Before changing careers to voicework, I owned a small business. When I started it, I registered with the state and created an LLC. Luckily, as a performer you do not have to go through the time and expense to create an LLC. You can simply file a DBA or “doing business as” for your stage name, or production company name.
So with newly-minted Vistaprint business cards that showed my professional gmail address and Google Voice phone number, I attended a meeting for a business networking group.
At the meeting, everyone took turns introducing themselves to the group and giving a brief synopsis of their business. I had gone there not just to offer my skills as a voice over artist, but also as someone with a professional home studio who could produce radio commercials or podcasts.
After the meeting, I approached a man who’d said he owned a video production company. I gave him my card. I was contacted by his assistant a few days later, and was asked to audition for a voiceover spot for a skin care commercial. Needless to say, I was very excited! They sent me a copy of the script and we scheduled the appointment for 11 a.m. following Wednesday. I printed it out and read the it aloud several times. And (of course) I sent Lesley a copy.
The day of the audition, I arrived 15 minutes early, clear eyed, and well-groomed in business casual attire. I cannot overstate the value of being punctual and professional. It doesn’t take much, but it will set you apart from half of the people you’re competing with for the job.
I met with the creative director, who had me read for her once or twice. She and gave me a few notes about their vision for the overall tone of the ad. Just like working with Lesley, she asked me to do a couple different versions, “let’s have a happy one”, “let’s have a more serious sciencey one”. In the end, it was so similar to reading ad copy with Lesley that it actually felt familiar.
After we finished she asked me to read another script for her. Once she was satisfied, I went into the recording booth, and recorded three versions of each of the ads. I was complimented on my range and professionalism, and told that Some of the recordings I’d made would be played for the clients, and I would be notified if they were chosen.
All in all it was a great experience. But I am 100% sure I wouold not have felt as prepared, or confident had it not been for the sessions I’ve spent working with Lesley.