If you’re anything like me, and I’m guessing many voice actors are like this, you can sometimes be seduced by two extremes.
 
Both of which can leave you with the realization that you didn’t get that much accomplished!
 
One is the hectic, day-to-day “busyness” of checking emails, recording auditions, social media, balancing your checkbooks, and fitting in jobs and client correspondence here and there.
 
In other words, working IN your business instead of ON your business, and just getting through the day fielding what’s presented to you.
 
OR FEEL OVERWHELMED?
The other extreme is having huge, grandiose goals and feeling overwhelmed by all that it will take to move forward on them.
 
Then you spend too much time fantasizing, researching and planning - forgetting about the business you already have that needs your daily attention.
 
BACK ON TRACK
Sometimes what helps me get centered, and enables me to bring my focus back to what’s useful in my voice over business, is to think of simple but effective ways to make a positive difference, day-to-day.
 
Or, to revisit useful business practices that I’ve let go by the wayside because I’ve either been too involved in “busyness” or too enamored with huge new goals.
 
I’ll share some of my favorite business practices and tips for improving your voice over business.
 
Some are ridiculously easy, but ALL will benefit your business.
 
THE 29 TIPS ...
 
1. During business hours, keep your focus only on revenue-generating activities.
 
2. Follow up with client inquiries within 24 hours. Preferably less.
 
3. Get crystal clear on who your target market is, and who your ideal client is.
 
4. Keep the company of supportive, motivating and inspiring people.
 
5. Ask for testimonials from satisfied clients on a regular basis. Remind them if they forget. (And don’t forget to ask engineers at recording studios, as well.)
 
6. Be yourself at all times. Be genuine and authentic. That’s what sets you apart from everyone else and makes you unique.
 
7. Set goals for your voice over business regularly. Weekly. Monthly. Yearly. Then break them down into doable steps.
 
8. Keep your office well equipped. Be prepared. Don’t “run out” of business cards, thank-you cards, printer paper, print cartridges, etc.
 
9. Craft a 35-word description of exactly how you help your clients, and what your voice over specialties are. Then practice it, out loud. So when someone asks you, “What do you do?” you know exactly what to say without fumbling for words or rambling.
 
10. Assemble a Mastermind Group (two or more people) and meet regularly to discuss and brainstorm your business ideas, goals, and challenges.
 
11. Create an email signature that promotes your voice over business.
 
12. Have a checking account, savings account and credit cards that are strictly for business use.
 
13. Ask for referrals from your clients and customers on a regular basis.
 
14. Always be learning: new technology, public speaking, social media strategies, communication techniques. Keep up on current events.
 
15. Use mail (snail mail) as well as the Internet to keep in touch with existing clients and to reach out to new ones. Thank-you cards, direct-mail pieces, gifts, letters, post cards and “lumpy mail.”
 
16. Ask for advice when you need it. Even if it means asking clients or “higher ups.” People love to be helpful. Don’t be afraid to ask.
 
17. Have a great business card and hand it out like candy.
 
18. Invite your best clients to lunch, out for drinks, or coffee.
 
19. Contribute monthly to a cause you believe in. Make giving back a part of your business practices.
 
20. Trust yourself. Don’t be derailed by naysayers. Stay away from negative blogs and negative people in the industry, and have faith in your vision and your abilities.
 
21. Diversify. Develop abilities outside your current skill set and comfort zone. Stretch yourself into different niches. For example, if you typically do corporate narration, try character voices. If you usually do radio imaging, try documentary narration.
 
22. Refer your clients and business colleagues to others. Be a resource while at the same time helping others succeed in their businesses.
 
23. Take time to unplug and spend time away from your business on a regular basis, even if it’s only for short periods of time.
 
24. Check your website(s) regularly to make sure everything is functioning exactly as it should be. Make sure your demos play quickly and that the volume is consistent.
 
25. Keep track of the top 20% of your clients and treat them like GOLD. Remember the 80/20 rule? You’re probably earning 80% of your income from 20% of your clients. Make sure they know how important they are to you.
 
26. Reach out to a new client at least once a day.
 
27. Reach out to an existing client at least once a day.
 
28. Focus on one task at a time. Don’t multitask.
 
29. Remember daily why you started your voice over business and keep your passion, faith, and contribution amped up!