Why Most Voice Actors FAIL at Networking & How You Can Win BIG
Both PANAcon and One Voice USA are coming up soon and so it’s a good time to talk about networking.
Get a custom networking gameplan based on your personal networking style. It’s free. Click the image above.
If you think networking at events is just about jamming business cards into people’s hands and collecting contacts, you’re already behind.
The truth is, most part-time voice actors show up to conferences and events with the wrong mindset and leave pissed and frustrated, wondering why their “networking” didn’t lead to more gigs or meaningful connections.
But the secret to turning these events into career-changing opportunities isn’t about selling yourself aggressively or chasing clients. It’s about building real relationships with the right people and playing the long game.
I remember my first voiceover conference. It was MAVO in 2018. I was nervous, packing a STACK of business cards, ready to work the room. But after about an hour of awkward chit-chat, I realized something that changed the game: I wasn’t really connecting. I was collecting.
So, I shifted my approach and focused on real conversations and understanding the the voiceover industry, that I started to see real results.
This post will walk you through proven strategies for networking at events and conferences, whether they’re in the industry or not, that will help you level-up your career by building a strong, supportive network.
Why Traditional Networking Fails Voice Actors
The Business Card Trap
Most voice actors think networking means handing out business cards to as many people as possible. It’s the shotgun approach and it’s off-putting AF. People remember how you made them feel, not how many cards you shoved in their hands. If your goal is to build a sustainable career, focus on quality over quantity.
Chasing Clients at Industry Events
Voiceover industry events are rarely where you’ll meet your next client.
Instead, these events are goldmines for meeting peers, coaches, demo producers, and service providers who can open doors for you. Trying to pitch your services directly to potential clients at these events often comes off as desperate, pushy, or just dumb.
The Fear of Being “Salesy”
A lot of voice actors shy away from networking because they fear coming across as salesy or insincere. Networking isn’t about selling; it’s about connecting. When you approach conversations with real curiosity and genuine interest in other people, you build trust and rapport that naturally lead to opportunities.
The New Networking Mindset: Building Genuine Relationships
Think Ecosystem, Not Transactions
Voiceover is a community, not just a marketplace. Your network should include a mix of peers, mentors, producers, coaches, and even clients. Each relationship plays a role in your career growth. When you see networking as building an ecosystem, you stop chasing quick wins and start investing in long-term success.
Be a Connector, Not a Collector
One of the most powerful ways to build your network is to help others connect. When you introduce two people who can benefit from knowing each other, you become a valuable hub in the community. That generosity builds goodwill and can lead to opportunities you’d never expect.
Focus on Listening and Learning
At events, your goal should be to learn about other people. Their journeys, challenges, and goals. Ask open-ended questions and really listen. This approach not only makes you memorable but also helps you figure out how you can add value.
Preparing for Voiceover Industry Events: The Strategic Approach
Research Attendees and Speakers
Before the event, study the attendee list and speaker lineup. Identify even a few people you want to meet, whether they’re coaches, demo producers, or fellow voice actors whose careers you admire.
If you’re at a non-industry event where there are likely clients, ID a handful of them ahead of time. Having a plan helps you approach conversations with confidence and purpose.
Pro Tip: If you really want to know what those buyers are all about… their titles, challenges, pain points, even personality types, they’re all in The Big Book of VO Client Avatars.
Set Clear, Realistic Goals
Instead of aiming to meet everyone, set achievable goals like having three meaningful conversations or learning about two new industry trends. This focus keeps you from feeling overwhelmed and helps you measure your success.
PreP Your Introduction
Craft a brief, authentic introduction that highlights who you are and what you’re passionate about in voiceover. Avoid sounding like a sales pitch. For example: “Hi, I’m Marcy. I’m a part-time voice actor working in commercial and narration work, and I’m here to learn how to take my career full-time.”
At the Event: How to Network Like a Pro
Start with Small Talk That Matters
Instead of generic questions like “What do you do?”, try something like “What projects are you working on right now?”, “What do you do for fun?”, or “Where are you from?” Ask way more than you tell. This invites storytelling and deeper connection.
Use Body Language to Show Engagement
You’re physical with a voiceover script. Be physical in conversation. Now don’t get crazy. You don’t want to come off like you’re having a seizure. Just maintain eye contact, nod, and smile genuinely. These nonverbal cues show you’re interested and approachable.
Don’t Be Afraid to Share Your Story
People connect with stories, not resumes. Share your journey and challenges and aspirations honestly. Vulnerability and authenticity are powerful connectors.
Take Notes and Follow Up
After meeting someone, jot down a few notes about your conversation. Later, send a personalized follow-up message referencing something you discussed. This shows you value the connection.
Beyond Voiceover Events: Expanding Your Network at Related Conferences
These events often attract potential clients who need voiceover talent but aren’t specifically looking for voice actors. By attending, you position yourself as a solution to their needs before they even realize it.
Research the event’s focus and attendees. Tailor your introduction to highlight how your voiceover skills can add value to their projects. For example, at a video production conference, you might say, “I specialize in corporate voiceovers that actually engages the audience and multiplies the impact of the content.”
Cross-industry networking can lead to unique collaborations and referrals. Do not limit yourself to the voiceover bubble. Expand your ecosystem.
Leveraging Social Media and Online Communities to Complement Event Networking
Use LinkedIn to Connect Before and After Events
Send connection requests with personal messages referencing the event or a shared interest. This keeps the conversation going beyond the conference room.
Join Voiceover Facebook Groups and Forums
Active participation in online communities helps you stay visible and build relationships with peers and industry insiders year-round. Want some suggestions? Click here. They’re included in the document.
Share Your Event Experience
Post photos, insights, and shout-outs on social media. This not only documents your event, but also attracts other pros to your network.
Common Networking Mistakes to Avoid
Overloading on Business Cards
Bring a reasonable number of cards, but don’t rely on them as your main tool. Focus on meaningful conversations instead.
Talking Too Much About Yourself
Networking is a two-way street. Balance sharing your story with asking questions and listening. Again, aim to ask more than tell.
Ignoring Follow-Up
A connection made at an event is just the beginning. Without follow-up, the relationship will fizzle.
Networking Changed My Voiceover Career
When I first started, I thought I had to do it all alone. But at VO Atlanta, I met another voice actor who didn’t just offer me a service he became my accountability buddy to this day, Craig Williams. We‘ve talked every Monday for the last 7 years, and I can honestly say he’s been one of the biggest differences in my career, and along the way has become a brother to me.
Later, at a video production conference in DC, I met a content creator who hired me for a series of projects that became one of my first recurring clients.
None of this happened because I handed out business cards. It happened because I showed up with curiosity, authenticity, and an intention to build real relationships.
Your Networking Action Plan
Shift your mindset from transactional to relational.
Research and plan before every event.
Engage authentically with people, focusing on listening and learning.
Follow up with personalized messages.
Expand your horizons by attending related industry events.
Leverage online platforms to maintain and grow your network.
Networking isn’t a magic bullet, but it’s one of the most powerful tools you have to change your trajectory as a voice actor and business owner.
When you do it right, it opens doors, builds confidence, and creates a community that supports your growth.
Do it wrong, and you’ll put people off like a used car salesman.