Chris Ryan: The Modern Day Manly-Man

For 25+ years companies such as FORD, BUDWEISER, THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION, SUPER 8 HOTELS, and many others have trusted “The Modern Day Manly-Man” Chris Ryan with their brand. Now find out why…

Can you offer 3 helpful tips for newbies trying to make it in the voice-over industry? 1. Coaching, coaching, coaching…and then some more coaching. Even if you’re doing great, continue coaching. And before you sign up with someone do some investigating. There are some fantastic teachers out there you just need to find them(email me if you’d like some help). 2. Patience, things never happen as fast as we’d like, but hang in there. 3. Invest in yourself and your product. It’s so easy to go ‘cheap’ on things…studio gear, coaching, website, demos…but, there is no short cut and you get what you pay for. If you’re serious about your VO career, always go big…you’re worth it and clients will see it. The most successful companies in the world invest in themselves constantly, you should too.

How do you market your services to potential clients? Website and email are my main marketing tools. Not only do I send e-blasts to radio/tv, but also production houses, etc.

Which method is most effective? Why? I get good response from email. It’s not always instantaneous, but just begin top of mind when someone is looking for a voice talent is so important. Another important thing when email marketing, is branding. What do you do that others can’t? or won’t? You have to set yourself apart from everyone else. Discover what you do the best and let people know how that special thing ‘that only you do’ can benefit them or their station.

How much time do you spend a week marketing? As much as I can. I have a system, so it doesn’t take as much time as it used to. I have templates, email lists, and what I’m selling all figured out, so it’s not that time consuming.

How has new technology changed the way you work? I built a state of the art studio in my house fairly easily and I’m FAR from being a techy. So, I’d say technology has made what I do easier to do. Email, Twitter, Facebook, Skype, Source Connect, etc all contribute to my ability to be anywhere anyone needs me anytime.

Why is it so important for VO talents to create a brand? You have to set yourself apart from others. Not in a ‘I’m better then everyone because…’, but more of a ‘I can do this cool thing really well and you need that’ way. You have to make it so potential clients don’t have to figure out what you are, and what you do. The best companies in the world usually have superb branding, look around. And I’m no expert, my brand is constantly evolving. I’m always thinking about what I’m good at and how to portray that to others. It’s constant, subtle tweaking and I think it’s probably never-ending.

How can VO talents brand themselves? Just think about what you can do well, not to be confused with what you ‘want’ to do well. Find out what you do well and start there. If you’re funny, that’s great! Sell the fact that you can bring humor to the table a lot of people can’t do that. Then you can start to whittle that down. Maybe your humor is really ‘dry’…there’s a way to sell that. That’s a commodity. Again, it’s always evolving especially if you’re investing in coaching because you’re improving what you’re capable of.

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Star Wars or Star Trek? I love them both for different reasons!

Elvis or The Beatles? Elvis. My mom is a big Elvis fan. I would lip sync the entire “Aloha From Hawaii” live 8-Track for her and anyone else who cared to watch.

Dogs or Cats? Dogs, Bentley is the studio dog and under my feet for each and every session.