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Leah Arscott

Starting Your Journey in the Lucrative World of Voice Over Business

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Have you ever been told that you have a captivating voice or an exceptional ability to bring words to life? If so, you might want to consider turning your vocal talents into a profitable career by starting a voice-over business. Voice over work is in high demand across various industries, including advertising, entertainment, e-learning, and more. In this article, we will guide you through the essential steps to kickstart your versatile voice-over business successfully.

Self-assessment and Skill Development

Before diving into the world of voice-over, it’s crucial to assess your strengths and weaknesses. Take some time to understand your unique vocal qualities. Are you great at character voices, narration, or commercial scripts? Recognizing your niche will help you market yourself effectively.

Additionally, consider investing in voice-over training or workshops to hone your skills. Many online platforms and local schools offer courses that can help you improve your voice control, articulation, and script interpretation. There are a multitude of amazing voice over coaches online. Luckily with platforms such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams and Skype there’s no excuse why you can coach with the best in the world from the comfort of your home.

I got started with my business coaching with Marc Cashman for Commercial voice over. I then coached with Thom Pinto for Corporate Narration and Documentaries, lastly with Elle Ray Hennessey for Animation. Coaching is a life-long development plan in voice over. Even the best actors in the world coach throughout their career. So consider taking classes each year to enhance your acting skills.

Build a Home Studio

Creating a professional home studio is one of the most critical steps in starting a voice-over business. To begin, you’ll need the following equipment:

– A high-quality microphone
– Pop filter
– Headphones
– Soundproofing materials (e.g., foam panels)
– Digital audio recording and editing software (e.g., Adobe Audition, Pro Tools)
– A reliable computer
– A quiet and well-insulated recording space

Investing in quality equipment is essential, as your voice recordings must sound professional and clear. You can find a variety of microphone options to suit different budgets, but make sure to do thorough research before making a purchase. When starting my voice over business I did a solid four months of research before diving in.

Develop a Portfolio

To attract clients, you’ll need a compelling voice-over portfolio that showcases your range and capabilities. Create sample recordings that demonstrate your versatility. Include various styles such as commercials, narration, character voices, and more. These samples should be polished and of the highest quality. There is several websites that have free scripts available for you to use to create your own demos. Alternatively, you could also write your own scripts.

Most industries experts suggest starting with a Commercial demo. Use 5-6 15-20 second clips showcasing your versatility in acting.

If Animation is your dream consider starting with an animation demo showcasing a variety of characters, some hyper, some relaxed, the more variety the better.

Marketing and Branding

Establishing a strong online presence is crucial for your voice-over business. Create a professional website that features your portfolio, contact information, and a brief biography. As well write as many articles as you can using key voice over words and SEO in order for buyers to find you on search engines such as Google. Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram to connect with potential clients and fellow voice-over artists. You can start your business with websites such as a WIX site, or if you prefer to be more niche Voice Acting Websites is a great company that specializes in voice acting websites.

Consider branding yourself with a unique name and logo. A memorable brand can help you stand out in a competitive market. Choose a logo that really speaks to your talent, integrity and goals.

Networking

Networking is an integral part of the voice-over industry. Attend industry events, join online forums, and engage with professionals in the field. Building relationships with fellow voice actors, agents, and potential clients can open up opportunities for collaborations and job offers. There are more industry events than ever to meet other voice actors and buyers in the market. Use them to your advantage.

Market Research and Pricing

Understanding the voice-over market is essential for setting competitive rates. Research industry standards and the rates charged by voice-over artists with similar experience and skill levels. Don’t undervalue your services, but be realistic about your pricing, especially when you’re just starting. Websites such as Gravy for the Brian, VO Network and GVAA Rate Guide have rate guides that can familiarize yourself with the going rates in the voice over industry.

Audition and Job Hunting

Join online platforms like Voices.com, Fiverr, or Upwork, which connect voice-over artists with clients seeking their services. These platforms offer a wealth of audition opportunities and can be an excellent way to kickstart your career. This is how I got my start in voice-over. I started with a voices.com membership and slowly but surely, I began to build up my voice-over portfolio and from that I was able to acquire multiple international agents.

