The “Sound First Impression” for Your Business: A Voice Over Talent’s Worth

What is the “sound” first impression of your business? When a potential customer calls on the phone, accesses that explainer video on you-tube, or takes your virtual tour, do they hear the quality you want them to feel?

That’s the question for many small businesses, who don’t budget for a professional welcome or on-hold message because they think it doesn’t matter. Is this you?

Does the Voice Over Matter?

Put on your customer hat for a minute.  How much does that first impression count for you? Have you ever wanted to hang up on a call because the first voice you heard sounded completely uninterested in you, or – worse – just too annoying to listen to?

Yesterday I taught an “Investigate Voice Over” workshop for Edge Studio, and as we explored VO opportunities beyond the more-obvious “cartoons and commercials”, we got to the telephony category.  One student shared that he had recently called a local junkyard (his word – do those even exist anymore?), and had been so surprised by the quality of the voice on the phone system that his estimation of the company’s image leaped up immediately.  “They obviously cared enough about their business to have a pro on their phone system, and that made me think they would do a great job more me. It suddenly seemed more dignified, somehow, and friendlier.”

What that voice talent did was bust a preconception/misconception about “junkyards” simply by creating a “sound” first impression with his or her delivery that created a totally different image in the customer’s mind.  When it came time to do business, the starting point was way higher than it had been before the call.

Time saved.

And that’s why voice talents make the (hopefully) big bucks.  Or at least should know their own worth, and the value the right delivery brings to the table.  It also means, that there is a lot of work out there to help (yes, we do help!) other small businesses get a leg up on the competition by having that first impression count.

Voice over talents provide a unique service. The right match between talent and business can be at unbeatable marketing tool that helps that real estate office, law firm, beauty salon, or junkyard create a brand that elevates their worth in the customer’s mind.

Whether you are just starting out or a pro who is constantly expanding your client base (aren’t we all?), remember to include other small businesses, often local, who could use your help to create that sound first impression.

And, while you’re at it, how is the message on your phone? Just thought I’d mention it 🙂

Randye’s VO Demos here – yes, including “On the Phone”!

Best Ever Voice Talent, Actor, Creative, You!

One of the best things about 2011 was getting to be the intro/outro voice for Elizabeth Hamilton Guarino’s Best Ever You radio show, and also for the

Online VO friends meet in person!

Motivation Marathon created by Elizabeth, and Deb Scott. Today the tables were kinda turned sideways as I became the interviewee – and we talked about voice acting, creative journeys, voice and diction, the value of improv in creating characters, connecting threads in the eclectic work life, what we wanna be when we grow up, life balance in “Acts”, using the gifts we seem to have born with, the value of virtual friendships- and, eventually, my book Ben behind His Voices. Got in some mentions for Dave Courvoisier, Edge Studio, my voiceover credits, and O’Connor communications.

The hour went fast! I think it’ll be fun to listen to…hope so! Feedback always welcome 🙂

link: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/besteveryou/2012/02/21/randye-kaye

Listen to internet radio with Best Ever You on Blog Talk Radio

Voiceovers: That’s What I Like About You

So you wanna be in voice overs? Yes. Well, read up, person with that lovely voice. Just check the archives at voiceoverXtra, Edge Studio, or any of the number of fab VO blogs out there, and you’ll get the truth: becoming a professional voice over talent takes lots of training,  hard work, marketing,creating business goals, scheduling action steps, investments of time and money, and an effort to always think ahead.

When I teach Investigate Voice Over classes for Edge Studio, or in answering the inevitable cocktail party  “so how can I get into VO?” question, I make the hard work clear: Voiceover is a business. I don’t care if you have an agent or not – it is still a small business you must run yourself – as talent, salesperson, marketing team, accountant, perpetual student, networker, and often editor and producer.

So – why do we do it? What’s the payoff? The other side of the coin?

Faffcon VO Fun

Like in any relationship that needs work, sometimes we need to be reminded of why we fell in love in the first place. So, dear newbie or pro, here’s my love list.

Why I Love being a Voice Over Talent:

1. Fun! This morning I got to play a baby owl (who spoke English – yeah, animation), this afternoon a16-year-old girl for an audiobook, and then a medical expert who could explain fibromyalgia. That is a blast.

Investigate Voice Over: the first step

Edge Studio Team

Tomorrow night I teach another session for Edge Studio called “Investigate Voice Over.” We call it the “IVO” – and it’s taught frequently in our New York main studio, our CT and DC studios, in Los Angeles, and also via teleclass.

If you’ve ever wondered about the true path to VoiceOver success, I can’t recommend it highly enough. Got the Voiceover dream? Get the truth! And have fun finding out if this business – and make no mistake, it most certainly is a business -is for you, and if you are ready for it.

Every dream can always live if you never pursue it, but if you want to change it from a nice dream to an attainable goal then you must take the first step to see what it takes. The first step is to find out the facts.