How to Get into VOICE OVER from ZERO

[@estradaj777]

Appreciate how sincere you are , because most people don't realize you rarely would be able to make a living till you find your thing . You really open our mind to different jobs or options.

[@John-qp1og]

Great to meet you (virtually) Timmy.

[@robmarotta233]

Thanks for the honest description of the business. I have done theater and I can speak in front of people, sometimes with altered voices. I have 'no' idea about sound boards or any audio setups. I am semi-retired and so not looking for a full time career but a supplemental income that might be fun. So, I am rethinking the plan - for now.

[@kate3264]

Why do I keep coming back to this video and watching it once a week? Great job its an amazing video and the advice is top!

[@Matt_White_VO]

My job is to stand in front of crowds of people and give seminars, but when it comes to playing a character its a whole different and uncomfortable ballgame. Definitely improv is a skill to have

[@DanielleBaylor]

Haha, yea. I love the idea of voice acting. I do an incredibly evil villain, witch cackle.... But the idea of being on front of people is terrifying which is what attracts me to voice acting... Behind the mic. Unseen lol

[@lytnin88]

Your advice about getting comfortable speaking in front of an audience makes sense. Never thought of that before. I'm joining Toastmasters.

[@salliemorrill2671]

Excellent vid. Thank you for taking the time to make this video. Very helpful.

[@insaneconqueror5421]

Thanks for the advice. Just bought a mic and pop filter.

[@immortalfruits311]

Creating your own KZbin channel is a brilliant idea for this. I never thought of that. Thank you!!

[@catstickler]

I'm an introvert, so what helps me when recording is thinking about the one person I'm talking to. Instead of thinking about hundreds of people listening (which will make me nervous), I think of one person (like an avatar). This little shift helped me so much and helps me talk more conversational rather than speaking to a crowd. After all, the listener is only one person, anyway.

[@azavoiceamazighfdoux]

So awesome trick 😊

[@jhh243]

Very good advice Funny guy! I am just starting out. I purchased the mic and initial setup equipment and I'm watching at least 2 hours of videos each day. I get my good headphones in a few days and I'll start narrating kids books and editing the audio etc...

[@joekennedythewriter]

I'm just starting out and I thought Tim's advice was spot on.

[@FunnyGuyTimmy]

I hope it helps you out.

[@salagri2019]

@@FunnyGuyTimmy 98crgtgchccc

[@stevelondoner985]

Excellent stuff, Timmy !! 😊 I've watched so many videos on KZbin over the past couple of months, and still hundreds more to come.. editing, production, mastering, mixing.. but I'm pretty much looking forward to it all. I've seen many varied 'coaches', some bad, but many good - like Bill DeWees, Voiceover Masterclass, Gravy For The Brain, Voice123, et al.. and some cracking individuals, like yourself.. down to earth, tell it like it is.. as this is what all rookies like me need. Anyhoo, time is future monies, 😂.. so I'll be seeing your other vids, and others' others... and others! 😮😂 Keep up the solid work. 😊 Steve. London.

[@thinbluelaneproductions3798]

Fantastic video. Lots of great information! Thank you for this.

[@g0d5m15t4k3]

I'm coming from a weird angle on this: I am very comfortable and confident in front of a live audience. But have little experience with recording. Both setup and technical editing. Hell, even just reading from a script. I am interested because I want to be the change I wish to see in the world: husky semi-androgynous lady voice. Thanks for the tips! Hah, and you of course sound great.

[@Justflyright]

Nice presentation, voice work is something I've considered over the years Now am taking a closer look, I for one really appreciate your honesty about the required diligence, and what not. It reminded me of my commercial fishing days and how I talked almost everyone out of trying it. That is to say by time I explained what it entails they would rethink it. Anyhow this again Mark.

[@rey4rmct668]

This information was very helpful in understanding what to expect entering this industry. Thank you !!!

[@chandragore648]

This was awesome info. Thank you!

[@e.m.tanner179]

Very helpful and honest video. I wish I could get into local theater or improv, but there's just not much of that around me. I tired looking for acting classes, but there are none around either. Frustrating!

[@midwesttvfilmtheater1492]

Thanks for the video!

[@FunnyGuyTimmy]

My pleasure. Hope it helps.

