Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Dervla Trainor, a voice actor based in Toronto, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am a voice actor and producer for TV and Commercials. My customers are typically production companies/houses, but for voice acting, I also work with many other people who are creating content and need a voiceover for their project, from a TV spot for a local car dealership to a corporate explainer video and even a cartoon animation!
Tell us about yourself
I have a background in performance and singing. Just over 8 years ago, I decided to try out voice acting and started booking jobs! I enjoyed the freedom and flexibility of being my own boss, so I quit my full-time job to pursue voiceover full-time. And for the production side of my career, I have over a decade of experience in various types of production. I enjoy (and am very good at!) logistics and problem-solving, so I also take on freelance production jobs.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
In 2018, I started an annual voiceover conference called V.O. North. It quickly became one of the most well-known voice conferences in the worldwide VO industry.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
During the occasional slow times (which happens to pretty much every voice actor), keeping the motivation high and self-doubt away can be tough. I now know that it's just cyclical, but starting out, it was quite hard to deal with.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Consistency over a prolonged period is crucial.
- Customer service is very important for building and maintaining a client base.
- Stay organized with your finances and schedule. Put systems in place to help keep on top of it.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.dervlatrainor.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamderv/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dearbhlatrainor/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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