VO Pro: The Business of Voiceover and Voice Acting – Details, episodes &amp; analysis

10 Steps to Market Your VO Business WITHOUT Feeling Salesy

Season 1 · Episode 141

jeudi 10 avril 2025 • Duration 14:24

Marketing your voiceover business shouldn’t feel like selling your soul. If “promote your VO services” makes you break out in hives, this one’s for you.

In this video, we’re flipping the script on everything you think you know about marketing—so you can find voiceover clients, grow your VO business, and build real connections without feeling fake, pushy, or salesy.

💡 Whether you’re an introverted voice actor, a freelance VO pro, or just starting out—these are the authentic VO marketing strategies that actually work.

👉 What you’ll learn:
• How to market your voiceover business without being weird
• Direct marketing for voice actors that feels natural
• Why clients want to hear from you (and how to reach them)
• The mindset shift that makes marketing feel GOOD
• Real-world VO marketing tips you can start using today

📥 Download our free VO Marketing Guide (link in description)
🎤 Subscribe for more voiceover business training, cold email tips, and unfiltered VO advice

The Big Book of VO Client Avatars: https://training.vopro.pro/bigbook

#marketvoiceoverbusiness #voiceovermarketing #authenticVOmarketing #voiceactors #freelancevoiceover #VOPro #nomoresleazymarketing #voiceactortraining

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▶️ Watch this video next: https://youtu.be/oV4S1-03s5A

SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/@vo-pro?sub_confirmation=1

The VO Freedom Master Plan: https://vopro.pro/vo-freedom-master-plan

The VO Pro Community: https://vopro.app
Use code You15Tube for 15% off of your membership for life.

The VO Pro Podcast: https://vopro.pro/podcast

7 Steps to Starting and Developing a Career in Voiceover: https://welcome.vopro.pro/7-steps-yt

Move Touch Inspire Newsletter for Voice Actors: https://vopro.pro/move-touch-inspire-youtube

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/vofreedom

The VO Pro Shop: https://vopro.pro/shop

Say Hi on Social:
https://pillar.io/paulschmidtpro
https://www.instagram.com/vopro.pro
https://www.clubhouse.com/@paulschmidtvo
https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulschmidtvo/

My voice over website: https://paulschmidtvoice.com

GVAA Rate Guide: http://vorateguide.com

Tools and People I Work with and Recommend (If you use these links to buy something I may earn a commission.):
Recommended Book List with Links: https://amzn.to/3H9sBOO
Gear I Use with Links: https://amzn.to/3V4d3kZ
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

For lead generation and targeting - Apollo.io: https://apollo.grsm.io/yt-paulschmidtpro

Way Better than Linktree: https://pillar.io/referral/paulschmidtpro

The 10 COMMANDMENTS of VO Every Voice Actor NEEDS

Season 1 · Episode 132

jeudi 9 janvier 2025 • Duration 14:11

Completely unlike Moses from the mountaintop, I bring you these 10 Commandment of Voice Over. Trust me, it’s not every day you get 10 commandments from an atheist. 😉

Now before you get your hackles up, we’re playing fast and loose with the word commandments here. There are no hard and fast rules that you should never, ever, ever violate, but these are pretty close. Think of them as my strong recommendations.

As always, you run your own business and career. But if I were you, I’d pay attention.
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▶️ Watch this video next: https://youtu.be/f0Qw6unSRLs?si=cwd0yMDZiX_QPvbj

SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/@vo-pro?sub_confirmation=1

The VO Freedom Master Plan: https://vopro.pro/vo-freedom-master-plan

The VO Pro Community: https://vopro.app
Use code You15Tube for 15% off of your membership for life.

The VO Pro Podcast: https://vopro.pro/podcast

7 Steps to Starting and Developing a Career in Voiceover: https://welcome.vopro.pro/7-steps-yt

Move Touch Inspire Newsletter for Voice Actors: https://vopro.pro/move-touch-inspire-youtube

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/vofreedom

The VO Pro Shop: https://vopro.pro/shop

Say Hi on Social:
https://pillar.io/paulschmidtpro
https://www.instagram.com/vopro.pro
https://www.clubhouse.com/@paulschmidtvo
https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulschmidtvo/

My voice over website: https://paulschmidtvoice.com

GVAA Rate Guide: http://vorateguide.com

Tools and People I Work with and Recommend (If you use these links to buy something I may earn a commission.):

Recommended Book List with Links: https://amzn.to/3H9sBOO
Gear I Use with Links: https://amzn.to/3V4d3kZ

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

For lead generation and targeting - Apollo.io: https://apollo.grsm.io/yt-paulschmidtpro

Way Better than Linktree: https://pillar.io/referral/paulschmidtpro

https://paulschmidtpro.com/rates-worthiness-flowchart

You DESERVE Better Voice Over Rates: Worthiness

Season 1 · Episode 42

jeudi 6 avril 2023 • Duration 13:02

Do I deserve fair and reasonable, professional rates for my work? You’re either feeling deserving of fair rates or you’re not. Today we’re going to talk about why you’re not getting the rates you deserve, what to do about it, and how to identify and mitigate your own limiting beliefs.

