Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Cory Rimes, Founder and Owner of The VO Academy, located in Calgary, AB, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Our membership focuses on a new VO style, genre, and skill each month. To better support all levels of voice talent, we bring in a different industry expert to mentor us throughout the month.
Tell us about yourself
When I began my VO career back in 2017, I was completely overwhelmed with the amount of info there was online... where do you start? I also found that I really couldn't afford some of the coaching services that were being offered, which was disheartening as well. I created the VO Academy because I saw a need to connect all levels of talent in a community that is focused on supporting each other and doing that at an affordable price. The VO Academy launched on January 1, 2021, and we've built relationships with colleagues, learnt valuable tools as a group, and had a ton of fun in the process! Our mission is to help you discover & advance in the world of voiceover, and that's exactly what we are doing here.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
The safe learning environment we've created has been one of our greatest accomplishments for our members. On a personal level, I love seeing our members' skills grow each month. As their confidence grows and they start to get more work, that fills me with so much joy as we were able to support them in their journey.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Like many voice talents, I have a day job, a family, and other daily commitments/responsibilities, and I'm building this business on the side. So, right now, the hardest thing for me as a business owner is scheduling more time to promote and grow the business. I'm fortunate and extremely grateful to have so many amazing members who help promote the VO Academy through their social media platforms and simply through chatting with others.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Determine/know your client demographic.
- What are the problems they are facing?
- Provide solutions to those problems.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://coryrimesvo.weebly.com/the-vo-academy.html
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thevoacademymembership
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coryrimesvo/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/coryrimesvo
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cory-rimes-7005b617a/
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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