caryn@carynclark.com

239.634.5039

Caryn Clark

5 Business Mindset Books that Inspire Growth and Success

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A stack of business mindset books and a houseplant in a pot on a blurred background.

As a professional voice actor, I spend a lot of time bringing stories to life—whether it’s voicing commercials, or lending my voice to inspiring projects. When it comes to professional growth, the right business mindset books don’t just have the ability to inspire us, but they can become the launching pad to a new dream, idea, or even business growth.

Out of all the business-focused books I have read, there are five that stand out to me as being memorable, hilarious, or just downright helpful. If you’re looking to refine your mindset or enhance your business, these books are worth adding to your reading (or listening) list.

1. The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz

Narrating a book like The Four Agreements would be an honor because it’s full of wisdom. Based on ancient Toltec principles, this book presents four simple yet transformative agreements that you can adopt in your life:

  • Be impeccable with your word.
  • Don’t take anything personally.
  • Don’t make assumptions.
  • Always do your best.

As a voice artist, I know the power of words. This book reinforces how the way we communicate can shape our reality and make a big difference.

2. You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero

Jen Sincero is one of my all-time favorites. She’s motivating and hilarious. I completely relate to her brand of humor—she’s down to earth and funny about being that way. With her no-nonsense advice, she empowers readers in You Are a Badass to overcome self-doubt and take control of their lives. Whether you’re finding your voice (literally and figuratively) or chasing a dream, this book is like having a cheerleader in your corner.

3. You Are a Badass at Making Money by Jen Sincero

I’ve listened to this book multiple times and can’t get enough—the goat story is (hilarious) reason enough! You Are a Badass at Making Money is the perfect companion for creatives and entrepreneurs who struggle with confidence in business and financial blocks. Sincero helps you rewrite your money story, and trust me, it’s a narrative worth reading.

4. How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie

This classic How to Win Friends and Influence People isn’t just a business book—it’s an essential guide to human connection. As a voice actor, my job is to engage and influence an audience, and Carnegie’s principles apply to both professional and personal relationships. Whether you’re networking, negotiating, or simply trying to be more likable, this book is a masterclass in communication.

5. The Diary of a CEO: The 33 Laws of Business and Life by Steven Bartlett

Steven Bartlett is one of the most influential voices in modern business, and his book The Diary of a CEO distills invaluable lessons from his entrepreneurial journey. It’s packed with insights on leadership, business strategy, and self-discipline—critical components for anyone looking to succeed in a competitive industry, including the world of voiceover.

As someone who speaks for a living, I know that words have power. The books we read—or listen to—become the stories we live by. Whether you’re growing your business, leveling up your mindset, or stepping into a new version of yourself, these books will help you find your voice in business and life.

Have you read any of these books? I would love to hear your thoughts about them! Contact me, and we can discuss our favorite quotes and takeaways.

How to Hire Voice Talent: 5 Steps to Hire the Right Voice

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How to Hire Voice Talent: 5 Steps to Hire the Right Voice

So, you want to hire voice talent. Hiring voice talent doesn’t have to be difficult. In fact, the process can be simple if you start with a little research, preparation, and keep the right goals in mind.

Voice talent can be hired for many different industries, and there are a variety of voices to choose from. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by the amount of available options, follow these 5 steps to hire the right voiceover talent for your project. You’ll learn the process is actually simpler than you may think, and you’ll be well on your way to hiring the voiceover actor you had hoped for!

1. Define Your Voice Talent Needs

Why do you want to hire voice talent? What need will the voice talent fill? The first step to hiring voice talent is to determine your needs and the project scope.

  • Evaluate your project scope. What is the purpose of the voice talent? Will the project need to be informational, entertaining, or something else? How long will the script be? How long will the project audio air or be on social media? That could be three months, six months, a year, five years… determine your timeframe.
  • Consider the industry you are hiring for and the tone and style that fits that industry. Are you looking for a warm voice? What about confident or authoritative? Does the voice need to be energetic?
  • Decide your demographic needs. Does the voice talent need to fit a certain demographic?

