One of the pluses about THIS un-conference is that the seating is limited.  That’s so YOUR seat has the same great view as everyone else’s!

Unlike other events with open enrollment, FaffCon4 didn’t need a lot of promotion.  Word-of-mouth alone led to the sold-out sign going on the door in short order.

Everyone in VO-land benefits from the lucky 100 attending FaffCon, ’cause like SXSW or TED, the ripples of inspiration and innovation spread out to the larger VO community.  I find it so inspiring that this event grew out of a collective spirit on the VO-BB in the first place, and then has thrived under the careful and tireless watch of Amy Snively (and a dedicated corps of her associates — Chief among them:  Pam Tierney, Connie Terwilliger and Peter O’Connell).

Yes, there are those associates, and then there are the supporters (and considerable cross-over).  I suppose you could count ALL the attendees as supporters, but then there are those who extend themselves even  further and become official supporters.

VoiceBank.net is the 800 lb Gorilla in that respect.  VoiceBank.net and their fraternal twin –  Voiceregistery.com — are the “Presenting” sponsors.  Everybody’s friend Bob Souer is the “sustaining” sponsor, and “key supporting sponsors” are Mara Junot, AudioTechnica, and David Goldberg’s Edge Studio.

The next echelon of help comes with the title, “Supporting Sponsors”, and that’s where I fall…’been there for 3 FaffCons, now.  And I’ve got great company, including BSW, Moe Eagan, Liz de Nesnera, JS Gilbert, Rich Owen, Bobbin Beam, and GA Voiceovers.

At the next level of support comes the “Contributing sponsors”.  They include a who’s who of Voice Over people and organizations:  The Dallas Voice Acting Meet-up group (brainchild of Cliff Zellman), Sound  Advice (Dan Friedman), Harlan Hogan’s VoiceOver essentials, Source-Elements.com, Lynda.com, The VO-BB, d3 VoiceWorks (Diane Maggipinto), Word2Wave.com (Hervé Chain), Melissa Exelberth, VoiceOverXtra (John Florian), and VoxMan (Corey Snow).

So there you have it.  The point here being:  if you love FaffCon and all it stands for and all it gives you, then you might consider patronizing the above list of sponsors with whatever sort of support you feel they deserve (Peanut Butter cups are fine for me, thankyou!).

On that 3-day weekend — Mar 23, 24, & 25th, watch for a surge of social media info comin’ across the transom on Twitter, and FaceBook especially, and I’ll be blogging, of course, from Ventura beach.

If you’re going…I can’t wait to greet you…if you’re bypassing FaffCon this time ’round, I can’t wait to fill you in on all the great stuff we’ll discuss.

Thanks to Peter O’Connell for the reminder to thank our sponsors.

CourVO

That’s why I’m particularly pleased to see Edge Studio move aggressively and charitably into New Media with a big upcoming announcement.

Gladly, they’re making it a move that includes a beneficial relationship with the Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic Organization…fitting to match readers with those who are challenged in that area.

I’ve been lending some nominal help to the management and staff at Edge in suggesting ideas to help in this launch.  It didn’t take much.  Edge already has an incredible online presence in the form of their website.  It’s a veritable treasure trove for voice actors, and keeps getting better all the time.

In the last month or two, though, I’ve met a number of times with owner David Goldberg, and their astute  Social Media Director Vanessa Richardson, to consider possible courses to a higher online presence, especially in FaceBook and Twitter.  The result of all our brainstorming is the announcement you’ll see below.

I hope you’ll contribute to this great idea, while at the same time helping this NYC-based voice over fixture become a little more present in a growing medium.

Please take the time to read the announcement below, and consider contributing.  The link to Edge Studio’s new FaceBook page.

CourVO

Contact: Vanessa Richardson

Tel. 888-321-EDGE (3343)                                                          FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Email: Vanessa@EdgeStudio.com

Edge Studio Benefits Blind/Dyslexic Through Social Media The voice-over production and training group

raises money and awareness for Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic.

When it comes to cooperation, what better match than between an organization full of professional readers, and those with reading disabilities who listen to professional readers.

That explains why, on December 20^th, Edge Studio will launch a charitable venture to benefit Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic (RFB&D), an organization that works with leading publishers and technology innovators for individuals with visual and learning disabilities.

David Goldberg, Owner and Director of Edge Studio, a voice-over audio production and training company, said, “RFB&D refers readers to us for training because their listeners prefer natural-style deliveries. So this is our opportunity to give back.”

Edge Studio will donate $1 to RFB&D each time a unique visitor clicks the “Like” link on Edge Studio’s Facebook fan page between December 20 and January 4^th. Edge Studio’s Twitter and LinkedIn pages, as well as various Internet user groups, including Google, and Yahoo user groups, will include links to the Edge Studio fan page.

(See URLS below)

The goal is to simultaneously raise money and awareness for RFB&D, while launching Edge Studio into the realm of social media.

In addition to helping a good cause, being actively involved in social media will make Edge Studio even more helpful to budding and veteran voice talent, and to anyone else in the entertainment/Radio/TV industries involved with voice recording. Daily posts and Tweets will give suggestions, share information, and refer visitors to EdgeStudio.com website for its generous supply of other tools and free information.

“Not only will our launch into Social Media broaden our reach to help more voice actors, but it will also help a cause we strongly believe in.” Mr. Goldberg said.  ”They want to hear readers, and we like to read! So supporting RFB&D is to everyone’s benefit!”

URLS:

Edge Studio

(http://www.edgestudio.com/)

(http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Edge-Studio-Voice-Over-Industry-Center/170306269655118 )

(http://twitter.com/EdgeStudio)

(http://www.linkedin.com/in/edgestudio)

Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic

http://www.rfbd.org

About Edge Studio

A leading authority in the voice-over industry since 1988, Edge Studio specializes in the production of voice recordings, and the training of new and established voice actors, narrators and other spoken-word performers. Edge Studio facilities have produced or recorded more than 13,000 voiceover projects, spanning all genres.

Production services include genre-specific expertise in production, casting, translation, project guidance and management, recording, editing, music, sound design, and answering any voice-related question.

Training services includes candid aptitude assessment, career guidance, voice-over coaching, demo recording and business/marketing skills. Advanced students and established professionals also receive individual training from coaches who are also respected performers recognized within the voice-over industry.

Edge Studio has facilities in New York City, Connecticut, Washington D.C., and Los Angeles, and regularly produces and trains remotely via telephone, ISDN, the Internet, Skype, and other technologies.

###

For more information, or to schedule an interview with David Goldberg, please call
Vanessa Richardson at 888-321-EDGE (3343), or email vanessa@edgestudio.com

Mark Davidson’s VoiceOverDirectory is the same enterprise that sponsored my session on applying Social Media techniques to your Voice Acting business, hosted at the end of ‘09.

You can still get a copy of  my accompanying online material, as well as sign-up for David Goldberg’s session scheduled for this coming Monday, by clicking HERE.

To go straight to the sign-up page for the Goldberg session titled:  “The Acting in Voice Acting – Is It All Acting?”.  Click HERE.

CourVO

“Below the Fold” is their latest newsletter…I’ve copied and pasted the whole thing with all their notices, promotions, ads, and contact information (with their permission)…’cause you should look through it.  And if you don’t already get this newsletter…sign up for it!   The link is at the bottom.

Seriously good stuff!

