Setting Effective Business Goals as a New Voice Actor
Before you purchase equipment or start taking classes, it’s important to start thinking about the business side of becoming a voice actor
Whether you're pursuing voice acting as a full-time career or as a side hustle, having a strategic roadmap can help you navigate the industry and propel your career forward. Let’s look at why it’s so important to set goals for yourself, the types of goals you should consider, and actionable steps to create and achieve them.
Why Setting Goals Even Matters
When I started out, I put the pedal to the metal, and just went full speed ahead into voice acting. I didn’t realize until a while in, that I hadn’t really taken the time to think about what I wanted from this industry. So before you run into VO, please take the time to set some clear objectives, or you may find yourself wandering aimlessly, unsure of what steps to take next. Here are some key reasons why setting goals is crucial for new voice actors:
Clarity: Goals help you clarify what you want to achieve in your voice acting career. They provide a clear vision of your aspirations and guide your actions accordingly.
Motivation: Having tangible goals gives you something to strive for, keeping you motivated and focused on your objectives, especially during challenging times.
Measuring Progress: Goals serve as benchmarks for measuring your progress and success. They allow you to track your accomplishments and make necessary adjustments along the way.
Time Management: Setting deadlines for your goals helps you prioritize tasks and manage your time effectively, ensuring that you stay on track and avoid procrastination.
Types of Business Goals for Voice Actors
When setting business goals as a new voice actor, it's essential to consider a variety of objectives that align with your long-term vision and aspirations. Here are some common types of goals to consider:
Artistic Development Goals: These goals focus on improving your voice acting skills, expanding your vocal range, mastering different accents and dialects, and honing your performance abilities. Examples include attending voice acting workshops, working with a voice coach, or practicing regularly to enhance your craft.
Marketing and Branding Goals: Building a strong personal brand is crucial for success in the voiceover industry. Marketing and branding goals involve establishing your online presence, creating a professional website and demo reel, networking with industry professionals, and utilizing social media platforms to showcase your talents.
Financial Goals: As a voice actor, you'll want to set financial goals that reflect your income targets and revenue objectives. This may include securing a certain number of paid voiceover gigs per month, negotiating higher rates as you gain experience, or diversifying your income streams through avenues such as audiobook narration, commercials, or corporate voiceovers.
Professional Development Goals: Continuously investing in your professional development is essential for staying competitive in the voice acting industry. Professional development goals may include obtaining certifications, joining industry organizations such as SAG-AFTRA, attending conferences and networking events, or seeking mentorship from seasoned voice actors. If you’re ready to learn more about how to get started in this new industry, then let’s talk about it. I have a voiceover training program to help you work on the acting side, and the business side of voice acting. Click here to learn more.
Client Acquisition Goals: Acquiring new clients is vital for growing your voiceover business. Set goals for reaching out to potential clients, submitting auditions regularly on casting platforms, and building relationships with casting directors, agents, and production companies.
Work-Life Balance Goals: Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is crucial for preventing burnout and sustaining long-term success in your voice acting career. Set goals for prioritizing self-care, setting boundaries around your work hours, and carving out time for relaxation, hobbies, and personal relationships.
Actionable Steps to Set and Achieve Goals
Now that you understand the importance of goal setting and the types of goals to consider, let's delve into actionable steps to set and achieve your business goals as a new voice actor:
Reflect on Your Vision: Take some time to reflect on your long-term vision and aspirations as a voice actor. What do you hope to achieve in your career? What types of projects do you want to work on? Having a clear vision will guide the goal-setting process.
Identify Specific Goals: Break down your vision into specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals. For example, instead of setting a vague goal like "become a successful voice actor," aim for specific objectives such as "book five commercial voiceover gigs within the next six months" or "get signed with a reputable talent agency within the next year."
Prioritize Your Goals: Not all goals are equally important or urgent. Prioritize your goals based on their significance and the impact they will have on your voice acting career. Focus on tackling one or two goals at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
Create an Action Plan: Break down each goal into actionable steps or milestones. What specific actions do you need to take to achieve your goals? Create a detailed action plan outlining the tasks, deadlines, and resources required for each objective.
Track Your Progress: Regularly monitor your progress towards your goals and make adjustments as needed. Keep track of your achievements, setbacks, and lessons learned along the way. Celebrate your successes, no matter how small, to stay motivated and inspired.
Seek Feedback and Support: Don't hesitate to seek feedback from mentors, peers, or industry professionals. Constructive feedback can provide valuable insights and help you refine your goals and strategies. Surround yourself with a supportive community of fellow voice actors who can offer encouragement and advice.
Stay Flexible and Adapt: The voice acting industry is constantly evolving, so it's essential to stay flexible and adapt to changes. Be open to adjusting your goals and strategies based on shifting market trends, opportunities, and challenges.
Stay Persistent and Resilient: Building a successful voiceover career takes time, effort, and perseverance. Stay persistent and resilient in the face of rejection, setbacks, and obstacles. Keep pushing forward, learning from your experiences, and staying committed to your goals.
Final Thoughts
Setting business goals as a new voice actor is a crucial step towards building a successful and fulfilling career in the voiceover industry. By clarifying your vision, identifying specific objectives, and taking actionable steps to achieve them, you can navigate the challenges of the industry with confidence and purpose. Now, even though you are laying out some steps for yourself, remember to stay flexible while you work on turning your voice acting dreams into reality. With dedication, determination, and strategic goal-setting, the possibilities for your voiceover career are endless.