“I do without a gardener, a pool boy, and an interior designer. I can’t do without Kristine Oller. She guides my every professional move.”

Pat Fraley :: voice over artist / master teacher

Hear why Dan O’Day chose me to be a guest speaker on career strategy and networking at his 11th annual International Radio Creative & Production Summit:

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Have you ever wondered what it would be like to work with a career strategist? Despite fighting a cold during this interview, actor and voice over artist, Pam Tierney, shares what she gained from her career strategy sessions with me:

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Actor Kristen Nedopak kindly offers her take on the benefits she received from participating in my career strategy group coaching sessions:

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A few words from my client Ann DeWig, one of the top voice over imaging artists in the nation (and Guest Speaker at the 10th Annual International Radio Creative & Production Summit):

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Karen Forman is a talented comedienne who just needed some strategic guidance about the business side of her career. Once that was in place, she signed with a manager and an agent. Here are her thoughts about working with me:

Actor Shanna Micko is the creator and star of the (mucho funny) web series Leaving Bliss, which was accepted as a finalist in the 2009 New York Television Festival. Shanna and I met because industry guests voted her “Best Female” in the Cricket Feet Showcase – a career strategy session with me was one of her prizes. In less than a year from our initial session, she (among other victories) filmed a season of her web series and became a member of SAG. Here’s what Shanna has to say about our work together:

…and about why she took my Networking BootCamp and what happened when she starting putting what she was learning into practice:

Actor Robert Phares has worked with me privately and participated in several group events. Here he shares his experience working with me – and exactly how putting into practice what he learned led to him getting his top-notch commercial agent:

My client, the multi-talented (actor, dancer, professional organizer) Rita Maye Bland, shares her experience working with me:

Watch as participants from my original Networking BootCamp selflessly sacrifice themselves under bad lighting to share why they thought this experience was a worthwhile investment of their time, energy, and money:

“It’s so easy to waste years going through the motions of pursuing an acting career with your eyes closed. Even the most talented actors need to know how to handle the career that they want. Kristine is brilliant at teaching you how to make the most of the opportunities that come your way and how to reduce the pressure, overwhelm, and uncertainty that can prevent you from making the progress you desire. What Kristine offers is a wonderful, workable approach to getting your creative life in order. She helps you identify and face what needs improving and leads you through making those changes. These concepts are worthy of your trust. She will steer you in the right direction.”

Irene Cagan :: former casting director

“Career strategy and organization behind the scenes are essential to career success. Kristine is an incredible career strategist. I am one of her regular clients and she was recommended to me by a very well known voice over talent. I have never regretted one second of the time I have spent consulting with Kristine.”

Julie Williams :: voice over artist / publisher of The VoiceOver Insider

“With your gentle and insightful guidance, my years of wheel spinning and working hard (but not smart) has been replaced by tools and techniques that are creating sustainable momentum and growth. What had seemed forever out of reach is now, not only possible, but is happening. Thanks!”

Phil Kauffman :: actor / director

“I approached Kristine at a time when I was experiencing a transition in my life and she helped me to define and shape my career focus quickly and with ease. Kristine has a gift for cutting through the static and simplifying problem areas and after one session, I felt empowered and positively charged again. The path I had been walking had begun to get cluttered with weeds and Kristine simply helped me to weed whack my way back to clarity. She is smart, incisive and one of the friendliest people I have ever met. I will definitely use her services again!”

Elle Newlands :: actor / singer-songwriter / voice over artist

“I wanted to let you know how much I appreciate the encouragement and guidance you’ve provided in the past months. It has made such a difference in both my life and career.”

Holly Montgomery-Webb :: actor

“Kristine has a straightforward, practical, and, most importantly, ATTAINABLE approach to organization – for my desk, for my home, and for my brain. It’s amazing how once I had applied just a few steps from her book it felt like a weight had lifted. I was making room for even better things! Kristine helped me use what I already had around in much more effective ways. And MY work is now working for me: what used to be labor has definitely turned to love.”

Roy Samuelson :: actor / creator of the Voice Over Workout Lounge

“Kristine, you rock! You’ve been a tremendous resource and an encouraging friend. I’ve been following your advice and this year has been my most productive and successful so far! You have a gift for empowering others by providing them with the tools necessary to tackle their goals. Thank you so much. I would be lost without you.”

