Hey, there! So, I know we’re on break but we’ve had a lot of questions from you about demo production these past few months so I wanted to hop on real quick to discuss the 5 Key Elements Every Commercial Voiceover Demo Needs, especially if you’re going the DIY route. It’s important to have a clear idea of what you want and what needs to come out of the demo production process to best support your business. These must haves are based on the demo production method we employ when producing my voiceover demos in my business, and since my demos have played a huge part in my direct marketing efforts with clients, I wanted to share a little bit about how we make this happen on the backend. Be sure to sign up for the companion guide PDF I’ve created that you can read over and utilize as you get going with your voiceover commercial demos. Link below. Links & Resources: Sign up for the 5 Key Elements for Demos Companion Guide Broadcast quality audio defined

In this episode we’ll be reviewing data from the 2021 state of voiceover survey. The survey offers in depth and specific information about what the VO industry looks like at this very moment. And while things change all the time, this information is super helpful for me, for you and for anyone else currently working in or interested in working in VO. Before we hop into the episode, we’ve created a much smaller survey with questions we have for you about your voiceover business pursuits. If you’re interested, we’d really appreciate you taking the time to fill out the survey. Link is below. Links & Resources:  Voiceover Business Questionnaire State of VO 2021 Full Survey Broadcast quality defined

You may have read this episode's title and thought either:  1. You make your own luck, Jack! or  2. There is no such thing as luck. No matter which realm of thought you ascribe to, there is some pretty interesting hypothetical data in regard to luck we want to share with you today. Information that lends us to believe that the pot of gold waiting for us is one that we can help ourselves to conjure on the road to pursuing what we want.    You may have read this episode's title and thought either:  1. You make your own luck, Jack! or  2. There is no such thing as luck. No matter which realm of thought you ascribe to, there is some pretty interesting hypothetical data in regard to luck we want to share with you today. Information that lends us to believe that the pot of gold waiting for us is one that we can help ourselves to conjure on the road to pursuing what we want. Your “homework” while we’re gone is to get real with yourself: What do you want when it comes to your voiceover business?What does that look like for you one year from now?How can you put yourself out there and try.    Links & Resources: Veritasium - Is Success Luck or Hard Work? Voiceover Business Questionnaire Sign up for the FREE mini course!

In this episode, we’re answering a listener question from Sarah. She asks: Do you have any tips for successfully landing gigs on Voices.com?  Before we begin, here’s a quick note from this episode’s sponsor: The Business of Work From Home Voice Acting for Beginners: Did you know our beginners course is now FREE to all our listeners! While we’re on break, we wanted to be sure we left you with something to get excited about while we’re away. So sign up at the link in the show notes below or go to workfromhomvoiceactor.com/freeminicourse and start to make your VO biz dreams a reality. Links & Resources: Sign up for our FREE mini course! GVAA Rate Guide Voices.com (Use my promo code MELANIESINSIDER for $50 off your annual premium membership) Tim Tippets - The VO Tech Guru

Welcome to the last demo review episode in our demo series! This is how these reviews are organized - I’ll play the whole demo, from there we’ll go through the demo spot by spot and review. And we’ll conclude with general notes about the demo, what I hear and what I don’t hear as well as any next steps I’d recommend.  Before we begin, we have a fun announcement: We’ll be going on parental leave starting in October and won’t be back until the new year so we can spend dedicated time with our little guy, so in the meantime, we are offering our Business of Work from Home Voice Acting for Beginners Course for free to all of you.  If you’re new to the industry or are currently a hobbyist in VO but you’re serious about working in voiceover as a professional, this mini course is for you. It’s a great resource for better understanding what voiceover looks like nowadays and it will give you a better idea of where you can fit into the VO landscape and offers some next steps you can take to start your VO journey. We hope you’ll check it out and share it with any friends you might have who are interested in pursuing voiceover as well.  This week’s demo is from “A”. Links & Resources: Free Mini Course!

Welcome to our weekly segment “The Other Mic”, where my husband Jeremy and I co-host the podcast to give you some tips and insights to help you and your family navigate the world of freelancing and entrepreneurship when it comes to voiceover. Oh boy - this week, we have maybe one of the best podcast episodes for you yet. In this episode, we dig in deep about what it means and looks like to be a Work From Home Voice Actor or Professional, what this type indicates about the future of the voiceover industry, the immense opportunity and flexibility our current world of work presents for Voice Actors who want to work from home, and so much more. This is a must listen.  One of the biggest takeaways we hope you get from this episode is the importance of understanding which type of Voice Actor you are. When you understand this, you have a much better idea of what your next steps should be in VO as well as if it’s something you should pursue at all. Links & Resources: Which type of Voice Actor are you? Quiz Technological rate of acquisition data Chris McCan's story Podcast Request Form

