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.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Doc Phillips has been providing voice work in one way or another for 32
years. He is also an internet entrepreneur who hosts and manages several
sites. He built, maintains and "markets" his website,
http://www.docphillips.com.
