It’s the most wonderful time of the year – New Year’s business planning! And you’re in luck this year because the VO theme for 2019 is Try Something New.
Trying something new each month is a great way to stay interested and interesting – whether it’s fostering kittens, taking a French conversation class, hiring a coach to work on a specific skill, or plunging yourself into a float tank. New experiences enrich you, tap your creativity and generally increase your awesomeness factor.
Lately, I’ve been making a point of trying new things – some personal, some professional – and the benefits to me and my business were undeniable. Floating in a sensory deprivation tank filled with Epsom salts took my body and mind to an otherworldly, dreamy place, and I emerged full of creativity and fresh energy. Nurturing foster kittens gave my days a fresh rhythm, inspired joy and laughter in my home, and generally chilled me out. You get the picture.
As a VO talent, you are your product and your brand. It’s crucial that you keep growing, expanding and doing things that excite you. So, skip the resolutions that are about giving things up and instead do one personal and one professional something new each month. Focus on what inspires you, things you’ve been wanting to try. Then take out your 2019 calendar and plan your year.
Ideas for your Fun VO Calendar of Newness:
-Try a new gym class. You like people yet you are in your booth alone most of the day. Kill two birds with one stone – get out with the people, try a new exercise and take care of your instrument at the same time. Wow, that’s a whole flock of birds!
-Create and perfect a signature dish or dessert. Good food makes everyone happy. Cook something you love and crave and make it your own. You’ll impress yourself, your guests and blow the next pot-luck you’re invited to away.
-Listen to a new VO or business podcast each month. We are part of the most giving community! I love how y’all share with each other. There are so many good ones. (Reply in the comments to share ones you are loving right now.)
-Stop talking about blogging and do it. Having a well-maintained blog can greatly benefit your brand, business and creative ju ju – so, Chop, Chop, Lollipop, go get that blog started!
-Road trip to someplace you’ve never been before.
-Invite someone new out to lunch.
-Start a routine of leaving nice comments on the social media of those you admire. Paying sincere compliments to others has a way of paying off in big ways.
-Work with a new coach.
-Get acupuncture. Or pick another act of extreme self-care you’d like to try. True story, I recently went straight from a 90-minute float tank session to a 90-minute yin yoga class. I not only felt completely rejuvenated that week, it’s making my whole month better – and for a fraction of what it would’ve cost me to attend a fancy retreat.
-Take some time to discover new music and make playlists for exercise, gatherings, driving, down time, and for making that signature dish.
-Read a new business book each month.
-Attend a conference and learn from industry experts and hobnob with your peers.
Trying something new ignites and enriches your soul. It helps you to keep uncovering aspects of your truest self. It’s good for you. It’s good for those around you. It’s good for your VO career. And like everything I preach, it’s good for your brand. Of course, if you don’t have a brand or need a refresh, we’re here for you as always. Hit me up for a free 15-minute consultation. Look out, 2019 – here we come!
Wishing you a truly bright, shiny and Happy New Year,
Celia