CourVO

Edge Studio – Voice Over Today               November 12, 2009

Voice Over URLs: 8 Mistakes, and 6 Ways To Choose One

A voice-actor called and said, "Go to www.MarksVoiceToYou.com."
So I went to:
www.MarcsVoiceToYou.com
but nothing came up.
So I tried:
www.MarksVoice2U.com
but nothing came up.
So I gave up.

The level of your voice over success can be partly attributed to your
website address (URL).  Sound strange? Think about it: If a prospective
client cannot get to your website, you’ll likely lose that client.
Following are 8 common mistakes that, when fixed, will SEND MORE CASTING
PROFESSIONALS TO YOUR SITE!  Following that are 6 STEPS TO CHOOSE A URL.

8 MISTAKES WITH YOUR WEBSITE ADDRESS

(1) Ambiguous character mistakes:
Your business card says your website is "www.lOvoice.com".
The problem is that the first two characters appear to spell "ten", when
in actuality they are a lowercase "L" and capital "oh".

(2) Alternate Spelling mistakes:
Tell someone your website is "www.VoiceOverForYou.com", and they may
visit "www.VoiceOver4U.com"
Or if your website is "www.JayDoesVoice.com"
people will probably visit "www.JDoesVoice.com"

(3) Memory mistakes:
You want casting agents to remember your URL.
So you get "www.VoiceOverForYou.com",
but they may remember "www.VoiceOversForYou.com"
(with an "s" in "Overs").

(4) Display mistakes:
Which is easier to read: "www.christieinthebooth.com"
or "www.ChristieInTheBooth.com"?

(5) Extension mistakes:
If your website ends with ".org",
studies indicate that people still go to ".com"
So buy numerous extensions.

(6) Comfort mistakes:
Want a prospective client to know you’re a professional?
Then spend the extra $10 for "www.FranksVoice.com"
rather than "www.CableCompany.FreeWebsite.com/FranksVoice".
Likewise, process your email through your website, so it is
"Frank@FranksVoice.com" rather than FranksVoice@gmail.

(7) Hidden mistakes:
Is there another way to read your website?
For example, "www.GenItaliaVoices.com" or "www.voicesexpert.com".

(8) Similar-sounding character mistakes:
You’ve heard people clarify letters by saying, "That’s F as in Frank".
Well if your website has unclear letters in it, like "www.FMSB.com" be
prepared to do the same.  For example, say, "That’s FMSB as in Frank’s
Microphones Sound Beautiful", otherwise they’ll visit "www.SNFP.com".

6 WAYS TO CHOOSE YOUR WEBSITE ADDRESS

STEP 1) Find 10 URLs which are appropriate (as mentioned above) and
available (visit a domain seller, such as www.GoDaddy.com, and use their
on-line tester).

STEP 2) Show these 10 URLs to 10 people (who will be candid with you).
Ask them to quickly read each URL out loud.  Cross out any URLs that
2 or more people mis-read.

STEP 3) Speak the remaining URLs to another 10 people.  Ask them to
write out each URL on a piece of paper after you say it.  Cross out any
URLs that 2 or more people misspell.

STEP 4) Speak all remaining URLs to another 10 people.  Ask them which
one(s) they remember.  THE URLs THAT MOST PEOPLE REMEMBER SHOULD BE YOUR
URL.

STEP 5) Tell 10 people your new URL and ask them to tell you every way
it could be misspelled, changed, misheard, or remembered incorrectly.
THEN PURCHASE ANY OR ALL OF THOSE VARIATIONS.

STEP 6) Lastly, purchase the most common extensions (".com", . "org",
and so on) for, at minimum, your real URL and preferably for the
variations as well.  Remember: website addresses only cost around $10,
so if one more client can find you, the extra expense is well
worthwhile.

