Comments on: The Yin and Yang of Freelancing

By: Paul Strikwerda

Paul Strikwerda — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 12:44:10 +0000

Thanks Mike! When I read what some of your clients have said about you, it seems that you’ve been putting some of my suggestions into practice, long before I wrote this blog.

Here’s what Ryan Lynd, EVP Technology and Services at Quickshow had to say about Mike Coon:

“Mike has been our primary male voice talent for a little over a year now. He provides quality voice recordings, quickly and at a fair price. Before Mike we were using a handful of male talents for our customers’ shows, but because of Mike’s versatility and responsiveness, we have been able to use him solely for all projects requiring a male voice. Mike’s talents have lent a professional touch to our presentations that always impresses our customers, and frankly, makes us look good!”

That says it all, doesn’t it? Here’s the formula:

1. Have a unique voice (Mike’s voice is described as both rich and bright in character)
2. Be fair in your pricing
3. Be versatile
4. Deliver on time
5. Be responsive to the needs of your client
6. Offer exceptional value

And… when your clients look good, YOU look good!

By: Mike Coon

Mike Coon — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 12:18:15 +0000

Dear Paul:
Thank you for sharing these words of advice, encouragement and wisdom! I just subscribed directly to your blog. I think it’s one of the most useful blogs out there! No fluff or overt self-promotion. You are a generous professional!
I’m still having “fun” as an independant voice actor…looking to expand my horizons (and my client base!)
Thanks again,
Mike

By: Paul Strikwerda

Paul Strikwerda — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 01:07:11 +0000

I believe that everyone rises to their individual level of unconscious competence. Most of us are not aware of it. That’s why it’s called “unconscious” or -as others call it- “sub-conscious”. Thank you for your compliments on my writing. English is my second language and one day, I hope it will flow just as naturally as my Dutch.

By: Paul Strikwerda

Paul Strikwerda — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 01:01:36 +0000

My teachers Julie Silverthorn and John Overdurf taught me that the quality of our life greatly depends on the number of things we’re unconsciously competent at. Consciously and unconsciously, I completely agree.

By: Paul Strikwerda

Paul Strikwerda — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 00:57:55 +0000

Thank you, Carl. Your pictures are truly stunning, by the way. You seem to be just as comfortable on land as in the ocean. Wow!

By: Carl Chapman

Carl Chapman — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 00:04:07 +0000

Another great post…

By: Dan Lenard

Dan Lenard — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 03:01:37 +0000

You and I are connected Paul.

You think like me (Brilliant!)

I’ve been using the Maslow analogy for years when I teach.

Excellent words of advice. But people have to become at least consciously competent at all that to try to at least compete, and focused enough to become unconsciously competent to succeed!

But as I say, if it isn’t fun, why do it?

:-3)

By: Head’s You Win – Tail’s You Win « Connie Terwilliger – ISDN Voice Talent

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 20:14:42 +0000

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By: Lance DeBock

Lance DeBock — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 15:03:16 +0000

Thanks Paul, That other stuff is easy compared to writing! Someone once told me “Everyone rises to their own level of incompetence” and for me it’s writing. I envy people like yourself that do it effortlessly (is that a word?) Thanks again.

By: Paul Strikwerda

Paul Strikwerda — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 11:29:21 +0000

In that case, I am simply returning the favor, Joe!