The Don’ts And Don’ts of Voice Over Networking
- Tom Dheere
- Dec 4, 2012
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 13
As the VO Strategist, I define Voice Over Networking as building social capital within the voice-over community. It's a long-term strategy focused on building a healthy voice over business model where the goal is to build a referral network in addition to hunting for gigs.
With that in mind, this past weekend I got to do one of my favorite things: hang out with my fellow voice actors at...
…and hoo-boy this was one for the books!
Friday was dinner for 30 at Hurley’s, a birthday party at The Stag’s Head with a quick stop to see The Tree at The Rock.
Saturday was lunch at Mustang Harry’s, a pre-Mixer Mixer at Edge Studio, a bike rickshaw ride with my pal Lauren, the Mixer itself at Slate, an after-party at the Greensquare Tavern, an after-after party at Veloce Wine Bar, and an after-after-after party at McMannus.
Sunday involved sleeping in and warm beverages at the RoastTown Cafe.
As always, I had an incredible time and got to hang out with old friends as well as make some new ones!
The NY VO Mixer is very important to me. I have attended all five of them and found both professional & personal fulfillment from each and every one. These events are vital for our mental and emotional health. We spend so much time in padded rooms talking to ourselves that if we don't get out and connect with humans in a live setting, we lose our sense of purpose.
An Interesting Networking Encounter
While I was at the Mixer, a friend told me that someone at the just approached her and asked if I was a casting agent. She replied, “No, that’s Tom Dheere. He’s a full-time voice talent.” His response? “Oh.” and he walked away.
Friends, if that’s your frame of mind when attending a networking event, may I suggest community theater?
He lost a new relationship: I’ve said for 20+ years that a voice actor’s biggest asset is their fellow voice actors. We refer work to each other constantly.
His intent was misguided: By walking away, he demonstrated he was only there to "Hunt," not to "Farm." People smell that desperation, and it creates friction.
He missed the opportunity he showed up for: If he had taken five minutes to strike up a conversation with me, I would have been happy to introduce him to the actual casting directors and agents in the room. I did that for dozens of other actors all night.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
Never drive faster than your Guardian Angel can fly. Anonymous
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As the VO Strategist, Tom Dheere has provided voice over business & marketing coaching since 2011.
He's also a voice actor with over 30 years of experience who has narrated just about every type of voice over you can think of.
When not voicing or talking about voicing, Tom produces the sci-fi comic book Agent 1.22.
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