Derek's Voice Career on Google

Working Without a Net

Since I started this blog as an avenue to share news, thoughts and insight about my passion and part-time gig as a voice talent, I've not mentioned anything about my "day job", thinking it a good idea to keep them separate. But, my day job is a huge part of who I am and what I do, so I think it is worth mentioning in this forum.

For the past 14 years, I have practiced law as a partner in the Jordan & Chappell Law Office. My partner, and mentor in the practice of representing injured workers all over the state of Kansas, Gary Jordan, and I, have mutually decided to end the partnership and continue to practice as sole practitioners. I am very glad to say that we part, as partners, on very good terms. We have decided to continue to share office space, staff, etc. It is a move that will benefit us both in the long term.

I am very grateful to Gary for the opportunities and guidance he has given me, as well as our staff for their support and understanding. The Jordan & Chappell Law Office officially ended its existence today. I feel like the safety net under my high-wire has been removed.

Today, April 1st, a new era of business and responsibility begins for me as I continue to represent my clients, as....Derek R. Chappell - Attorney at Law.

No Foolin'.

Derek Chappell
The Voice of Your Business

My Demo's Are Now on My Voiceover Blog

For your convenience, I've copied my demo's from my website to my blog. (Ok, I didn't actually do it because it was way too complicated for me.) My thanks to Jason Sikes at Village Green Studios, for doing the 'technical' work.

Jason created my website and has done so for many voice and on camera talent. His website is very entertaining, like reading an old comic book, and you can see samples of the websites he has created. If you are in need of a website or web host, I highly recommend Jason @ Village Green Studios.

If you haven't signed up to receive my blog via email, I hope you will consider doing so.

Thanks.

Derek Chappell
The Voice of Your Business

Social Media vs Having a Life - Find a Balance

Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, My Space, Google Buzz, Blogger......

It's easy to feel overwhelmed in this ever-expanding world of 'Social Media'. I found this article on Mashable very helpful in remembering how to have a balance in your life.

Derek Chappell - The Voice of Your Business

Thank You - 2009

As I look to 2010 with great excitement and anticipation, I must wave a fond farewell to 2009. This was THE year that I stopped wishing and wondering if I could become a voice talent and actually took the steps necessary to make it happen. I've had a blast in 2009, but it was all just the groundwork for what lies ahead in 2010 and beyond.

The rush of excitement from attending VOICE 2008 in Los Angeles, carried over into 2009, which led to many pieces of the puzzle coming together to form THE VOICE OF YOUR BUSINESS. A business plan, positioning statement, logo, website, blog, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, and, Voices.com, all came to life. During that time, I took more classes to learn so much more about the craft of voiceover itself. I quickly learned that it's not what your voice sounds like that is important, rather, What You Can Do with your voice that really counts.

I was fortunate to have a good friend who owns a radio station who allowed me to write, record and produce numerous features and commercials to put the lessons I learned to the test. I was able to write copy that allowed me to record with my daughter, Gracie. A real joy. I thoroughly enjoyed providing the live announcing at a number of area sports events. And, the icing on the cake was my trip to San Diego in the fall, to work with Jim and Penny at the VoiceActing Academy to produce my commercial and narration demo's.

There are many more pieces of the puzzle left to be put in place, as well as many, many more lessons to learn, and practice. But I'm moving forward. No longer wishing and wondering as I was just a year ago.

Thank you Jim and Penny, Brad Howard, Dave Courvoisier, Jason Sikes, my AOVA classmates, and Rhonda, for all of the opportunities, advice, support and knowledge in getting me this far. I CANNOT WAIT TO LIGHT THE FUSE ON THIS SHIP BECAUSE IT'S GOING TO SOAR IN 2010.

May you and your family have a Safe, Healthy and Happy New Year, filled with all of your dreams come true in 2010.

Derek Chappell
The Voice of Your Business