Talking Shop with Jeff Augustine of Jeff Augustine Voice Overs

Q: What is your business?

Augustine has been in the radio industry for 11 years, on top of the five or six years he has been self-employed.

A: I started between five and six years ago and left broadcasting. I always liked the creative side; writing and voicing commercials always appealed to me. I love writing and producing commercials so it seemed like a natural progression. I wanted to get out on my own to make a little extra money for my family. I purchased equipment for a home studio. I got in touch with a guy who does websites. When I started, people would ask me to do stuff for them, and thought, "maybe I should jump into this a little more." It's definitely grown into a good source of income. I always heard from people it will take you a while no matter how bad the news or media says things are, it doesn't happen overnight. I'm happy with where it's at and where its' going.

Q: How long have you been in business?

A: Five or six years. I was in radio for 11 years. I also work as an insurance adjuster, and it was nice when I got that job.

Q: How did you get interested in this business?

Augustine has been in the radio industry for 11 years, on top of the five or six years he has been self- employed.

A: I went to Southeast. Growing up I wanted to be a play-by-play guy; I think everyone does. I was always interested and decided to go into radio and broadcasting. I took radio courses. The theater of the mind is exciting and I fell in love with it. To be able to write and put thoughts and pictures into people's mind that tell a story, to make someone laugh and convince someone with just words, I think it's really neat.

Q: How has your approach to the market changed in response to the current economic downturn?

A: Definitely, no one's coming to you. You have go out there and hit the ground and put your name out there. Mentioning what I do has been amazing. I get business with people whom I would not have any contact with. Websites also have an impact. I have a guy I work with for search engine optimization. People find you on the web. You definitely have to work for your customers and who you are trying to reach and be as targeted as possible.

Q: What have you learned from surviving in a difficult market?

A: I've learned to not give up and keep plugging away no matter how hard [it is]. The need is there. I've seen a steady increase in business year after year. There are ways to reach the people you're trying to reach. If you deliver a good product and service you'll end up OK. I've built up a steady stream of repeats that are satisfied with timeliness and professionally done work.

Q: What advice would you give for other business owners?

A: If your heart and soul is set, get in and do your research. Don't expect it to happen overnight. You get out of it what you put in. No one's going to do the work for you. The time and effort you put in is how much you can expect back if you deliver a good product and service.

Q: What are some advantages of doing business in this area?

A: My client base is not in the area. I've done work for the Rite Group in Perryville and others in town. Growing up here, it's nice to see I could deliver a product or service to the community through radio stations or the Rite Group. There are all types of different things I can do, not just a car ad or commercial. I got to provide the parade mix for the Printing Co. this Christmas. It's nice to work with people and do business with people I grew up with and met along the way.

Q: Anything else you'd like to add?

A: I love what I do. It's exciting and usually is never the same. I enjoy what I do and I'm fortunate to take something I learned to do with a regular job and turned it into something I can do on my own and provide income for my family.

Q: Where can we find out more about your business?

A: The website is www.jeffaugustinevo.com.