The VO Life

What a week it was.... ups for some, downs for many and the world still turns in VO... just don't partake of that juicy VO Punch that is served.  Dig in, know the truth and do YOUR THING all while being good to one another.  I have some downtime coming and we over that and my truck issues today plus even a little VO stuff!  

Know your worth and explore the world of Agency with this weeks special guest Vince LeBica from DPN Talent.  Learn how to negotiate and get paid fairly using the "percentage" tactic... and learn more about the "nicest guy in the business" who always takes time to listen at the conferences.  Don't miss Vince and Charles Coats this week!

I have things to do... you may not.  How we all run our business is different.  How we started, how we operate day to day... but the ROI on everything we do is KEY to building routines. I gotta make some changes...and eat some old advice.  I love crow....

Charles the Voice joins me again this week and we talk about the things you can and cannot control and about how Charles controlled his destiny and successes by strategically spending as his business grew and Troy talks about how he targets his marketing. A lot of spit-balling and good information this week!

Years ago I remember reading these books and today they apply to my business and maybe yours! How I am managaing all the things going on and rearranging life so I can sustain my business took a huge retool lately and getting rid of some "small stuff" mayhelp you as well.  Join me on the VO LIFE today and get inspired to cut out some noise in your life!

There is a lot of noise in your VO LIFE! Noise in your head, noise on social media. What noise do you need to TURN OFF? Turn UP? Turn down?
Today it's all aboutthe noise and my noise about that noise. Is that enough noise? Hear some more noise on todays episode....

The king of improv ... Tim Powers is to VO what vanilla is to ice cream... you CANNOT have other flavors without it right?  Tim brings his perspective on improv, acting and what makes this so dang hard but so freaking rewarding as a career.  From radio (and still doing radio) to a long VO career and coaching others, this is the DO NOT MISS episode of 2024! 

Visit Tim's site for coaching and hear his talent at voiceofpowers.com

Visit your hosts also at:
troyholdenvoices       CharlesCoats

If you have not met the nicest and sweetest lady in VO, learn how much fun you are missing out on today on the VO LIFE! Nikki brings unique perspectives to making your days positive through turning things from bad to good and using the "dead cat" or the disco ball to change your audition and even your life.  She also talks about the "picninc table" approach to VO and how she always surrounds herself with the right people.

Learn more at NikkiLuLowe.comabout this multi talented mom!

Part of this journey is all about LEARNING and PIVOTING.  The rest of this year I am focising on a RE-TOOLING of my strategy.  I have built a base of business to rely on and continue to market to grow that base BUT the P2P and other "wasted time" areas are being totally re-tooled and my approach on agents as well.  Lots to do so 2025 becomes a stellar YEAR 5!

Life has run all over our household lately and "plans" to record weekly have been SHATTERED!  Here's the update on my Summer and VO status and what we are facing here in the HOTTER THAN DEVILS BREATH state of Tennessee!!!

I know I said FRIDAYS but last weeks episode happened HARD this week.  It comes in threes... Busted Faucet, another underground water leak and then a pop-off on the water heater went bad. And also got a quote to have my crawl space encapsaluted. Sheesh... 

By the way...I HATE PLUMBING. I can do it, but I hate it.  After covid I cannot affoprd a plumber. I am not a rich man but one who can DIY...However in VO (which I love) I measure my success against my targets not what others are doing. I am not them, they cannot be me. As I inch up on the end of year 4 I see great things but I also see shortfalls.  Only YOU can measure your success and chart your path.  We are all 1000% different.  There are some common needs... other than plumbing. We have to use all our skills to make it work. Can I fix those things that happened this week? Yes. You Tube rocks. Am I dedicated to it? No. Love it? no. Passion for it? Absolutely not.  

Quick listen but some good take aways today!  Learn, practice, learn and see you next week.... maybe....

Life Happens... need I say more? 

