What if the preparation work you do as a voice actor could transform every area of your life? Most voice actors focus on the obvious prep work, but the real game-changer is systematic preparation that builds genuine competence and confidence.

In this episode of "Conversational with Carrie Olsen," I explore the deeper kind of preparation that separates voice actors who thrive from those who just get by and why it matters for your voice acting career and beyond. You'll discover how to build a foundation of competence that creates confidence while staying authentic to who you are.

Episode Highlights:

• Beyond Basic Prep Work - Moving past vocal warm-ups to systematic preparation that builds genuine expertise (01:18)
• The Commercial Study Method - How one voice actor built her foundation by listening to commercials all day at a radio station (02:24)
• Cross-Industry Skills - Why voice acting fundamentals transfer to every business context and improve all areas of life (03:56)
• Season Two Preview - Documenting systematic preparation in real-time with a focus on implementation over information (06:14)
• Consistency Over Intensity - Why small, regular preparation efforts compound over time in ways cramming never will (08:34)

Study Your Market Like Your Career Depends On It Watching commercials isn't just casual viewing—it's systematic preparation that builds market awareness, client psychology understanding, and communication expertise. This foundation makes you better at client meetings, project briefs, and marketplace positioning.

Preparation Creates Competence, Competence Creates Confidence The fundamentals you develop as a voice actor—consistency, reliability, quick thinking under pressure—transfer to every professional relationship you have. Real confidence comes from knowing you've done the systematic work that others skip.

Small, Consistent Actions Beat Intense Bursts Rather than cramming before auditions, commit to regular preparation that compounds over time. The voice actor who systematically studies their craft becomes genuinely confident because their confidence is backed by competence.

This podcast has been its own category of one experience for me, and the engagement around these concepts has confirmed that voice actors are hungry for this type of strategic thinking. I'm excited to document my own systematic preparation process in season two because I believe in practicing what I preach—even after 11 years in this business, I'm still implementing these fundamentals.

Season two returns later this year with an implementation focus, including my husband Derek's strategic insights, guest interviews, and a special reaction episode to entrepreneur Cody Sanchez's video where she mentioned my work as an example of voice acting as an income strategy.

Begin watching commercials with analytical intention. Don't just listen—study the delivery styles, market trends, and communication strategies. Make this a regular practice, not something you do only before auditions.

Text VOICE to 55444 to stay connected and get exclusive resources for building your systematic preparation practice.

• SAG-AFTRA training session
• Entrepreneur Cody Sanchez's business videos
• Category of One webinar

• Text VOICE to 55444 for my free systematic preparation resources
• Leave a voice message at CarrieOlsenVO.com/ep8
• Email: [Your Email]

"The fundamentals that help you pursue the work you want and thrive in that work create ripple effects throughout your entire life." - Carrie Olsen

Are you tired of constant hustle and auditions? Discover how your authentic background is actually your greatest competitive advantage in voice acting.

In this episode of "Conversational with Carrie Olsen," I explore the powerful concept of legacy branding and why it matters for your voice acting career and beyond. You'll discover how to leverage your unique experiences to create a brand that attracts opportunities rather than constantly pursuing them while staying authentic to who you are.

Episode Highlights:

• The Legacy Branding Framework - Moving from "here's what I can do" to "here's the transformation I provide based on who I am" (01:03)
• Your Authentic Experience as a Differentiator - Why your unique human experience is your greatest asset in an AI-disrupted market (03:45)
• Finding Gold in Your Story - Three questions to uncover your unique value proposition (05:06)
• Connecting Your Story to Client Benefits - How your background serves clients in ways others can't (05:29)

Transform Your Marketing Approach with Your Unique Background The experiences you've had that seem irrelevant to voice acting often become your most powerful brand elements. Former teachers, for example, have developed exceptional skills in delivering complex information simply and engagingly—exactly what e-learning clients need.

Create a Category of One Through Authentic Positioning When you build a brand based on your unique story and specific value, you're creating a category of one—the voice acting career only you can have. This approach creates space for all voice actors to succeed without competing directly.

Focus on Client Transformation, Not Just Your Services Clients don't buy voice acting; they buy results. Reframe your marketing to focus on how your unique background helps clients achieve their specific goals rather than simply listing your services and qualifications.