Legal and Financial Considerations

Consult with a legal professional to determine the best business structure for your voice-over business, whether it’s a sole proprietorship, LLC, or corporation. Ensure that you have proper contracts in place for your clients to protect your interests.

Keep meticulous records of your income and expenses, as you will need them for tax purposes. Also educate yourself on the tax write-offs for voiceover. Choose a tax consultant that you trust and or specializes in the entertainment business.

Conclusion

Starting a voice-over business can be a rewarding endeavor, combining your passion for voice acting with the potential for financial success. With dedication, continuous self-improvement, and a strong online presence, you can establish yourself as a reputable voice-over artist and thrive in this competitive industry. Remember that building a voice-over career takes time, persistence, and a commitment to delivering high-quality work to your clients.

How to Choose the Right Voice Over Demo Producer

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In the world of voice acting, your demo reel is your calling card. It’s the tool that introduces you to potential clients and casting directors, showcasing your talent and versatility as a voice actor. However, creating a compelling and professional voice over demo reel requires the expertise of a skilled producer. Choosing the right voice over demo producer is a crucial step in your voice acting career. In this article, we’ll explore the essential factors to consider when selecting the perfect voice over demo producer.

Industry Experience

One of the first things to consider when choosing a voice over demo producer is their industry experience. You’ll want to work with someone who understands the nuances of the voice acting industry and has a proven track record of producing successful demos. Look for producers who have current experience working with a variety of voice actors and genres, as this demonstrates their ability to adapt to different styles and preferences. Demo producers should be working with talent and aware of what’s booking at the moment.

Be wary of Weekend Workshops that include a demo for a special rate! It is common for some low-level producers to offer Voice Over weekend workshops where they teach you the A-Z’s of voice over in three days then offer a special rate on a voice over demo at the end of the weekend. This is not a good idea. Voice over coaching takes time and is not something that can be learned over night. If you end up spending $600-$700 on a demo at the end of a voice over learning weekend, within three months your skills would have already improved and now you will stuck with a beginner demo.

Take your time to coach first, and once your reputable coach approves you to cut your demo then begin to do your research on who you’d like to work with. Sometimes the coach works in tandem with producers and can make good recommendations or you are free to choose your own.

Portfolio and Samples

Review the producer’s portfolio and listen to samples of their previous work. A reputable voice over demo producer should have a diverse portfolio that showcases a range of voice actors and genres. Pay attention to the quality of the recordings, the clarity of the voice actors’ performances, and the overall production value. A producer’s portfolio and samples will give you a good sense of their style and the quality of work they can deliver.

Note: If you are bilingual, keep one language at a time on each demo. As well, if you speak in various accents consider adding these accents to a separate demo. Diversity is incredible in voice over and you’ll want to ensure to highlight these skills in the proper way.

Personal Compatibility

Voice over demo production is a collaborative process, so it’s important to find a producer with whom you have good personal compatibility. You should feel comfortable communicating with them, sharing your ideas, and receiving feedback. A producer who can create a supportive and creative working environment will help you bring out your best performances. When deciding on a demo producer, I do extensive amount of research and like to have phone/zoom conversations with them in advance in order to see if we would work well together and have similar ideas.

Production Process

Ask about the producer’s production process. How do they approach script selection, coaching, recording, and editing? A well-structured process is essential for creating a polished and effective demo reel. Ensure that the producer’s workflow aligns with your preferences and timeline. I have four professional demos. One demo was recorded in 23 min and one in 2 hours. One producer wrote my copy for me with little analysis on which brands I wanted to highlight and one producer asked for me feedback multiple times and had multiple conversations about what companies fit with my brand strategy and what my ethics and beliefs are.

