Avsnitt
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Fred North has spent over 20 years building a full-time voiceover business on direct marketing - primarily retainer work with radio and TV stations. Now he wants to add a pay-to-play platform to the mix.
The problem? He has no idea where to start.
In this Summer Series episode, Marc Scott breaks down the four pay-to-play platforms worth considering in 2026, gives his honest take on each one, and explains exactly what an established voice actor needs to know before signing up for any of them.
Inside this episode:
Why Bodalgo is the most talent-friendly platform on the market - and why that comes with a trade-offThe truth about Voices.com, including the 92.5% hidden commission Marc uncovered a decade ago - and what's changed sinceHow Voice123's tier and algorithm system works - and why starting at the bottom can make it incredibly hard to work your way upWhy booking a job off-platform on Voice123 can actually hurt your ranking on the siteWhat VO Planet offers and why the quantity just isn't there yetWhy having 50 to 100 short clips on your profile matters more than uploading a handful of full-length demosWhat Voice Realm's reputation is - and why Marc is still cautious despite reports of new ownershipWhether you're brand new to pay-to-play or an established voice actor thinking about adding it to your business, this episode gives you a clear and honest framework for making the right choice.
🎧 Subscribe to the VOpreneur Podcast on your favourite podcast platform - Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen - so you never miss an episode.
CONNECT WITH FRED NORTH🖱️ Fred North Website - https://frednorth.com🖱️ Marc Scott on Instagram - https://instagram.com/marcscott 🖱️ Marc Scott on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@MarcScottVO 🖱️ VOpreneur® on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@vopreneur
RESOURCES FOR VOICE ACTORS* VOpreneur® ➡️ Visit https://vopreneur.com
* Get an instant $25 credit when you sign up for VoiceZam ➡️ Visit https://voicezam.com/marcscott
* For voice over services: ➡️ Visit https://marcscottvoiceover.com
* Join the VOpreneur Facebook Group ➡️ Visit https://facebook.com/groups/vopreneur
Book a free 15-minute consultation: https://vopreneur.com/free15min00:00 Summer Series intro 00:19 Fred's question - which pay-to-play site is right for him? 01:02 Why pay-to-play is always a controversial topic 01:32 Marc's own history with pay-to-play platforms 02:27 What Fred is looking for - commercial and big voice work 02:51 The four platforms worth considering in 2026 03:28 Bodalgo - most talent-friendly, fewest hoops, European focus 04:34 Bodalgo's vetting process and competition pool 05:39 Voices.com - the controversial pick and why Marc recommends it anyway 06:00 The 92.5% hidden commission story 07:00 How Voices.com commissions work today 08:21 Why profile clips matter more than full demos on Voices.com 09:39 Voice123 - the OG platform and how the tier system works 11:00 Why starting at the bottom tier makes it hard to climb 12:01 How Marc got punished for booking a job off-platform 12:28 How to optimize your Voice123 profile 14:12 Volume comparison - how many auditions to expect per day 15:00 VO Planet - top tier quality, limited quantity 15:30 Voice Realm - the reputation and why Marc is still cautious 16:39 Fred's next steps and final thoughts
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Are voice actors now expected to be on call 24/7, travel with gear everywhere they go, and never miss an audition?
That's the question audiobook and narration voice actor Amy Tallmadge brought to Marc Scott after hearing some interesting conversations at VO Atlanta - and the answer might give you permission to actually enjoy your next vacation.
Marc gives his honest take on whether the industry has genuinely changed its expectations, or whether something else is really driving the always-on mentality that so many voice actors feel.
Inside this episode:
Whether the 24/7 on-call expectation is a real industry shift or mostly FOMO in disguiseWhich voiceover genres actually do have higher availability requirements - and why commercial in general is not one of themThe grocery store story - how FOMO over missed auditions drove Marc off pay-to-play sites entirelyHow early delivery built Marc's business fast - and what the old guard had to say about itWhether casting directors really listen to every audition - and what that means for the ones you submit lateMarc's practical travel kit setup for when you do want to record on the roadWhy Amy's return to commercial VO may have fewer barriers than she thinksYou get to decide what kind of voice actor career you want to build. This episode is a reminder that the industry isn't taking that choice away from you.
🎧 Subscribe to the VOpreneur Podcast on your favourite podcast platform - Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen - so you never miss an episode.
CONNECT WITH AMY TALLMADGE🖱️ Amy Tallmadge Website - https://amytallmadge.com🖱️ Amy Tallmadge on Instagram - https://instagram.com/amytallmadge🖱️ Amy Tallmadge on Blue Sky - https://bsky.app/profile/amytallmadge.bsky.social Z🖱️ Any Tallmadge on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyltall
🖱️ Marc Scott on Instagram - https://instagram.com/marcscott 🖱️ Marc Scott on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@MarcScottVO 🖱️ VOpreneur® on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@vopreneur
RESOURCES FOR VOICE ACTORS* VOpreneur® ➡️ Visit https://vopreneur.com
* Get an instant $25 credit when you sign up for VoiceZam ➡️ Visit https://voicezam.com/marcscott
* For voice over services: ➡️ Visit https://marcscottvoiceover.com
* Join the VOpreneur Facebook Group ➡️ Visit https://facebook.com/groups/vopreneur
Book a free 15-minute consultation: https://vopreneur.com/free15min
00:00 Summer Series intro 00:19 Amy's question - do voice actors have to be on call 24/7? 01:16 On call to the voiceover gods - Marc's take 01:43 How fast delivery built Marc's early business 03:59 Joe Cipriano and the promo VO reality 04:41 FOMO vs actual industry expectation 06:02 What Marc's agents actually require 07:05 Phone auditions and recording quality on the road 09:57 Automotive and political VO - the real exceptions 12:20 Genre determines the expectation 13:11 Does the early bird really get the worm? 14:36 Marc's travel gear setup 15:37 The tri-booth at the mother-in-law's 16:54 Why Marc quit pay-to-play casting sites 18:18 If you need travel gear, that's a good problem to have 19:15 Amy's return to commercial VO 20:26 You decide - bagged milk at 3am 23:14 Every talent builds the career they want
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Saknas det avsnitt?