Sign up for a free consult at troyholdenvoices/store
Register for the workshop HERE on June 27th "PICK-A-CARD"

When you look at your marketing plans and what your business is doing, the DATD DON'T LIE! So why not trust it and put a plan in action that is TARGETED and OBTAINABLE?  THis week JMC released a stellar blog and this was in process but was REVAMPED to help you PIVIT with this information and get your data in line ad TARGET YOUR PATH FORWARD!

Exciting news from the studio that after a doing a lot of pro/con and why/why not charts I have decided to start offering "officially" demo and sample services for fellow VO's.  This is not a move FROM voice actor to producer just and add on to my business and what will be a VERY LIMITED add on as I want to personally do all the work so I cannot do a lot of this... but I truly enjoy it.  I started in audio many years ago and have been producing a lot of spots the last three years for end clients for radio and have even done a few local TV spots. 

Get the full story WHY I am crazy enough to try to add this to my biz in this episode!

Don't let those illusions get in the way... your or others. Being grounded in VO is one of the hardest things to do for me.  I ride emotional rollercoasters weekly...but this new focus of PIVOT VERSUS PANIC is helping me.  Learn more about me at troyholdenvoices.com

We have all had it, and let's face it. It NEVER goes away. We work in a ctlclical business that can give great joy and elation and the next day drive you to drink. The ups and downs of dealing with Imposter Syndrome and realizing you can only deal with it one way... thanks Aleesha Bake for the drop this week!

How much processing are you doing?  It really depends... is it an audition or a finished delivery?  Are you expected to do ANYTHING to your files at all?  Are you OVERPROCESSING?  I'm no audio engineer but having worked with many and delivering well over 10,000 files the past few years PLUS I have stayed at a Holiday Inn...I think some of you are OVER PROCESSING your auditions and taking way too much time... and worrying about things that don't matter! 

VO Atlanta Re-Cap and what Newbies need to know... this week on the VO Life!

VO Atlanta is RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER! And if it is your FIRST TIME I have some advice for you from someone headed down for year THREE... and it may also help those who went before but felt OVERWHELMED by it all.  Let's get to Atlanta and NETWORK and HAVE FUN!!!

Voice actors are always asking WHERE CAN I GET WORK and it is not always about getting PAID for work when you are new.  Volunteer Voiceover may be a place for you! For a VERY SMALL fee you can be exposed to many great and qualified NFP's and volunteer your voice for their cause. Melissa Harlow joins today to talk about her LONG journey getting this wonderful platform started and I play a small part in being a plae to promote it and to also offer services myself.  Join us for a look into her career as well being a mainly "Fiverr only" voice and how she manages that with this new venture and traveling the world.

See her adventures here :  https://youtube.com/@TheAdventureTravelers?si=nDSE37uuCZ4iLRks 

Episode 135 ponders the world of online casting "pay to play" platforms and has anything changed on VDC? Whats the answer to making V123 work? Why can't I see over 2 auditions a day?  It's the blasted ALGORITHIM and LEVELS... let's talk about it and then you can decide your path.  It's not all it used to be and it may be GETTING WORSE???

2023 was year 2 of being a FULL TIME VOICE ACTOR! I talekd last time about some of the increase, but let's celebrate a first... my first five figure month! Why is this a big deal? Why am I sharing this?  Tune in and find out on the VO Life!!

Episode 133 is the year end wrap up... goals met? Fell short? Accomplishments and plans?  As we close 2023 I take a look back on MY business and the things I felt good about... but also the personal goals that I totally FAILED at...however.... 2024 awaits!

Novemeber is GONE, December is HALFWAY GONE and 2024 awaits!  What are you going to do NOW to be ready for what 2024 is offering.  It is an ELECTION YEAR and Political will be BOOMING!  Did you get that demo done? Do you have your marketing ready?  That and more in the years FINAL EPISODE!

