There is much talk these days about whether automation will replace the professional voice artist. The buzz is also circling about voice talent offering products for $10 or less. While these items may seem like great voice “buys,” I would advise the buyer to beware! Voice acting is a talent skill as specialized as developing a masterpiece on canvas; each project should be a treated as a classic.

The voice artist who takes time to learn all aspects of his craft lays the foundation as a master voice artisan. Such an individual understands the importance of discovering the essence of each voice clients’ project and making each script come to life. Time learning delivery, tone, elocution, are like learning how to properly care and feed a new born. No matter if the project is a voice mail system or a narrated feather film, a masterful voice actor treats each client’s project for lack of a better word, like a “Baby.”

How much would you spend on your baby? If you only paid a caregiver a dollar to watch your baby, what kind of service would you expect? I know times are challenging, but many talent are willing to with clients to develop a masterful projects. Yes, it may cost more that $10 dollars, but, in the long run, the rewards have a better change of being greater and with better quality and service. Remember, the baby is worth a lot more than a dollar or “a dolla.”

(Photo credit: Tom Baugis)
To stay on top of the ever-improving voiceover business, you’ve got to keep up with what’s going on. Doing voiceovers is the best. But as members of a networking society, blogs can help keep you on top of trends and changes in the VO industry. We can communicate, share, and learn from each other in the VO field. Interacting with the voiceover community will help improve the quality of your vocal delivery, business, as well as services to your clients. Learn from the best through social media.

“I’m here!” One, two, ten, ten-thousand-how many voices does it take to hear one?  How can you be the voice that stands out in the voiceover market place?  Well, it takes work. If you have ever seen the movie (from the book) “Horton Hears a Who”, there is a scene where all the citizens of Whoville are screaming to the top of their lungs “We are Here.” but they can’t get their message through. Their voice was critical and had to be heard to prove they existed and to save their very lives!  Building a voice over business can feel like being one of citizens of Dr. Seuss’ Whoville community with almost no way of being heard (individually). Well, your voice is important and you can have a place in the voiceover world.  Try a few of these to get your VO heard and get a response to your “I’m a voice talent and I’m here!”

• Become Loud by Association Are you a part of a group, church or, organization?  What are you doing as a part of that association? Do you volunteer for outreach?  Make an effort to meet people with and outside of your group and let them know that you are a voice over professional. Develop a public service announcement for your group or even develop artwork or an article for your group. Just make sure your name is on the product along with your organization.
• Share Social Media DeliberatelyWhat’s hot with you and your associates?  Share a popular social media post or blog.  I’ve share on Twitter items from NASA on launches to breaking news from Reuters.  Share and positively comment on items from voice over talent or groups.  The point is to be heard by association with voice talent and others.
• Speak Publicly If you’re a voice talent, you’re or can become a public speaker.  Does your local high school need a speaker? What about your civil organization?  Is there a topic that you are passionate about?  Look for a forum and make sure you let them know that you are also a voiceover talent.
• Teach a Class (something fun)Are you an expert on something or things other than voiceovers?  Look into volunteering at community colleges and local clubs to teach what you know.  Develop a good lesson plan and teach a short course.  (If’ you’re going to teach something physical, remember to get those signed releases before you start teaching your class.) What about teaching “Why Not to go into Voiceovers.”  Different, yea, but folks will take notice of the title.

Now, go and get heard!  You’re here!

I’ve heard talents comment on the writings of potential clients. Some talents have a vast knowledge of proper English grammar and note the “obvious” mistakes made by some book authors and copywriters. While this may endear a talent as a shrewd and skillful grammar expert, is it a talent’s place to critique his or her client’s writing? Knowing when and when not to comment as a voiceover talent could go a long way toward future success.

Talents sometime express their frustration with the writings of clients on the web. As a voiceover talent and while your comments may be correct, you must consider if commenting is appropriate. If you have accepted a voice over job and later find that you “cannot possibly” live with the way the copy or book is written, I suggests the below actions:

• Politely contact the writer and ask for clarification. The writer/author may have made a mistake and may want to correct the copy in question. If the copy is not an error, continue and read as specified by the client.
• If you cannot quickly reach the writer, note your comments separately, but still read the copy as written.
• Forgive the writers; hold off on negative social media or web comments. None of us are perfect, so let’s do our jobs and move on. It’s great that you have knowledge of proper English writing and grammar usage. Perhaps, you can volunteer as a freelance editor in another venue.  Still, give the copy your best voiceover skills as if Shakespeare wrote it!

Conversely, reading copy is a type of taking direction. As a voiceover talent, we know how important it is to take direction well when doing a job. Knowing what is required in a voice or acting job is important. Voice actor Tom Deere notes this point in his article,  If You Can’t Or Won’t Listen As A Voice Talent, You Won’t Make It.

I believe it’s better to seek and respond to jobs that are suited for you and your delivery than to just apply because they are looking for a talent. Both you and the client’s time are valuable; try not to waste what is valuable. You’re a superstar!

