Revisting Marketing 101

Now that I'm a demo-toting VO artist seeking representation (like so many of my talented colleagues out there), it's time to revisit the old lessons of Marketing 101 and apply them to myself. I've spent the balance of my career marketing other people's products, which is both a privilege and a huge responsibility. I perform this work to the best of my abilities and with great pride. But now it's time to market a new product, one that's very near and dear: Me.

No pressure.

In Marketing 101, students are taught the 4 P's: Product, Place, Price & Promotion. In class, we identify these P's in relation to items like Automobiles and Pancake Mix. It's all very academic. As a VO artist, the rules of classical marketing still apply: you are the Product, your voice appears in the Places that are appropriate to your range & talent, your Price varies depending on your union status & star power and you must always, always be Promoting yourself, whether it's on your website, through newsletters and blogs, through your network, or just walking around town wearing a sandwich board. The exercise becomes less academic, and more practical.

And fun!

I admit it: regardless of how long this process takes or where it takes me, I'm looking forward to the journey. Looking forward to applying 4 P's to Brand Me. And the next chapter in my career. It's a job I'll do to the best of my abilities and with great pride. Even while wearing a sandwich board.