When you are trying to accomplish your objectives and goals, stay away from cynical glass half empty folks that will only bring you down. Most times, when people discourage you, they are wrestling with demons on their own.

When I took the big step of starting my own voice-over business, I definitely had those people telling me it was too competitive and not to waste my time. While these people might have been trying to support me in their own way - it was very discouraging. I chose to focus on the people that would say to me "you are talented and you should go for it! Every business is competitive and that should never stop you from following your dreams.

Even if you were to fail at least you tried - we learn the most from our failures. I think we always have to keep that in perspective. What is the worst thing that could happen if you did fail - then you move on to the next thing with more knowledge and confidence in knowing that you tried at something instead of always wishing you would. Edison had 10,000 prototypes of the light bulb. What an amazing example of perseverance and not listening to the naysayers.

So many people give up too easily due to FEAR. We all get stuck in the spin, forgetting to grab hold of what you want and letting others steer your life...the DAILY ROUTINE. Ugh. Sometimes, the only person that is in the way is yourself. Take a minute and just imagine what you could do if you did get out of your own way. If fear wasn't stopping you. If you weren't listening to that little voice in your head as a result of those few naysayers. Listen to your gut and GO FOR IT!

Find your EXTRAORDINARY. Surround yourself with those that support you, can give constructive criticism and help you to move FORWARD.

You have to wonder what the world would be like if the people in every country were as nice as the folks in Ireland.  I've never been to a place where every single person walking down the street looked up to say hello. Not because its polite but because they want to & they are interested. There was a general feeling of happiness & contentment all around.  It's no wonder people love to visit there.  We've all heard the expression "stop and smell the flowers.". This is the Irish way...they don't talk about it, they live it. It made me "stop" and think about my life and my country.  Our country seems to be out of control with being stressed, rushing to fit it all in and our insatiable craving for instant gratification.  We miss so much living this way. 

Taking this trip has really refreshed my energy and creative side.  When you're stressed out, the best thing you can do is take a vacation to rejuvenate your creative juices. I know we all know this but so many times we forget and don't make the time.  This trip was confirmation for me how balance in a person's life makes all the difference, it makes a happier society just like Ireland.  There are times when I feel institutionalized in the studio. Ireland was my awakening to not let that happen...to step out and enjoy what is around me.

I got a chance to see a good client and friend when I was there.  His name is Alastair McDermott.  He had hired me a few years ago to do a voiceover on a fairly large project.  We met in Dublin on my first night and we had a fantastic time.  It was great meeting him in person!  One of the most rewarding things about my industry and working with people all over the world, is the opportunity to meet them face to face. We had a blast watching Rugby and I am now officially addicted to another sport! Thank you Alastair!

Galway was a spiritual experience.  A beautiful part of the country.  The air was crisp, the scenery was breathtaking and the music was passionate!  Some of these pubs were packed on Sunday and Monday night!  One of my favorite hot spots was the legendary "Quays" pub, where we met some wonderful people from seven different countries and watched six crazy talented bands rock the lights out!  Galway was my favorite part of the trip.

We have all witnessed times where we have gone somewhere and felt like we were there before.  This is how I felt in Ireland.  It was the strangest case of deja vu I have ever experienced.  After soaking it in, it felt like a place where everything in my life started to make sense.  There was something magical in the air.  I was thinking differently and not taking life for granted.  Perhaps it had something to do with the beauty in the area and all the wonderful, deep conversations I had with so many kindhearted folks.

Thank you Ireland!

A special thanks to longtime friend, Sean Barnard for making this trip so enjoyable and for showing me the town where his Great, Great, Great Grandfather had lived.  Thanks to Alastair for taking so much time out of his schedule to hang out with us and special thanks to Miram Sadlier Barry for taking care of us at "The Old Bank B & B" in Bruff!   

How many times have we said the phrase "Ah, it's good enough" when we knew darn well that is wasn't? God knows, I have been guilty of that myself. Mediocrity should be illegal in this country. A crime punishable by a slap in the face and a kick in the ass! Okay, I'm kidding. Sort of.

When I first started out in voiceovers, I didn't have the same principles that I do now. I would record a script and send it off. Always with the old "that should be good enough" phrase dancing in my brain and rushing to move on to the next project. I realized how unsatisfied I felt working this way - I knew I needed to make a change. Once I started giving every project my best and full attention, I felt fulfilled. It actually ended up giving me more time in my day because I wasn't going back and forth with clients to make changes and edits.

When we settle for mediocrity and don't do our best - our integrity and creativity starts to get lost. We tend to spread ourselves too thin, so we don't do anything well. I can say from experience that this is not a good place to be - for ourselves, our clients or even society. Whether I am producing a voiceover demo for a student or a commercial for a client, I always take the time to review it. Listen! Listen! Listen! You are always going to be able to do it better. Don't do something once, say that it's great and pass it on. Work at it like an artist works on a painting.

The creative industry is filled with talented people with short attention spans, I should know, I am one of them! Clients used to tell me that I sounded like I was in a hurry or that I was rushing the copy. Again, this goes back to the frame of mind I was in. I was not in the mindset of a professional. I would always try and get each project done as quickly as possible without even thinking about the client. Shame on you, Terry! I was settling for mediocrity.

The great Martin Luther King Jr said "Whatever your life's work is, do it well. A man should do his job so well that the living, the dead and the unborn could do it no better."

Find your passion, don't settle and you will be amazed at what you can do!

I love that people are inspired by this story but remember Ted went to school for broadcasting...he did MAKE an investment in his career...he also worked for radio. It's a dangerous thought process to think that you will be the next one discovered.  It just doesn't work that way.   Ted's story is unique and it doesn't happen very often. It's inspiring but in the same sense, it is sending the wrong message to those who think they can break into voiceovers free of charge.

I must hear the phrase, "My entire life I have been told I have a great voice and that I should do voiceovers". I hear that line in my sleep.  I sing that line in the shower!  Scary, I know!  You CAN do voiceovers but there is an investment of money and time that goes into educating yourself and getting the proper training. There is no magic pill for success in this industry. We've all spent a lot of money getting to where we are now. Whether it's coaching, workshops, demos or purchasing recording equipment.  The voiceover industry is also not a quick fix solution for the unemployed. You won't get caught up on your bills in just a week by trying to break into voiceovers.  It is a process that takes time and patience.

My entire life, I have been told that I should get into voiceovers. "Okay great! What are you going to do about it?"  Sometimes I get asked what I can do for these people for free.   I always tell them that getting into voiceovers is just like any other business when it comes to starting out. You need to invest in training and education, much like a Doctor or Pilot and there is still no guarantee for success.

The people who understand the steps, do the research and ask a lot of questions are the ones with the right mindset and attitude. Kudos to them.  Where I get frustrated is when they haven't done the proper research or they listen to the advice of so-called experts who are not even voice talents or in the field. Myths can spread like a bad virus so always do your research and then consult with someone who has been in the field of voiceovers for a long time.

The bottom line is that I really enjoy training folks who are serious and truly understand what steps are necessary to have any shot at doing voiceovers, whether part-time or full-time.  And the economy? Sure, it isn't the greatest but we all need to believe in ourselves and our passions.  Stop using the down economy as an excuse.  Don't let fear take your dream.

When I decided to do voiceovers full time, I quit my radio sales job to follow my dream and I knew it would take time and a financial investment. I was never expecting a free ride to the moon and you shouldn't either. If you want something for free, you just got it. Advice from a voiceover pro!