WANT HELP?  Call our Ask-A-Coach, buy a private consultation, take our
marketing seminar, and so on…
Do what you can to ensure a marketable, professional URL.
==================================
Announcing FREE Live Tele-Seminar "LEVERAGING SOCIAL MEDIA IN YOUR
VOICE-OVER BUSINESS" with Dave Courvoisier!
Saturday, November 14, 2009 at 1 p.m. (Eastern)
All you need is a telephone to participate but this tele-seminar is
limited to 45 participants only!
Enroll now at www.voiceoverdirectory.com/teleseminar.html
==================================
Our friends at Voice Talent Productions have announced that The Second
Annual New York Voiceover Mixer will be held on Saturday, December 5th
at the White Rabbit in Manhattan from 6:00-10:00pm.
Billed as "The East Coast’s Premier Networking Event", last years mixer
drew hundreds of voice actors, coaches, students and agents and this
year promises to be even better. Admission is free but you must RSVP
soon to be added to the guest list.
Go to http://voicetalentproductions.com/Events.aspx for all of the
details and the guest list plus a list of incredible raffle prizes.
Food and drinks are available for purchase throughout the evening.
Be sure to bring your business cards!
==================================
FREE CAREER CENTER, sponsored by Edge Studio!
ASK-A-COACH
  o WHAT’S YOUR QUESTION?
       o CALL 641-594-7078
       o Mondays 10pm-10:30pm ET
       o Wednesday 3pm-3:30pm ET
       o Fridays 10am-10:30am ET
PRACTICAL HELP ON GROWING YOUR BUSINESS
  o Archive & FAQs: www.edgestudio.com/answerseries.htm
WHERE DO YOU MARKET? WHO CAN HELP?
  o Marketing Links: www.edgestudio.com/marketing_resources.htm
CONSISTENTLY SOUND MORE POLISHED!
  o Vocal Care Chart: www.edgestudio.com/Voice-Over-Vocal-Care.htm
UNIQUE & VALUABLE NEWS, ARTICLES, & OFFERS
  o "Voice Over Today" eMagazine:
www.edgestudio.com/Voice-Over-Today.htm
ARE YOUR CD DEMOS MARKETABLE?
  o The "CD Helper":
www.edgestudio.com/voice-over-CD-demo-design-graphics-artwork.htm
STOP UNDERGHARGING YOURSELF!
  o The Industry Rate Card: www.edgestudio.com/Voice-Over-Rate-Card.htm
A FUN WAY TO DEVELOP YOUR CAREER, FROM HOME
  o "The Industry Guidebook": www.edgestudio.com/guidebook.htm
DETERMINE THE LENGTH OF YOUR SCRIPT
  o The "Words-To-Hours" Converter:
www.edgestudio.com/Voice-Over-Words-to-Hours-Converter.htm
NOW THERE’S NEVER AN EXCUSE NOT TO PRACTICE
  o 3,500 free scripts for practice and demo recording:
www.edgestudio.com/scripts.htm
LEARN BEFORE YOU MAKE MISTAKES!
  o The "Voice Over Mistake Chart":
www.edgestudio.com/Voice-Over-Mistake-Chart.htm
CANDID ANSWERS, FROM INDUSTRY EXPERT PANELS!
  o "Talk With A Pro": www.edgestudio.com/workshop-talk-with-a-pro.htm
       o Tuesdays 9pm-10pm ET
       o Dial 641-594-7078
==================================
ONLY 1 IN 10 (voice over) COVER LETTERS GETS IT RIGHT.
An actual mailbox survey shows that 90% of voice-over talent make at
least one major gaff in their cover email, snail mail, CD label or
website. And the one prospect you miss, the one gatekeeper you turn off,
might be the one to make your career.
But you can’t avoid mistakes if you don’t know what they are.
As a freelance copywriter familiar with the voice-over business, I can
help. I’ve written dozens of small-business websites, countless sales
letters, thousands of radio commercials and much more. (Learn more about
me at www.rensch.com/vo-mktg .)
I’ll look over your marketing materials or plans AT NO CHARGE, and if
you could use some help, I’m available at a special affordable rate
offered only to artists.
Remember, what you say about yourself says a lot about you. Let’s be
sure your words communicate quickly, clearly and meaningfully to the
people you need to reach.
Please call Randy Rensch at 718-577-0005 or email me at
vo-mktg@rensch.com for a free consultation while time permits.
==================================
WEBSITES FOR VOICE OVER TALENT
Need a way to share your voice with the world? A website is an excellent
tool for promoting your unique talents and skill to casting directors,
agents, clients, and other industry professionals.
ArtistUpgrade is a graphic design boutique that specializes in the
development of professional, effective, personalized websites and
graphic design for creative professionals
WE OFFER:
  o Innovative designs that express your personal style
  o Unlimited media files for download
  o Free domain name registration and hosting
  o Quality design at affordable prices
  o Design backed by Industry Research and Experience
  o Brand Development & Marketing Advice
PRICING: Call us for a free quote or visit our website at
www.ArtistUpgrade.com to learn more
WE LOVE EDGE: Mention "Edge Studio" to receive an exclusive discount on
any print or website design
READY TO GET STARTED?
Email us at info@artistupgrade.com or call 347-738-6020
ArtistUpgrade:: "The Power of Design."
==================================
FOLLOW DAILY VOICE-OVER NEWS & FEATURES!
Unless you’re visiting the VoiceOverXtra web site every day, you may
miss important insights and words of wisdom that can make all the
difference in your voice-over career.
VoiceOverXtra is the industry’s 24/7 news, education and resource
center. Visit today!
http://bit.ly/VoiceOverXtra-News
==================================
FREE ACTING AUDITION NOTICES
You may know that www.AuditionsOnly.com provides Free audition notices
and exclusive discounts to actor-related services
What you may not know is that we are the #1 e-mail advertising resource
for performing arts professionals and services. WHY?
  o We have an active list of over 13,000 e-mails (actors, singers,
    directors, agents, casting directors, producers etc )
  o We have over a decade of experience assisting actors and
    performing arts services with internet marketing.
  o We help you create successful ads by understanding your passion
    and bringing that passion into your marketing materials.
  o We review who opened your emails, who clicked on your website,
    and we advise you on what to do for future success.
  o WE ARE AFFORDABLE!
Lastly, we stand behind our work 100%. If you do not receive the results
you are looking for, we will work with you at no charge until we find a
way that WILL bring you results
Please call David Marcus @ 718-812-8148 or email david@AuditionsOnly.com
for further information.
==================================
CASTING CALL FOR AUDIOBOOKS:
Talent listings in AudioFile’s Audiobook Reference Guide
NEW OR EXPERIENCED, put your voice in front of directors and producers
who cast audiobooks.
AudioFile, is the source of all things audiobook, and the Guide’s Talent
listings have the features audiobook producers asked for!
  o Multiple voice demos
  o Audiobook credits linked to reviews
  o Agent & Contact information
  o Accent & language skills
  o And more.
List in AUDIOFILE’S AUDIOBOOK REFERENCE GUIDE. Just $160 includes
AudioFile magazine professional subscription. Find out more:
www.audiofilemagazine.com/guide_talent.html Or
Guide@audiofilemagazine.com or 800-506-1212 or www.audiofilemagazine.com
==================================
FOR THOSE WITH A DEMO
. . . IT’S TIME TO GET CUSTOMERS!
WELCOME EDGE STUDIO’s ‘BUILD YOUR BUSINESS’ PROGRAM
  o offer clients more genres
  o win more auditions
  o charge more from your home studio
  o gain more results from less marketing
A monthly, on-going program with 6 different classes each month,
designed to help you continually reassess your approach, gain customers,
and charge more.
We’ve seen a direct correlation between voice talent who take this
program, and the amount of work they get.
THE ‘BUILD YOUR BUSINESS PROGRAM’ COSTS:
  o $57 per month
  o or $297 for six-months (averages $49 per month)
THE PROGRAM INCLUDES 6 Different Classes Each Month:
2 TECHNIQUE SPOTLIGHT WORKSHOPS
Learn More Styles, Get More Work!
  o HERE ARE SOME UPCOMING WORKSHOPS:
  o The Acting of voice acting
  o Breaking Down Copy
  o Learn Audiobook
  o Creating Imagery
  o High Energy Commercial
  o Multi-Person Dialogue
  o Learn eLearning
2 AUDITION RINGER WORKSHOPS
Candid & Blunt Audition Preparation!
  o COVERED ARE THREE TYPES OF AUDITION TRAINING:
  o tele-auditions
  o home-studio auditions
  o pro-studio auditions
1 HOME-STUDIO 201 TUTORIAL
Become A Faster, Better Engineer & Charge More
  o HERE ARE SOME UPCOMING TUTORIALS:
  o Removing Breaths & Mouth Clicks
  o Microphone Placement
  o Audio Delivery and FTP
  o Storage & Backup Options
  o File Types, Saving, & Conversion
  o compression, Gates, & Limiters
1 MARKETING 201 FORUM
Track Your Progress, Network, & Market More Efficiently
  o HERE ARE SOME UPCOMING FORUMS:
  o What Text Goes On Your Website?
  o CDs versus MP3
  o Should You Market Abroad?
  o Internet Audition Sites
  o Agents, Agents, And Agents
  o When And What To Say
To get started or ask questions: 212-868-edge.
Choose in-studio or tele-training.
Available via tele-class, webinar, and in-studio. See schedule:
http://www.edgestudio.com/schedule.htm#phase-3
Remember – we’re here to help. Call with any questions (212-868-edge)
and tell us your success stories!
==================================
Voice Over Today is gladly published by Edge Studio NOT YOUR TYPICAL
VOICE OVER SCHOOL
Have a question? Want free advice? Call, we’ll help!
  o www.edgestudio.com
  o edge@edgestudio.com
  o Tele-Training: 888-321-edge
  o New York: 212-868-edge
  o Washington DC: 202-398-edge
  o Connecticut: 203-334-edge
SINCE: 1988
MEMBER: Better Business Bureau
MEMBER: Voice and Speech Trainers Association
SPONSOR: National Public Radio, Recording For The Blind & Dyslexic
————————————————————————
——–
TO SUBSCRIBE: send a blank email to:  VoiceOverToday-on@edgestudio.com

See the excerpt from their latest Newsletter below the fold, and believe it!

Also, please read all the way to the bottom of the message…tons of great links, contact info, offers of substantial help to voice-actors, and how you can receive this newsletter.

CourVO

8 Quick Ways To Grow Your Voice Over Business

Name one thing you could have done better for your voice over career.

By this time next week, have it done.
It is that simple to grow your business.