Customization

Every voice actor is unique, with different strengths and specialties. A good voice over demo producer should be able to tailor the demo to highlight your specific skills and range. They should take the time to understand your goals and create a demo that showcases your abilities in the best possible way. For my animation demo, I first had to work for weeks with a animation coach in order to create over 20 different characters. Once we had the characters set, the demo production was much easier to complete.

References and Reviews

Join VO groups on Facebook and other social media platforms in order to seek out references or read online reviews from other voice actors who have worked with producers. Conferences are another great way to speak to voice actors. Feedback from past clients can provide valuable insights into their professionalism, communication skills, and the overall quality of their work. Don’t hesitate to reach out to previous clients to ask about their experiences.

Pricing

Voice over demo production costs can vary widely depending on the producer’s experience and the level of service provided. While it’s essential to stay within your budget, prioritize quality over cost. Remember that your demo reel is an investment in your career, and a well-produced demo can open doors to more opportunities. My first demo was much more than I wanted to spend but once I posted my new demo online to my website and casting sites, I made back that initial investment within weeks. It was completely worth it and still is to this day.

Location and Accessibility

Consider the producer’s location and whether they offer remote recording options. With the rise of technology, many producers can work with voice actors from around the world. However, if you prefer in-person sessions, choose a producer who is accessible to you. Each demo I have was recorded remotely using Source Connect. One coach was located in my city and did offer the opportunity for me to travel into the city and record in her studio, yet, I was confident with my voice over booth and the recording came out with beautiful broadcast quality.

Conclusion

Choosing the right voice over demo producer is a crucial step in your voice acting journey. Take your time to research and consider the factors mentioned above to find a producer who can bring out the best in your voice and help you create a compelling demo reel. With the right producer by your side, you’ll be well-prepared to make a strong impression in the competitive world of voice acting.

My Inspirations in Voice-Over

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If you had told me six years ago that I would find inspiration in voice over and become a full-time voice actor I would have never believed you. I have worked in the corporate world for over 20 years, and throughout that time, I was taught that the more secondary education you had, the more successful you will become. With that mindset, I aimed to work for the largest companies and the most professional, and I took as many courses as possible I could get my hands on in order to stay diverse and competitive in my respective industries.

Although these positions did provide stable income, there was always a creative side that I craved so badly within these positions. I tried very hard to think of different and interesting ways to make my job more exciting and creative. Whether that came from purchasing bright highlighters to make my work notes look more appealing, using different colours in my spreadsheets, or thinking of new and interesting ways to engage with my staff or to lead meetings, I was always searching for something.

Diverse Artists That Provide Inspiration in Voice Over

Enter Voice-over! A good friend of mine told me about voice over, and for four months, I researched everything I could about the industry before jumping in. Throughout my career thus far, there have been certain individuals that have helped me personally with my trajectory in voice-over and some that I admired from afar. Today I will speak a little more about the influences that have helped me become the diverse, contemporary, and millennial voice actor that I strive to be.

Influencer Joan Baker

Joan Baker is a legend in the VO world. She is known as one of New York’s premier voice actors. She has won countless awards as a voice actor, on-camera host, and producer. Joan also plays a pivotal role in helping to host the SOVAS awards, which is likened to the Oscars in the VO world. She and her husband work tirelessly at promoting voice over, recognizing talent in their credited fields, and being integral influencers in our industry. Although I have never personally met Joan in person. I view Joan as Diana Ross meets Beyonce of the VO world. Following her line of work has motivated me personally as a BIPOC woman #slay! Joan’s accolades are encouraging and inspiring to me as an ethnic and diverse woman.

Legendary Inspiration in Voice Over J. Michael Collins

J. Michael Collins is the OG of the VO World. With over 25 years of experience, JMC (as he is more commonly known to those in the biz) has worked with countless #1 brands, sports teams, and organizations on the planet.

JMC brings a subject matter expert essence to the voice over industry, speaking as a main point of resource for all things pertaining to trends and statistics. I have heard JMC speak at voice over conferences, and when he presents, all actors are left hanging on his every word as he speaks with incredible credibility and trustworthiness.

