Firing Your Clients? – 80/20 Clients in Voice Acting

In the world of voice acting, or any business for that matter, you’re bound to encounter a certain type of client. They’re the ones with a very specific vision and are determined to see it through, no matter what. But there’s a catch – their budget is tight, and they need to stretch every penny across the entire production crew. These clients can be quite challenging, and today I want to share some insights on how to handle them effectively.

When I encounter these, I call them an 80/20 client – someone who takes up 80% of your time but only contributes to 20% of your income. This concept stems from the Pareto principle, which suggests that a majority of outcomes (around 80%) come from a minority of causes (about 20%). In voice acting, this often means spending an excessive amount of time on minor projects that don’t necessarily warrant it.

Imagine working on a simple 60-second explainer video for an anti-slip mat. It’s not a major broadcast; it’s straightforward. Yet, you find yourself caught in an endless loop of script changes and performance tweaks. The more time you spend on such tasks, the less you have for auditions and jobs that truly value your skills and time. Slipping is not a joke, but does the voiceover production require a month of your time re-recording?

It’s essential to give your best effort in every project. That’s how you build a solid reputation and secure repeat business. When starting out, taking on 80/20 clients might be acceptable. Afterall, work is typically better than no work, and practice makes perfect. However, when these projects start interfering with more lucrative opportunities, it’s time to reassess.

As you gain experience, you’ll develop an intuition for spotting 80/20 clients early on. Pay attention to job descriptions that seem overly demanding for a simple task or if the audition requirements don’t match the budget. These are red flags signaling an 80/20 client.

An 80/20 client may also reveal themselves after you’ve accepted a job. For example, a student of mine once booked a gig for two 6-minute narrations. After booking, the client requested not one, but two live sessions totaling 8 hours of recording – for just 12 minutes of audio! If the pay doesn’t match the time commitment, you’re likely dealing with an 80/20 client.

So, what should you do when faced with an 80/20 client? Personally, I’ve had to let go of clients whose demands didn’t align with the compensation. It’s crucial to understand your daily performance metrics – how many auditions you do, your average earnings, and the time spent recording versus the payment. This knowledge helps you negotiate better and focus on clients who pay fairly for your time.

When it’s time to part ways with an 80/20 client, always remain professional. Don’t abandon a job midway unless the situation is extreme. Instead, finish the project, thank the client, and then avoid auditioning for their future projects. If you’re not under contract and they request more work, politely decline, and tell them you’re tied up working on other endeavors.

Sometimes, you must be direct and inform the client that you will no longer be available for their projects. Thank them for the opportunity, but make it clear that you’re shifting your focus elsewhere. It may not be easy, but remember, this is a business. You must use your time as effectively as possible in order to maximize you success. Letting that 80/20 client go will bring you more time and happiness, so it’s worth the uncomfortable conversation.

If you have a chance, look into the Pareto principle. It’s a fascinating concept that can help reduce stress and increase joy and fulfillment in both your professional and personal life. The 4-Hour Work Week by Timothy Ferriss is all about using your time effectively and covers this principle a lot.

Remember, navigating the waters of voice acting involves recognizing which clients are worth your time and which aren’t. By understanding and identifying the 80/20 clients, you can focus on projects that respect your talent and contribute positively to your career growth. Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll be well on your way to a more efficient and rewarding voice acting journey.

If you want more help on your voice acting journey, you can pick up my free eBook on getting started in voice acting.

Go get behind the mic!