To sum up this video, I’ve created a Rates Worthiness Flowchart. If you’d like to download it, click on the link below.

Let’s start with the question, “Do I deserve professional rates for my work?” We didn’t ask do I want professional rates. Everyone wants them. The question is do you feel you deserve pro rates?

It’s a yes or no question. You either believe you command professional rates, or you don’t. And yes is the easiest answer. If you feel you deserve pro rates, if you’ve worked for months or years with a reputable coach and you agree you provide a professional product, then quote and charge pro rates.

The second answer, no, is trickier.

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▶️ Watch this video next: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVUuUfwNTG-8UjbPqbvxZxww-nx9kASW-

SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/@paulschmidtpro?sub_confirmation=1

The VO Freedom Master Plan: https://paulschmidtpro.com/vo-freedom-master-plan

My Move Touch Inspire Newsletter for Voice Actors: https://paulschmidtpro.com/newsletter

The Paul Schmidt Pro Podcast: https://paulschmidtpro.com/the-pro-podcast

7 Steps to Staring and Developing a Career in Voiceover: https://paulschmidtpro.com/7-steps-signup

How working on Fiverr, etc. can damage your career: https://globalvoiceacademy.com/why-i-dont-worry-about-fiverr-anymore/

Say Hi on Social:
https://pillar.io/paulschmidtpro
https://www.instagram.com/paulschmidtvo
https://www.tiktok.com/@paulschmidtpro
https://www.clubhouse.com/@paulschmidtvo
https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulschmidtvo/

My voice over website: https://paulschmidtvoice.com

GVAA Rate Guide: http://vorateguide.com

Tools and People I Work with and Recommend (If you use these links to buy something we may earn a commission.):

For lead generation and targeting - Apollo.io: https://apollo.grsm.io/yt-paulschmidtpro
Way Better than Linktree: https://pillar.io/referral/paulschmidtpro
Video editing and color correction by my dear friend, Humberto Franco - https://humbertofranco.com/

Get Paid ON TIME: Freelance Billing Practices that WORK

Season 1 · Episode 42

jeudi 30 mars 2023 • Duration 14:22

One of the biggest pains for freelancers and voice actors who work directly with clients is getting paid on time. It seems everyone I know has outstanding past due invoices, or worse yet, has been completely stiffed by a client. It’s rare, but it happens.

Today we’re going to talk about how to manage your billing so that you minimize risk, maintain a positive relationship with your clients, and get paid on time.

My policies page: https://paulschmidtvoice.com/policies

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▶️ Watch this video next: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVUuUfwNTG-97t4VxJ71xckS1EyxciFeb

SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/@paulschmidtpro?sub_confirmation=1

The VO Freedom Master Plan: https://paulschmidtpro.com/vo-freedom-master-plan

My Move Touch Inspire Newsletter for Voice Actors: https://paulschmidtpro.com/newsletter

The Paul Schmidt Pro Podcast: https://paulschmidtpro.com/the-pro-podcast

7 Steps to Staring and Developing a Career in Voiceover: https://paulschmidtpro.com/7-steps-signup

GVAA Rate Guide: http://vorateguide.com

How working on Fivver, etc. can damage your career: https://globalvoiceacademy.com/why-i-dont-worry-about-fiverr-anymore/

My voice over website: https://paulschmidtvoice.com

Tools and People I Work with and Recommend (If you use these links to buy something we may earn a commission.):

Voice Over Career Suicide – AI, TTS, VO Contracts, & More

Season 1 · Episode 40

jeudi 16 mars 2023 • Duration 17:09

Today, we talk with Robert Sciglimpaglia, noted VO attorney and voice actor, who warns us how to avoid bad voice over contracts regarding AI, text to speech, synthetic voices, and more.

We recently told the story of one voice actor who’s own voice she discovered on an AI voices website without her knowledge. Rob explains how Microsoft, Amazon, Apple, and Google have been building voice databases for years, how companies like Revoicer are operating legally and ethically, and most importantly, how to protect yourself from discovering your own voice on an AI site.

