Many aspiring voice talents believe that having a great voice is all it takes to succeed. While a good voice is a solid foundation, it’s only about 15% of what you need. The remaining 85% is business—and ignoring that will stall your career before it even begins.

Talent Isn’t Enough

People often say, “I have a good voice,” expecting that to carry them through. But talent alone doesn’t book jobs. Without knowing how to market yourself, price your services, and build relationships, you’ll remain unnoticed. The voiceover industry has evolved. Waiting on agents or studios to discover you isn’t realistic anymore.

Thanks to the internet, opportunities are more accessible—but so is competition. Now, you must take ownership of your growth by learning how to present your voice as a valuable, marketable product.

What the 85% Looks Like

Understanding the business means:

Branding yourself as a voice talent with a unique identity

Marketing across platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram etc.

Networking with industry professionals and staying top of mind

Negotiating rates and contracts confidently

Being consistent with your output and professionalism

These skills don’t come naturally to everyone, but they’re essential. You can’t afford to treat your voice like a hobby if you want professional results.

Learn or Get Help

If you can’t manage the business side on your own, consider hiring someone who can. But if that’s out of reach, start learning. There are countless resources—courses, books, webinars, and communities—that can help you understand the industry better. Growth begins with initiative.

Stop Waiting, Start Doing

The days of waiting around for an agent to call are over. Build your own platform. Create a demo, get feedback, and improve. Reach out to potential clients. Learn how others in the industry succeed and apply those lessons. The effort you put in now will pay off later.

Final Thoughts

Having a good voice might get someone’s attention—but keeping it, growing a career, and becoming memorable? That’s business. Voiceover isn’t just about how you sound; it’s about how well you manage your voice like a product.

So yes, your voice matters. But the real power lies in what you do with it. That’s the 85%.