I launched a new business

Starting a business may appear straightforward at first glance, yet sustaining and growing it demands substantial effort, perseverance, and strategic understanding. I have worked as a freelance voice actor for approximately thirteen years. When I began, I possessed little to no knowledge of business management and naively assumed that earning income in this field would be simple. This assumption quickly proved false, as it took several months before I secured my first paid commission. Although I lacked formal acting training, my five years of experience in audio recording and music production, alongside access to a home garden studio, provided a valuable foundation.

As with any profession, ongoing training and the acquisition of relevant knowledge are essential. To maintain and enhance my skills, I continue to participate in a live acting workshop via Zoom every fortnight. However, technical or creative ability represents only one aspect of a successful freelance career. The business side—including accounting, administration, and marketing—initially posed significant challenges for me. Marketing, in particular, functions as the driving mechanism that sustains professional visibility and opportunity. My approach has involved a combination of direct email outreach, social media engagement (primarily on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok), participation in networking and sector-specific business events, and fostering professional referrals.

These strategies have proven effective. For instance, at a 2016 industry event in London, over half of the attendees recognized me by name, largely as a result of my online presence and networking efforts. Although I continue to work as a voice actor, I recently expanded my professional pursuits by launching a video editing enterprise, STOP4MEDIA, during the summer. Nevertheless, I have recently acknowledged the importance of balancing professional promotion with academic commitments, particularly as I pursue my university studies. To sustain meaningful professional connections while maintaining focus on my education, I have joined a local business networking group that convenes every Wednesday morning at 8:00 a.m.

The VOX Awards London

"For me, networking is about developing even further your professional reputation and building a support network that you can call upon."

Melvyn De Freitas, Managing Director (Effective business networking, 2015)

The above quote by Melvyn De Freitas rings true to how I approach networking. It's not about selling, it's about relationships and how you present yourself. I'm no expert by any means, but I do know what works and what doesn't, for me anyway.

The Voiceover Network, Media City, Manchester

Panic Room actors lab, Live from LA via Zoom

References:

D’Souza, S. (2015). Effective business networking. Second edition. Harlow, England: Pearson.