Agent vs Freelancing Voice Overs

Having an Agent is a great accomplishment and a great compliment. To be added to the talent roster of one of the many agency's in the Bay Area is a good thing.Yet, the competition is fierce. The playing level is quite high and there are endless auditions that don't turn to bookings. What does a voice actor do to put food on their tables? Freelance. There's no other way to survive the Voice Over biz. Freelancing means hustling everyday, phoning leads, keeping those business cards in every cubby you have and looking at every contact as a possible contract. While teaching my Intro to Voice Over classes here in the Tri Valley I often hear from students saying "I hate marketing".....that is a trainwreck in the voice over business. One has to market to stay in front of the rest. There are numerous freelance Producers and terrific Production companies in the Tri Valley that can be approached. My contact list is golden and I follow up quarterly to keep top of mind...so being in front of the mic isn't all there is in voice overs, it's being in front of the potential client that puts you above the rest.....off to make a few calls and think positive thoughts for another opportunity to voice today!