I subscribe to several voice-over lists. The subject question is actually a current and very active topic on one of them. Many people have answered the question, but I will never be among them. If you haven't already posted an answer, I hope I can give you some new things to consider before you press the Send button with your reply.

It's not like these lists are some little private gathering where you can whisper secrets among close friends. Sure, camaraderie exists if you've been a list member for a long time, but you don't really KNOW the other list members. You may have regularly contributed to an e-mail list or forum, but would you know someone from that list if they walked into the room?

Answering or reading such messages is a huge waste of time. If you have some down time, you could be doing any number of productive things to advance your career like calling a client, updating your database, modifying your web site, recording new scratch tracks for practice, learning to apply filters in your editing software, etc. You could be doing things to otherwise improve your life like communicating with family and friends, taking a walk, learning to play a musical instrument, decluttering your office, planning a trip, etc. Of course, you could just sit and be for a few minutes, reveling in the quiet, doing absolutely nothing other than enjoying being alive, perhaps meditating and visualizing the kind of life you want for yourself!

In addition to the time-wasting nature of the topic, you never know who might read your words later and form an opinion about you. Would you answer this question if you knew that your clients or potential clients were reading your messages? How about if your parents or your significant other were to find your post? Would they be hurt or shocked by your response to something that you thought was just silly banter? Any of these people could read what you write on-line because your words live on into perpetuity!

I was reading the tremendous ongoing discussion about non-union voice-over rates on the Voices.com VOX Daily blog. Many people rightly pointed out in their comments that the rates are too low. However, some talent questioned how they could ask for higher rates without having their clients go ballistic and/or running for the hills.

I would like to address this question by stating that you have to develop a prosperity mindset. Nothing is more powerful on this planet than the words that you think and speak. (You would think, of all people, someone in the voice-over industry would be aware of this important Universal rule! smile) To change anything you dislike in your life, including the rates you are currently charging your clients, you must first change the thoughts that you think.

Dah-lings, I'm here in Hollywood, hobnobbing with all of the other famous people. 🙂 Of course, one thing I have always loved about being a voice-over actor is that you really can be famous and completely anonymous at the same time!

I was delighted when I realized that I would be flying to Los Angeles today of all days. Today, 17 June 2006, just happens to be Barry Manilow's 63rd birthday. You may think that he is just a legendary singer/producer/arranger/composer with millions of fans and record sales, not to mention an all-around nice guy. However, I invite you to read the page on my web site for his inspirational advice to singers, voice-over talent and anyone who must perform for a living.

I suppose you might think I am starstruck since I have seen Barry Manilow in concert (gasp) 49 times. I'm convinced that people become fixated on celebrities when something is missing in their own lives. Barry brought music back to my life, and he was one of the catalysts to my pursuing my voice-over career. It's no wonder that I would seek him out on his birthday, especially since I don't live in California. How often would I get the chance be around a bona fide star?

Before I continue, I should probably tell you that, even though I was thrilled to touch my favorite star, the cops were never called. In fact, I think I did a favor for him as I brushed away some dirt that had smudged the face of that magnificent star. Still, you should be prepared for the graphic pictures that follow. They are not suitable for everyone. Consider yourself warned!