8 min
As an entrepreneur, it can definitely be frustrating when you're not getting the amount of work you'd like. It can leave you feeling pretty down, especially when you're so passionate about your craft (and need to pay the bills!) Whether you're just starting out or have been in the industry for a while, there are several reasons why you may not be getting as much VO work as you'd like.
In this post, I'll dive into some of the most common reasons why you aren't getting work, and offer up some tips to help you overcome those hurdles.
I know, I know. It seems harsh - especially being the first on the list here. But let's take a step back for a moment and really take a look at this one. VO work requires a certain level of talent and skill. Make sure your skills are current and relevant for today's market. This includes acting skills, vocal techniques, and the ability to take direction. If you're not getting hired, it could be that your performance skills need some improvement. Consider taking classes or workshops to help you develop your voice-acting skills. Consider working with a voice over coach who can give you personalized feedback on your strengths and weaknesses.
"True self-reflection is the key to growth, and honest assessment of our strengths and weaknesses is the foundation upon which we can build a successful career." - Unknown
I am sure you have heard this at least a million times - your demo is your calling card in the VO world. It's the first thing casting directors and potential clients will listen to (outside of a requested audition) when considering you for a job. If your demo reel doesn't showcase your skills and versatility, it's unlikely you'll get hired. And if your demo is poorly produced, potential clients may pass you over for someone else. Make sure to always put your best foot (or voice!) forward. Invest in creating a high-quality demo reel that is up-to-date, well-produced, and showcases your best work.
Even if you're a talented voice over artist with a great demo reel, you won't get hired if people don't know you exist. Make sure you're actively marketing yourself and your services. Even for veteran talent, your marketing efforts may take up to 85% of your time. This includes networking, creating/updating a website, using social media, and sending out emails to potential clients. Marketing yourself effectively can be a challenge in a competitive industry like VO, so it's important to find ways to stand out and differentiate yourself from the competition. Think outside the box with creative marketing strategies or find unique niches that align with your skills and abilities. The more creative you are, the more opportunities you’ll have.
If you're struggling to get hired, it's worth considering whether you're targeting the right niche for your voice and skills. The VO industry is vast and diverse, with various niches and specialties. But to succeed in this field, it's essential that you identify your unique strengths and find the areas where your talents align with the needs of the market. Some voice over artists have a natural flair for specific types of work, such as animation, commercials, or audiobooks, while others may excel in e-learning or documentary narration.
Focusing on a specific niche allows you to hone your skills, showcase your expertise, and build a strong brand identity that appeals to clients in that area. By ‘niching down’, you'll be able to understand the nuances of that market, stay updated on trends and developments, and ultimately position yourself as a go-to professional in that area.
One of the biggest challenges facing many new voiceover actors is the fear of putting themselves out there and contacting potential clients. Whether you're just starting out or have been in the industry for a while, the idea of rejection can be intimidating, and it's easy to let that fear hold you back from going after opportunities. But it's important to remember that the worst that can happen is that a potential client says no or doesn't respond. It's not personal, and it doesn't mean that you're not good enough.
Many new to the industry face imposter syndrome, or the feeling that they don't belong in the industry or that they're not good enough compared to others. It's important to remember that everyone has to start somewhere. Don’t let your doubt stop you from reaching out to a potential client. Remember, you'll never get any jobs if you don't reach out.
"The biggest rewards in life are found outside your comfort zone. Live with it. Fear and risk are prerequisites if you want to enjoy a life of success and adventure." - Jack Canfield.
Networking is an important part of any business, and your voice over business is no exception. In fact, building relationships with industry professionals can lead to more work opportunities, collaborations, and valuable connections. There are many ways to network within the voice over industry. Attending industry events, such as conferences or workshops, is a great way to meet other professionals and learn about new trends and opportunities in the industry. These events often feature workshops and panels where you can learn from experienced professionals and get valuable insights into the industry. You can also join online communities, such as social media groups or forums, where people are constantly posting about new opportunities.
As an artist, it is important to recognize that the industry is constantly evolving, and there is always room for improvement. This is why being coachable and open to feedback is a critical trait to have. Unfortunately, some voice over artists may struggle to get more work because they are not coachable and they are not taking feedback and applying it to their work.
Being coachable means being receptive to feedback from directors, producers, and other industry professionals who are invested in helping you grow and succeed. It involves actively listening to the feedback, being open-minded, and making an effort to improve based on the feedback provided. By being coachable, you can set yourself apart and increase your chances of getting hired for more jobs.
One very common reason why voice over artists struggle to get more work is due to poor sound, environment, or equipment. This can lead to subpar recordings that can detract from the overall quality of the production. Background noise, room acoustics, and echo can all affect the quality of your recordings. A good recording environment should be quiet, free from distractions, and have proper soundproofing to eliminate any unwanted noise.