This week’s topic comes from Allison, she says: I would love to hear a follow up podcast about the tools you mentioned… Quick books self-employed and the voice over something or other you mentioned in the most recent episode. Thanks! There are so many tools out there it can be hard to know where to start and what to use! In the business toolkit checklist, which you can access in our free content library I’ll link to it in the show notes,, I go over the basic tools you must have in your business to be successful, but today I’m going over the specific tools I use in my business, why I use them, and how much they cost. Before we begin, know that there are no “true and right” tools when it comes to your biz. It really is about experimentation and finding out what works best for you and how you work. And if you, like Alison, have a question or something else you’d like me to talk about on the show, remember you can always fill out the podcast request form in the show notes. Tools mentioned in this episode: NOTE: Affiliate links mean that I may get a commission if you decide to subscribe or make a purchase through my links. This is at NO COST TO YOU.  Adobe Audition (Affiliate Link) Voiceoverview (Affiliate Link) Voices.com - Get $50 off your annual subscription using promo code MELANIESINSIDER Quickbooks Self-employed Kajabi (Affiliate Link) VoiceZam Links & Resources: Submit a question/topic Business Toolkit Checklist

Welcome to our weekly segment “The Other Mic”, where my husband Jeremy and I co-host the podcast to give you some tips and insights to help you and your family navigate the world of freelancing and entrepreneurship. In this episode, we’re talking about how you can set up your voiceover home studio. This episode is for you if you haven’t quite figured out a permanent or semi-permanent place to record in your home, you feel like your recording space is currently inadequate, or you’re totally stuck and need some guidance with setting up your voiceover home studio in the first place. We’ll also talk about my very first “home studio” and what my recording spaces have looked like since then and what our current home studio set up. To be sure you never miss an episode, join the email list at the link in the show notes. Links & Resources: Download the checklist (and other free content) Condenser vs Dynamic Mics Sound treatment episode Join the email list

In this episode, we’re talking about rates - what it costs for you to record, edit and submit audio files to clients based on the genre, run time, market, and more per VO project. Understanding what genres of VO you could get hired for and what the payout looks like for each one will help you determine which genres of VO are worth your time and abilities based on your current schedule when it comes to VO. After you finish the episode, be sure to sign up for the free content library and download the Setting Your Rates Guide with a template for you to fill out what you’ll charge your clients. For those of you out there who may be a little intimidated by or lacking faith in yourselves for not getting the amount of work you thought you might when you first started, let Alison’s story be a message to you. Keep at it. If you really want to pursue VO whether that’s part time or full time, we all start somewhere, acting background or not, it can be difficult to figure out your stride in the beginning. But I promise, if you stick with it, check in with yourself and remain honest about your abilities and what you can offer clients, you will find your place in VO.  And if you have a question or something else you’d like me to talk about on the show, remember you can always fill out the podcast request form in the show notes. Links & Resources: Download your FREE rate guide + template Ask a question GVAA Rate Guide

Welcome to our weekly segment “The Other Mic”, where my husband Jeremy and I co-host the podcast to give you some tips and insights to help you and your family navigate the world of freelancing and entrepreneurship. In this episode, we’re talking about how we keep track of and manage our business and personal finances. When you’re first getting started, managing all of the moving pieces on your own can seem a little daunting and who wants to talk about money anyway? Well, we do! In this episode we’ll cover questions like - do you need a separate bank for business? Does all the money you make go back into your business? How do I know what I owe for taxes each quarter? By the way, what are quarterly taxes?! While it’s not a sexy topic, as an entrepreneur it’s important to become savvy about your money and know what’s going on weekly, monthly, etc. not only for the sake of your business goals but for your personal goals as well. To be sure you never miss an episode, join the email list at the link in the show notes. Links & Resources: Get on the email list Submit a question Quickbooks Self-Employed Voiceoverview

In this episode, we’re walking through the four types of Voice Actors. Yep, there ARE different types of Voice Actors. Quick note, if you’re enjoying the podcast or have learned a little something by listening, please rate and review the show in your podcast app. In Apple Podcasts, it’s as easy as scrolling down the podcast page to the Ratings & Reviews section. It helps me know that what we’re doing here is helpful to you. Plus, it helps others like you find the show. Links & Resources: Which Type of Voice Actor Are You? Quiz Ask a question

Hey there! In this episode, I’m introducing you to a new weekly segment we’ll be publishing with my husband, Jeremy, as the co-host. After many extensive conversations with Jeremy over entrepreneurship, what that looks like in our lives, and how that will look as we become parents, I figured he had a lot of offer from his perspective, both from that of a man, which I am not, the spouse of a zany entrepreneur, and a soon to be dad who will be managing a lot of the household responsibilities. Welcome to the Other Mic! 😎🎙️ This first episode, we’re taking a trip down memory lane when it comes to how we knew we were pretty sure I needed to pursue entrepreneurship. We talk about the conversations we’ve had over the last four years, the red flags that pointed to me not working a conventional job, a bit about my quarter life crisis, and how we have maneuvered this space together in an international way. To be sure you never miss an episode, join the email list.  Links & Resources: Join the email list Ask us a question! Marriage, Kids & Money Podcast