I know... it was OVER... but it's NOT... I need this place to talk about some of the things we don't on Another VO Podcast... and there we are more about the battle of a working VO... here, we talk about the start up pains and forming your business to be sustainable.  So twice a month I plan to field your questions and concerns of your pains getting your biz going and the needs you have.  E MAIL ME at troy@troyholdenvoices.com with your questions.  

SO let's start this NEW JOURNEY under the SAME NAME as we work through the perils and toils of starting up these days in the VO LIFE!

Cross post of the ANOTHER VO PODCAST interview with JENN HENRY!

GET VO LIFE GEAR HERE.....  

For the next several weeks I will cross post the episodes from the "new" podcast.  I am no longer doing separate VO LIFE episodes...

Thank you for your support of this group and podcast!!!!!   

GET VO MERCH HERE:

I have been through a lot with this podcast.  It was like raising a child in some ways... but as I have grown and changed in my career I also feel it is time to transition to the "other" podcast and dedicate more to it so YOU get better content.  Thus, Ep 130 will be the last VO LIFE episode and you can hear me weekly on ANOTHER VO PODCAST with Alden and Jake.  

THANK YOU for following me, listening, laughing and crying with me.  THE JOURNEY IS FAR FROM OVER... it is just moving.  The Facebook Group stays the same, the other podcast logo has changed to reflect toe connection... and we all three will uphold what I started in delivering truth, transparence and now 3 different views on all topics. Hugs to you all, see you over there!!!!

With 2 VO Podcasts, I want to make sure that we are not overlapping and not giving you great content so... this one is going to start doing things focusing only on my business and my practices versus interviews and other topics. Listen in for the plan!!!

Get VO Life Gear HERE (T shirts, Hoodies, Coffee Mugs)

Email me at troy@troyholdenvoices.com

Turning 60 is not scaring me but helping me see things in a different way. Being appreciateive of the "elder respect" I get at times (Being called Sir-people opening doors-letting me in front of the line-THE DISCOUNTS!) is great but I am planning to enjoy MY foutrh quarter and get ll the "overtime" I can in this career and in life!  LET'S GO!  And not YOU Tom Brady!!!!

DISCLAIMER:  I'd never set out to hurt anyones feelings BUT it is time to GET OFF THE BENCH!  Finish 2023 strong or at least GET STARTED before 2024 is here!

This is all about the big finish for 2023 as we enter the 4th Quarter and I also enter theFOURTH QUARTER of LIFE!  Do we want to sit around and watch? Do we want to win? Or maybe we declare it a HOBBY and just relax? Whatever your choice we got you at the VO LIFE!

Comments?  email me at  troy@troyholdenvoices.com

Fall is in the air (I love fall) and let's do some shorts... while we can.... really! Today its rambling about rates controversy, how business cysles are never predictable and even the new Bumble Bee Mic by Neat. WHAT A DEAL!

Need help on your business plan or understanding what VO is all about?  Book a free consult on my website https://troyholdenvoices.com/book-your-vo

There's more than one way to get there, but I feel this is the BEST way to get there.  Follow these 10 steps and BUILD A CAREER not a HOBBY!

Join the VO LIFE facebook group for more solid advice and encouragement in your path!

A great peer talk with Michael Kennedy who is closing in on 600 Auto spots done and chugging towards 1000!  His background and hustle are apparent and you'll enjoy hearing his journey and marketing strength!

Like me Jim is fairly new to the world of VO but has a fantastic Radio background and Jim is also a webite designer with a twist... why feed a man when you can teach him to ...DESIGN?  For around $200 Jim will teach you to design and maintain your own VOICE OVER WEBSITE using WIX... and he helped me with a few pointers before the show and I might say IT LOOKS GREAT! 

Check him out at jimfronk.com and you can link to the websites page from there also!  Get all the info on Jim at the end of the podcast!

Branding matters, buit don't rush it.  You want to be specific... but not too specific as to lose business because of your "wrds" in your branding! I'm no expert, but I'll mention some names that can help you WHEN you are ready.  There's no rush! Branding can take time!

