VO Pro: The Business of Voiceover and Voice Acting

Alright, let’s talk about the mental game of going full-time as a freelancer. I’m talking about the shifts that take you from “Hey, I’m doing this voiceover thing on the side” to “This is what I do. Period.”  The mindset stuff is just as gritty and real as all the tangible things you’re already doing to make the work happen. But the mental side is where you’ll make or break yourself long-term.  Let’s walk through the shifts that get you from being part-time to owning this path full-time and for good. _____________________________ ▶️ Watch this video next: https://youtu.be/SLrH86CKJPM?si=GUG7gQAxFECjdsgZ SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/@vo-pro?sub_confirmation=1 The VO Freedom Master Plan: https://vopro.pro/vo-freedom-master-plan The VO Pro Community: https://vopro.app Use code You15Tube for 15% off of your membership for life. The VO Pro Podcast: https://vopro.pro/podcast 7 Steps to Starting and Developing a Career in Voiceover: https://welcome.vopro.pro/7-steps-yt Move Touch Inspire Newsletter for Voice Actors: https://vopro.pro/move-touch-inspire-youtube Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/vofreedom The VO Pro Shop: https://vopro.pro/shop Say Hi on Social:  https://pillar.io/paulschmidtpro https://www.instagram.com/vopro.pro https://www.clubhouse.com/@paulschmidtvo https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulschmidtvo/ My voice over website: https://paulschmidtvoice.com GVAA Rate Guide: http://vorateguide.com Tools and People I Work with and Recommend (If you use these links to buy something I may earn a commission.):  Recommended Book List with Links: https://amzn.to/3H9sBOO  Gear I Use with Links: https://amzn.to/3V4d3kZ As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For lead generation and targeting - Apollo.io: https://apollo.grsm.io/yt-paulschmidtpro Way Better than Linktree: https://pillar.io/referral/paulschmidtpro  

Today, we’re diving into voice over conferences—what they are, why they’re a must for serious voice actors, and how to navigate your first one like a pro. If you’re a new voice actor looking to grow your skills, connect with the VO community, or even just see what all the buzz is about, stick around.  From why to attend, to a practical VO Conferences Survival guide packed with tips, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make your first VO conference a smashing success.  Here's you the link to my FREE Done For You VO Conference Calendar that automatically updates the events in your personal calendar. https://welcome.vopro.pro/conference-calendar _____________________________ ▶️ Watch this video next: https://youtu.be/UhVkwvC82FY?si=SyxAiWnv1PZwm9Uj SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/@vo-pro?sub_confirmation=1 The VO Freedom Master Plan: https://vopro.pro/vo-freedom-master-plan The VO Pro Community: https://vopro.app Use code You15Tube for 15% off of your membership for life. The VO Pro Podcast: https://vopro.pro/podcast 7 Steps to Starting and Developing a Career in Voiceover: https://welcome.vopro.pro/7-steps-yt Move Touch Inspire Newsletter for Voice Actors: https://vopro.pro/move-touch-inspire-youtube Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/vofreedom The VO Pro Shop: https://vopro.pro/shop Say Hi on Social:  https://pillar.io/paulschmidtpro https://www.instagram.com/vopro.pro https://www.clubhouse.com/@paulschmidtvo https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulschmidtvo/ My voice over website: https://paulschmidtvoice.com GVAA Rate Guide: http://vorateguide.com Tools and People I Work with and Recommend (If you use these links to buy something I may earn a commission.):  Recommended Book List with Links: https://amzn.to/3H9sBOO Gear I Use with Links: https://amzn.to/3V4d3kZ As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For lead generation and targeting - Apollo.io: https://apollo.grsm.io/yt-paulschmidtpro Way Better than Linktree: https://pillar.io/referral/paulschmidtpro

Kevin Kilpatrick and Bobbi Maxwell, hosts of the Making Wavs podcast, join me to discuss their backgrounds in radio and how they transitioned into voiceover.  Kevin primarily works in automotive and e-learning, while Bobbi focuses on commercial work, particularly in the automotive and political genres. They also talk about the advantages and disadvantages of coming from a radio background in voiceover.  The conversation covers topics such as the different tiers of automotive work, the evolution of their podcast from the Middle Class VO Podcast to Making Wavs, and the importance of repeat clients in the voiceover industry. _____________________________ ▶️ Watch this video next: https://youtu.be/6heVi_SjSn0?si=ROdizqCbBUoCaHDd SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/@vo-pro?sub_confirmation=1 The VO Freedom Master Plan: https://vopro.pro/vo-freedom-master-plan The VO Pro Community: https://vopro.app Use code You15Tube for 15% off of your membership for life. The VO Pro Podcast: https://vopro.pro/podcast 7 Steps to Starting and Developing a Career in Voiceover: https://welcome.vopro.pro/7-steps-yt Move Touch Inspire Newsletter for Voice Actors: https://vopro.pro/move-touch-inspire-youtube Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/vofreedom The VO Pro Shop: https://vopro.pro/shop Say Hi on Social:  https://pillar.io/paulschmidtpro https://www.instagram.com/vopro.pro https://www.clubhouse.com/@paulschmidtvo https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulschmidtvo/ My voice over website: https://paulschmidtvoice.com GVAA Rate Guide: http://vorateguide.com Tools and People I Work with and Recommend (If you use these links to buy something I may earn a commission.): Recommended Book List with Links: https://amzn.to/3H9sBOO Gear I Use with Links: https://amzn.to/3V4d3kZ As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For lead generation and targeting - Apollo.io: https://apollo.grsm.io/yt-paulschmidtpro Way Better than Linktree: https://pillar.io/referral/paulschmidtpro

