VO Business Tips

Things To Consider For Staying With Voiceacting (Even When Swimming Against The Current)

July 17, 2024 by Leesha S

Pacific salmon are reported to swim upstream against fierce currents annually. As a natural inclination of the species, the swim is dangerous and filled with predators like hungry bears. Still, the salmon are not deterred and fight to reach the place where they must spawn. Unlike Pacific salmon, most people entering the voiceover business will turn back or close their recording studios for good within the first couple of years. Most of us will not develop the drive of salmon. So, here are some things to consider with voiceacting or any business when you have to continue against the drift or alone.

The Honeymoon Will End

Honeymooners know about the euphoria of those first few days into a new marriage. And like a new marriage, setting up that microphone, social media pages, and so on for a new voiceover business can be fun and exciting. The thought of hearing one’s voice over a streaming service or other media is a wonderful goal. But, when the opportunities don’t come quickly, it’s easy to become discouraged. Moreover, with the initial cost of websites, demos, and proper home studio furnishings, the voiceover honeymoon can end abruptly.

This first lesson is not to give up. Focusing on your goals can keep you moving forward. It’s not just the destination but the journey. The journey is the preparation for reaching the destination.

Watch for Fair-weather Supporters

In the beginning, you will have many supporters and maybe a few business partners. But as the road to success becomes filled with setbacks, obstacles, rejections, and financial challenges, those inexperienced in the voice-over business may only be with you for a while.

Stay Focused During The Fall Away

If you think you can make it in voiceovers, you probably can. So, you must make sure you are focused on what you want and why it’s important to you. No one else can give you purpose and meaning for any pursuit. Review why you got into this business and keep going.

Forgive Often Especially Yourself

As a creative, there will be times when you may feel discouraged, lonely, and even depressed about your lack of success. Having high standards is good, but sometimes we don’t make our own targets. Likewise, there may be times when you feel rejected, misunderstood, or disrespected by others. Strong negative feelings can be dream killers. Remember to forgive often, especially yourself.

Don’t Let Others Tell You When To Quit

You are the only one who can close your doors. Finances and training are the most important parts of your business. When it comes to advice, think about the advice you are receiving and why. It’s good to get business training and mentoring, but make sure the advice is not just a shot to the heart of your dream.

Don’t Compare Yourself To Others (or them to you)

We’ve all seen our colleagues on Facebook and Instagram post about the big jobs they received. Many voice talents post about their awarded big and high-visibility jobs on social media. Seeing someone else’s success while you’re struggling to keep the lights on in your voice-over studio can be a little discouraging.

One of the good things about the voiceover business is the uniqueness each of us brings to the industry. As you continue to market and look for jobs, you will find your niche and where your voice is the most marketable. So don’t worry if you (for now) are not achieving the success of your colleagues. Sticking to a good business plan is a better strategy than being jealous of those who constantly post their success on social media and never their real-life failures or defeats.

Pivot If Necessary, But Don’t Give Up

With the ever advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI), we, as voice actors, are challenged to remain marketable and viable to clients. Let’s face it: AI is a real threat, but it doesn’t have to kill your dream. Continue to search for the right genre that is best for your voice. Keep marketing. If you love voice acting, look for non-conventional opportunities like Podcasting and other areas that need the acting that only comes from a human soul.

“Independent will is our capacity to act. It gives us the power to transcend our paradigms, to swim upstream, to rewrite our scripts, to act based on principle rather than reacting based on emotion or circumstance.”

Stephen R. Covey

Be Prepared To Walk Alone

As time goes by, you will undoubtedly face many challenges to your dream. Some will tell you to give up, close down, or suggest you were not cut out for voice acting. Don’t let anyone steal your dream. Failure is not a crime. However, allowing someone to talk you out of pursuing your dream and you then living with that nagging thought of “if only I hadn’t given up,” will not make matters better.

Be prepared to walk alone, but with a good attitude and hope of reaching your desired success. Success can be elusive, but that’s true of many things in our life’s walk. Keep trying; what can it hurt? You may not spawn, but you may hear your voice a time or two over a streaming service or other media. There’s nothing like it.

Break that lip!

