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CAREER
Stuck For Voice Over New Year Resolutions?
Here's 51 Ideas To Move Your Career Forward

By Dave Courvoisier

Voice Talent & TV News Anchor

You build your business. You set your goals. You make progress. What was priority in 2010 will be a past accomplishment in 2013.

For instance, I’ve been putting off too long the need for an efficient, workable, online, intuitive bookkeeping solution. Now that next year’s tax season is looming, I’m especially aware of my 2012 shortcomings in this area. 
I WILL start out the new year with a system in place!
In that spirit, I’m throwing out some ideas for you here - New Year Resolutions, if you need more.

Some might stick against the wall, and others are gonna slide right down and end up on the floor. It’s not exhaustive, nor is it all-encompassing, but it might rattle something in your brain that you forgot needed to be on the front burner.

Also, some of the stuff in the list below may be behind you … or too far out in front to handle in 2013. It’s neither a newbie nor an advanced list - just a brainstorming session

TAKE 10 ...

1. Time to tweak your demo?
2. Do you need to develop OTHER niche demos?
3. Does the website need an upgrade?
4. When’s the last time you offered to help someone?
5. How’s your computer doing? Hard drive making funny sounds?
6. When’s the last time you backed up your files?
7. Are you keeping a database of clients/colleagues/prospects?
8. What are you using for Customer Relationship Management (CRM)?
9. When’s the last time you dusted your equipment?  ;-}
10. Is this the year you get your dream mic?

TWEAK THE TEENS ...


11. Which VO events/webinars/meet-ups/mixers are you going to attend in 2013?
12. What coach or coaching will you pursue?
13. Will you tune into EWABS every Sunday?
14. Will you seek a mentor this year?
15. Is your recording and editing software doing what you need?
16. How are you handling your finances?
17. Are you setting aside a portion of your proceeds for taxes each paycheck?
18. What is your follow-up procedure for keeping regular clients happy?
19. Are YOU happy?

ON TO 20 ...

20. Do you take enough time for your family?
21. Would an intern help your workflow?
22. Time to spruce up your Social Media presence?
23. When’s the last time you said ‘Thank You’?
24. What is your strategy for getting new clients?
25. Will you stay with online subscription sites? What is the ROI there?
26. Do you need an agent / more agents?
27. Could WoVO (World-Voices Organization) help you out?
28. Can you justify the expense of Source-Connect or ISDN?
29. Finally time to get those acting / improv classes?

KEEP GOING ...

30. Do you need a tablet?
31. What about a cloud computing solution for your files?
32. Will a regular newsletter to your clients come in 2013?
33. Are your rates due for a step-up?
34. What task will you delegate to free up time?
35. Are you in a MasterMind or Stand-up group?
36. Is an enclosed recording booth in your budget this year?
37. Did you visit VoiceOverXtra today?
38. What advantage would going / droppping union bring you?
39. When’s the last time you called your agent to say thanks?

HOME STRETCH ...

40. Will you commit to reading Voice-Acting in Vegas every day? (just checking)
41. Which annoying habit will you conquer in your delivery?
42. Did you go paperless yet?
43. Can you do an audiobook?
44. Do you have a marketing plan that’s measurably working?
45. What part of your business should you jettison / stop, regardless of how dear it is?
46. Which colleague have you asked for a frank opinion on your sound?
47. When’s the last time your revamped your LinkedIn / Facebook / Twitter profile?
48. How can you better manage your time?
49. Is your financial bookkeeping up-to-snuff?
50. Will you be at FaffCon FINALLY / again?
51.Are you looking for VO jobs or a VO career?

GOT MORE?


OK, what am I missing? What is YOUR priority for your VO business? Name one thing that just can’t be ignored one more year, and that HAS to be done in 2013.

Have a Happy, Successful New Year!

---------------------------------------
ABOUT DAVE
Dave Courvoisier is an Emmy Award-winning broadcaster, writer, producer, voice actor, and the main weeknight news anchor on KLAS-TV, Channel 8, the Las Vegas CBS affiliate. He also writes Voice-Acting in Vegas, a daily blog of adventures and observations in a style that’s true to his friendly Midwestern farm roots. TV bio: KLAS-TV bio link

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Comments (8)
Maxine Dunn
1/2/2013 at 6:30 PM
Yowza! What a FABULOUS list, Dave! Thank you so much for putting this together.

I LOVE lists. They're easy to consume and so crystal clear to follow. You've given me some super ideas to improve my voice-over business in 2013 so I'm gonna sign off here and get on it!

I'm going to start by going through your list and making a check-list in a Word doc. of all the points I'm going to follow through on. Then check them off one by one as I get them accomplished.

Thanks again for such GREAT ideas!

xox
Maxine
Tami
1/2/2013 at 1:30 AM
Great list, Dave! And a perfect kick in the rear for those of us who've been dragging our feet and haven't put pen to paper to set those goals in concrete! BTW, what great online bookkeeping system did you decide on? That's in my top ten!!
Blessings in the New Year ~
Tami Romani
Judy Fossum
1/1/2013 at 9:47 AM
Dave,

Good stuff -- concise and got my brain thinking about what I need to and want to accomplish in the new year.

Much Success to you in the New Year!

Thank you,
Judy Fossum
Linda Joy
12/31/2012 at 11:01 AM
Thanks, Dave! File saved and 'highlitten' :) LOVE your lists!
Marie Kopan
12/31/2012 at 9:37 AM
What a great list Dave, THANK YOU for being a source of inspiration and thought on this vo journey...and ...if you didn't know already...yes I read VAinV faithfully!
Susan Manhire
12/31/2012 at 8:12 AM
Great article, David. As 2012 winds down, I would like to thank you for all of your contributions to our industry. Your comments and articles have always been helpful and thought provoking for me. I appreciate you! Best wishes to you and yours for a healthy and happy New Year.
CD
12/31/2012 at 3:50 AM
The only thing you forgot that is very important, Dave is:

Are you plugged in and and hanging out with the biggest names in voiceover on a weekly basis?
If not, you need to watch www.VOBuzzWeekly.com . It will definitely give you the information and education to move forward in your VO biz! :)
MIKER
12/31/2012 at 2:35 AM
Great Job Dave - Insightful, Helpful, Motivational - I'll bet almost EVERYONE will see themselves somewhere on this List. An Awesome Start to the New Year!! Thanks for Sharing...
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