The voiceover industry is truly on a roller coaster ride. There is an incredible uptick in those seeking to get into voiceovers. There is the pressure to have a “studio quality” in-home recording space (competition), more online and at-home upgrades, and all of us need to up our game, again. The typical talent may feel like she or he is in a whirlwind. The COVID-19 concerns of 2020-2021 are just a portion of what should be front of mind for the typical voice talent. What’s more, there is an ever-increasing number of apps and software programs threatening to replace the whole voiceover industry practically overnight. The year 2021 has more challenges than can be listed in any one blog. Now, I’d like to focus on some ways to challenge back. Here are five ways to confront the changing business and voiceacting landscape.
Stick with your Basics
Influential business people know the importance of staying on top of their game. Becoming stagnant will do nothing for your business, so keep working with coaches, reviewing your social media plans, and always be open to thinking outside the box when marketing your business. If you can’t afford something, barter for that skill or service. Do what you need to do to grow your business smartly.
Keep in mind that popularity rarely leads to lasting success. Once you are successful, your favor will follow. Please don’t get it mixed up. You’re in business to meet your clients’ needs, not to have the most Instagram followers or Facebook friends.
Listen and Learn
I like to organize and run things in a particular order. It gives me the illusion of control. But that’s not a good policy for growing a voiceover business. We need to remember to expose our minds to new ideas and be open to new learning and communities of thought. Being anchored in your own values will help you critically listen to others without losing yourself yet still gleaming from other viewpoints. Set time to learn how others are dealing with changes, the issues faced by potential clients, current and future competition, as well as changes in the industry. Know what’s hot and what is not. The only way to really grow is to learn.
Steven Spring gives six tips to becoming more open to new ideas in Keeping an Open Mind: How to Embrace New Ideas. Spring wrights, “Avoid closing yourself off. Welcome new situations that are different from those you’re familiar with. When you’re exposed to differing opinions, look at them as learning experiences.”
Receive the New
Many voice talents acutely listen to commercials and other audio messages to stay current. This simple exercise can help a voice actor keep up with the changes in the industry. Listen and know what styles are taking hold. The tools of business constantly change. I remember a time when it was “all the rage” to complete one’s own taxes. Now I hear a lot of small and big businesses stand by having their taxes professionally prepared. The American tax laws can change without notice and often within the same filing year. Hence, it makes sense to pay a professional who is just as proficient as a tax preparer as you should be as a business professional. Receive and apply the new; it’s there for you.
Believe in You
As creatives, voice actors are extremely sensitive. This means we have to know how to recover from rejection and keep on trying. Remember to glance at your goals daily to keep your subconscious mind leading you towards your most significant accomplishments. Don’t let fear and doubt keep you on the sidelines. Keep on trying; believe in you.
Don’t be pushed around by the fears in your mind. Be led by the dreams in your heart.”― Roy T. Bennett
Reward Your Hard Stuff Work
Many people find marketing and reaching out to strangers as the hard stuff in growing a business. But without new business, we don’t get to do much of that which gives us purpose and enrichment. Do the hard stuff and then reward yourself for your efforts. While we all would like more money, don’t make every self-reward about money. Complicated things like cold calling, practicing, and the like need more substantial rewards. Find what really touches your soul and reward your most minor efforts to get through the hard stuff. If we continue to press through enough hard stuff, we will reach our success plaque.
That’s all from me for now folks. Keep on breaking that lip!