Once the project needs and details are established, you can move on to determining your budget.

2. Set Your Budget

The next step to hire voice talent is to decide on your budget and what requirements you have for the project deliverables.

Your budget should be set based on the length of your script, project type, and usage rights. Decide what your must-have items are for the scope of your project and set a budget around those items. While many talent use the GVAA Rate Guide as a barometer, talent often are willing to negotiate depending upon your budget. I always ask what your budget is, because I know budgets vary so wildly.

3. Search for Voice Talent

This step in the process may seem the most daunting, but it doesn’t have to be! Sure, there are many options for searching for the right voice talent, but that just means the right voice talent is out there that would be perfect for your needs!

So, where should you begin? There are a few avenues you could take to find the right talent for you:

  • You can use an agency. Agencies often have set processes and a plethora of diverse voices to choose from. You will pay additional fees and higher rates, but they do a lot of the leg work for you.
  • Freelance platforms can be a great way to discover talent you might not otherwise find.
  • My personal favorite is direct hire and referrals. If you find great voice talent yourself or know the contacts who can point you in the right direction, working directly with voice talent has many benefits. You can work with the talent directly without the middleman and can receive a personalized experience. Need more convincing? Check out 5 benefits of booking voiceover talent direct.

Once you have voice talent in mind, now it’s time to make the connection!

4. Review Demos

Oftentimes, a big factor in hiring the right voice talent is reviewing demos and the voice talent’s previous work. Take a listen to their portfolio and take note of their delivery and pronunciation, technical sound quality, and more. The voice talent might even be able to record a custom demo for you featuring part of your script! (I am always happy to record an audition for you!)

Once you have pinpointed the voice talent you would like to hire, it’s finally time to seal the deal.

5. Finalize the Deal

Communication is crucial for this stage in the process. You want to ensure that all parties involved are on the same page.

Not only is a contract important for finalizing the deal, but communicating specific details is, too. If you have pronunciation guidelines or pacing and emphasis preferences, now is the time to let your voice talent know. Of course, you’ll also want to agree on deadlines and file requirements as well.

After you go through these 5 steps to hire the right voice talent, now you can watch the magic happen! Once all parties have agreed on the terms and details, your booked voice actor will handle the rest. Voice actors are experienced professionals, and oftentimes, they would be happy to check in with you at every stage of the process so you can focus on what you do best while they do theirs!

Did these 5 steps help you hire the right voice actor? Once you determine your project details, set your budget, search for voice talent across different platforms, review demos, and finalize the deal, you will be well on your way to completing your project with the voice talent that aligns with your project idea.

Are you still on the hunt for the right voice actor for your project? Contact me, and let’s see if my voice fits your project needs! I’m currently booking new clients and would be happy to discuss your ideas.

Finding the Right Voiceover Actor – 5 Common Misconceptions of Booking Voiceover Talent Direct

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Woman shrugging purple background

When it comes to booking voiceover talent for your campaign, you might have always done things the same way. Pay-to-play voiceover websites are a super popular go-to for industry professionals (though check out my recent blog on common pitfalls of pay-to-play voiceover websites). Agents are another useful tool for helping you recruit top talent.

But when it comes to hiring voice actors directly, there are several misconceptions that deserve a closer look. While there are always horror stories of voiceover hiring gone wrong, let’s take a look at some of the common misconceptions when it comes to hiring voice actors directly:

1. “Booking voiceover talent direct means lower quality”

One of the biggest myths is that hiring a voiceover artist directly, means compromising quality. Many assume that only agents or pay-to-play sites provide access to professional talent.

The reality? Most professional voice actors invest heavily in their craft, from top-tier training to state-of-the-art home studios. AND? Robust marketing campaigns. VOs know they can make their best margins by booking directly – so they’re looking for you, too!