[@CuratrixBriar]

Really glad I found this video, your advice is very helpful. Especially appreciate hearing some guidance for finding coaching and getting demos recorded. I've been interested in voice over for quite some time and got my voice assessed in a class from someone representing a studio business, I was initially skeptical of the feedback since ultimately he intended to sell a really expensive package including coaching, studio recording and demo production. Definitely not within my budget, nor is a home studio at the moment but not everyone that was assessed got positive feedback so I thought maybe theres actually some potential here. As someone starting from ground zero, I've had some difficulty finding out how to get into it without investing a lot financially and had been somewhat lead to believe that was the only way, so someone sharing how to get started from square one is very reassuring, thank you :)

[@calloway2117]

Your real. And im a noob. Respect. just started saving for the get into voice overs journey. Question, while im working and saving, is there any practice i can do? Sights are on video games and narration. maybe corporate stuff. Like Michael Jordan. Just want practice...AND to go by your list.

[@crows_cloud671]

Could you maybe do a video on daily exercises on how to improve your voice for voice acting for beginners , for CGI , anime , cartoons ex..

[@FunnyGuyTimmy]

Personally I feel a lot of exercises and the idea of them are over rated. The best way of going about this is actually to do auditions. If you feel you aren't ready to audition yet because of your voice and needing to get better than you have nothing to fear about doing them anyway. Go yo CastingCall.Club and do as many auditions as possible. Then take those audition files and review them. Think about what you could have done better. But don't beat yourself up over it. The more you do and the more you push yourself the better you will get and the easier it will all be. I sometimes sing in the studio as I am looking over emails or communicating with clients but it's not something that will greatly effect my performance. Don't worry too much about vocal warm ups. They are minor in comparison to auditioning, practice, and improving your studio quality.

[@crows_cloud671]

@@FunnyGuyTimmy This helps so much and thank you for the advice, I'll definitely remember this

[@moniquetorres2910]

Thank You For Sharing This Video With US ALL.

[@myfitfundiary]

Thank you for sharing!!!

[@kagwiblessed6132]

Perfect words my mind and ears was yearning 😎

[@cornelmaris3351]

Do you have a video that show "WHAT you need to do and have to do voice over . The technical stuff , what kind of Mic, how to edit , what to edit ? , how to submit , how to record . I am computer wise at a 1990 level . . I need some serious help

[@FunnyGuyTimmy]

“A video”? Bruh! I gotz a full GD playlist! Lol kzbin.info/aero/PLq2h8h4Cr5wx4e67NZzR0RbgFNsfh_Qqn

[@blainefiasco8225]

The part about shy people free sing up even when recording is telling.

[@blainefiasco8225]

@Go Guerilla Foto idk either. Typos

[@dquinnster47]

Best advice I've seen yet! Thanks!

[@colossuse8575]

Hey Timmy! What made your early demos so piss poor? Can you elaborate on that? Like what was missing or what were they lacking?

[@FunnyGuyTimmy]

I knew nothing about good writing at the time, nothing about compression or EQing, and nothing about music and sound effects mixing.

[@MiauxCatterie]

thanks for this, really good info here.

[@FunnyGuyTimmy]

Glad you liked it.

[@MarshallThomas]

When you said "Get on stage", i got that down, i'm in a homeshcool group and i'm in a productions class :)

[@necrobrux8444]

If Someone likes your audition what happens after that (obviously they take you on but I’m wondering the exact stuff that goes on so it’s not a surprise

[@FunnyGuyTimmy]

Necro Brux well unfortunately just because they like your audition doesn’t mean you got the role. This is just a sad side of the process. Sometimes they may like something about your audition but you may not fit the role. They may keep you in mind for future project though. I have hosted auditions and didn’t hire them for that role but sent them a private notice later for other roles I was looking to fill.

[@necrobrux8444]

FunnyGuyTimmy thanks this helps alot

[@elguapo42]

Good stuff

[@GreyAcumen]

I'll raise a point you missed here, which should actually come right after getting that microphone: Listen to recordings of yourself and every voice you do until it sounds the way you expect it to sound, so that it no longer makes you cringe to listen to, and so that you can know where you need to pitch to compensate for the difference between what you're hearing in your head and what you're hearing externally via your ears. I'm frankly still stuck on this part, which is why I've put Voice Acting on the backburners as far as careers go. This might be more important if you're trying to mimic existing voices, but the most important thing is being able to match up to old voices that you haven't done for a while.

