I often talk about being fabulous.
It’s my thing – ✨ Sumara Meers: Fabulous Voiceover. ✨
For years, when people have done the “hi, how you going?” thing, I often say “Fabulous! How about you?” because I enjoy injecting some of that obnoxious positivity into pretty much anyone’s day. So, I guess I just started using the word fabulous a lot, and it seemed like a pretty good catchphrase for a voiceover business. Many people seem to enjoy it; it’s fun, I think it’s memorable, it gives a sense of personality and confidence. People like to hire voice actors with confidence!
Some people, however, do not like it. It’s very possible that LOTS of people do not like it, but most of them just scroll on by. Every now and then, though, someone who does not like it quite a lot, feels the need to tell me so.
“Mamma mia! A little more humility would not hurt!”
They’re right! Humility would not hurt at all. It’s very important to be humble, and teachable, and generally not utterly full of oneself. 🙏
However, when you’re running a business, particularly a business in which you’re selling nought but your own talent and abilities, well, you kinda have to sell yourself. 🤑
How’s this for a social media promo: “I’m Sumara Meers. I am a competent Australian voiceover artist. I can speak in a satisfactory manner. I will also provide a basic level of customer service. I would be incredibly grateful if you had some time to get in touch if you think you might like me. But if not, never mind, I’m sure you’ll find someone better!”
Do we want to hire that person? 🤔
Self-confidence is a super power and it is OKAY – in fact it’s good and important – to know what you’re good at and tell people about it. You’re better at some things than some other people are; that’s just a fact. Don’t apologise for that!
Why is it, do you think, that many people get themselves all worked up over creative entrepreneurs, like voice actors, confidently promoting themselves? Do they get worked up over the local café with the “BEST COFFEE IN AUSTRALIA” sign? Or the tradespeople with their names and skills painted all over their vehicles? No, they don’t. It’s a special kind of weirdness that seems to be reserved for people who do performance/creative work as an individual.
And the only conclusion I come to is that it’s about them, not you. They are jealous, or insecure, or repressed in some way, or simply having a not-great day.
So go ahead, creative freelancers, tell me how AWESOME you are. 🤩
And please don’t worry about how humble I am. I have regular humility checks:
😑 every time I type voiceover, I actually type “voicoever” first.
😑 I only book a small percentage of the jobs I audition for.
😑 I have teenaged children.
😑 Every now and then, someone on social media reminds me how wrong I am.
So, don’t you worry about my ego, it ain’t heavy at all! 😂
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Australian voice actor, Australian voiceover, eLearning voiceover, corporate video, Aussie voiceover, Australian female voiceover, Aussie female voiceover, creative freelancer, creative small business, confidence, being fabulous.