I have worked with JMC twice in my career thus far. He and his counterpart AJ McKay, whom I refer to as the Lennon/McCartney of the Voice-over world, work tirelessly at producing the most award-winning demos in the industry. They wrote my Commercial and In-Show Narration demo scripts as well as directed and produced both demos. I was grateful to have received an award for the Commercial demo, which was recorded in a record-breaking 23 minutes from start to finish. That’s what a great director can do!

This suit-wearing, lobster-eating phenom recently has taken on the enormous task of producing VO Atlanta, the industry’s longest-running voice-over conference. There’s nothing JMC can’t do, and I’m here to see just what he will accomplish next.

Marc Scott Offers Marketing Inspiration for Voice Over

Marc Scott, in my opinion, is the Joe Rogan of the voiceover world. Listening to his podcast is an integral part of my inspiration in the voice over business, and without his words and wisdom and “keeping it real,” I would never have stuck it out this long.

Marc is a full-time professional voice actor based in South-Eastern Ontario, Canada, and gives a unique, guy-next-door, down-to-earth approach to the voice over business. He is an expert in business. Marc is synonymous with BBQ, drinking Dr. Pepper, and wearing his favourite colour, which is orange. His branding is spot-on, and we can all learn something from his marketing approach.

Each episode of his podcast Everyday VOpreneur is chock-full of resources, tips, and ideas to get your business where you want it. And if you’re ever having a down day, his advice will always fill your preverbal “VO cup”. Don’t forget to check out his courses on LinkedIn Marketing, Nimble, and the VO Marketing Playbook, a coveted guide on how to market yourself in voice over.

VO Royalty Elle-Ray Hennessy

Elle-Ray is a prodigy in the voiceover world. She is Canadian voiceover royalty and has worked in the business of acting and voice acting for over 40 years, performing in over 300 theatrical roles. Elle-Ray lives, breathes, and emits drama. When you meet her, you will never forget it!

Have you ever taken her world-renown animation classes? Drop everything and book one! You will leave a different human. Elle-Ray takes voice over to a spiritual level. Her uniqueness (and that’s a massive understatement) and eccentric coaching style pull countless characters and emotions out that you never thought you had, and I guarantee that.

Elle-Ray beats to her own drum, and that’s why we love her so much. Also she loves the colour pink – my favorite colour!

Christy Fabbri Keeps it Real

Christy Fabbri is the Gayle to my Oprah. Christy is a fellow voice actor from Canada whom I met at the VO conference back in 2018. I recognized her from a popular play-and-play voice over audition website, to which I yelled out, “You’re Christy Fabbri from such-and-such website! You’re #1 on the website.” I think I must have embarrassed her, but that’s just Christy. She is the most humble and genuine person you’ll meet. She is a busy mom of three and kills it in the VO world.

We exchanged numbers back in 2018, and not a week goes by without us talking about all things VO from the industry as a whole, life, reality TV, and all things in between. Coming into the VO world is a very solo endeavor, but having a resource like Christy to answer all my VO questions has been a fundamental part of my business. I am proud of all the work she has accomplished, and stay tuned for an incredible podcast she and her husband are working on with award-winning actress Jessica Biel!

Animation Goddess Dalal Sabra

Look-out world introducing Dalal Sabra. This fierce and ferocious French-Canadian voice talent is about to take the voice over industry by storm, and I am here for the ride. Dalal and I also met at VO North back in 2018. I didn’t know anybody at the conference, but I saw this “punk-looking” girl with one side of her head shaved and the other side with red hair, and I thought, “Ok. I got to sit next to her!” By the end of the weekend, Dalal and I were attached at the hip, bouncing business ideas off each other after every panel session. Dalal is a fierce animation goddess. There literally isn’t anything she can’t do. Animation is her passion, and I know soon enough, she will be living her dream of working on some big projects. She is an incredible actor, loves the craft, and she inspires me every time we talk. She is the kind of person who is in this business for the right reasons.