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Did you know that roughly 50% of consumers are now using AI-powered search? And that number is only going up?
In this Summer Series episode of the VOpreneur Podcast, voice actor Cody Rock asks the question that every voice actor with a website needs to hear right now: what is the difference between SEO and GEO, and how can voice actors use both to get in front of more buyers?
Marc Scott breaks down the shift from search engine optimization to generative engine optimization - what it means, why it matters, and what he's actually doing on his own website right now to take advantage of it.
Inside this episode:
The key difference between SEO and GEO - and why the shift from keywords to context changes everything about how you build your websiteWhy the top third of every Google search results page is now an AI summary - and what that means for your old SEO strategyHow Marc built 50 to 60 new pages on his website using AI - and how Claude Cowork now does it automatically without him ever touching WordPressThe "questions your clients ask" strategy - the simplest starting point for any voice actor who wants to show up in AI searchWhy GEO is a genuine ground-floor opportunity right now - everyone is starting at square one, and the voice actors who move early will have a real advantageHow to use AI to analyze your Google Analytics and Search Console data and tell you whether your strategy is actually workingWhy fresh, contextual content matters more than ever - and what that means for the one-page VO website that most voice actors are still runningWhether you're an SEO veteran or you've never thought about search strategy a day in your career, this episode gives you a clear, practical framework for making sure AI recommends you when buyers come looking.
🎧 Subscribe to the VOpreneur Podcast on your favourite podcast platform - Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen - so you never miss an episode.
CONNECT WITH CODY ROCK
🖱️ Cody Rock Website - https://codyrockvoiceover.com🖱️ Cody Rock LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/codyrockvo🖱️ Cody Rock YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@CodyRockVoiceActor🖱️ Marc Scott on Instagram - https://instagram.com/marcscott 🖱️ Marc Scott on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@MarcScottVO 🖱️ VOpreneur® on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@vopreneur
RESOURCES FOR VOICE ACTORS
* VOpreneur® ➡️ Visit https://vopreneur.com
* Get an instant $25 credit when you sign up for VoiceZam ➡️ Visit https://voicezam.com/marcscott
* For voice over services: ➡️ Visit https://marcscottvoiceover.com
* Join the VOpreneur Facebook Group ➡️ Visit https://facebook.com/groups/vopreneur
Book a free 15-minute consultation: https://vopreneur.com/free15min
00:00 Summer Series intro 00:15 Cody's question - SEO vs GEO for voice actors 00:35 Why GEO matters even if you're skeptical of AI 01:00 The barbecue story - how AI search actually works 02:58 We're not just building websites for Google anymore 04:11 SEO is keywords, GEO is context - the critical difference 06:33 What questions would buyers type into ChatGPT? 08:33 Genre-specific pages - promo, imaging, automotive and beyond 10:12 How Marc built 50 to 60 new web pages using AI 12:36 How to find the right questions to optimize for 13:45 Video content and schema text for LLMs 16:10 Using AI to fight back - 50% of consumers use AI search now 17:30 GEO is a ground-floor opportunity - everyone starting equal 18:54 Can you afford to miss 50% of your potential audience? 19:22 Using AI to build and continuously test your GEO strategy 22:00 Is there a GEO metric like domain authority? 24:26 Where to start - answer the questions your clients ask 25:30 Building authority around a specific genre 26:38 SEO and GEO go together - it's not either/or
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Is your voice over business down and nothing you try seems to be working?
In this Summer Series episode of the VOpreneur Podcast, UK voice actor James Brown asks the question that a lot of VOPreneurs are quietly panicking about right now: my business is down thirty percent, I'm marketing more than ever, what should I focus on to come out the other side intact?
Marc doesn't sugarcoat it.
His eLearning business was wiped out by AI in 2025. Trade pressures pulled his US clients. He lost more than sixty thousand dollars in income from clients who disappeared in a single year. And he's been doing the hard work of figuring out what comes next.
Inside this episode:
Why Marc's longest-standing eLearning clients told him "we hate it, but our competitors are using it" - and what that means for your businessThe exact pivots Marc made: new coaching, a new commercial demo, a new corporate demo, and why he chose those two genres specificallyWhy Marc is now marketing into Canada after years of focusing almost entirely on the US marketThe audiobook genre Marc swore he'd never touch - and why he just booked his first oneWhy booking rates on pay-to-play platforms are dropping for even experienced voice actors - and what to do about itThe "money read" concept: how to recognize when the read that was booking for you has stopped working - and how to find the new oneThe single question every voice actor needs to honestly answer right nowIf your business has taken a hit and you're not sure what move to make next, this episode gives you a real, honest look at what one working voice actor is actually doing to level up when the market shifts beneath him.
🎧 Subscribe to the VOpreneur Podcast on your favourite podcast platform - Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen - so you never miss an episode.