In this first-ever chat with our friend and colleague, we chat with the Queen of LinkedIn for VO, Tracey Lindley about her journey into the voiceover industry, her experiences with LinkedIn, and the importance of community and organization in building a successful career.  Tracy shares her unique background, the challenges she faced as a voice actor in a midsize market, and her strategies for networking and marketing herself effectively.  We also talk about the the evolution of LinkedIn and its impact on voice actors, as well as the significance of reliability and personal connections in the industry. Join our VO Pro Webinar with Tracy on October 23, 2024! Register HERE: https://community.vopro.pro/c/events/vo-pro-webinar-7d4ab0-f164b9c3-8de3-4e2c-abdf-6928607e8511 _____________________________ ▶️ Watch this video next: https://youtu.be/Vpl3DCJ0IlM?si=kEuwgLzs5gnf4Ijn SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/@vo-pro?sub_confirmation=1 The VO Freedom Master Plan: https://vopro.pro/vo-freedom-master-plan The VO Pro Community: https://vopro.app Use code You15Tube for 15% off of your membership for life. The VO Pro Podcast: https://vopro.pro/podcast 7 Steps to Starting and Developing a Career in Voiceover: https://welcome.vopro.pro/7-steps-yt Move Touch Inspire Newsletter for Voice Actors: https://vopro.pro/move-touch-inspire-youtube Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/vofreedom The VO Pro Shop: https://vopro.pro/shop Say Hi on Social:  https://pillar.io/paulschmidtpro https://www.instagram.com/vopro.pro https://www.clubhouse.com/@paulschmidtvo https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulschmidtvo/ My voice over website: https://paulschmidtvoice.com GVAA Rate Guide: http://vorateguide.com Tools and People I Work with and Recommend (If you use these links to buy something I may earn a commission.): Recommended Book List with Links: https://amzn.to/3H9sBOO Gear I Use with Links: https://amzn.to/3V4d3kZ As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For lead generation and targeting - Apollo.io: https://apollo.grsm.io/yt-paulschmidtpro Way Better than Linktree: https://pillar.io/referral/paulschmidtpro

Alright, so you’ve landed a big commercial gig, and the client’s ready to pay you thousands to use your voice. You’re stoked, right?  But then, buried in the contract, you see it: in-perpetuity rights. Sounds fancy, sounds official, but what does it actually mean?  And why should you, as a voice actor, care? Let’s break this down. This is In-Perpetuity Explained. Make sure you stick around because there is a scenario around in-perp you likely haven’t thought of and we have a special guest to walk you through it. _____________________________ ▶️ Watch this video next: https://youtu.be/kC-uSktPu1k?si=4P2rGx73szZdGpbv SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/@vo-pro?sub_confirmation=1 The VO Freedom Master Plan: https://vopro.pro/vo-freedom-master-plan The VO Pro Community: https://vopro.app Use code You15Tube for 15% off of your membership for life. The VO Pro Podcast: https://vopro.pro/podcast 7 Steps to Starting and Developing a Career in Voiceover: https://welcome.vopro.pro/7-steps-yt Move Touch Inspire Newsletter for Voice Actors: https://vopro.pro/move-touch-inspire-youtube Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/vofreedom The VO Pro Shop: https://vopro.pro/shop Say Hi on Social:  https://pillar.io/paulschmidtpro https://www.instagram.com/vopro.pro https://www.clubhouse.com/@paulschmidtvo https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulschmidtvo/ My voice over website: https://paulschmidtvoice.com GVAA Rate Guide: http://vorateguide.com Tools and People I Work with and Recommend (If you use these links to buy something I may earn a commission.):  Recommended Book List with Links: https://amzn.to/3H9sBOO Gear I Use with Links: https://amzn.to/3V4d3kZ As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For lead generation and targeting - Apollo.io: https://apollo.grsm.io/yt-paulschmidtpro Way Better than Linktree: https://pillar.io/referral/paulschmidtpro

Tom Dheere, known as the VO Strategist, shares his origin story as a voice actor and discusses the changes in the industry over the past 30 years.  Tom emphasizes the importance of being a good storyteller and adapting to the evolving industry, including the use of AI, and offers guidance and mentorship to voice actors, helping them navigate the industry and make informed decisions.  He also discusses the potential impact of AI on the voiceover industry and advises voice actors to consider their values and consult with a lawyer before getting involved with AI voice cloning. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Origin Story 07:09 The Cultural Shift in the Voiceover Industry 11:31 The Positive Impact of Diversity in Voiceover 17:52 Becoming the VO Strategist 26:24 Common Strategic Mistakes in Voiceover Careers 30:15 The Impact of AI on the Voiceover Industry 34:10 Considerations for AI Voice Cloning 37:26 The Future of AI in Voiceover Tom's site: https://www.voiceoverstrategist.com/ _____________________________ ▶️ Watch this video next: https://youtu.be/IEMzAw-ad30?si=3xE7Ne-3aADbbVCs SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/@vo-pro?sub_confirmation=1 The VO Freedom Master Plan: https://vopro.pro/vo-freedom-master-plan The VO Pro Community: https://vopro.app Use code You15Tube for 15% off of your membership for life. The VO Pro Podcast: https://vopro.pro/podcast 7 Steps to Starting and Developing a Career in Voiceover: https://welcome.vopro.pro/7-steps-yt Move Touch Inspire Newsletter for Voice Actors: https://vopro.pro/move-touch-inspire-youtube Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/vofreedom The VO Pro Shop: https://vopro.pro/shop Say Hi on Social:  https://pillar.io/paulschmidtpro https://www.instagram.com/vopro.pro https://www.clubhouse.com/@paulschmidtvo https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulschmidtvo/ My voice over website: https://paulschmidtvoice.com GVAA Rate Guide: http://vorateguide.com Tools and People I Work with and Recommend (If you use these links to buy something I may earn a commission.): Recommended Book List with Links: https://amzn.to/3H9sBOO Gear I Use with Links: https://amzn.to/3V4d3kZ As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For lead generation and targeting - Apollo.io: https://apollo.grsm.io/yt-paulschmidtpro Way Better than Linktree: https://pillar.io/referral/paulschmidtpro  