Here are more ways:

  o BUSINESS PLAN
Spend 2 hours writing a Business Plan. Why? Because you are a business,
and you need to run your business like a business, and any good business
has a business plan.
Writing a business plan will help you succeed by helping you organize
your goals and figuring out the steps you need to take to get there.
To write your business plan, write out your goals and work backwards.
For example, you may say, "I want to be a $200/hour voice over artist,
getting at least 15 hours of voice over work each week".
Then determine the steps to get there. Think about a role model in the
industry and determine the steps they may have taken to get there.
Look at sample business plans on-line. Talk to a business-friend.
THINK ABOUT THIS from your customer’s perspective. Don’t run your voice
over business blindfolded.
(Look for a feature article on Business Plans soon.)

  o TIME-LINE
Spend 30-minutes creating a Time-Line of career goals. Include marketing
goals, customer goals, revenue goals, and so on.
It’s important to know that IF you fall behind your time-line, the
likelihood of ever catching up is SLIM. So a) add numerous small steps
to your Time-Line, rather than adding a few huge steps this way each
goal on your Time-Line will feel realistically attainable.
And b) assume things will take 50% longer than you think they will, and
base your Time-Line on this.

  o MARKETING
Spend $96 each month getting lots more work!
Hire an intern or a student at a local university, or someone from the
local classifieds. Write out the things you SHOULD be doing, and pay
them $12/hour to do them. $96/month gets you 2 hours each week.
Because you’re paying them, you’ll be forced to tell them what to do.
In other words, you WILL move forward. Let them create marketing lists
for you, seal envelopes, and so on.

  o PRACTICE
Spend 30-minutes every other day practicing. And spend 1-hour each week
practicing a new genre.

  o FOLLOW UP
Spend 15-minutes every other day sending out a follow-up email to
someone who you should have followed-up with already. Then spend
15-minutes on the other days marketing to a new prospect.

  o AUDITION RECORDINGS
Spend about $100 to confirm and/or enhance the quality of your home
studio. While obviously crucial for paid jobs and demos, this is also
IMPERATIVE for audition recordings, because more and more often, the
person who selects the voice often does NOT know how to distinguish
between poor studio quality and poor vocal performance.

  o YOUR DEMO
Spend $200 to improve your demo. You’ve spent all of this time and
effort growing your career don’t let your demo be the one thing holding
you back from getting more.
Re-record that one segment on your demo that concerns you. Add one
segment that showcases a new style. Add one new sounding segment so your
demo sounds current.

  o AND THE BEST FOR LAST
Spend 3-minutes three times a week to learn something new by calling
Edge Studio’s free Ask-A-Coach: Dial 641-594-7078 Mondays 10pm-10:30pm
ET, Wednesdays 3pm-3:30pm ET, Fridays 10am-10:30am ET.
Unions, Agents, Microphones, Auditioning,…. use Edge Studio’s
Ask-A-Coach to ask any question you have.
==================================
FAVORITE CAREER RESOURCES, Free, From Edge Studio!
ASK-A-COACH
WHAT HAVE YOU WONDERED?  CALL AND ASK!
  o CALL 641-594-7078
  o Mondays 10pm-10:30pm ET
  o Wednesday 3pm-3:30pm ET
  o Fridays 10am-10:30am ET
CD DEMOS: WHAT GOES ON THEM?
  o www.edgestudio.com/voice-over-CD-demo-design-graphics-artwork.htm
RATES: THE VOICE OVER INDUSTRY RATE CARD
  o www.edgestudio.com/Voice-Over-Rate-Card.htm
ESTIMATE HELPER: THE WORDS-TO-HOURS-CONVERTER
  o www.edgestudio.com/Voice-Over-Words-to-Hours-Converter.htm
SCRIPTS: 3,500 FREE PRACTICE SCRIPTS
  o www.edgestudio.com/scripts.htm
EDUCATION: FREE INDUSTRY GUIDEBOOK
  o www.edgestudio.com/guidebook.htm
IMPROVEMENT: THE VOICE OVER MISTAKE CHART
  o www.edgestudio.com/Voice-Over-Mistake-Chart.htm
TALK WITH A PRO
CANDID ANSWERS, FROM INDUSTRY EXPERT PANELS!
  o Tuesdays 9pm-10pm ET
  o Dial 641-594-7078
  o schedule & PAST DISCUSSIONS:
    <http://www.edgestudio.com/workshop-talk-with-a-pro.htm>

ONLY 1 IN 10 (voice over) COVER LETTERS GETS IT RIGHT.
An actual mailbox survey shows that 90% of voice-over talent make at
least one major gaff in their cover email, snail mail, CD label or
website. And the one prospect you miss, the one gatekeeper you turn off,
might be the one to make your career.
But you can’t avoid mistakes if you don’t know what they are.
As a freelance copywriter familiar with the voice-over business, I can
help. I’ve written dozens of small-business websites, countless sales
letters, thousands of radio commercials and much more. (Learn more about
me at www.rensch.com/vo-mktg

I’ll look over your marketing materials or plans AT NO CHARGE, and if
you could use some help, I’m available at a special affordable rate
offered only to artists.
Remember, what you say about yourself says a lot about you. Let’s be
sure your words communicate quickly, clearly and meaningfully to the
people you need to reach.
Please call Randy Rensch at 718-577-0005 or email me at
vo-mktg@rensch.com for a free consultation while time permits.

==================================

WEBSITES FOR VOICE OVER TALENT

Need a way to share your voice with the world? A website is an excellent
tool for promoting your unique talents and skill to casting directors,
agents, clients, and other industry professionals.
ArtistUpgrade is a graphic design boutique that specializes in the
development of professional, effective, personalized websites and
graphic design for creative professionals
WE OFFER:
  o Innovative designs that express your personal style
  o Unlimited media files for download
  o Free domain name registration and hosting
  o Quality design at affordable prices
  o Design backed by Industry Research and Experience
  o Brand Development & Marketing Advice
PRICING: Call us for a free quote or visit our website at
www.ArtistUpgrade.com to learn more
WE LOVE EDGE: Mention "Edge Studio" to receive an exclusive discount on
any print or website design
READY TO GET STARTED?
Email us at info@artistupgrade.com or call 347-738-6020
ArtistUpgrade:: "The Power of Design."

==================================

FOLLOW DAILY VOICE-OVER NEWS & FEATURES!

Unless you’re visiting the VoiceOverXtra web site every day, you may
miss important insights and words of wisdom that can make all the
difference in your voice-over career.
VoiceOverXtra is the industry’s 24/7 news, education and resource
center. Visit today!
http://bit.ly/VoiceOverXtra-News

==================================

FREE ACTING AUDITION NOTICES
You may know that www.AuditionsOnly.com provides Free audition notices
and exclusive discounts to actor-related services
What you may not know is that we are the #1 e-mail advertising resource
for performing arts professionals and services. WHY?
  o We have an active list of over 13,000 e-mails (actors, singers,
    directors, agents, casting directors, producers etc )
  o We have over a decade of experience assisting actors and
    performing arts services with internet marketing.
  o We help you create successful ads by understanding your passion
    and bringing that passion into your marketing materials.
  o We review who opened your emails, who clicked on your website,
    and we advise you on what to do for future success.
  o WE ARE AFFORDABLE!
Lastly, we stand behind our work 100%. If you do not receive the results
you are looking for, we will work with you at no charge until we find a
way that WILL bring you results
Please call David Marcus @ 718-812-8148 or email david@AuditionsOnly.com
for further information.

==================================

Are you a registered voice over talent?
Go to www.VoiceOverDirectory.com/Registration.html. Create your free
profile and directory listing. Receive discounts on voice over classes,
workshops and coaching at www.VoiceOverDirectory.com.