Welcome to the demo review series! Where you send in your commercial demos and I give you my most honest and constructive feedback. This is how we’ll organize these reviews. I’ll play the whole demo, then we’ll go through the demo spot by spot and review with general notes. This week’s demo is from L.  UPDATE! Next week, we’ll be picking up with our regular podcast episodes plus my husband Jeremy will be joining me on the podcast for our new weekly segment ‘The Other Mic’ and you don’t want to miss it. Links & Resources: Podcast request form

Welcome to the Demo Review series! Where you submit your commercial demos and I’ll give my honest feedback. This is how we’ll organize these reviews: I’ll play the whole demo, from there we’ll go through the demo spot by spot and review. And we’ll conclude with general notes about the whole demo, what I hear and what I don’t hear as well as any next steps I’d recommend. This week’s demo is from J.   Links & Resources: Podcast Request Form Never want to miss an episode? Sign up for our newsletter.

Welcome to the Demo Review series! Where you submit your commercial demos and I’ll give my honest feedback.  This is how we’ll organize these reviews.  I’ll play the whole demo, from there we’ll go through the demo spot by spot and review. And we’ll conclude with general notes about the whole demo, what I hear and what I don’t hear as well as any next steps I’d recommend. Before we dive in, here’s a listener note:  Hi Melanie! As a part-time voice over artist trying to make the jump to full time, I just wanted to tell you that I really enjoy and appreciate your podcasts. So many VO podcasts out there are 99% garbage, because the host would rather tell jokes, what they think are amusing anecdotes, and/or fancy themselves to be riveting entertainment. They profess to tell secrets of the biz, but they are just wastes of time. But not your podcast. You actually help people and provide usable information that newbies like me really appreciate. Please keep it up! You're doing a great job!  For those of you who enjoy the podcast or have learned anything from something we’ve created over here, I’d love it if you left a review wherever you’re listening right now or send me a quick note at hello@melaniescroggins.com.  This week's demo is from A.   Links & Resources: Podcast Request Form

If you didn’t listen to last weeks’ episode, we are currently doing a Demo Review series where you submit your commercial demos and I give my honest feedback.  I had a question this week about reviewing other types of demos i.e. narration, e-learning, etc. Know that I am only reviewing commercial demos because that is my area of expertise. I’ve had a lot of high-paying commercial gigs with well known brands and have produced my own commercial demos that get me booked time and time again. So, I’ll be offering reviews within my lane of knowledge and expertise. Ok, this is how we’ll organize these reviews: I’ll play the whole demo and from there we’ll go through the demo spot by spot and review. And we’ll conclude with general notes about the demo, what I hear and what I don’t hear as well as any next steps I’d recommend. This week’s demo is from C.   Links & Resources: Trailer Voice Artists Podcast Request Form

Welcome to the first demo review podcast episode!  I’m excited that all of you have been so excited to share your demos with me for some, hopefully useful feedback. This is how we’ll organize these reviews: I’ll play the whole demo, from there we’ll go through the demo spot by spot and review. And we’ll conclude with general notes about the whole demo, what I hear and what I don’t hear as well as any next steps I’d recommend. If you’d like me to review your commercial demo on the podcast email me an mp3 or wav file at hello[at]melaniescroggins.com with the subject line “Podcast Demo Review”.   Links & Resources: Podcast Request form

You spoke LOUD AND CLEAR!  For the next few months, I'll be reviewing your commercial demos right here on the podcast. To submit your demo, email me at hello[at]melaniescroggins.com.   Links & Resources: Submit a topic for the podcast

In this episode, we’re talking about how to be creative with your service offerings. Meaning, we’re going to take a 10,000-foot overview look at our businesses and figure out some unique ways we can show up for clients and get paid.   Time Stamps: 0:50 - Beginning of episode. 1:43 - Bulk project pricing. 2:23 - Done for you services. 3:23 - Sponsor message. 4:18 - Casting management.   Links & Resources: 3 Arguments For Why You Should Keep Pursuing Voiceover The Business of Work From Home Voice Acting for Beginners

In this episode, I’m sharing a talk I presented at the outlier podcast festival a few weeks ago. I got to share my story of how audio production has totally changed my life personally and professionally, as well as what I would do differently and what I would do again.  If you’d rather watch the presentation, check out the video in the show notes at workfromhomevoiceactor.com.   Time Stamps: 0:57 - Beginning of presentation + my story. 8:04 - Teaching everything I know. 8:51 - What I would do differently. 11:17 - What I would do again. 13:42 - Strategies for the creative and the business owner. 17:08 - Takeaway: Your journey isn't going to look like anyone else's and that's how it's supposed to be. 18:18 - Q&A with Ever Gonzalez.   Links & Resources: Outlier Podcast Festival