The web log for Karen Commins - A VOICE Above The Crowd

Karen Commins is a professional voice-over talent with her own soundproof studio in Atlanta, GA. While she loves to voice radio and TV commercials and computer games, Karen specializes in performing long-form narrations and audiobooks. She is creating podcasts containing new content, as well as literature in the public domain. Those who are getting started in voice-over and professional voice talent alike enjoy Karen's insight and commentary about working in the industry and the marketing ideas in this blog.

September 2008 Archives

It's better to give than receive

By Karen on 10 September 2008 11:15AM | Permalink | Comments (4)  Subscribe by reader or email

Buddhist teachings refer to karma, which is the universal law of cause and effect when related to a person's actions. Kara Edwards recently wrote about karma in her voice-over career, which is a perfect lead-in to my story today. 

From childhood, I've always heard that it's better to give than receive. I didn't understand until the last few years that you actually receive by giving. Whenever I have unselfishly given my time, money and/or energy to another person or charity, I have been rewarded in surprising and unexpected ways. Kara's story wonderfully illustrates this principle.

About the same time that Kara wrote her entry, I was contacted by a newcomer seeking advice about the voice-over industry. Each week brings similar inquiries, and I admit that I have become somewhat jaded by them. I am perpetually asked what I can do to help the person who called or wrote to me for advice. People seem to want the shortcuts to voice-over success and glory.

This time was different.

This time, the newcomer asked me what she could do to help me.

Continue reading It's better to give than receive.