sign up for our
NEWSLETTER

Home Shop Subscribe Advertise Articles Directories Classifieds Calendar FAQs Contact Us Login

CAREER
Think Spring! Time To Plant New Seeds
In Your Voice Over Brand Garden?

April 9, 2015

By Christi Bowen
Voice Actor

Spring forward. Spring cleaning. Spring into action. Spring Break!!! 

The word "spring" means a lot of different things to everyone. For some it's a renewal, a fresh start, new beginnings ...for others it means allergy season. :)  And as voice talent we all know what a pain that is!

 While many of us make New Year's Resolutions, this time of year seems to really be the spark to make them happen. The awakening of our natural world is accompanied by an awakening within us to want to do better and be better. 

We're energized to bloom and grow, and now is the time to nurture those seedlings of thought and ambition so we can benefit from them throughout the year.  

GETTING PERSONAL


Much of the content I've narrated recently focuses on a return to the human side of our interactions with each other - both on a personal and professional level. 

Organizations are starting to realize that our connection to each other as people - their most valuable resource - is where the future lies. Social media is bringing us closer together because it's all about relationships; even with people you've never actually met. 

We feel more comfortable with companies and businesses if we like them as "people" and not just as vehicles for their shareholders. 

When a person at a company does something that is "above and beyond the call of duty," we react by thinking the company is responsible for creating and advocating that culture for their people to do humane acts. That translates to loyalty and ultimately profits/success.  

THE HUMAN BRAND


Brands are built and sustained when they are perceived as warm and competent. 

To quote Chris Malone, author of The Human Brand: How We Relate to People, Products and Companies, "Every human is a brand and every brand is human." 

Think about the companies that you respect and like to do business with. I bet there's a person that goes along with the image in your head of that company - even if it's the local salesperson you interact with for a global company. 

If you feel the people you deal with are friendly and honest as well as knowledgeable and reliable, then they have succeeded in building a successful brand.    

APPLY TO VOICE OVERS

It’s the same thing with our voice over businesses.  We are the face (voice) of our brand! 

If our clients perceive that we are warm (friendly and approachable) and competent (skilled at our jobs and knowledgeable), then we will have built a successful brand …one that keeps clients coming back. 

They’ll also recommend you to their friends because they believe in your brand, too.

PLANT CLIENT SEEDS

I hope I've planted some seeds with you about how your brand is perceived.

Is it time to tend your brand garden? Do you need to plant new seeds that will grow into long lasting perennial relationships and clients? 

Let me know how your garden is doing and if your efforts are bearing fruit. Enjoy this spring and happy gardening!     
-------------------------
ABOUT CHRISTI
Christi Bowen has over 20 years experience in voice over and video production. She graduated from the University of Florida where she fell in love with writing, voicing and producing local radio spots. Her course shifted to film and TV production for a number of years, including working on Hollywood features. But voice overs were always Christi's true love. Getting back into full time voice work five years ago, Christi has developed a roster of clients all over the world and on many types of projects - from commercials and corporate narrations to e-learning modules and phone systems.


Email: christibowenvo@gmail.com
Web: www.christibowen.com


Your Daily Resource For Voice-Over Success
Tell Us What YOU Think!
Please Note: Since we check for spam, there will be a slight delay in the actual posting of your comment.
Your Name:
Your Email Address (will not be published):
Your Comment:
Your Comment:
Security code:     
Comments (3)
Nic Redman
4/16/2015 at 4:51 AM
I love the idea that "Brands are built and sustained when they are perceived as warm and competent...", it's what I try to achieve with my branding. Thanks for the article, a great read.
Nic
www.nicredmanvoice.com
Conchita Congo
4/11/2015 at 10:38 AM
Thanks for such a great article! I'm in the process of planting my seed now. One thing I learned from gardening is that soil preparation is so important. I think the coaching, workshops & practice honing my skills as "soil preparation." Now I have identified just what type of flower I am, I'm ready to bloom.
Marissa L. Ampon
4/9/2015 at 12:07 PM
Great article Christi! Always a pleasure to read about your topics and receive nuggets of your knowledge. Thank you!
Back to Articles
Inspiring interviews help your VO career
On Michael Langsner's Voice-Over Roadmap Podcast
Email alerts to new VoiceOverXtra articles
With Sean Daeley and Paul Stefano - check it out!