The Innovative and Trail-Blazing Jodi Krangle

Jodi Krangle, in my opinion, is the steadfast workhorse of VO. She just gets things done! Jodi has been a voice actor for about 17 years, and her accolades could put anybody to shame. There isn’t anybody who doesn’t want to work with Jodi.

I first heard of Jodi when we were on the same roster as a popular Toronto talent agent. I then realized we lived in the same small town and was so thrilled that someone so credible in the VO world lived so close to me. I have had the luxury of meeting up with Jodi and meeting at conferences, and she is light years ahead in the VO world and always provides reliable advice that I appreciate so dearly.

Jodi is at the forefront of what’s new in the VO world. She is also the host of an award-nominated Voiceover podcast where she focuses on Sound in the marketing industry; very cool! Her marketing and branding are direct, clear, and so consistent.

Share Your Inspiration in Voice Over

There are so many inspiring voice actors, coaches, and agents I wish I could include here, but please know that each and every one of you in the business makes voiceover one of the most unique and enjoyable professions, and I’m proud to be a part of it. Thank you!

What to Do When Voiceover Work is Slow

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When working every day, there can be busy times and slow times. The odd day of no voiceover work can feel amazing, allowing you to relax and rest. But when the days and weeks pass with little to no work, it can leave you anxious, bored, or unproductive. Recently, there have been drastic changes in the economy, which can affect most areas of business. Hence, it’s essential to have a plan of attack when it occurs.

When work is slow for an extended period, sitting back and waiting for things to pick up can be very tempting. However, this can be a missed opportunity to improve your skills and work on essential tasks you need time for. As a diverse, millennial, and contemporary voice actor, there are weeks where it is so busy I can barely keep up and weeks where nothing seems to be coming in. Here are some tips on what to do when work is slow.

Review Your Voiceover Work Calendar and Prioritize Tasks

The first thing you should do when work is slow is to review your current workload and prioritize your tasks. This will help you determine which tasks are the most important and which can be put on hold. You may not have been using your time wisely. Could you delegate some of the work to a friend or hire a virtual assistant? Many creatives use these methods to assist in lead generation. By prioritizing your workload, you can focus on what needs to be done and ensure you are not wasting time on low-priority tasks.

Take the Opportunity to Learn New Skills

It is an excellent opportunity to learn new skills to help you in your job or career. You can take online courses, attend webinars, or read books to improve your marketing, project management, and communication skills. LinkedIn and Skillshare are two popular platforms hosting hundreds of courses relevant to your industry. 

Because voiceover is a creative industry, having other interests outside of your line of work is critical. Learning other creative hobbies can allow you to think outside the box and indirectly benefit your own industry. Not only will this help you become a more valuable employee or entrepreneur, but it can also make you more attractive to potential employers.

Organize Your Voiceover Work Area

A slow period can be a great time to organize your workspace and eliminate clutter. When things are busy at work, cleanliness can fall to the waste side. A clean and organized workspace can help you stay focused and be more productive when work picks up again. You can also take the time to make sure all of your files and documents are properly labeled and stored, making it easier to find what you need when you need it. In my business, the times of the year when I usually find it slower are during the summer months and the last two weeks of the year during the holidays. These are times when I typically clean out and reorganize my office.

Network With Colleagues and Clients

It is also a good idea to network with your colleagues and clients during slow periods. You can set up coffee meetings or lunches to catch up and discuss potential projects or opportunities. This can help you build stronger relationships and potentially lead to new business or projects in the future. As previously mentioned, the last two weeks of the year tend to be slow, and many take time off during the holidays. This is a great time to write a card to your clients thanking them for their business during the last year or even drop them an email or a LinkedIn Message. 

During the summer months, I aim to call my clients on the phone and have a personal conversation that can be very beneficial to keeping that personal contact. Every touch point with a client is a chance to help them remember you and your talent.

