VO Business Tips

In Voiceovers Challenges are Opportunities in Disguise

October 5, 2021 by Leesha S

If you’re like me, your years on this Earth have brought you many opportunities and challenges. Opportunities can help us grow. Challenges can bring growth or failure in the end. In this post COVID-19 lock down existence, opportunities and challenges abound yet are elusive. So, instead of complaining about what’s next or challenging in the voice-over industry, why not expand and look for ways to make voiceovers lead you to new paths of opportunities.

Elephant In The Room

I recently went to a voice-over conference and had my feelings hurt. The person was not trying to injure me, but her constructive criticism felt like she had hit me with a two-by-four over my head. The criticism was related to some recent work I had done. Her point was I needed to make changes to improve my marketability. Well, all I heard were dollar signs!

After a few weeks, it occurred to me that I should thank my critic, embrace her comments, and make the changes necessary to maintain my marketability. Her words were somewhat of a shock because I had been walking around my elephant. Once I faced ‘my elephant’, I embraced my truth and planned a better future as a voice-over professional.

“Those with a grateful mindset tend to see the message in the mess. And even though life may knock them down, the grateful find reasons, if even small ones, to get up.”

Steve Maraboli

Turn Challenges into Opportunities

Do you need to update your voiceover demos? Is your sound dating you? Are you making more excuses than cold calls these days? The excuses list can go on, but my point is it’s time to face your truths and the elephant in your room. Turn these challenges to your voiceover business into new opportunities for improving your success.

Check Your Bio

We, as voiceactors, tend to only focus on getting jobs voicing projects. But most of us have talents and skills that reach across many areas of business. We should never forget other things we can do and can bring to a table. Over time, skills can become a little rusty, which means it may be time for a refresher. Dormant skills or talents (once updated) may make excellent complements to a voice-over business. Writing, editing, marketing, drawing, painting, accounting, and other skill areas can be excellent additional income sources.

Make It Work

We all have seasons of plenty and want. The trick is to make the seasons work for you. Manage your livelihood (with the elephant under control) with a fresh appreciation of your skills. That may mean redoing your work or play schedule to be available for other jobs. If voiceover projects are less plentiful for a short time, consider seeking employment that can utilize your other skills.

For example, the voiceover industry always needs copywriters, audio engineers, proofreaders, or other invaluable skills. Look for ways you can fill the needs of the industry and develop new relationships that can lead to more voiceover work.

We get one shot at life, so it’s okay to slow down sometimes but don’t stop meeting life head-on. Whether you face opportunities or challenges, make your voiceover business work for you, and let your love of being a voice-over professional never take the back seat.

You can and are the best at what you do. So voice on and #breakthatlip

A Lesson from Cycling-Don’t Follow the Wrong Crowd in Voiceovers

September 8, 2021 by Leesha S

Have you ever been on your way following someone or something only later to find out that you were wrong? Well, I recently had that happen to me. A few days ago, I went on a bicycle ride with a new club. Strangely enough, halfway into the ride, I realized I was following the wrong group of cyclists. Would you believe it that I thought about voiceovers and my auditions and business practices? While my story started with a bike ride, my little blunder reminded me of the importance of following the right leads and looking for the right kind of voice over work. Don’t follow the wrong crowd, even in voiceovers. Find your proper course.

Who’s Zooming Who?

When we started the bike ride, the ride leader and about 15 of us started on our way out of the parking lot onto the long, quiet road in front of us. The entire club group (including my group) consisted of about 100 cyclists in several small groups. I assumed each group had its route based on the various clusters, but this was not the case. What I did not realize is that my group shared the same route as another faster group.

During our first climb, several cyclists started passing me, going up a hill. So, I assumed I was falling behind. As such, I began to work harder to catch up with this cluster of “speed demons.” Peddling faster and harder, I was putting my all into catching up, but I still stayed a few feet behind and never really made the connection.

At first, I thought that I was not ready for my group or not as good of a cyclist as I had thought. Assuming that I was with the proper cyclists, I couldn’t understand why so many passed me. But me being me, I kept trying to ride faster. I didn’t know any of the faces of the speeders, but I attributed that to my being new to the group.