MILLION DOLLAR QUESTION and a $50 answer... MAYBE!!  Depends.... and here is why on todays podcast!  I have been in ROUGH SHAPE this week. Severe sore throat, congestin and just run down... but I NEVER told any of my clients. WHY NOT?  Give a listen as to when and when NOT to tell them you are struggling!

Honored to be able to talk to Carin about SAG-AFTRA and why she chose to go FICOR, explore more about e-Vocation and Vocation coming soon, learn more about NAVA and the current strike, and just allow you to hear what a solid business person and giving person she is. 

A VO veteran and known in the community for giving back Carin has voice thousands of jobs from commercials to video games and corporate narrations as well as self produced over 100 audio books. Like many of us she started out knowing nothing and did what she needed to do to support her career and family and along the way has learned so much and now shares that knowledge through visiting podcasts and with Jamie Muffet on their podcasts and at the vo-cation events live and on line. 

You can find out more about e-vocation here: https://www.vocationconference.com

Learn about NAVA (and I encourage you to join no matter your level of experience):  https://navavoices.org/

And visit her site to hear how freaking good she is at what she does here: https://www.caringilfry.com/

Want to know more about the host?  Visit my site here:  https://troyholdenvoices.com/

I try to watch the trends and I am definitely a data guy. In 2020 there was an advertised path into VO that worked fairly well for me and FANTASTICALLY for some... you learned and trained, you got on FIverr and made some side money to pay for your training... etc. It is still being "taught" and pushed HOWEVER I truly believe things have changed and that is not the path it once was.  I get into why in this podcast and offer this 20 plus page PDF I put together about WHY IT'S HARDER NOW and offer some very basic TRUTHS and also give you some FOUNDATIONAL ITEMS you have to do if you TRULY want yo do this long term. 

As I have been saying there are at least 50 ways to attack this and this is just one, but the one I believe in.  YOU DO NOT JUST WALK INTO A CAREER AND KNOW NOTHING!  How will you compete?  How do you know what to do?  So take it for what it's worth (FREE) and send me an email I can send to document to... troy@troyholdenvoices.com

I promise you'll get your moneys worth!

Dedication and passion and talent.  Vanessa has built a large TikTok following as she is developing her skills in animation and commercial VO.  Her story is one of education, persistance and passion about her characters and how she applies herself.  With a backbround in speech, she has applied the competetive nature of those contests and delved into training to grow her move into a soon-to-be full time endeavor.

See her on IG and TikTok at VanessaGarcia.VO and visit her cite at VanessaGarciaVO.com and follow her for some GREAT video shorts!

My longest sole episode but so much information about my first three years, and I may have lost it talking about my wife and thank God for editing! But you'll know how I feel...

This episode is very transparent in how I got here, what I made, what I did.  The VO world is tough.  The curvey that is posted makes me positive I have done a few things right... gotten ahead of the curve... but it is still a VERY hard career path.  I hope anyone listening gets that you should not just "go at it and work your way up" but you should "LEARN YOUR WAY UP" .... Big difference.... 

Take your time and listen in 20 minute spurts... and ignore when I choke up because without my wife loving and believing in me... I would have given up MANY TIMES. Without my my wife, my faith and all of you... I could not be where I am today! And hard work... let's not forget hard work!!

If I left anyone out it was not on purpose.  I love you all!

The "authentic" or conversational (not announcery as they say often or polished) can be the most difficult to lock into. Why?  And how do you "FIX" it?  Todays short reminds us that we had coaching for a reason... not to just drop $200.

This week I am joined by multi-talented VO Jim McCarthy who has a vewry cool podcast for Entrepreneurs called "Whats Your Problem" and as he calls it he also "spins lots of plates" from VO to Podcast Production to Car Wash Lighting... join us or conversations that go everywhere and get to know Jim.

