No matter your background, language, or location, life for you has changed. The COVID-19 incident has changed the present and is yet to reveal its whole effect on our future. But as an optimist, I believe life is still worth living. As a creative, living is not just consuming food or having fun; it means being able to create, share, and give to others. This is a great time to find new and emerging opportunities for helping others through the expression of one’s creative talents. But, with the ongoing readjustments facing our society, you may be wondering how to adapt to the fluctuating “new normal.” Here are five ideas on how to re-evaluate where you stand in the voiceover market and stay noticeable to current and potential customers.
1. Let Others Know You’re Available
The current business environment presents a great time to send friendly contact messages to customers. Let your current voice over clients know that you care about them and are here to help if needed. You don’t have to ask for work but offer something meaningful to your client. If you have other skills, talents, or related contacts, let others know you can be a part of their solutions to adjusting to the new challenges of today’s business world.
When reaching out to potential voice-over clients, use the same approach. You want to see where people are and how you can help them with their needs. Show your heart as a creative and someone that brings value and service to society.
Most people don’t like change. They revolt against it unless they can clearly see the advantage it brings.” John C. Maxwell (Pastor & Motivational Speaker)
2. Get Really Good at Social Medial
Social Media is the preferred method of daily communication. Usage over many platforms continues to escalate. Review your social media analytics and what others are drawn to in your postings or blogs. Note what is working for your sites or not working. Review other voice-actor sites and see what posts are getting the most attention plus look into incorporating similar methods into your platforms. Learn to communicate in the language of current and potential customers. Oberlo notes that “If you cater your content toward the audience of the social media platform, you’ll be successful.” Direct your strategy for meeting the right market at the right time. Make your presence about willing to meet the needs of others.
3. Develop Partnerships
You don’t have to limit new partnerships to just voice talents. Most of your outreach should be to those who can use your services or who you can help reach their business goals. Follow various businesses on social media or in virtual meetings to get an understanding of other industries. When possible, make meaningful contributions to postings and conversations. Look for connections related to shared interests, activities, and future goals.
Inc.com says, “Such partnerships are just as beneficial for businesses of all sizes, provided each partner knows how to build, cultivate, and make the most out of the partnership. Once you’ve found your partner, work together to build something that will benefit you both for years to come.”
Look for companies that are doing something that would benefit both of you and help seek to develop mutually beneficial partnerships. And always interact with respect and in a positive, bipartisan way.
4. Renew your Mailers
Contact via mail is making a comeback. This is a good time to use postcards or other printed material to reach out to local businesses. Develop a timely message and let your community know you are here and how to make contact.
5. Keep a Virtual Eye on Industries
With the current pandemic, there has been an explosion of virtual video meetings. Diligently watch the virtual meetings and industry leaders’ presentations. With such a wide variety of virtual experiences, don’t limit yourself to voice over sites. You can find potential clients across the board and in many genres. Increase your personal knowledge about new topics or take up new skills. Open yourself up to the winds of opportunities and skills you may not have considered in the past.
It’s a new day and time. Don’t limit yourself. Keep yourself marketable and viable through the crisis of 2020.
Break a lip!
Voiceover is still a hot topic with people moving in and out of the industry daily. The rise in audiobook sales and gaming platforms has piqued the interest of the younger generation as many vie for an opportunity to become one of the favorite gaming voices or narrators. But some things about voice acting are timeless and a vital part of the makeup of the working voice artist. Integrity and hard work are still the foundations for success as a voiceover artist.
I recently vacationed in Idaho and stayed at a resort hotel. Late in my stay week, I left my hotel room early one morning for breakfast. When I returned later that day, I found a note from the housekeepers thanking me for my stay. While the note could have been an indirect reminder of the gratuity, I’d like to think the note was just a sincere appreciation. Each time I encountered the cleaning staff, I made a point to greet them pleasantly and compliment them on their services. I was so moved by the note, that I left a “nice” gratuity in response. Never underestimate the power of kindness.