Everyday VOpreneur® with Marc Scott
Episode: "5 Software Recommendations for Voice Actors - Summer Series 2022"
Date: July 7, 2022
Host: Marc Scott
Episode Overview
In this Summer Series episode, Marc Scott shares his "quick hit" recommendations on five essential software tools that have dramatically improved the efficiency and professionalism of his voiceover business. This episode is tailored for both emerging and seasoned voice actors looking to operate more effectively as entrepreneurs. The recommendations go beyond the obvious studio essentials, instead spotlighting tools that support everything from data security to marketing and client relationship management.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Cloud Backup – Backblaze
[02:33]
- Marc emphasizes the urgency of having a reliable backup system, citing his own experiences with hardware failure and data loss.
- Why Backblaze? Continuous, automatic cloud-based backup of his entire computer, offering security beyond in-office solutions like Time Machine.
- Access on the Go: Ability to access specific files remotely when traveling, without needing a full system restore.
- Affordability: Around $7/month, positioning it as a business insurance policy.
- Quote:
"For most of us, we don't think about backing up until we are in a situation where we need a backup." (Marc Scott, 03:45)
2. Accounting & Invoicing – WaveApps
[05:27]
- Turned onto WaveApps by his accountant about five or six years ago.
- Highlights:
- Free to use for basic accounting and invoicing tasks.
- Processes credit card payments (with standard processing fees).
- User-friendly interface for both VO artists and accountants (access for year-end reporting).
- Why It's Great:
- Tracks all expenses and incomes; simplifies tax season.
- No cost for primary functions; monetizes through advanced features.
- Quote:
"The basic things that we would be doing [as voice actors] will always be free, which is really nice to know." (Marc Scott, 06:23)
3. Content Creation – Canva
[08:11]
- Marc shares his "addiction" to Canva, confessing it has effectively replaced Photoshop for most tasks.
- Use Cases:
- Social media graphics, YouTube thumbnails, document design, basic video editing, PDFs for clients, resumes, marketing guides, etc.
- Pro Version:
- Significant upgrade with access to a much larger library of fonts, graphics, and templates; about $150/year but considered “worth every dime.”
- Warns that while the free tier is powerful, key assets often require Pro.
- Quote:
"For creating marketing material for your voiceover business, for creating content for social media — absolutely worth every dime." (Marc Scott, 10:09)
4. Security on Public Wi-Fi – ExpressVPN
[11:15]
- Marc describes himself as a frequent traveler before COVID-19 and underscores the risks of public Wi-Fi.
- What is a VPN?
- Virtual Private Network secures your internet connection, especially on public/hotel/home Wi-Fi.
- Not a cybersecurity expert but trusts guidance from industry professionals who recommend VPNs.
- Device Coverage:
- ExpressVPN is installed on all his devices—laptop, phone, tablet, iMac.
- Peace of Mind:
- Protects personal and client data amidst increasing cybersecurity threats.
- Quote:
"There’s a lot of creepy people out there trying to do nefarious things these days on the Internet." (Marc Scott, 12:34)
5. Customer Relationship Management – Nimble CRM (and Alternatives)
[13:16]
- Definition: A CRM helps manage and organize all leads, prospects, and client interactions, ensuring follow-ups and efficient communication.
- Why Nimble?
- Recommended due to its VO-appropriate feature set and cloud-based flexibility.
- Other options: HubSpot, Gravy for the Brain, Bidalgo, Voiceoverview, Close, Zoho.
- Direct Marketing Importance:
- Essential for VOs proactively seeking clients via email, networking, social media, cold calling, etc.
- Trial Offer:
- Listeners can try Nimble free for 45 days via Marc’s referral link.
- Quote:
"If your plan is to do direct marketing for your voiceover business... then a CRM is an absolutely brilliant and, I think, essential piece of software." (Marc Scott, 14:11)
Memorable Quotes & Moments
-
On The Importance of Preparedness:
"You want to make sure that you are protecting it [your data]. And with Backblaze for about, I think it's around $7 a month — that's a pretty affordable solution." (Marc Scott, 04:17)
-
On Being of Service to Clients and Accountants Alike:
"At the end of the year, my accountant logs in to my Wave account, gets whatever reports he needs, does my tax return. It is simple. It is easy. And, by the way, did I mention that it is free?" (Marc Scott, 06:52)
-
On Falling Down the Canva Rabbit Hole:
"Be careful—it's one of those rabbit holes that you can fall down and be like, 'Oh, it's been two weeks and I'm still playing with this software and it's so much fun and I love these fonts.'" (Marc Scott, 10:53)
Episode Structure & Timestamps
| Segment | Description | Timestamp | |---------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------|-------------| | Introduction | Podcast purpose & Summer Series explained | 00:58 | | Backblaze | Cloud backup necessity, personal stories | 02:33 | | WaveApps | Free, user-friendly accounting/invoicing | 05:27 | | Canva | Graphic & content creation tool—highly recommended | 08:11 | | ExpressVPN | Security on public Wi-Fi, device protection | 11:15 | | Nimble CRM & Alternatives | Direct marketing, client follow-up, alternatives| 13:16 | | Quick Recap & Listener Callout | Recaps 5 picks, asks for listener input | 15:00 |
Tone & Style
Marc’s tone is casual, practical, and supportive—sprinkled with humor and relatable anecdotes. He aims to empower voice actors to think—and act—like savvy business owners.
For Listeners
This episode is a must-listen for voice actors striving to upgrade their business toolkit with practical, cost-effective software. Marc’s recommendations are not based on generic productivity lists but come from firsthand experience addressing real-world challenges voice actors face behind the booth and at the desk.
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