Most likely you’ve spent a fair bit of money and time into training and being ready for the clients, but like most talent, you completed your demo and then the training stops and you didn’t stick around long enough to find out how to deal with your clients and future jobs.
There are many things that we do as talent that may deter a client from using you again in the future:
– Not being able to match the voice in the audition or on the demo
– Arriving late
– Tech issues (although this can’t be avoided – avoid at all costs)
– Not hitting the record button on a phone/patch direct
– Trying to direct while being directed (this is a huge one)
– Acting as the writer
– Not asking about pronunciations and choices
– Letting multiple takes get to you (or showing your stress/mood in the room)
– Not being able to give them the read they are wanting
– Not following directions (always write them down)
– Saying you can do something you really can’t do
– Not having a good time (friendliness goes along way)
– Getting complacent in your reads (when you’ve worked with them for a while)
– Always keep it fresh – ads saturate so clients change voices – think ahead!
– Poor business skills
– Not naming your files properly
– Not sending your files in the right format
– Not able to complete job in the time you suggest
– Bad recording environment
– Not able to work within their budget (do what’s right for you)
– Arrogance
– Not keeping in touch (top of mind is key)
– Not updating your demos (always keep it fresh)
– Not offering other read/character options in your deliveries when needed
– Not advancing your skill set
– Not having good people skills. CATER TO ALL in the room, not just the client
– Not respecting or caring about the client. They matter MOST!
– Too much ass kissing!!
You must remember that despite your best efforts, clients have to care about their project first. The client is the most important part of the equation and yet rarely taught in our training and often disrespected. It is a focus I hold in high regard. When was the last time you mortgaged your house to fund a $300,000 project?