MOCK AUDITION 2 is in the books and after 21 pros and 17 rookies submitted we have a winner in each and also an "honorable mention" that we felt needed to be heard.  All 3 are played in the podcast and names announced but you have to listen to find out!

This was a great teaching/learning moment for us all and let ne say IT WORE ME OUT.... we wanted to be thorough and fair... and make it HELP those who needed feedback.  Thanks to the panel who helped, we all had nearly exact feedback on all reads with only maybe 2 disagreements! I appreciate the participation and maybe we will do it again in late summer... I will be rested up by then!  

Today Troy has Alden and Jake over from "It's Another VO Podcast" to talk about the new podcast and why you need BOTH the Life and this one! Get to know the guys and make plans to follow both podcasts and get a ton of information... good and otherwise... as these three full time voice actors hold each other accountable and share their journeys.

When you worked a real job SOMEONE held you accountable.  Why shouldn't that be the case NOW??  Let's get short about accountability in this FINAL Casual Short....or shorts.... or whatever....

I have 3 podcasts.... why?  What good is a podcast, and why do I do them?  Here's your answers....

I thought VO was a side hustle... well it is for some but some of us that do VO full time also do some other things to keep the wheels turning!  What things can you do???

There is a difference but BOTH can be a really good thing!

Episode numbers DO NOT matter and we don't care.... but we skip to 112 with the AMAZING Alice Everdeen who a few years ago embarked on a dual journey to not only beccome a successful Voice Actor using Fiverr for a springboard but also to live "on the road" in a converted school bus.  Just a month or so ago I toured the BEAST while at VO Atlanta where she was a dual presenter and we finally met in person after a few years of online friendship and got to hang out... fish tacos and all.... ughhh! 

Alice has defied the norm, yet maintained top shelf clients, built a business OFF of Fiverr and continues to share her marketing strategies through her new venture shared at VO Atlanta.  So grab a seat on the bus and listen to the journey and get some insight with Alice Everdeen... whether we like it or not, she's made it work for her and has ZERO regrets and is living life to the fullest!

Failure Syndrome? Is it a thing?  "I'm not good enough" becomes "I am a total failure" ??  Let's talk about it....

It's part of lifes cycle.... and this week as we lost our treasured "Sammy Doo" it made me reflect on "learning" in new environments.  Sammy had to come to a farm and learn the other animals, the neighbors, but then as we added "Gracie" he showed her the ropes.  Like when we get a new job, we learn and maybe one day WE are training the new hires.  VO is a little different, but you also have a learning curve and it takes time...but man is it nice when you feel like you are starting to get it AND you can pay it forward... Let's talk about those cycles today!  

This week its 2 "PODDIES" talking shop as I am joined by the VO Coffee Shop host Andrew Morrison of Atlanta, GA.  Shop talk? Probably... but join us to learn more about his journey in VO and more about him as a person!

THE GOOD NEWS IS LOUISE PORTER SENT IN A GREAT NEW INTRO!!  And I laid that FUNKY MUSIC right on it and I really liked it.  So thankful for all of you who help me... Jake Sanders, Charles Bain, Dana Ramoni (Morgan Freeman), Louise Porter, Liz Atherton, James Brown and Rudy Abell.  YOU GUYS ROCK and I appreciate youall so much.  I love having the variety to use each week and its always a HARD decision.

THIS WEEK????  Thanks to my GREAT IDEA to try Riverside again I have NO PODCAST GUEST this week however Jim McCarthy gets a mention as we had fin talking BUT we will reschedule...meaning yours truly takes the rants of this week and rolls it into 30 minutes of REDNECK BABBLE and OPINIONS and maybe a glint of something you needed to hear.  My apologies... but as good as tech is at times it seems to let us down QUITE A BIT!!!  Anyway, on we go!  