When you book directly, you’re often connecting with seasoned pros who’ve honed their skills over the years and deliver broadcast-quality work without the middleman. (We still love our agents, but we also love working with clients directly!)

2. “Booking voiceover talent direct is too time-consuming”

Another misconception is that working directly with voice actors takes too much time. Some believe that without an agent or platform handling logistics, the process becomes cumbersome.

However, most voice actors are experienced in managing their own bookings and are quick to respond, provide quotes, and deliver files. A seasoned pro will have a whole process laid out and streamline everything. If anything, it’s going to be faster to work with your commercial voiceover actor directly! Direct communication often cuts down on back-and-forth and ensures you get exactly what you need, faster.

3. “You won’t have access to the right talent”

Do you think only agencies can give you access to the “perfect” voice? Think again. Many professional voice actors market themselves independently and have extensive portfolios showcasing a range of styles, accents, and tones. Whether you need a warm and empathetic tone for a healthcare ad or a bold and dynamic read for a car commercial, you’re likely to find a direct-booking voice actor who fits your needs perfectly.

Also, the voiceover actor community is just that – a community. If I’m not the right voice for your project, I have a host of professional voiceover friends I can recommend, whom I trust implicitly to do a good job. And, I am always happy to assist you in casting your project!

4. “Booking voiceover talent direct leads to uncomfortable or risky rate negotiation”

Some clients shy away from booking direct because they feel uncertain about discussing rates. They worry they’ll offend the talent or overpay without agency oversight.

The truth is, professional voice actors value transparency and fair negotiations. They know what the going rate is for their work based on their experience in the field and they’re not going to charge you exorbitant rates. Direct conversations about rates often lead to mutual understanding and a more personalized agreement that fits your project’s budget.

For me? The conversation always begins with me saying, “I understand everyone’s budgets vary, so I do whatever I can to work within your budget while maintaining fair pricing for everyone.”

5. “It’s hard to find the right fit”

Some worry that booking directly means sifting through countless candidates to find the perfect voice.

The reality?

Most professional voice actors have a variety of demo reels to make it easy to assess the reads they can perform, and their capabilities and expertise upfront. Many even specialize in specific industries or tones, so you can quickly narrow down your options.

Direct booking often means you’re dealing with actors who are proactive and prepared to tailor their performance to your needs, making it way simpler to find the right fit.

Hiring voiceover talent directly can be an efficient, cost-effective, and rewarding experience. By debunking these common myths, you open the door to connecting with talented professionals who bring your vision to life.

Ready to give direct booking a try? Let’s connect—I’d love to help your brand shine!

Finding the Right Voiceover Actor – 5 Benefits of Booking Voiceover Talent Direct

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Booking voiceover talent directly – Woman yelling into megaphone with raised fist

Is booking voiceover talent directly with the actor a good idea?

Here’s my (slightly biased) perspective.

Over the years, I’ve used talent agents, voiceover booking websites, and fostered long-term relationships with agencies and production companies for a variety of industries, brands, and types of content.

However, I’m a huge proponent of booking voiceover talent directly, as well. There are so many benefits for your brand when doing this. If you’re wondering why I love direct bookings so much you can take a look at the blog I did already on the pitfalls of booking through voiceover pay-to-play websites.

If you’re a little unsure, here are a few benefits that might have you rethinking your perspective:

1. Clearer Communication with Voiceover Talent

When you book directly, there’s no middleman to filter or distort messages. Sometimes booking through an agent or website and not being able to speak to the actor directly can impact their perception of your needs.

When you book voiceover talent directly, you have a straight line of communication between the VO actor and your production team. You can share your vision, tone, and specific needs with the voiceover actor directly.

This eliminates the back-and-forth and ensures the actor understands the nuances of your project from the onset of the audition and project. A direct connection often means quicker turnarounds, fewer revisions, and absolutely nailing your brand voice, saving everyone time.

