We just began the fourth and final week of Harlan Hogan’s STARTING YOUR VOICEOVER BUSINESS: Everything You Need To Know To Turn Your Dream Or Your Sideline Into A Business teleseminar series.
Tonight’s major topics: Business Matters, Unions and Agents. We asked our students to send us their candid reviews. Here they are.
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This class has been the best and also the scariest step I’ve taken toward my vo career. This has been an enlightening course. I have a lot of work to do. I have learned a LOT and I plan on putting it into motion.
thank you.
I really believe that I have the information and tools to make an earnest attempt at quitting my voiceover hobby and developing my voiceover business.
Harlan, your presentations were well thought out and presented magnificently. Dan, your questions and interjections were brilliant and you do an incredible job of keeping things moving. I never would have believed that I could learn so much stuff I thought I knew already in just 16 hours on the phone.
Thank you for the incredible class, and I look forward to our final Q and A.
This class has been the best and also the scariest step I've taken toward my vo career. This has been an enlightening course. I have a lot of work to do. I have learned a LOT and I plan on putting it into motion.
thank you.
Wow- the last class and it’s just as great as it could have been. This is another major area where I needed help desperately and you came through with flying colors! The corporation explanations alone were of tremendous help to me – business classes in school were some of my best nap times so I never really got any of this before. I also was astonished about the story of the character actor and the IRS, I would likely have not known that either. I have been thinking that I may need to change accountants soon and this example is making me wonder even more about that possibility… not that I’m having that problem right now but I don’t know if my own accountant knows any of this stuff either. Time to start investigating.
Also thanks loads for the tips on agents. Now I know what I’ve been doing wrong in my approaches and how to fix the situation for the future.
Very sad it has to end but you guys have given me more than a decade’s worth of career building blocks and I’m planning on reviewing the class recordings frequently!
Thanks again for everything! I’ll be listening tomorrow night!
I learned so much tonight. Boy, do I have my work cut out for me! It’s wonderful to have some concrete ways to begin treating my business more like a business than a sideline. I’ve been so focused on performance that I have neglected marketing and management.
I loved the portion about business structures. It was informative and easy to understand. I also learned a ton from the representation section. I recently branched out of my home market and started seeking representation in another area. I now realize I have made some mistakes, but I am looking forward to doing things a little differently next time.
Wow- the last class and it's just as great as it could have been. This is another major area where I needed help desperately and you came through with flying colors! The corporation explanations alone were of tremendous help to me – business classes in school were some of my best nap times so I never really got any of this before. I also was astonished about the story of the character actor and the IRS, I would likely have not known that either. I have been thinking that I may need to change accountants soon and this example is making me wonder even more about that possibility… not that I'm having that problem right now but I don't know if my own accountant knows any of this stuff either. Time to start investigating.
Also thanks loads for the tips on agents. Now I know what I've been doing wrong in my approaches and how to fix the situation for the future.
Very sad it has to end but you guys have given me more than a decade's worth of career building blocks and I'm planning on reviewing the class recordings frequently!
Thanks again for everything! I'll be listening tomorrow night!
Wow…so much important information. It's the nuts & bolts stuff of managing the business that has to be my weakest point. Well, that and confidence. To be honest, all the information regarding taxes and incorporation made my head spin. It actually spurred more questions so I can't wait til tomorrow's call.
I just wish that I hadn't jumped in this business without having this class first because I made just about every mistake in the book and am afraid I may have screwed my self. Believe me, I'm not blowing smoke up your skirt (so to speak) when I say (and have said) this is a must class for anyone getting started. No one wants to fall into the pitfalls I fell in.
There is no other workshop out there that offers the indispensible info that this workshop provides so I would really hope you would offer this to others as well. There are just too many folks out there that want to seperate you from your money in this biz without giving any– ANY practical information. That's probably the two words I'd say that best describe this workshop: Practical Information.
Value points for me:
Got me to take action: HUGE!!!! I was stuck.
Gave me a specific direction- how to look for work, where to look for work, the importance of branding, know what I want and where I want to eventually be and how to approach getting there, ideas on how to make calls, what should be said, the importance of doing your research first– gosh… I could go on and on!
Gave me specific information- equipment, what mic/preamp best for me Gave me guidance and specifics on how to build and run a VO business
taxes
lawyers
accountants
finances
corporations
unions
management tools
how to approach an agent
taking responsibility for my success
The above are just what come to mind right now. It's way past my bedtime so I'm sure I may be missing a few but hopefully this gives you enough of a peek into what helped me personally.
Honestly, without this class I'm pretty sure I'd still be on my butt trying to figure out what to do next. Like I said earlier; I was stuck and I had that whole analysis paralysis thing going on because I was afraid of making mistakes. Well, I made a bunch anyway so… I just hope they haven't done too much damage. Where the heck were you guys 2 1/2 years ago when I started?!?
I'm all amped up to move forward. I was always excited and motivated to get going but had no idea how to proceed. I was just winging it– eventually ending up spinning my wheels. Thank you for giving me direction.