Develop New Ideas and Strategies

Another productive way to spend time during a slow period is to develop new ideas and strategies for your business or department. You can brainstorm new products or services, think of ways to improve current processes or develop marketing or sales strategies. This can help you be more prepared when work picks up again and ensure your business is always moving forward. 

I do this again during the winter break to consider my business goals for the upcoming year. I also brainstorm with other voice actor friends in my industry as well. Sharing your goals with others can help you think out of the box, and you may devise a new plan you never thought of.

When voiceover gigs are few, it is important to use time wisely and make the most of it. By prioritizing your workload, learning new skills, organizing your workspace, networking with colleagues and clients, and developing new ideas and strategies, you can ensure that you are staying productive and setting yourself up for success when work picks up again.

Why Hire a Professional Voice Actor 

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Congratulations! You have been commissioned by your place of employment to acquire a voice talent for your team’s latest project. This shouldn’t be too difficult of a task. If you are in this position, you may think, “What steps will I take to complete this assignment, and most importantly, whose voice will I use?” As a diverse, contemporary, millennial voice actor, I’m familiar with the options to hire a professional voice actor for their next work project. 

The In-House Staff Option

The easiest way to find a voice for your work project would be to use someone in your office. That shouldn’t cost much, and management should be happy to save some money. How about Bob from H.R. Bob has a good voice, doesn’t he? He speaks with a low clear tenor voice that I think would sound great over a corporate explainer video. 

This is the popular choice for many companies – usually small companies. They often don’t see the value in hiring a professional voice or don’t have the budget to do so. They may use whoever can quickly read a script and record it on low-budget software.  

Sure, Bob may have a nice speaking voice, but does he know how to use it correctly for voice-over purposes? Customers and clients are smarter than you think and can catch on very quickly if the voice they are listening to is unprofessional, which may leave a negative impression on your company. 

Can Artificial Intelligence Pass for a Professional Voice Actor?

We live in the 2020s, and over the last 25-30 years, we have seen more technological advances than ever before. Most of these innovations have made a great impression on our lives, so much so we cannot imagine living without them. Computers, tablets, smartphones, and electric vehicles have changed our lives. These devices can save time and money and lessen your carbon footprint by monitoring and saving energy. Yet, with the influx of robots and computers today overtaking our society, it can also have a negative impact. When was the last time you made a phone call to a company and got a real live human on the line to hear your concerns regarding an issue? Do you like to scan and bag all your own groceries?  

Since the early 2000s, the voice over industry has been talking about the threat of artificial intelligence taking over. Each year at conferences, there is usually a live panel discussion on AI. And each year, we feel nervous and afraid that robots will destroy our business. As you read, there is a new host of AI voices popping up as advertisements on YouTube. In my opinion, and I think you’d agree, they still sound robotic and quite cold. 

Top Reasons to Choose a Professional Voice Actor

Credibility is key, and by using a professional, your company will come across as authentic and trustworthy to your customers. Bob from HR may have a nice speaking voice, but that is only a fraction of what it takes to be a good voice actor. Still, it’s painfully obvious when an AI voice has been used. The robotic voices can’t inflect correctly, use proper grammar, and produce odd pauses in places that don’t seem natural. You only have a fraction of the time to hook a customer, and if you don’t come across as credible, that customer or client may go to the competition. 

A Professional Voice Actor Leads to Engagement 

Have you ever taken an eLearning course where the instructor’s voice made you want to fall asleep? I have, and that has happened more than once. Listening to a disengaging voice can make or break your ability to finish an eLearning course as well as pass the course. If your staff is not engaged, they may miss important material required to complete it. That could waste time and money for your company. 

Get your Message Across With Clarity

Anybody can read, but a professional voice actor can relay your information quickly and bring life to your message. A professional voice can help your clients believe what they are saying. They know how to use techniques like modulation, timing, rhythm, and pitch to make the most out of the words and phrases. They can invigorate the script, so the words jump off the page and into the minds of the listener. The human voice is very powerful, and when used properly, it can instill change in behavior or attitude. It can also spotlight your call to action and draw the listeners toward the goal of the script. It is in your company’s best interest to use a voice that will make a difference. 

