I was reminded today about the importance of seeking our own opportunities in the world of VO work. This may sound a little abstract – but bear with me. I was on my way to Morrisons hoping to get some hot chicken from the counter in store. It was 12.30 and stocks are usually running low around lunchtime, but I judged it to be worth a try.
As I approached, I saw three guys in high vis jackets about to enter the store ahead of me. It was a scene I had observed dozens of times and I knew precisely where they were headed. I needed to get to the hot counter before them – but to run would appear rude, desperate and just not British.
To my delight, as I entered the store I spotted the trio loitering at the bakery section, which meant I could bypass them at normal speed via the vegetable aisle and get to the back of the store first!
Proud of my quick thinking, I strolled past cauliflower and sure enough as I reached the hot counter they were rounding the corner just behind me. I had beaten them; albeit because they didn’t realise we were in a race. But alas! We were all losers today as there was no chicken remaining. Just trays of hash browns and chips, and pardon me but I did not walk all the way here to eat potato.
The fact is that there are lots of people in my neighbourhood who like fresh roast chicken, some of whom break for lunch earlier than me and many who will buy more than me. The high vis guys satisfied themselves with potato products but I left empty handed.
On my way home I passed an old, scraggy tabby cat holding something in its mouth. Wanting a better look I called over to him – he turned to face me and I got a clear view of some kind of rodent hanging from his jaws. He eyed me up from the other side of the street, decided I wasn’t a threat, then scuttled off into the bushes with his prize.
All of this reminded me of the importance of seeking our own work, not trying to compete with a line of other people who may already be ahead of you even if you rush. My fellow VOs will recognise this as the typical experience on many of the Pay to Plays, or ‘race to the bottom’ sites like Fiverr.
When we are competing against others for limited opportunities there are always people who lose out – and all too often it’s down to timing rather than talent. But when we hunt out our own opportunities, like the wise old cat, what we end up with is more likely to be perfect for us. We will have far less competition and far greater satisfaction.
Be like scraggy cat. Go after the lunch that you really want. Fighting others for work on P2Ps isn’t the easy option that it seems!
British Female Voiceover Artist 