The most fabulously humble voice actor you ever did see…

I often post on social media 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. 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 people 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 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?

I don’t. But I might like to get in touch with them and help them learn to be more confident.

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, fellow voice actors, I humbly (lol) encourage you to get out there and TELL THE WORLD how skilled and experienced and hard-working and friendly and awesome you are! Make yourself a website that says “get your AMAZING VOICEOVER here!” Write a post on LinkedIn saying “Hi, I’m a voiceover artist and I’m BRILLIANT at explainer videos!” Post a selfie on insta with the caption “Look, I’m talented AND gorgeous!”

I dare ya!

If this scares you a little, J Michael Collins recently wrote a fab post about Imposter Syndrome  – basically, focus on what you’re good at – which is great for a confidence boost. Or check out some of my or other voice actors’ social media feeds. If we can do it, so can you!

Oh, 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 cook delicious meals for my children and they regularly leave them sitting on their desk for days, or sneakily chuck half in the bin.
• I try yoga poses I could do easily a few years ago and injure my shoulder both my shoulders.
• 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!

Now, please jump on into the comments and tell me all about what an obnoxious, high-falutin’, attention-seeking show-off I am.

Oh yeah, I love it.