A voice actor needs to create a plan for success, both artistically, and for their business. You will need to take steps to ensure you plan finically and legally as a business owner. Anne covers a few things you might not have considered.
Today we're gonna talk about how to create your voice-over business plan and the three things that you're going to need to include to be successful.
So today we're gonna talk about the components that are essential for your VO business plan. First, you want to establish what type of business entity are you? For this you're gonna have to do some research. Are you a dba? Are you an LLC? Are you an S-corp? Are you working full-time in your business or are you working part-time in your business? Do you have to declare a business entity?
You want to make sure that you have that decided upon in your business type. I actually was a DBA for a very long time and then most recently became an S Corp. I found out which was best for me by talking to a lawyer and my accountant. So make sure that you do your research and establish the type of business you are.
The second is going to be your costs. Now there's a couple of items underneath your costs, I kind of break them up into the hard cost of your equipment, meaning your microphone, your audio interface, your computer, your cables that connect them all together, your desk, your office space, your acoustic treatment, etc...
Those would be your hard costs, then we have what I consider the soft costs. The cost of training, the cost of coaching, your demos, and then your marketing costs, maybe your Internet connection and a backup Internet connection. Those types of software subscriptions that help your business to be marketable and to be a success
The third thing would be your goals for growth. If you're just starting, understand this is a marathon, not a sprint. Over the years your business will evolve, so every year you have your business plan you want to update to make sure that it includes plans for growth. That means either upgrading your equipment maybe refreshing your demos or getting demos that you don't already have, a new website or updating another website, or maybe additional software subscriptions so that you can continue to evolve in your business.
Also, make sure that you stay flexible. It's awesome to have a business plan and it's awesome to have goals but be prepared that things may change. They may change in a month they may change in six months so you have to really be flexible. You have to be able to evolve with the changing industry, changing trends, and also your own personal goals. So don't beat yourself up. Be flexible and be willing to change and pivot along with your business.
Much love and Keep on rockin' your biz!
XOXO,
Anne
About the Author: Anne Ganguzza is a full-time voice talent and award-winning director and producer who works with students to develop their voice over and business skills - including VO demo training and production. She specializes in Conversational Commercial and Narration styles, including Corporate, E-Learning, Technology, Healthcare - Medical, Telephony, and On-Hold. Located in Orange County, CA, Anne offers private coaching and mentoring services to students in person and via Skype, ipDTL or Zoom.
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