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CAREER Not Getting Enough Voice Over Jobs Lately? Ten Reasons Why ...  By Terry DanielVoice Actor & Trainer 1. You’re taking your clients for granted. You’ve built up a solid clientele, and now you’re assuming they’re always going to be there. This can be a dangerous assumption when it comes to developing your professional career as a voice over artist. Never assume that those regular clients are going to be eternally consistent. This is a business and it’s important to reach out to new and existing clients on a regular basis. Continue working to earn their business because nothing is ever guaranteed in life. 2. You’re not making time for marketing. It may sound basic, but a successful marketing campaign is what launches a career. Not only do you need to be sending out demos, but they need to be reaching agencies, production companies, marketing firms as well as audio-visual services weekly. Making the most of your voice means getting it out into the world and hopefully, ringing in the right ears. Make a point to prove to top executives that you have what it takes by actively submitting your best work with confidence. 3. You’re not keeping the demo fresh. It may be easy to recycle the same demo time and again, but that doesn’t mean it’s the most effective method. Copy can become outdated as quickly as any music trend, so it’s important to update your material regularly. Promoting demos you used five years ago doesn’t show anyone that you have the ability to evolve. Market your talent, growth and ability to stay current in the industry by continually tweaking your demo to fit professional standards and trends. 4. There’s a void in your virtual world. In our age of modern technology, it’s imperative that voice over artists maintain a website to showcase their talents and run their business. Not only does this exponentially expand your sphere of promotional marketing, but it gives you a platform to connect with potential clients and share advice with other professionals in the industry. 5. You’ve invested in sub-par sound quality. If your sound isn’t professional, it’s going to be difficult to be taken as one in the industry. If you’re sending out recordings and audition tapes that are fuzzy or filled with background noise, it’s only distracting from the star of the show - your own voice. In a business that runs on audio, quality is key. That being said, it’s important to invest in treating your recording studio. If it’s a job that seems out of reach, then it’s time to make an appointment with a consultant, which will go a long way in turning your amateur sound into professional success. 6. You’re a no-show at networking events. A large part of marketing your services is meeting up with people who can boost your career and make your visions a reality. In order to meet these individuals, you must attend scheduled meet-and-greets, as well as events hosted by the Chamber of Commerce in your area. Not only are these opportunities to network with other professionals, but it’s your chance to hand out business cards and really get your name moving in industry circles of influence. 7. Your taking your time getting work finished. A true professional doesn’t just finish on time … he or she finishes ahead of schedule. In any business, it takes work to make sure you’re standing out in a crowd, and the voice over industry is no exception to the rule. When it comes to completing work for your clients, be early and show them you’re exceptional. Give yourself the time, space and focus you know you’ll need to delivery incredible work in a timeframe that leaves clients knocking on your door time and again! 8. You’ve cut out coaching. Those who are most successful in the voice over business never stop learning. Professional voice over artists are always working with coaches to remedy bad habits that may have slipped into their delivery patterns. Additionally, coaches are incredible marketing resources and can help keep you up-to-date on what platforms are available for getting your work into the right hands. Never turn down an opportunity to work with someone who can improve your method and help put you a step ahead of the competition. 9. You’re not paying attention to protocol. When it comes to submitting demos, following directions and paying attention to the details is essential. Always take time to check the talent agency website and carefully package your demo according to their standards. Sending an mp3 attachment when they’ve specifically asked for a CD, is a sure way to miss out on a great opportunity. 10. You’re not utilizing social media. While you may not be a personal fan of Facebook, Twitter or Linkedin, the fact of the matter is that businesses are booming in the wake of their influence. Not only are they FREE and powerful marketing tools, but they provide a consistent client pool each and every month. Push past the idea of viewing social media as nothing more than conversations and photos. Instead, begin to use the virtual world to benefit your business endeavors. ABOUT TERRY ...
Terry Daniel has been in voice overs for more than 20 years,
today specializing in technical and medical narration. He volunteers his
services for ASPCA - the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and is managing partner and creative director for the Voice Over Club, a voice over training organization.
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Comments (4)
Chris Voice
6/18/2012 at 10:58 AM
Not bad. Some pretty straightforward, cut and dry stuff to wake an experienced person up, and help starters at the same time. Keep it up Terry!!
Terry Daniel
6/18/2012 at 10:01 AM
@BP Smyth...Thank you for the comment but sometimes people use the bad economy for an excuse to complain why they are not getting work. We're all in the same economy and we all need to work harder and be more creative. Competition is even more fierce in other industries. Try being a photographer, actor or musician. Talk about fierce competition!
Jim Conlan
6/13/2012 at 5:21 PM
Oh, yeah. You hit many nails on many heads. Excellent advice no matter how long one has been in this business.
BP Smyth
6/13/2012 at 11:03 AM
Terry...Excellent possible reasons for not getting more work. There are also two more reasons for all to consider, and those are...A rotten economy, and more people entering the biz after losing their day jobs because of the rotten economy. Now, competition is even more fierce, with reduced rates driving the situation. We are definitely in a mess currently.
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