So you want to do the voice-over thing full-time for radio and TV stations…..
Okay, so ya drew up a good business plan, designed a cool logo for your business then ya went out and bought yourself a computer system with a CDRW and a respectable soundcard, added a real slick multi-track recording/editing software program like Cool Edit Pro, invested in a decent mic and mic pre-amp, added a mixer, bought a few CD's with a bunch of noise on 'em, bought an ISDN box and had ISDN lines installed, added a cable modem for high-speed internet access and then set-up your own website with FTP so clients can download their projects direct from your site's server.
What do ya do after you tack up mattress foam all over the walls and ceiling and set-up all your gear in the spare bedroom, closet or basement and cut some incredible demos? You kick back...and have a few brews.
What the heck, you've earned 'em (burp)!....then go grab another can of liquid refreshment, plop down on the couch and read! Actually, you should have done some reading before you even plunked down the first dollar for equipment to see what you're getting into. Oh it's a fun business alright….but you have to treat it like a business and NOT a hobby. And by the way get yourself a good lawyer, accountant and collection agency. Sooner or later you're going to need all three.
"If I knew what I know now…back then…." Well my friend…here's some suggested reading to help you get a head-start and hopefully nudge you in the right direction so you'll be able to miss a few of the bumps in the road I experienced starting out as a mere "lad" in the VO biz. These books have nothing to do with voice-overs… they're about marketing, management, positive thinking and simple business "how to's".
You already have some experience in how to use your voice. These books have inspired me in the beginning and over the years and I hope they'll inspire you as well. Drop me a line and let know how you're doing from time to time…." Now where did I put that brew....?"
Suggested reading:
"Think And Grow Rich" by Napoleon Hill
"Career Tracking" by Jimmy Calano and Jeff Salzman
"What They Don't Teach You In Harvard Business School" by M.H. McCormick
"Getting Everything You Can Out Of All You've Got" by Jay Abraham
"Get Clients Now! A 28-Day Marketing Program for Professionals And Consultants" by C.J. Hayden
"Self Promotion for the Creative Person" by Lee Silber
"The Daily Drucker" by Peter F. Drucker
Wanta special private "one-on-one" consultation with Mike Carta to "kick start" your VO career? Go to the Feedback page and send an e-mail.
* copyrighted material
|
|