The current state of the voice over business is not the problem. Generative AI, the pay-to-plays, the glut of talent, the seemingly endless string of strikes… none of that is the reason you’re not succeeding in voice over. Today, I’m talking to me as much as I’m talking to you. You think everyone else, especially coaches have it all together all the time and I’m here to tell you I don’t always have it all together. No one does. Today is a pep talk for both of us.  _____________________________ ▶️ Watch this video next: https://youtu.be/IEMzAw-ad30?si=cvk2TsqXaF-pifjA SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/@vo-pro?sub_confirmation=1 The VO Freedom Master Plan: https://vopro.pro/vo-freedom-master-plan The VO Pro Community: https://vopro.app Use code You15Tube for 15% off of your membership for life. The VO Pro Podcast: https://vopro.pro/podcast 7 Steps to Starting and Developing a Career in Voiceover: https://welcome.vopro.pro/7-steps-yt Move Touch Inspire Newsletter for Voice Actors: https://vopro.pro/move-touch-inspire-youtube Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/vofreedom The VO Pro Shop: https://vopro.pro/shop Say Hi on Social:  https://pillar.io/paulschmidtpro https://www.instagram.com/vopro.pro https://www.clubhouse.com/@paulschmidtvo https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulschmidtvo/ My voice over website: https://paulschmidtvoice.com GVAA Rate Guide: http://vorateguide.com Tools and People I Work with and Recommend (If you use these links to buy something I may earn a commission.): Recommended Book List with Links: https://amzn.to/3H9sBOO Gear I Use with Links: https://amzn.to/3V4d3kZ As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For lead generation and targeting - Apollo.io: https://apollo.grsm.io/yt-paulschmidtpro Way Better than Linktree: https://pillar.io/referral/paulschmidtpro

To me, a great VO podcast has to be current – this industry changes at light speed and if you’re last episode was 4 months ago or you publish when you feel like it, you’re not keeping the community up to date. A great voiceover podcast has to be educational and insightful and give solid advice on the industry. If it’s full of get rich quick and Fiverr advice, it’s just garbage. And a great voice over podcast has to be listenable. The host or hosts have to be engaging and interesting. If they feature guests, the guests have to have insights and stories to tell, and the hosts should let the guests talk.  Today, I’m going to give you 14 of the Top Podcasts in Voice Over in no particular order. In my opinion, all 14 meet these criteria, and are super helpful to learn about the industry. _____________________________ ▶️ Watch this video next: https://youtu.be/BzSc3XNnXls SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/@vo-pro?sub_confirmation=1 The VO Freedom Master Plan: https://vopro.pro/vo-freedom-master-plan The VO Pro Community: https://vopro.app Use code You15Tube for 15% off of your membership for life. The VO Pro Podcast: https://vopro.pro/podcast 7 Steps to Starting and Developing a Career in Voiceover: https://welcome.vopro.pro/7-steps-yt Move Touch Inspire Newsletter for Voice Actors: https://vopro.pro/move-touch-inspire-youtube Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/vofreedom The VO Pro Shop: https://vopro.pro/shop Say Hi on Social:  https://pillar.io/paulschmidtpro https://www.instagram.com/vopro.pro https://www.clubhouse.com/@paulschmidtvo https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulschmidtvo/ My voice over website: https://paulschmidtvoice.com GVAA Rate Guide: http://vorateguide.com Tools and People I Work with and Recommend (If you use these links to buy something I may earn a commission.):  Recommended Book List with Links: https://amzn.to/3H9sBOO Gear I Use with Links: https://amzn.to/3V4d3kZ As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For lead generation and targeting - Apollo.io: https://apollo.grsm.io/yt-paulschmidtpro Way Better than Linktree: https://pillar.io/referral/paulschmidtpro

