VO Clients Offer Shiny Gems

I have wonderful clients. Each person holds a unique position, ranging from producers at digital production companies to ad agency creative directors to eLearning instructional designers and owner/founders. Yeah, I really like them.

These clients have offered many gems of insight. This article celebrates those gems gleaned from cherished clients.

Discuss the Script

“Writers love to talk about their work, and there will be takeaways about the character or scenario that you might not have otherwise got from just the script.”?– Anthony

Voice actors love to know about the world you're creating, and love talking to writers, learning about their vision.

A Brand has a Voice

“Every brand, company, etc. has its own ‘voice’. Sometimes, they don’t even know it. But I think a great VO actor will learn what the voice is and be better able to adapt their delivery to match that voice.”?– Matt

As appropriate, I ask enough questions about what you’re hoping the VO outcome will be and offer suggestions with samples. Many times I can help you find that voice if not yet known.

Auditions Weren't Always Free

Technology is always changing. Fun fact from one of my agents:

"Before the internet, auditions were actually paid for and managed via talent agents!" – Debora

Today clients on most continents can ask for a free audition prior to finalizing which voice actor is hired. I think Australia still pays something for auditions.

No Surprises - Facts up Front

"Thanks for your understanding... It's a brave new world."

There are simple but important details associated with hiring voiceover services. Things like audio specs, usage, copyright, deadlines and invoicing are important. I have a checklist so we can review and finalize all expectations and parameters in writing with full transparency.?Most importantly, no surprises!

Pay with Ease

A client from my old home town, Doug, asked me to share this with VOs:

“Please accept my payment with a plain old check or credit card. I don’t need to sign up for ACH or any esoteric invoice processing system du jour.”

I’ve learned it’s important to accept payments in a variety of ways. I’ve had to jump through some hoops and get around obstacles, and I’m able to handle most every request. Paypal, Checks, Direct Deposit, Wire Transfer, etc.

A Client-VO Relationship isn't Forever

For certain clients, every project is so unique that a new voice is found for each one. It’s a bit dismaying to voice actors like me, who want to cultivate an ongoing relationship and develop recurring work with you. Regardless if the project was super fun, creative and energizing, it doesn’t always mean more work. So, I’ve learned to enjoy the experience within the journey.

“As a small production company, we make an effort to use a variety of voice talent so our website/work doesn’t get repetitive. As much as we would like to find one person to work with and stick with them, it just doesn’t make sense. The unfortunate reality is that every project is unique and we almost never reuse a voice talent unless it’s an ongoing series.”?– Scott

Many of my clients have worked with me for many years. And there are client relationships that last only a few years or are based on a finite advertising campaign or branding strategy. I accept the transitory and subjective nature of the work that I receive. I’m also confident and work on my craft, knowing there are new clients on the horizon.

A Client-VO Relationship can have a long run

Let’s end this list on a high note for me! My returning clients are fun because of the personal relationships that develop, and the success of creating voiceover recordings that consistently meet or often exceed my client’s expectations. As we work together, I learn a lot about your needs and deliver accordingly. It’s a thriving professional, mutually collaborative and creative partnership, enjoyable personally and professionally.

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Recently I had a fun conversation with a partner company’s new employee. I shared insights about the VO industry and what it’s like to run a VO Actor business. My history in video production, advertising, cable tv operations sales and marketing all prepared me to run an owner-operated business in voice acting. I’ve learned, stretched, grown on all counts, from audio engineering or VO acting skills, to marketing and all the administration. I started with a dream and continue with lots of support from loved ones, mentors, virtual teams and wonderful clients. Thank you!