[@FunnyGuyTimmy]

Well, though this wasn’t a “point that was missed” I will still try and respond to this in a video. This is an important topic, it’s just not something that the general majority face as an issue. That’s why it wasn’t included. I tried to focus on only things that would best help everyone and try and streamline the video that way. But I can address this later down the line. Short answer, you should hate your voice. Nor should you try and change it per-say. You need to instead capitalize on your already unique characteristics and find where your natural sound would fit in the industry instead of trying to make your voice fit areas where it may not best be suited. I say, don’t worry about this too much. As you record your voice will change naturally and you will get used to it if that’s a problem. No need to set aside time and strategies to try and force something that may not happen before even dipping a toe into voice acting. Hope that helps. Take care.

[@isaiahwalking]

Hmm that's some good advice.

[@ClintChocolateChip]

I really enjoyed the video and found it concise and informative. Thank you, FunnyGuyTimmy! I am completely new to the world of voice over and have yet to even get started with it by buying a proper mic and set-up, but I have a question. Being comfortable in front of an audience has never been a problem for me, as I very much enjoy acting and performing in theatre. I have a pretty broad vocal range when it comes to speaking, so I was curious: when I AM finally ready to begin auditioning for voice over work, is there anything wrong with/would it be inadvisable to apply to a multitude of varying work since I have a wide range of voices, or would you suggest to stick to one "type" or "style" of VO and then branch out as I gain experience? The thing is, I am interested in doing all kinds of VO work and wanting to delve deep into this! Any advice would be immensely appreciated. Thank you again and have a wonderful day!

[@aheartolove]

👏🏾 👏🏾 👏🏾

[@wallheard4429]

should I take an audio engineering class?

[@FunnyGuyTimmy]

It would help as long as the class is with someone reputable.

[@wallheard4429]

@@FunnyGuyTimmy is it tough being both endineer and talent?

[@NinjaPenguin1108]

Thanks for this video! One question though: what kind of websites can I audition on? Do you have any specific recommendations?

[@FunnyGuyTimmy]

Recomendations for what in particular?

[@NinjaPenguin1108]

@@FunnyGuyTimmy websites where I can get jobs, or just how to get jobs in general

[@vashviper9346]

I've got a pretty deep voice and would love to get started on trying out some voice overs but where would I go to find a place to audition? Any links to a good site I could check out?

[@kupokuporay]

Casting Call Club. I'd say that this is best training ground before you make a name for yourself you can audition for anything on the site, just be mindful to sift through the projects that appear to find the ones worth your time and effort.

[@SOLOHeyman]

A lot of good advice on how to do the job but no advice on HOW TO get the job. All I see from researching job listings online are websites that don't seem legit and/or ask for monthly payments. I want to know who I can send a demo so I can create a network.

[@FunnyGuyTimmy]

Well fortunately, I have a full playlist with more specific and detailed videos. Obviously answering ALL questions related to VO would make a really long video. Also, what were the sites that didn’t seem legit to you? kzbin.info/aero/PLq2h8h4Cr5wx4e67NZzR0RbgFNsfh_Qqn

[@LukAlt]

Fantastic video, really good information! I have a question: is it possible to become an English voice actor if you’re not native? I want to start with voice acting but don’t know how to get rid of my accent and speak like a native. Is it even possible?

[@FunnyGuyTimmy]

As long as you are fluent don't try to hide the accent. There are tons of opportunities for people with authentic accents in the English language. As long as people can understand clearly what you are saying it's not an issue.

[@LukAlt]

@@FunnyGuyTimmy Thanks. I’ll try it.

[@jackedkerouac4414]

It's very possible. I'm sure in your native country there's tons of work for VO done in English but with a local accent. Think of public transportation announcements, tv adverts with products that have English names and slogans etc etc

[@chanceva3464]

How do i find a anget and what website do u recommend for voice acting

[@FunnyGuyTimmy]

CHANCE VA this playlist has most of the answers you are looking for as far as voice over. kzbin.info/aero/PLq2h8h4Cr5wx4e67NZzR0RbgFNsfh_Qqn

[@adamhatcher]

What about those that cannot afford a coach. What would you suggest for someone that is very interested and willing to work hard to achieve this goal.

