To be successful in this business, you need to do a few things — be really great at voiceover, have a great brand, be a great marketer and have great connections and networking. But the true voiceover achievers I know also do something else: they have a spirit of service that propels them forward.
It occurs to me when working with these overachievers that this is something we could all do better. When you get up in the morning and think, “How can I serve my community with as much heart as possible?” that helps move you forward in this business.
It can be a tricky balance. You don’t want to give so much that your business isn’t viable, or that you’re taken advantage of, or that you become resentful. Here’s some ways you can overdeliver without overextending yourself:
• Turn in your work early. Your client now has your amazing work in hand and they can get on with producing their project.
• Have the most awesome studio possible. Call in a pro who specializes in studio setup. George Whittam, Dan Lenard and Dan Friedman are a few names that come to mind.
• Be a great communicator. Don’t yammer at your clients. Communicate thoroughly so there are no mistakes and you’re giving them exactly what they need.
• Use your skills to add value. Are you a great editor? Do you have great production skills? An awesome music library? Use all the tools at your disposal to give your clients some value-added love.
An actor recently was asked to do a huge last-minute job for a longtime client. It was a ridiculous amount of work and a rush job — a situation that would make many people roll their eyes, act put out and want to do the bare minimum. Instead, this actor concentrated on the payday and the relationships, got the job done with aplomb, beat the deadline, and added editing and production to boot.
Who’s going to be their go-to?
Yep. This actor.
Another actor responded to a similar high-pressure situation with a diva attitude. This actor demanded rush fees, needed to be stroked and soothed by both client and handlers, and felt put out. Guess what?
This actor lost the client.
There’s a fine line between having impeccable customer service and not being a doormat. Talented business professionals know the difference. Protect your rates. Protect professionalism. But don’t be so protective that you assume the world is out to get you.
When you set out to make other people’s lives better and every project as awesome as it can be, your career will grow. And if you do have a client that doesn’t appreciate you or is treating you unfairly you can walk away with a spring in your step knowing that you gave it your all.
Want a little more voiceover goodness? Pick up a copy of “Voiceover Achiever” on Amazon and keep growing your career.
In the spirit of service,
Celia
Great article! If everyone in every industry applied these principles, just imagine how much better our world would be. I appreciate all you said!