OK. You’ve got dream. Now let’s see what it takes to make it a reality. First question for you: What do you think is most important thing you need to launch your business? A great voice? Surprisingly, a great voice isn’t all that important for success. Talent? Well, yeah, you’re gonna need some talent, but talent (in most cases) can always be developed through study and practice. Determination? Sure, but simple determination won’t make you a success.

The Secret of Success

So, what’s most important thing? Get ready. It’s called…a plan. Yup. A plan. Not very “show bizzy,” huh? No, it isn’t, but it’s most important piece of business start up puzzle, and it applies to every type of start-up, not just voiceovers. Now, before we talk plans, let’s talk about second most important thing you’ll need for success—money.

It Take Money to Make Money

A lack of capital, seed money, whatever you call it, is overwhelming reason most business start-ups fail, including those with a plan. You’ll need enough money to pay for equipment, marketing materials, office expenses, insurance, utilities, etc., etc., while you’re waiting for checks to come rolling in. Oh, and just to remind you, you’ll need money to live on, too. How much money will you need for business and living expenses? We’ll get to that shortly, but first, let’s talk about your plan.

A Plan by Any Other Name

Call it a business plan if you like, but that tends to sound a little intimidating and, frankly, overwhelming. Call it your “plan for success,” or “my freedom from oppressive employers plan,” you know, something more self-affirming and inspiring. Whatever you call it, your plan should include following points…

The voice-over services you will sell and to whom you will sell them. You probably have, or will have, a particular strength, e.g. characters, promo/imaging for radio and TV, corporate narration, animation characters, hard sell, etc. Accentuating your strength and marketing it to appropriate clients can lead to more gigs than just a general scattershot approach to all possible clients.

Key 1: How big is market? What type of people would be interested in products and services? The businesses that go further are those that can serve needs and wants of potentially millions of people; are not restrained by demographics and that appeal to people with disposable income. Many small business opportunities would satisfy one or two of these criteria but few satisfy all three. The more people interested in your products more money you will make.

Key 2: What is industry trend? What is general direction of industry in which your business will operate? Is industry expanding, staying level or worse still, shrinking? Are people finding alternatives to your products and services? Do you remember some years ago explosion in home entertainment through videos? or a short time having movies at home on video was highly lucrative but has been quickly replaced with DVDs. Be aware that a product or service may be considered *hot*...but for how long?

You will need to look for an industry that is expanding as well as a highly desirable product or service. If industry is expanding, it is possible get a sense for how long that industry will continue to grow by taking a look at generation of Baby Boomers.

Baby Boomers are people born between 1945 and 1960 who have caused significant industries to emerge in past. For example, as they have aged, following industries have expanded: baby foods, station wagon cars, tertiary education, computers and IT. Baby Boomers are approaching latter part of their working lives and are interested in products and services that promise financial security, health and flexible lifestyle.

A home based business satisfying an emerging need of Baby Boomers is one that will have some significant future.

Key 3: The nature of product or service itself? Is product one that people will use often? Look for a product that is consumed (used up) and needs to be replaced regularly. This will give you repeat orders from same customer and create a steady flow of income.