Not too long ago, I made a drive to my client’s studio.  This trip was special because it took almost an hour by car (especially with East Coast traffic) to reach the location for the two-minute narration.  Because the client is a new voiceover contact, I accepted the offer to visit their studio to help build a new relationship.  While I could have easily recorded the short script in my professional home studio, going into the client’s studio gave me an opportunity to meet the team and to lay the foundation for our working relationship. Yes, voiceover success includes building relationships.

As a voice talent, the business is more than just auditioning. The voice actor needs to reach out and touch those they work with and for.  Placing a face with a name can help you make a long-term connection and friend.  In my case, the numerous home repairs in my community provided an excellent opportunity to get away from my voiceover studio and take time to understand the needs of a first-time client personally.

Relationships within the voiceover community are essential. Moreover, developing relationships, in general, is good because it’s the human thing to do.  Voice talents are the audio ambassadors for their clients’ thoughts, products, and purpose. Through good working relationships, you as a voice actor can let your clients know that his or her projects are in good hands (and voice).

Don’t forget the relationship building side of the business.  Little things like following up with thank you cards and remembering your clients during holidays and special anniversaries not only keep you in other’s mind but can also keep you in their heart.  Most folks do business with those whom they like.  Look for opportunities to do and be nice because it’s the kind thing to do.

In a culture that is becoming more and more polarized, developing your human side as a voice talent and a person is usually unexpected yet welcomed.  If your client or clients are near, take the time to visit the studio if possible. Bring some cookies or something else to encourage the friendship. Who knows, you may return more often than expected.

Voice actors in business provide a service.  The Internet and social media are key places for hanging one’s shingle and open for business signs.  In turn, offers for voice jobs can come from many sources.  But what happens when you must turn down a gig?  We all want to be liked (and get paid), so saying “no” may seem like a business killer.  Sometimes, giving bad news is a part of life, but knowing why, when, and how to turn down business can make all the difference in your future.  Here’re my why, when, and how for saying “No” to a voiceover job.

Why Do It 

Since the whole point of a for-profit business is to make a profit, turning down business seems like the last thing a working voice actor wants to do.  Still, circumstances will arise in life when turning down a voice job works best.  In “When to Say No to Work” (posted in Backstage, April 7, 2011), Michael Kostroff notes, “It’s often said there are only three reasons to accept an acting job: 1) for artistic satisfaction, 2) for money, or 3) for career benefits—contacts, experience, education, film for your reel, a valuable credit, etc. It’s a philosophy well worth adopting. You may want to consider passing up jobs that don’t meet any of these criteria, leaving that work to someone for whom it might have greater value.”

When It’s Best

There is always a cost in running a business.  Voice acting is a creative pursuit, but that does not remove the need to run an efficient business.  When a project is very costly in time, a low return on investment, or needs more than you can provide for a final quality project, you may want to pass.  Passing on a job should be a stepping stone not a bolder in the road.  Look for ways to keep it moving.

How to Say It

In “The 8 do’s and don’ts of delivering bad news” (CNBC Make It) Wed, 5 April 2017,
Rhett Power’s advises, “Don’t burn your bridge – say it nice:  Even though you won’t be working for the organization, it’s in your interests to be polite and professional. You never know when you might want to work for the employer in future, so it pays not to burn bridges.”

If you know you are not able to fulfill the offer, let the client know as soon as possible.  Write or speak your message in a respectful tone and manner.  Give one or two reasons for your decision.  Shy away from giving reasons like such as there is not enough money in the project, you’re taking your kids on vacation, or you want to watch a movie.  While these may be your legitimate reasons, the client may not agree.  If your goal is money, then you may want to negotiate with the client beforehand to try to reach a better payment for the project.  However, if you have another engagement, conflict or many obligations, a personal emergency, etc., express the truth in your information to your client.  It’s better to be professional and upfront with your situation to help keep good working relationships.  There may be a time when you are available and can perform other voice work.

End with salutations and a request to keep in touch.  Business relationships start with people relationships.  It’s your job as a professional voice talent to be savvy and helpful even if you have to say “No.”