This issue of "What's Up Doc?"
marks the beginning of the 2nd year of this newsletter. I want to
thank you for taking a few moments each month to read it.
News
Well, it's November. Like it or
not, the holidays are imminent. NOW is the time to prepare
your scripts and marketing and get 'em out there. I can provide you
with the voice you need for your holiday campaign-complete with quick
delivery and rapid turnaround. Contact me now for your holiday
voiceover productions.
I am completely involved with a local knockoff of
American Idol called,
Tucson Idol. We've just completed our 4th year
and this year's competition was fierce. Lots of great local
talent here in Southern Arizona. I'm also proud of the fact that
without any solicitation, the local Fox channel here finally jumped upon
our bandwagon and featured us on their newscast that same night. If
you're interested in experiencing the caliber of talent we acquire, please
click the link below to view just one of our performers. Also, keep
in mind while you're watching it that this performer is but 9 years old...
I've also recently acquired a
full-blown, audio/video, extra storage, FM tuner, recorder Media Player.
I specifically purchased it to view movies when travelling by air and to
catch up on podcasts. Have you heard the voiceover podcasts at
voices-dot-com? Very well-produced, brief and quite informative,
too. So much so, that I subscribed! You can find them here:
podcasts
More News
I want to share what happened since my last newsletter. And, by the way,
thank you so much for taking a look at them.
Two days after publication of my October newsletter, I received a
solicitation inquiring about my rates for some simple introductions for a
syndicated news program. As I always do, I looked for a link to the
website (or domain) of the solicitor. The site was new and was obviously
still in the design stages. But, there was enough info there for me to
ascertain the jist of what this individual endeavors to accomplish.
So, I replied to his e-mail inquiring about his goal and agenda. He
replied explaining that he was a teenager, a high schooler, who would be
producing weekly news programs featuring news items in which young adults
would take interest. Here comes the kicker…
He intends to go full-blown video and distribute this weekly program via
DVD… IN THE MAIL! He also indicated that his first mailing would be more
than 100! Very impressive.
My thoughts went directly to, “where did this kid get the money to
purchase the media, postage and supplies to begin such a lofty project?
His Dad must be wealthy!” Besides, I saw no subscription link, nor fees
associated with this project.
Keep in mind that he never once said he didn’t have very much money, nor
did he say anything about being budget-light, etc. He simply wanted to
know what I would charge him do this “imaging” for his weekly news show.
I’ve seen experienced adult entrepreneurs with less savvy than this young
man.
I’ve already raised my children. They’re now adults and on their own with
their own children. And they’re thriving. Isn’t that what parenting is
supposed to accomplish?
And with today’s kids, ya gotta worry about gangs, drugs, sex, violence,
etc.
Well, it does my heart good to see there are some kids who already look
towards the future and are already beginning to lay the ground work and
obtain the experience needed to survive and thrive in our world.
In other words, Matt (that’s his first name) was striking out on his own,
undaunted by peer pressure and setting the bar to which other young people
should strive. This young man so impressed me, that I offered him a
proposal whereby I agreed to produce his voiceovers for free in exchange
for a link on his web site and a credit (both graphic and vocal) on his
news show. Because this kid is smart beyond his years, I actually drew up
a contract and agreed to his unlimited use of my voice for a period of one
year at which time we’d renegotiate.
Now, I have no idea what went through his head when he read my contract,
but his response was SO appreciative he must’ve thought that he’d end up
paying thousands of dollars for my voiceover work. When he saw that I’d do
them for free, he seemed beside himself. His response was, “Sounds great
to me… but my Mom wants my Dad to look over the terms before I agree”.
At this point, I’m absolutely lovin’ this. Now, I understand that no
contract can be enforced when one of the parties is a minor. I merely
wanted to see how he’d handle the negotiation. He handled it like a true
business professional. It took a few days… then, he finally replied, “My
Dad’s okay with this!”
I produced his imagers and forwarded them to him. There’s now a link to my
web site on his web site and I’m also on his mailing list. I can’t wait to
see what he does with this show.
I don’t perform much free voice work any more. And, I don’t have to. But,
the greatest thing about being self-employed and autonomous is I get to
decide exactly how I will conduct my business operations.
I was more than happy to provide this young man with a leg up based upon
his entrepreneurial acumen.
I’ll also make a bet that this young man blossoms into a serious
businessman in the near future.
And, while I hope he does well, I cannot help but think that when he’s
successful, he’ll remember me, too!
And they all lived happily ever after.
Marketing News
Because marketing is in a constant
state of flux, I subscribe to several newsletters on the subject.
More often than not, I am amazed at the good information I am able to
glean from these newsletters. One of the more recent articles I read
opens up an entire new market for voiceover professionals. An
excerpt follows:
Web-videos are not feature films or even
viral videos intended to show how clever you are. You
are making a commercial: special effects may be cool but
they are not a substitute for a finely crafted script
delivered by a professional performer.
And, oh yes... I brand
web site presentations as well!
More Marketing News
Most people average
more than 3,000 commercial message exposures a day, and
the volume continues to grow. (Reality check: After
you've bought your next $12 movie ticket, count the
commercials and previews you have to sit through before
the film begins). Creating clear, concise messages that
are smoothly integrated is absolutely crucial to
successful customer communications.
That's
because, despite all the new technologies, this
marketing principle hasn't changed: You must start with
a relevant position, supported by
consistent
communications, to achieve a desired position with your
target audience.
Source: Entire Web Newsletter, April 26,
2007, Issue #330; Author:
Kathy Cox, Outsource Marketing's Marketing Integrator
and New Media Strategist
Better News
Here are some of the comments I'm receiving about "What's Up Doc?"
"You're the best!" - Pat Johnston,
President, CEO, Apex Media Marketing
"Very nice
presentation Doc! We'll try to book you for something in the New Year." -
Rick Rose, Film Creations
"Great
promotional email, etc. Keep up the hard work. Very professional.
I'm truly impressed. Keep up the great work. And let me know the
progress of all your endeavors." - Larry Thomlinson,
Entrepreneur
"Sound good man. Got that Bobby Ocean
style down." - Joel Grey, V.P., G.M., 98-7, the Peak
.I'm glad you enjoy my newsletter and
thanks for the kind words.
Now, may I have the pleasure of
delivering your client's message? Contact me today.
I'd like to invite
you to read my articles. My latest is entitled,
"Tune Me In... Turn Me On"! You may also read them from my website:
www.docphillips.com - click on the "Doc's Articles" button in
the navbar. My articles are also syndicated. If you use an RSS
Reader, you will find my subscribe button
on any of
my article pages - or, you may just subscribe by clicking on either of the
buttons above. I welcome all feedback including opposition
viewpoints to my articles. E-mail them to me or comment on them on
my new
blog and if they're worthy
of appearing here, I will include them - good OR bad!
Fun & Games
Who dat?
All right - take a good look!
Then, tell me... Who dat?
Yes, I know who this is and I'll
reveal his identity in next month's "What's Up Doc!"
Potpourri
ALL voiceover artists need their toys. Hey!!
Why not? Whether you make your living with voiceover,
production, creative, etc., don't you owe it to yourself to indulge in some toys for big girls & boys?
What do YOU want today? Type it into the field below and see what
you can find...
Please feel free to forward this
newsletter to anyone you believe may benefit or who may just enjoy reading
it. If you know someone in business who uses audio for any purpose,
definitely forward it!