[@FunnyGuyTimmy]

Someone who is willing to work hard and achieve their goals should keep their day jobs so that they can afford the gear and the coaching. Because if you can’t afford a coach, they can’t afford the gear. But to be honest, a coach shouldn’t cost that much. On the low end you are looking at about $100 for an hour. However, if you aren’t even able to afford the gear or a coach yet but want to gather as much information for free, I have a full playlist on here with as much information as you could possibly need just starting out. kzbin.info/aero/PLq2h8h4Cr5wx4e67NZzR0RbgFNsfh_Qqn&si=YrxX1YeknTWAvfSA

[@adamhatcher]

@@FunnyGuyTimmy I agree with you 100% on what you are saying. I guess what I am saying is let's say you have some good equipment(recording space,focusrite 2i2, synco d2 shotgun mic and reaper DAW) to get started and hard times fall upon you to where it would take a long time to be able to have the money for a coach. Then what would be the steps to achieve this goal? Let's say they get started in VO, what little money they make could go towards coaching to help them make it better. I see so many videos saying that you have to get coaching and there is no other way, but is their other ways to achieve this goal.

[@uglysonic8777]

Do we need to go to college for Voice Engineering...?

[@FunnyGuyTimmy]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qHTPYqinn9qdbcksi=182Ffn_hkkhJV0Tc

[@phromprong2068]

I've watched a few videos and some have said don't do a demo. They just do the auditions. Some successful VAs have never even made a demo.

[@FunnyGuyTimmy]

Who? Do you have the links?

[@djbladesparx5221]

Where do you find affordable reliable coaching...the hourly fees are out of my reach

[@FunnyGuyTimmy]

Is $75 for 30 minutes or $100 for an hour out of your reach?

[@HEVLYRB]

I got one side character when I first started

[@tytdestruction7895]

I'm trying to be a voice over talent/actor when I'm older, but I can't really do any unique voices without it sounding stupid. My voice is average(male), though I'm still going through the later stages of puberty (hell, I know). Any advice on how to get the voices I want to make? Should I get a personal teacher or should I practice by myself at my home?

[@FunnyGuyTimmy]

Well even if you got a coach you would still need to practice at home. Your vocal cords are like any other muscle. The more you use it and stretch it the better your range will be. That's why a lot of great voice actors start out as impressionists.

[@tytdestruction7895]

@@FunnyGuyTimmy Thanks man. I'll practice different impressions that i find cool/funny then get into some practice roles. have a good day G.

[@cecebear110]

What microphone would you recommend for a voice over beginner?

[@FunnyGuyTimmy]

Though it is important to have good quality audio, the treatment in the recording space is way more valuable. Here is what I will say, get a XLR mic that costs more than $60 and needs 48 volts of phantom power. Most mics that fall in that category will do just fine for starting out. Spend more money on the interface and acoustic treatment. The treatment in your space will make a bad mic sound good or a good mic sound bad depending. But I do have tons of videos and playlists dedicated to microphone reviews. Go to my channel page and search microphone or review and see what I have. Hope all of that answered your question and helped.

[@cecebear110]

@@FunnyGuyTimmy Thanks so much 💜

[@VO_JayRedding]

I should audition for male middle age VO jobs. I'm guessing I wouldn't get hired for tampon commercials lol

[@uglysonic8777]

Only men that would be hired for those would be Sam Elliot and Morgan Freeman ... " Insert the Tampon and let the string dangle freely. Do not leave it in for 8 hours, otherwise you may die. You've been warned. "

[@jodecierollinson8856]

As a new beginner. Can anyone drop down the equipment I need as a beginner

[@FunnyGuyTimmy]

Jodecie Rollinson what do you mean?

[@ovg2035]

He probably means like a good setup like a recommended microphone or something in that order

[@FourJaysFour]

Booth Junkie is a good channel for that info

[@leojackson6282]

Brother im into this .. can I ask u something.. how much do u earn from this voice over now and then ?

[@FunnyGuyTimmy]

Is making money the only reason to do something? If you don’t immediately start making bank will you give up? Here is what I will say. I make different amounts every month sometimes more, sometimes less. But this month I earned a couple thousand. Most of this came from clients I have build years of relationships with. The previous month wasn’t as good.

