A couple weeks back, I wrote a post about Social Networking and the Voiceover Actor.
After getting such an awesome response, I figured it was time to really start asking some questions of fellow voiceover actors and their Social media/networking experiences.
I have noticed some talents who have really jumped in whole hog (that’s a southern term that I learned when I moved to Nashville) with new media. I thought it would be a good idea to pick their brains.
The first voice talent I tied down and forced to answer my questions was none other than fellow blogger and Voiceover Talent extraordinaire…Dave Courvoisier (@courVO on Twitter). CourVO was “brought up on an honest-to-goodness crop farm in Central Illinois” and has traveled to all ends of the country in Radio and Television. Right now, his home base is Las Vegas, Nevada. Not only is he a Voiceover Talent, he’s a broadcaster, actively involved in his community and a fulltime Dad.
Add to that, Social Media Junkie! (I mean that in the nicest way!!)
I was able to ask Dave a handful of questions, and I think you will learn alot about him, and the type of guy he is, plus some social media tips and tricks as well.
Let’s get to it:
Dave – What prompted you to get involved with Social Networking?
Other than being a sociable kinda guy, I’ve been around enough to know currying good relationships is key to fulfillment in life and work. It also helps that I just have a very natural curiosity about anything “new”. That can be a blessing and a curse. But with the internet, it draws me like a magnet to the latest trends, software, online sites, and yes, even risky ventures that may be the next big thing. So it is that I stumbled upon StumbleUpon, Twitter, FaceBook, Digg, Bebo, and about 50 other social networking “experiments” in the matrix.
The other answer to that begins with seeking success in my freelance voiceover business. Voiceover work is largely represented as being 10-20% talent and tech savvy, the rest is wrapped up in some kind of marketing. Since marketing is as old as the serpent convincing Adam to eat the apple, you can imagine the permutations it’s undergone since then. Granted, the goal is the same, but the tactics change. The internet has had a profound change on marketing. Today’s marketing experimenters claim you must give something of your personal self, and you must give something of value for free, before you can expect to be successful in your online marketing efforts. By extension, then, one must be “sociable” and build relationships (without threat of hearing a sales pitch) as a subtle way to earn trust, and thereby eventually opening the door to the opportunity for explaining what it is you do for a living. On THAT premise, I launched into social networking, network marketing, new media marketing, or whatever-you-want-to-call-it….with gusto.
Are there essential tools you need to make a presence for yourself as a social “networker”? (blog, logo, headshot, writing ability, time!, etc…)
Writing skills are probably the most important. I’m old school on that. Yes, I use “hafta” and “gonna” or “dunno” in my posts once in a while, but only after earning your respect as a reader. I can BE that casual, but professionally, I want to portray competence in my content.
Punctuation, grammar, spelling…all important. It is really the one tool you have to convey your character and personality online (unless you use YouTube for all your Social Networking). Beyond that, I encourage people subscribing to social networking sites to fill out the inevitable rudimentary “profile” such sites usually ask for. Post a pic, write something honest, but maybe a little unique in the bio, and if it asks for more (like FaceBook), throw a few items in there if you want…then come back later and flesh it out.
Remember, YOU are what you’re selling here, so it behooves you to spend some time developing that personality in your profile and your posts that you want people to take home. Everything should reflect your genuine personality and even your moods. Personally, I stay away from politics, religion and Mac v. PC topics. I have very strong opinions about all 3, but there’s so much more to ME, and I’d easily lose half (yes, half) of prospective relationships by spouting off about any of those BIG 3 topics.
Your social networking sites should all support one another. So… if your ultimate goal is to market your voiceover business, yes, your brand and/or logo should consistently be everywhere. Your FaceBook site should link to your Twitter posts, and your FriendFeed account, your blog, and vice-versa and so on. I like Ping.fm, ‘cause you can post to several networking sites from one interface.
What are your favorite Social networking tools? (ie. Apps, IPhone, Firefox, etc)
I mentioned Ping.fm above. I also like posterous and jott for their sheer ingenuity, handiness, and ease-of-use. I almost never use MS Internet Explorer (although I’m checking out IE 8.0 as we speak). I prefer FireFox for it’s open-source paradigm, and all the seamless add-ons you can use. However, Flock (based on the Mozilla interface) is probably THE most social-network-friendly browser out there. I’ve also come to appreciate Opera a lot more. I use all three of those (FireFox, Flock, and Opera) almost interchangeably.