CONNECT WITH JAMES BROWN
🖱️ James Brown Website - https://jamesbrownvoice.com🖱️ James Brown LinkedIn - http://linkedin.com/in/jamesbrownvoice
🖱️ Marc Scott on Instagram - https://instagram.com/marcscott 🖱️ Marc Scott on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@MarcScottVO 🖱️ VOpreneur® on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@vopreneur
RESOURCES FOR VOICE ACTORS
* VOpreneur® ➡️ Visit https://vopreneur.com
* Get an instant $25 credit when you sign up for VoiceZam ➡️ Visit https://voicezam.com/marcscott
* For voice over services: ➡️ Visit https://marcscottvoiceover.com
* Join the VOpreneur Facebook Group ➡️ Visit https://facebook.com/groups/vopreneur
Book a free 15-minute consultation: https://vopreneur.com/free15min
00:00 Summer Series intro
00:53 James's question - business down 30%, marketing more than ever
02:23 Marc's e-learning business got wiped out - the client conversation
04:47 AI and trade wars hitting at the same time
07:05 Focus on what you can control
08:00 Starting over - the honest conversation Marc had with his wife
09:31 Getting back into serious coaching
10:00 New commercial demo - why commercial is still a safer genre
11:39 New corporate demo - what Marc is seeing on Voice123
13:57 Niching down your marketing sequences
15:30 Pivoting to the Canadian market
16:15 Booking his first audiobook - the genre he swore he'd never do
18:44 The thinning out - what happens after the COVID VO boom
21:06 Double down or get another job - the binary choice
23:22 Voice123 profile optimization - what actually moves the needle
25:43 Working with a coach on auditions
28:04 The money read - when what was booking stops working
30:27 The one thing top voice actors never stop doing
32:51 Final thoughts from James and Marc
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Ever feel like you need a full studio setup before you can start showing up online? In this Summer Series episode of the VOpreneur Podcast, voice actor Laura Doman asks Marc Scott the question so many VOPreneurs are thinking: what equipment and software do you actually need to start live streaming, podcasting, and creating courses?
Marc's answer might surprise you — because he started with nothing but his phone.
Inside this episode:
The streaming software Marc swears by for Mac users (and why he chose it over the free alternative everyone talks about)How Riverside changed his podcast workflow — and the AI features inside it that save him hours of editing every single weekThe $150 piece of hardware sitting on his desk that automates his entire pre-show routine with one button pressHow he builds, records, and hosts his courses — the tools, the platforms, and the workflow that keeps it all togetherWhy Kajabi replaced 14 different systems he was trying to hold together with duct tapeThe one thing that matters more than production quality — and why the voice actors with the most followers aren't always the ones with the best camerasWhether you're thinking about starting a live stream, launching a course, or just want to know what's behind the curtain of a working VOpreneur content operation — this episode gives you a real, honest look at what works, what doesn't, and how to build it up over time without blowing your budget.
CONNECT WITH LAURA DOMAN
🖱️ Laura Doman Website - https://lauradoman.com 🖱️ Laura Doman YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4WLodJWcybYXsAibXy6X9Q 🖱️ Laura Doman LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauradoman/ 🖱️ Laura Doman Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/laura.v.doman
🖱️ Marc Scott on Instagram - https://instagram.com/marcscott 🖱️ Marc Scott on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@MarcScottVO 🖱️ VOpreneur® on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@vopreneur
RESOURCES FOR VOICE ACTORS
* VOpreneur® ➡️ Visit https://vopreneur.com
* Get an instant $25 credit when you sign up for VoiceZam ➡️ Visit https://voicezam.com/marcscott
* For voice over services: ➡️ Visit https://marcscottvoiceover.com
* Join the VOpreneur Facebook Group ➡️ Visit https://facebook.com/groups/vopreneur
Book a free 15-minute consultation: https://vopreneur.com/free15min
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Spending $2,000–$3,000 on a voiceover demo is one of the biggest investments a voice actor can make, and one of the easiest to get wrong.
In this episode, Marc Scott shares five red flags that should stop you from signing on the dotted line with the wrong demo producer, drawn from his own recent experiences working with J. Michael Collins and the Demo Dream Team.
Inside this episode:
👉🏻 Why one-size-fits-all demo packages are almost always a red flag (and what to look for instead)
👉🏻 How to identify a demo producer you can genuinely trust (and why trust directly impacts the quality of your final demo)
👉🏻 What a truly collaborative process looks like from day one (and why generic scripts produce generic demos)
👉🏻 Why being directable in the session isn't weakness (it's how you get a demo that actually books work)
👉🏻 The non-negotiable: working with a producer who will accept your feedback before you sign off
Marc also shares the story of a One Password spot that made no sense to him in the session, and ended up becoming the source of his very first commercial booking after the demo dropped.
Whether you're producing your first demo or updating an existing one, this episode gives you a clear checklist for choosing the right producer and protecting your investment.
🎧 Subscribe to the VOpreneur Podcast on your favorite podcast platform — Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen — so you never miss an episode.
The Demo Dream Team - https://demodreamteam.com
JMC Demos - https://jmcdemos.com
CONNECT WITH MARC SCOTT & VOPRENEUR
🖱️ Marc Scott on Instagram - https://instagram.com/marcscott
🖱️ Marc Scott on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@MarcScottVO
🖱️ VOpreneur® on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@vopreneur
RESOURCES FOR VOICE ACTORS
* VOpreneur® ➡️ Visit https://vopreneur.com
* Get an instant $25 credit when you sign up for VoiceZam ➡️ Visit https://voicezam.com/marcscott
* For voice over services: ➡️ Visit https://marcscottvoiceover.com
* Join the VOpreneur Facebook Group ➡️ Visit https://facebook.com/groups/vopreneur
Book a free 15-minute consultation: https://vopreneur.com/free15min
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Want to use AI in your voiceover business without giving up control of how you sound, how you write, or how clients see you? In this episode of the VOpreneur Podcast, Marc Scott shares the framework that keeps his AI use sustainable: treat AI like an employee, not the boss. Then he walks through five practical ways voice actors can put AI to work — saving time, saving money, and getting found by more clients, even with zero technical background or SEO budget.
Inside this episode:
- How to drop your raw Google Analytics data into ChatGPT for a plain-English breakdown of what's working on your website (and what isn't)
- The same shortcut applied to Google Search Console — and why it's the fastest way to learn which keywords are actually driving traffic to your VO website
- What SEO and GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) mean for voice actors — and how to position yourself to show up when buyers search inside ChatGPT, Claude, or Gemini
- The right way to use AI as a writing assistant for marketing emails so they still sound like you, not a chatbot
- How to use AI as a brainstorming buddy for social media so "I don't know what to post" stops being the reason you don't post
Marc also explains why the $20–$30/month investment can pay back significantly when you're a solo voice actor competing against established names with decades of website authority — and why the voice actors who choose to embrace AI now have a ground-floor opportunity in generative engine optimization that won't last forever.