When I slowed down to let a group of other riders catch me, someone in the group told me I was leaving my assigned group. The faster cyclists were a part of another group. I was following the next speed of riders and had left my original group almost a half-mile behind. (Not a good first impression.) Awkwardly, I had left my small group of seasoned cyclists and was now exhausting myself trying to catch up to a different group of stronger riders. I was following the right course but the wrong crowd.

Follow Your Proper Course

There are some great lessons in my story. As related to voiceovers, you can probably see the parallels:

Know and be who you are. When it comes to voice acting, make sure you pursue voice-over jobs that adapt well to your skill sets. The industry is constantly changing, so make sure your skills rank you at the top of your genre.

Audition within your values. This is more important than ever. Make sure you’re not auditioning or accepting voiceover jobs just for the money. Money comes and goes, but your integrity and good name are priceless.

Stay within your comfort level. There is a saying in the business that you should only do what’s fun. So make sure you’re still having fun. If that killer instinct to compete for the high-dollar commercial jobs is working for you, then go for it. If not, find what will work for you and your best market.

Work your genre, well. We’re all changing, so is your sound changing or becoming more mature? Notice your speech and inflections to make sure you fit into the right voiceover niche for you personally and professionally.

Life teaches us the right path is rarely the easy one.” Roy T. Bennett

Working hard to follow the “in-crowd” will only wear you out as it depletes the spirit and the drive of your purpose. It’s okay to follow the slower crew. It’s okay if you don’t constantly run after projects that can make you thousands of dollars and land your voice on national commercials. It may be better to pursue jobs that are more fulling and enable you to develop long-term relationships with solid clients. Perhaps, it’s time for more local work or work closer to your values and goals.

Don’t get lost following the wrong (voice over) crowd. Instead, find your proper course. Now, I’m careful to ride and voice with the right group. Keep having fun as you break that lip.

What now in Voiceovers? Thoughts on Coping with Change

August 18, 2021 by Leesha S

How many times have you said in the last year, ‘What now?’ It’s incredible to me all the stuﬀ I have to adjust to every week. As a voice talent and business owner, it seems that I’m constantly questioning the latest things. So how do you handle the constant daily changes in your voiceover business and life in general? What do you do when you feel you can’t take another new thing? Here are some thoughts on how to get a grip on ever-present changes in voiceovers.

Don’t panic. Take it slow.

While I genuinely believe I am incredible, sometimes I have to read or hear something a few times before I get it. New social media sites or home appliances can take a moment or two to understand and learn how to operate correctly. If I get stuck in my understanding, I’ll seek expert help. Depending upon the situation, a good YouTube video can be a great source of information, reducing my anxiety and helping me get up to speed on a matter.

In voiceovers, taking direction is essential to success. One key focus of any good talent is to learn to take direction. Taking direction means correctly hearing or receiving feedback and then making the appropriate changes for the next performance. Being directed can be stressful and may seem like a lot. So, it’s essential to calm the mind and then focus on the critical points of the direction. If there is still a disconnection, repeat to the director what is wanted or ask for clarification. It’s better to ask for help than to deliver something completely different or unwanted by the producer.

Accept the Change (That’s life)

News flash. We are all getting older with every passing second. While this reality may not matter to a young adult, anyone over 35 acutely feels the aging process, especially in today’s youth fixated society. We should see change as an opportunity to grow and become more than we are at the present moment. Whether it’s a new technology, a road, app, or business style, there’s usually a simple explanation available to help us through.

The rise in automated voices or Automated Intelligence (AI) software has many voice actors panicking. Voice professionals wonder if the AI will make it hard to make a living or work in an industry they love and enjoy.

When it comes to change, don’t forget ChatGPT. What about ChatGPT? The folks at ZDNET provide a good overview. Their short answer is “ChatGPT is a natural language processing tool driven by AI technology that allows you to have human-like conversations and much more with the chatbot.”

Voiceovers is like any other business. Change happens. A good approach would be to research and fully understand the new variations happening in the business. With understanding can come a since of where one can fit into the AI industry. It’s better to face change head-on and find a way to make it your friend, not your foe.