(By the way, the image in my above graphic is originally from a well-written book. It’s just an illustration. )

You’ve had it. Everybody is disrespecting your political candidate and you have had enough. Is it time for you to lash out on Facebook or Twitter? After all, you have a right to express yourself and opinion. But is social media the platform for your personal views? Give care to your actions and what you post on social media.

In this politically charged time in America, opinions are being shared everywhere. From billboards to talk shows, everybody has an opinion…and wants to be heard. I’m sure you have seen a running stream of comments on many sites with all manner or retorts. Just read them.

Guard Your Business Soapbox

We all have feelings. As a voiceover talent, you are probably a passionate and insightful actor. Moreover, you most likely use social media as an intricate part of your voiceover business. Many businesses do the same thing. Unless your business is directly related to sharing your opinions, consider the consequences of posting your personal beliefs via social media.

This advice may save your business and career. I have heard of people losing out on jobs and even relationships because of online postings. If you recall an event some years ago, a voiceover talent lost a major character voice contract because he posted a personal opinion on Twitter. And the lists goes on.

You would think that personal opinions posted online would not affect a person’s business. Hey, welcome to the digital age. Our society is more connected via the Web than through personal relationships. Often, opinions about new relationships start with online searches. Some even do extensive checks into posting histories to decide on new hires, clients, and even marriage partners. What you say online does matter.

If you Must, be Sensitive When Posting

Carefully consider what you post online regarding personal views.  In 6 Things Not to Post on Social Media, Rebecca Benison writes, “Sharing an article from a well-known publication is fine; sharing negative opinions about political figures is not.”

Maintain A Positive Online Presence

In business, most prefer and choose to do business with people they like and with whom it is easy to work. Any negative or adverse comments posted by you may be seen as controversial or a sign of trouble. You don’t want to give potential clients the wrong impression of your business because of your online postings. As a voice talent, you may be expected to demonstrate warm emotion through voice acting. If you are perceived as divisive or contentious, you may not be considered for certain jobs in specific categories or with some organizations. That big long-term voice gig client may keep searching for talent after reading your postings.

Be Business Smart

Values make humans human.  If your values appear to be strong in one direction or another, you may lose potential voiceover clients with debatable values postings. It’s best not to reveal your positions on some subjects. This is not being phony or fake, it’s being business smart.  You are not required to reveal your deepest views and personal affiliations via the Internet. If warranted, let potential clients address you directly and not use your social media profiles to gain insight into your personal preferences.

Keep it Light; Keep Getting Paid

You want to continue in business and keep your friends regardless of who sits in the U.S. Oval Office or any other political platform. So, make a mental note to hold back on posting your personal politics online. With that said, if you are a political figure, strategist, religious leader, commentator or the like, your personal views should be shared. But as a voiceover talent, keep the politics light and keep getting paid.

It says in Shakespeare’s The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, Act 1, Scene 3, “This above all to thine own self be true… .” Great advice, but not the best for social media platforms.

Image: Aug. 16, 1961. A bird’s eye view of West Germans protesting the division of Berlin. From the booklet “A City Torn Apart: Building of the Berlin Wall.” (https://www.usa.gov/government-works) Credit: U.S. Government Works

And as professional voice actors, we want to be on top of our game and get every auditioned job.  However, you may feel pressure to be the best right out of the starting gate or feel stress if you are not getting the jobs and bookings at the rate of your VO colleagues. With all this desire for success, you may feel pressure not just from competing in the industry but also from yourself.  For lasting success, learn to pace yourself throughout the year and see your progress grow over time.

Be realistic about where you are. As we start 2018, this is a perfect time to assess where you are as a voice actor.  Did you meet your 2017 goals? Great. If not, where can you improve in 2018? Do you need training, practice, …or a vacation?!  Start out right by asking the hard questions and taking time to appreciate how far you have come and what you need to get to your next level in the voiceover field. In his book, 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen Covey says, “Put first things first.” Decide on what’s most important by priority and then act.

Give you a break, it will happen. There are many talented and not so talented working voice actors all around us.  Don’t compare your performance as a VO actor to others.  Give you a break and grow at your own pace.  Continue developing your skills in performing, marketing, web presenting, and audio editing.  Work systematically and pace your time to build in each area of your voiceover career and business.  Remember…

“If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live
the life he has imagined, he will meet with success unexpected in common hours.”
Henry David Thoreau

Have fun. Voiceover and voice acting can be a fun career. If you find that all your efforts are not garnering you any enjoyment, you may want to think if voiceover work is your calling.  Life is short, and voiceover success takes a lot of time and effort.  If you enjoy the profession, pace yourself so you will not burn out at any point. Voice actor Bill DeWees’ has some great tips in his YouTube video, “Set YOUR pace in 2018.”

Break a lip!