Whether you're an experienced voice actor looking to build efficiencies into your business, or a newer VO talent trying to figure out where to start, this episode gives you a clear, no-hype roadmap for putting AI to work — on your terms.
🎧 Subscribe to the VOpreneur Podcast on your favorite podcast platform — Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen — so you never miss an episode.
CONNECT WITH MARC SCOTT & VOPRENEUR🖱️ Marc Scott on Instagram - https://instagram.com/marcscott 🖱️ Marc Scott on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@MarcScottVO 🖱️ VOpreneur® on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@vopreneur
RESOURCES FOR VOICE ACTORS* VOpreneur®➡️ Visit https://vopreneur.com
* Get an instant $25 credit when you sign up for VoiceZam ➡️ Visit https://voicezam.com/marcscott
* For voice over services: ➡️ Visit https://marcscottvoiceover.com
* Join the VOpreneur Facebook Group ➡️ Visit https://facebook.com/groups/vopreneur
If you need guidance with your voice over business or learning how to more effectively market, I can help. Book a 15 minute free consultation with me to discuss your specific needs. https://vopreneur.com/free
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Got a new voice over demo? Or maybe you’ve had one sitting around that you haven’t really done much with?
In this episode, Marc breaks down how a single voice over demo can be turned into 50+ pieces of marketing content without overcomplicating the process.
Instead of posting your demo once and hoping for results, you’ll learn how to repurpose it into audio, video, and social content that keeps you visible and top of mind for weeks (or even months).
Marc walks through his exact strategy for:• Sharing demos across casting platforms and websites • Creating video content from demo audio • Repurposing clips for social media • Reaching out to leads, clients, and agents • Building a long-term content strategy from a single demo
Whether your demo is brand new or a year old, this episode will help you get more mileage, more visibility, and more opportunities from the work you’ve already done.
If you’re serious about marketing your voice over business more effectively, this is a must-listen.
CONNECT WITH MARC SCOTT & VOPRENEUR🖱️ Marc Scott on Instagram - https://instagram.com/marcscott 🖱️ Marc Scott on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@MarcScottVO 🖱️ VOpreneur® on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@vopreneur
RESOURCES FOR VOICE ACTORS* VOpreneur®➡️ Visit https://vopreneur.com
* Get an instant $25 credit when you sign up for VoiceZam ➡️ Visit https://voicezam.com/marcscott
* For voice over services: ➡️ Visit https://marcscottvoiceover.com
* Join the VOpreneur Facebook Group ➡️ Visit https://facebook.com/groups/vopreneur
If you need guidance with your voice over business or learning how to more effectively market, I can help. Book a 15 minute free consultation with me to discuss your specific needs. https://vopreneur.com/free
00:00 Turn One Demo Into 50+ Pieces of Content
02:51 Why Most Voice Actors Waste Their Demo
06:01 Turning Your Demo Into Video Content
08:45 How to Share Your Demo on Social Media
12:10 Building a Long-Term Demo Marketing Plan
14:56 Why Repetition Actually Works in Marketing
17:51 Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
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For years, I told myself I wasn’t a commercial voice actor.
Not because I couldn’t be… but because I wasn’t booking.
That story became my reality.
In this fireside chat, I’m breaking down the three things I did that completely changed that… and led to multiple commercial campaigns running at the same time across Canada.
If you’ve ever struggled in a genre, questioned your abilities, or felt stuck in your voice over career, this episode is for you.
I’ll walk you through:• The mindset shift that changed everything• How the right coaching made the difference• Why I had to fall back in love with auditioning• And the narratives that were quietly holding me back
Plus a bonus insight that made an immediate impact in the booth.
If you’re ready to stop overthinking and start booking, this one matters.
CONNECT WITH MARC SCOTT & VOPRENEUR🖱️ Marc Scott on Instagram - https://instagram.com/marcscott 🖱️ Marc Scott on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@MarcScottVO 🖱️ VOpreneur® on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@vopreneur
RESOURCES FOR VOICE ACTORS* VOpreneur®➡️ Visit https://vopreneur.com
* Get an instant $25 credit when you sign up for VoiceZam ➡️ Visit https://voicezam.com/marcscott
* For voice over services: ➡️ Visit https://marcscottvoiceover.com
* Join the VOpreneur Facebook Group ➡️ Visit https://facebook.com/groups/vopreneur
If you need guidance with your voice over business or learning how to more effectively market, I can help. Book a 15 minute free consultation with me to discuss your specific needs. https://vopreneur.com/free
00:00 Fireside Chat: Booking Commercial VO01:00 “I’m Not a Commercial Voice Actor” (The Problem)02:26 When That Story Became My Identity04:02 The Vision That Changed Everything06:16 Reverse Engineering the Goal07:08 Finding the Right Coach (And Getting Out of My Own Way)11:44 The Breakthrough: Better Second Takes13:26 “You’re This Close” (The 12–16% Shift)15:42 Falling Out of Love with Auditioning17:39 Resentment in the Booth19:49 Learning to Love Auditions Again21:21 “I Get To” vs “I Have To”22:52 Changing the Narrative Completely25:41 Be Moldable with the Right Coach27:31 Stop Trying So Hard29:26 Final Thoughts & Encouragement
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What's really holding voice actors back? In most cases, it's not talent. It's mindset, the stories we tell ourselves, and the lack of accountability to push through when things get hard.
In this episode, Marc Scott sits down with Billie Jo Konze — stage actor, voice actor, singer, podcaster, and accountability coach — for a candid conversation about what it actually takes to grow a sustainable voice over career.
From bowling to booking campaigns, this one covers a lot of ground. But at the heart of it is a simple truth: the people who succeed are the ones who show up, do the hard thing, and refuse to let their own excuses win.