Today we chat with the incredible Erikka J. and we cover a lot of ground, including imposter syndrome, Erikka's journey in the voiceover industry, the importance of building relationships, and the evolving opportunities for women and people of color in the industry.  Erikka shares insights from her experiences with various coaches, including Kay Bess, Cliff Zellman, and Everett Oliver, and all with a ton of laughs along the way.  A must-listen, especially if you’re newer to the business. _____________________________ ▶️ Watch this video next: https://youtu.be/1W6tM_sgEO0 SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/@vo-pro?sub_confirmation=1 The VO Freedom Master Plan: https://vopro.pro/vo-freedom-master-plan The VO Pro Community: https://vopro.app Use code You15Tube for 15% off of your membership for life. The VO Pro Podcast: https://vopro.pro/podcast 7 Steps to Starting and Developing a Career in Voiceover: https://welcome.vopro.pro/7-steps-yt Move Touch Inspire Newsletter for Voice Actors: https://vopro.pro/move-touch-inspire-youtube Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/vofreedom The VO Pro Shop: https://vopro.pro/shop Say Hi on Social:  https://pillar.io/paulschmidtpro https://www.instagram.com/vopro.pro https://www.clubhouse.com/@paulschmidtvo https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulschmidtvo/ My voice over website: https://paulschmidtvoice.com GVAA Rate Guide: http://vorateguide.com Tools and People I Work with and Recommend (If you use these links to buy something I may earn a commission.):  Recommended Book List with Links: https://amzn.to/3H9sBOO Gear I Use with Links: https://amzn.to/3V4d3kZ As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For lead generation and targeting - Apollo.io: https://apollo.grsm.io/yt-paulschmidtpro Way Better than Linktree: https://pillar.io/referral/paulschmidtpro

Every Olympian has a goal of winning gold. Every team starts the season with the goal of a championship. It’s the systems, the habits, that separate elite from very good, very good, from good, good from mediocre, and mediocre from bad. So today, I’m going to lay out for you the Top 7 Habits of Highly Successful Voice Actors – the seven strategic systems or habits I believe to be the most effective for building a successful career in VO. And stick around because I’ll have a two special free bonus tools for you as we go through these. Free Time Audit Worksheet: https://welcome.vopro.pro/time-audit Time Mastery for Voice Actors – Free with VO Pro for a limited time: https://vopro.pro/vo-pro-1 VO Freedom Master Plan: https://vofreedommasterplan.com VO Pro Community: https://vopro.pro/vo-pro-1 Free 25 Gratitude Journaling Prompts: https://welcome.vopro.pro/gratitude _____________________________ ▶️ Watch this video next: https://youtu.be/Tago4yNZKvs SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/@vo-pro?sub_confirmation=1 The VO Freedom Master Plan: https://vopro.pro/vo-freedom-master-plan The VO Pro Community: https://vopro.app Use code You15Tube for 15% off of your membership for life. The VO Pro Podcast: https://vopro.pro/podcast 7 Steps to Starting and Developing a Career in Voiceover: https://welcome.vopro.pro/7-steps-yt Move Touch Inspire Newsletter for Voice Actors: https://vopro.pro/move-touch-inspire-youtube Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/vofreedom The VO Pro Shop: https://vopro.pro/shop Say Hi on Social:  https://pillar.io/paulschmidtpro https://www.instagram.com/vopro.pro https://www.clubhouse.com/@paulschmidtvo https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulschmidtvo/ My voice over website: https://paulschmidtvoice.com GVAA Rate Guide: http://vorateguide.com Tools and People I Work with and Recommend (If you use these links to buy something I may earn a commission.):  Recommended Book List with Links: https://amzn.to/3H9sBOO Gear I Use with Links: https://amzn.to/3V4d3kZ As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For lead generation and targeting - Apollo.io: https://apollo.grsm.io/yt-paulschmidtpro Way Better than Linktree: https://pillar.io/referral/paulschmidtpro

There are hundreds of apps out there to help run our voice acting businesses, but finding the right ones can be like finding a needle in a haystack. After a lot of trial and error, I’ve found a set of tools that works for me. In this video, I’m going to break down why I prefer these specific apps, what the learning curve is like, and how much they’ll set you back. Center Stage Design: https://centerstage.design/ App Links: https://www.hubspot.com/products/crm https://quickbooks.intuit.com/self-employed/ https://www.paypal.com/us/home https://wise.com/ https://www.squarespace.com/ https://www.openai.com/chatgpt https://www.audacityteam.org/ https://www.adobe.com/products/audition.html https://www.izotope.com/en/products/rx.html https://www.adobe.com/acrobat.html https://apollo.grsm.io/yt-paulschmidtpro https://www.onlysocial.com/ _____________________________ ▶️ Watch this video next: https://youtu.be/BzSc3XNnXls SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/@vo-pro?sub_confirmation=1 The VO Freedom Master Plan: https://vopro.pro/vo-freedom-master-plan The VO Pro Community: https://vopro.app  Use code You15Tube for 15% off of your membership for life. The VO Pro Podcast: https://vopro.pro/podcast 7 Steps to Starting and Developing a Career in Voiceover: https://welcome.vopro.pro/7-steps-yt Move Touch Inspire Newsletter for Voice Actors: https://vopro.pro/move-touch-inspire-youtube Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/vofreedom The VO Pro Shop: https://vopro.pro/shop Say Hi on Social:  https://pillar.io/paulschmidtpro https://www.instagram.com/vopro.pro https://www.clubhouse.com/@paulschmidtvo https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulschmidtvo/ My voice over website: https://paulschmidtvoice.com GVAA Rate Guide: http://vorateguide.com Tools and People I Work with and Recommend (If you use these links to buy something I may earn a commission.):  Recommended Book List with Links: https://amzn.to/3H9sBOO Gear I Use with Links: https://amzn.to/3V4d3kZ As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For lead generation and targeting - Apollo.io: https://apollo.grsm.io/yt-paulschmidtpro Way Better than Linktree: https://pillar.io/referral/paulschmidtpro