2. Cost Savings when Booking

By cutting out the middleman, you’re avoiding added agency fees, platform commissions, or booking service charges. Don’t get me wrong, my agents are great, but brands don’t always have the budget to pay for all of these things, thus, the quality of the actor may be impacted by a more condensed budget.

By booking directly with a voiceover talent, a production manager or brand representative can negotiate fair rates without having to factor in those extra costs. This not only helps you remain within budget, but get better-qualified talent to boot!

And if you book multiple projects at once? You might just find that’s a great way to save a little as well (I’ll cover why in another piece).

3. Booking Customization and Flexibility

Direct booking fosters collaboration. Voice actors are more likely to work closely with you to deliver tailored performances when you establish a one-on-one relationship. Whether it’s tweaking the tone, adjusting pacing, or accommodating last-minute script changes, working directly allows for more flexibility and creative input.

I love collaborating directly with my clients, getting their feedback, and giving them exactly what they’re looking for with minimal back and forth.

4. Building a Reliable Partnership with Voiceover Talent

Establishing a direct relationship with a voiceover actor creates a foundation for long-term collaboration. Once an actor understands your brand’s style and expectations, future projects become even smoother. This continuity ensures consistency in your branding and reduces onboarding time for subsequent campaigns.

Instead of casting a net to capture hundreds of VOs and get the best value, you’re establishing consistency in your campaigns and building connections with your audience by using the same trustworthy and relatable voiceover for multiple campaigns.

5. Access to Diverse Skills from Voiceover Talent

Many professional voice actors offer more than just their voice. They often have their own recording studios, handle audio editing and production, and can even provide guidance on copywriting and script adjustments for better performance. When you book voiceover talent directly, you leverage these additional skills without having to pay extra for agency-managed add-ons.

Booking voiceover talent directly is a win-win for both clients and actors. It streamlines communication, cuts costs, and opens the door to a more collaborative and rewarding creative process.

If you’re looking for a professional voiceover artist to bring your project to life, let’s connect. I’d love to help elevate your brand with a voice that is relatable to your consumers and gives you the consistency you deserve.

Finding the Right Voiceover Actor: 5 Pitfalls of Pay-to-Play Voiceover Websites

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caryn clark the hip chick voice voiceover

Pay-to-play voiceover websites are great for finding talent for a one-off quick spot, but those bids don’t always yield the highest quality voiceover or perfect match for your project. When it comes to finding the right voiceover actor for your audio needs, there are so many factors that come into play. What tone are you looking for? Who is the script geared towards? What’s the goal of the video, campaign, or series?

The old adage: “You get what you pay for!” definitely applies here as well.

Here are 5 pitfalls of pay-to-play websites and how to avoid them!

1. Inconsistent Quality of Talent

Pay-to-play websites generally allow anyone to join as long as they pay the membership fee. While this accessibility is great for talent looking to break into the industry, it often results in an oversaturated pool of voiceover actors with varying levels of experience. Without a stringent vetting process, clients may need to sift through hundreds of auditions, many of which might not meet the professional standards they’re seeking.

Avoid This Pitfall:

– Recruit talent based on your individual needs. If you’re using a pay-to-play website, take the time to listen to demos critically and consider cross-referencing portfolios on other professional platforms.

– Check portfolios and reviews, and consider booking directly with the talent if you’re unsure about your needs.

– A professional voice actor should have a website and lots of content examples in their niche.

2. Time-Consuming Vetting Process

While pay-to-play websites promise access to thousands of voiceover actors, the volume of submissions can be overwhelming. For example, a single project posting could attract hundreds of auditions within hours, leaving you with the daunting task of evaluating each one. With little to no quality control in place, the burden of vetting falls entirely on the client.

Avoid This Pitfall:

  • Narrow your search criteria when posting jobs by specifying desired experience levels, vocal tones, and styles.
  • If your budget allows, consider hiring a casting director or talent agent to help pre-screen candidates.