[@leojackson6282]

@@FunnyGuyTimmy Thanks for the reply brother ... I have seen many youtube videos but your the only one who talks about reality of this voice over jobs .. and thanks for the advice I'll keep that in mind .

[@djam7484]

hmm problem is it seems like such a saturated market and you sound to similar to someone all ready on the agents books. this it the problem I'm facing. paid for the demos and everything. just need to get represented. that's the piece of the puzzle I'm still missing and it sucks.

[@FunnyGuyTimmy]

D Jam for me it’s the fact that the agents I have talked to don’t want to represent me due to my sever dyslexia.

[@djam7484]

@@FunnyGuyTimmy I'm dyslexic 2. I dunno what the the process is like over in the states for getting in with agents .but here in UK everything seems online related. you either send a cover letter of to the agent directly or through there web portal on there site, along with you're uploaded reels or links to them and they either reply or don't reply. and in my case its always "Sorry but you have not been accepted, you sound to similar to someone already on are books" its depressing because a lot of the time I don't hear anything back for months and when I do its always rejection :(. I have been outsourcing my work through the community mostly. but i lack the contacts for commercialized work. for that it seems you need an agent to get those types of opportunity and I'm stuck at that point where to get the ball rolling I need to get an agent. it sucks.

[@FunnyGuyTimmy]

@@djam7484 In my case that is also the experience. I have gotten some commercial work and all my stuff is without an agent. It's a matter of having a great demo and posting it where the potential clients will find it. 1. Build a good studio at home. 2. Buy a decent buy inexpensive microphone. 3. Create a killer demo. 4. Post it to as many open platforms as possible. 5. Keep improving your setup. 6. Audition on as many free websites as possible. 7. Try getting an agent yearly. 8. Lather, rinse, repeat.

[@djam7484]

@@FunnyGuyTimmy yea I have all the above. been doing it for like 5 years. I only know of 2 websites were you can audition for free though. CCC and newgrounds. others sites like voicesdotcom, voices 123. are a no go. You can make free accounts. but getting work without paying membership is impossible. I voice in quite a lot of youtube content for various channels as well over the years and continue to do so. with some game mods and some indi game roles. I have had 1 corporate job which was fairly well paid. but its like searching for a needle in a haystack for those opportunity. Getting the agent is the missing link for me. that will kick start everything.

[@FunnyGuyTimmy]

@@djam7484 I don't have a paid account on voices.com but have gotten 5 paid gigs just from my free account and demos. I would say it's unlikely and very difficult but not completely impossible but I do see what you are saying. One thing that would help a lot it posting your demos on youtube and other social marketing sites. It's another great way of getting your stuff shared and seen for free. Outside of Fiverr and CastingCall.Club it's about sharing and hustle.

[@prodigalus]

those are Audio Technica headphones. so.

[@FunnyGuyTimmy]

So the audio is best for voice over and not music. Yes.

[@prodigalus]

@@FunnyGuyTimmy no, no.. i love Audio Technica. they're great for everything. are those the 50s? i have a bluetooth set of the 50s, but i actually use some Q20s by Anker.

[@Thomas-ix8bu]

Me watching this video on 2 not 0😎

[@sammy_wammy420]

Here I am, bored and wanting to learn voice over bc I want to copy peoples voices lmao

[@FunnyGuyTimmy]

LOL Oh, so you want to do more like impressions?

[@lytnin88]

Every day? You mean I have to work seven days a week? Give me a break!+

[@elathiaskade7311]

A lot of what, not enough how. Inactionable

[@FunnyGuyTimmy]

@@elathiaskade7311 so 110 comments consisting of positive feedback and appreciation for the helpful content and your one comment sating you couldn’t understand the video? There are, every now and then, people who expect “How To Voice Over” to be some sort of step-by-step get-rich-quick schemes. But that my friend is never what helpful content on the industry will and should ever be. If you have a question on something that you didn’t understand or need specific help on any of the topics or points covered in the video, or even something you wish was included. Feel free to let me know. You can also always contact me using the email address that should be listed in most of my videos. I’m always available to clear up anything confusing and answer question. Cheers.

[@elathiaskade7311]

@@FunnyGuyTimmy what practice or exercises help to improve? That’s the actionable element missing. If we were talking about working out, then there’d be a list of workout moves. I want to learn to work out, so it would be helpful to learn the moves that are effective. Maybe your video intention was not to be specific, and therefore it sounded bare on the details.

