Magic For A Home Studio?

OK, who hasn't seen the adds for Magic Jack, where they tell you that you can get phone service for $19.95 a year. For many months my husband and I would see that and say "right!". Sounds too good to be true, probably is. But wait..... after downsizing from our enormous lan line bill last year, we decided to try it at least so we could use the fax part of our fax/printer/scanner. If it didn't work, it wasn't a huge loss.

My husband, who is an engineer and put together my studio, hooked up the Magic Jack through our PC. As it turns out, Magic Jack is an excellent phone patch! I have used it  on projects where clients have been able to be a part of my voice over recording session. They could listen in and hear playback through the board.  It also enables phone interviews with decent clarity because it can feed right into my Adobe Audition recording software. I did have one issue calling into a conference call, but that could have also been a problem on the client's end.  I don't know enough about it to say that it would work well for everyone, but it was an extremely cheap alternative to a phone patch for me...oh and it works perfectly with our fax (the original reason for buying it!). I love it when something solves one problem...and then solves another one you weren't even expecting. I had to share.

WHY DOES MY BUSINESS NEED VOICEOVERS?

Business Checklist:

Computers
Desks and Chairs
Office Supplies
Voiceovers

Voiceovers? Yes! I have been to many social and business events where I have been asked, “What is a Voiceover”, and “Why would my business need one?”
Certainly many people know what a voiceover is especially if they’re in media, advertising or a related field. But if you’re a CPA, MD, PhD or just someone with a small business--maybe not so much. Voiceovers are of course used for familiar things like animated movies and TV shows as well as radio and television commercials, video games and internet ads. Most people wouldn’t question the need for a professional for that. If you’re doing an ad for your business, a good voice talent can make the emotional connection with your potential customers. An accomplished voice actor will also present a professional image for your company and (overtly or subliminally) give the message that you are a trustworthy choice. But there are so many more ways to use voiceovers for your business. You can set up a YouTube Channel and/or use one of the many other video websites as a showcase. Commercials, webisodes and other messages can also be shared through social media like Twitter and Facebook. Whether you’re an accountant with tax tips, a retailer with health tips—or anything else, you can use the web to get your name and message out while providing entertaining and informative material to potential customers. It doesn’t have to be an expensive “Hollywood” production to be effective. Pretty much everyone has a video camera and spending those few extra dollars on a voice pro can make all the difference. Not inclined to shoot and edit your own stuff (many people aren’t), there are also some great video production outfits who specialize in these types of things.
 

Other excellent uses of professional audio are podcasts, on-line training, power point presentations, webinars…and so on and so on. And let’s not forget about on-hold messages, voicemail and other phone system applications (see our last note on cool ways to make your on-hold messages more effective). The same reasons I gave for using a professional voice apply to all these mediums too. Whether you’re trying to make the connection with current or potential customers, employees or the general public, you want to represent your company well.

Now that you see why voiceovers belong on your company’s checklist, maybe you’re wondering if you can afford them. The good news is there are websites like Agenda Voiceovers who provide top voice talent at value pricing. We also have people who can write first-class copy and produce powerful audio. Find out more, go to http://www.agendavoiceovers.com/ . If you’re new at this, we have some great FAQ’s to get you started…and don’t hesitate to contact us with questions. The reality is that an affordable professional voiceover or two may be just want you need to set your business apart…and make you more money!

Sandy Kovach, Agenda Voiceovers

Turn On Hold He#@ to On Hold Happiness

Everyone hates to be on hold, right? But it’s a reality for your business… what if you could provide your callers with compelling or entertaining info while they wait on the line?! Of course you can advertise your products and services and let them know more about what you offer. After all, they’ve already chosen or are at least looking into your business…and well, they are a captive audience. That’s a great start, but everyone does that. Why not try something new? People don’t like to waste time, so help them use the time they are on hold well. Provide something educational—it could be interesting facts related to your business—or anything really! Maybe tell them potential new ways they can use your products or services. Perhaps entertain them with trivia or (clean!) jokes….and of course, you can weave in your product message. Maybe alternate the entertaining content with your advertising message. For example, “Who holds the world record for waiting on hold the longest...I’ll tell you the answer in a moment….did you know Joe Blow’s trucking company provides…blah blah blah." Or perhaps, "how many flavors of coffee can you find in the United States? For the answer, log on to our website..." Sure, your website can work in partnership with your on hold message. There's a lot of potential and Agenda Voiceovers can help you make it happen. We can help you write, voice and produce some great messages that can entertain people, enhance your company's image and be a wonderful marketing tool.