Question: What’s the difference between an expert and an influencer?

Answer: Expertise.

You’d think that would be a no-brainer. Ironically, it’s not. There would be far more people succeeding in voiceover if it was common knowledge.

So, what does it take to book better paying work in voiceover? How do you really know if your work competes? Do you need a talent agent? And if you do, how do you approach them? How many talent agents do you need? More than one?

Regardless of where you are in your career, having access to professional experts who understand you, and thoroughly understand casting, production, and the current state of the industry can change everything for you career-wise. Enlisting voiceover experts who deliver personalized, private coaching and the most astute, custom-tailored demo production available anywhere is how you elevate your career.

By surrounding yourself with people worth investing in, as they would invest in you, rather than attempting to self-produce, or (and just as bad) having a cheap attack by hiring one of the many subpar, econo-hacks out there directly impacts whether or not you’ll continue and succeed. But by enlisting bona fide voiceover industry experts to train and produce you is how to effectively advance your voice over career.

No talent succeeds all on their own. Generally, it takes a team. You need: 

–  An experienced coach and demo producer who understands you and can best advise you, while understanding the overall industry itself.

–  A seasoned recording engineer who understands you, your tech proficiency, or lack thereof.

–  A graphic designer to create an appealing, appropriate brand identity.

–  A web designer to create (and often help maintain) your web presence. 

 But who do you trust? Especially when you’re just starting out, or starting again? What should you be looking for?

First begin by reviewing the expert coach/demo producer’s body of work online. Does their site appear to be up-to-date? Do they have a podcast, blog, YouTube Channel, or book(s) that offer industry insights as well as insights to their personality and their initial approachability? Do they seem easy to communicate with? That’s important. Listen to multiple demos they’ve produced with individuals that could be perceived as similar to you, or at least “in your wheelhouse”.  /

And, whenever possible, speak with them DIRECTLY. Granted that isn’t likely with everyone today. However, it is with us! We’re as close as a simple call during standard work hours at 877.886.3366

Considering the fact that few if any one under the age of 30 care to communicate except via text (but only with people the already know), or through the occasional email (but only if they absolutely have to), poses further obstacles. So, if you’re initially guarded about speaking directly with anyone over the phone, we get it, but you have to speak with your coach, and ultimately with clients before long.

Granted you may speak with an assistant first just to request a brief one-on-one with the expert in question, even if it takes a couple days to schedule. Your ability to communicate over the phone is still required among professionals from time to time. This is not to assume every expert should be at your beck and call for a quick phone call, or, and transversely, that the phone feature on your cell is no longer an operable feature either.

You want to determine what the potential coach/demo producer’s history and experience has been. Do they have a coaching/production process? If so, can they summarize what it is they do best? Do they specialize in voiceover and acting? Or has their concentration been mostly with radio and scoring gigs online? Answering these questions shouldn’t cost you a thing. This is a basic 10-minute fact finding conversation that should serve you well in the long run.

Determine what it is they do that aligns with your career goals. You should learn something about the industry, about the coach/demo producer, and possibly even yourself from speaking with them in advance of enlisting their services. After all, this is voiceover we’re talking about: communicate!

When you spoke with them, were you expected to make a handful of career decisions prior to having enough information to do so? Such as, “What sort of demo would you like to produce first?”

These are all elements to consider in advance. And while it may seem rather “expensive” to move forward in voiceover with a proper coach, the savings you achieve are long-term if you invest appropriately.

Attempting to DIY the two most critical career elements every professional talent face (coaching and demo production) when these elements should be delegated to responsible experts is easily the greatest misstep far too many small business owners face plant on. Thus, the expression, “Cheap is very expensive”.

At Actors’ SOUND ADVICE every talent we work with benefits from working directly with TWO of the industry’s most credible, skilled and respected experts in voiceover.

We professionally coach, produce, brand and art direct talent of every skill and experience level.

Advance your career: surround yourself with people who know more than you do.

So, even if you’ve never coached, never sat down with an expert who has a seasoned long view of this industry… even if you’ve had your demos professionally produced but you’re not certain what to do next, or maybe it’s been a year or more since you have… now’s your chance!

Give us a call at 877.886.3366 to schedule a few minutes to speak with one of us, or email us at info@voiceoverinfo.com to get the ball rolling.

Copyright © 2022 by Kate McClanaghan. All Rights Reserved.