==================================

CASTING CALL FOR AUDIOBOOKS:
Talent listings in AudioFile’s Audiobook Reference Guide
NEW OR EXPERIENCED, put your voice in front of directors and producers
who cast audiobooks.
AudioFile, is the source of all things audiobook, and the Guide’s Talent
listings have the features audiobook producers asked for!
  o Multiple voice demos
  o Audiobook credits linked to reviews
  o Agent & Contact information
  o Accent & language skills
  o And more.
List in AUDIOFILE’S AUDIOBOOK REFERENCE GUIDE. Just $160 includes
AudioFile magazine professional subscription. Find out more:
www.audiofilemagazine.com/guide_talent.html Or
Guide@audiofilemagazine.com or 800-506-1212 or www.audiofilemagazine.com

==================================

FOR THOSE WITH A DEMO
. . . IT’S TIME TO GET CUSTOMERS!
WELCOME EDGE STUDIO’s ‘BUILD YOUR BUSINESS’ PROGRAM
  o offer clients more genres
  o win more auditions
  o charge more from your home studio
  o gain more results from less marketing
A monthly, on-going program with 6 different classes each month,
designed to help you continually reassess your approach, gain customers,
and charge more.
We’ve seen a direct correlation between voice talent who take this
program, and the amount of work they get.
THE ‘BUILD YOUR BUSINESS PROGRAM’ COSTS:
  o $57 per month
  o or $297 for six-months (averages $49 per month)
THE PROGRAM INCLUDES 6 Different Classes Each Month:
2 TECHNIQUE SPOTLIGHT WORKSHOPS
Learn More Styles, Get More Work!
  o HERE ARE SOME UPCOMING WORKSHOPS:
  o The Acting of voice acting
  o Breaking Down Copy
  o Learn Audiobook
  o Creating Imagery
  o High Energy Commercial
  o Multi-Person Dialogue
  o Learn eLearning
2 AUDITION RINGER WORKSHOPS
Candid & Blunt Audition Preparation!
  o COVERED ARE THREE TYPES OF AUDITION TRAINING:
  o tele-auditions
  o home-studio auditions
  o pro-studio auditions
1 HOME-STUDIO 201 TUTORIAL
Become A Faster, Better Engineer & Charge More
  o HERE ARE SOME UPCOMING TUTORIALS:
  o Removing Breaths & Mouth Clicks
  o Microphone Placement
  o Audio Delivery and FTP
  o Storage & Backup Options
  o File Types, Saving, & Conversion
  o compression, Gates, & Limiters
1 MARKETING 201 FORUM
Track Your Progress, Network, & Market More Efficiently
  o HERE ARE SOME UPCOMING FORUMS:
  o What Text Goes On Your Website?
  o CDs versus MP3
  o Should You Market Abroad?
  o Internet Audition Sites
  o Agents, Agents, And Agents
  o When And What To Say
To get started or ask questions: 212-868-edge.
Choose in-studio or tele-training.
Available via tele-class, webinar, and in-studio. See schedule:
http://www.edgestudio.com/schedule.htm#phase-3
Remember – we’re here to help. Call with any questions (212-868-edge)
and tell us your success stories!

==================================

Voice Over Today is gladly published by Edge Studio NOT YOUR TYPICAL
VOICE OVER SCHOOL
Have a question? Want free advice? Call, we’ll help!
  o www.edgestudio.com
  o edge@edgestudio.com
  o Tele-Training: 888-321-edge
  o New York: 212-868-edge
  o Washington DC: 202-398-edge
  o Connecticut: 203-334-edge
SINCE: 1988
MEMBER: Better Business Bureau
MEMBER: Voice and Speech Trainers Association
SPONSOR: National Public Radio, Recording For The Blind & Dyslexic
————————————————————————
——–
TO SUBSCRIBE: send a blank email to:  VoiceOverToday-on@edgestudio.com
TO UNSUBSCRIBE: send a blank email to:
VoiceOverToday-off@edgestudio.com
TO CHANGE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS: send an email, with your old email address
in the subject line to:  VoiceOverToday-change@edgestudio.com     For
example:
       From: joe@new-address.com
       To:  VoiceOverToday-change@edgestudio.com
       Subject: joe@old-address.com
An acknowledgement message will be sent to both the new and old email
address, when the change process has been completed.
TO CONTACT VOICE OVER TODAY’S MANAGER: send your message to:
listmaster@edgestudio.com
mail-list.com    1302 Waugh Dr. #438    Houston, Texas    77019    USA

One of my faves is Edge Studio in NYC.  If you haven’t signed up for their newsletter, send a blank email to:  VoiceOverToday-on@edgestudio.com today.  Most all of their info is golden. No…make that all.

Try this, promise yourself to read one section of their helpful website a week, and in one year, you’ll still have stuff left to read.  Free.

In case you didn’t get their most recent newsletter, I’m re-purposing it below the fold.

The headline is ‘4 REASONS WHY PROFESSIONAL VOICE TALENT START LOSING WORK’, but following the article, there are a number of links and offers from services obviously affiliated with Edge…and they’re also worth a quick look.

CourVO

4 Reasons Why Professional Voice Talent Start Losing Work

Edge Studio – Voice Over Today                    September 30, 2009

The fact is, the voice over industry is continually evolving. So if you
don’t evolve along with it, YOU’LL LOSE CLIENTS.
Voice talent continually ask for our help.  They say, “I’m getting less
work than I used to.”  We ask why.  They’re either not sure, or they
guess it’s because they’ve been battling allergies, their clients must
have wanted a new voice, there must be more competition, their demo may
be getting old, a new agent opened up in town,…….
On and on.

While all of these reasons are valid, they are usually 100% avoidable.
We organized the steps you can take to prevent yourself from starting to
lose work into 4 categories.  READ THE SECTIONS THAT PERTAIN TO YOU.**

**Vocal Delivery: ARE YOU NO LONGER TRAINING?

Story: A while ago, one of our clients hired a student we had just
trained to narrate a large series of videos.  They loved his voice.
Recently we hired him back to narrate another large project.
This time, he no longer sounded good.  He lost a good client.
I asked if he’d been practicing.  He said no.
There are 3 reasons why CONTINUED TRAINING IS SO IMPORTANT:
You can fall into bad habits (no one tells you why you lose
auditions!)   Other voice talent will get better than you (watch
out!)   Clients always need new styles (new styles for podcasts,
self-guided tours,…)
solution: At minimum, work with a coach every other month to ensure you
maintain. Preferably, work with a coach every month to become better and
offer more clients more styles! Remember: your vocal delivery is your
livelihood!

**Home Studio Quality: ARE YOU RESISTANT TO TECHNOLOGY CHANGE?

Story: A voice talent sent me an audition recording.  Their voice was
PERFECT.  But their home studio quality wasn’t.  The client did not like
them.  (Note that some clients CANNOT DIFFERENTIATE between poor home
studio recording and poor vocal performance.) After telling the talent
this, she replied, “But this used to be fine.”  Yes, 5 years ago, her
quality was considered good for a home studio.  Today, however, clients
are used to better quality.
Here are a few other examples of not keeping up with technology:
Talent ask if they can fed-ex a CD to me.  “Huh?”  Why can’t they FTP it
to me?  Or oftentimes we hear slight noises in recordings.
Why?  I guarantee the talent will lose some work.  Fall behind in
technology, and your clients may leave you behind.
Here are technology items to stay current with:   equipment (editing
on old software is slower, so you charge more, and bid too high)
editing software / file type knowledge (unfamiliar with the new
file extensions for flash?  this scares clients)   delivery methods
(still have “fed-ex” on your rate card?  you look outdated)
solution: Hire someone to visit your studio once every 6 months for a
tune-up.  Have them update your software, show you new editing features,
check sound quality, and set you up for new file types.