3. Lack of Personalized Matches

Pay-to-play platforms rely heavily on algorithms to connect clients with talent. While these algorithms can filter based on keywords and categories, they don’t often consider the nuanced needs of a project. This can lead to mismatches between the client’s vision and the talent’s delivery.

Avoid This Pitfall:

  • Seek talent who’ve demonstrated success in your industry or with similar projects.
  • Direct communication with voice actors or their representatives can also help ensure they understand your project’s unique requirements.

4. Price Doesn’t Always Reflect Value

Pay-to-play websites encourage competitive bidding, which can drive prices down. While this might seem like a win for budget-conscious clients, it’s important to remember that lower rates don’t always equate to the best value. Experienced voiceover actors invest in high-quality equipment and training to perfect their skills —factors that aren’t always reflected in bargain bids.

Avoid This Pitfall:

  • Set a realistic budget that accounts for professional-grade talent and production.
  • Don’t hesitate to ask about the equipment and production process to ensure you’re getting the quality you need.
  • Sometimes, booking a voice actor on retainer or choosing them as an ongoing brand voice can help both the actor and you get more value from your budget.

5. Missed Opportunities for Building Relationships

Working through a pay-to-play platform can feel transactional. You may find a voiceover actor for a one-off project, but these platforms don’t prioritize fostering long-term relationships, which can even impact the trust in your brand over time. Building a relationship with a reliable voiceover artist can streamline future projects and ensure consistency in your brand’s voice.

Avoid This Pitfall:

  • When you find a voiceover actor whose work resonates with your brand, consider establishing a direct working relationship. This not only saves time in the long run but also ensures a deeper understanding of your brand’s needs, consistent delivery of tone, and fosters trust with your customers who rely on you for a seamless experience.

Pay-to-play websites can be a valuable tool for discovering voiceover talent, but they’re not without their challenges.

By understanding the pitfalls and taking proactive steps to avoid them, you can find a voiceover actor who truly elevates your project. For clients seeking a voiceover artist with professionalism, versatility, and experience, direct collaboration with vetted talent—like me, Caryn Clark—can make all the difference.

Let’s do your brand justice with quality voiceover from an experienced voice actor that can nail your brand voice, foster trust and build empathy between your brand and audience. Call/text 239-634-5039, email caryn@carynclark.com, or click here to contact me!

Using Strategic Voiceover for Google Video Ads in Search Results

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The idea of video ads potentially appearing in organic search results fascinated me as a voiceover actor when I was writing my last blog. With the rise of influencer-driven marketing on platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram, it’s not hard to imagine Google capitalizing on this trend for search results as well. With 8 billion searches a day (that’s 96,000 every second!), the opportunity for brands to leverage video ads tied to specific searches could be huge. But here’s the thing: while this might be in Google’s pipeline, brands should be optimizing their video strategies now, not waiting for Google to make their move. Let’s dive into what strategic voiceover in Google video ads looks like, shall we?

The current landscape of Google ads

We all know Google Ads are already a powerhouse for digital marketers. But text-based ads, display ads, and shopping ads have become old news in a world where short-form video reigns supreme. Brands today aren’t just serving one ad—they’re targeting consumers repeatedly through cookies, presenting multiple opportunities to address specific buyer concerns at different points of their journey. This opens the door for highly strategic video funneling that aligns with the awareness, consideration, and decision phases of the buyer’s journey. Scrolling through TikTok or Instagram, it’s clear that attention spans are shorter than ever, and video captures more engagement than static content. Adding video to search results could revolutionize how brands connect with their audiences—and, more importantly, how they sound.

Google’s video ads in search results – is it happening? 

Here’s the scoop: Google recently confirmed they’re testing video assets in search ads with select customers:

According to a spokesperson, “We’re running a small pilot with select customers that feature advertiser-provided video assets on Search ads. We don’t have anything to share beyond that, but I can keep you informed as this evolves on our end.”

