VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

Tom Test · DC Joined: 23 Jan 2007 Posts: 629 Location: Chicago, IL

Hello there,

I believe in the wisdom of the crowd, so I'll put this out here...

If you're like me, you're used to getting a top rating on V123 but usually not getting the gig and wondering why. V123 will say how many others got the same top-rating, so if, say, I'm one of 7 with a highest rating and we all bid the same price, why am I not getting it? So one obvious question that pops into my head is "is my siganture as effective as it can be?".

This is the generic "signature" (really, a mini sales pitch) that I use for both Voices.com and V123. (V123 limits it to 1500 characters). I do sometimes tweak it a bit for specific auditions, e.g., if it's retail, I'll mention my work for the nation's largest furniture store that broke all sales records. But here it is:

"Hello,

Thank you for the opportunity to bid on your project!

I've been one of the top male voice-over talents in the Midwest since 1989. I started Voices On Studio in 2001 and have since voiced hundreds of projects, from web-based Flash animation to regional TV spots to college-level textbook narrations to corporate narrations for dozens of Fortune 500 clients. I've voiced quite a few Telly (and other) award-winning spots in my career, and have also been an agent-recommended voice-over coach and demo producer.

I have voiced national TV spots for clients such as: Coor's, Midas, Betty Crocker, Novalis, AARP, Time Warner Cable, and - currently running - Easy-Forex Online Currency Trading. I’ve also narrated nationally-distributed "Reading Skills" and "Science" grade school textbooks for Scott Foresman Publishing.

I can deliver your audio in the format of your choice within 24 hours via email or FTP, and do have a phone patch.

All the best,
Tom Test
888-642-3766
info@tomtest"

Do you have any suggestions that might improve my sales pitch? Feel free to be blunt. I'm a big boy.

Thanks much!
_________________
Best regards,
Tom Test
"The Voice You Trust"
www.tomtest.com

Monk · Posted: Thu May 28, 2009 3:27 pm Post subject:

I think somewhere in there you should mention that satisfaction is paramount.

I'm finding that for me, service makes the difference. I want to go to someone and have it all taken care of and be treated well.

With V123, Guru, oDesk and all the other sites out there, I'm trying to cut through the clutter and keep it simple for a producer. Guaranteed satisfaction.

They will be happy working with you and will come back for more.

That's my .02
_________________
Company, villainous company, hath been the spoil of me...

www.monksvoice.com

CarynClark · Posted: Thu May 28, 2009 4:42 pm Post subject:

Here's my $.02.

It's too long.

They're listening to many demos... they're likely not gonna read all of that.

Basically, I thank them, mention I have my own studio with ISDN and phone patch if they've mentioned that is important to them in the specs, give them my contact info, and tell them to have a nice day.
_________________
Caryn Clark... The Hip Chick Voice!

"A positive mental attitude and having faith in your ability is quite different from being irresponsible and downright stupid." - Dave

Mandy Nelson · Posted: Thu May 28, 2009 5:47 pm Post subject:

Having been on your side of wondering if my pitch was right, I'll tell you what I did: I cut it down. A basic thank you, check my site for clients (and I give them direct links to the pages I want them to see, not just my front page with lots of links) and leave it at that. I recently got a job where all I wrote was, "I believe I have the sound you are looking for. Give me demo a listen and contact me with any questions."

Turns out they loved the short and to-the-point. Oh, and my demo.

It's hard to gauge but, just like your voice, it's either right or it's not.
_________________
006 member of the Sisterhood of the Traveling Mic. Bonded by sound.

Manfillappsoc: The Mandy and Philip mutual appreciation Society. Who's in your network?

Have you seen my mic closet? ~ me to my future husband

JBarrett · Posted: Thu May 28, 2009 8:16 pm Post subject:

My gut impression (aside from feeling that it's too long, which has been mentioned already) is that it's a bit of a turn-off to have the pitch consist primarily of accomplishments and credits. I forget where I heard this (though I believe it was one of FF's pieces on Voices.com's Voiceover Experts podcast), but clients are less likely to respond favorably when you come at them with a list of your credits and/or credentials, and more likely to respond favorably when you tell them how you can meet their unique needs. The example that Mandy gave is a good one: "I believe I have the sound you're looking for." It directly addresses her ability to solve their problem.

In short, don't tell the client how much YOU look good from all the work you've done. Tell them how THEY can look good by choosing you. It won't guarantee you'll book every gig, but it will likely raise your chances.
_________________
Justin S. Barrett
http://www.justinsbarrett.com/

Mandy Nelson · Posted: Thu May 28, 2009 8:24 pm Post subject:

Monk · Posted: Fri May 29, 2009 6:28 am Post subject:

Stop looking, I'm your guy. I don't sound like them, I'm unique. My voice won't get lost in the crowd, you're product will be remembered and you'll sell bunches more. I'm famous but that doesn't matter, you matter. I will make you look brilliant. Check out my reel and know that you are fabulous.

Sarcastic

Oooo I like that. "it's not me, it's all about you"
_________________
Company, villainous company, hath been the spoil of me...

www.monksvoice.com

Tom Test · DC Joined: 23 Jan 2007 Posts: 629 Location: Chicago, IL

Monk, Mandy, Justin and Caryn -

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughts! I do agree that it's too long, nobody will read it all, and besides that info is on my profile if they wish to take a look. I'll re-tool it and pass it by again early next week.
_________________
Best regards,
Tom Test
"The Voice You Trust"
www.tomtest.com