Sofia Correa :: actor

“The bottom line is, without Kristine Oller my home office would never have gotten REALLY organized. I bought her book, listened to the CD’s and learned a PROCESS to purge and organize my “stuff”. In just one weekend I had given my place a complete makeover. However, the REAL time saver was having her come to my home to help me go through every single piece of paper in my office and create an effective filing system. For the price of an acting class (or a few tanks of gas) I now have an organized and functional home office, and more importantly, a system in place to maintain it!”

Thomas Mann :: actor

“Kristine – you were a bonafide hit! You got great reviews from the attendees at your presentation. Everyone got something out of it and the evaluations were glowing. Employees Health Services is grateful and appreciative of your time and effort. Thanks again for your participation!”

Donna Workman Malcolm :: City of Glendale

“Thank you very much for that wonderful [NAPO-LA] marketing workshop on Saturday! It was well worth the investment made, and I feel more empowered than you will ever know. You have helped to make one of the biggest challenges of my business make complete sense to me now.”

Rhonda Webster :: entrepreneur

“Great [Women in Film] Master Class last night! Kristine, you are amazing, passionate, and talented. I’m looking forward to jumping on feeding my focus – as that has been a mystery I have been searching to solve. I truly had an “ah ha” moment last night.”

Jodi :: producer

“On behalf of the entire organization we extend our utmost gratitude to you. It is a rarity in our current Hollywood to have an opportunity to enjoy the presence of such a giving individual. Your time spent with the members of The Actors’ Network was highly effective, well received, extremely helpful, and deeply appreciated. Please know that if you ever want to speak again, just give us a jingle.”

Kevin E. West :: actor / founder, The Actors’ Network

“I was very impressed with the [Women in Animation] program that Pat had put together – adding your insights to the roster just blew me away. The industry has changed enormously and having someone like you, with your knowledge and expertise, giving the women the real skinny was something I consider vital. You gave those students the zeitgeist for their class: show business is a business. And it must never be treated as a hobby. And if you are not a business woman, you are in for a difficult time. I enjoyed your comments and, as you can see, could not contain my enthusiasm for your opinions!”

Candi Milo :: actor / voice over artist

“I was very impressed by the information you presented at the Women in Animation Master Event a couple of weeks ago. I don’t think we get enough about the business end of voice acting – the creative end is so much fun. Since I am a business person, I found your suggestions stimulating and important.”

Elaine Martin :: actor

“Great seminar Thursday.  Thank you so much for doing that for our talent.”

Stacey Stahl :: owner, In Both Ears Agency & Creative Entertainment Management

“So nice to get your note as I was getting ready to jot one to you and tell you how happy I was with our last session. You’ve helped me turn a big corner. You’re the best!”

Tom Katsis :: actor

“Thanks so much for yesterday. Your non-judgmental guidance, perseverance, and enthusiasm is greatly appreciated. I was awestruck with the amount of work we did – when my husband saw the workshop, he let out a victory whoop!”

Nancy Kern :: artist / mom

“Thanks for all of your ideas – you’re always very creative, gracious, and upbeat. My place looks 100x better because of your work!”

Cady Vortman :: documentary producer

“Kristine, you have changed my life! Not only have you made my workspace into a place that I long to be (rather than a big jumbled mess that I avoid), you’ve helped me create a space that is MUCH more conductive to writing. Your techniques for organizing have seeped into other areas of my life, making work AND recreation a lot less stressful and a lot more fun. Working with you is always a joy.”

Lily Mariye :: actor / director / writer

“I went to a film premiere last week, and since listening to the Networking BootCamp, I gained much more value out of the experience – which I can share another time – but mainly I remembered to merely make little dips of fun and playfulness with each person I met, to just make that initial contact. And then I wrote down everyone’s names afterwards so I’d remember. I also did research beforehand which helped. Thank you for making the BootCamp accessible!”

Carolyn Stotes :: actor / model

“I’ve always been a bit of a recluse when it comes to artistic work.  Kristine showed me a whole new way of going about building my career, out in the world.  I used to think the phrase “it’s not what you know, it’s who you know” was  a depressing notion… but working with Kristine has helped me realize that “who I know” is something I can change.”

Jonathan Whittle-Utter :: actor / director / writer

“Kristine’s Networking BootCamp was a breath of fresh air for me because she wasn’t just some good speaker who entertained us for an hour and a half each week. The beauty in her workshop is specificity. Not only does she tell you what you should do, but she teaches you HOW to do it. So many resources out there are inspirational but vague, leaving us all eager to run out there and do it, but then we have to go back home and learn how. Kristine provides a map to the places she tells you to go.”

