, I'm sorry I really have to leave." And I shut the door.

Driving to my appointment moments later, something struck me. I had given this man a metaphorical open door- and he failed to use it! I asked if he would like to come back at another time, and he chose not to accept my offer. Whatever his mission may have been when he first knocked on my door was doomed to fail because he wasn't willing to go a little out of his way to make it happen. However, he was more than happy to have me go out of my way! A sure-fire recipe for failure if you ask me. Had he done as I asked, not only would he have had my complete attention, he likely would have won me over by showing me- and my time- a little respect.

Whether cold calling, e-mailing, or writing letters- I always like to end with, "Thank you for your time." Time is valuable and we have to respect it. Especially when asking someone for something (in this case, business). The big lesson here, however, is to never miss an open door. If someone is willing to hear you out at a later time- by all means be available! Jump though whatever hoops necessary to make it happen- you will be glad you did.

To sum it up- I made it to my appointment a bit early (Ironically it was for a 'stress test'- pretty sure I failed!), and made it home with time to spare for my ISDN session. All in all a good day- and one more valuable lesson realized!

Kara Edwards Voice Over

So, What's Your Job?

Last week, following my photography class, I was invited to join my instructor and a few fellow photographers for lunch. At one point during the meal, conversation turned to business, and the different aspects of marketing, networking, etc.

We all agreed that one of the most difficult parts of owning a business is prospecting for new clients. We admitted that we had all lacked a time or two in our follow up with potential business.

I remarked that as creative professionals, 90% of our time seems to be spent trying to get work, while 10% of our time is spent actually doing the work (something I've said many times before!).

That's when Chris (yes, that's his real name) explained a different way of looking at things. He said that prospecting for clients IS the job. All of the calling, e-mailing, researching, networking, marketing, advertising, accounting, paperwork, etc- that's what our job is. Now, getting the work? That's one of the perks of doing business!

Since I had never really looked at my business from that angle, I thought it was important to share. Perhaps you've been looking at it all wrong as well? I often say, "I love my job!" What I mean is, I enjoy the perks. From now on, I plan to change my attitude and embrace the job as a whole.

So- starting first thing this Monday morning, I am excited to get to work! And, I'll make a point to relish the 'perks' that come my way!

Kara Edwards Voice Over

11 Reasons Your Voice Over Business Will Be A Success

I try to spend an hour each morning reading interesting articles about business and voice over. It helps to start the day with fresh ideas, and I like seeing what people are up to. This week, however, there seemed to be a very negative energy in the air...at least with the articles I've come across. The one that put me slightly over the edge was the article that explained in detail the 9 ways my business would fail. Ok, it didn't target me specifically- it was written for anyone who owned a business.

The way I see it, there are plenty of unhappy things going on in the world today, so why contribute in any way to the negativity?

So, without further ado- here are the top 11 reasons I believe you are going to be a great success:

1. You care about your product. You've invested time and money into proper training, ensuring you can handle anything that comes your way.

2. You are trust worthy. You deliver your product on time and in the way your client asks you to (note: please check out my friend Caryn Clark's great blog on integrity).

3. You have the proper tools. Your studio sounds great, and the files you deliver are clean (no hum, mouth noise, unnecessary compression or EQ).

4. You are professional. From the first phone call or e-mail to the final invoice, you are up-front with your turn around time and rates, and you deliver on your promises.

5. You are likable. Relating back to a previous blog I wrote, your clients call you again and again because they enjoy you as a talent- and as a person. Other talents admire and like you as well, and aren't afraid to refer you to their own clients.

6. You are honest. If there is something you can't do, you are upfront about it. If the project is going to take longer than expected, you call your clients to let them know as soon as possible.

7. You are consistent. You take care of your voice (your tools) so that you are always able to deliver the same great product.

8. You value your services. You don't drop your rates to get the job, or 'beat out' someone else. You know you are worth the money the client will spend.

9. Your pride never gets in the way. You realize this job isn't about you, it's about providing a great product. You don't worry about auditions you didn't book, you don't take it personally if the client decides to go another direction.

10. You are innovative. Your studio is always up to date, and you are always researching ways to better yourself and your services.

11. You are a positive inspiration. The most powerful word in the English language is 'choose'. Every day you choose to say positive things, think positive thoughts, and be an inspiration to those around you.

So, there you have it. 11 reasons I know your voice over business will be a great success! I am quite sure there are many, many more reasons- so feel free to leave a comment and tell us about them!

Kara Edwards Voice Over