This will be quick, but (I think) profound.
The classic: “It may be simple but it’s not easy”
My friend and FABULOUS British voice talent Philip Banks just posted this very “simple” admonition to all of us VO’s out there, and which works for any entrepreneur:
“Do you know the name of the man who provides the voice for most film trailers? It’s Don La Fontaine; there are a few other men doing the same job. Ashton Smith, Hal Douglas and Nick Tate to name three. Between them they account for about $12,000,000 in fee income. Call any agent in New York or Los Angeles and they’ve got “that sound” covered. What are most of the male voice in the USA trying to sell? The same sound, the same voice; their USP ……Me too! How far do you think it gets them? On a few web sites frequented by Voice Overs I posted this …….ME2 . My point is a fairly simple one but so few seem to want to take it on board.Is your business just a clone of another business set up by you in the hope of getting a share of the market? Wouldn’t it be easier to sell YOU?”
Your story is unique: tell it! Works for me! (Thanks Philip!)
I’m so glad to see you write about this! In truth, it’s the first time I’ve read your blog so I’m probably hooked now that you’ve mentioned something I believe in greatly. I have always been confident in what I can do with the voice I have and the few times I’ve tried to go beyond that it’s been very tough. Sooo not worth the frustration!
Ironically I was just reading and article in the Feb 08 edition of Popular Woodworking (don’t ask, I have no idea why either other than it must have been fate or something). Anyway, I just read it this morning and then stumbled upon your post. It was written by Alan Coggins, a violin maker, and he points out that “a violin maker’s claim to fame usually depends on advertising his complete lack of invention…”
’cause, you know, whatchagonnado with a new fangled crazy violin? He’s saying the same thing in a way.
I’m looking forward to reading more from you and maybe from this Coggin guy.
Mandy!
Welcome to my small corner of the blogesphere & thanks so much for posting!
It’s funny how you can pick up a magazine that’s totally out of your realm & still get something out of it! I just read a great article on Richard Branson in “Cigar Aficionado” – and I don’t smoke! Go figure! 🙂
Peace!
Liz