How do we communicate this fact to hiring authorities if they can specify pittance for our work? If we state our claim that we’re worth much more, but others send in lowball rates, then we’re compromised.

Seems to me that there should be some education on your end up front when businesses first inquire about hiring talent.

I really have wondered about this for some time now and would love your perspective.

Nice Blog! I like your message here!

Perhaps we can collaborate. I’m actually looking to form a viable pool of talent via my website. Let me know if you’re interested.

Keep up the good work!

Lisa

Sometimes I wonder if voiceover is the new Life Coaching… a few years ago everyone I knew seemed to be reinventing themselves as Coaches. Most of them didn’t make it. Currently there seems to be an idea that anyone can make a living in voiceovers. I think time will tell us that this isn’t the case, and the perception will start to change back to how it used to be.

Things will get better, I believe, and there will continue to be a demand for those of us that do the job properly. We will be able to continue to command fees that enable us to eat and keep roofs over our heads. But we need to hold our nerve, people, and not let the price get driven ever-downwards…

Developing a long-term relationship with a voice talent is also critical. Months or years later if you need a small patch or fix to the audio for an e-learning lesson it is terrific to get just that small clip fixed by the original voice talent. Having a long-term relationship, with someone I trust, creates that flexibility.

Very, very true!

For me, the most important factor when hiring or voice casting is whether or not someone is the best candidate for the job. If they fit the bill talent wise, are professional, can get the job done and possess qualities that personify our brand, that’s what matters most.

Perhaps we as an industry don’t give people on the outside enough credit, and for the most part, purchasers of voice over services ultimately want results that will go the extra mile and bring home desired results.

It’s simply not worth spending less initially and then more down the road when factoring in the cost of rerecording with a professional, the potential loss of revenue, wasted ad dollars and an unsatisfactory representation of a brand and the message conveyed.

Although there will always be people who don’t budget appropriately / desire the lowest common denominator, I believe the majority of people will pay for the value of the services rendered. It’s just a matter of education. Articles such as yours will do much over time to help Keep going!

Thanks for sharing

Best wishes,

Stephanie