What you'll learn in this episode:
Why confidence directly impacts your booking ratioHow the stories you tell yourself can make or break your careerWhat "work begets work" really means — and why it's about confidence, not just creditsHow to build and run an accountability group that actually worksWhy shame has no place in accountabilityThe numbers every voice actor should be trackingWhy your social media follower count is probably the wrong metricBook recommendations for the voice actor who wants to think like a business ownerCONNECT WITH BILLIE JO KONZE🖱️ Billie Jo Konze Website - https://billiejovo.com🖱️ Audacious Accountability - https://audaciousaccountability.com🖱️ Billie Jo Konze Links - https://www.billiejokonze.com/links
🖱️ Marc Scott on Instagram - https://instagram.com/marcscott🖱️ Marc Scott on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@MarcScottVO 🖱️ VOpreneur® on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@vopreneur
RESOURCES FOR VOICE ACTORS* VOpreneur®➡️ Visit https://vopreneur.com
* Get an instant $25 credit when you sign up for VoiceZam ➡️ Visit https://voicezam.com/marcscott
* For voice over services: ➡️ Visit https://marcscottvoiceover.com
* Join the VOpreneur Facebook Group ➡️ Visit https://facebook.com/groups/vopreneur
If you need guidance with your voice over business or learning how to more effectively market, I can help. Book a 15 minute free consultation with me to discuss your specific needs. https://vopreneur.com/free
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Fear is one of the biggest reasons voice actors stay stuck.
In this episode of the Everyday VOpreneur Podcast, Marc Scott talks with voice actor Paul Cartwright about fear, failure, persistence, confidence, rejection, and what it really takes to build a voice over career.
Paul shares the truth about his journey, including a terrible first demo, the pressure of trying to “make it,” the fear that comes from not knowing what will happen next, and the mindset shifts that helped him keep moving forward. He also opens up about chasing dream representation, losing an agent he thought would change everything, and ultimately finding the right manager, one who helped triple his income.
This conversation is honest, practical, encouraging, and a reminder that growth in voice over is supposed to feel uncomfortable.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
• Why fear of failure and fear of success often come from the same place• How to stop obsessing over outcomes you cannot control• Why failure is often just a learning experience• The story behind Paul’s first terrible demo• What happened when he forgot to hit record in a national session• Why persistence matters when pursuing agents and opportunities• How losing a dream agent led to something better• The reality of building a voice over business over time• Why “overnight success” is almost never overnight• How Paul balanced family, full-time work, and late-night hustle while building his career• Why coaching and mentorship continue to matter at every stage• How Paul pivoted from video games and animation into commercial voice over• Why the right people in your corner can change everything• The mindset that helped Paul keep going when things got hard
One of the biggest takeaways from this conversation is simple:
You cannot fail if you do not quit.
If you are in a season of doubt, fear, frustration, or uncertainty, this episode will encourage you to keep going.
If this episode was helpful, share it with another voice actor and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform.
CONNECT WITH PAUL CARTWRIGHT🖱️ Paul Cartwright Website - www.paulcartwrightvo.com🖱️ Paul Cartwright Instagram - https://instagram.com/paultcartwright🖱️ Paul Cartwright Facebook - https://facebook.com/paultcartwright🖱️ Paul Cartwright X - https://x.com/paultcartwright
🖱️ Marc Scott on Instagram - https://instagram.com/marcscott🖱️ Marc Scott on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@MarcScottVO 🖱️ VOpreneur® on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@vopreneur
RESOURCES FOR VOICE ACTORS* VOpreneur®➡️ Visit https://vopreneur.com
* Get an instant $25 credit when you sign up for VoiceZam ➡️ Visit https://voicezam.com/marcscott
* For voice over services: ➡️ Visit https://marcscottvoiceover.com
* Join the VOpreneur Facebook Group ➡️ Visit https://facebook.com/groups/vopreneur
If you need guidance with your voice over business or learning how to more effectively market, I can help. Book a 15 minute free consultation with me to discuss your specific needs. https://vopreneur.com/free
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What makes a great storyteller in voice over?
In this episode of the Everyday VOpreneur Podcast, Marc Scott sits down with legendary voice actor and coach Thom Pinto to break down the art of storytelling in documentary and docuseries narration.
From visualization and emotional connection to understanding network styles and structure, Thom shares decades of insight into what separates average reads from compelling, bookable performances.
If you’ve ever wanted to break into documentary narration or simply become a stronger storyteller in your voice over work, this episode is packed with practical advice you can apply immediately.
🎙️ In this episode, we discuss:• What actually makes someone a great storyteller• Why visualization is the #1 skill for narration• How storytelling has evolved across networks like Discovery, Nat Geo, and PBS• The importance of understanding brand and audience• Common mistakes voice actors make in documentary auditions• How to structure your reads for long-form narration• Why you need to consume the genre you want to book• The role of music, pacing, and emotional connection• Practical audition tips to stand out in narration
Whether you’re brand new to narration or looking to level up your storytelling skills, this is a masterclass you don’t want to miss.
CONNECT WITH THOM PINTO🖱️ Thom Pinto Website - https://www.thompinto.com🖱️ Thom Pinto Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/pintopipes🖱️ Thom Pinto LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thom-pinto-05717747
🖱️ Marc Scott on Instagram - https://instagram.com/marcscott🖱️ Marc Scott on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@MarcScottVO 🖱️ VOpreneur® on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@vopreneur
RESOURCES FOR VOICE ACTORS* VOpreneur®➡️ Visit https://vopreneur.com
* Get an instant $25 credit when you sign up for VoiceZam ➡️ Visit https://voicezam.com/marcscott
* For voice over services: ➡️ Visit https://marcscottvoiceover.com
* Join the VOpreneur Facebook Group ➡️ Visit https://facebook.com/groups/vopreneur
If you need guidance with your voice over business or learning how to more effectively market, I can help. Book a 15 minute free consultation with me to discuss your specific needs. https://vopreneur.com/free
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What does it take to voice and produce more than 2,000 commercials a year?
