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Are You Surrounding Yourself With The Wrong Kind Of People?

Hey, there!

I often get together, face-to-face, with a group of people who are, for me, the right kind of people.

For my health, for my acting and VO career, for my life.

And the more time I spend around them, the less time I have to spend with the wrong kind of people.

And who are the wrong kind of people?

That depends. The tribe you run with shares much more than just mutual goals and common experiences.

Let’s face it: there are performers and producers you want to be in the room with.

And there are performers and producers you’d rather not be anywhere near.

And you can find out, by asking yourself a few questions about the VO people you connect with, if they are the wrong kind of people:

– Does being around them energize you? Or does it suck you dry?

– Do they herald your attempts at trying new and exciting things? Or do they predict disaster?

– Are they still excited about being actors and VO artists? Or are they embittered and cynical?

– Are they happy for you when you book something? Or are they dismissive of your successes?

– Do they support you when you try and fail? Or do they say “I told you so?”

– Are they willing to be honest when they see you making an obvious mistake?

– Do they ask you for help in return, allowing both of you to enjoy the journey?

– Do you have to chase them to spend time with them? Or does your contact come naturally?

– Do they bring a smile to your face when you see them? Or do you sigh, and ready yourself for stress?

I only ask because I want you to have the kind of VO career that is successful and profitable. You’ve heard or read where I say that “My job is to defend the success of your career.” That means both supporting you in best practices, and also waving you off of things that could stall your progress.

Surrounding yourself with the wrong people can do just that — stall your progress, both personally and in your VO career.

And letting go of those people can be painful.

But not as painful as the wasted time, effort, energy, brain cycles, opportunity costs and more that you’ll spend being in their sphere of influence.

In many ways, I’m very fortunate.

One of those ways is that I’m part of a small mastermind group online, the members of which share strategy and tactics about business success.

We do most of our chatting online in a private email group, but twice a year, we meet face to face, usually in an idyllic setting.

(This past time, it was on Maui. Next time, it will be at The Breakers in Palm Beach. Nice.)

Invariably, simply being part of the conversations that occur there create breathtaking results.

It’s amazing how being around those kinds of people almost instantly generates — you guessed it — business success. It seems like every time we meet, one or more members is transformed, and it happens almost effortlessly – because all of us have chosen not to spend time with the wrong kind of people.

Think about the alternative for me — people who are lazy about their skills or careers, or who are embittered about the industry, who won’t adjust to a changing casting environment, who aren’t willing to learn new technology or new techniques, who refuse to try and fail and then learn from the trial and failure, who have given up, or who just want to skate by.

I started to move away from those kinds of people about 15 years ago — and the results have been phenomenal.

Are you willing to take stock of your tribe, and figure out who the wrong people are? How have you severed those ties gracefully? What have you gained? Join in the conversation below.

Hope this helps.

David

19 Responses to Are You Surrounding Yourself With The Wrong Kind Of People?

  1. Debby Barnes March 30, 2014 at 3:54 am #

    Brilliant message, DHL! :)

  2. Gina Manegio March 30, 2014 at 5:22 am #

    So, so true! Thanks, David :)

  3. Nancy Daly March 30, 2014 at 5:32 am #

    I agree! Brilliant and exactly what I needed to read today. If you have to get a court order to get together for a cup of coffee- they are on line acquaintances- not real friends so, just keep walking. I filmed a wonderful role on a TV show 2 weeks ago. Someone actually said to me- “oh, it will probably end up on the cutting room floor.” Just keep walking. Thank you, David. I save a lot of your articles- definitely saving this one, too!

  4. Jennifer Jernigan March 30, 2014 at 6:48 am #

    Thank you for thus great reminder!

  5. Natalie March 30, 2014 at 7:18 am #

    Love this, David! Also, Maui? Nice.

  6. Karl March 30, 2014 at 8:41 am #

    I needed this reminder. Ah, I a refreshed by my own masterind group as well. thanks David, and Dave Wallace.

  7. Deborah Geffner March 30, 2014 at 9:14 am #

    Wow! This one hit home. Thanks!

  8. Eli Kramer March 30, 2014 at 9:24 am #

    Yes. It’s become my absolute number one priority in business: good people. With joy and enthusiasm, anything is possible. Without it…well, can’t imagine.

  9. Craig Moore March 30, 2014 at 12:14 pm #

    Great message, I also apply this out side of my VO world.

  10. Tamika March 30, 2014 at 12:56 pm #

    BRILLIANT and so true.

  11. Joe March 30, 2014 at 2:53 pm #

    Welcome words of wisdom, David. Not just for voice over, but for life. We are our inputs. One must choose them wisely.

  12. Todd Cattell March 30, 2014 at 3:52 pm #

    Amen to that truth beautiful brother David! :)

  13. J.P. Giuliotti March 30, 2014 at 8:33 pm #

    Good stuff. Thanks. Nuff said…back to writing. :)

  14. Hannah Vincent April 2, 2014 at 6:18 am #

    Amen! Namaste! Thank you for this reminder.

  15. Allen Logue December 20, 2016 at 7:34 am #

    Your blog is always interesting David, but this posting is both a needed kick to the head and a burst of energy for the heart. Many thanks.

  16. TonyA Cornelisse December 20, 2016 at 10:40 am #

    Yassssss! Has to be the path of YES! Happiness follows you.

  17. Trenton December 20, 2016 at 7:10 pm #

    Loved this! :) Totally agree with it, been spending a lot of my adult life seeking out the positive, turning negatives around (or walking away if they get stuck in a loop), and spreading as much positivity as I can. Wish I could have joined you fantastic people last week. Maybe next time! :)

  18. LINDA LONGCRANE December 21, 2016 at 6:37 pm #

    Absolutely true!!! Thanks, David, for being one of “my people”.

  19. Stephanie December 22, 2016 at 1:38 pm #

    Fantastic post. Cleaned house a few years back and it changed my life. Doing it again because it felt so right and does again.

    Thank you for being a great “peep” and mentor. I always feel energized by your emails and posts!

    Stephanie

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