One thing that you are never without on the internet is a voice. Granted some are louder than others. Mine is really little more than a squeak right now, but it is getting louder. Granted some people use their voices for the wrong thing like bullying people, but I think the majority of people are using their voices and searching for the best way to get their voice heard. Using my voice on Twitter, a place when I first started on it, I knew nobody, I would never have come into contact with people like Blake Northcott, Patty Robinson, and Kristen Nedopak. For instance if I would not have used my voice to ask the editor at Expert Comics about an opening that they had for a columnist, I would never had gotten a column to write and again use my voice. Still the voice is pretty quiet, but getting louder. Without this column, I would never have had the courage to ask Blake Northcott or Kristen Nedopak to do interviews with them for Expert. Frankly I was a bit out of my league and I am still learning the ropes. But I asked and they graciously said yes. A question not asked receives no answer. So I dove head in. Besides, what is the worse that could have happened? I have dealt with a lot of rejection. What’s a little more? Thankfully Things turned out different, and I have been introduced to even more people who I really have no business talking to like Helenna Santos Levy, Lauren McFall, and Patty Jean Robinson, as well as all of my friends from Expert Comics who have been huge helps. When I first started Twitter I just figured it would just be another social networking site, but it is more than that. Is has given me opportunities that I would never have had otherwise. Now I am still small time, but I am using my voice for all it is worth, and it is being heard.
I think I have found what I want to be when I grow up at 41. Granted I would like to be getting paid cash monies for it, but you have to start somewhere. I am getting my name out there. People are referring people to me (Thanks Kristen). But it all started with asking questions. Talking to people, using my voice, the most powerful thing you can have on the internet. So don’t be of rejection. Take chances. Get in on the conversation. You will be surprised who answers. I know I was. But you will never know until you use your voice. Ask the question. Be respectful. Don’t take things personally. I know I am new in this business, so take this as you will. But I am going to be heard. Thanks to everyone who has helped along the way. Your help means so much.
Awesome for you, Brett.
ReplyDeleteYou're doing EXACTLY what successful people would say needs to be done: Find your passion, then find your voice. Don't give up, but give out (be nice and respectful to those you want to emulate and talk to).
I'm in a similar situation as a Voice Actor. I didn't find my passion until my mid-30s. But I met a career guidance coach who helped me get out of my office job and in to a career I am now passionate about. I've used her networking tactics - I call them "23 minute coffee dates" - to talk with some very successful voice actors, producers, and successful and smart business people. (I met @Nedopak through my coach and am such a fan of her talent, drive, and success. And she's willing to share her passion with other nice people!)
Much continued luck and I hope we get to see each other on a comic-con panel in 1-2 years. (Well that's one of my determinations anyway).
-Loren
Thanks so much for reading. I really appreciate it. It is funny you mention voice acting. My best friend is 40 and he just started taking voice acting lessons and getting his name around. It is something he is really passionate about as well. So we both had kind of gotten started late in life. But we are doing it. Again thanks for reading and commenting.
ReplyDeleteHow inspiring and such great advice. I find sometimes I want my voice to be heard and other times I want to fade into the background. Oh, us moody, artistic types might use our voice, but then again, we might just let someone else do the talking. Dangerous when we get stuck in our comfort zone.
ReplyDeleteWay to go, you, though. Sounds like things are going well right now.