Give up Yearly Resolutions for Timely Personal Goals

January 11, 2024 by Leesha S

Planning For Another Year — What’s The Plan Now?!

Again, it’s the first few weeks of a new year. The buzz from social media to print media is about setting yearly resolutions or goals. Every year, most of us plan to do better in our business (in my case, voiceovers), our weight, and, of course, our finances. Really? I can’t tell you how often I made grand plans to take the voice-acting world by storm with more marketing, blogging, and social media posts. While I commend my efforts, it has occurred to me that people put too much into this idea of setting goals at the first of the year. So, I’m gonna blog from my perspective and suggest you not follow the crowd and give up the traditional yearly goal setting practice. Set what you want when you want.

It’s All About You

Entering into a new year has its share of excitement and trepidation. Planning for 12 months within a few days for most feels overwhelming. Think of it: you’ve lived your whole last year. Remember all the unexpected things that happened in your professional and personal life last year? Remember how your health may have changed? Did you have friends or loved ones suffer sickness or even death? What about the challenges you faced that changed your life for good or bad forever?

That said, we can plan all we want but don’t know our future. Our best efforts can still end in ruin. So, before you set grandiose plans for success and prosperity, I suggest refocusing on where you are now. Focus on what you can and what could challenge you in the days, months, and years. It’s not just about following the goals crowd. It’s about your life and making the best of it year after year.

Review Your Success And Letdowns

If you set voiceover or other goals in the past year, how did you do? Take time to assess where you are now and if setting new goals are worth it. If you already have objectives, why not keep them or expand them? If you constantly don’t meet your goals, setting new ones won’t help.

There is no rule that you have to set challenging goals at the beginning of each year. Following the lead of others in any industry can be awkward because you can’t predict the behavior of others. So, before you (if you) set goals for the year, make sure you are ready to move on to new aims or rid yourself of lofty aims you just don’t care about anymore.

Social Media Is Not A Standard

Our society is saturated with people who depend on social media and its influencers to tell them how to live, think, and plan their lives. This phenomenon was not always so. In the last 20 to 25 years, with the launch of so many media platforms and the human need to accepted by others, social media has become perceived as alarmingly important to our lives and businesses. We try hard to do all the right things to be noticed, keep up with our respective industries, and ride the waves of building success. But we often come up short.

Social media should be seen as a collection of suggestions. Our business and industry goals should be well thought out and tailored to our likes, strengths, and hopes. Yearly goals set to the standard of social media and its influencers will keep you ever-changing, guessing, and always seeking status with the elusive In Crowd.

Contributor Angela Chan notes the advice from Lydia Fenet in “Building Confidence And Achieving Goals In 2024: Insights From Lydia Fenet.” In her article, Chan gives Fenet’s statements, “She (Fenet) warns against spending unnecessary time on social media. If you spend hours watching someone’s vacation reel whom you have never met, it’s best to turn off your phone, walk outside, and focus on what you are grateful for in your life,” says Fenet.

There is strange comfort in knowing that no matter what happens today, the Sun will rise again tomorrow.” Aaron Lauritsen (100 Days Drive: The Great North American Road)

Make Room For A Beautiful Life

In truth, goals help us navigate our lives. But aims should not feel like shackles around our future. Sometimes, less is more. If you must set goals, start with the big picture. My big goals would be voiceover auditions, audiobook recordings, and other aims. When you go from big to small, you let the details fill in as you go. You do this when you set aside time to think about your aim and allow your mind to focus on the goal and how to reach it. Then follow your thinking and jot down the steps and processes for achieving that aim. The point is to take out the requirements of demanding goals. Your goals should be like a fluid map that can change, correct, and adapt as you change, grow, and adapt.

Set Your Year

Make your new goals and aims when you want. Don’t be held down to the first of any year. For example, your birth date could be the beginning of your new year. It’s your life.

Free yourself from the standards around you and make plans that will work and cultivate your life, time, and business. I challenge you to follow a different template of goal setting. Set your course the way you want to live. After all, it’s your life and time.

You know what to do, #breakthatlip.

