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Goals Checkpoint: CSM’s Tips for Staying Motivated

Goals Checkpoint: CSM’s Tips for Staying Motivated

It’s hard to believe that there’s only one month left of Q1. January was all about goal setting for 2024, February was a great time to solidify routines, and March is the perfect opportunity to assess your progress. However, we know that it can be easy to let your enthusiasm die down after the initial flurry of resolutions that the start of a new year brings. 

Here are some of our top tips for keeping your eye on the prize and staying inspired as we wrap up Q1:

 

Reflect on Your Progress

As we head into Q2, take a moment to reflect on your victories and challenges so far. Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small they may seem. Whether it’s landing a new client, booking a big gig, mastering a challenging read, working with a new coach, meeting your monthly money goals, increasing your reach on social media, or receiving positive feedback on your latest project, each accomplishment brings you one step closer to meeting your goals.

Taking some time to think about the roadblocks you’ve faced so far is another valuable tool. Maybe you’re feeling discouraged by a lull in bookings. Now could be a time to explore different avenues of finding auditions and increasing your personal marketing outreach to find new clients. Perhaps you’ve hit a wall for new social media ideas. That could mean it’s a good moment to invest in outsourcing some of your content planning. How can you position yourself to overcome the factors creating difficulty in building momentum? 

 

Set SMART Goals

Setting clear and achievable goals is important in avoiding burnout. If your list feels unattainable or can’t be easily measured, it’s tougher to track your progress and gain a sense of fulfillment. Utilize the SMART criteria—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound—to frame your objectives for the quarter ahead. Whether you aim to expand your client base, perfect a new style of read, or invest in professional development, make sure your goals are defined and actionable. If upon re-assessment, you realize your initial 2024 goals don’t meet this criteria, tweak them so that they do! There is no problem with adjusting your game-plan to better fit your needs as the year continues.

 

Cultivate a Positive Mindset

It can definitely be a challenge, but doing your best to embrace setbacks as opportunities for growth can make all the difference. Learning from those moments rather than allowing them to shake your confidence is what separates good talent from great talent. Positivity always comes back around! Ditch the negative self-talk and focus on what you did well in a session or audition, rather than being overly critical. 

Lean on your community to inspire and uplift you on the tough days, and be there on the flipside to provide that same energy. Some people benefit from joining accountability groups within the industry — comparing notes with peers can offer fresh perspectives. For others, simply leaning on a friend or family member could be enough to keep that optimistic spark.

 

Stay Organized, Stay Sane

Life as a voiceover artist can be a whirlwind, but a little organization goes a long way. Find a system that works for you to manage your projects and deadlines — whether it’s detailed color-coded calendars, or post-it note masterpieces. The same goes for tracking your goals: if you don’t log them, you won’t be able to reflect on your progress. Additionally, don’t forget to carve out time for self-care, which looks different for everyone.

Maybe physical exercise is what keeps you feeling great, so join a new fitness class or carve out time in the day to take a long walk outside. If meditation and mindfulness is your jam, then prioritize some time for stillness and reflection before your workday begins, or in between sessions. Perhaps an alternative creative outlet is important for you, in which case joining a pottery class, taking time to play an instrument, or dusting off those paint brushes could be your ticket to feeling refreshed. Prioritize what fuels you. Stepping into the booth with a full cup will allow you to give more to each opportunity, rather than spreading yourself too thin and feeling depleted or uninspired.

 

Invest in Your Brand

Your brand is your identity—the essence of who you are as a voiceover artist. Once you do the work of really knowing your brand, business planning becomes easy. If you already have a brand that you love, how can you make sure it’s reflected through all of your business dealings and across social media? If you haven’t yet identified your voiceover brand, team CSM is ready to give you an extra push toward unearthing a strong, unforgettable brand that will transform your career and help implement a sound business strategy.

 

Get in touch with us to start your branding journey and check out our recent brand launches.

 

Heading into Q2, we hope these tips will help you continue growing your business and living your brand every day. 

VO Charm School

VO Charm School

As a talent manager, it is my great joy to connect with so many industry playmakers on behalf of talent. In conversations with agents, casting directors, and other industry professionals, one point always comes up: kindness matters.

In a time when communication is overwhelmingly digital, every e-mail interaction is an opportunity for a human connection. Each audition submission is the chance to build a relationship. Being straightforward is important — but a little charm goes a long way! 

So, I thought — what better way to kick off 2024 than with a little VO Charm School

Expressing gratitude goes a long, long way! Casting directors, agents, and anyone you’re hoping to get a job from are oftentimes going out of their way to get you booked. So, a thank you for their hard work will never go unappreciated. Here are some best practices when it comes to cultivating positive relationships through your demeanor online (and in person!):

 

 

  • Professionalism doesn’t have to be perfunctory.

Including a nice introduction or short personal note to go with a request or submission will help you cultivate relationships and also, brighten the days of the individuals you’re corresponding with. It may even help you keep a positive attitude as you get what you give! Seize the opportunity to build that interpersonal, human connection in our mostly remote landscape on a daily basis. 

