Instead of breaking this up into BEGINNER and ADVANCEDtips, I’m going to go through all of these but I’ll keep the application description short.
These are specific voice over business tips that have contributed to the success of my and Mike’s career.
1| Be EASY to FIND
If someone hears your voice and can’t figure out how to get in touch with you, you’ve lost “easy VO money.” Make sure your website/email/phone number is clearly shown.
2| People work with people they KNOW, LIKE & TRUST
Your “hot lead” clients in voice over are the people who booked you and know you do a great job in sessions. Don’t let those hot leads fizzle.
3| PERSISTENCE Works
It’s scary but produces results.
4| Focus only on your OWN career
Your value lies in who YOU are. You’re distracting from your own value when you focus on others. Use it to inspire but not compare.
5| Do 1 Thing for your VO Career a Day
Small tasks compounded over time = a successful VO career! In a freelance career, like voice over, momentum helps propel you forward. You don’t realize how much power you have to create your own momentum. Be disciplined in this, and you’ll reap major benefits.
6| Remain a STUDENT
If only you could learn everything, then coast. You’ve probably heard that coasting when driving a car helps with fuel efficiency but that’s actually not true. Because of the way cars are built today, the car has to work harder and when you coast, “the car enters a state of free momentum which means it can easily get away from itself.” (Source)
7| MENTAL health is priority
My personal health goal is to do something every day for my mental, physical and spiritual health. I struggle with the industry that I’ve chosen and love. I struggle with critical thoughts, feeling worthless when I get that email that says “you’ve been released,” I struggle with feeling overwhelmed with tasks and don’t even get me started on my on-camera work. I see a counselor every month, focus on podcasts that help me build a healthy outlook and try to journal (I’m not the best). Some days are better than others. But the goal is to make it a priority each day.
8| Delegate or SLOW LEARN tasks you hate
Reconciling Quickbooks stirs up a knot in my stomach that I cannot shake. Getting to a point in my career who I could pay to take that off my plate was glorious. But you may not be at that point. If that’s the case, embrace the “slow learn” approach. Learn in slow chunks.
9| Develop LONG-TERM Relationships
I helped Mohawk Carpet with social media and marketing for a short stint. The marketing head always reminded us that people only buy carpet/rugs every 7 years (on average). They don’t have Mohawk on their mind until they need a carpet or rug. Creating long-term relationships may not bring you a sale today, but enough of those relationships will bring you sales that build your business long-term.
10| TRACK your Business
“You can’t expect what you don’t inspect.” (thanks Dally East, ExecutiveMoneyManagers.com)
I’d also add, you can’t CORRECT what you don’t inspect.
If you feel like you’d love to have a supportive group and community to help you develop and grow these, join us in the VO Mentorship Membership.