In this episode of the Everyday VOpreneur Podcast, Marc Scott sits down with voice actor and producer Jenna Birmingham to talk about high-volume production, automotive voice over, and how she built a career working on thousands of commercials annually.
Jenna’s journey into voice over started in radio, where she learned production and performance the old-fashioned way. Over time she discovered a niche in automotive advertising and today works inside a commercial production hub while also maintaining freelance voice over clients.
Along the way, she’s learned how to work fast, trust her instincts in the booth, and avoid burnout while juggling an intense creative workload.
If you’ve ever wondered what high-volume voice over production looks like behind the scenes, this conversation offers a fascinating look at the workflow, mindset, and discipline required to make it work.
In this episode, we discuss:
• How Jenna Birmingham voices and produces more than 2,000 commercials a year • Why automotive voice over can be a powerful niche for voice actors • The reality of high-volume commercial production • Jenna’s workflow for balancing production work and freelance voice over • The importance of trusting your instincts when approaching a script • Why the copy often “tells you what it wants to be” • Avoiding burnout while working in a high-output creative environment • Lessons learned from starting out in radio production • Why saying “yes” early in your career can open unexpected doors • How relationships and consistency create long-term client work
CONNECT WITH JENNA BIRMINGHAM🖱️ Jenna Birmingham Website - https://jennabirmingham.com🖱️ Jenna Birmingham YouTube - https://youtube.com/@jennabirmingham🖱️ Jenna Birmingham Facebook - https://facebook.com/jennaannebirmingham🖱️ Jenna Birmingham on LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/jennabirmingham🖱️ Jenna Birmingham on Instagram - https://instagram.com/jenna_birmingham_official
🖱️ Marc Scott on Instagram - https://instagram.com/marcscott🖱️ Marc Scott on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@MarcScottVO 🖱️ VOpreneur® on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@vopreneur
RESOURCES FOR VOICE ACTORS* VOpreneur®➡️ Visit https://vopreneur.com
* Get an instant $25 credit when you sign up for VoiceZam ➡️ Visit https://voicezam.com/marcscott
* For voice over services: ➡️ Visit https://marcscottvoiceover.com
* Join the VOpreneur Facebook Group ➡️ Visit https://facebook.com/groups/vopreneur
If you need guidance with your voice over business or learning how to more effectively market, I can help. Book a 15 minute free consultation with me to discuss your specific needs. https://vopreneur.com/free
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In this episode of the Everyday VOpreneur Podcast, Marc Scott sits down with voice actor Samantha Damiano to talk about what it really looks like to build a voice over career from the ground up.
Sam only started her voice over journey in 2023, but the way she has approached the industry, building relationships, investing in the right coaching, and learning from early mistakes, offers a valuable roadmap for anyone navigating the early stages of a voice acting career.
From getting burned by a demo mill to building connections with some of the most respected coaches and mentors in the industry, Sam shares the lessons that helped her move from overwhelmed beginner to working talent.
This conversation dives into the importance of giving yourself permission to fail, why relationships matter more than most new voice actors realize, and how to build a voice over career the right way.
You’ll also hear some incredible stories along the way, including how Sam went from racing camels in the Australian outback to pursuing voice over in Canada.
If you're new to voice acting, feeling overwhelmed by the number of paths available, or wondering whether you're doing the right things to build your career, this episode is for you.
In this episode we talk about:
• How Samantha Damiano got started in voice over after a career working with animals• The early mistake that taught her to avoid demo mills• Why research and relationships matter when entering the industry• How to find the right coaches and mentors• The difference between training and actually launching your business• The moment when Sam realized she was ready to start marketing• Why direct marketing can be a turning point for voice actors• Building relationships with agents, coaches, and casting professionals• The importance of being prepared for your first directed session• Why giving yourself permission to fail is critical for growth• How to avoid becoming a “perpetual student”• The role of conferences, networking, and industry events• Why newer voice actors shouldn’t feel pressured to rush their timeline
Whether you're just starting your voice over journey or looking for encouragement as you build your business, this conversation is packed with insights and practical advice.
If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing to the podcast and leaving a review. It helps more voice actors discover the show.
CONNECT WITH SAMANTHA DAMIANO🖱️ Samantha Damiano Website - https://samanthadamiano.com🖱️ Samantha Damiano on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/samanthadamiano🖱️ Samantha Damiano on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/samantha.damiano.5
🖱️ Marc Scott on Instagram - https://instagram.com/marcscott🖱️ Marc Scott on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@MarcScottVO 🖱️ VOpreneur® on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@vopreneur
RESOURCES FOR VOICE ACTORS* VOpreneur®➡️ Visit https://vopreneur.com
* Get an instant $25 credit when you sign up for VoiceZam ➡️ Visit https://voicezam.com/marcscott
* For voice over services: ➡️ Visit https://marcscottvoiceover.com
* Join the VOpreneur Facebook Group ➡️ Visit https://facebook.com/groups/vopreneur
If you need guidance with your voice over business or learning how to more effectively market, I can help. Book a 15 minute free consultation with me to discuss your specific needs. https://vopreneur.com/free
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Imposter syndrome. Anxiety. Marketing pressure. SEO. GEO. AI.
What if the thing you’ve been fighting… is actually your advantage?
In this episode, John Lano joins Marc Scott to unpack the mindset and marketing shifts voice actors must make right now. From embracing anxiety as fuel, to rethinking how your voice over website speaks to buyers, this conversation dives deep into SEO, generative engine optimization (GEO), LinkedIn strategy, and the real purpose of your website.
If your website is just “name, photo, demos,” this episode will change how you think about everything.
We talk about:
• Turning anxiety into productivity • Imposter syndrome in the voice over industry • Why most VO websites are built wrong • SEO vs GEO — what matters now • Case studies, niche pages, and FAQ strategy • LinkedIn Premium — is it worth it? • Designing your site for buyers, not other voice actors
If you're serious about building a voice over business that attracts better clients, this episode is required listening.