 

  • Mind your time zones!

In this business, we all know it can be difficult to ever truly unplug. Scheduling your emails (as long as it isn’t a rush casting!) to respect the workday parameters of whoever you’re contacting is a small act that will alleviate stress on their end. Getting pinged at 9am instead of 7:30pm will help your contact maintain that ever elusive work-life balance, in turn helping them be fresh faced and energized on your behalf! 

 

  • Don’t be all business, all the time. 

While meeting colleagues in social settings, it can be tempting to bring up the one thing that you know is a sure connection — work. But off the clock, people don’t always want to talk shop. Try to build a more personal rapport, which will in turn help impact the familiarity you can build online. Are you both pet lovers? Do they have kids they’d love to brag about? Did you see an amazing vacation they may have shared on social media? Networking is a huge piece of the puzzle, but nobody wants to feel like they can’t leave work at work.

 

  • Details make all the difference! 

When it comes down to it, everyone loves to feel considered. Remembering a birthday, checking-in about a trip someone mentioned to you in an off-hand way, sending a holiday note, and other little acts that show people they’re being kept in mind can mean the world. Think about small acts of kindness that might help cultivate strong relationships with the people you professionally interact with all year round.

 

As 2024 continues, be sure to infuse a little extra charm in all you do, and see how it not only impacts your business but also helps build your positive mindset. 

Spotlight: Q&A with Stefan Johnson

Spotlight: Q&A with Stefan Johnson

If Stefan Johnson could give one piece of advice to his younger self, it would be: start now.

“I would tell anyone to start now. You’ve got an idea, you wanna do something, start now. I am lucky to have experienced success and reached a comfortable point — but if I would have really started at 18, after that initial interest formed for me, I can’t even dream where I would be right now.” 

That “initial interest” came from Stefan stepping behind the microphone in high school with the morning announcements. He further discovered voiceover while at broadcasting school at the Ohio Media Center, but at the time was more focused on performing with his pop-punk band in Cleveland. 

“We were gonna be rock stars. And then, long story short, life happens!” 

He ended up at a great job, but realized he wasn’t doing anything he truly loved. Then, the voiceover industry started to call his name again. He decided to run with it, and in addition to training, coaching, building his studio and marketing himself, he also began building his social media presence. 

Stefan’s brand, Voiceover Evolved, represents his versatility and constant growth within the world of voiceover. He needed something fresh and exciting to reflect his success and continue building momentum. The process of building his brand was a wonderful collaboration.

 

Stefan discusses his journey to millions of followers on social media, the incredible opportunities he’s seized as a result, and what drives him now in the following Q&A. 

 

2024 is the Time for Your Brand to Shine

2024 is the Time for Your Brand to Shine

As we stand at the brink of a new year, the time is ripe for reflection, renewal, and the opportunity to revitalize your voiceover brand. In an era dominated by digital first-impressions, your personal brand isn’t a nice-to-have, it’s a must have. Having a brand that works for you is a total VO powerplay. So, chop chop, lollipop! It’s time to amplify your brand identity and take control for a prosperous 2024.

When thinking about building your brand, there are some important questions to consider: 

 

 1.  What will make your brand represent YOU? 

In a world of countless voices, how do you stand out? Your brand personality, much like your voice, should resonate authentically with you. Identify those quirks, nuances, and qualities that make your voiceover style distinctive. Remember, in this industry, standing out is not just encouraged; it’s a necessity.

Spotlight: Q&A with Natasha Marchewka

Spotlight: Q&A with Natasha Marchewka

Natasha Marchewka is only human, however she’s anything but ordinary. 

Natasha got her start studying Radio and Television Arts at University. She began working in radio in Toronto, and when she became a mom, decided to pursue voice over and build her own business. She started her business at home in Ottawa, Canada when her first child was six months old. As she moved from Canada to the Caribbean, and eventually settled in California, she continued to grow her business as she raised her two children. 

Natasha’s brand, Only Human VO has given her the freedom to be imperfect. We are all only human, and that authenticity informs the work she does. It is a beautiful thing to celebrate. Her brand messaging has allowed her to revel in that truth and acquaint her audience of her values from their first impression. Building her brand was a delight from start to finish. 

Spotlight: Q&A with Kenita Hill

Spotlight: Q&A with Kenita Hill

Defining Moments VO. Evoking the right emotions to give you the right results.

Kenita Hill’s brand gives audiences an insight into her powerful voice that brings a touch of gravitas to each project. The CSM team greatly enjoyed working with Kenita to identify her brand story. As you’ll read below, Kenita’s experience working in healthcare informs her work as a voice actor. She uses her voice to amplify causes that are important to her. Developing her brand and designing her website with CSM allowed her to showcase those unique qualities to a wider audience.

Spotlight: Q&A with Rivka Rothstein

Spotlight: Q&A with Rivka Rothstein

Welcome to the Spotlight series! Each month, we’ll help you get to know some of our incredible talent. For the first edition, we are excited to sit down with Rivka Rothstein, who has a multitude of insights to share. 