How to Choose When to Give Your Talent

December 4, 2023 by Leesha S

Hurry Up and Wait at Your Cost! Image by Elisa Way from Pixabay

Many call the Christmas season The Season of Giving. It’s the time when people purchase and exchange gifts with family and friends. That generosity can also extend to neighbors, clients, and work associates, well, you get the idea. But giving as a seasonal gesture of kindness and giving your skills to others for free is not the same. While the choice may seem in the spirit of benevolence, working for free can be at a cost to the giver, so choose wisely. Know your cost before you give your talents to others.

Budding performing artists like voice-over talents, actors, and singers in the early stages of their careers dream of success. So, it’s a no-brainer to accept a few free jobs. Getting exposure and building an impressive resume takes time and work, so if the paying projects are not coming in fast enough, a few free gigs should work just as well. The following points can help you think about your decision to hand out freebies to others.

Your Talent and Time Are Valuable

As a talent, you know or will soon become aware of the cost of getting good voice coaches, attending acting classes, developing an impressive website, and other essentials of working professionals. All the trappings of running a business take time and money; this is a fact. Investing your time and talent can be extensive in your professional career. Each day can only be lived once, so it’s gone once you’ve given it away.

You Are Paying Your Bills

When you work for free, you pay all your costs in the hopes of receiving future, un-guaranteed compensation. Moreover, if you are injured in some way or lose out on a paying gig while working for free, you are losing your investment of time and money many times over. Likewise, if travel, food, clothing, and other expenditures are passed on to you, your shell-out may be more than you bargained for.

How You Feel is Important

If you are giving away something precious to you, like your time and talent, you may feel like you’re being used or not valued once you’ve gotten over the honeymoon stage. Unless you are fully committed to your not-for-profit work, you may feel some resentment or regret. Deal quickly with any regrets so you can complete what you’ve started. Always be a person of integrity, and learn from each experience.

Potential Reason for Freebee Work

Let’s end on a positive note. Donated voiceover and acting work can be gratifying and lead to great things for your business and you personally. Think about these things when considering going forward.

“Be nice to people on your way up because you’ll meet them on your way down.” Wilson Mizner

Build Important Relationships

Wilson Mizner, American playwright, raconteur, and entrepreneur, famously said, “Be nice to people on your way up because you’ll meet them on your way down.” No matter where you are in your business, developing relationships with industry pros and the like can change your life. Successful people in the industry often produce pilot projects or new pro bono undertakings. Moreover, participating in projects with other voice actors, directors, or local businesses is a great way to get your name out there. Working in new areas can be your cue to great opportunities. A new relationship and learning experience can be on the horizon.

For example, acting in plays or small films are a great way of learning about the on-camera world. Voice acting is acting. Therefore, the more opportunities you get to know about character development, acting, or being on a movie set, the more it can help you grow as a talent.

Giving to Worthy Causes

Amy Morin, in There Are Only 4 Times You Should Agree To Work For Free, says, “When there’s an opportunity to get involved in a cause you believe in, it may make sense to focus on what you can give, rather than what you will gain.” If donating your time and talent to a project or cause is fulfilling, by all means, fulfill that need.

Many organizations work with undeserved communities and those first entering the job market who could not excel without skilled volunteers. But there is a difference between honorably submitting yourself through volunteering and becoming an injured party by supporting someone else’s vision. Don’t let the dreams of others and their ambitions keep you from respecting your dream.

As a creative voice talent, I love the voiceover business. My experiences have helped me learn and grow as a person. Wanting to give back is a part of showing compassion for others. My above recommendations hopefully can help you make wise choices when choosing to work for free. Make the choices that will benefit you and others. Now, go out there and break that lip—# breakthatlip.

Be A Voiceover Problem Solver

September 20, 2023 by Leesha S

Are you a problem solver or a problem to work with? A good voice talent is a problem solver. Recently, I had an experience that showed the right and wrong way to solve a customer’s dilemma. If you want to help, learn what is needed and find a way to solve your client’s problem and not create a no-win situation.

Not long ago, I went to a local chain store looking for house candles. The day’s Weather Reports called for heavy rain and possible widespread power outages. So, I thought it was an excellent time to get some old-school candles in case the lights went out in my home. You see, I lost power for seven hours a few weeks ago. Therefore, preparing for a potential power loss seemed like a good idea.

