VO Pro: The Business of Voiceover and Voice Acting Paul Schmidt

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