CONNECT WITH JOHN LANO🖱️ John Lano Mentoring Website - https://fulltimevoicetalent.com🖱️ John Lano Voice Over Website - https://voiceovergenie.com🖱️ VO Website Tips Newsletter - https://help.fulltimevoicetalent.com/website🖱️ John Lano on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnlano🖱️ Andy Roth on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-roth-9a774613
🖱️ Marc Scott on Instagram - https://instagram.com/marcscott🖱️ Marc Scott on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@MarcScottVO 🖱️ VOpreneur® on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@vopreneur
RESOURCES FOR VOICE ACTORS* VOpreneur®➡️ Visit https://vopreneur.com
* Get an instant $25 credit when you sign up for VoiceZam ➡️ Visit https://voicezam.com/marcscott
* For voice over services: ➡️ Visit https://marcscottvoiceover.com
* Join the VOpreneur Facebook Group ➡️ Visit https://facebook.com/groups/vopreneur
If you need guidance with your voice over business or learning how to more effectively market, I can help. Book a 15 minute free consultation with me to discuss your specific needs. https://vopreneur.com/free
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Direct marketing isn’t dead. But if your outreach feels ignored, it might not be the strategy, it might be the way you’re using it.
In this short solo episode, Marc Scott breaks down why direct marketing still works for voice actors, what’s actually failing right now, and how personalization, follow-up, and relationship building make the difference. If you’ve ever thought “this doesn’t work anymore,” this episode will challenge that belief.
You’ll learn how to rethink new leads, follow-up, and relationship building in a way that cuts through inbox noise and avoids sounding like another AI-generated message.
Key topics covered:- Why direct marketing still works for voice actors- The three pillars every VO marketing strategy needs- Why a no response is not a no- How AI has made personalization more powerful, not less- Using email, social media, and follow-up together- The role of engagement in long-term relationship building
Takeaway:Bad direct marketing is dead. Personalized, human marketing still wins.
CONNECT WITH MARC SCOTT & VOPRENEUR🖱️ Marc Scott on Instagram - https://instagram.com/marcscott 🖱️ Marc Scott on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@MarcScottVO 🖱️ VOpreneur® on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@vopreneur
RESOURCES FOR VOICE ACTORS* VOpreneur®➡️ Visit https://vopreneur.com
* Get an instant $25 credit when you sign up for VoiceZam ➡️ Visit https://voicezam.com/marcscott
* For voice over services: ➡️ Visit https://marcscottvoiceover.com
* Join the VOpreneur Facebook Group ➡️ Visit https://facebook.com/groups/vopreneur
If you need guidance with your voice over business or learning how to more effectively market, I can help. Book a 15 minute free consultation with me to discuss your specific needs. https://vopreneur.com/free
00:00 Fireside Chat Introduction01:00 Why I Struggled with Commercial VO for Years02:26 When “I’m Not a Commercial Guy” Became My Identity04:02 The Vision That Changed Everything06:16 Reverse Engineering the Goal07:08 Finding the Right Coach (Brad Highland)11:44 The Power of Better Second Takes13:26 The “You’re This Close” Breakthrough15:42 Falling Out of Love with Auditioning17:39 Resentment in the Booth (And Why It Matters)19:49 Learning to Love Auditions Again21:21 “I Get To” vs “I Have To”22:52 Changing the Narrative Completely24:26 Telling a Better Story25:41 Be Moldable with the Right Coach27:31 Stop Trying So Hard29:26 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
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Casting director Andy Roth has cast more than 1,000 commercials, along with countless roles in TV, animation, and streaming series. In this episode, Andy pulls back the curtain on how casting really works and why every audition you submit is bigger than the job in front of you.
Andy explains how casting directors “bank” auditions, why relationships matter more than perfection, and how one strong read can lead to dozens of future opportunities. We also dig into mindset, audition anxiety, social media, efficiency in modern casting, and why being yourself is still the most underrated skill in voice acting.
This conversation is a must-listen for any voice actor who wants to stop overthinking auditions and start playing the long game.
What we cover:• Why you’re never auditioning for just one role • How casting directors actually listen to auditions • The truth about “Strong but Wrong” reads • What makes a casting director lean in • How auditions build relationships over time • The role of confidence, ease, and efficiency • How social media really factors into casting decisions • Why overthinking hurts more than it helps • What voice actors should focus on as the industry evolves
🎧 Listen, learn, and start auditioning with a bigger picture in mind.
CONNECT WITH ANDY ROTH🖱️ Andy Roth Website - https://andyrothcasting.com🖱️ Andy Roth on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/shineynoggin🖱️ Andy Roth on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-roth-9a774613
🖱️ Marc Scott on Instagram - https://instagram.com/marcscott🖱️ Marc Scott on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@MarcScottVO 🖱️ VOpreneur® on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@vopreneur
RESOURCES FOR VOICE ACTORS* VOpreneur®➡️ Visit https://vopreneur.com
* Get an instant $25 credit when you sign up for VoiceZam ➡️ Visit https://voicezam.com/marcscott
* For voice over services: ➡️ Visit https://marcscottvoiceover.com
* Join the VOpreneur Facebook Group ➡️ Visit https://facebook.com/groups/vopreneur
If you need guidance with your voice over business or learning how to more effectively market, I can help. Book a 15 minute free consultation with me to discuss your specific needs. https://vopreneur.com/free
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If you’ve ever wondered why your “year 2” doesn’t look like someone else’s “year 15,” this episode is for you.
Rider (TV narration, promo, and one of the most compelling keynote speakers you’ll hear at a conference) breaks down the truth behind “overnight success” in voice over, what actually compounds over time, and why talent is only a small part of the equation.
We get into the mindset and attitude side of the game most people ignore, how to stay hungry without burning out, and why you need a mission statement that can pull you forward when you’re not feeling it.
Also, yes… we talk barbecue. A lot.