So, in my efforts to be proactive, I visited a famous store that sold household and grocery items. Unable to find what I needed on my own, I asked a pinafore-clad employee for help. The employee returned a puzzled look in response to my question about the location of household candles. She then made an “educated guess” on where my requested items may be. My other opinion was to ask a different store worker for help. So, I asked another employee. She, too, could not help and admitted the store only carried decorative candles. But I was looking for utility or white candles, usually unscented. Either way, my problem went unsolved.

“If knowledge can create problems, it is not through ignorance that we can solve them.”
― Isaac Asimov

But then, I started to rethink my problem. What I really needed was a source of light that did not need an external power source. Then, ‘Bingo.’ I went to the camping supply section and found small lanterns and lights that use batteries. I had solved my problem.

Missed Opportunity

After this incident, I thought about the service I received from the store employees. None of the people I interacted with asked me more questions to understand my problem or provided me with options. They just wanted to get back to stocking the shelves. The employees are still probably restocking stocking shelves.

Take Note for Change

For the voice actor, we should never approach a potential client with an indifferent attitude. When we fail to understand a potential client’s needs or audition specs, we don’t address the problem. Voice talent do more than “stock virtual shelves.” We bring words to life through our unique script interpretation and give messages meaning. It’s a talent’s job not just to provide a product but to solve a problem.

Steps to Being Indispensable

There are many people in and out of the voice-over business daily. Many become discouraged by the changes threatened by technology. But, the focus of every voice actor business should be to solve the client’s problem. Solving problems can be done in four simple steps:

Listen or read to understand the problem or request
Make sure you know why there is a problem
Get or find the right tools, skills, and resources
Make sure you present a final solution (product) and if possible, beyond what is needed

And of course, whenever you have a deadline, you want to be early with your project. If you make it a point to understand the client and uniquely solve the problem, the client usually will seek you out for future help.

To end, always be available to supply a unique experience that will leave your clients impressed and looking to you to solve their VO project problems. That’s how you #breakalip.

For A Voice Talent, The Best Thing To Say Maybe Nothing At All

April 1, 2023 by Leesha S

Recently I returned from a vacation in Canada. After months of saving and preparation, I was finally at the place I had dreamed of for six months. It was a group trip of about 50 of us skiers and non-skiers. Depending on my mood, I can fall into both groups. During the trip, I received some odd comments from one of the ladies traveling with us. She asked whether I had a roommate because that was my preferred mode of travel and where I was sitting on the plane to our destination. When I asked this lady to take a photo of me overlooking a river in Vancouver, she remarked that she took the picture so that I would not be the center of attention. What? Okay!? I’m thinking it’s my phone/camera, so why shouldn’t I be the center of attention? Instead of stewing about the strange comments I was receiving from this almost total stranger, I refocused on what was most important, enjoying my long-planned vacation. I thought when confronted with harmful or contrary information, the best thing to say may be nothing at all.

Comment, Why?

As a voice talent, I read and scroll social media posts on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Often, I just read the comments and don’t lend my two cents. However, if I can comment with something of value and to help the situation, I post and express my thoughts. As a voice talent with a public platform, my comments are not just seen by my followers. So, I try to determine if I can improve the conversation or help solve an issue or problem. If my thoughts lead to negative or not-so-nice stuff, I keep it moving. I don’t need to join an already full choir of those venting about topics like Artificial Intelligence (AI), voiceover industry changes, or the price of home studio equipment. Comments are a good thing, but why?

Nobody likes A Faultfinder

In this life’s journey, we all are exposed to good and bad challenges. Those who show and express an appreciation for their success attract others to them because they have realized that showing off only gets you fake friends. I’m not sure why the lady on my trip was so concerned about my room accommodations or my seat on the plane, but I decided to keep a good attitude and not return the same probing questions. This person knew nothing about me and the journey I’ve taken as a voice-over talent or somebody in general. Seeing someone enjoying a nice trip is not a license to make assumptions about the person’s life or character. Therefore, I decided to take the events in strive and come home safe to my voiceover business.

