Tracy Pattin emailed this evening with a question about what I’m doing to keep my voiceover business going during the current economic season. Here’s what I wrote for her.
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I’m pretty sure there’s no such thing as “recession-proofing” one’s voiceover business. Everyone is going to have some ups and downs; but here’s a quick thought for you.
One critical key for doing well in the long term is to avoid putting all of one’s eggs in a single basket. If a voice actor is doing a ton of commercials and not much else, that’s maybe a voice actor who will go through some lean times in the next year or two.
Those of us who do some commercials, some documentaries, some imaging, some promos, some corporate, some eLearning, some audiobooks? I think we’ll all be OK as long as we continue to work hard at our craft. Work hard at exceeding the expectations of our clients. Work hard at always raising ourselves to the next level in our work.
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Be sure to check the Voicebank Blog to see the first entry in this series, from my friend Caryn Clark and to see what Tracy gleans from a wide variety of voice talent.
Bob!
I so agree…and I just posted a comment on Barbara Winter’s blog last night using just about the same terminology as you just did! I said that never again do I want to put all my financial eggs in one (employer’s) basket.
I like the freelance world where I work with many clients – both repeat ones & new ones.
Where for me the work is varied: Narrations/e-learning, commercials, telephony work and animation!
I had a conversation recently with a (VERY successful) fellow VO about this and he said “Last week I had 16 employers” – THAT’S “job security!”
Even if a few clients leave, you still have enough to keep going and – with continued efforts – new ones come along. It’s a cycle.
I love my job! 🙂
Peace!
Liz
Liz,
Thank you. I’m glad to read your thoughts on this subject. You should send a note to Tracy with your comments. I think she would like to read them.
Be well,
Bob
That’s a very good point Bob and Liz. I’m glad you wrote about it. Diversity is key!!
Caryn
Caryn,
Thank you for stopping by and adding to the conversation.
Be well,
Bob