Threats to Your Success in Voice Over

Finding success in the voice over industry is not as easy as recording a couple of commercials or an e-book and then just waiting for your phone to start ringing off the hook.  It takes hard work, dedication, time, and expense.  Unless you’re willing to give it your all, you’re not going to get far in this industry.  There are times, however, when even giving 110% isn’t enough, because some unforeseen obstacle gets in your way.  Don’t let this happen to you – recognize potential threats and deal with them before they materialize.

Establish a Recording Backup Plan

Let’s say you have a great home studio that allows you to get all your VO work done in one place. You’re working on your own schedule, at your own pace, and loving the flexibility this provides.  But what happens when the unexpected occurs and suddenly you can’t record in your home studio?  This could be the result of equipment malfunction, a gas leak, a fire, or some other unfortunate disaster.  Bottom line, your studio is no longer available.  So now what?

Now you establish a recording back up plan that involves one of two things, or better yet, both.  First, if you can swing it, invest in some backup equipment.  You don’t need to replicate the entire studio, but having a few important pieces, like an extra mic, a laptop computer loaded with a copy of your favorite recording and editing software (essentially your "road kit"), can really come in handy if a piece of your regular equipment fails and you’re on a tight deadline. Another option – and one that you should really consider – is to have a go-to outside recording studio. Locate a reputable studio in your area, schedule a few recording sessions to build a good rapport, and find out if they are available for last minute sessions if the need ever arises.

Allow Extra Time for Recordings

It’s also a good idea to build in extra time for any project you’re doing. Let’s say that you have a narration project that will amount to about an hour of VO after editing is complete.  Well, this hour of finished product will actually take several hours of your time to record and edit.  But what happens if one of the scenarios above occurs, or even if you get sick or have to go out of town unexpectedly? Suddenly you’ve tacked on a few extra days before you can deliver the final product to the client. That’s why it’s important not to promise unrealistic timelines for delivery and to allow additional time in case something comes up.

These are just a couple of threats to VO success, but fortunately, there are easy ways to avoid or work around them.  Use the tips above to avert disaster and keep on your path to success.