This week we are talking THE SIMPLICITY OF YOUR AUDIO with Don Baarns who has a deep background in music and audio and he explains how we need to"set it and forget it"and stop over-complicating things and learn to TRUST the systems in place once they are set and stop over thinking... which after moving to my new studio last week... PERFECT TIMING!!!!  Learn about his approach and why he feels StudioOne is the most overlooked DAW and why he loves it.

The VO Community is just the best... right?  And this guy is one of my favorites!  Brad Hyland came from the corporate world to chase a dream he'd had since childhood and has for seven years been a full time VO and now is launching his coaching (website coming soon).  Brad has been very successful and teaches how to reach the authentic, real you... which is key to most reads that are desired today. Brad talks about his love for "Rudolph"and shares about his recent move to be closer to his kids and 3 grandkids... one just born!  CONGRATS!!!  Brad also speaks about the types of work he books most and what he enjoys most. 

Want to know more about Brad and his coaching?  
visit his site at www.americanvoicepower.com

When you talk marketing for VO you have to know about Marc Scott.  The "Original VOPreneur", Marc has established a sound marketing course for VO's and has had tested and tried his solutions and applied them for several years.  A successful VO in the "non-glamorous" world, Marc talks about his experiences in losing his radio job and being mad enough to make it in his own business!  Marc is an ambasador to the community providing free advice on hisYou Tube Channel on Fridays at 1 est. He is definitely a giver!  Enjoy hearing more about Marc, his hobbies and more on todays edition of theVO LIFE!

Visit his website at
www.marcscottcoaching.com

THANK YOU for allowing me to be a part of your VO LIFE!  This is a quick thank you for allowing me to deliver 100 episodes and here is to 100 more!!!   

VO Atlanta 2023.... thank you Anna Collins for taking over our SUPERBOWL EVENT and making it truly a year to remember.  Today we have snippets from many attendees who came for the first, second or ninth time and their feedback on the changes, excitement and every other emotion that was VO Atlanta.  Thanks JMC for the intro anCreators & Guests

Some weeks it seems common sense escapes people and they forget where the lines are. This week it's a reminder to set some boundaries in your VO Life and remember basic respect, ethics and general business sense and remind you to give total respect to EVERY coach in this industry or to ANYONE who is trying to help you. Not being a jerk, but it's time to jerk a knot in some people....

Paul Schmidt is a guy who tells it... and isn't afraid to face questions.  His You Tube channel covers a variety of topics that inspire, teach and make you want to be a better VO.  Sort of reminds me of church.  If you get your toes stepped on, maybe the sermon is for you. I always liked those preachers who made me look within deeper and want to know more... and Paul may be just that... the VO Evangelist!  Listen and lean in and learn as Paul talks about his journey, marketing, demos and more on todays episode.  Find him everywhere by searching Paul Schmidt Pro.

Lots of interviews coming on The VO Life... a sneak peak into who and when. Plus as I said in 2022 I wanted that PRO DEMO and I will be recording them NEXT WEEK!  (Them?) YES... them!

Today I am joined by SUPERMAN! Super Voiceover, Coach and all around good guy Josh Alexander.  We talk about the business of VO, his methods, his journey into VO from Wedding Videograpgy and how Squeaky and Raspy may be the new Ren and Stimpy! 

Negativity.  The demise of everything.  Recently "Sabrina Farrows" has re-appeared and started in on someone who has been in the biz for nearly 30 years... but why? Some people just thrive on personally attacking a successful person in a genre they failed in.  It gives them "relief" of some sort to attack, harass and belittle someone who is actually "making it". They use examples that make you wonder "how do they know that" and make us second guess our ability.  Then comes MORE imposter syndrome, as if we don't deal enough with that.  The best thing you can do is NOT engage.  Delete it and move on... but our core WANTS to respond and defend!  Let it go Elsa! Move on. Go do something to HELP your career versus losing time and energy on "that".  See you in ATLANTA March 22-26!!!!!!!  #voiceactor #impostersyndrome #mentalhealth