Today, an eye-opening chat with the best animation coach in the business, Everett Oliver, as we discuss the state of the animation business, Everett's background in the animation industry, the importance of developing relationships, and the difference between voicing a character and creating a character.  We also touch on the impact of the SAG-AFTRA strike and the need for diversity in voiceover roles. Everett emphasizes the importance of being creative and bringing a unique perspective to voice acting. Everett Oliver: https://voiceactingdirector.com _____________________________ ▶️ Watch this video next: https://youtu.be/9rK_EeFnmFY SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/@vo-pro?sub_confirmation=1 The VO Freedom Master Plan: https://vopro.pro/vo-freedom-master-plan The VO Pro Community: https://vopro.app Use code You15Tube for 15% off of your membership for life. The VO Pro Podcast: https://vopro.pro/podcast 7 Steps to Starting and Developing a Career in Voiceover: https://welcome.vopro.pro/7-steps-yt Move Touch Inspire Newsletter for Voice Actors: https://vopro.pro/move-touch-inspire-youtube Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/vofreedom The VO Pro Shop: https://vopro.pro/shop Say Hi on Social:  https://pillar.io/paulschmidtpro https://www.instagram.com/vopro.pro https://www.clubhouse.com/@paulschmidtvo https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulschmidtvo/ My voice over website: https://paulschmidtvoice.com GVAA Rate Guide: http://vorateguide.com Tools and People I Work with and Recommend (If you use these links to buy something I may earn a commission.):  Recommended Book List with Links: https://amzn.to/3H9sBOO Gear I Use with Links: https://amzn.to/3V4d3kZ As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For lead generation and targeting - Apollo.io: https://apollo.grsm.io/yt-paulschmidtpro Way Better than Linktree: https://pillar.io/referral/paulschmidtpro

Just about everything in the voice over business slows down in June, July, and August.  But I also hear a lot of talk about a more macro slowdown in the voice over industry overall. Is that real? Is that just a chicken little reaction to AI? Are there other forces at play? Is this a perfect storm that means existential crisis for our business? Do you want the real answer? Who cares. In my humble opinion, which is all I have because there is no data on this that anyone is aware of, yes there appears to be a general slowdown in the industry for many voice actors.  The fact is you, I, nor the ghost of Don LaFontaine himself can’t control the global macro and micro forces that may or may not contribute to a slowdown that may or may not be having but think so because, ya know, AI and P2Ps and el Niño and sunspots and windmills. So, who cares? It doesn’t even matter if there’s a slowdown in the industry or not. If it’s slow for you, it’s slow. And if there is a slowdown in the industry, macro or micro, you can’t do shit about it. But you can do something with it. You have the choice to not just survive, but thrive. Today, we’re going to talk about doubling down, leaning into the slowness, and using it to your competitive advantage so that you emerge from the Summer Slowdown, and any slowdown or crisis, even stronger, better, and more successful. _____________________________ ▶️ Watch this video next: https://youtu.be/op22hCQPPeU?si=txe-PspVJ3I6F4ev SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/@vo-pro?sub_confirmation=1 The VO Freedom Master Plan: https://vopro.pro/vo-freedom-master-plan The VO Pro Community: https://vopro.app Use code You15Tube for 15% off of your membership for life. The VO Pro Podcast: https://vopro.pro/podcast 7 Steps to Starting and Developing a Career in Voiceover: https://welcome.vopro.pro/7-steps-yt Move Touch Inspire Newsletter for Voice Actors: https://vopro.pro/move-touch-inspire-youtube Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/vofreedom The VO Pro Shop: https://vopro.pro/shop Say Hi on Social:  https://pillar.io/paulschmidtpro https://www.instagram.com/vopro.pro https://www.clubhouse.com/@paulschmidtvo https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulschmidtvo/ My voice over website: https://paulschmidtvoice.com GVAA Rate Guide: http://vorateguide.com Tools and People I Work with and Recommend (If you use these links to buy something I may earn a commission.):  Recommended Book List with Links: https://amzn.to/3H9sBOO Gear I Use with Links: https://amzn.to/3V4d3kZ As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For lead generation and targeting - Apollo.io: https://apollo.grsm.io/yt-paulschmidtpro Way Better than Linktree: https://pillar.io/referral/paulschmidtpro

