I’m just back home from Faffcon 7, the VoiceOver un conference which took place over the weekend in Tucson, Arizona. This was my fourth. I was also at the first, fourth, sixth, and now the seventh. I equate Faffcon to a think-tank weekend of rich exchanges from the best of the best. Our leader Amy Snively hand selects and vets attendees as each event is limited to around 100 on purpose to promote small groups and big idea exchanges.
A lot of smart people, my peers came and I’m happy to say they are all friends by virtue of the fact that we had the commonality of and passion for voiceover along with all of our individual creative and diverse interests and strengths. And all are pretty well along in their careers. We are a community of creative thinkers and voiceover innovators.
The best thing is the agenda. When we arrive there is no agenda. It is set and selected by attendees, a reflection of our expertise in areas of performance, technical and business, and what’s on our minds we are seeking answers for, today. The chances are always 100% that someone either has that answer, or we’ll somehow over the course of the weekend find it within ourselves.
The site was the beautiful Westward Look Wyndham hotel resort and spa in Tucson. It is a lovely setting with abundant wildlife, butterfly garden, paths, valleys, mountains, pools and fruitful and stimulating conversations, yielding a treasure of positive memories and myriad to do’s for attendees to take home.
I took this photo the morning on the last day of my Faffcon adventure.
Thursday was arrival day. After 6 plus hours in the plane to get there I was ready for a spa treatment and a massage and facial that were simply delicious. The facial left my skin feel smooth as a baby’s bottom and I was as relaxed as jelly after that massage the remainder of the day. Ahhhhhh.
Friday morning started with a 90 minute horseback ride on a sassy mustang named Fairchild. Friday afternoon and evening consisted of meetings and hanging out with everyone I could. It was so great to see them again! I call them my Faff Family.
One of the most significant and critical reasons for me to attend Faffcon is the people. We are so happy to see each other because most of us work alone, solitary and the online groups don’t compare to real FaceTime with our fellow voiceover tribe members. Those are the ones who fully understand the joy of it all. Us. Creative artisans, together, unleashed!
I’d never presented at Faffcon before. As a founding member, it seemed odd that I had not done so at former events, so it was truly a spur of the moment decision to propose a session to lead. I have a few strong contrarian opinions I’ll express here at Bobbin’s Blog, and I don’t sell anything like voiceover classes and coaching, so this was uncharted territory for me. I however, feel I am a thought-leader and don’t fall for everything I see on the internet or what is “trendy”. So I like to stand up and help people from falling down a rabbit hole by voicing and sharing alternate opinions for them to consider.
I decided to share a few highlights that resonated with me from a twelve-week course I’d invested in this summer created by my mentor, Darren Hardy on Insane Productivity.
My Faffcon Presentation was very well attended. In fact, I was told that 63 out of 110 attendees were in the room. We had to keep opening up the circle and adding more chairs. A full house! Then they all blew my mind when they started singing to me, “We love you Bobbin oh yes we do….” I was stunned, surprised and elated. I was also a little nervous.
I regained my composure and launched into a few key insights that have helped me take my VoiceOver business to the next level to become insanely productive, sanely. Of course I acknowledged my inspiring mentor, Darren Hardy, publisher of Success Magazine. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive. I am grateful if I was able to help those seeking it to find a new direction for their business that will benefit them and their goals. It just feels so good.
Last night a group of us went out for some delicious Mexican food. How wonderful to break bread with such awesome and talented people. I had a recording session back at my home studio Monday so I had to depart Sunday Morning , but made it a point to say good bye and hug as many as possible . Until next time we may meet…
The rising tide lifts all boats. When We learn, we teach, we share, we grow.
Hi Bobbin – It’s so nice to hear someone being incredibly successful at voice-over. Wish we had this sort of conference in the UK!
Every success!
Cromerty