My own journey into voice acting was unconventional. I never studied acting and actually hated being in front of people! But my business background and "condition where I can only see possibilities" led me to approach voice acting differently. I broke all the rules—making my own demo, quitting my day job early, and getting signed with a prestigious agency in my first year—because I hadn't been exposed to the "conventional" path.

In our next episode, we'll dig deeper into the second element of the Legacy Branding framework: understanding and connecting with your ideal clients' deepest needs in a way that positions you as the perfect solution.

Take time to identify three unique experiences from your background that could add value for clients. Connect those experiences to specific client problems you're uniquely positioned to solve. Then update one piece of your marketing to reflect this unique position.

Text WEBINAR to 55444 to get the free Category of One Finder worksheet that will help you identify your unique advantages that no other voice actor can claim.

• Category of One Finder Worksheet
• Office Hours Coaching Sessions
• Legacy Branding Framework

• Text WEBINAR to 55444 for my free Category of One Finder worksheet and to register to my free workshop "Become a Category of One: The Legacy Brand Advantage for Voice Actors" on May 13th at 7:00 p.m Central, where I'll share the complete framework for turning your unique advantages into consistent bookings
• Leave a voice message at CarrieOlsenVO.com/ep7
• Email: [email protected]

"The voiceover career that only you can have." - Carrie Olsen

Are you stuck in an endless cycle of preparation without ever feeling ready to launch? Perfectionism might be the hidden obstacle preventing your voice acting success.

In this episode of "Conversational with Carrie Olsen," I explore how perfectionism impacts every aspect of your voice acting ecosystem and why letting go of "perfect" actually leads to better results. You'll discover how to transform perfectionism from a roadblock into a pathway for authentic connection while staying true to who you are.

Episode Highlights:

• The Three Types of Perfectionism - Identifying performance, preparation, and presentation perfectionism in voice acting careers (01:33)
• Physical Effects of Perfectionism - How perfectionism creates tension in your body and affects your vocal quality (04:07)
• Mental Impact of Perfectionism - The connection between perfectionism, imposter syndrome, and authenticity (05:58)
• Business Consequences - Why "perfect" marketing often performs worse than authentic communication (09:51)
• Breaking Free with Time Blocking - A practical system for overcoming perfectionism in your business tasks (12:05)

Reframe "Perfect" as Perfect Service Instead of obsessing over technical perfection, focus on how you can perfectly serve your client's needs and embody their message. This shifts your attention from yourself to the audience and client, allowing you to deliver more authentic performances.

Done Beats Perfect Every Time Sending ten "good enough" marketing emails will teach you more and create more opportunities than spending months perfecting a single email. Progress comes from taking action, learning from the results, and improving incrementally.

Build a Three-Legged Stool for Sustainable Success Your voice acting ecosystem consists of three interconnected elements: physical well-being, mental health, and business practices. Addressing perfectionism requires a holistic approach that strengthens all three areas simultaneously.

I've seen firsthand how the most successful voice actors aren't perfectionists. The irony is that clients aren't looking for perfect—they're looking for authentic, conversational, and human. I've even had clients specifically ask for mistakes in my reads to ensure they sound genuine! Learning this was one of the most liberating moments in my voice acting journey.

Next week, we'll dive deeper into my Legacy Branding Framework. We'll explore how your unique experiences and perspectives can become your greatest marketing assets without requiring a polished, perfect persona.

Choose one area of your voice acting ecosystem (physical, mental, or business) where perfectionism is holding you back. Commit to taking one deliberately imperfect action in that area this week. Notice how it feels, what you learn, and how it moves you forward despite being imperfect.

Download the perfectionism breakthrough worksheet at CarrieOlsenVO.com/ep6 or text VOICE to 55444.

• Perfectionism Breakthrough Worksheet
• Legacy Branding Framework
• Time Blocking System for Voice Actors

• Text VOICE to 55444 for exclusive resources
• Leave a voice message at CarrieOlsenVO.com/ep6
• Email: [email protected]

"Voice acting success isn't about perfection. It's about progress, authenticity, and consistency." - Carrie Olsen

Have you been trying to sound like everyone else? That could be your biggest career mistake! Discover how your unique background is actually your secret weapon in voice acting.

In this episode of "Conversational with Carrie Olsen," I explore how embracing your distinct perspective and experiences creates a measurable competitive advantage in your voice acting business. You'll discover how to transform your background into a valuable differentiator while staying authentic to who you are.