Rob’s article in Voice-Over Xtra : https://www.voiceoverxtra.com/article.htm?id=BJSOS5GG

NAVA (National Association of Voice Actors) Synthetic/AI Voices Voice Actor Resources: https://navavoices.org/synth-ai/ai-voice-actor-resources/ This page includes a template AI voice contract, Synthetic Voice/AI rider, a glossary of terms, and more.
_____________________________
▶️ Watch this video next: https://youtu.be/euU8e7_wZfg

SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/@paulschmidtpro?sub_confirmation=1

The VO Freedom Master Plan: https://paulschmidtpro.com/vo-freedom-master-plan

My Move Touch Inspire Newsletter for Voice Actors: https://paulschmidtpro.com/newsletter

The Paul Schmidt Pro Podcast: https://paulschmidtpro.com/the-pro-podcast

7 Steps to Staring and Developing a Career in Voiceover: https://paulschmidtpro.com/7-steps-signup

How working on Fivver, etc. can damage your career: https://globalvoiceacademy.com/why-i-dont-worry-about-fiverr-anymore/

Say Hi on Social:
https://pillar.io/paulschmidtpro

https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulschmidtvo/

My voice over website: https://paulschmidtvoice.com

GVAA Rate Guide: http://vorateguide.com

Tools and People I Work with and Recommend (If you use these links to buy something we may earn a commission.):

For lead generation and targeting - Apollo.io: https://apollo.grsm.io/yt-paulschmidtpro

Way Better than Linktree: https://pillar.io/referral/paulschmidtpro

Video editing and color correction by my dear friend, Humberto Franco - https://humbertofranco.com/

DIY Voice Over Demos – DON’T DO IT!!!

Season 1 · Episode 39

jeudi 9 mars 2023 • Duration 13:28

There are lots of coaches here on YouTube, one in particular, and even Voices.com who will tell you how to make your own DIY voice over demo, and I’m here to tell you in your best interest, ESPECIALLY if you’re a beginner, DO NOT make your own demo.

Today, I’m going to tell you exactly why, in no uncertain terms, making your own VO demo reel is an awful idea and can significantly damage your voice over career before it even gets started.

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▶️ Watch this video next: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVUuUfwNTG--FN1vPuoJlK4Hfl52pi5UA

SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/@paulschmidtpro?sub_confirmation=1

The VO Freedom Master Plan: https://paulschmidtpro.com/vo-freedom-master-plan

My Move Touch Inspire Newsletter for Voice Actors: https://paulschmidtpro.com/newsletter

The Paul Schmidt Pro Podcast: https://paulschmidtpro.com/the-pro-podcast

7 Steps to Staring and Developing a Career in Voiceover: https://paulschmidtpro.com/7-steps-signup

How working on Fivver, etc. can damage your career: https://globalvoiceacademy.com/why-i-dont-worry-about-fiverr-anymore/

My voice over website: https://paulschmidtvoice.com

GVAA Rate Guide: http://vorateguide.com

Tools and People I Work with and Recommend (If you use these links to buy something we may earn a commission.):

For lead generation and targeting - Apollo.io: https://apollo.grsm.io/yt-paulschmidtpro

Way Better than Linktree: https://pillar.io/referral/paulschmidtpro

Video editing and color correction by my dear friend, Humberto Franco - https://humbertofranco.com/

"AI STOLE My Voice!!!" - Voice Actor Remie Michelle Clarke

Season 1 · Episode 38

jeudi 2 mars 2023 • Duration 19:34

One of the scariest aspects of being a voice actor in modern times is AI, artificial intelligence, synthetic voice, and text to speech. Most of the discussion has been around the question of, Well, what happens when AI steals our work?

The scarier question to me is what happens when A.I. steals your voice?

Joining us from Dublin is the Irish voice actor and author Remie Michelle Clarke with her story of how her voice was stolen directly by artificial intelligence and the difficulties she's had in pursuing the people that have taken her voice.

A special thank you to Paul Strikwerda for helping connect me with Remie. Thank you, sir!

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▶️ Watch this video next: https://youtu.be/4Pqtu7JUjnE

Resources mentioned in this episode:
NAVA (National Association of Voice Actors) Synthetic/AI Voices Voice Actor Resources: https://navavoices.org/synth-ai/ai-voice-actor-resources/ This page includes a template AI voice contract, Synthetic Voice/AI rider, a glossary of terms, and more.

