I had the privilege of narrating yet another fantastic audio book, “Humble Leadership: The Power of Relationships, Openness, and Trust” by Edgar H. Schein and Peter A. Schein. Here is the blurb:
Leadership is a relationship – but that relationship must change, say legendary organizational scholar Edgar Schein and former Silicon Valley executive Peter Schein. The vertical hierarchy, with its emphasis on formal, transactional relationships, professional distance, and all guidance coming from the top, is hopelessly inflexible and outdated. In a complex world, leadership must rely on high levels of trust and openness throughout the organization, and that can be achieved only by what they call personization and Level 2 relationships, which build the agility to make course corrections quickly. This book tells how such humble leadership has built effective cultures in a whole range of sectors: health care, government, the military, tech and innovation, and more.
What I really liked about this book is the breakdown of relationship levels, from low-end impersonal domination & coercion to high-end intimate mutual commitments. Increasing the level of your relationships with others is the key to success both at work and in life.
TIP OF THE WEEK
I like to think that marketing is the art & science of developing meaningful relationships with your clients and fellow voice talent. You don’t need to be best friends with everyone, but you do need to have some kind of meaningful connection. Strive to personize (not necessarily personalize) your relationships with your clients. Ensure they see you as more than just a commodity and you see them as more than just a paycheck.
What is the practical application of that? How can you be humble as a voice talent?
Communicate effectively
Work fast
Work smart
Take direction
Be personable
Be fun
Don’t be a diva
Develop trust
You are not the star, you are the storyteller. You are not the message, you are the messenger. You are easily replaceable by someone who will work for half what you charge. Be a pleasure to work with and never take your relationship with the client for granted.
NEWS AND NOTES
The newly updated Abacus Entertainment Studio Membership program has a ton of great benefits! Check it out at https://www.abacus.nyc/studio-member-signup. Keep an eye on www.abacus.nyc for the new classes I will teach this fall.
Tuesday, July 24th @6PM EST: my friend and fellow Abacus Entertainment coach Dara Rosenberg will lead the Audiobook Romance Narration & Demo Spot Creation Workshop! Click here to learn more.
Saturday, July 28th @3:15PM EST: I’m in a movie! Sort of. At least my voice is, anyway. I will be attending the screening of “Killian” at Anthology Film Archives in NYC. Go to www.killianshortfilm.com to learn more.
Thursday, August 2nd @8PM EST: My next Edge Studio Business and Money 201 webinar will be “Rates, Negotiating, and Billing” We’re going to talk about how & why you should build an effect Rate Sheet, how to negotiate rates, and how to invoice your clients. Click here to sign up.
Thursday, August 23rd @8PM EST: My next Edge Studio Marketing 201 webinar will be “4 Words That Will Kill Your Marketing” We’re going to talk about the power of words and how they affect your Systems of Thought as well as your marketing. Click here to sign up.
November 9-11: In anticipation of MAVO 2018, I did this quick little video to let you know what I’ll be teaching there. There are still tickets left! Click here to register.
HAPPY HAPPYS
Happy Hammock Day and Peanut Butter & Chocolate Day!
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
From my village to yours; this is Tom Dheere, The H is Silent, but I’m Not.
Tom Dheere is a 20-year veteran of the voice over industry who has narrated thousands of projects for clients in over a dozen countries. He is also a coach at Edge Studio, voiceover business consultant known as the Voice Over Strategist, and is currently producing the comic book “Agent 1.22”.