One of the problems with voice over advice on YouTube and in general is that it often comes from successful people.  Stay with me.  Among the things it takes to be successful is time. So, the people that are successful today started years and often decades ago. And the problem with that is voice over is a very different business than it was 30, 20, 10, even 5 years ago. And so many of the strategies and paths and techniques that made successful voice actors even in the 20-teens don’t apply today, here, now, in the mid 2020’s and beyond. If you’re just getting into the business today, that’s a problem. So today I’m going to tell you exactly what I would do if I were a new voice actor. I’ll give you the timeline and how I would spend my time, money, energy, attention.  I’ll tell you what tools I would use, gear I would buy, and just as importantly, mistakes I would not make that rookies today make often.  Recommended Beginner VO Facebook Groups: https://www.facebook.com/groups/vofreedom https://www.facebook.com/groups/756101365897795 https://www.facebook.com/groups/533192523873076 https://www.facebook.com/groups/globalvoiceovertalent https://www.facebook.com/groups/themicrophoneinsider Training Guide for Beginners: https://youtu.be/dKocFpjubt0?si=m2nVo5Jzcnn1XEi5 Download Audacity: https://www.audacityteam.org/download/ Audacity Tutorials: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=audacity+tutorials+for+beginners+ Mike Russell Audacity Tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vlzOb4OLj94 Blue Yeti Mic on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4aYnPQo Why NOT to DIY Your Demo: https://youtu.be/uVsjXQYseHM?si=Xub3tnrEFS2MVOJ- VO Booth Besties: https://www.youtube.com/@VOBoothBesties and https://www.boothbesties.com/podcast-library Synco D2 Microphone: https://amzn.to/45kuX8s Steinberg UR22 Audio Interface: https://amzn.to/4b2JqXP The VO Freedom Master Plan: https://vofreedommasterplan.com _____________________________ ▶️ Watch this video next: https://youtu.be/KMQBMQq332M SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/@vo-pro?sub_confirmation=1 The VO Freedom Master Plan: https://vopro.pro/vo-freedom-master-plan The VO Pro Community: https://vopro.app Use code You15Tube for 15% off of your membership for life. The VO Pro Podcast: https://vopro.pro/podcast 7 Steps to Starting and Developing a Career in Voiceover: https://welcome.vopro.pro/7-steps-yt Move Touch Inspire Newsletter for Voice Actors: https://vopro.pro/move-touch-inspire-youtube Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/vofreedom The VO Pro Shop: https://vopro.pro/shop Say Hi on Social:  https://pillar.io/paulschmidtpro https://www.instagram.com/vopro.pro https://www.clubhouse.com/@paulschmidtvo https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulschmidtvo/ My voice over website: https://paulschmidtvoice.com GVAA Rate Guide: http://vorateguide.com Tools and People I Work with and Recommend (If you use these links to buy something I may earn a commission.):  Recommended Book List with Links: https://amzn.to/3H9sBOO Gear I Use with Links: https://amzn.to/3V4d3kZ As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For lead generation and targeting - Apollo.io: https://apollo.grsm.io/yt-paulschmidtpro Way Better than Linktree: https://pillar.io/referral/paulschmidtpro

We need to talk. Whenever a conversation starts with that sentence, you know it’s going to be uncomfortable. But you need to hear this and I need to say it. I say it with love and kindness, but it’s going to be real, honest, and direct. Blunt, even. Voice actors, I talk to dozens of you every week. I ask you straight up what’s holding you back in your voice over career. Here are the Top 5 most common answers I get: Procrastination. Time management. Shiny object syndrome. Perfectionism. Distraction. Sense a theme?  Takeaways: Procrastination, time management, shiny object syndrome, perfectionism, and distraction are common challenges faced by voice actors. Effective time and attention management are crucial for success in the voice acting industry. Voice actors need to take control of their lives, make disciplined choices, and eliminate excuses. Prioritizing and focusing on the most important tasks and goals is essential. Participating in the voice acting community and supporting each other can lead to a stronger industry. Chapters: 00:00 Identifying the Challenges 02:26 Taking Control of Your Life and Business 03:55 Embracing the Hard Work 06:51 Effective Time and Attention Management 08:14 Building a Strong Voice Acting Community _____________________________ ▶️ Watch this video next: https://youtu.be/sPGNkq48BXw SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/@vo-pro?sub_confirmation=1 The VO Freedom Master Plan: https://vopro.pro/vo-freedom-master-plan The VO Pro Community: https://vopro.app Use code You15Tube for 15% off of your membership for life. The VO Pro Podcast: https://vopro.pro/podcast 7 Steps to Starting and Developing a Career in Voiceover: https://welcome.vopro.pro/7-steps-yt Move Touch Inspire Newsletter for Voice Actors: https://vopro.pro/move-touch-inspire-youtube Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/vofreedom The VO Pro Shop: https://vopro.pro/shop Say Hi on Social:  https://pillar.io/paulschmidtpro https://www.instagram.com/vopro.pro https://www.clubhouse.com/@paulschmidtvo https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulschmidtvo/ My voice over website: https://paulschmidtvoice.com GVAA Rate Guide: http://vorateguide.com Tools and People I Work with and Recommend (If you use these links to buy something I may earn a commission.):  Recommended Book List with Links: https://amzn.to/3H9sBOO Gear I Use with Links: https://amzn.to/3V4d3kZ As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For lead generation and targeting - Apollo.io: https://apollo.grsm.io/yt-paulschmidtpro Way Better than Linktree: https://pillar.io/referral/paulschmidtpro