Search Engine Land article breaks down a little more: 

What’s been seen in select user accounts:

  • A “Video” option now appears in the Assets section of Google Ads.
  • Clicking the option leads users to the familiar “Add Video” screen, streamlining the upload process.

What to watch for:

  • Performance metrics for video assets compared to traditional text and display ads.
  • Potential new tools or features accompanying this rollout in 2025.

According to Search Engine Land, this feature isn’t widespread yet, as advertisers in the UK, U.S., and Europe haven’t seen it in full release.

Translation? The video advertising landscape may be getting a lot more dynamic. Brands need to be thinking ahead, not just about their visual strategy, but about their auditory one as well. If video ads become standard in search results, voiceovers could help take that brand’s message from “meh” to memorable. And if you’ve got those videos ready to go? You don’t have to gear an entire new campaign and budget to producing search-friendly ads. (Just saying.)

Why strategic voiceover in Google video ads matters more than ever

Imagine you’re a consumer scrolling through search results. You’re researching a product, maybe something you’ve already seen pop up on your favorite social media feeds. Suddenly, a video ad catches your eye. The visuals pull you in, but it’s the voice that seals the deal. And it doesn’t just happen once. Over a strategic video ad release, you become familiar with this voice and that familiarity resounds every time they hear that ad. The right voiceover will elevate an ad by connecting with the viewer on an emotional level—whether it’s conveying trust, enthusiasm, or relatability.

For big brands, this is where the magic happens. Voiceovers are the unsung heroes of video ads, giving personality and credibility to products while guiding viewers through their decision-making journey. Your audience will relate to a well-chosen voice, turning curiosity into clicks, and clicks into conversions.

Rethinking your strategic voiceover in Google video ads marketing strategy for the buyer journey

Much like how consumers encounter a variety of videos on social media while researching a product, brands should think strategically about how video advertising integrates into the buyer’s journey (and how that journey might occur on every platform as a user searches or encounters their ads). What if your video ads, guided by intelligent keyword targeting and cookie data, could solve specific buyer pain points while reflecting what your audience is already searching for?

Mind. Blown.

Consider these tips for preparing for video in search (and optimization in general):

  • Keyword-Driven Content: Focus on creating videos that target what your audience is actively searching for. For a toy brand, it might be “STEM gifts for kids,” while an automotive brand could explore “family-friendly SUVs.” Tailor your voiceovers to align with the tone and intent of these searches. You can even include these words in your script so that your captions show them.
  • Audience Resonance: Who is your ideal buyer, and what kind of voice would they relate to? A playful, energetic tone might appeal to parents shopping for toys, while a confident, knowledgeable voice might attract buyers researching new tech products.
  • Evolving the Buyer Journey: Video ads should meet your audience where they are in the funnel. Awareness videos should capture attention, Consideration videos should build trust and answer questions, and Decision-phase videos should compel action with clear, persuasive messaging. And those keywords will vary based on where they are! “Family friendly SUVs” might switch to “Kia Sorento vs Toyota Highlander features” which might then become “Kia vs Toyota Dealer Incentives”.

By focusing on these elements, you’re not just preparing for a hypothetical future with Google video ads—you’re refining your current strategy to drive results right now based on what the algorithm has and will always favor – the needs of the user and what they’re looking for. And with the right voiceover, your videos can become an integral part of how consumers move from search to purchase.

The Bottom Line: Using Strategic Voiceover in Google Video Ads

The evolution of Google’s ad platform is inevitable, and strategic voiceover in google video ads in search results could reshape how brands engage with consumers. But why wait for tomorrow? By refining your current video advertising strategy—targeting smarter, speaking clearer, and connecting deeper—you can maximize your performance on every platform that you’re already advertising on. And when the future arrives, you’ll be miles ahead, with voiceovers that turn every view into a valuable interaction.

Need help getting started? Let’s chat! I’m here to help you craft the campaigns that drive results and make your brand unforgettable.

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Caryn Clark... The Hip Chick Voice

caryn@carynclark.com

239.634.5039