Wonderful work, Rowell!

St. Louis Cardinals Program Open from Rick Riley on Vimeo.

Well done, Rick!

St. Louis Cardinals Program Open from Rick Riley on Vimeo.

Well done, Rick!

Having established that, here’s what I also know. You can be exceptional if you will take the time and exercise the humility needed to learn what you need to learn in order to become exceptional. Once you’ve begun this process, stick with it. The main thing that can derail you on your journey to being exceptional is to change directions or change focus. Doing so will derail your efforts every time. Needless to say, quitting will also derail you.

And once you’re on your way, here’s something you won’t hear from a lot of people. Don’t be afraid to say “no.” Know yourself, your strengths. You can’t please everyone. You really can’t be all things to all people. So don’t even try. Say “no” to the things that aren’t right for you. I do this all the time.

But, when you say “no,” keep in mind that this can still be a win for you. Refer a job that isn’t right for you to someone it is right for. In fact, when you do so, it’s a win for not just you, but your friend who gets the job and the client who gets when he or she needs. Do that often enough and you won’t know what to do with all the work you do have.

What? Turning down work leads to more work? Yes. Because at least some of those people to whom you refer work, will refer things back to you. And at least some of those clients you helped are going remember you, too and when they have something that is right for you, who do you think they’re going to call? Yep. You.

The more you concentrate on doing the work you are best at, the work you most enjoy, and turn down everything else by referring that work to someone else, the bigger your avalanche is going to grow.

The real secret to avoiding “average” however, is to be you. If you’re trying to be the next whomever, stop. Find your voice. Build your business around the things you love voicing. Not only will you be happier, you’ll almost certainly be better paid, too. Just as I am the world’s exclusive source for voiceovers by Bob Souer, you are the world’s exclusive source for voiceovers by you.

“You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have.”

–Author Unknown

“Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.”

  — Dr. Seuss

Success often obstructs change. When we have nothing we’re willing to risk everything. When we have something we’re afraid to risk anything.  
– Simon Sinek

So, now that you know you can’t just keep doing the same-old-thing, what are you going to do about it? If you’re a working voiceover pro, studying with Marice would be one excellent way to move forward. Attending Faffcon (if you can get in, it’s 93% sold out as I write this post) would be another. They’re not mutually exclusive. And there are loads of other things to do, too.

The point is, if you’re serious, you have to do something. But then, you all ready knew that didn’t you?

So, now that you know you can’t just keep doing the same-old-thing, what are you going to do about it? If you’re a working voiceover pro, studying with Marice would be one excellent way to move forward. Attending Faffcon (if you can get in, it’s 93% sold out as I write this post) would be another. They’re not mutually exclusive. And there are loads of other things to do, too.

The point is, if you’re serious, you have to do something. But then, you all ready knew that didn’t you?

I made up my mind about 10 minutes into the first Faffcon that I would do everything possible to attend every subsequent one. Yes, it’s that valuable. I hope to see you there.

Mighty nice work, Anthony!

If you’d like to learn more on this important subject, dig through the archives of the blog written by the late Mike Sommer.