Focusing Only On The Hustle (aka Ignoring the Craft)
Spark up the interwebs, and you’ll see some pretty active voice over talent online. They are blogging, tweeting, giving advice, connecting with one another, starting groups on facebook, and posting ad nauseum to online message boards. Most of these folks have some very sound advice to offer talent who have questions, and for that I am extremely appreciative. These mensches have taken the time to demystify the business of voice over (herein I shall call the “hustle”). Side benefit for these social media mavens is that they’ve built a wonderful platform for themselves as voice over experts.
Often I hear from folks getting started in voice over who are spending an inordinate amount of time modeling this online behavior. They spend a lot of time networking, posting, attending networking events, and eblasting agents prematurely without having first garnered top-notch skills and a kick-ass demo. Yes, it’s great to get out there in the community, but a lot of that energy redirected towards mastery will better serve you in the longterm (and in your bank account).
While there is absolutely nothing wrong with creating an online presence for yourself, networking, or getting great at the hustle, don’t do it at the expense of your skills and talents as a voice over talent. Utlimately, you need to strike a balance. No need to spend hours online when you are first starting out–you need to spend time with a coach or in class. Spend time auditioning for online jobs, honing your technique and editing skills. Don’t keep hounding agents to rep you. Take a breath, self-examine, and see where you can get better by focusing on your craft. The inspiration to hustle will always come back, I promise.
Sending an email is easy. Getting good at VO is not. Balance is your friend in voice over.