**Marketing: ARE YOU COMPLACENT?

Story: At a recent voice over event, I was re-acquainted with a lot of
old-timers who told me, “I’m not getting the amount of work I used
to get!”  Funny, I thought   they hadn’t marketed to me in years and
subsequently I had forgotten about them and how talented they are.
Trust me: there is a reason why major retailers (Honda, Sears,
McDonalds,…) continue to promote themselves.  If they don’t,
competitors will eventually take over.  IT’S THE SAME THING IN VOICE
OVER.
Many old-times got all their work from a few clients and/or agents.
But things change.  Sometimes suddenly.  Are you prepared?  Or do you
rely on a few select clients (who could suddenly go out of business),
and meanwhile you’re not prepared to market?
Here are marketing to stay current with:   marketing frequency (do
you think single marketing efforts are still enough?)   marketing
types (do you think business cards are still all you need?) marketing
messages (still trying to be a jack of all trades?) marketing quality
(perforated edged, matrix printed business cards don’t work today)
solution: hire someone who knows voice over marketing to review your
business plan (do you even have one?  if you want to grow, you should
have one).  take a workshop at edge or even at a local college.

**Professionalism: ARE YOU BUSINESS-LIKE?

Story: One of our clients got VERY upset with a voice talent who we
hired recently.  So upset, they chose to replace him with another
talent!  Obviously we won’t hire that talent anymore.
But the weird thing is that the voice talent didn’t even realize what
they did wrong!
Face it: our little industry has grown up.  It’s now a big,
professional industry   complete with its set of do’s and don’t's.
And sure, as with anything, as time goes by, there are more and more
changes.  So for those of you who are beginning your voice over career,
you MUST LOOK PROFESSIONAL from the start.  And for those of you already
immersed in the industry, you MUST CONTINUE looking professional.  If
you don’t, you chance losing clients.
You MUST always stay on top of:   appearing professional (the
jargon, the sequence of events,…)   dealing with corporate types:
knowing when to ask which questions   the general in’s and out’s of
the industry   the ever-changing politics of the industry (unions,
agents,….)
solution: Study the industry.  Speak with folks who are in it.
Read books.  DO WHAT YOU CAN to come across business-like.
This makes a BIG difference in the amount of work you get.
(Or consider Edge Studio’s “Talk & Pro 101 Seminar)
IF YOU WANT help with any of these issues, call our office 212-868-EDGE
(3343) or our “Ask A Coach Hotline” at 641-594-7078 on Mondays
10pm-10:30pm, Wednesdays 3pm-3:30pm, and Fridays 10am-10:30am ET.
==================================
FAVORITE RESOURCES, from Edge Studio!
ASK-A-COACH
UNIONS, HOME STUDIOS, AUDITIONS, AGENTS,….. ASK ANYTHING!
* CALL 641-594-7078 *
o Mondays 10pm-10:30pm ET
o Wednesday 3pm-3:30pm ET
o Fridays 10am-10:30am ET
CD DEMOS: WHAT GOES ON THEM?
o www.edgestudio.com/voice-over-CD-demo-design-graphics-artwork.htm
RATES: THE VOICE OVER INDUSTRY RATE CARD
o www.edgestudio.com/Voice-Over-Rate-Card.htm
ESTIMATE HELPER: THE WORDS-TO-HOURS-CONVERTER
o www.edgestudio.com/Voice-Over-Words-to-Hours-Converter.htm
SCRIPTS: 3,500 FREE PRACTICE SCRIPTS
o www.edgestudio.com/scripts.htm
EDUCATION: FREE INDUSTRY GUIDEBOOK
o www.edgestudio.com/guidebook.htm
IMPROVEMENT: THE VOICE OVER MISTAKE CHART
o www.edgestudio.com/Voice-Over-Mistake-Chart.htm
TALK WITH A PRO
CANDID ANSWERS FROM EXPERTS, WHILE YOU’RE ANONYMOUS!
* CALL 641-594-7078 *
Tuesdays 9pm-10pm ET
o schedule: www.edgestudio.com/careerbuilding.htm
o Pro’s bios: www.edgestudio.com/workshop-talk-with-a-pro.htm
o past discussions:
www.edgestudio.com/Career-Building/Talk-With-A-Pro/
==================================
ONLY 1 IN 10 (voice over) COVER LETTERS GETS IT RIGHT.
An actual mailbox survey shows that 90% of voice-over talent make at
least one major gaff in their cover email, snail mail, CD label or
website. And the one prospect you miss, the one gatekeeper you turn off,
might be the one to make your career.
But you can’t avoid mistakes if you don’t know what they are.
As a freelance copywriter familiar with the voice-over business, I can
help. I’ve written dozens of small-business websites, countless sales
letters, thousands of radio commercials and much more. (Learn more about
me at www.rensch.com/vo-mktg .)
I’ll look over your marketing materials or plans AT NO CHARGE, and if
you could use some help, I’m available at a special affordable rate
offered only to artists.
Remember, what you say about yourself says a lot about you. Let’s be
sure your words communicate quickly, clearly and meaningfully to the
people you need to reach.
Please call Randy Rensch at 718-577-0005 or email me at
vo-mktg@rensch.com for a free consultation while time permits.
==================================
WEBSITES FOR VOICE TALENT
.Need a way to share your voice with the world? Most casting directors
look online to find voice talent.
We provide professional, effective, personalized websites and design
materials for creative professionals:
Innovative designs that express your personal style
Unlimited media files for download
Free domain name registration and hosting
Quality design at affordable prices
Backed by Industry Research and Experience
Mention “Edge Studio” to receive an exclusive discount on any print or
website design services.
PRICING: Call us for a free quote and/or 1 Hour Consultation or visit
our website at www.ArtistUpgrade.com to learn more about us
READY TO SHARE YOUR TALENT AND SKILL ONLINE? Email us at
info@artistupgrade.com or call 347-738-6020 to set up a free
consultation.
ArtistUpgrade:: “The Power of Design.”
==================================
Upcoming Special Events at Edge Studio, NY With Special Guest MARC
CASHMAN!
Saturday October 24, 10am-6pm
The Cashman Cache Voice Over for AUDIOBOOKS $429, includes breakfast and
lunch
Sunday October 25, 10am-6pm
The Cashman Cache Voice Over for VIDEOGAMES $429, includes breakfast and
lunch
With extra special casting guests from each field!
For ADVANCED talent only…if interested, please EMAIL
lara@edgestudio.com for more info.
==================================
CHECK VoiceOverXtra DAILY
& Get On With Your Career!
FREE! Learn insider tips and techniques from the pros – voice
acting, home studio, marketing, career – and so much more. New
subscribers receive 14 valuable reports by industry experts: How
To Ace The Audition
VoiceOverXtra … The Voice-Over Industry’s Online News, Education
& Resource Center … Your Daily Resource For Building Voice-Over
Success
www.VoiceOverXtra.com/subscribe.htm
==================================
FREE ACTING AUDITION NOTICES
You may know that www.AuditionsOnly.com provides Free audition
notices and exclusive discounts to actor-related services
What you may not know is that we are the #1 e-mail advertising
resource for performing arts professionals and services. WHY?
- We have an active list of over 13,000 e-mails (actors, singers,
