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Navigating the VO World: How to Attract and Keep Clients

Every voice talent wants to know:  "How can I bring on more clients?" It's a question we've all asked, and here, we're spilling the beans. But hold on, we're not just sharing success stories; we're also dishing out some awkward and downright funny moments that happened along the way. So buckle up, grab your favorite mic, and dive with us into the secrets of success. 

Chick-fil-A - The Pronunciation Struggle 

First up, a tale from Natasha. She once was working on a script featuring a famous American fast-food joint – Chick-fil-A. Well, let's just say, her Canadian upbringing got the best of her, and she confidently pronounced the ‘A’ like the word ‘clam’. Yes…she said Chick-fil-“Ah”. Now, to be fair, the franchise didn’t exist in Canada at the time. But, lesson learned: pronunciation matters, so do your research!

The Durrells in Corfu: A Musical Mishap

Now, let’s share a personal gem of Kim’s. She was working on promos for "The Durrells in Corfu," a show she had never heard of. In her diligence, she practiced singing it to herself, creating a jingle that unintentionally made its way into the final submitted recording. Surprisingly, her client found it hilarious, and it even landed her more gigs. Who knew a musical mishap could be a client magnet? 

Strategies to Gain Clients: Tips and Tricks 

Let's shift gears and talk about strategies to gain clients. We've learned a lot from our fellow voice talent, and here are a few nuggets of wisdom: 

  1. LinkedIn – The Goldmine of Opportunities: Tracy Lindley, a dear friend in the industry, swears by LinkedIn. Her course on navigating LinkedIn for voice talents is a game-changer. Invest the time, and you'll reap the rewards. Tracy Lindley's LinkedIn Course

  2. The Art of Cold Calling: Richard Correll, a seasoned voice talent, spent four hours a day religiously cold calling. While it might sound daunting, his commitment paid off, generating leads that benefited both him and his contacts. (Mary Jane Copps, aka The Phone Lady, offers resources and training to communicate effectively on the phone.) 

  3. Warm Emailing and Networking: Mark Scott, a coach in the industry, emphasizes warm emailing over cold approaches. It's all about doing your research and making meaningful connections. 

  4. Pay-to-Play Platforms: Joining platforms like Casting Networks and participating in auditions can be a significant source of leads. 

  5. Conferences and Networking Events: Living in Southern California provides ample opportunities for networking. Attend conferences for occupations outside of voiceover, meet industry professionals, and build meaningful connections. 

  6. Utilize Google Resources

  7. Building Relationships with Other Voice Talent: The voiceover community is both competitive and supportive. Building relationships with fellow voice talent can lead to valuable insights and referrals. (World Voices Organization, a community of professional voice talents.)

  8. Direct Credible Marketing: Tom Aglio, renowned in direct and credible marketing, offers insights into effective marketing strategies for voice talents. 

Remember, we've all had our fair share of awkward moments, and that's what makes this journey so uniquely entertaining.