The Not Silent Voiceover Blog Archive: 2013

A Legacy of Professional Voice Acting Insights & Industry Evolution

2013 was a year of professional immersion and tactical refinement. Following the record-breaking growth of 2012, my focus shifted toward sustainable systems: defining marketing "batting averages," celebrating career "voice-aversaries," and navigating the increasingly complex world of voiceover rates and exclusivity. These entries capture a veteran talent (already 19 years into the journey that began with cold calls in 1994) moving beyond the "hustle" and into true career architecture.

Key Topics and Career Milestones from 2012

The Birth of FaffCamp

2013 was a massive year for my Good Karma Network. It saw the debut of FaffCamp, a more intensive, "un-conference" style of peer learning that changed how many of us approached the business. We also celebrated FaffCon 6, which brought a global perspective to our tight-knit community. These posts document the transition from simple networking to deep, collaborative professional development.

Marketing as a Science: "Batting Averages"

This year, I began publicly dissecting the "Real Secrets of Voiceover Marketing." I moved away from the idea of luck and started looking at marketing as a series of metrics. Calculating my :batting averages" and building more rigorous Action Plans. This shift was crucial in maintaining the revenue momentum of the previous year and forms a large part of what I now teach at VO Strategist.

The Craft: From Storytelling to Steamy Scenes

2013 saw a deep dive into the performance aspect of the job. I explored the intersection of The Moth-style storytelling and voiceover, as well as the technical and psychological challenges of audiobook production. From maintaining consistency in long-form narratives to the unique (and often humorous) hurdles of recording "steamy scenes."

Navigating the "Newb" Influx & Rate Wars

As the home studio revolution continued to lower the barrier to entry, 2013 was a year of defining professional boundaries. I addressed the "Newbs vs. Vets" divide, specifically regarding voiceover rates, buyouts, and exclusivity. These entries serve as a historical record of the industry's struggle to maintain value in a rapidly expanding digital marketplace.

Featured 2013 Topics

• Mindset: "Dreams vs. Reality" and "How to Think Like a Success."

• Business: "Take the Work Out of Networking" and the "Art of the Voiceover Retake."

• Community: The "New York Voiceover Convergence" and why the VO community rocks.

Reflecting on 2013?

Looking back at my 19th year in the industry, 2013 was about proving that the growth of 2012 wasn't a fluke: it was a repeatable process. It was the year I realized that investing in your career isn't just about gear; it's about the data you collect and the company you keep.

From my village to yours, this is Tom Dheere, the H is Silent, but I'm Not.

Thanks For Reading!

To learn more about me, hear some samples, or download my demos, just go to www.tomdheere.com.

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Tom Dheere is a 30-year veteran voice actor who has narrated virtually every genre of the industry, from high-stakes corporate narration to complex technical medical scripts. Known as a "street-smart professor," Tom blends a human-first performance style with a CEO’s understanding of ROI and project deadlines. When he isn’t in the booth helping brands find their resonance, he mentors new voice actors and produces the sci-fi comic book Agent 1.22.