directors, agents, casting directors, producers etc )
- We have over a decade of experience assisting actors and performing
arts services with internet marketing.
- We help you create successful ads by understanding your passion
and bringing that passion into your marketing materials.
- We review who opened your emails, who clicked on your website,
and we advise you on what to do for future success.
- WE ARE AFFORDABLE!
Lastly, we stand behind our work 100%. If you do not receive the
results you are looking for, we will work with you at no charge
until we find a way that WILL bring you results
Please call David Marcus @ 718-812-8148 or email
david@AuditionsOnly.com for further information.
=================================
DO YOU LIVE UP TO YOUR DEMO?
You’ve got a well produced and directed, dynamite sixty second demo
of your signature sounds in different shades for different markets,
and different products.
But competition is keen, change is a constant, and you’re booking
less.
What can you do to up your game and be ready for the unexpected?
Melanie Chartoff (melaniechartoff.com, chartoffteaching.com) has been
a pro in all aspects of the industry for three decades and can take
you from insecure to ready for every audition opportunity. Don’t
waste a second, as decisions get made in the first five seconds of
your reading. Learn to be self-reliant and make the most of your
moments in the booth.  Be bullet proof, beyond any distractions,
and be adaptable for any audition or work situation.
Tuesday October 6, 6:30pm-9pm At Edge Studio: 307 Seventh Avenue
(between 27th and 28th), New York City
Sign up now! Workshop limited to 12 voices – Seats will go fast!
Only $77
Questions? Reservations?
Email Melanie charmel444@gmail.com
Or call Melanie 310-418-1387
==================================
Are you a registered voice over talent?
Go to www.VoiceOverDirectory.com/Registration.html. Create your
free profile and directory listing. Receive discounts on voice over
classes, workshops and coaching at www.VoiceOverDirectory.com.
==================================
CASTING CALL FOR AUDIOBOOKS:
Talent listings in AudioFile’s Audiobook Reference Guide
NEW OR EXPERIENCED, put your voice in front of directors and
producers who cast audiobooks.
AudioFile, is the source of all things audiobook, and the Guide’s
Talent listings have the features audiobook producers asked for!
Multiple voice demos
Audiobook credits linked to reviews
Agent & Contact information
Accent & language skills
And more.
List in AUDIOFILE’S AUDIOBOOK REFERENCE GUIDE. Just $160
includes AudioFile magazine professional subscription. Find
out more: www.audiofilemagazine.com/guide_talent.html Or
Guide@audiofilemagazine.com or 800-506-1212 or
www.audiofilemagazine.com
==================================
FOR THOSE WITH A DEMO
. . . IT’S TIME TO GET CUSTOMERS!
WELCOME EDGE STUDIO’s ‘BUILD YOUR BUSINESS’ PROGRAM
o offer clients more genres
o win more auditions
o charge more from your home studio
o gain more results from less marketing
A monthly, on-going program with 6 different classes each month,
designed to help you continually reassess your approach, gain
customers, and charge more.
We’ve seen a direct correlation between voice talent who take this
program, and the amount of work they get.
THE ‘BUILD YOUR BUSINESS PROGRAM’ COSTS:
o $57 per month
o or $297 for six-months (which averages $49 per month)
THE ‘BUILD YOUR BUSINESS’ PROGRAM INCLUDES:
6 Different Classes Each Month:
2 TECHNIQUE WORKSHOPS (choose tele or studio)
Stay ‘in-tune’ and offer clients more styles
o HERE ARE SOME UPCOMING WORKSHOPS:
o The Acting of voice acting
o Breaking Down Copy
o Learn Audiobook
o Creating Imagery
o High Energy Commercial
o Multi-Person Dialogue
o Learn eLearning
2 AUDITION WORKSHOPS (choose tele or studio)
Gain the confidence and expertise to nail auditions
o COVERED ARE THREE TYPES OF AUDITION TRAINING:
o tele-auditions
o home-studio auditions
o pro-studio auditions
1 HOME-STUDIO 201 TUTORIAL (webinar)
Become a faster, better engineer & Charge More
o HERE ARE SOME UPCOMING TUTORIALS:
o Removing Breaths & Mouth Clicks
o Microphone Placement
o Audio Delivery and FTP
o Storage & Backup Options
o File Types, Saving, & Conversion
o compression, Gates, & Limiters
1 MARKETING 201 FORUM (webinar)
Get a Kick in the (marketing) Butt & Market More Efficiently
o HERE ARE SOME UPCOMING FORUMS:
o What Text Goes On Your Website?
o CDs versus MP3
o Should You Market Abroad?
o Internet Audition Sites
o Agents, Agents, And Agents
o When And What To Say
To get started or ask questions: 212-868-edge.
Choose in-studio or tele-training.
Available via tele-class, webinar, and in-studio. See schedule:
http://www.edgestudio.com/schedule.htm#phase-3
Remember – we’re here to help. Call with any questions (212-868-edge)
and tell us your success stories!
==================================
Voice Over Today is gladly published by Edge Studio NOT YOUR
TYPICAL VOICE OVER SCHOOL
Have a question? Want free advice? Call, we’ll help!
o www.edgestudio.com
o edge@edgestudio.com
o Tele-Training: 888-321-edge
o New York: 212-868-edge
o Washington DC: 202-398-edge
o Connecticut: 203-334-edge
SINCE: 1988
MEMBER: Better Business Bureau
MEMBER: Voice and Speech Trainers Association
SPONSOR: National Public Radio, Recording For The Blind & Dyslexic
==================================
————————————————————————
——–
TO SUBSCRIBE: send a blank email to:  VoiceOverToday-on@edgestudio.com
TO UNSUBSCRIBE: send a blank email to:
VoiceOverToday-off@edgestudio.com
TO CHANGE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS: send an email, with your old email address
in the subject line to:  VoiceOverToday-change@edgestudio.com For
example:
From: joe@new-address.com
To:  VoiceOverToday-change@edgestudio.com
Subject: joe@old-address.com
An acknowledgement message will be sent to both the new and old email
address, when the change process has been completed.
TO CONTACT VOICE OVER TODAY’S MANAGER: send your message to:
listmaster@edgestudio.com

You can e-mail them and contribute your ideas, too.

The latest addition to the series is: DIRECTION TAKING MISTAKES

Be sure to check out the previous topics, too:
Pronunciation Mistakes
Business Etiquette Mistakes

CourVO

No, I’ve not been there.  I HAVE conducted several paid phone sessions with David himself, all worth every penny.

…and I see the clients, the students, and the associates that come and go at Edge…not a slacker in the bunch.

David is about the best I’ve ever seen at picking out what details — sometimes seemingly inconsequential nuances — can make big impressions on your prospects, your clients, the target of your marketing programs and more.

Things like proper spelling, networking etiquette, and understanding the psychology of inter-relating to people.  He’s just tops at that.  Also getting to the point of what will and what won’t ingratiate you to those whose attention you need to curry the most.  Things like designing a website that caters to the eye of your visitors…not you.  Making it cunningly simple for your prospect to take notice of your marketing efforts.

