Sun, Scripts & Strategy: How Elite Networking Really Works in Voiceover

I’m writing this after taking a small boat to explore the bays of Kotor, Montenegro

This month of drifting through the Greek isles has done more than help me recharge. It’s stirred something deeper: a sense of connection. I’ve met so many wonderful people from all over the world and made connections that will last way beyond this trip. The kind that doesn’t come from LinkedIn likes or panel chit-chat, but from real, human exchanges. A laugh shared in a taverna or an evening spent dancing and laughing with wonderful new people.

It got me thinking: in voiceover, how often do we chase the next gig, demo, or social post, when what actually moves the needle is who we know, and how we show up for them?

This blog isn’t about networking in the “add to LinkedIn connections and move on” sense. It’s about real connection. Strategic generosity. And building the kind of relationships that lead to actual, paid work, not just likes and hashtags.

Let’s dive in.

Reflections from the Bay of Kotor—where calm waters sparked deeper thoughts on connection, creativity, and the real heart of a voiceover career

Why Networking (Still) Matters

We don’t talk enough about the quiet superpower in this industry: relationships.

Yes, you need a cracking reel and a decent mic and studio set up. But doors really start opening when people know you, trust you, and want to work with you again or recommend you to someone who will. When you’ve built real rapport, you’re more likely to hear about unlisted castings, get referrals for plum jobs, or be invited to collaborate on passion projects. Your name comes up in rooms you’re not in. That’s the magic.

Get Clear on What You Want

Before you start schmoozing your socks off, pause. What are you actually hoping to get from networking?

Here are four solid aims to consider:

1. Expand your circle – meet agents, producers, and fellow VOs outside your current bubble

2. Get smarter – learn tricks of the trade from those a few steps ahead

3. Sniff out work – hear about gigs before they hit public boards

4. Build your crew – a peer group to keep you sane, seen, and supported

Knowing your aim stops you faffing around. You’ll be more intentional and far more memorable.

How to Network Like a Pro (Without Feeling uncomfortable and cheesy)

1. Go Where the People Are

Conferences, workshops, and even online socials still matter. But don’t collect names like you’re trying to build the biggest list in the world, go deeper. Ask questions. Make sure you listen well. Be more interested than impressive.

2. Be Human Online

LinkedIn, Facebook groups, Discord servers—these are not bulletin boards. They’re cafes. Join the chat. Offer value. Respond like a person, not a pitch.

3. Find a Mentor (or Mentee)

Mentorship isn’t just for new VOs. Find someone whose work you admire and strike up a conversation. Or offer to guide someone coming up behind you. Both build trust and visibility in powerful ways.

4. Collaborate Generously

Do a daft reel with a fellow VO. Start a mini podcast. Read each other’s scripts. Create something. When you build together, you bond—and you both grow your reach.

5. Actually Follow Up

Met someone great? Say hello again. Reference what you spoke about. Suggest a coffee or Zoom. Connection without follow-up is like a mic without a cable: useless.

Real Connections, beyond the business card

Build Your Brand So They Remember You

Even the best networker needs something sticky to be remembered by.

• Nail your niche:

Are you the go-to for screaming orcs in videogames? Is corporate VO your happy place? How about getting into the flow with your audiobook narration? Own it. Speak it. Use it.

• Tidy your online presence:

Your website and socials should feel like you—not a templated robot. A few sharp demos, some kind words from clients, and a splash of your personality go really far.

• Be the real you:

In person or online, authenticity trumps perfection, every time. People remember warmth, wit, and humanity, not necessarily your list of clients.

• Share the ride:

Wins, wobbles, lessons, post them. You’ll inspire others and remind your network that you’re alive, evolving, and worth watching.

How to Keep the Connection Alive

The secret sauce isn’t in the hello—it’s in the “still here.”

• Support others: Share their work. Cheer their launches. Comment meaningfully. It all counts.

  Say thank you: A note, a shoutout, a quick voice message—gratitude builds bridges.

  
  

• Stay visible: Don’t ghost your network. Even a quarterly check-in shows you care.

  
  

• Pass the mic: Recommend others for gigs. Share leads. Be the connector you’d want in your own circle.

  
  

• Give More Than You Take: Elite networking is not about hoarding contacts—it’s about contribution.

  
  

• Share tools.

  
  

• Recommend gigs.

  
  

• Celebrate others’ wins.

  
  

When you make generosity your default and you give 10% more than people are expecting, people remember. And they come back.

Final Word from Kotor.

Here’s the truth that hit me somewhere between Mykonos and Corfu: the strongest careers aren’t built on talent alone. They’re built on trust. Familiarity. Delight. So don’t wait for a dry spell to start networking. Do it now. Consistently. Authentically.

And next time you’re tempted to scroll instead of message that casting director, or duck out of that Zoom Q&A, don’t. Show up. Say something. Be bold. You never know what might begin.

Where the work meets the connection

👋 Over to You…

If this post gave you something to think about, share it with a fellow creative.

Better yet, tag someone who’s helped you along the way. Let them know.

And if you’re looking to level up your own voiceover career—whether through brilliant community or bold storytelling—there are two doors worth opening:

🎙️ WonderlandVO.com for live training, proper support, and a network that’s more cheerleader than checklist.

🎧 BradShawVoice.com if you’re after a voice with experience, edge, and just the right amount of cheek.

Whichever path you’re on, don’t go it alone. Connection is the gig.