Voice acting success is like other business fields and takes one main ingredient: working a sound plan.  It’s is not brain surgery. Guess what? That same advice applies to a banker, baker, investor, or any other self-employed person or company.  As we live our lives, each day brings its own set of unforeseen challenges, so every day we must decide to succeed. For many of us, our goal is to achieve success as a voice actor.  Fortify yourself to keep working your voiceover career plan.

I read some distressing news the other day from author Brian Tracy.  In “No More Excuses!”, Tracy writes, “All routes to success have been discovered. Everything that you need to learn to move to the top of your field has already been learned by hundreds and even thousands of other people.”  Now it’s time to let your voiceover training, advice from coaches, notes, books, home studio, and all the other items you’ve assembled to start driving your voiceover success.  While there will be trends in the voice acting industry, the basics of business success are tried and true.  Auditioning, marketing, producing quality, and the like. Instead of looking for some new fast-track tip or secret, take the proven road to voice acting success and stay the course.

Keep Focused-Narrow your Niche

Voice acting can be a niche market. Those entering the voiceover field may want to audition for everything without knowing his or her strengths and best performance skills.  This willingness to do everything makes a person a generalist at best. The problem is most producers are looking for experts and the best voice to perform a particular genre or type of voice.  So, away with the everything mindset, narrow your focus to one or two voice-over performance types.

Susan Friedmann writes in her book, Riches in Niches, How to make it BIG in a Small Market, “You absolutely must, and I repeat must strive to be the expert. Expert status presents benefits that truly separate you from the crowd. “ Narrow your skills down and keep it moving.

Cherish Your Time

Working the proven strategies for voiceover success is not a random path to victory.  Successful voice talents need time to train, market, read blogs and industry information, network, and even have fun.  Make sure you are using each day the best way possible for your voiceover career and life.

Each evening list your most important things to accomplish on a coming day (and week).  Rank your items in importance and what tasks must be done first, second, third, etc., for you to have a productive, satisfying day.  This process will help you do first things first and cover all aspects of your business plan per week.

Limit Social Media

Make sure you limit your social media time.  We all like to read blogs (which I just mentioned), but your critical daily tasks of marketing, emailing clients, etc., probably outrank your social media activities.  While social media should be a part of your overall business plan, don’t let watching videos or news feeds rob you of precious marketing time.  Limit yourself so you can cover your day’s top priorities.

Refocus Often

Even if you have an ironclad voiceover business plan, life happens. Unexpected interruptions in our families, business, and health can knock us off track.  Remind yourself each week of your goals and your path to success.  One way to stay on track is to post your primary goals in a visible place in your office or workspace. At the end of each work week, review how well you did during that week.  Also, note what you need to do differently to reach voiceover success in the following week.

Don’t Work Alone

I’m a big proponent of networking and building relationships.  Robin Jones Gunn said, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” As you follow your voiceover plans, don’t forget to help others in their plans. Give advice when you know the answer, help others when possible, and let others help you in your success.  No one wants to fail. Building a successful voiceover business takes a  lot of time, patience, and courage.  Work with others to reach your success and help others find theirs as well.

We know the success path can be challenging, but it is possible.  Continually push yourself toward the voiceover success and it can and will be yours. Follow your plan and don’t stop moving forward. It’s all about you helping others on the proven road to success.

In the voiceover world, they say, “Beware January and June.” So, if your June is not what your other colleagues may be experiencing business-wise, you need to come up with ways to regroup. Regrouping should lead to more jobs, better auditions, and more revenue doing what you love. Unconventional methods of regrouping can lead to better creativity and a renewed focus for business success.

Regrouping does not have to be boring. The more exceptional your activities, the better. Use this slow time for decisive actions that can keep you going through the slump and emerge as a powerful voiceover talent. Below are some ideas on how to regroup to keep you going and working your daily voiceover business tasks:

Consider taking up painting or even finger painting.

Try a new hobby.

Look up an old friend or make a new one.

Volunteer at a summer camp.

Visit a church on Sunday instead of sleeping in.

Change your hairstyle or change the color.

Make something using paper-mâché.

Go to the circus.

For one day, smile and speak first to everyone you meet.

Remind yourself of past victories and great business accomplishments.

Take a day trip.

Eat breakfast for dinner and dinner for breakfast.

Start your Christmas (what YOU want) list.

Let your kids cook for you one day or break your diet for one real meal.

Meditate on positive things.

Look at good comedies for one weekend and laugh like you mean it.

Play in the rain.

Think of five things you are thankful for in your life.

Stay away from sad or violent movies for one week.

When it comes to renewing, think out of the box. Voiceovers should not be arduous, although sometimes it can feel that way. There is no downer as marketing for work and not getting the results you want and need. So use these times to change your thinking and regroup your world.

Need more? Trent Hamm’s “The Frugal Introvert: Fifty Ways to Have Fun By Yourself on the Cheap,” gives ideas for having the fun solo.

Now go out there and be like other folks for a while. Come out of your vocal booth and use this (unplanned) little break in June for a mini-renew time. It will refresh your spirit more than you can imagine.

Have fun!