I’m repeating myself.

You’ll see what I mean when you read David’s “15 THINGS NOT TO SAY IN YOUR VOICEOVER COVER LETTER”.  The tips were just one section of his most recent newsletter.  You’d do well to subscribe.  I read each one top to bottom, and I’m the better for it.

TO SUBSCRIBE: send a blank email to:  VoiceOverToday-on@edgestudio.com

Also, thanks to David for his permission in reprinting his tips below.  In return he only asks that I post the following:
Article written by David Goldberg of www.EdgeStudio.com Call 888-321-Edge or email edge@edgestudio.com

Thanks David!

CourVO15 THINGS N-O-T TO SAY IN YOUR voice over COVER LETTER

After reading many, MANY cover letters we’ve seen it all.
And then some. The following will make a BIG difference when you market. Call with questions: 212-868-3343.

1. Dear Sir or Madam,

When you receive email addressed to “Dear Sir” or “To whom it may concern”, don’t you delete it? So do casting directors. Folks, you may think you’re SAVING TIME by avoiding the 4 minutes it takes to get a contact’s name…. but in actuality, you are WASTING TIME because a large percentage of recipients will probably never open your email to begin with! Look on a website, do a Google search, call the company,…. do what you must to get the recipient’s name!!!
BEGIN YOUR LETTERS with “Hi Frank,” or “Dear Mary”,

2. I know you’re busy,

Really? How do you know that? This is no way to begin your email.
Instead, I encourage you to begin with something that will catch the attention of the recipient. Perhaps, “Ever need a French voice talent with a home studio?” or “Sure times are tough, so I’m offering voice over at half price!” or “Your company looks terrific – especially the fact that you donate services. I’m willing to donate my voice over services with you.”

3. Would you mind if,

One way to show that you LACK confidence is to say, “Would you mind if” or “If you have time” or “Maybe you could” or “I was wondering if”. I suggest that you sound confident. For example, “My demo speaks (no pun) for itself” or “Most of my customers become repeat customers” or “They say I take direction really quickly.”

4. Here’s my demo.

Let me guess. You’re a copywriter? No? Okay, a director? No?
Then what are you? Here’s the scoop: YOU KNOW who you are, but THEY DO NOT! So be clear. Say, “I’m a voice over talent.” or “I provide narrations for…” or “Attached is my voice over demo.”

5. I do voice overs.

First of all, you don’t “do” voice overs. Rather you “Provide commercial and/or narration voice over services” or you “Help businesses increase their bottom line by including free editing with voice over recordings.”

6. If you find I’m right for something, I hope you’ll call.

That’s nice :( How about give me a reason to call. Try “I provide voice over for corporate presentations, training videos, and online tutorials.” Or maybe “Quick turn-around, with excellent quality, and a friendly smile :)”.

7. Sorry, this time my demo is attached.

Please – take a moment before hitting “send” to avoid this.

8. Typos

Wel nuthing maekes u les profesional then tipos. Enugh sayd.

9. Abb.

What does “abb” mean? Oh, its the abbreviation for “abbreviation”.
Didn’t know that? Not everyone does. In fact, not everyone is as abbreviation-hip as you are. So my suggestion is to avoid them.
Remember, your email may get forwarded to business people who live in corporate world, and are used to formal, business-like letters.
In other words, no more, “R u in need of VOs? My com demo is attchd.
T.”

10. I, I, I, I, and I

Here’s a typical email we receive: “Hi, I do voice overs. I do commercial and narrations. I have a home studio. I have excellent quality and I was trained by……..” Notice that every sentence begins with “I”. So here’s the important question: when marketing, do you want to intrigue yourself or your potential customer?
Assuming the latter, compose your email so that it benefits them.
This means no “I”s. Instead write “You”s. For example, instead of, “I do medical voice over.” say, “Next time your client needs a medical script narrated, calling me will make you look terrific!”

11. Born in……….. then I moved to………. Next I…………
And today I………..

Really, the question is, who cares. Want proof? Do you ever want to read someone else’s life story? No? Suggestion: keep it brief.
Very brief. Try this, “After extensive training and some solid experience in Montauk, this voice over guy is expanding into your territory!”

12. I had to take my Mom to the hospital

Who cares. Or “It was my daughter’s birthday yesterday.” Again, who cares! 27 million people were taken to the hospital yesterday.
114 million people had birthdays. Putting personal information like this just makes the recipient feel like they need to remark… but why should they when they don’t even know you?. Regardless, if you only have a potential customer’s attention for 1 minute, use it to PROMOTE yourself, NOT to chit chat.

13.

Exactly. Nothing tells me nothing about you. I STRONGLY encourage you to NOT send a blank email with a demo attached.

14. I look forward to hearing from you.

Huh? Are you kidding me? The next step is STILL yours. The fact is, you need to get in front of your potential customer four times before they’ll remember you. Try this instead, “I’ll contact you in a week” or “Next week you’ll see another email from me… this one with a special offer.”

15. Peace

Unless you know that the recipient will appreciate “peace”, or “See ya”, or “Later”, be professional.
On that note, Hasta La Vista Baby. Just kidding. Thanks – we hope this article helps you get more work!

If you need help with your copy, feel welcome to contact us – we offer consultations that help you gain additional work.

NY is advertising central.  LA is Hollywood.  NY is legacy.  LA is totally…like…you know…laid back.

If you heart NY, you might find yourself out of your element auditioning VO jobs in LA.  Kudos to David Goldberg at Edge Studio for seeing the opportunity here, and finding the right person to help bridge the cultural divide.

Read below-the-fold, you East-Coast-types, for dates/times and info on a planned day-long workshop to take advantage of West Coast idiosyncrasies.

CourVO

*ONE DAY SPECIAL EVENT!*
SECRETS TO VOICE OVER SUCCESS

L.A.’s top Voice Over Casting Director reveals booking secrets!
Mary Lynn Wissner, owner/casting director at Voices Voicecasting!
Being bi-coastal has never been easier! Voice over actors working between NY and LA know each city has its own style and routine. Auditioning between each city can be a completely different game. If you want to expand your horizons and get the inside scoop on the LA market, this event will give you insights, techniques and the tools necessary to get your voice heard and booked, in both markets!

Highlights:
- Bridging the gap between LA & NY, what to expect
- Who’s Who in LA Voice Over: agents, casting directors, producers, animation, games, film; learn what they’re looking for: auditions, demos, what to do, and not do!
- Get practical skills while in the recording booth, directed by a busy LA Casting Director, learn what the top VO talent do to stand out and book!
- Learn the popular directions and styles producers are looking for.
- Get critical information on maintaining a bi-coastal relationship with NY/LA voice over agents, casting directors and producers.
- Setting up your home studio, what you need, marketing, auditioning and standing out!
Mary Lynn Wissner, Voice Over Casting Director and Owner, Voices Voicecasting in Los Angeles for 19 years, has cast thousands of voices for tv, radio, animation, film, games, and audiobooks.

Saturday, August 1st 2009 9am-5pm Hosted by Edge Studio 307 Seventh Ave, Ste 1007, New York, NY, 10001

Limited to 15 participants only! $495 (includes lunch and materials) DISCOUNTED! Sign up before July 24th, get 20% off! — $396 for a jam packed event!
**To reserve your space, email: voices@voicesvoicecasting.com or
call: 818-716-8865**