Navigating Policies, Clients, and Friendships
As a professional voice actor, you have the responsibility of running your voice over business as well as being your best in the booth. Striking the right balance requires navigating the intricacies of misunderstandings, profitability, and professional relationships. However, with the right approach to business policies, contracts, and client interactions, you can successfully navigate these murky waters and set your business on a path to success.
Establishing Clear Business Policies and Guidelines
As a voice over pro, you have to lay down some solid ground rules. Establish firm and consistent guidelines and policies to keep things running smooth. Start by crafting comprehensive terms of service that spell out what you expect from your clients and what they can expect from you. Being consistent with these guidelines will help everyone stay on the same page and keep those client relationships in check.
Contracts and Documentation: Protecting Your Business
Protecting your business interests is necessary. Clearly defined contracts and documentation play a crucial role in setting expectations and safeguarding your work. Make sure those contracts lay out all the nitty-gritty details: what you're offering, how you're getting paid, and the rights involved. And don't forget to back up those important papers, online and offline. It's all about keeping your business safe and sound.
As business owners, we need to strike that balance between understanding misunderstandings and upholding our boundaries.
Navigating Relationships: Friends and Business
Finding the right balance between friendships and business relationships can be a bit tricky. It's important to maintain professionalism and keep clear boundaries between personal and professional interactions. Make sure to set clear expectations with your employees and clients, making it known that when it comes to work-related matters, they take the front seat. This way, you can avoid any unnecessary confusion or conflicts and keep things running smoothly.
Distinguishing Between Paid and Pro Bono Work
It's essential to recognize the value of your services. Take the time to distinguish between paid work and volunteer or pro bono projects. While it can be fulfilling to offer pro bono work from time to time, it's important to find a balance that allows for fair compensation and keeps your business profitable. Remember, your time and expertise deserve to be acknowledged and appropriately rewarded.
The Importance of Terms of Service
Having solid terms of service is a must for your business. Take the time to dive into the legal side of the voice over industry and make sure your terms align with the norms and safeguard your interests. Create comprehensive templates for your emails and website content that clearly lay out your terms in a consistent way. It's all about setting the right expectations and protecting yourself like a pro!
Final Thoughts
Transforming your voice over business involves crafting transparent policies, utilizing contracts and documentation, navigating relationships skillfully, and valuing your services with fair compensation. By prioritizing these aspects, you can establish a strong foundation and drive long-term success. Remember, maintaining professionalism and fostering continuous growth are vital for your journey as a voice over business owner.
Thanks for reading!
Keep on rocking your business like a #VOBOSS
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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.