“He was swimming in a sea of other people’s expectations. Men had drowned in seas like that.” Robert Jordan

Don’t Become Overwhelmed.

Of late, I’ve noticed that keeping up with the social media world can be a little challenging. Finding something to post that is stunning and gets a lot of net traction can be like throwing paint on a wall and hoping it sticks.

Seemingly, there is a new app, program, social media platform, or computer thing every week! I’m not sure if humans were built for our technology roller-coaster ride. Many of us are just hanging on or faking it. Some are about to get thrown oﬀ at the next curve! So instead of barely making it, choose what to add to your business platform or home studio and what to just put on hold.

In Mark Schaefer’s article, Keeping Up with the Furious Pace of Social Media Change, he recommends avoiding Fear of Missing Out or FOMO. Mr. Schaefer comments, ” As you build your social media tribe and the conversations multiply, you have to adjust and come to grips with the fact that you have a life beyond social media. Some thing(s) are going to slip through the cracks. Allow that to be OK.”

Your life and time are precious, so take on what you can do well and do them consistently. Learn what you must in voiceovers and pick up the rest down the road. It’s better to do a few things well than a lot of things poorly. You’ll sleep better too.

Break that lip!

5 Types Of Voice-over Enthusiasts

July 27, 2021 by Leesha S

Boy shouting into microphone — Photo credit: Yingnan Lu from Pixabay

Do you ever wonder what makes a quality voiceactor or narrator? There is no sure-fire predictor. Quality is forged in fire and effort, and top voice talents are no different. Let’s look at five of the most popular types of voiceover or VO enthusiasts that could lead to great voice talents.

Curiosity Seekers

The seekers have become aware of voiceacting and think it’s great. Perhaps they are into gaming or elearning and have become curious about voice acting. They may know someone or have seen an advertisement about voiceover and believe they can have a good shot at being a top in the industry. They think with some information and an agent, they can start working as a voiceover practically overnight.

Professional VO Students

These students have taken class after class and have a good handle on the voiceover basics. They may have had instruction in Improv and or acting plus have an idea of their best niche. But, year after year, they have still not invested in a good demo or actively pursued any voiceover jobs. They may feel they need a little more time or need to become better situated in their day job before looking for VO work. It will be soon for them, but not today. They feel they’re not quite ready.

VO Sales Pitch Buyers

These poor souls may have attended a class at their local community college or participated in an online advertised voice-over presentation, and as a result, invested money in a voice-over demo. Unfortunately, they recorded their demo before they had the basic skills necessary as an actor and business owner. They may have paid out thousands of dollars (sometimes from credit cards or needed savings). While they have tried to make sound business and marketing gains, the work is just not coming in. They have or are starting to become discouraged about voice acting altogether.

“Where’s My Money” Talents

These folks had a few good jobs at the start of their voice-acting career. It looked like they were headed towards great success. Yet, after that great start, the work came to an abrupt halt. They are puzzled as to what is wrong since they booked some great jobs at the start of their career. They are beginning to lose confidence and wonder if the system is rigged.

Enthusiasts Turned Professionals

These budding professionals may have started voice acting career as anyone of the first four. They may have been told they have a nice voice and should consider voice acting. As a result, they invested money in the field, but, initially, were unable to maintain a business or find VO jobs. Some may have procrastinated because they dreaded marketing or rejections from lost auditions. Yet, while the times were tough, these folks did not quit. They made changes to keep their VO business dream alive.

“The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.” Walt Disney

The enthusiast turned professional did something about their situation. They understood fictional character Jane Fulton’s quote in Rita Mae Brown’s novel. Instead of doing the same, they found their path to growing their success. Perhaps they worked more hours at their day job to pay for good voice-over training. They may have attended Improv and other training to improve their creativity. Some may have sought professional help to set up their home studio equipment properly and learned how to edit their recordings. Some may have also partnered with others, joined mastermind-type groups to learn how to set up and run their business. They learned about marketing their business according to their particular personality type and style.