Having quality equipment is equally important as your environment. A good microphone, audio interface, and headphones can make a significant difference in the quality of your recordings. While it may seem like a significant investment upfront, upgrading your equipment or finding a better recording environment can pay off in the long run. Why? Because quality recordings can help you stand out in a crowded industry and increase your chances of getting more work in the future.
Another reason you may be struggling to get more work is due to a lack of professionalism. This can take many forms, such as being unresponsive to emails, missing deadlines, delivering poor-quality work, or failing to communicate effectively with clients.
Being reliable is a crucial aspect of professionalism. Clients rely on voice over artists to deliver high-quality work within a given timeframe. Failing to meet deadlines can lead to significant delays in production, which can be costly and frustrating for clients. Being responsive to emails and other forms of communication is also essential in demonstrating reliability. When you deliver high-quality work, it’ll be easier to attract new clients or retain existing ones because you’ll be building a positive reputation in the industry.
Having a versatile range of skills and abilities can significantly increase your chances of getting hired for more work. The ability to perform in various styles or genres can help you stand out in a competitive industry and appeal to a broader range of clients, while a lack of versatility can limit the number of opportunities available to you. So by expanding your skills and abilities, you can become more versatile, which opens you up to more opportunities for work and sets you apart from other VO artists.
If you’re looking to expand your skill set, start by taking classes or workshops to learn new techniques, practicing different styles of voice over, or collaborating with other voice over artists to gain exposure to different genres.
Procrastination can hinder success in any industry, including the voice over industry. It can lead to missed deadlines, poor-quality work, and missed opportunities for new projects. Procrastination is often caused by a lack of motivation, poor time management skills, and a fear of failure. Developing good time management skills, staying motivated, and using effective techniques to overcome procrastination can help you accomplish your goals and achieve success in your career. By breaking down larger projects into smaller, more manageable tasks and setting deadlines, you can reduce stress and stay on track to achieve your objectives.
Want to know the difference between people who succeed and fail? Persistence! Persistence means not giving up easily. It means continuing to work towards your goals, even in the face of challenges or setbacks. And it means having a positive attitude and not becoming discouraged by rejection or setbacks. Sure, there will be tough days, but if you keep moving forward, if you stay committed to your goals, and remain positive in the face of challenges, I am confident that you will set yourself up for success!
Setting your rates can definitely be a challenging balancing act, and can also impact your ability to secure work. If your rates are too high, potential clients may choose to work with a more affordable artist. On the other hand, if your rates are too low, clients may question the quality of your work.
It's important to research industry standards and set rates that reflect your experience, skill level, and the type of work you are doing. There are several rate guides available online that can help you understand the average rates for different types of voice-over work. Some popular rate guides include the Global Voice Acting Academy (GVAA) Rate Guide, the Gravy for the Brain Rate Guide, and the Voice Over Resource Guide Rate Card. You should also consider the amount of time and effort that goes into each project when setting your rates.
Navigating the voice-over industry can be challenging, but understanding potential hurdles and taking steps to overcome them can make a significant difference in your success. There are many factors that can impact your ability to secure work. Ultimately, it's essential to remain adaptable, committed, and determined in the pursuit of your goals. Remember, success in the voice-over industry requires persistence, hard work, and a willingness to continually learn and grow.
Thanks for reading!
Keep on rocking your business like a #VOBOSS
In a casual and fun session, we will acquaint ourselves with an overview of the skills and muscles necessary to consider a viable career as a narrator in this burgeoning industry. Whether you’re a complete novice or an actor, voice over artist, author with some experience and insight into audiobooks, a broad and specific discussion of the “Dos and Donts” of audiobook narration will put you on a path to a deeper understanding of the art form and your personal and professional path forward.
Audiobook Workout with Peter Berkrot
April 20
The voice over industry is always changing. Pivoting for success is about preparing for that change and learning how to adapt. Anne & Lau are very experienced with pivoting professionally. How else could they keep their businesses thriving for 15 years? Pivoting is not just about immediately making changes to your process, but exploring your options. It’s about taking a step back, looking at what you are doing and asking yourself“Is this working?
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About Anne Ganguzza
Recipient of multiple Voice Arts Awards for Outstanding Narration Demo - Anne Ganguzza is California-based Voice Over Coach and award-winning Director & Producer specializing in target-marketed voiceover Demo Production. Anne's production team creates SOVAS-nominated demos across several genres, including Commercial, Corporate Narration, and eLearning, and her VO BOSS podcast is the winner of SOVAS Outstanding Podcast in 2022.
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