Are you stuck? Before you answer, consider how much of your work is from repeat clientele and referrals, the amount and quality of testimonials you receive from your clients, the strength of your web presence, and the effectiveness of your auditioning and voicing techniques. Take some time to reflect and be totally honest with yourself. This is the business side of voice over and if you neglect it or forget to pay attention to it, you will find yourself stuck. Stuck has no momentum. Stuck does not pay the bills. Stuck stinks!
Get “unstuck” and build momentum by taking time to analyze how you can improve your voice over business. Think outside of the box. If you do have repeat clientele, find out what it is you are doing that makes them come back to you. Think of how you can provide even more value to them, whether you offer to voice their phone system, or add audio to their website, voice their blog, or introduce their podcast. Next, identify which of your one-time clients you would like to have as repeat clients and do the same. Take it to the next level by identifying your dream clients – the ones you want to voice for but haven’t done so yet.
Add some speed to your momentum by allowing your clients to advertise your business for you through referrals and testimonials. Referrals and testimonials are powerful because they speak about the quality and integrity of your work and you. Go ahead and ask for referrals. Develop an arsenal of testimonials by asking your clients, especially your repeat clients, for a testimonial about their experience working with you and post these on your website.
Google yourself. Are you on the first page? Better yet, how many pages do you fill? The strength of your web presence is vital because the Internet is a major marketplace for voice over talent services. Having a website is fantastic but you need to get plugged in to Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube too. Social Media is a powerful force in optimizing your web presence. Likewise, it allows you to access, connect, and engage other voice over talent, creative directors, and potential clients. Leverage the power of social media to express your personality and brand your image – it’s free! To optimize your social media, visit www.SocialMediaVO.com.
Finally, we audition a lot and we voice a lot. Sometimes in the process it becomes more of a chore which inevitably comes out in our performance. If you are finding your auditioning effectiveness to be slipping and the jobs seem to be fewer and further between, it may be time to revisit the basics or shake things up a bit and treat yourself by investing in a few training sessions with a professional voice over coach. Yes, even the pros get coaching to keep their competitive edge and learn new techniques!
Yes, even the pros have to get “unstuck” and find new ways to improve their voice over businesses. Going through this process is exactly what makes them pros and what sets them apart from the amateurs. It’s time to get “unstuck”.
To your success!?
Excellent article, Terry! It can be sooo easy to get too comfortable when our plates are full; but when that “busy” time frees up, we can find ourselves stuck in a rut because we took our eyes off the ball. Great reminder to keep ourselves focused on what works best for our business!
Thanks for another great article Terry. You know, I have taken training in the past and what I am about to say is not just because I am currently training with you. Training helps you find your niche and discover things about your voice that you may not hear or discover on your own. Recently I landed several jobs that I am convinced I got because of the new voice styles I have been trying and have discovered by working with you. Also auditioning can become tedious work if you let it, so thanks for the reminder to stay fresh.
Thanks Terry for your willingness to share your expertise and for those of you who are thinking about getting some training, I highly recommend Terry.
Hey Paul,
Thank you for your support and wonderful comments! Cheers!
Hi Terry,
Great article, as ever, with some fresh ideas. Just one question, when you talk about giving more value to repeat clientele by offering to voice their phone systems, etc., do you mean for free? Or maybe a reduced rate?
All the best,
Dave
Hi Dave,
When a client is considering using my services for a gig, sometimes I offer to their voice-mail for free. Providing added value will always impress a client. :-)
Thanks, Terry. Over confidence and not paying attention to detail go hand in hand. Working to stay out of the ruts.. Cheers.
Great advice as usual Terry!
Excellent post, Terry. I’ve created a repository of very faltering testimonials from clients I worked with this summer. Now I just have to figure out a way to use them to my advantage. Displaying them on my website seems the most obvious approach. Do you have any suggestion on the best way to use testimonials? -JCD
Hey Christopher,
Yes, displaying them on a website page is very effective. Some of my clients have even done audio testimonials for me. :-)
Great article!!! Is good to take a moment and review our strategies and in this industry everyday we have something to learn!
Terry,
GOOD POINT!
Stuck Sucks!
I think at times we all can use a performance “enema” as we go about the business of doing business in the VO biz!
Ok…just my thoughts.
Thanks… Rick
All successful business’ know marketing never stops. Down times should be looked at as an opportunity to work on your business marketing. Instead of thinking stuck think finally I get some time to work on my marketing.
Get back to twittering
Get back to facebook
Get back to linkedIn
Call and say hello to past clients.
Meet and talk to new people (spread the word about your biz)
Write and post some articles.
Write and distribute a press release about your biz
Post a new article on your blog
Get some more links for your website
Build some new pages on some of the social media sites
There are lots of things you can do and these things will pay off in the long run.
BR
“W”
Great article! Yes, “stuck stinks” indeed! That can be used as a great “workout” as well; Try saying “stuck stinks” fast several times!
How do you know if you have a voice that others would like? Also why did it flash “not a legal business” when you were talking?