Just some thoughts

[Colin]

Ok, so..... I have been putting off putting together a demo because I simply lack the skill to do it myself , granted I have put together some audio dramas for a free group, but that is a whole other monster to tame, and I'm not sure if there are any studios in my area within my budget (as I am making minimum wage practically).

So, with this said, how (and where) might one get a decent demo (or demos) together to market that person? Also, what and/or how is the best way one can find what their voice can portray and sell the best ?

[Julie Williams]

Hi Colin,

Are you ready for a demo yet? Do you have training? It is the most important marketing tool, so you need to scrape up a good chunk to get a good demo... but you shoudl not do it until you are ready.

The catch 22 is that you can't get work until you have a demo! But Vo training is cheaper than college...and you work for yourself. You CAN make a lot of money... but a lot of people don't for a number of reasons:

Not skilled enough
Don't market selves well
Poor business sense
etc.

[Colin]

Hey Julie,

Thank you for responding! To answer your questions

Are you ready for a demo yet?

I feel that I am ready, but feeling your ready and someone that does VO training telling you your ready are two different boats.

Do you have training?

I've had some acting training, which I plan on continuing (I'm going through some financial problems) and I have some stage acting experience as well as a few years of free voice work.

I read your FAQ just recently, where you suggest on writing your own copy. I guess I could try to come up with some things that would fit my particular voice...

I know that I would most likely be good for narration. I will, if it's ok, make a short (30 second) demo for that and post it here.....

I think I most likely fall under the "Don't market selves well" and possibly the "Poor business sense" areas. I have been trying to find how to market myself. Perhaps I should buy your "How To Make Money in Voice-Overs Even If You Don't Live in N.Y. or L.A.." kit (or wait till your having a contest for it again heh). Anyways.....yeah....thanks for answering my question.

[Julie Williams]

If you are ready for a demo, there are a number of people across the country who do them... but even some with recognizable names don't do a great job.

Where do you live?

[Colin]

I live in Pittsburgh, PA.

[Julie Williams]

I'd work with you, but you'd have to fly here... and I can't do that until summer at least. Not a bad market, though. Do you have an agent? Talent Group is good. I've worked with Becky there.

[Colin]

Originally Posted by Julie Williams

I'd work with you, but you'd have to fly here... and I can't do that until summer at least. Not a bad market, though. Do you have an agent? Talent Group is good. I've worked with Becky there.

Didn't I read in the February VOI that your going to start offering telecoaching?

Right now though, I don't have an agent. I've heard of Talent Group, both good and bad. I suppose I should go and see them asap. I heard you can only see them the first Monday of every month or something if you want to go to their office, but I'm not sure on that.

Either way, I feel that the time is now, and that I am ready. If it's ok Julie, can I call or email you off list and talk to you about your prices?

[Julie Williams]

Hi COlin,
I'm not sure if you knew that I just had surgery...that's why I've been somewhat non-communicative. I was totally offline for a week and then whgen I got back to work.... I had a backup of VOs to do and reaqlly had to pace myself!

I never thought of V O as physically taxing, but is actually is (right after surgery, anyway)

I do telecoaching for $125/hr and would love to work with you. If you don't mind, it would be better for me to have another week to recover before we start..perhaps the first week of April.

We can work together once a week.... or once a month. I recommend once a week at first...(for first 3-4 wks) then once a month. You need time to practice in between or our sessions will not have the same impact on your career.

You can email me directly at julie@voice-overs.com if you'd like to schedule one or a block of consultations
(1@$125/HR 5@$500)

Thanks, COlin!
IT's tricky to time... you dont' want to waste money on a demo if you're not ready...but you want to get one the minute you're ready to get at least some work...like bottom feeder stuff through voice123 (jobs that pay $150 or less is what I call bottom feeder stuff) so you can start recouping your investment as you continue to grow as a talent. For a beginning talent... it's nice to have some income to offset the outgo...plus, the IRS considers it a hobby if you have no income!

Let me know when you're ready!
Julie

[Colin]

I will be emailing you Julie, and I am serious. I just need to get my financial situation taken care of, but as soon as I do, I will sign up for the 5 session deal!

Thanks for offering to work with me and train me!