This is THE one class that should be bottled and sold. No lie.
Thank you for the time and effort you placed into this educational opportunity. Each week I was able to learn something new, even if the subject was something already familiar. The teleclass was easy to follow (great voices, great documentation), assignments kept me focused on the goal, and the Q & A and bonus calls all contributed to a very worthwhile experience.
Having my recordings, voice, and website evaluated was also very helpful. Enjoyed hearing others voices and feedback. Just reviewing/revamping and submitting my website was a success.
Please let me know if you will be having sessions in the future. I would also be interested in hearing more about coaching/evaluation classes.
Thanks for the overview of the business management side of the voiceover business. Tonight reminded me of some of my college courses that were very challenging and took me out of my comfort zone. I am looking forward to tomorrow night's Q & A session, but I am sorry to see the class come to an end. 🙁 It has been a quick four weeks!
Thank you for the time and effort you placed into this educational opportunity. Each week I was able to learn something new, even if the subject was something already familiar. The teleclass was easy to follow (great voices, great documentation), assignments kept me focused on the goal, and the Q & A and bonus calls all contributed to a very worthwhile experience.
Having my recordings, voice, and website evaluated was also very helpful. Enjoyed hearing others voices and feedback. Just reviewing/revamping and submitting my website was a success.
Please let me know if you will be having sessions in the future. I would also be interested in hearing more about coaching/evaluation classes.
While I was initially disappointed by the statement early in the lessons that this was a course aimed primarily at people just getting into voice work, I have found something new (for me) in each of the lessons to more than justify the price of admission.
Perhaps I mis-read the initial announcement of the course when I signed up, but I came in with the impression this would be for people who were already established, but who (like me) were woefully lacking in business sense to match their creative experience.
Putting a positive look on things,I can still feel good that no less a personage than Harlan Hogan is saying the same things I’ve been telling others, and that he has validated some of the thingsI have already been doing through trial-and-error over the years.
Your weekly “extras” have also proven very valuable, and i’m most interested in the suggestions you may have for improving my website. As I plan to improve my commercial demo, I also want to upgrade the look and/or structure, based in part on your observations.
If you do something “advanced” with harlan or anyone else, I would really like to see it concentrate (to an almost insane level of detail) on the marketing/branding/client-list-building process last week touched on. I know I could also use a lot of help actually setting up the accounting structure, but that might be somethingI need to come up with locally.
Overall…I’m glad Imade the commitment in time and money. I’m especially grateful you have provided recordings for re-visiting, and that you required specific follow-up for the subjects covered each week.
Thank you for putting this together, and for the graciousness both you and Harlan have shown when we asked questions you could have easily been unkind in answering.
Encouraged by what I’ve gotten from this course, I plan to be one your attendees at the Radio/pPoduction Summit later this year. But that’s another email for another night.
I love this class! I can’t believe that it is almost over, but I feel like a little bird learning how to fly. I think these skills are going to last a long time. I’m excited about the 30-60 day follow up and I plan on setting some hard goals for that time. I will be in NYC in the next few weeks and am thinking about looking up my old boss at one of the major VO talent agencies there. I never would have had the confidence, or substance to back up the confidence, without this class. I’ll let you know what happens in my e-mail update.
I was a talent agent years ago and, while much of what was discussed about agents and unions tonight was familiar, I still can’t believe how many notes I took and how much relevant information I was reminded about. I think another important point to make, if you do this class again, is that agents are people. I remember some actors treating me like I was suddenly a god and whatever I said was law, and some actors treating me like the enemy. It should go without saying, but neither approach works. It’s important to remember that if an agent says something that doesn’t jive with your plan for your career, it’s okay to disagree with them. Ultimately, it’s your career. You touched upon that with the fact that their first responsibility is to the agency, but I think that it is something on which you could have elaborated. A relationship with an agent is just that, a relationship, and just because somebody is a nice person or a good agent, doesn’t mean they are necessarily right for you. I also think it was great the way you stressed that even when you get an agent, it is still important to be your own agent. In my mind, that’s the truest difference between those people who have lifelong careers and those that don’t.
Thank you for a wonderful class! I feel like it was worth every penny and I’m excited about the voice coaching that you talked about at the end of tonight’s call.
As this class winds to its conclusion, I would like to send you my personal review of the class overall. It is important to explain my “situation” and background so you can better appreciate my perspective.
I came to this class without any professional voiceover experience, very little technical know-how, almost non-existent training and no real idea of what it took to start and maintain a voiceover business. The only elements I did bring to this course, was a deep thrill and love for the use of a talent and some innate abilities to read copy. In other words, I believe I could be the most unprepared and inexperienced student of your course. Due to my lack of foundational knowledge and practical skills associated with this subject, I was at a great disadvantage and could not immediately participate in some assignments. I also found that some of the technical information flowing my way could not be absorbed in my brain, and had to flow past me for now.