Keep it Moving

As a voiceover talent, I know we encounter many unsolicited opinions and remarks. Directors who think we need to go back to school, harsh criticism of our new demos, beliefs based upon our appearance, and backlash of our social media posts are just a few examples of blow backs. On the other hand, many directors and voice-over professionals encourage each other, share what they have learned, and are generally a joy to work with and around as top talents.

“Great things happen to those who don’t stop believing, trying, learning, and being grateful.” Roy T. Bennett

When you encounter folks who may not have good things to say or write, try to look past the harsh responses. Working voice actors have to endure a lot of rejection, so try not to take the rejection personally. Sometimes it’s best to say nothing and count your blessings because you’re in the best profession in the world. You’re a voice actor! Go ahead, #breakthatlip

Breaking In or Breaking Through In Voiceovers

February 23, 2023 by Leesha S

February is celebrated in America as Black History Month. As a Black person, I’ve been studying history, including Black American History, for most of my life. Many of the programs and movies showing on streaming services highlight the lives and journeys of famous Afro-American actors and writers. Most of the programs also have commentators who tell their stories and how they identify with the famed person of color. These are feel-good stories of sorts. I thought about how in my family, the children were encouraged to break in and breakthrough. You see, if my parents or relatives accomplished a goal or some remarkable feat, those coming up behind them were expected to take what others had done to the next level. Not too much time was spent reflecting on what had been done, but more time was spent thinking of what one could do more significantly than what had already been done. Voiceovers are a lot like that. Don’t just break in, breakthrough as a voice talent.

In this changing society, new and improving voice actors should focus on breaking into and breaking through the business. It’s more than just making money; it’s making one’s own unique space in the voice-over industry. Becoming an authentic, sought-after talent is breaking through as a voice actor.

Reflect On The Past But Aim For The Future

Many of us have heard of Don LaFontaine, Mel Blanc, and Jean Vander Pyl. These voices are only a few of the many talents who have blazed trails in the voice-acting business over the decades. The names of many famous talents, who broke the voice-acting mold, will never graze our lips in casual conversation.

Voice actors should study the efforts and strides of talents of all races and backgrounds and then use that information to help shape their breakthrough journey. “Breaking in” stops you at the door. “Breaking through” leads you up the steps and paths of new challenges for greater success.

Voice talents are expected to do a good job no matter their level of experience. As a talent, you should always do your best and look for new leads and opportunities for voice work. Ace a style that you may be perfect for in a particular genre. See what talents and skills lie within you and find out how you can become the best at being you.

Breaking Through Is Hard

Don’t let words like “can’t, no, too hard, too old, not talented enough, or don’t know,” hold you back. Breaking through is about learning what one needs to learn and going for the job or assignment. What works for one voice talent may not work for another. So, find what works for you and do the hard work. Don’t let procrastination or fear rob you of your breakthrough moments.

In one of my first directed sessions, a comment made by a couple of the producers changed the timbre of the session for me. They remarked about how another voice actor was so easy to work with and took almost no time when being directed. As a talent in my second session, hearing producers sing the praises of another talent was not encouraging. In fact, the comments made me feel insecure, and the session did not go well for me. Later, I realized I can’t control comments made by producers, but I could control my behavior. I learned from this experience. Now when I’m in a directed session, I remind myself that I am working in my studio and on my time. I think to myself, “I am enough for THIS job.” It’s up to me if I want to do this job or not. Taking control of the session helps me break through and unleash my talent and success.

“Every success is built on the ability to do better than good enough.”
Zig Ziglar

No End To Real Breakthrough

Many famous people don’t achieve all their dreams and goals. If you were to interview history makers in entertainment at the end of their careers, many would say they have not achieved the success they wanted. Still, breakthrough people keep going forth and don’t spend too much time counting their former success. Part of that is why they are successful.

As a voice talent, it’s your job to become better than your last job. So, continue your learning and growing with the industry. Keep your chops, knowledge, and equipment ready to keep you competitive. Yes, acknowledge your success, but don’t stop growing. Keep moving forward as a voice actor, meeting the challenges, and growing your success. If you’ve reached your business goals, great. Now go make new ones.

Learn to review and appreciate the past achievements of others. But more importantly, learn from the break-in talent and push to make your breakthrough success.

Go ahead and break that lip! #breakthatlip