Keeping your voice happy!

This time of year is a sketchy one for voice performers. Not only do we have germs from 'normal' sources that we have to dodge to keep our voice in top shape, but with all of the family gatherings around the holidays, there's even more chance for exposure.

Flu shots are one way to keep yourself safe. A regular regimen of vitamins and healthy foods are another way to keep sickness at bay. New over-the-counter products, like Airborne, are also gaining in popularity in the fight against the germs.

But every voice performer has their favorite methods of soothing the vocal chords and keeping our voices strong, sick or not.

Hot teas have been a sidekick to vocal performance for not just speakers, but singers, too. Caffeine can have a negative impact on performance ability, but in small doses, I find tea to be more helpful than harmful. My favorite is the tAZO family of loose-leaf teas, but I've been known to hit the fast and effective Good Earth and Bigelow teas from my corner grocer's, too.

Honey is another old standard. I'm lucky to live right down the street from a small feed store that also carries their own line, that's more like royal jelly than honey (re: VERY soothing to the throat when you need it!).

These are very basic, but part of my usual routine. Keep your methods of voice protection handy this season, and share your favorites with your fellow performers!

Bonus Product Recommendation Podcast!

Bonus 100% Organic Podcast #1!

Our bonus product recommendation is Voices.com's downloadable Internet Marketing Plan for Voice Actors. This guide takes you through every step of developing your marketing plan, from defining your business and skills and honing in on your competitive advantage, to optimizing your website and connecting through online social networks.

With both concise and direct definitions and descriptions, and workbook-styled tables for displaying your own analytics, this eBook can help both seasoned performers and beginners develop their optimum strategies and make the most of their budgets.

I especially liked the in-depth attention to Search Engine Optimization, complete with hotlinks within the text for quick reference while you're reading the book on your computer. The charts and statistics throughout also help give a great overview of the industry. And the entire section on branding pays attention to details other voice over guides would overlook, like the importance of color and unity in your online marketing image.

I would highly recommend the Internet Marketing Plan for Voice Actors from Voices.com.

Once again, here is the direct link: http://www.voices.com/ebook/internet-marketing-plan-for-voice-actors.html

Check it out!

Which social network is right for you?

Our next podcast will not only feature tips on why you should develop a USP, but also on how to find the right social network for you and your business. Can you effectively network on MySpace? What else is out there? We'll show you some alternatives as well as discuss how to make the most of the popular services.

USP?

What's a USP? Here's a hint: it doesn't have anything to do with the postal service, but everything to do with marketing your business. Look for more info in our next podcast!

The Color of Your Business

This is really neat! When designing your site, logo, or other branding materials, color plays an important role. Here are some great resources to help pick the colors right for you!

Color Wheel Pro: Color Meaning
Color Use in Merchandising & Advertising
What color is your Business? - Even more resources here!

Thought for the day 8-21-7

Without good motivation, science and technology, instead of helping, bring more fear and threaten global destruction. Compassionate thought is very important for humankind.

-His Holiness the Dalai Lama

Compassionate business is, too. Use your business to help others, and let us help!

Thought for the day 8-9-7

Before the world was created, the Self
Alone existed; nothing whatever stirred.
Then the Self thought: "Let me create the world."
He brought forth all the worlds out of himself:
Ambhas, high above the sky; Marichi,
The sky; Mara, the middle region that is earth;
And Apa, the realm of waters below.

-Aitareya Upanishad

What kind of world do you want to create today? How can Serious Vanity Music help?

Thought for the day 8-8-7

It is really not the number of things you do, but the efficiency of each separate action that counts.

-Wallace D. Wattles

Remember to take time today to do each thing to the best of your abilities!

Thought for the day 8-7-7

I believe that to meet the challenges of our times, human beings will have to develop a greater sense of universal responsibility. Each of us must learn to work not just for oneself, one's own family or nation, but for the benefit of all humankind. Universal responsibility is the key to human survival. It is the best foundation for world peace.

-His Holiness the Dalai Lama


Remember this thought today as you do business in the global marketplace!

Serious Vanity Music 100% Organic Podcast #2!

SVM 100% Organic Podcast #2!

Welcome to our 100% Organic Podcast #2, featuring business tips, product recommendations, studio specials and samples, web spotlights, and a few bonuses here and there.

This week our featured site is OneCoach.com.

Our featured product can be found at: Jeffrey P. Fisher's site under "resources", and you can also sub to Jeffrey's mailing list there, under "tips".

Check out our featured voice talent, Jane Nolan, at JaneNolan.voices.com.

Thanks for listening, and sign up on our mailing list if you'd like to be notified when the 100% Organic Podcasts are posted!