Shelley Dennis :: actor / model

“Being out here in LA for over three years has been tough. I didn’t have a focus, I was not organized, and I thought I was good at networking… but I was missing many different pieces to it – pieces that I had no clue I needed until I joined your Networking BootCamp class. Not only did I learn about networking but I learned how important it is to have a clear focus. I have gained more knowledge about my focus in four weeks than I have ever had.

You have challenged me to take risks, taught me how to make myself accountable, and steered me in the right direction to achieve my dream. Every time I have come to class I have been motivated not because I believe it can work, but because I know it works. Already I have achieved more in the few weeks of BootCamp than I did in all of 2008. I am confident that I can handle any networking situation that I encounter. Thank you so much Kristine, I really appreciate all that you have shared!”

Melissa Lucas :: actor

“You rock lady! Your book has just absolutely beat me between the eyes several times and turned my world upside down – in the best possible way.  Thank you.”

Bob Souer :: voice over artist / master blogger, The VoiceOver Boblog

“Your book is a life-changing experience. I feel soooo much more simplified about all the different things I’m doing and I’m saying ‘No No No’ left and right when people ask for my help on new projects.  Everything is making so much more sense, and your book definitely helped to put me on this new path.  Kudos and Gratitude.

Fay Wolf :: actor / singer-songwriter / professional organizer

“Kristine Oller has written a gem. Feeding Your Focus gives you tools you can and will use to change your thinking and organize each part of your professional life. More than just a beautifully written and well-produced book is included in this CD package; inside is Ms. Oller’s heart and soul. I found myself laughing out loud at some points, especially those that seems as though she had written them with me personally in mind. Her voice and message convey warmth and a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed as a professional in a creative field, such as voice acting. I loved this book and I have already begun implementing many of the steps Ms. Oller outlines. This book is what I needed to propel my career forward and assist me in achieving my dreams.”

Elisa Weller :: voice over artist / from her review in The VoiceOver Insider

“You are helping me through a huge transition in my life, so thank you.  You took my organizing to a whole different level.  I’m usually really good at it but the benefit of having someone with your experience guide me through makes things so much easier and dynamic – with both of us working on the project at the same time (you on the CDs!), it’s so much fun. My desk is amazing and the paper flow system is right on time! I love looking at my empty or almost empty ‘active’ and ‘inactive’ paper bins – it’s a high. Your CD series is excellent and I have been recommending it to others.”

China Brooks :: actor

“Just wanted to tell you that my office is so clean! I love it! I feel like a weight has been lifted. It was great working with you. The changes you suggested made sense and really simplified things. I actually think I can get more done because I won’t feel bogged down by papers.”

April Sugarman :: actor / producer

“Thank you so much for everything. I can’t believe I lived like that. I cannot express enough what a difference your organizing did for my mental health and business.”

David Kessler :: comedian / graphic artist

“I was fortunate enough to be able to get your Ditching Your Day Job seminar on DVD at the VOICE 2008 conference. As a newbie to VO, I found the information you shared to be critical to jump starting my career and developing the habits that will keep my business moving forward. I watched it twice, took notes, wrote out my focus, organized my VO files and planned out my week. Thanks!”

Vivienne Houghton :: voice over artist

“Kristine, thank you SO MUCH for your seminar. It was exactly what I needed to get moving forward with a pragmatic course of action. I just quit my day job, so the timing couldn’t be more perfect! I think that’s the most valuable two hours I’ve ever spent on a Sunday! Thanks again!!“

Porter Kelly :: actor

“You were so incredibly great on Sunday: charming and sharp and fun and inspiring! Not that I’m surprised for a second, but it was so engaging seeing you be so engaging! It was really incredible to hear your descriptions of yourself back when you were scared of networking. I can’t tell you how many ‘parties’ I’ve grinded through, bargaining with myself that I had to stay until x time and wondering what was wrong with me (this was supposed to be fun, etc.) And that doesn’t include the many times I didn’t go, having some up with a good enough excuse to fool myself. To see you describing me to a tee and yet standing there being just the opposite – it was really inspiring.