Episode Highlights:

• The "Talking to Everyone" Paradox - Why trying to sound generic actually makes you less valuable to clients (03:56)
• The AI Challenge - How your lived experience is the one thing AI voices can't replicate (04:40)
• Insider Advantage - How leveraging my e-learning background led to higher rates and long-term clients (05:17)
• The Unexpected Benefits - When marketing becomes energizing rather than draining (07:43)
• The Bug Doctor Example - How a student's entomology background became his unique selling point (08:50)

Complete Your Expertise Inventory Take time to document your professional expertise, personal experiences, and passionate interests that could add value to voice acting clients. Don't limit yourself to obviously relevant experiences - sometimes your most powerful differentiator comes from an unexpected place.

Identify High-Value Client Connection Points For each area of your expertise, identify specific industries, companies, or roles that would particularly value your insider knowledge. These become your high-priority outreach targets where you'll have the strongest competitive advantage.

Craft Tailored Value Statements Create customized messaging for each client segment that clearly articulates why your unique background matters to them specifically. Remember, if you're talking to everyone, you're talking to no one.

I've seen firsthand how this approach transformed my own business. When I leveraged my e-learning development background, I wasn't just another voice actor reaching in from outside their industry - I was a fellow insider who understood their challenges. One client even told me she looked forward to editing my audio because it was engaging rather than tedious!

Next week we'll explore the holistic voice actor: mind, body, and business. We'll discuss how physical and mental well-being impact your voice performance, and I'll share productivity systems that have helped me and my students create sustainable voice acting careers.

Download the Standout Strategy worksheet that will guide you through identifying your unique experiences, connecting them to specific client types, and crafting tailored value statements. Identify at least three potential client segments where your background creates specific value.

Get your worksheet at CarrieOlsenVO.com/ep5 or text VOICE to 55444.

• Standout Strategy Worksheet
• CarrieOlsenVO.com/ep5
• Text VOICE to 55444 for the free Standout Strategy exercise

• Text VOICE to 55444 for my free Standout Strategy worksheet
• Leave a voice message at CarrieOlsenVO.com/ep5
• Email: [YOUR EMAIL]

"Your distinctive background isn't something to minimize or hide. It's your greatest business asset." - Carrie Olsen

Are you stuck in an endless cycle of learning without taking action? You might be facing the "implementation gap" - the biggest obstacle between where you are and the success you want.

In this episode of "Conversational with Carrie Olsen," I explore the psychology behind why voice actors often struggle to implement what they've learned and why it matters for your voice acting career and beyond. You'll discover how to transform knowledge into action while staying authentic to who you are.

Episode Highlights:

• The Implementation Gap - That space between what we know we should do and what we actually do (02:15)
• Crossing the Rubicon - The invisible line separating the learning phase from the doing phase (03:30)
• The Psychology of Fear - How the right amount of fear can provide motivation and focus (06:20)
• Leading vs. Lagging Indicators - Why focusing on inputs you control creates daily wins (08:45)
• Practical Implementation Strategies - Three approaches to bridge the gap between knowledge and action (10:00)

Make the Invisible Visible When goals live only in your head as vague concepts, they're easy to ignore. Write them down, place them where you'll see them daily, and share them with others. Making your intentions concrete creates accountability and increases your likelihood of taking action.

Focus on the Next Small Step Don't get overwhelmed by the entire mountain you need to climb. Break down your goals into tiny, manageable steps—record three practice scripts daily or research five potential clients. This approach bypasses the psychological resistance that comes with contemplating the entire journey.

Create an Implementation System Willpower and motivation fluctuate, so build systems that don't rely on either. Use tools like the Implementation Action Plan to break down goals into specific, actionable steps with clear timelines and success metrics, making implementation about following a system rather than fighting psychological resistance.

For years, I've wanted to get into animation voice acting. I've trained with notable coaches and received great feedback, but I've never taken that next step. I think part of me is comfortable where I am, or maybe I'm avoiding feeling out of my element. Sound familiar? This implementation gap is what inspired me to create tools that have transformed voice actors' careers by breaking mountains into manageable steps.

In our next episode, we'll dive deeper into how to leverage your authentic self in your voice acting business. We'll explore how your unique experiences can become the foundation of your brand strategy.

Download the free Implementation Action Plan worksheet designed to address the psychological barriers we've discussed. This isn't just another planning tool—it includes space for rewards and celebrations to keep you motivated throughout the process.

Access this resource at CarrieOlsenVO.com/ep4 or text VOICE to 55444.