Vice Motherboard article: ‘Disrespectful to the Craft:’ Actors Say They’re Being Asked to Sign Away Their Voice to AI https://www.vice.com/en/article/5d37za/voice-actors-sign-away-rights-to-artificial-intelligence

Wired article: Audiobook Narrators Fear Apple Used Their Voices to Train AI https://www.wired.com/story/apple-spotify-audiobook-narrators-ai-contract/

Kotaku article: Your Favorite Voice Actors Call Out AI Sites Copying Voices Without Consent https://kotaku.com/ai-voice-actors-steve-blum-elevenlabs-contracts-sell-1850108292

UPDATES:
And this one from WBUR: Voice actors speak out about AI https://www.wbur.org/hereandnow/2023/02/27/ai-voice-actors

From attorney and voice actor Rob Sciglimpaglia: Don't Commit 'Career Suicide' In AI: How To Keep Control Of Your Cloned Voice https://www.voiceoverxtra.com/article.htm?id=BJSOS5GG

The Open Voice Network: https://openvoicenetwork.org/

SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/@paulschmidtpro?sub_confirmation=1

The VO Freedom Master Plan: https://paulschmidtpro.com/vo-freedom-master-plan

My Move Touch Inspire Newsletter for Voice Actors: https://paulschmidtpro.com/newsletter

The Paul Schmidt Pro Podcast: https://paulschmidtpro.com/the-pro-podcast

7 Steps to Staring and Developing a Career in Voiceover: https://paulschmidtpro.com/7-steps-signup

Say Hi on Social:
https://pillar.io/paulschmidtpro

VO Atlanta 2023: NEW THIS YEAR with J Michael Collins

Season 1 · Episode 36

jeudi 23 février 2023 • Duration 27:03

The biggest event in voiceover is coming up. VO Atlanta 2023, new this year, March 23rd through 26th at the Hilton Atlanta Airport, the traditional venue. But this year, under the new direction of new owners J Michael and Anna Collins.

Also, the 10th-Anniversary edition of VO Atlanta. I got a chance to sit down with J Michael this week and talk about the improvements, both in the creature comforts and in the actual meat of the conference, the programming and speakers, what tracks are going to be available this year, and what some of the challenges were to be able to put this year's conference on. This is our interview with J Michael Collins.
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▶️ Watch this video next: https://youtu.be/-e-tNQ-pTlg

VO Atlanta Website: https://www.voatlanta.me/

SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/@paulschmidtpro?sub_confirmation=1

The VO Freedom Master Plan: https://paulschmidtpro.com/vo-freedom-master-plan

My Move Touch Inspire Newsletter for Voice Actors: https://paulschmidtpro.com/newsletter

The Paul Schmidt Pro Podcast: https://paulschmidtpro.com/the-pro-podcast

7 Steps to Staring and Developing a Career in Voiceover: https://paulschmidtpro.com/7-steps-signup

Say Hi on Social:
https://pillar.io/paulschmidtpro

https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulschmidtvo/

My voice over website: https://paulschmidtvoice.com

GVAA Rate Guide: http://vorateguide.com

Tools and People I Work with and Recommend (If you use these links to buy something we may earn a commission.):

For lead generation and targeting - Apollo.io: https://apollo.grsm.io/yt-paulschmidtpro

Way Better than Linktree: https://pillar.io/referral/paulschmidtpro

Video editing and color correction by my dear friend, Humberto Franco - https://humbertofranco.com/

WOW! Voices.com NEW Rate Guide vs. GVAA

Season 1 · Episode 36

jeudi 16 février 2023 • Duration 07:38

Today, we’re going to go over Voices' new rate guide and compare it to the GVAA so that you’ll know exactly the differences between the 2 guides, where exactly Voices' rates are substandard and stick around because we’ll also show you where they’re actually above standard.

For years, the voice acting community has been begging Voices dot com to take solid steps to protect voice actors from unfair rates and practices on their site.

And I am happy to report that they seem to be taking some steps to do that.

First, Voices has revamped their rate guide for 2023.
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▶️ Watch this video next: https://youtu.be/uAxEKV-grX8

The 2023 Update to the Voices Rate Guide: https://www.voices.com/rates

GVAA Rate Guide: http://vorateguide.com

SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/@paulschmidtpro?sub_confirmation=1

The VO Freedom Master Plan: https://paulschmidtpro.com/vo-freedom-master-plan

My Move Touch Inspire Newsletter for Voice Actors: https://paulschmidtpro.com/newsletter

The Paul Schmidt Pro Podcast: https://paulschmidtpro.com/the-pro-podcast

7 Steps to Staring and Developing a Career in Voiceover: https://paulschmidtpro.com/7-steps-signup

Say Hi on Social:
https://pillar.io/paulschmidtpro

https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulschmidtvo/

My voice over website: https://paulschmidtvoice.com

Tools and People I Work with and Recommend (If you use these links to buy something we may earn a commission.):

For lead generation and targeting - Apollo.io: https://apollo.grsm.io/yt-paulschmidtpro

Way Better than Linktree: https://pillar.io/referral/paulschmidtpro

Video editing and color correction by my dear friend, Humberto Franco - https://humbertofranco.com/