The most successful voice-over actors that I know treat this endeavor as a business. One of the questions we must always ask ourselves is, “How easy is it for my clients to do business with me?” Now that we all have access to smartphones, computers, and apple watches, we can assume that our clients do as well. This instant communication makes business a lot easier, but we first need to consider how available we are to answer phone calls. Do you answer when your clients call? If you can’t answer right away, do you have another way for them to reach you? Do you make sure that you get back to them within a few hours? The reality of this voice-over business is that there are many getting into it every day. To set yourself apart, you need to find out how to be flexible and available for your clients when they need you for voice-over work.
Here are some ideas for how to create a sense of availability and flexibility for your clients:
When your clients call and you can’t get to the phone, make sure your voicemail lets your clients know that they are welcome to text you and you will get back to them the same day. By doing so, you are giving them ways in which they can communicate with you and feel like they are being heard.
Make sure that you know what time zone your clients are in. I have a client in India who is 11.5 hours ahead of me. If I wish to talk to them real-time, I have to email them when I first wake up in the morning. If I email them in the afternoon to ask a pronunciation question, I have lost a full day of production for both of us. You have to adapt to your client’s schedule, or you may lose that client.
Be ready to audition for voice-over work at any time. If that means buying travel gear like a Blue Raspberry or Apogee mic that you leave in your car for last minute opportunities, then that’s what you have to do. I was caught in a situation just this week where I had a great audition opportunity, but alas, I had left my Blue Raspberry mic at home. The client needed the audition in one hour. I was having lunch with another client and I couldn’t get home to my studio in time to get the audition completed. Opportunity lost.
Continue to look for ways for your current and potential clients to easily reach you and do business with you. You will find that your flexibility and accessibility will pay off in the long run, as there will be more opportunities for you to get voice-over work.
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About the Author:
Jillian Nielsen is an expressive voice talent with over 14 years of experience in radio and television commercial and promotional voice-overs.
