I’m not sure if it’s cause I look old and decrepit or what, but when I go to professional events, people who know of me but who I don’t really know yet (except maybe sort of on line) often say “Hello Mr. O’Connell, my name is Ken and I’ve (read your blog / seen your videos / listened to your demos / got a warrant here for your arrest etc.)”

Mr. O’Connell?

It’s a sign of respect that I’ve offered to people as well and it’s certainly appreciated…but with me, it’s also unnecessary.

I noticed it a bit at the Voice Talent Production mixer and some other professional events…I’m not any type of hot shot but people know of me and that I’ve been doing VO for a while (a long, arduous while) and so they wonder if it’s OK to say hi to me.

It’s more than OK, it’s encouraged! I’m looking forward to meeting YOU!

And I cannot think of anyone at this week’s conference who should be considered unapproachable.

So as we approach VOICE 2010 and you see me in a conference room or in the hall way or on the corner selling pencils, don’t be shy, say hi.

Tags: commentary, internet, social networking, voice talent, voiceover, voiceover advice, voiceover meet-ups by peter k. o'connell, your friendly, neighborhood voice-over talent
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Female Voice Talent Susan McCollom

As you may or may not know, VOICE 2010 starts next week in LA.

As you may or may not know, I’ve been asked to take part in a panel hosted by John Florian and featuring Doug Turkel, Trish Basanyi, and David Kaplan.

I’m talking about voice over marketing and the internet and here’s where my new friend Susan McCollom comes in.

Today I received an email from LinkedIn saying “Susan McCollom has indicated you are a Colleague at Voice 2010”. In her message Susan said:

HI Peter,

I just wanted to introduce myself and connect with you (albeit through cyberland) before the big event begins!! I’m looking forward to meeting you and getting to know you and your work through the course of the conference.

– Susan McCollom

And I of course accepted the invitation.

Folks, there can be no simpler example of how easy it is to market yourself on the internet than the professional exchange that Susan and I had.

There can be no better example of how to prepare for a conference and get in touch with people you WANT to me than what Susan did here. Sure, their will be tons of connections after the show…but to do it before shows her excellent ability to plan and prepare for the show. She will be getting the most for her money, I’m guessing.

I’m looking forward to meeting Susan. Who is looking forward to meeting you?

Tags: commentary, linkedin, marketing, social media, social networking, voice actors, voice talent, voiceover, voiceover advice, voiceover meet-ups by peter k. o'connell, your friendly, neighborhood voice-over talent
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That headline reminds me of Brent Musberger’s open when he worked for CBS Sports – “you are looking live at….” at the open of the NFL game of the week.

But the point of the headline is to let you know that John Florian’s Voice Over Xtra! WILL be blogging live from VOICE 2010 so you can follow all the action live. A nice benefit for folks who aren’t able to attend this year.

I will not be blogging live as my typing sux, suks…it’s not good.

I will be writing and EDITING some posts about the event, likely with a ton of pictures and maybe some video.

Tags: blogs, commentary, social media, technology, voice over training, voice talent, voiceover, voiceover advice, voiceover blog by peter k. o'connell, your friendly, neighborhood voice-over talent
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Moderator John Florian with panelists Peter K. O'Connell, Trish Basanyi, David Kaplan & Doug Turkel

Though I publicly warned him that this might be a bad idea and privately promised he could drop me from his panel at any time in favor of someone who could actually offer some valuable content, John Florian of Voice Over Xtra insists he still wants me to speak at VOICE 2010 in L.A. with him, Doug Turkel, Trish Basanyi, and David Kaplan.

John will also unveil the results of his extensive recent industry survey on how voice actors use the Internet at the beginning of this presentation as well.

Our panel on Friday, June 4th at 11 a.m. is entitled “Voice Actors & The Internet”. I am to talk about voice over marketing and the internet…and I’m supposed to cover that in 10 minutes. Factoring in the raucous ovations I’ll get from the crowd just for being there 😉 , that will leave me with 5 minutes. No sweat.

Point here is if ya ain’t yet made yer reservations for this shindig, the only one of its kind for our industry, you really should come and I mean that seriously, not just because I am a presenter. For networking, education and even business opportunities, you need to attend. You are really missing out, I think, if you don’t come. To register, click here.

Tags: announcers, branding, commentary, marketing, voice actors, voice casting, voice over training, voice talent, voiceover, voiceover advice by peter k. o'connell, your friendly, neighborhood voice-over talent
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Male Voice Talent Bruce Miles

My friend Bruce Miles, who is an enormously talented and respected voice over talent, is FINALLY putting together voiceover workshops!

If you are in the Phoenix area, get yourself signed up for these no matter your voice over experience level.

At present, workshops are schedule to run from May 26th through June 30, 2010 on Wednesday nights from 7:00 to 9:30 p.m. at the beautiful Famous Army Studio near 35th Avenue and Bell Road in Northwest Phoenix.

The fee is $40 in advance and reservations are needed. Class size will be limited so everyone gets plenty of chances to read a wide variety of material every night. To reserve your spot call 602-234-2382.

Tags: commentary, voice over training, voice talent, voiceover, voiceover advice by peter k. o'connell, your friendly, neighborhood voice-over talent
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Voice Over Master Don LaFontaine

Most folks in voice over are aware of who Don LaFontaine was and what an enormous impact he had on our industry. He was our public face and best of all our public voice.

Don’s friends and fellow voice talents Joe Cipriano and Paul Pape have been the leaders in establishing the Don LaFontaine Voice-over Lab inside the Screen Actors Guild Foundation. This will create a studio where union talents can attend classes and record free of charge. All this in recognition of Don’s legendary generosity to other voice talents.

I’m not a Union voice actor presently so I can’t use the facility…so why will I financially support it? Why am I asking you, my readers, to do the same?

Because, as Don knew and showed through his actions, it is the right thing to do.

For the full catalog of promotional videos promoting the Don LaFontaine Voice-over Lab inside the Screen Actors Guild Foundation, please visit the always enjoyable blog of George M. Whittam but in the meantime here’s a video of support for the Lab from one of Don’s very satisfied customers, Entertainment Tonight.

Tags: announcers, commentary, Don LaFontaine, video, voice casting, voice talent, voiceover, voiceover advice by peter k. o'connell, your friendly, neighborhood voice-over talent
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