VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

Deirdre · Posted: Fri Jun 06, 2008 4:43 pm Post subject: The correct question

A repeat client wrote to ask if I could read a narration for a technical video, and at the same time asked when I could complete it.

With this client, the projects are usually quite long in production, so I called to mind something my best pal in this biz said: "Under promise, and over deliver" and being that I really did not think I'd have any inclination to work over this weekend I told them "Middle of next week, sooner if you need it."

They wrote back to say thanks, but they'll find someone else.

I basically threw away $1500 of found money.

When someone asks "When can you have it done?" the reply is not a day or date, but "When do you need it done?"
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louzucaro · Posted: Fri Jun 06, 2008 4:44 pm Post subject:

Amen to that!
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ConnieTerwilliger · Posted: Fri Jun 06, 2008 7:19 pm Post subject:

Ouch - thanks for the reminder. The other question that is harder for me to ask is How much do you have in your budget?

I've been trying to wrestle the budget from people when they cold call/email me. I used the words "level of pain" the other day while speaking to a new person over the phone and got the equivalent of a blank stare. We finally arrived at a fair rate for a spot that runs for two days in a relatively small town.
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louzucaro · Posted: Fri Jun 06, 2008 7:50 pm Post subject:

What was it? Two chickens and one of Bess Stewart's pecan pies?
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Frank F · Posted: Fri Jun 06, 2008 8:02 pm Post subject:

I am surprised, my first two points in a conversation dealing with busienss are about "deadlines" and "dollars".

Although this was uncomfortable at first the discussion puts people at ease, they know what they are going to need to procure my services right up front.

I no longer hesitate about my fees. After knowing a description of the script and it's usage, I simply quote my going rate. The person calling then has the option to say yeah or nay. Then the discussion begins in earnest.

But, I am old, fat, sassy, and "seasoned". I cook up well too.

Toodles

F2
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Lance Blair · M&M Joined: 03 Jun 2007 Posts: 2281 Location: Atlanta

I came up through a post house who always replied "how high?" when the client asked for us to jump. So yes, my response for deadlines has always been "when do you need it?" and then at the very least after showing an willingness to fit into the client's deadline I will work things out if I have to.

My small town rate is two chickens, a key lime pie, and an hour at the pool hall. Seriously, I'd just spend the money on that anyway. Smile

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Lizden · Posted: Fri Jun 06, 2008 9:43 pm Post subject:

Damn, Deebs...like you needed more stress this week! Lips Are Sealed

I had someone contact me this week...I gave them a quote & they said that they were "under budget constraints" but are still working out the details...on this video...and 20 more!
BUT I decided to "spine it" and said "when you work out the details, let me know, I'm sure we'll come to a fair arrangement"...they got back to me right away & said they liked my sound & would get back to me...we'll see if they were just blowing smoke....

REALLY sorry Deebs, I know that when I'm in the middle of caregiving $h*t work actually keeps me sane & focused.... Lips Are Sealed

Much love

Liz
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glittlefield · Posted: Sat Jun 07, 2008 5:00 am Post subject:

I've had to spine it up on two cold requests I got this week as well, Liz. Having worked in service of one type or another all my life, I have that center in my brain that's eager to please.

Now, at least, it's overridden by the rest of the brain, which has to pay the mortgage.

And yes, it's important to know the clients' deadlines up front. I hate surprises. The only problem is that they usually don't give many details up front and that begins a chain of emails equivalent to pulling teeth. My best gig yet was a guy from Kansas who called me saying "I have $xxx budgeted for you to do three lines with me directing over the phone and I need it by tomorrow. Would you be available and do you take a check?"

Mercy.
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Rob Ellis · M&M Joined: 01 Aug 2006 Posts: 2385 Location: Detroit

D'oh! No riotous living this week I guess. Rolls Eyes

...but thanks for sharing the wisdom...all should profit from it...or as a sales manager in my previous incarnation would say "When you don't get the sale, you get the experience/lesson/wisdom, etc..."

Is it possible that there was some reason other than the deadline? Depending on your relationship with this client that could be worth exploring, which in this situation would require a certain measure of finesse, but that would be no problem for DB.

Deirdre · Posted: Sat Jun 07, 2008 5:52 am Post subject:

I thought my relationship with this client was quite spiffy— we were pals before I did any VO work for him. I really was really shocked at the instantaneous dismissal, but it was a "hugs and kisses, we'll call you soon with something else" kind of dismissal.

The "under-promise but over-deliver" notion is absolutely the right way to handle things, but it's not something that works by itself— it needs a boatload of wisdom on the outset, and the right questions asked first.

I misued it, and blew it.
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dhouston67 · Posted: Sat Jun 07, 2008 9:23 am Post subject:

At least it sounds like he's likely to look your way again. Lately, cold contacts have asked me for quotes and then disappeared when they get the number.
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Diane Maggipinto · Posted: Mon Jun 09, 2008 8:45 am Post subject:

what's maddening is, invariably, the client won't have the script done and ready for immediate production anyway.

arrrgh.

sorry, deebs Frown

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Yoda117 · Posted: Mon Jun 09, 2008 9:34 am Post subject:

voicy1stef · Posted: Tue Jun 10, 2008 5:49 am Post subject:

Thanks for sharing this bitter lesson. Makes you want to kick yourself sometimes. I lost a gig once cause i didn't check the answerphone fast enough. Lesson learned!

I'll remember your advice for future when that deadline question comes up. thanks! You're a gem!
Rolls Eyes

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Donovan · Posted: Tue Jun 10, 2008 12:24 pm Post subject:

wow. Thanks for this, Deebs. It can be a harsh business sometimes. Especially when you feel like you messed it up for yourself. I had a lead fall through because I decided not to take any work-related calls over one weekend. Checked my voicemail on Monday and heard them say they needed an emergency VO to replace what they had, but if I couldn't have it to them by Saturday night, not to bother. They offered a hefty bonus for the last minute factor too...

Poop.
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