‘help me for free but first, this insult’
First impressions, they matter.
Last weekend, another person looking to get into voiceover email me. Yes on a weekend and yes I answered (if I wait until Monday, I’ll forget).
I’d had absolutely no previous interaction with this person before they sent me the following email.
Hello Mr. O’Connell my name is (OMITTED) and I’m trying to figure out where I would start with Voice Over work. Many people have told me I should pursue this but I’m confused if I should talk to someone if I do have the voice or voices for this work, or take some training to hone in on what I want. If you have time to respond to this e-mail thanks and have a good day!
As I do with all these types of inquiries, I directed this individual to read the Voiceover Entrance Exam.
Hi OMITTED,There is a free ebook on VO that I wrote – see if that helps you.Best always,
–Peter
He read it and, in his professional opinion, was significantly unimpressed.
Tell you the truth I thought the ebook was lackluster and a warning more than something to guide you. No book can gauge ones drive and talent while seeing what they have over the computer. It wasn’t a waste of time but it was in a way, like how you said you get straight to the point I do too. I appreciate the Ebook warning and how long it took you to write that but if you have serious input to give on the matter pls email me thanks.-OMITTED
He’s right on one count, the book ain’t Shakespeare. And it is a book with a direct point of view, because people who are going to make a professional and financial impactful change of career need to understand the reality. And it is just my viewpoint, it isn’t the Gospel of voiceover.
Further, I’m OK with criticism. You don’t have like my stuff, you can even dislike my stuff.
But this person, new to our industry, is looking for help. Free help. I didn’t email him/her, she/he contacted ME.
I’m reading this email thinking to myself ‘don’t come looking for help, “appreciate” my effort in writing a boring book and then tell me if I care to get serious about helping, you’ll be awaiting my email’.
It’s not the criticism I find fault with but rather the sophomoric arrogance with which this person communicates to a stranger. A stranger that he/she wants to learn something from.
My book is a warning that voiceover is a business and needs to be treated as such. And business is about building relationships with strangers to the point where strangers gladly give you money.
I’m thinking this person is not a relationship builder so much as a bridge burner. And one I will remember.
I moved on quickly from there.
If my book was lackluster than anything else I would say would probably be heard as the same.
Good luck and seek your help elsewhere.
Best always,
–Peter
No one, especially me, is expecting any kind of reverend deference from someone seeking business help, only professionalism and courtesy.