In regards to your original goals, (to guide and help students learn the first steps necessary in this unique business), I believe you have succeeded incredibly. Rarely does one find a class that is more direct, candid, forthright, honest, information rich, practical, selfless and useful as yours has been. And although I could not grasp all of the important information as it came, the downloaded CDs will become an invaluable resource in the near future. As my knowledge increases and my skills enhance, I will be able to listen once again with a renewed vigor to all the classes we held. I absolutely feel my feet have been planted on firm soil, and I actually know where to take my first thoughtful steps as I begin to make a dream a reality.
Thank you for your well prepared and meaningful course. Action truly is the key, even if it is a small step (learning computer skills, networking potential clients, meeting other VO professionals , etc.) if taken continually you will arrive at your destination. Thank you again, for the inspiration and information.
Harlan and Dan,
I can’t thank you enough.
I’m blown away by all the preparation and unbelievable amount of information.
I’ve heard some of it before, but I’m now able to understand it better, particularly incorporating, lawyers, accounting, invoicing, all great info.
Everything has been very consistent and and so well organized
The homework assignments have helped me:
to get more organized
to make an action plan and TAKE ACTION on it by putting a date and time on them.
to follow through on my voice over commitments
to get in habit of doing tasks within 48 hours, especially because I can procrastinate.
I really get it now – that I’m losing out when I don’t do them right away.
Visiting all the internet casting sites:
helped me to know the competition zero in on where I fit in, my strengths, and what I’m passionate about
target the best site if any for me to sign up with
or just determine the best course of action toward moving forward in my career
I appreciated Jeffrey taking the time to provide all of us feedback and input. That was a lot of work! I will listen to the critiquing of the others asap – I know I will benefit from that as well. Thank you so much!
Knowing the non union pay rates gives me confidence to start making a living at vo sooner than I thought; union rates, something to aspire to.
I appreciate hearing all the facts, and your not making a judgement on someone going fi core.
I have so much more to thank you for but in short, this class has been a voice over lifeline. I would like to stay connected somehow. One of the things I was missing and so needed before this class was a mentor. I’m very proactive and will continue to do the work, but it would be helpful to be able to exchange experiences, advice, suggestions with others. Sounds like the Facebook group will be a great place to do that.
I’d definitely be interested in an advanced class for when I complete all the suggested legwork, and as I improve, just to know I’m still on the right track.
My current successes:
I’d love to do commercials, but I really love reading aloud. I plan to focus on narration and audio books for now.
I am committed to becoming successful and putting myself and my career first finally!
I am becoming more involved, now that I have direction.
My future successes:
I will redo my web design with something more alive and fun!
I will record my own narration demo and add it to my new website.
I will host my own website and save the $500 from the two links I’m now attached to. One is coming to an end in June.
There’s so much more to say about everything I’ve learned, the recording at home, the equipment, the endless possibilities! It’s 12:50 am and I’m still here.
I’m sorry for this class to end. I so looked forward to sitting in my “studio” with you both each night. I felt very connected, like it’s ok for me to be here! Sorry that’s so sappy, it’s just been a long frustrating struggle. You’ve given me renewed energy and hope!
So for now, thank you from the bottom of my heart and God bless you with continued success and happiness. (more mush)
Hear ya tomorrow!
Waahh!
Okay, it’s not that bad but I’m really going to miss this class and you two wonderful experts! This seminar series has been extremely exhilarating and of huge benefit in learning the principles of voice-overs as a business and proactively working through the assignments that were core-based.
Each assignment’s lessons was another learning curve to hurdle over and can be practiced until they are second nature to us. We went through the motions of actually performing some of the tasks we will be realizing hopefully upon moment the seminar officially is completed! And the best part is we always have our Mp3’s to continue to rally and guide us through rough spots ahead!
Tonight’s class was very ‘class-like’ in covering the real hardware of the Voiceover business or any other business. It is not my strong point, though I do understand the necessity for obtaining an accountant who knows the business having worked both union and non-union in the animation industry. I was happy to see the class subject of ‘business matters’ so well outlined and great for a quick and easy reference lest we forget!
I also appreciate the thoroughness with regard to this every area discussed, such as the different business structures we might follow as well as the financial and legal benefits and/or drawbacks of each model. I must say that all of the tax stuff is a bit daunting, since I know what it is like to watch every deduction like a hawk and also the liabilities. At least I have a larger view now of what are the options here as is applies to voice-over work.
I was happy to get to the “What’s Next?” – section of the evening, and I was interested to hear how the various unions operate, which are similar to my own, but of course more ‘big league’ ! Also learning more about agents, and when and how to find and engage one was extremely helpful and also the scenarios discussed were good (and entertaining) examples of what NOT to do when acquiring an agent.
The Assignment down the road regarding calling up agents will surely be another ‘hurdle’ to overcome– but again, another learning experience! I’d had a little trouble procuring the data for last week’s assignments and didn’t quite get all the information it required, but now I know at least What to ask, given more time to investigate BEFORE signing on to one of the online casting sites!!
All in all the Monday night class as usual was stimulating and packed with good, solid information we all need to study and follow. Everything about the class was freshly presented, exciting, real and hands on! Not an idle moment all four weeks! Thank you guys!!