Save Time and Money with a Professional Voice Actor  

Some companies rely on purchasing their own recording hardware and software for creating voiceovers. This can give them a leg up on the quality of the produced voice. However, unless the person knows how to read correctly, edit correctly, and upload the file correctly, it could become more of a headache. When I started in the industry, it took me months to feel comfortable performing and editing my files. I had to learn the software to deliver a quality product.  

Most voice actors have their own equipment, such as a home studio, and they can efficiently produce a project for you. With everything you need in one talented professional, it’s a better overall investment. If you’d like to learn more about how a voice actor can help make your projects sound professional, email me anytime! 

The Challenges of Being a VO Entrepreneur 

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As a diverse and contemporary voice actor, I appreciate that I can set my schedule and work from anywhere, anytime, with unlimited earning and learning potential. I answer only to myself, and there is no glass ceiling. However, there are some VO entrepreneur challenges you may face. 

Time Management 

One challenge of being an entrepreneur is managing your time. Many business owners feel they could accomplish a lot more if they didn’t have to wear so many hats. Because of the inability to manage time, it is common for business owners to burn out quickly and become less productive. 

VO Entrepreneur Challenges With Budgets 

Sole entrepreneurs typically have a smaller budget to work with daily as the money for their business is also for life. Larger companies receive money from wealthy investors, which allows them to have more flexibility with marketing costs, investments, and other business expenditures. That perspective only works when there’s money to play with. To get started in a creative industry such as voice over, you need a fair amount of technology. 

When I began my career, I made a budget in advance that included all the potential materials I’d need, and I priced out various models to see which would fit my budget. I purchased a Rode NT1 microphone, a Scarlett solo pre-amp, an XLR cable, a microphone stand, studio foam for noise dampening, and voice-over software. I decided to choose a decent beginner microphone that would allow me to grow into my business. I’m thrilled I made that decision because my equipment let me compete from the beginning. My clients, such as creative directors and producers with many years of experience, took me seriously and knew I had quality equipment to give me an edge over beginners.  

Finding New Business 

Another challenge of being a millennial sole business owner is lead generation. You may feel forced to find new leads and bring in new business. The goal of your business would be to follow the infamous Pareto principle. That is the 80/20 rule which states that 80% of your income comes from 20% of your clients. Once you’ve grown into your business, it is essential to keep your existing clients happy by maintaining those relationships strong. If so, they will continue working with you and assisting in your overall financial success. 

VO Entrepreneur Challenges in Delegating Tasks 

I perform 90% of all tasks in my voice over business. I understand the benefits of delegating tasks to others, but I’m not quite there yet. Some everyday tasks are lead generation, data entry, bookkeeping, social media marketing, and digital marketing. These are essential tasks that can aid in easing stress from the business owner. 

Balancing Tasks 

Being forced to do it all can be very difficult for most entrepreneurs. It’s not common for one person to love all the tasks involved in running a business. Different personalities are better suited to various positions, and being a master of all can be challenging. In my example, I love the art of voice over. The creativity element excites me, and I like marketing. I find it enjoyable to know that my next big project or client could be around the corner. 

One of my least favorite tasks is collecting money. I worked in collections in a former position, and it was tedious to remind clients to pay, track down the payment, and confirm it was received. In my voiceover business, it remains a laborious task. Pay-and-play platforms make tracking payments easier as they have a Sure Pay system to ensure that the money is in escrow. Yet, having to fund your own business means you need to confirm how and when you will be getting paid, and sometimes it can be awkward to follow up if the client has not paid they’re difficult to locate. 

Preparing for VO Entrepreneur Challenges

Being an entrepreneur can be very rewarding yet come with its challenges. Understanding the potential issues, you may face will help you prepare for what may come and make it easier to handle difficult situations. Ultimately if you are up for the challenge of being an entrepreneur, do your research, set a budget, and be prepared for hard work but a great payoff.