In this video I take you behind the scenes in my voice over studio and show you some of the fun toys. This is my recording studio…my WhisperRoom!

Since 1990, WhisperRoom, Inc.™ has manufactured Sound Isolation Enclosures across the world to major TV networks, federal governments, medical labs, musicians, and weird voice over guys’ basements for a myriad of applications. Wait…do that say medical labs?

The prefabricated acoustical enclosures present a handsome and professional appearance made with three quarter inch MDF, precision cut to ensure accuracy of the component fit and are covered with an attractive, durable, charcoal gray, cloth material…that our cat Rosie used as a scratching post. (RIP Rosie)

Its got a ventilation system I don’t use and their website says some components used to manufacture the WhisperRoom contain formaldehyde and I am just reading this now?

Their booths significantly reduce ambient and acoustic noise but are not soundproof. So if you don’t treat it properly you end up sounding like you’re in a coffin. And if you get a model any smaller you’ll feel like it too!

This is the “899” and retails at about $6,000. I got this baby off of Craigslist for $1000 from a woman in Tennessee who was starting a demo recording business for karaoke singers. And I promise uphold the legacy of the previous performers that have stepped into these hallowed walls!

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The elevator pitch may be less than 30 seconds long…but its impact should not be underestimated.

BusinessNewsDaily.com has some tips on how to make a great first impression with yours.

Before you start writing your elevator pitch…you must first know exactly what you’re selling. Become an expert on the product, know who would benefit from it, and be able to paint a big picture to show value.

A good elevator pitch should include your name, title, company, what you sell, who you sell to, your unique selling proposition and a call to action.

Before you start delivering your elevator pitch, first make sure it’s around 30 seconds long. Practice it in front of a mirror, don’t speed through it…be conversational, smile and let your passion show.

Once you’ve nailed it…test it and tweak it. It may not lead to a job or even a follow-up question the first time you put yourself out there. But revising and testing it over and over is how you succeed.

For more small business solutions and inspiration go to BusinessNewsDaily.com

LinkedIn has a new feature that could be as beneficial to job seekers as it is to those looking to hire!

According to BusinessNewsDaily.com, users can now complete a short quiz to verify their proficiency in a number of skills from Excel and Power Point to Java and C++.

They estimate that you’re 30% more likely to get a job if you complete a LinkedIn Skill Assessment. As an employer, this opens a great opportunity to find quality candidates more easily.

John Jersin, LinkedIn’s vice president of product management says “each Skill Assessment is constructed through a rigorous content creation and review process in partnership with LinkedIn Learning, industry and subject matter experts.” A recent study suggests that almost 70% of professionals believe “verified skills are more important than a college education.”

Studies also find that 76% said they felt being able to “verify skills would help them stand out amongst other candidates.” LinkedIn continues to be an invaluable tool for employees and employers alike.

For more small business solutions and inspiration go to BusinessNewsDaily.com

You remember Must See TV, right? The hay day of NBC’s classic Thursday night line up.

Cheers, Friends, Seinfeld.

In the 90’s things were a little bit different. Music was played on instruments. We tried to be kind so we would rewind. I had hair! Damn…I miss the 90’s.

Well more than just fashion and forehead lengths has changed…the way we consume our entertainment is completely different.

Instead of sitting down and watching our stories at the exact same time as they air…we’re DVRing them. Or streaming them on our time.

And of course, No ONE THING has our attention for one particular time. So, in order to compete for our attention…NBC Universal is trying out a new commercial format called Must Hear TV. The idea is to make the show and the commercials as seamless as possible.

For instance, an article on AdAge.com mentions The Kardashians. Let’s say they are on a tropical island the screen would go black…the commercial would start…screen still black and you hear birds and ocean waves and a commercial for Carnival Cruise would begin.

They say competition is good…because it makes everyone better. I’m excited to see the innovations that are coming…for TV and radio.

Advertising has gone through a ton of changes. With the increased use of the internet, the rise of social media…plus, thanks to the financial crisis in 2008, businesses have had to make budget cuts to save on advertising fees.

Guess what? Facebook…Instagram…Twitter…all free!

Evelyn Timson from Aspect Film & Video in the UK talks about this in an article at RightMixMarketing.com.  She goes on to say the need for online videos is still on the rise. An average 1 billion hours goes to watching YouTube videos…and that’s not just my 7-year-old watching slime videos.

Online audiences demand frequent video content from brands that they love. So, brands should get super creative by staying in-house or partnering with video production companies to increase the quality and quantity of video that’s needed these days.

While this certainly isn’t the end for advertising agencies…it may mean evolution.  Will ad agencies establish in-house production departments? Or will outsourcing video projects to professional video content creators become a mainstay?

Everyone is looking for that edge when it comes to content.