I’m learning how important it is to be flexible in business generally speaking, especially in VO. We all (customers too) have fixed expectations, as we ‘know’ how this is supposed to go. “THIS” as in any transaction. But when you deal with off-shore clients in different cultures, or even just a new customer, that doesn’t know your niche, some hand-holding is expected. But are you flexible? Do you make it easy to do business with you?
I worked in restaurants for over 10 years.
In the slowest of the slow to some where I occasionally had 25 or more people on the clock. Yet I’ve always boiled it down to: “Hot food hot”; “Cold food cold”; in a reasonably accommodating atmosphere.
The challenge? There’s a million ways to screw that up.
General business and VO have specific challenges, but how you manage systems and orders and- well, it’s kinda all the same. Do you such at systems and managing your time? Watch!
I talked yesterday about being intentional in our work and work week. It’s one thing to say “I’m being intentional about expectations”, but quite another to do something about it!
This episode is pretty much motivation to put your head down and keep working on your craft. Get coaching. Practice, audition. repeat!! .
Long long ago in a faraway land, I spent 10 years in the restaurant industry. Over that time with transfers, vacation coverage and promotions, ended up working in 13 different locations with the same company.
Sorta like banking, but not.
One day (day off) a friend and I were having the “where do you want to go to lunch” conversation. I believe this is universal around the globe:
“Where you wanna go?
“I dunno. Where do you wanna go?”
–Repeat ad infinitum.
I always wanted to start a restaurant named, “I Dunno” I figured I had to capture SOME market share!
The point is that it is theoretically possible for everyone to decide NOT to visit my restaurant, your card shop, her boutique, his auto repair, etc. The point of all this is: What are doing to ensure THAT doesn’t happen? ..
Since 2000, I’ve worked in the marketing arena and worked with some very good intellectual property (IP) attorneys. What you’ll watch is NOT legal advice (there you’ve been warned), but information garnered from many hours of consulting with them.
Here’s a bottom line for ya: IF you don’t have express, written consent to use an image, photograph, music, sound or written word file. Don’t. There. That was simple, right? Yeah, but what about…
What can I record for you?
Yeah your ego might take a ding, but otherwise, you’re likely to survive. However, it’s harder when you get great advise that takes you down the wrong path. So it was with the electrical and sound system on my motorcycle. The right advise, but wrong solution. Finally took reflecting on two sets of advise and seeing the solution between them. Fun times.
What can I record for you?
I can do a lot of things. But I’m often reminded that there are things better left to others. This last week it was the graphic redesign of my branding. I gave a talented artist carte blanche (if you don’t know that reference you might be in a younger age bracket! LOL) to design something new and fresh. He did and it’s reflected now in all my social media posts and new web design. Go check out my site! The go do what you are great at!!
I wasn’t overjoyed with my branding, but it was really “okay”. But that’s changed!
I’m very excited to share the release of new branding for all things, “GrantsVoice”. I started working with a very good social media guy that has designed all my social media posts “look and feel”. I liked it so much that all my stuff has been changed. Would love your comments!
What can I record for you?
This one is a bit about me and my strengths as shown in a recent assessment I took as part of being elected to the local AAF (American Advertising Federation). How’d I score?
1- Strategic
2- Relator
3- Futuristic
4- Learner
5- Restorative
Are you using your strengths? I think I am. Slowly but surely over the past few years, I’ve tried to stop trying to do the “things I could do” and do more “Things I’m great at”.
Btw, great learning in our retreat yesterday (with AAF). When you see me, ask me about being “Well Rounded”. Great lesson there!
Can I help your business with strategy or other challenges. Yes! Contact me here!
I’m not an attorney, or a tax accountant! This is NOT legal or tax advise, only suggestions on what to ask those professionals when you talk to them! –
This one is worth listening to no matter what kind of business you’re starting! I talk about being a Sole Proprietor, and forming an LLC, S-corp, or C-corp and how that formation might effect you, your liability and to a small amount I mention how it might change your taxes. Solid information for starting any business!
Resources: https://americassbdc.org/
