You don’t book enough work.
You don’t make enough money.
You don’t have any big clients.
You don’t get any high paying gigs.
You don’t have enough auditions.
There are all kinds of things you aren’t happy about in your voice over career. All kinds of things you’d like to see changed.
Let me ask you something. What are you doing about it?
The Problem
In my experience, most of the people unhappy with their voice over career all have the same problem. They’re not doing anything to fix their problems!
Can you think of anybody who has achieved success by watching 5 hours of TV a night?
Can you name me one person who achieved success by complaining on social media about their lack of success?
Can you picture one person who has achieved success by blaming other people for their lack of success?
This is the sort of stuff I see happening daily. People who aren’t happy with their voice over career who aren’t really taking any practical steps to make it better. It doesn’t just apply to voice over either. This counts regardless of your chosen career path.
The Solution
I read about 3 or 4 hours a night. Books on business. On prosperity. On voice over. On marketing. I turn off the TV and fill my head with useful information that will change my life and help me achieve success.
I deleted most of the games off my iPad. I deleted every game I used to play on Facebook. Talk about a black hole sucking up countless hours of productivity!
I sit in front of a microphone all day long. I submit anywhere from 10-20 auditions a day. I submit for everything I believe I have a reasonable chance at booking.
I spend hours each week prospecting for new clients.
Each week I email a few clients I haven’t worked with in a while just to get my name back to the top of their mind.
I dedicate a portion of each day to reading voice over related articles, blog posts and forums. I learn (for free) from my peers.
This is just a glimpse into what I’m doing each week to work harder and make things happen.
QUESTION: What are you doing to make sure you succeed?
About the author
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Marc Scott is a Voice123 voice talent |
Michael Maduske
February 27, 2013
The real question is: Is your hard work paying off?
Jay Preston
February 27, 2013
I agree with you. I can’t seem to book an agent. So I work for myself. And when I book, It feels WONDERFUL!
Brent Abdulla
February 27, 2013
It’s the “Pareto Principle”. 20% of the people are doing 80% of the work and reaping its benefits. While the 80% are watching and in many instances criticizing the 20%.
estefania scontus
February 27, 2013
Hi Voice 123 I’m going to be a member again but I’m going to do it at the end of March when I get paid again. In the mean time I’ll keep reading and Practice. I’m a really positive person Many thanks Stefania Date: Wed, 27 Feb 2013 02:06:18 +0000 To: shirleyscontus@hotmail.com
Marc Scott
February 27, 2013
Michael – That’s a very valid question as well. If you’re working hard and it’s not paying off, perhaps you’re working hard on the wrong things.
Jay – I’m glad to hear you’re booking work. Keep plugging away, continue to improve your craft, and when an agent opportunity comes, you’ll be ready for it!
Brent – Great point, and very true!
Estefania – If you’re dedicating this time to learning and practice when the time comes to get your membership you’ll be in that much better shape to succeed! I’m very glad to hear you’re staying positive and working hard. I wish you much success!!
Julia Lipman
March 13, 2013
Great advice Marc! Thanks for posting this. Just curious, what do you say when you email clients who you haven’t heard from in a while?
Marc Scott
March 13, 2013
Hi Julia,
I develop a relationship with my clients. I take an interest in them. When I follow up with one I haven’t heard from in a while I just ask them how they’re doing. I don’t mention anything about voice over. They already know what I do. I don’t need to sell them anything. I just say hi, and chat like I’m talking with a friend I haven’t spoke to in a while.
Steph Bower
March 13, 2013
Love your advice Marc – please reccomend more literature so we can get reading!
Tim Wills
March 14, 2013
So if you have no bookings after 9 months on 123 and occasional work locally what is wrong? 123 has a higher standard? if so how can you know what to improve?
SingletonSaysVO
March 17, 2013
This was a great read Mark! I can appreciate how you’ve outlined the things you’ve done so far to keep the ball rolling for your business. I’ve learned so much from your read today that I can incorporate into my own business practices.
Thanks again!
Victor
Marc Scott
March 19, 2013
Hey Tim,
Thanks for your comment. If you haven’t had any luck after 9 months it could be a number of factors. How is the quality of your audio? Listen to other demos on the site from voices similar to yours. How does the quality of the audio sound compared to theirs?
Maybe you’re auditioning for the wrong types of projects. Is your voice and delivery more suited for one genre versus another, for example, corporate narration versus commercials?
Take a look at your rankings. Have you received high rankings on any particular types of projects? Maybe those are where you need to direct your focus.
If you’re new to voice over, I’d strongly recommend you invest in some training or coaching. This business isn’t as easy as just having a microphone and a computer. If you’re serious about pursing the voice over dream, investments in yourself will always be worthwhile!
Those are just a few suggestions off the top of my head. If you have any other questions feel free to email me direct at marc@marcscottvoiceover.com. I’d be happy to try and answer any of them I can.
Marc
Marc Scott
March 19, 2013
Hey Victor,
I really appreciate your comment and I’m so glad the blog has been an encouragement to you. That’s the reason I write! Wishing you much success as you continue to learn and grow your business!
Marc
Aaron Holbrook
March 22, 2013
First of all Marc, thanks for taking the time to put this info out there. I have talked to more than a few people that are frustrated that they aren’t getting work, but aren’t trying to grow and expand their own abilities. Second, you say that you submit 10-20 auditions a day. The impression that I have gotten from the materials on 123 is that if one auditions too much, then SmartCast stops sending you auditions. Now, nothing that I have read has stated how much is too much. Could you shed some light on this?Thnaks again, and best of luck in all that you do.
Marc Scott
March 25, 2013
Hi Aaron,
Thanks for the comment. I do submit 10-20 auditions a day, but not all with Voice123. I’m actually a member of two other casting sites as well. So between the three, I can easily submit that many auditions if I put the effort in.
Marc