If there’s one thing that most commercial voice over artists and announcers have in common, it’s a need for more jobs.

I’d like to show you some secrets that most people will never know about getting work.

A few years ago, a good friend of mine reached a point where she was close to desperate to get more voice work. To say she was angry is putting it lightly.

She was  fed up with being

• an award winning,
• high quality voice over artist

and still not getting enough work to keep her busy.

So she got busy and studied all the books and information she could get her hands on that had anything to do with selling personal services. She was determined to really get it right this time.

After weeks of effort she started to put it into action.

Guess what?

It didn’t work very well . She got a  little closer to her goal but was disappointed. She was about to learn blues guitar and sing on the street.

But she didn’t give up.

Finally, she found a mentor who could help her put it all together and get results.

The mentor she found had been through the same thing. He was sick and tired of not getting the work he needed so he put together a system that worked to take him to the next level. Later, he wrote a book and developed a comprehensive program.

You know, not all mentors have to be close friends. They can often come in the form of books and audio tapes. That’s what happened in this situation.

My friend learned how to

• Get plenty of commercial contacts and turn them into clients.
• Get repeat voice business month after month.
• apply the different marketing approaches for various kinds of clients.
• Set up a system so that her marketing brings in leads even when she is not paying attention.
• Present herself professionally even though she hates selling.

The mentor I am talking about has been a big help to me as well.

Michael Port is the author of the “Book Yourself Solid” program.

His work is organized in a way that helps you

• understand the simple steps needed to contact potential clients
• and follow through with them until you are Booked Solid.

Most of the voice artists I know have always been better at their craft than selling themselves.

But the truth is, no agent will work as hard for you as you will. With these tools from Michael Port you can unleash the networking machine that lurks deep within you.

One technique I like is Ports postcards for prospecting and staying in touch.

Internet based postcards sent through regular mail. A simple idea with effective results.

BYS is a sincere approach so you don’t have to present yourself with unnatural hype. Matter of fact, Michael teaches NOT to do that. His approach is real and straightforward.

It works, so when you follow his method you can take control of your career and be the one commercial voice person you know with a full calendar.

You might want to pass “Book Yourself Solid” along to others who could benefit.

Click here now for Michael Port’s Book Yourself Solid .

Have you noticed that many of the same voice talents keep showing up over and over?

Keep It Coming

Many people view that as a mistake, a burn out or tired, old sameness. But if you look closer you’ll find that most of those people generally communicate by complaining.

I view consistent voices as a good thing. One of the principles of ongoing success is momentum. One of the most consistent voices in the business is Donna Reed.

Steady She Goes

I have known Donna for over 20 years. There have been whole three or four year spans when we would only catch up for a minute or two by phone but I have always been able to hear her voice somewhere.

That is real momentum.

Donna’s resume is impressive. It reflects her consistency.

She has done voice work for-

• all of the major networks,
• movie trailers,
• children’s readings,
• characters for commercials,
• TV,
• radio
• and singing jingles.

She has often been interviewed by the major industry magazines so it is not hard to find her advice on how to be a force in the voice over business.

Here are a few tidbits:

Donna has recently been asked to submit as a voice double for acting legend Judy Dench.

She has completed a project for LAX, Scholastic books and American Airlines.

Her voice has been a steady anchor for:

• news promos,
• sports and rock stations both in the US and Europe,
• animated characters,
• narrations and tutorials.

She is at it every week. Year after year. That is what it takes.

And that is why you hear familiar voices, including hers. Consistency. Momentum.

So if you ever wonder, “what’s the secret?” Step back and look at Donna Reed. She is talented and works to improve her performance, she is sincere and trusted, and Donna is committed to working even when it’s not always glamorous.

The mistake Donna does not make? Not showing up..

My Favorite

She even voices the announcements on the local bus where I live. It’s not unusual to be standing near a bus stop and hear a familiar, friendly voice saying, “Welcome Aboard”. That’s Donna Reed.

Check out these videos and listen to Donna.

photo caromalinia

This is a little off topic but …

Do you sometimes get a song in your mind and can’t quite remember the lyrics or the name of  who sang it?

A Hitch in Your Giddyup

A Radio DJ will get this all the time. A call from a listener who knows a few lyrics and a part of the melody but can’t figure out the name of the song or the artist.

Blessed Relief

Chris Pirillo is on top of the latest web technology and how sites use it so I’ll let him explain this awesome website.

Chris | Live Tech Support | Video Help | Add to iTunes

This happens so often there should be a name for it. Like ‘tune dysnfunction’, or Looney Tune ( Ha), or Tip Tongue Tune. But with this new site hopefully the world can sleep a little sounder tonight with all those mind grabbing tunes brought home to rest.

Finally, A Good Use For The World Wide Web

Honestly radio producers get this daily from listeners who call and hum just a tiny bit of a song. When asked if the artist is a male or female and many times the listener doesn’t remember and often they are not even sure what radio station they heard the song on. I am the same way when I get a song stuck in my craw so I understand.