 

Magnetic depth, global spirit, formidable panache. The heart of Rivka’s brand was clear from the first conversations the CSM team had with her. As you’ll read below, Rivka’s adventurous personality draws her to nature and exploration. Her experience living abroad and passion for travel informs how she works and lives as a voice over actor. Developing her brand and designing her website with CSM allowed her to showcase those unique experiences to a wider audience. 

read more…

Measuring Success: How to Track Metrics and Set Goals for Your Brand

Measuring Success: How to Track Metrics and Set Goals for Your Brand

For Voiceover Achievers who work tirelessly on their craft, career, and brand, it’s important to measure progress. After all, when you put a lot of time and effort into something, you want to be able to look back on how far you’ve come, and also articulate that success.

The best way to do that? Tracking metrics and setting goals. For your VO brand, that means measuring certain stats related to your work, and determining targets you want to hit in your career. Don’t worry – you don’t have to be an analytics pro or a business guru to do this. We’ll help you get started with an outline of which metrics are best for VO professionals to track, and how to set goals that work for you. 

read more…

Stay at the Top of Your Game: Five of the Best Professional Development Resources for Voiceover Talent

Stay at the Top of Your Game: Five of the Best Professional Development Resources for Voiceover Talent

As a working professional, it’s important to keep up with all the latest trends and developments in your field – and voiceover is no exception. VO talent should look for ways to stay current on industry news, keep their skills sharp and start building new ones, and expand their knowledge of the craft, regardless of where they’re at in their career. 

Don’t be overwhelmed, Voiceover Achievers! Fortunately, there are a ton of professional development resources out there for you to take advantage of. We’ve compiled a list of five of our favorite types of professional development resources, and just a few suggestions of the many good ones out there within each category, to get you started. Check it out below:  

read more…

“The Superbowl of Voiceover”: Recapping VO Atlanta 2023, and Looking Ahead to 2024 with J. Michael Collins

“The Superbowl of Voiceover”: Recapping VO Atlanta 2023, and Looking Ahead to 2024 with J. Michael Collins

“The Superbowl of Voiceover” – VO Atlanta is a place for voiceover professionals to connect with other talent, learn about the many different facets of the industry, and even take their career to the next level. 

The 2023 conference took place March 23-26 and marked the 10th anniversary of the event. It also marked the first year that CSM’s very own J. Michael Collins and his wife, Anna Collins, served as the event’s owners. JMC and Anna both felt they had a “sacred responsibility” to make sure the event “continues to be a rewarding and growth-enhancing experience for talent.” 

read more…

The Voiceover Achiever’s Guide to Audio Branding, with the help of Jodi Krangle

The Voiceover Achiever’s Guide to Audio Branding, with the help of Jodi Krangle

As voiceover industry professionals, we all know how important sound is to a brand. Consistent audio branding gives companies a distinct advantage in their marketing and advertising efforts. 

While we all know this to be true, not everyone does – so how do we explain it? In other words, how can you demonstrate to potential clients why they should hire you, what you can offer them, how you can take their sonic branding to the next level? 

Lucky for us, CSM voiceover talent, Jodi Krangle, answers this question every week on her podcast “Audio Branding: The Hidden Gem of Marketing.” Jodi explores how audio impacts people in different ways and in different parts of their lives. She shows why sound is something companies should pay attention to and leverage as a tool, and subsequently, why they should prioritize hiring voice talent. 

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Voiceover lessons learned in 2022, to help in 2023

Voiceover lessons learned in 2022, to help in 2023

Hey there, Voiceover Achievers – can you believe December is almost over? The holidays will soon be behind us, but we have 2023 to look forward to and conquer! New Year’s is the perfect time to reflect on the past 12 months and set yourself up for success, personally and professionally, in the coming 365 days.

With that in mind, how can you best prepare for a thriving voiceover career in 2023? The best way is to stay on top of industry trends. If that sounds overwhelming and you don’t know where to start, relax – we’ve got you covered. Here are four voiceover industry trends that are here to stay in 2023: 

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Season of reinvention

Season of reinvention

Why do some companies rebrand, and can it work for you? What are the advantages and the challenges when undergoing a complete brand refresh? Brands reinvent themselves all the time, and VO can too. It’s necessary to adapt, to keep up with modern culture, to change for the better — whether you’re a person or a company. Just because you’ve always been one way, doesn’t mean you have to stay that way.

This month at CSM, we’re looking at our top three favorite rebrands of the year, and how each of them were able to execute a flawless transition.

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Learning is Back in Session

Learning is Back in Session

Greetings Voiceover Achievers! School is back in session and we’re here for it. Growing up as the daughter of a professor, I’ve always loved this time of year– heading back to school and getting excited about what I will learn next.  read more…

VO Success Strategies

VO Success Strategies

It takes lots of elements to be a successful voiceover artist– talent, coaching, and a team that works with you and for you. When you’re doing everything you can to make your business successful, it can be easy to neglect your personal health.  read more…

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