There are Seven Deadly Sins in voice over. Things you should never do under any circumstances, and things that, if you do try to get away with them, I guarantee you it will bite you in the ass, either in the near or long term. Some of these will seem obvious, some not as obvious, but I can tell you I’ve personally seen multiple examples of ALL of them in the real world, and one of them is not just common, but it runs rampant in our industry. Today, I’m going to break down these Seven Deadly Sins, explain to you why they are gigantic no-nos written across the sky in red neon, and what the consequences are for committing them are. In fact, let’s get the consequences out of the way. Are these sins deadly as in will they kill your career? Some actually can. But at the very least, they will kill the most important relationships you have in this business, damage your reputation in the industry, and in some cases, will get your ass hauled into court. In case I haven’t made it clear, NEVER, as in ever-ever-never do these seven things... _____________________________ ▶️ Watch this video next: https://youtu.be/atloT8diYvY?si=JSekmcZ3MpOLuAdl SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/@vo-pro?sub_confirmation=1 The VO Freedom Master Plan: https://vopro.pro/vo-freedom-master-plan The VO Pro Community: https://vopro.app Use code You15Tube for 15% off of your membership for life. The VO Pro Podcast: https://vopro.pro/podcast 7 Steps to Starting and Developing a Career in Voiceover: https://welcome.vopro.pro/7-steps-yt Move Touch Inspire Newsletter for Voice Actors: https://vopro.pro/move-touch-inspire-youtube Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/vofreedom The VO Pro Shop: https://vopro.pro/shop Say Hi on Social:  https://pillar.io/paulschmidtpro https://www.instagram.com/vopro.pro https://www.clubhouse.com/@paulschmidtvo https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulschmidtvo/ My voice over website: https://paulschmidtvoice.com GVAA Rate Guide: http://vorateguide.com Tools and People I Work with and Recommend (If you use these links to buy something I may earn a commission.):  Recommended Book List with Links: https://amzn.to/3H9sBOO Gear I Use with Links: https://amzn.to/3V4d3kZ As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For lead generation and targeting - Apollo.io: https://apollo.grsm.io/yt-paulschmidtpro Way Better than Linktree: https://pillar.io/referral/paulschmidtpro

Voice actors are petrified of marketing their services.  Today, we’re going to get into what those fears are, why they exist, and why they’re complete and utter B.S.  We’ll talk about some of the misconceptions around sales and marketing your voice over business, and what sales and marketing really are at their core. And we'll kick it all off with a story.... Takeaways: Voice actors often have fears and misconceptions about marketing their services. Sales and marketing are vital for the success of a voiceover business. The fear of annoying people and being seen as salesy or manipulative is common among voice actors. Overcoming the fear of reaching out to potential clients is crucial for business growth. Refusing to change and grow is a fixed mindset that can hinder success. Chapters: 00:00 Unraveling the Fears and Misconceptions of Voice Actors in Marketing 07:16 The Importance of Sales and Marketing in the Voiceover Business 08:41 Overcoming the Fear of Reaching Out to Potential Clients 11:21 The Fixed Mindset: A Barrier to Success in the Voiceover Industry ____________________ ▶️ Watch this video next: https://youtu.be/U112H7vlGQc?si=dewDYLvTEGEWWtT8 SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/@vo-pro?sub_confirmation=1 The VO Freedom Master Plan: https://vopro.pro/vo-freedom-master-plan The VO Pro Community: https://vopro.app Use code You15Tube for 15% off of your membership for life. The VO Pro Podcast: https://vopro.pro/podcast 7 Steps to Starting and Developing a Career in Voiceover: https://welcome.vopro.pro/7-steps-yt Move Touch Inspire Newsletter for Voice Actors: https://vopro.pro/move-touch-inspire-youtube Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/vofreedom The VO Pro Shop: https://vopro.pro/shop Say Hi on Social:  https://pillar.io/paulschmidtpro https://www.instagram.com/vopro.pr https://www.clubhouse.com/@paulschmidtvo https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulschmidtvo/ My voice over website: https://paulschmidtvoice.com GVAA Rate Guide: http://vorateguide.com Tools and People I Work with and Recommend (If you use these links to buy something I may earn a commission.):  Recommended Book List with Links: https://amzn.to/3H9sBOO Gear I Use with Links: https://amzn.to/3V4d3kZ As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For lead generation and targeting - Apollo.io: https://apollo.grsm.io/yt-paulschmidtpro Way Better than Linktree: https://pillar.io/referral/paulschmidtpro

The voiceover industry is experiencing significant changes due to the rise of AI and ongoing strikes.  However, there are still opportunities for human voice actors in certain genres.  Audiobooks, e-learning, animation/video games, and commercials are hot genres that continue to rely on human narrators. On the other hand, telephony/IVR, simple narration, and audio description/localization are not as in-demand and are being taken over by AI.  To navigate this changing landscape, voice actors should diversify, continuously learn, embrace technology, build relationships, create their own content, and stay adaptable. Takeaways: The demand for audiobooks and human narrators is high, despite AI's presence. E-learning and educational content offer plenty of voiceover work. Animation and video games still rely on real human actors for character voices. Commercials value authenticity and trust, making human voice actors essential. Telephony/IVR, simple narration, and audio description/localization are being taken over by AI. Voice actors should diversify, continuously learn, embrace technology, build relationships, create their own content, and stay adaptable. https://voiceoversandvocals.com/podcast/ _____________________________ ▶️ Watch this video next: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVUuUfwNTG--7SOIG9FS0huEcwX3vyUZx SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/@vo-pro?sub_confirmation=1 The VO Freedom Master Plan: https://vopro.pro/vo-freedom-master-plan The VO Pro Community: https://vopro.app Use code You15Tube for 15% off of your membership for life. The VO Pro Podcast: https://vopro.pro/podcast 7 Steps to Starting and Developing a Career in Voiceover: https://welcome.vopro.pro/7-steps-yt Move Touch Inspire Newsletter for Voice Actors: https://vopro.pro/move-touch-inspire-youtube Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/vofreedom The VO Pro Shop: https://vopro.pro/shop Say Hi on Social:  https://pillar.io/paulschmidtpro https://www.instagram.com/vopro.pro https://www.clubhouse.com/@paulschmidtvo https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulschmidtvo/ My voice over website: https://paulschmidtvoice.com GVAA Rate Guide: http://vorateguide.com Tools and People I Work with and Recommend (If you use these links to buy something I may earn a commission.):  Recommended Book List with Links: https://amzn.to/3H9sBOO Gear I Use with Links: https://amzn.to/3V4d3kZ As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For lead generation and targeting - Apollo.io: https://apollo.grsm.io/yt-paulschmidtpro Way Better than Linktree: https://pillar.io/referral/paulschmidtpro

