Why link to so many other voice talent?

Why do I have links to not only every voiceover blog, forum and discussion group I can find; but also to lots of other voice actors both women and men? Seth Godin provides the best response to this question I’ve ever seen. Here’s how he starts his blog post on October 29, 2008.

Actual conversation at a local shoe store: “Do you have dress shoes in a size 6?”

“No, I’m sorry we don’t.”

“We’re from out of town. Do you know any place we can get some?”

“I’m sorry I don’t. Perhaps you’d like some in a size 8?”

Now, what are the chances that someone who wants a size 6 is going to buy an 8? Zero. The game is over. You lost.

I’ve said this a number of times here and in conversations in person. I’m not in the voiceover business, I’m in the problem-solving business. When someone hires me to tell their story, my first obligation is to tell that story as effectively as I can. To deliver the recording of that story on time. And in the format they need. I don’t want to add to anyone’s problems. I want to help solve their problems. In so doing, I hope to build long-term relationships with companies that will need their stories told again, and again and again.

It’s always wonderful when things work out that way.

But, I’m not going to be the right voice every time. So, I want to provide lots of options. Because in the end, I want to keep solving my client’s problems even when I’m not the voice they need.

(edited to fix typos)