• Implementation Action Plan Worksheet
• Previous episode on being more than just a good voice
• Episode on the "culture of upgrading"
• Episode on pre-marketing strategy

• Text VOICE to 55444 for my free Voice Actor's Advantage Framework
• Leave a voice message at https://carrieolsenvo.com/ep4
• Email: [email protected]

"Implementation isn't just about doing, it's about becoming. When you choose to cross the Rubicon and take those risks, you're starting to live your life more conversational." - Carrie Olsen

Ever notice how your best performances happen when your personal life feels balanced? There's a profound connection between who you are offstage and your ability to shine on the mic.

In this episode of "Conversational with Carrie Olsen," I explore the powerful link between personal development and voice acting success and why it matters for your voice acting career and beyond. You'll discover how to leverage your authentic self as your greatest performance asset while staying true to who you are.

• The Personal-Professional Connection - How growth in your personal life directly correlates with career success (01:03)
• The HBO Max Breakthrough - How a personal development group meeting led to booking a major client (01:13)
• The Building Block Metaphor - Why layering skills creates the foundation that supports great performances (02:33)
• The Whole Person Approach - Why you can't separate the voice from the person behind it (00:38)
• The "See Beauty Everywhere" Reframe - How your mindset affects everything from script interpretation to rejection handling (01:15)

Your physical, mental, and emotional state directly impacts your vocal performance. The work you do on yourself as a person creates depth and dimension that listeners can feel, even if they can't identify exactly why your voice resonates with them.

Technical skills create the vessel, but your authentic self fills it. The most technically perfect read falls flat without the real person behind it, while the most authentic performer still needs technique to effectively communicate.

Voice actors who last in this industry aren't necessarily the most technically skilled—they're the ones who can bounce back from rejection and keep showing up. Personal development builds the resilience needed to navigate the inevitable setbacks in this career.

I've experienced this connection firsthand. During seasons when I feel rushed and scattered, those are inevitably the times when I book the least. Conversely, my HBO Max booking came immediately after a meeting with fellow entrepreneurs studying "The Artist's Way." Nothing had changed about my technical skills, but my mental state and creative engagement were completely different.

Next week, we'll build on this concept by exploring the implementation gap—why knowledge isn't enough and how to actually put these personal development ideas into practice in your voice acting career.

Take time to identify the last three voice acting challenges you faced, then explore what personal development areas might be connected to these challenges. Choose just one area to focus on for the next month. Download the worksheet at CarrieOlsenVO.com/ep3 for guided prompts to help you identify your most promising growth opportunities.

Text VOICE to 55444 to access additional resources related to this exercise and episode.

Alternatively, you can download the worksheet for this exercise at carrieolsenvo.com/podcast-resources

• The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron
• Personal Audit Worksheet
• Legacy Branding Course

• Text VOICE to 55444 for The Personal Audit Worksheet
• Email: [email protected]

Are you constantly chasing the next microphone, course, or software, believing success is just one more purchase away? What if this "culture of upgrading" is actually preventing your success?

In this episode of "Conversational with Carrie Olsen," I explore the trap of believing that voiceover success requires constant upgrading of equipment and skills, and why focusing on your existing unique qualities is more powerful. You'll discover how to leverage what you already bring to the table while staying authentic to who you are.

Episode Highlights:

• The Culture of Upgrading - The belief that success is always one purchase or course away, creating a cycle of preparing but never performing (00:09)
• The Drift Tendency - How initial motivation from new purchases fizzles out just in time for the next upgrade opportunity (04:09)
• The Hidden Cost - Why learning feels productive even when you're not making actual progress toward booking clients (06:15)
• Pre-Marketing Concept - Defining your unique value before worrying about how to promote it (08:09)
• Leveraging Your Background - Transforming your unique experiences into competitive advantages in the marketplace (11:13)

CONDUCT AN UPGRADE AUDIT TO BREAK THE CYCLE Before making your next voiceover-related purchase, honestly assess whether it will tangibly improve what clients receive from you or if it's just making you feel like you're progressing. This simple exercise can save you money and redirect your focus toward actions that generate real results.

YOUR PAST EXPERIENCE IS YOUR COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE That customer service job, theater background, or teaching experience isn't something to overcome – it's what sets you apart in a crowded marketplace. Identify the unique perspectives and abilities you already possess and position them as strengths rather than trying to upgrade past them.