My social networking activity grew exponentially when I got an IPhone. The psychology engineered into that interface is astounding. Match that with the technology of the IPhone, and you have an incredible tool for communicating in many ways anytime, anywhere.
I’m equally comfortable with interfaces that stand alone without a browser (TweetDeck, Twhirl, Destroy Twitter, Digsby), as well as those which depend on a browser (PeopleBrowsr, Itweet.net, Tweetvisor). I’m especially fond of the FireFox/Flock add-on called “Power Twitter”. It triples the functionality of the traditional Twitter interface.
Do you have any tips or tricks for making the most of your time while you are “social networking?”
Set a timer. Unplug your laptop, and when the battery runs out, you’re done. Set an alarm clock. Unless you have unlimited time (ha!) Twitter and Facebook WILL become a time-suck. We’re all visually oriented…men more so…and these apps are passive-aggressive bait-and-switch devices.
What is the best place to start for someone who is just beginning to dip their toe into social networking?
The big 3: FaceBook, Twitter, and YouTube. If you have profiles on those 3, you’re covering your bases pretty good. Branch out from there if you want. I also like FriendFeed, StumbleUpon, Twine, and Plaxo (editors note: You can now sync your Plaxo with Facebook – More on that in another post!). Just remember, e-mail takes a lot of time to handle, too…so with all those, you can get plenty “social”.
What has been the biggest positive thing that has happened in your VO career since you decided to start with social media?
Relationships. Connections. “Small-world” reminders. The honor of being able to mentor. Finding tips ‘n’ tricks I could’ve lost hours trying to figure out. Digital relationships leading to real-world meet-ups. All that, and other stuff that I haven’t even realized yet.
What has been the biggest negative thing that has happened?
Realizing that you do nothing in a vacuum. Someone is watching, listening, reading, and connecting dots. Being a public figure, I must watch what I say…which opinions I share, and how much anger or off-the-wall stuff I reveal. That’s why I can’t figure out these younger people posting pics of outrageous behavior (my oldest daughter included) on FaceBook. Once it’s “out there” in the matrix…there’s no retrieving it. The words, pictures and videos you post paint a picture of you…and I’ve been upbraided more than once for stepping outside what would be considered mainstream acceptable.
What are the best ways to make contacts with potential clients on Twitter?
Great question. Not sure I have a solid answer. It certainly involves paying close attention to tweet messages, being consistent in your branding, and gently slipping-in reminders of what you do when you tweet. Be helpful. Offer to do a pro-bono now and then for charitable organizations. Use hash-tag (#) phrases in your tweets: #voiceover. There is one VO guy on Twitter who is a poster-child for how NOT to tweet your VO message, but he may, in fact, be getting lots of business with his approach…it’s just a bit abrasive. Check him out @Raunchfoxxx. I also automatically post a tweet message whenever I blog, using Twitterfeed.
What are the best ways to make contacts with potential clients on Facebook?
This may be the toughest social network to crack for hard client prospecting, ‘cause most of the people on board are here for pure personal fun and sharing. If they sniff the scent of being “pitched” they may run. However, because of that, the opportunities may also be great. Again, be yourself, share a piece of YOU…let people get to know you, and trust you, and maybe slip in here ‘n’ there just what it is you do for a living. Over time, once they like YOU…they may remember what you do, and eventually call or write when they need someone with your skills.
Some voice over artists have launched “FAN” pages on FaceBook. I’m not sure this is a successful ploy yet…I’m still waiting to see. I’d be interested to hear from anyone reading this if they’ve had success with this tool.
Most all of the social networking sites will respond to the same paradigm. You gain possible clients by not overtly selling your product. Instead sell yourself…your personal, trustable, likeable and dependable self. Sure, you need to mention what it is you do, but also make sure you give something of value to others sharing that space. Mentor. Volunteer. Be generous. Being a Christian, I don’t believe in karma, but you lose nothing by giving everything.
I think that is a great way to end this post.
A Big thank you to CourVO for taking the time to answer my questions!!!
Oh, by the way…if You want to see more of Dave’s Answers, make sure you check out his blog : Voice-acting in Vegas (Glad your not throwin in the towel Dave!)
Look for more thoughts from other Voiceovers Coming soon!!
