Episode 5: The Strategic Value of Being Distinctly You

Have you been trying to sound like everyone else? That could be your biggest career mistake! Discover how your unique background is actually your secret weapon in voice acting.

In this episode of "Conversational with Carrie Olsen," I explore how embracing your distinct perspective and experiences creates a measurable competitive advantage in your voice acting business. You'll discover how to transform your background into a valuable differentiator while staying authentic to who you are.

Episode Highlights:

• The "Talking to Everyone" Paradox - Why trying to sound generic actually makes you less valuable to clients (03:56)
• The AI Challenge - How your lived experience is the one thing AI voices can't replicate (04:40)
• Insider Advantage - How leveraging my e-learning background led to higher rates and long-term clients (05:17)
• The Unexpected Benefits - When marketing becomes energizing rather than draining (07:43)
• The Bug Doctor Example - How a student's entomology background became his unique selling point (08:50)

3 Key Takeaways

1. Complete Your Expertise Inventory

Take time to document your professional expertise, personal experiences, and passionate interests that could add value to voice acting clients. Don't limit yourself to obviously relevant experiences - sometimes your most powerful differentiator comes from an unexpected place.

2. Identify High-Value Client Connection Points

For each area of your expertise, identify specific industries, companies, or roles that would particularly value your insider knowledge. These become your high-priority outreach targets where you'll have the strongest competitive advantage.

3. Craft Tailored Value Statements

Create customized messaging for each client segment that clearly articulates why your unique background matters to them specifically. Remember, if you're talking to everyone, you're talking to no one.

My Perspective

I've seen firsthand how this approach transformed my own business. When I leveraged my e-learning development background, I wasn't just another voice actor reaching in from outside their industry - I was a fellow insider who understood their challenges. One client even told me she looked forward to editing my audio because it was engaging rather than tedious!

What's Coming Next..

Next week we'll explore the holistic voice actor: mind, body, and business. We'll discuss how physical and mental well-being impact your voice performance, and I'll share productivity systems that have helped me and my students create sustainable voice acting careers.

Action Step: Complete Your Standout Strategy Worksheet

Download the Standout Strategy worksheet that will guide you through identifying your unique experiences, connecting them to specific client types, and crafting tailored value statements. Identify at least three potential client segments where your background creates specific value.

Get your worksheet at CarrieOlsenVO.com/ep5 or text VOICE to 55444.

Resources Mentioned

• Standout Strategy Worksheet
• Text VOICE to 55444 for the free Standout Strategy exercise

Connect With Me

• Text VOICE to 55444 for my free Standout Strategy worksheet
• Email: carrie@carrieolsenvo.com
• Leave me a voice message to let me know what you thought of the episode