Answering Leads..... what to include?

Michael G Stanton · **Voice Talent** Joined: 08 Sep 2005 Posts: 30

Hello ...
I recently got an Private inquiry. The seeker said they found my V123 site and liked my voice. They asked if I would do a job for "x" amount of dollars. ( A small amount to be honest). The minimum I, or anyone would charge/accept I'm sure. I said yes. Anyway, I responded a couple days ago and never heard from the source again.
My question is: Exactly what should I be including in my reply? Do I include my general email address? My phone number? or does everything go throuht Voice123? And...it would be a big plus if I could reply "again" after I've submitted.
What exactly should be included in the reply....to any lead? hilfe

Thank you for your time
Have a great day
Michaelg
http://michaelgstanton.voice123.com/

Freddie Molina · Posted: Wed Nov 22, 2006, 13:54 (GMT) Post subject:

Hello Michael,

Michael G Stanton · **Voice Talent** Joined: 08 Sep 2005 Posts: 30

Thank you Freddie.
Very good info to have.
Have a great day / happy Thanksgiving
MichaelG Very Happy

Sid Whatley

Hi Michael. I am a talent here on Voice123 now for 3 years and have discovered the following....believe it or not I always include my phone number when answering leads. I have had several clients, who selected my audition, say "We're really glad you included your phone!!". And since I have Caller ID I automatically get their number when they call. My typical "comments" when replying would be "Thanks for listening. I operate my own studio complete with Music/SFX library and easy to work with. (name & number) anytime". S. Whatley

Michael G Stanton · **Voice Talent** Joined: 08 Sep 2005 Posts: 30

Sid,
Your are the man! Very Happy

Thank you. I've replied to many leads with nothing but my v123 site. I was unsure Confused

if I could add anything else....fearing that if something else was added, and not accepted, my reply would be monitored, censored zensur

and rejected. As Freddie mentioned I do leave a very professional reply...but....
It's good to know what you put inyour reply. I'm also curious to know what others put in theirs. And I am not trying to steal anyones secrets here...just looking for some pointers from others in the same boat.
Thank you again. Have a great day/weekend
Michaelg
michaelgstanton@adelphia.net
http://michaelgstanton.voice123.com
ps: those little Emoticons are goofy....but I like them for some reason. Rolling Eyes

JJ Wright · Posted: Sat Dec 02, 2006, 17:57 (GMT) Post subject:

I think first and formost is your bid for the project.

Michael G Stanton · **Voice Talent** Joined: 08 Sep 2005 Posts: 30

Hello JJ,
If a client says they have a price range.... what is the best way to price it? I know what I'm worth and you and everyone else knows what each is worth....but is it best to take the low number? or something in between? Do V-talents bid BELOW the clients budget? And... are most V-talents using the "table" set forth on the V123 web site?
Also...could you check out my demo in the event (hopes) you need a VO guy.
Thank you for your help.
Have a great day
MichaelG
http://michaelgstanton.voice123.com
email: michaelgstanton@adelphia.net

Sid Whatley · Posted: Sat Dec 02, 2006, 21:09 (GMT) Post subject: Answering Leads

You bid isn't first & foremost.......but your READ is. If they give a price range put it in the middle unless it's a national buy. Then put it at the very top. Believe me.....iif you give em exactly what they want...cost is not an issue 90% of the time. But you've got to make it worth it to them. Sid

JJ Wright · Posted: Sat Dec 02, 2006, 22:23 (GMT) Post subject:

Robert Jadah · **Voice Talent** Joined: 17 Jun 2005 Posts: 2627

Michael:
Firstly, those Privates can be misleading in that you were likely one of a dozen or so the client contacted. It's very possible that someone else undercut the set price, or even that the project never got off the ground.
Enjoy the sweet, happy sight of that little green Private icon. You'll see it many more times..but it doesn't necessarily mean you can order the 62-inch Plasma.
As to the leads, I agree with JJ that the "play's the thing." If your demo grabbed the client by the ear, he'll find you. I'm absolutely convinced that no posting goes to a lesser performance just because the phone number's there.
My only advice is to keep it short, with the important stuff up front. With 100-plus auditions, no client will happily read a tome.
Voive On!
Robert Jadah

Michael G Stanton · **Voice Talent** Joined: 08 Sep 2005 Posts: 30

Gentlemen I appreciate the replies. And damn'it...I ordered two plasmas! It would be nice, especially with a private lead, if the client would send an email saying thank you....but.....
I also got/answered a few inquiries where the client says"we'll send you a custom script"...and I never received one. I'd like to know why....even if I priced myself way out of the price-range, which I don't believe I did, I would like the opportunity to audition. I wish there was a way to re-contact those folks. Is there a secret?
Thank you again for the insights Smile

Have a great day
Sincerely,
MichaelG
http://michaelgstanton.voice123.com

Sid Whatley · Posted: Mon Dec 04, 2006, 00:45 (GMT) Post subject:

When you receive the lead by e-mail, many times their phone number is listed on that mail........but not on the lead itself on Voice123. Am I right? I think so because I've actually printed out the original e-mail lead on Outlook Express which had the phone#. But at the same time you shouldn't call a company after they have already selected another talent.
But you could contact them a few weeks later not concerning the original lead to do a little soliciting I guess. Hell.......what do I know!

Kim Somers · Posted: Fri Dec 29, 2006, 16:18 (GMT) Post subject: private leads

When I get a Private Lead, I answer through the client's email provided on the Private Lead email. Thanks for the lead voice123 but now I'm communicating directly with the client. The client doesn't always like to go through a middle man once they've made their choice.

Kim

Amy Snively · **Voice Talent** Joined: 04 Jul 2005 Posts: 1028

I agree with Kim, but for slightly different reasons. Emailing directly is faster than going through the Voice123 system, but clients don't necessarily know that. So I think it's better customer service to email directly.