There was so much useful information, but thanks especially for the ‘golden nugget.’ That was such a “Duh!” moment for me. I so easily forget it has to be about the giving, not the getting. This is continually illustrated in my life. When I do remember this, everything goes smoothly. But I often forget, and come down a case of ‘optic rectalitis.’ So, thank you for the reminder.”

Nancy Schofield :: actor

“Thanks so much for letting me take part in your seminar today. It felt like my pilot light just got relit and now it’s time to START COOKIN’ here in L.A.!!!

I really appreciated your methodical breakdown of each segment of the process. And how each step was backed-up with a ‘how to’. Sometimes I don’t realize I need it spelled out for me until it’s…well, spelled out for me. As you mentioned, so many books and seminars teach you to create goals. Yes, I can write those overarching ideas down and pin them up on my wall but what really works for me is your emphasis on how those goals, while justifiable, are simply roads to a much more specific FOCUS.

The ‘flower-pot’ analogy was great. A wonderful visual that had me squirming in my seat – GUILTY as charged! Voice Over, On-Camera Commercial, Improv classes…where’s my emphasis right now? You said it, sprinkling a little bit in all three gets getting minimal results. But heck, it sure has kept me busy! (DOH!!)”

Mark Atherlay :: voice over artist

“I just wanted to thank you so much for yesterday. I really appreciated the time, organization, and energy you put into your presentation. It was very helpful and it makes sense. It always feels overwhelming and that you can’t cover all bases when it comes to a career pursuit in the acting field. I have also recently been in line with needing to plant a ‘bean stalk’ in one pot by finding my focus. I loved your energy and a lot of the imagery and analysis you brought. Sometimes it feels empowering that we steer our own ship and other times it feels scary. But the way in which you present things, it seems like there is an efficient and productive way of getting ahead or making progress. So, even though I wish I had been on the more organized and productive track over the years, it is never too late to start now.”

Karen Pellant :: actor

“Whenever I see an article by you in BackStage I get so excited and I want to turn to someone, anyone, and say “Hey – this woman rocks!”

Morris Nash :: producer / actor

“You won’t believe it but I was going through some articles and notes from the past that I put aside to help me once I got to L.A., and I just found an article published back in a May 2006 issue of BackStage that guess who wrote! YOU! It is so cool – I am so grateful to be here and learning from you.”

Victoria Marton :: actor

“I read your database article yesterday in BackStage. Thanks! It was yet another push that I needed to get all of my data – which has been sitting on my computer for months – into ACT!”

Joni Bovill :: actor / singer-songwriter

“Your newsletter looks great! I am particularly impressed (though not surprised) at the length to which you go to ensure you understand your clients and how to help them.”

Elizabeth Mulheisen :: actor

“I love your newsletters! Not only are they fun and full of your “voice” but I love seeing other people’s messes and learning that I’m not the only one and also how to do better. You are kindness wrapped in smart, smart, smart.”

Laura Robbins :: pilates instructor

“Thanks for your upbeat attitude and always inspiring newsletter I always make little baby adjustments from the info and think of you often when I’m finding a home for stuff.”

Jane Kinsey :: actor / singer

“I’ve finally been able to listen to your amazing CD set. Congratulations. This is a wonderful resource filled with smart ideas and concise guidance. You’ve clearly identified the actions we need to take to make well-rounded progress. I’ll be recommending it to my students and network and, of course, implementing a lot of good advice.”

Bryan Bellomo :: actor / Abundance Bound coach

“Feeding Your Focus is definitely geared for artists. I’ve gotten a lot out of it, especially the first two parts: Focus & Strategy and Home Office Efficiency. Anyone who has difficulty finalizing goals is likely to find the Focus & Strategy info thought-provoking, practical, and helpful. I’m just now starting the 4th part on Networking and it too has quality information that starts from where I am (and awkward networker) and provides good info on moving forward. Kristine has good things to say!”

Susanna Levitt :: actor

“I’d recommend this book for any creative type to help with organizing and building their business and personal focus. Kristine’s references to her own life as an actor in Los Angeles helped me relate to her, and her voice over delivery felt personable and sincere – topped with a bit of sass and class.”

Bobbin Beam :: voice over artist / from her review in The VoiceOver Insider

“Kristine: Thank you so much for our wonderful conversation yesterday. You have a way of getting right to the heart of what matters and I truly appreciate you sharing that gift with me.”