Listen now, then ask yourself: what are you going to DO with what you heard?
PODBEAN — SHOW NOTES (bullets + links)
In this episode with Rider, we cover:
• Why “overnight success” is usually a 15-year build • Talent is only part of the equation, what actually moves the needle • Starting “the wrong way” (guest bathroom studios, janky gear) and still building a career • Why rushing the process breaks people, and how patience becomes a strategy • “You’re auditioning for your own job”, staying hungry, staying humble • The mindset piece most voice actors skip, confidence, courage, gratitude, and resilience • The mission statement framework, goals vs mission, present tense, and why clarity matters • What to do on days you’re not feeling it, and how to reset your state • The VO Life Coach app, what it is, who it’s for, and how it works • Rider’s other show, Tri-Vio Pursuits (with Matt Baker + Mandy Fisher)
CONNECT WITH RIDER🖱️ Rider Website - https://ridervo.com🖱️ VO Life Coach - https://volifecoach.com🖱️ Rider on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ridervos🖱️ Rider on TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@ridervos🖱️ VO Life Coach on TikTok - https://tiktok.com/@volifecoach🖱️ VO Life Coach App - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/vo-life-coach/id6756729788
🖱️ Marc Scott on Instagram - https://instagram.com/marcscott🖱️ Marc Scott on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@MarcScottVO 🖱️ VOpreneur® on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@vopreneur
RESOURCES FOR VOICE ACTORS* VOpreneur®➡️ Visit https://vopreneur.com
* Get an instant $25 credit when you sign up for VoiceZam ➡️ Visit https://voicezam.com/marcscott
* For voice over services: ➡️ Visit https://marcscottvoiceover.com
* Join the VOpreneur Facebook Group ➡️ Visit https://facebook.com/groups/vopreneur
If you need guidance with your voice over business or learning how to more effectively market, I can help. Book a 15 minute free consultation with me to discuss your specific needs. https://vopreneur.com/free
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What happens when a musical theater brain, ADHD, and relentless creativity collide with voice over entrepreneurship?
In this episode, I sit down with Tim Heller, a wildly creative VO talent and the founder behind Tim Heller Creative and Audiobook Bonanza. We talk about what it really looks like to build two businesses at once, why hiring help can expose the gaps in your systems (in the best way), and how to stay productive when your brain wants to sprint in 12 directions.
We also get into Tim’s infamous 1980s German alter ego “Dieter Unz,” why “I don’t do audiobooks” people keep ending up in audiobooks, and how to reframe mistakes so they don’t feel catastrophic.
If you’re trying to scale your voice over business without burning out, this one will hit.
Key topics we cover:
• ADHD productivity, systems, and boundaries that actually work
• Hiring support, delegation, and learning to work “on” the business
• Building Audiobook Bonanza and creating a better experience for talent
• Cringy COVID marketing emails, learning by doing, and failing forward
• Creativity as a business advantage, and why “fun” matters
• Mario Kart tournaments, community, and connection (yes, really)
CONNECT WITH TIM HELLER🖱️ Tim Heller Creative Website - http://timhellercreative.com🖱️ Audiobook Bonanza Website - http://audiobookbonanza.com🖱️ Tim Heller on Instagram - https://instagram.com/timhellercreative🖱️ Tim Heller on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thcllc
🖱️ Marc Scott on Instagram - https://instagram.com/marcscott 🖱️ Marc Scott on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@MarcScottVO 🖱️ VOpreneur® on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@vopreneur
RESOURCES FOR VOICE ACTORS* VOpreneur®➡️ Visit https://vopreneur.com
* Get an instant $25 credit when you sign up for VoiceZam ➡️ Visit https://voicezam.com/marcscott
* For voice over services: ➡️ Visit https://marcscottvoiceover.com
* Join the VOpreneur Facebook Group ➡️ Visit https://facebook.com/groups/vopreneur
If you need guidance with your voice over business or learning how to more effectively market, I can help. Book a 15 minute free consultation with me to discuss your specific needs. https://vopreneur.com/free
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What does it take to build a voice over career that truly lasts?
In this episode, I sit down with Joe Cipriano for a rare and deeply honest conversation about longevity, legacy, and life beyond the booth. This isn’t a greatest-hits interview or a walk through credits you already know. It’s a real discussion about staying relevant, surviving career valleys, and building a life alongside a long-term creative career.
Joe shares stories about falling off the mountain and climbing back up, why mindset and attitude matter more than hype, and how prioritizing family helped him sustain success over decades. We talk about diversification, relationships, adapting to industry changes, and why longevity is rarely about chasing trends.
If you’re a voice actor thinking long-term, navigating a plateau, or wondering how to build a career that supports both your work and your life, this episode will give you perspective you won’t get anywhere else.
This conversation is about more than voice over. It’s about building a career that lasts.
CONNECT WITH JOE CIPRIANO🖱️ Joe Cipriano Website - https://joecipriano.com🖱️ Promo Master Class Website - https://promomasterclass.com🖱️ Joe Cipriano on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/joeciprianovo🖱️ Joe Cipriano on X - https://x.com/joecip🖱️ Joe Cipriano on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ciprianojoe🖱️ Joe Cipriano on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeciprianovo
🖱️ Marc Scott on Instagram - https://instagram.com/marcscott 🖱️ Marc Scott on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@MarcScottVO 🖱️ VOpreneur® on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@vopreneur
RESOURCES FOR VOICE ACTORS* VOpreneur®➡️ Visit https://vopreneur.com
* Get an instant $25 credit when you sign up for VoiceZam ➡️ Visit https://voicezam.com/marcscott
* For voice over services: ➡️ Visit https://marcscottvoiceover.com
* Join the VOpreneur Facebook Group ➡️ Visit https://facebook.com/groups/vopreneur
If you need guidance with your voice over business or learning how to more effectively market, I can help. Book a 15 minute free consultation with me to discuss your specific needs. https://vopreneur.com/free
- Visa fler