IMPLEMENTATION BEATS INFORMATION EVERY TIME While someone is obsessing over the perfect setup or taking one more course, someone else with less perfect equipment is building client relationships and implementing what they learned three courses ago. Break the cycle of endless learning without application.

I've fallen into this trap myself. While I didn't hesitate to jump into voiceover initially, I'm definitely susceptible to "bright shiny object syndrome" when it comes to technology. I once purchased a channel strip because an industry professional recommended it, only to discover it actually made my audio sound worse. It's now sitting unused on a shelf in my booth – a constant reminder that I could have been focused on booking work instead of chasing unnecessary upgrades.

Next week, we'll take this concept further and explore how to find your voice beyond the booth, connecting your authentic self to your performance in ways that make both stronger.

Make a list of all voice-over related purchases or courses you've been considering. Next to each, write exactly how it would tangibly improve what clients receive from you (not just how it makes you feel). Finally, identify one way you could deliver more value using something you already have – a skill, experience, or perspective unique to you.

Download the worksheet for this exercise at CarrieOlsenVO.com/ep2

• Upgrade Audit Worksheet at CarrieOlsenVO.com/ep2
• Voice Actor's Success Intensive membership program
• Text VOICE to 55444 for exclusive episode resources

• Text VOICE to 55444 for my free Voice Actor's Advantage Framework
• Leave a voice message at CarrieOlsenVO.com/ep2
• Email: [email protected]

"Your unique background isn't something to overcome in voice acting. Rather, it's your greatest asset." - Carrie Olsen

The most common direction in the voiceover booth has been "more conversational" for years, but this concept extends far beyond script delivery – it's actually a philosophy that can transform your entire voice acting business and career.

In this debut episode of "Conversational with Carrie Olsen," I explore what it truly means to be conversational in voice acting – not just in how you deliver a script, but in how you approach your entire business. You'll discover why authenticity is your greatest asset and how to leverage your unique background to stand out in a crowded marketplace.

Episode Highlights:

• The true meaning of "conversational" - It's about removing artificial barriers between your voice actor self and your authentic self (00:54)
• Authenticity in marketing - How bringing your true self to promotion makes it energizing rather than draining (04:15)
• Forging your own path - Why creating your own system is more effective than following someone else's template (07:03)
• The whole person behind the voice - Success in voice acting involves far more than just your vocal abilities (09:09)
• Confidence transfer - How booth confidence builds real-life confidence in a continuous feedback loop (09:44)

Your Past Experiences Are Your Greatest Differentiators Every unusual job or life experience you've had gives you perspective and insight that other voice actors simply don't have. Instead of hiding what makes you different, leverage these experiences to create a brand and approach that feels uniquely yours and attracts the right clients.

Marketing Feels Difficult When It Doesn't Feel Like You The dread around marketing often comes from trying to adopt someone else's system instead of creating an authentic approach. When you develop marketing that aligns with who you really are, it no longer feels like a chore – it becomes an extension of your natural self-expression.

Voice Acting Success Requires More Than Just Voice Skills The most successful voice actors aren't just working on their craft – they're developing themselves holistically through mindset work, time management, and personal growth. This creates a positive feedback loop where booth confidence builds real-life confidence, and life experiences enrich performances.

When I first started in voiceover, I intuitively created my own outreach methods rather than following established formulas. My husband called my approach "ferocious" – and that determination led to relationships with clients like Disney, Grammarly, and Max. That experience taught me that the more authentic I was in my marketing, the more successful it became.

In our next episode, I'll tackle "The Culture of Upgrading" – revealing why constantly chasing the newest equipment or techniques might actually be holding you back, and how to focus on what truly moves the needle in your voice acting career.

Spend 5 minutes identifying the three most unusual jobs or experiences you've had in your life. How might each one give you perspective or skills that other voice actors don't have? This isn't just a walk down memory lane – it's the beginning of identifying what makes your brand valuable and unique.

Download the worksheet at CarrieOlsenVO.com/ep1

• Legacy Branding Mastermind program
• Voice Actor's Advantage Framework (free guide)
• CarrieOlsenVO.com/ep1 reflection worksheet

• Text VOICE to 55444 for my free Voice Actor's Advantage Framework
• Leave a voice message at CarrieOlsenVO.com/ep1
• Email: [email protected]

"Remember that your voice is unique, and your path should be too." - Carrie Olsen