If you’re not enjoying the phenomenal success you expected in your voice-over career, the reason could be because of having no action goals related to sales.

I wish I had a dollar for everyone with a great voice who is virtually unemployed.

How many times have you heard voice over talent and thought that you could have done a better job than the person you heard? No doubt it happens all the time. I know I’ve even wondered, “How did that person get hired when I know I’m a better voice over talent?”

If you’ve shared those thoughts you’re not alone. What’s the difference between those people and you? Not much actually.

Besides being in the right place at the right time, and the blue bird that arrives once in a great while, the real key to being a success in the voice-over market is having at least three clearly defined sales goals.

Goal One: Decide to be a Champion Salesperson.

I know many of you cringe when you hear the word salesperson because of the many negative connotations associated with the sales profession. When you think about it, all of us are salespeople. Educators, CEO’s and Ministers are all salespeople. On the positive side, sales people are among the highest paid people in America. No transactions are made unless a salesperson is involved. So then it follows that if you are self-employed in the voice-over business you are the person responsible for sales which translates into the success or failure of your business. Remember this. If your goal is trying to get other people to hear your demo CD, you have entered the world of sales.

Goal Two: Decide to be a Champion Prospector

This is where the rubber meets the road. Early in your voice-over career most of your time should be spent looking for people to hear your voice. As a matter of fact more than 70% of your time should be spent prospecting as you pan for voice-over gold and the remaining time perfecting your craft. In other words, more than six hours a day should be devoted to looking for people who will pay to use your voice. Over time the numbers will reverse as your client base builds. The best way to stay in business is to constantly be on the search for business. An average voice over talent dedicated to Champion Prospecting will get more work than a great voice over talent who doesn’t look for opportunities.

Goal Three: Decide to be a Champion Student

Benjamin Franklin says empty the coins of your purse into your mind and your mind will fill your purse with coins. When you decide to dedicate your life to learning all you can about your craft the rewards that follow are tremendous. You’ll often find yourself on the cutting edge of technology, techniques and tricks of the trade. You’ll suddenly find that you are in high demand because you are a lifelong student of your career.

The successful individuals in voice-overs are those who understand and employ the three major goals of success, champion salesmanship, prospecting and being a student of the business. The degree to which these concepts are applied have a direct impact on the success you enjoy in the voice-over business.