The professionals don’t take audition rejections personally and taking care of themselves and others to ward off burnout or arrogance with their success. Unlike the other four types, these up-and-coming talents realized that it doesn’t matter how you get into voice acting. What matters is knowing and deciding if voiceover is right for you. The professionals learned that following a dream is a decision that leads to a commitment to do what it takes to become a quality working voice talent.

Being in voiceovers is not easy, but it can be very rewarding for talents and buyers. Helping clients develop great products can be so gratifying. But it takes work and devotion to becoming the best voice talent one can and reaching one’s goal for success.

Keep breaking that lip!

Five Ways to Confront the Redefining Voice-acting Industry

April 14, 2021 by Leesha S

The voiceover industry is truly on a roller coaster ride. There is an incredible uptick in those seeking to get into voiceovers. There is the pressure to have a “studio quality” in-home recording space (competition), more online and at-home upgrades, and all of us need to up our game, again. The typical talent may feel like she or he is in a whirlwind. The COVID-19 concerns of 2020-2021 are just a portion of what should be front of mind for the typical voice talent. What’s more, there is an ever-increasing number of apps and software programs threatening to replace the whole voiceover industry practically overnight. The year 2021 has more challenges than can be listed in any one blog. Now, I’d like to focus on some ways to challenge back. Here are five ways to confront the changing business and voiceacting landscape.

Stick with your Basics

Influential business people know the importance of staying on top of their game. Becoming stagnant will do nothing for your business, so keep working with coaches, reviewing your social media plans, and always be open to thinking outside the box when marketing your business. If you can’t afford something, barter for that skill or service. Do what you need to do to grow your business smartly.

Keep in mind that popularity rarely leads to lasting success. Once you are successful, your favor will follow. Please don’t get it mixed up. You’re in business to meet your clients’ needs, not to have the most Instagram followers or Facebook friends.

Listen and Learn

I like to organize and run things in a particular order. It gives me the illusion of control. But that’s not a good policy for growing a voiceover business. We need to remember to expose our minds to new ideas and be open to new learning and communities of thought. Being anchored in your own values will help you critically listen to others without losing yourself yet still gleaming from other viewpoints. Set time to learn how others are dealing with changes, the issues faced by potential clients, current and future competition, as well as changes in the industry. Know what’s hot and what is not. The only way to really grow is to learn.

Steven Spring gives six tips to becoming more open to new ideas in Keeping an Open Mind: How to Embrace New Ideas. Spring wrights, “Avoid closing yourself off. Welcome new situations that are different from those you’re familiar with. When you’re exposed to differing opinions, look at them as learning experiences.”

Receive the New

Many voice talents acutely listen to commercials and other audio messages to stay current. This simple exercise can help a voice actor keep up with the changes in the industry. Listen and know what styles are taking hold. The tools of business constantly change. I remember a time when it was “all the rage” to complete one’s own taxes. Now I hear a lot of small and big businesses stand by having their taxes professionally prepared. The American tax laws can change without notice and often within the same filing year. Hence, it makes sense to pay a professional who is just as proficient as a tax preparer as you should be as a business professional. Receive and apply the new; it’s there for you.

Believe in You

As creatives, voice actors are extremely sensitive. This means we have to know how to recover from rejection and keep on trying. Remember to glance at your goals daily to keep your subconscious mind leading you towards your most significant accomplishments. Don’t let fear and doubt keep you on the sidelines. Keep on trying; believe in you.
Don’t be pushed around by the fears in your mind. Be led by the dreams in your heart.”― Roy T. Bennett

Reward Your Hard Stuff Work

Many people find marketing and reaching out to strangers as the hard stuff in growing a business. But without new business, we don’t get to do much of that which gives us purpose and enrichment. Do the hard stuff and then reward yourself for your efforts. While we all would like more money, don’t make every self-reward about money. Complicated things like cold calling, practicing, and the like need more substantial rewards. Find what really touches your soul and reward your most minor efforts to get through the hard stuff. If we continue to press through enough hard stuff, we will reach our success plaque.

That’s all from me for now folks. Keep on breaking that lip!