Carin Gilfry, founder of Voice Actors of New York City and co-founder of the National Association of Voice Actors, discusses the Vocation and eVocation conferences, whether Voices is listening to voice actors, the impact of AI on the voiceover industry, and the work of NAVA in advocating for voice actors.  She points out the need for legislation to protect voice actors' biometric data and right of publicity, and highlights the importance of authentic representation and casting practices.  Carin also shares her passion for voice acting and her desire to explore more opportunities in video games and animation. Takeaways: Vocation and eVocation conferences provide voice actors with valuable information on running their businesses and learning from industry experts. The voiceover industry needs legislation to protect voice actors' biometric data and right of publicity. Authentic representation and casting practices are important for creating diverse and inclusive voiceover projects. Voice actors have limitless potential and can continue to grow and explore new opportunities in the industry. NAVA: https://navavoices.org _____________________________ ▶️ Watch this video next: https://youtu.be/U112H7vlGQc?si=Xf9acLFBvv-1Um3M SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/@vo-pro?sub_confirmation=1 The VO Freedom Master Plan: https://vopro.pro/vo-freedom-master-plan The VO Pro Community: https://vopro.app Use code You15Tube for 15% off of your membership for life. The VO Pro Podcast: https://vopro.pro/podcast 7 Steps to Starting and Developing a Career in Voiceover: https://welcome.vopro.pro/7-steps-yt Move Touch Inspire Newsletter for Voice Actors: https://vopro.pro/move-touch-inspire-youtube Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/vofreedom The VO Pro Shop: https://vopro.pro/shop Say Hi on Social:  https://pillar.io/paulschmidtpro https://www.instagram.com/vopro.pro https://www.clubhouse.com/@paulschmidtvo https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulschmidtvo/ My voice over website: https://paulschmidtvoice.com GVAA Rate Guide: http://vorateguide.com Tools and People I Work with and Recommend (If you use these links to buy something I may earn a commission.):  Recommended Book List with Links: https://amzn.to/3H9sBOO Gear I Use with Links: https://amzn.to/3V4d3kZ As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For lead generation and targeting - Apollo.io: https://apollo.grsm.io/yt-paulschmidtpro Way Better than Linktree: https://pillar.io/referral/paulschmidtpro

To be a successful business, you have to have great clients. What are great clients? They are ones that understand the value you provide, pay you well, and send you a lot of recurring work. We’re not talking about getting one-off jobs here. Any trained monkey can do that. That means strong relationships with great partners. Obvious, right? But not so obvious is HOW to get great clients, HOW to build strong relationships with great partners. Today, I’m going to give you my Top 6 Ways to Get Great Clients and Keep Them. Go For No, by Richard Fenton and Andrea Waltz: https://amzn.to/3WAeydD Takeaways Great clients value what you provide and are willing to pay you well. Start more conversations to attract great clients. Look, sound, and act like a professional to build strong relationships with clients. Make it easy for clients to work with you. Charge professional rates to attract clients who value your work. Occasionally surprise and delight clients to exceed their expectations. Show gratitude after every job to strengthen client relationships. Chapters 00:00 How to Get and Keep Great Clients 03:10 Looking, Sounding, and Acting Like a Pro 05:55 Making the Process Easy for Clients 07:15 Charging What Professionals Charge 08:40 Surprising and Delighting Clients 10:21 Showing Gratitude to Clients _____________________________ ▶️ Watch this video next: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVUuUfwNTG-9yGNYM-h8a2KlfAoGr1yxx SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/@vo-pro?sub_confirmation=1 The VO Freedom Master Plan: https://vopro.pro/vo-freedom-master-plan The VO Pro Community: https://vopro.app Use code You15Tube for 15% off of your membership for life. The VO Pro Podcast: https://vopro.pro/podcast 7 Steps to Starting and Developing a Career in Voiceover: https://welcome.vopro.pro/7-steps-yt Move Touch Inspire Newsletter for Voice Actors: https://vopro.pro/move-touch-inspire-youtube Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/vofreedom The VO Pro Shop: https://vopro.pro/shop Say Hi on Social:  https://pillar.io/paulschmidtpro https://www.instagram.com/vopro.pro https://www.clubhouse.com/@paulschmidtvo https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulschmidtvo/ My voice over website: https://paulschmidtvoice.com GVAA Rate Guide: http://vorateguide.com Tools and People I Work with and Recommend (If you use these links to buy something I may earn a commission.):  Recommended Book List with Links: https://amzn.to/3H9sBOO Gear I Use with Links: https://amzn.to/3V4d3kZ As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For lead generation and targeting - Apollo.io: https://apollo.grsm.io/yt-paulschmidtpro Way Better than Linktree: https://pillar.io/referral/paulschmidtpro