[@FunnyGuyTimmy]

1. Listing every single thing that goes into a voice acting career from start to finish is impossible. I also teach a 4 week class on one part of the industry and it still doesn’t cover “everything”. Fortunately, I have hundreds of videos on this same channel dedicated to talking about and doing a deeper dive into, one topic at a time. Literally everything mentioned has a complementary video with details. I put all of that into a playlist to make it easy for those who saw this video and wanted to know more. It’s like I was being helpful or something. The playlist had 109 videos and takes a whole day to watch, and that’s not even every video I’ve recorded and posted on voice acting. That’s just the basics. If I put everything into a 30+ hour video, again only the basics, I promise you everyone would complain that it would be too long and harder to find the information they needed. kzbin.info/aero/PLq2h8h4Cr5wx4e67NZzR0RbgFNsfh_Qqn&si=DgWyd5OqfCMC2Ebo 2. At the start of the video I give steps on what you need to do to get started. First was understand what voice over is. This may not sound like a lot to someone who doesn’t know all the different genres and types of VO and which they might be best at but it makes a huge difference. Audiobook, commercial narration, and character work are completely different. Going in and thinking they are the same will screw you up fast. The first part of the video is also to warn anyone who thinks VO is just for fun and is easy. It’s intended to scare those who think they will be able to immediately get jobs in their favorite cartoons and video games. Weeding out those who actually want to do the work, and those who just want to “be in family guy” is a very important first step. 3. How is buying a microphone and an easy rule of thumps for which ones would be better for your voice not an actionable step? 4. Then I say “watch as much free stuff and you can…” and “as many videos on voice over…” because there is so much content and not all will apply to everyone due to each person’s unique situation, so gathering as much as you can from different VAs will basically guarantee you’ll find helpful advice. Think of it like eyewitness testimony. There will be small details that we won’t agree on but where we do agree, that’s the solid advice you can take to the bank. 5. “Get in front of people…”, “get comfortable in front of people…” and “get on stage…” this is actionable. It’s an actual activity you are being told to participate in. If you don’t leave the house much or don’t talk out loud in front of groups, do that. This one is as simple and straight forward as it gets. If you are shy, break those habit fast. 6. “Find a coach…” is again an actionable step. How would this not be? Even with all the videos you need to find someone who has an ear for the industry and who you can do practice reads with while getting professional feed back. You need that insider knowledge to help you tune your skills. You have no idea what you’re doing so why not ask for help? Now, you don’t want a coach for everything, because that will get super expensive. This is why I suggest watching FREE stuff first. But you will need feedback at some point once you are ready to make a demo. 7. I give you a list of things to check before getting a demo. 8. “Create a youtube channel for voice acting…” this plus creating social media for your VO career is again an actionable step. Meaning it’s all intended just to promote your work and engage with potential clients. 9. There are hundreds of places you can find VO auditions and telling you to “audition 20 times a day…” is again an actionable step. This is something I am telling you to do and is something you need to do. A lot of new talent don’t want to put in the work and don’t know how often they are supposed to audition, well now I’ve made a good rule of thumbs clear. I also give insight into how I gauge whether an audition-able role is right for me. 10. And finally, telling people to do all of this as often as possible every day for a while IS a step. That’s the only way you can actually get good at anything. If you don’t practice and put yourself out there then you won’t get more comfortable in the recording space, and won’t get good at reading more naturally. If it’s something you could skip and then not improve, it’s a step. 11. I can’t tell people what mic to buy due to each person's voice, budget, and recording needs being different. I can’t give a one size fits all guide for building a recording space due to budget, living situation and available space. I can’t put out a demo script that everyone can record because then no one’s demo would fit just them or be unique. I can’t tell you what websites to use because some specialize in different areas of voice acting and without knowing what each person is specifically good at, no road map like that can be made. There are so many “how to do voice acting” videos out there that tell you to buy a specific mic and Tell you to buy moving blankets and bed toppers as treatment but don’t tell you how to use them or why you need it. There are also tones of videos promoting the pay-to-play websites and that’s never where anyone should start. There is and will never be a short 10-20 minute video on the topic covering everything about voice over and will be 100% helpful to everyone. It’s just not really possible. This is why I started the video saying “watch everything…” That’s your first STEP. Not just one and done. All of it.