Progress

Can someone tell me where 2013 went? It's December? What? Like they say 'time flies when you're having fun'.  It's been another year of learning and growing for me.   Running a small business requires you to wear a lot hats, but I'm always reminding myself that the overall goal is to be in a constant state of progress.  I also find that "baby" goal setting helps keep me on track and doesn't overwhelm me.  I look back at what my goals were for 2013, and I feel really good about what I've accomplished so far.  Progress, indeed. 

I once read that it's the little extra effort you put in each day that equals the big payoff.  You can make really big things happen when you have a clear idea of what you want.  But you have to define your goals specifically. You can't be vague. Then each day you actually have to put energy toward that specific goal if you truly expect a result.  It's common sense really.  The cool thing is we're talking about a few minutes.  This year I wanted to create many new client relationships.  So each day I took about 15 minutes, and researched production companies in a different city and contacted them.  That wasn't too hard.  And guess what?  I have quite a few new relationships.  I also wanted to be more organized.  So I created a daily checklist for myself.  At the end of each day I cruise through it.  And, presto!  I'm more organized.  I also wanted to start getting more daily exercise.  So I found a walking buddy, (thanks Kirissa) and I force myself to get up at 5:45 Monday through Friday and get a 1 hour power walk in each morning before I start my workday.  These are three examples of changes I made in 2013.  Am I getting results?  You bet I am.  And these are only 3 examples!  

I've discovered that big changes truly come from the little, dedicated steps we take every day.  The 10% of awesomeness required really isn't that difficult.  We owe it to ourselves to do it.  As I grow my business and voice over career I keep myself on track with these little tweaks so I can continue the progress.  Progress feels so good.  The other great news is that you don't have to wait until 2014 to start.  Do yourself a favor and start right now.  What's one little change you can make?  You got this.  Like I said, "baby goals."  They grow up fast and become big accomplishments in no time. 

One

No my number isn't 867-5309, it's an 80's song reference.

We all have to start with that very first break. Someone takes a chance on us. We build our first relationship with a production company, we book our very first client, or that agency we've been really hoping to sign with says Y-E-S. It starts with one. One gets you going. One fuels the fire to get you to two and so on. It’s a domino effect really - and it’s awesome. 

After working hard and studying voice over for a couple of years, anxiously, I decided to take my shiny, new demo “tape” with my fancy font phone number on the side around to local producers. I jumped into my beetle and set out on a scary, exciting adventure. Keep in mind this is about 11 years ago, and my strategy was to make a genuine connection with all of the local production companies in Las Vegas where I lived. 

Well, someone said yes. John McClain, the now owner of Dog and Pony Show Studios in Las Vegas called me on this thing called a telephone - the kind with a cord. He must have liked the fancy font I put so much thought into and asked me to come in for a live audition. The studio where he worked at the time was considering new talent for their roster, and liked what he heard on my demo. So, he had me read a variety of scripts, many different styles, moods, and attitudes. I was so nervous I thought he could hear my heart beating through the mic. He was so nice and laid back, and threw a lot of different direction at me to see how well I took it. He said, ”Well, you've got quite a range there. Nice job. I'll put a good word in for you. We’ll give you a call.” Gulp.

He called again. I was added to their roster. It was my first Y-E-S. My game-changer. It’s now more than a decade later, and at this point, thankfully and humbly, I have booked thousands of spots. And to think it all started with one. You know the coolest part? I still regularly work with John after all these years, and I don’t know if I've ever told him this story. So, thanks, John for taking a chance on this nervous, hopeful girl who wanted to make a career voicing. And to all of you voice over hopefuls out there: work hard, be prepared, get your mp3 file polished up and set out for your first Y-E-S. Someone is going to take a chance on you.

Blue Moon

Fruit Roll-Ups® Wicked Witch Hats Courtesy of bettycrocker.com

I toyed with the idea of pursuing voice over for a long time. As a kid I loved commercials. I’d memorize them and record myself on my Strawberry Shortcake Cassette Recorder. A few of my personal faves? Fruit Roll Ups® TV Spots and Zips. Yes, as in the super cool Velcro Shoe's commercials from the 80’s. I knew I was destined to do creative things. When I was 16, I auditioned to sing for a 20-piece big band in the Chicago suburbs where I grew up. I showed up knowing one tune: Blue Moon. To my surprise, I was hired on the spot to be their lead singer. Let’s just say I had many songs to learn. After high school I became a cruise director and singer on a few different cruise ships. It was a great experience, and I learned a lot while seeing the world and meeting so many interesting people. 

As a new bride, my next move was to Las Vegas, where I could sing on the infamous Vegas Strip, but still come home each night. After many late nights and smoky lounges I revisited my childhood dream: voice over. This idea kept popping into my head. But how? I found out about a voice over class, and decided to check it out. You know how they say when you meet 'the one' you just know? Well, after my first class I 'just knew'. Voice over was my true love, aside from my amazing husband of course. So I dug in. I listened. I studied. I read... and read... and read. I was dedicated to developing my skills and my understanding of this unique craft. I did the work, and I couldn't get enough of it. After two years of working with a coach on a weekly basis I cut my demo tape. Yeah, I said tape. My demo was on a cassette, but unfortunately I’d lost Strawberry Shortcake by this point. 

Because this is a blog and not a novel I have get to my point. And my point is, if you’re interested in pursuing voice over work, or opening up a doughnut shop, or anything at all, just take that first step. Check it out. Be true to yourself. What did you want to be when you were a kid? What does your 'inner child' want to be when it grows up right now? I’m really glad I knew the song Blue Moon and that I had people around me who said I could do anything. But mostly I’m really thankful that I have a chance to inspire people to follow their dreams. It does require work, but you owe it to yourself to take that first step. 

P.S. Thanks Mom and Dad for good ole’ Strawberry Shortcake. I was manifesting my dreams and didn't even know it.