Marc McTizic :: actor

“I’d also like you to know how very glad I am that I decided to participate in the Bootcamp. It’s really helped to think about things that I would never have gotten to on my own. It’s the most empowered I’ve felt in a long time!”

Cherie Huet :: actor

“Just wanted to express a sincere ‘Thank You’ and “FANTASTIC JOB” on today’s Organized Pursuit. You are truly one of the best presentational speakers I’ve ever seen and, as I hope you know, you posess an amazing talent for what you do. I am sincerely inspired by your work and your ability to pass along your information to others in a manageable, well-thought out format. Can’t wait to see where this takes you in your future. Please keep up the good work and know that you’re affecting people in ways that you’re probably not aware of. Great job.”

Katie Swain :: actor / screenwriter

“Your talk today at TAN was fantastic!  I was actually praying I wouldn’t have an audition because I didn’t want to miss it!”

Lindy Loundagin :: actor

“Just wanted to tell you again how much I enjoyed the workshop today.  I found it really useful for focusing my goals toward a single trajectory (which really helps with the feeling of overwhelmedness this town can give you!).”

Celia Finkelstein :: actor

“I am working my way through chapters 6 and 7 of your book and loving every minute.  Already I have a picture in my mind that is coming into sharper focus as I go along.  And as an added benefit, my level of stress about life in general is at an all time low because I have finally allowed myself, thanks to you, to lift the axe of guilt from my poor head.   I’ve released myself from a number of obligations that are not crucial at the moment.  I will get to them a little later and for now I can focus on what’s truly important. I’ve been recommending your book to everyone.   I’m thinking it’s the equivalent of a college level course for self-employed business people, and therefore required reading.  Honestly, I think you could charge twice as much and it would still be reasonable.”

Roxanne Hernandez :: voice over artist

“It became a fight with my experiences to give this audio book a chance – my impulse being to brush it off as just another hymnal of cliched “Duh” wisdoms. She’s going to tell me how to be creative AND organized? Can you be both? But this book really does have merit. I found her offering mind-opening realizations about my life that I should have thought of on my own… but didn’t. She really knows the problems of a disorganized, driven professional. She really knows good networking techniques. Kristine Oller will inspire you to direct your energy towards those things which give life to your future.”

Chadd Pierce :: voice over artist / from his review in The VoiceOver Insider

“You’re seriously my hero. I re-listened to your audio book again, and I took so much NEW stuff out of it! It’s really helped me so much this year, particularly this month. I finally feel focused (which has always been my problem! lol!) and driven and invigorated to get out there and make it happen! A sincere THANK YOU for all of your help, Kristine!”

Lissette Schuster :: actor

“Hmm, you are Super Fab! You are such a great presenter…I knew this but this was a bit more formal & guurl…you ROCKED IT!!”

Missy Hairston :: actor

“I wanted to send you a note of thanks. I am one of those actors who suffers from the paralysis of analysis. I work and work and work and do and do and do but nothing ever happens. Thanks to you, I’ve learned that I’ve confused activity with action. I spent my new year’s day soaking up your information. It’s helped give 2010 a direction…and that direction is up.”

Lowell Deo :: actor / voice over artist

“Thank you so much for sharing your expertise with all of us on Saturday as well as offering a generous extension on your coupon.  I just downloaded your book today

and am already inspired. I’ve felt rather stuck lately in regards to many areas of productivity and the double dose of both the seminar and your book seem to have done the trick!”

Alyssa Presston :: actor

“Thank you so much for the plethora of info that you have given me!  I really appreciate and admire your high level of integrity and service excellence.  You really go above and beyond to help people and are a prime example of giving people something so valuable that you make yourself priceless.”

Alicia Ying :: actor / stylist

“Working with you in the last 2 years has been critical to my success and sanity as an actor new to LA. My victories in the business of acting are gaining momentum and, most importantly, I have tools and clarity on how to move forward, especially in times of discouragement.”

Anastasia Coon :: actor

“This is wonderful information! Feeding Your Focus helps those who may be struggling to get started by explaining the foundations for several areas that are critical to success. I found myself taking copious notes and listened to the CD’s while reading along with the text. This helped reinforce the actions described in the book. After listening to all of the chapters, I feel I am better prepared to pursue my dreams. Several times throughout the book, I was so encouraged that I stopped the CD and began to identify my goals or organize my office!”

Tanya Schoenwolf :: voice over artist  / from her review in The VoiceOver Insider