The Voice Over Coffee Shop: Episode 76 | Coffee with Tracy Lindley
Host: Andrew Morrison
Guest: Tracy Lindley
Release Date: May 24, 2024
Introduction
In Episode 76 of The Voice Over Coffee Shop, host Andrew Morrison sits down with Tracy Lindley, a seasoned voice talent and dedicated mother of four aspiring voice actors. Tracy brings over a decade of experience in the industry, having voiced major global brands and founded VO Edge—a platform designed to help voice actors enhance their careers through LinkedIn marketing. This episode delves into Tracy's journey, her strategies for balancing motherhood with a thriving career, and her insights on building a robust online presence.
Tracy Lindley’s Path to Voiceover Success
Starting Out and Discovering Voiceover:
Tracy shares her unexpected entry into the voiceover world. With a communication degree and an internship at a cable company during her junior year in college, she initially aspired to be an advertising executive. However, a fortuitous encounter with a producer steering her towards voiceover work revealed her natural talent for timing and inflection.
"I found that I had a natural sense of timing and inflections, and I understood, you know, kind of how things should flow."
Tracy Lindley [02:15]
Realizing the potential of working from home, especially as a soon-to-be mother of four, Tracy embarked on her voiceover journey with modest financial goals, aiming to contribute an extra income to support her family.
Building a Career with LinkedIn Marketing
Harnessing LinkedIn for Direct Marketing:
A significant portion of Tracy's success stems from her adept use of LinkedIn. She highlights how she transitioned the platform from a mere professional network to a powerful direct marketing tool. By connecting not only within the voiceover industry but also with video producers, Tracy expanded her reach and secured valuable projects.
"I started doing that, but once they connected, I wasn't doing anything. And then I started to think, what if I reach back out to them and say, hi, thanks for connecting..."
Tracy Lindley [07:30]
Her proactive approach led to tangible results, including her first hired project, which validated her strategy and motivated her to continue leveraging LinkedIn's potential.
Optimizing LinkedIn Profiles:
Tracy emphasizes the importance of an authentic and interactive LinkedIn profile. She advises voice actors to view their profiles as mini websites rather than mere resumes, focusing on showcasing their personalities and unique strengths.
"You want to show them what you do. You’ve had plenty of people ask you over the years, what do you do for a living?"
Tracy Lindley [11:16]
Her course, VO Edge, delves deeper into these strategies, offering voice actors tools to enhance their online presence and effectively market themselves.
Balancing Parenthood and a Thriving Career
Managing Time and Scheduling:
Tracy discusses the delicate balance between managing a burgeoning voiceover career and raising four children, all of whom are involved in voice acting. Utilizing synchronized calendars with her husband, she meticulously plans her availability, ensuring that her professional commitments do not overshadow her role as a mother.
"I live and die by my phone calendar and it's synced with my husband's phone calendar so that we both know who's doing what."
Tracy Lindley [19:07]
Raising Young Voice Actors:
Her children’s involvement in voiceover projects brings both joy and challenges. Tracy shares heartwarming moments of watching her kids grow professionally, such as her daughter’s dubbing session for a Netflix animated series at the tender age of six.
"There's nothing more fulfilling than watching them succeed."
Tracy Lindley [22:25]
Tracy also implements financial lessons with her children through her "80/10/10 rule," teaching them financial responsibility and generosity by allocating their earnings into spending, donating, and saving.
"So I tell them, you get to spend 10%, all yours, whatever you want."
Tracy Lindley [20:55]
Strategies for Effective Outreach and Online Presence
Direct Messaging vs. Content Posting:
While LinkedIn has evolved, Tracy notes the diminishing effectiveness of content posting compared to direct messaging for securing loyal clients. She highlights the necessity of personalized outreach, advising voice actors to avoid generic templates and instead craft messages that reflect their unique personalities and genuine interest in potential clients.
"I think a more effective way is the direct messaging. And my personal experience has shown me that content posting is less effective than direct messaging when it comes to getting loyal clients into your client base."
Tracy Lindley [15:13]
Overcoming LinkedIn’s Limitations:
Tracy also addresses the challenges posed by LinkedIn's changing features, such as the removal of personalized connection requests for free users. She encourages voice actors to adapt by maintaining a positive outlook and focusing on meaningful follow-ups to build strong professional relationships.
"But then you start to think, what if I reach back out to them and say, hi, thanks for connecting, etc."
Tracy Lindley [07:30]
Navigating Challenges and Maintaining Boundaries
Handling Interruptions:
Balancing a home studio with a bustling household often leads to interruptions. Tracy recounts instances where her children inadvertently disrupted her recording sessions, emphasizing the importance of established boundaries and clear communication.
"But one since she was born. And so they have learned very clearly over the years that there are boundaries."
Tracy Lindley [25:28]
Setting Professional Limits:
To ensure productivity, Tracy maintains strict scheduling, reserving her work hours from 9 AM to 2:45 PM. This structure allows her to dedicate quality time to her children post-work while managing her professional responsibilities efficiently.
"My day is 9 to 2, 45 in my time zone and I don't schedule things after that."
Tracy Lindley [16:38]
Personal Life and Recharging
Finding Balance Outside Work:
Despite her busy schedule, Tracy finds solace in spending time outdoors with her family. She cherishes moments in their expansive backyard, appreciating nature and the simple joys of family life.
"I just appreciate being in nature. And. And we've redone our backyard a few different times to where it is just this absolute haven."
Tracy Lindley [26:37]
Hobbies and Relaxation:
When not immersed in work or family, Tracy enjoys household activities and traveling, finding peace in the simplicity of her routine and the beauty of her surroundings.
Reflections and Advice
Message to Her Younger Self:
When contemplating what she would tell her younger self before embarking on her voiceover career, Tracy expresses profound satisfaction with her journey. She emphasizes the importance of self-belief and internal motivation over external pressures.
"You've got to create your own dreams. So I don't know, I guess I would just say you can do it."
Tracy Lindley [28:29]
Tracy's unwavering confidence and resilience shine through, inspiring listeners to pursue their passions with dedication and authenticity.
Conclusion and Resources
Tracy Lindley's dedication to her craft, coupled with her strategic use of LinkedIn and her commitment to family, offers invaluable insights for aspiring voice actors. Her course, VO Edge, serves as a testament to her expertise, providing tailored strategies to help voice talents thrive in a competitive industry.
Find Tracy Lindley and Discover VO Edge:
- Website: TracyLindley.com
- Resource Page: TracyLindley.com/resources
- VO Edge Course: VOEdge.com
Use code SAVE50 at checkout for a special discount.
Andrew Morrison wraps up the episode by highlighting Tracy's stories of building connections, fostering a supportive family-business environment, and her generosity towards fellow voice artists. Listeners are encouraged to explore Tracy's work and leverage her insights to elevate their own voiceover careers.
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