References? We don't need no stinkin' REFERENCES!

Lisa Foster

G'Morning all! I am being considered for a big project here in Seattle (I have done 2 custom demos, spent time on the phone hashing out the contract, being my charming self, etc) and the CEO just emailed me this morning saying it was almost finalized, but could I please send them some "references"? Hmmm, have you had potential voice seekers ask for "references"? And just what type of references? Previous clients I assume? I don't mean to be thick in the head here, but really? I am just reluctant to bother previous clients asking permission to use them as a reference, plus it seems so, I dunno, redundant, since the seeker has my voice samples and lists of clients visible on my website. Not sure if I am just taking this the wrong way, so I am seeking guidance from my fellow voiceys on this one. Advise away.....

Lee Gordon · Posted: Thu May 22, 2008, 18:55 (GMT) Post subject:

It seems a bit of an odd request but not necessarily unreasonable. I suppose if I were casting solely on the basis of audition demos and heard something I liked, I might then want to know if this person, in addition to having the sound I'm looking for, is also easy to work with and amenable to taking direction or is a prima donna or a pain in the ass. A reference might be the best way to determine those intangibles.

I have several long-time clients I would call upon to vouch for me if the need ever arose (so far it hasn't). I imagine you probably have at least one or two who would not mind doing the same for you, especially if there's someone you've helped out with a pro bono project or have stepped in to get them out of a bind.

Greg Houser · Posted: Thu May 22, 2008, 19:46 (GMT) Post subject:

a reference, no...

examples of past work, or an acting resume from an agent, yes.

Basically they want to make sure you're the real deal.

While it might be uncouth to refer them to some of your other customers, within reason, providing samples of work you've done for other clients might be a viable halfway point.

This situation though, calls for people with far more experience than I, and am willing to state such.

/calling Bob Bergen... Bob Bergen, please pick up the white courtesy phone

Caryn Clark · Posted: Thu May 22, 2008, 22:12 (GMT) Post subject:

An unusual request? Yes. I think this might be the product of dealing with a company that doesn't usually deal with voice over talent?

Big deal? Not really.

Why not do it? It'll give you an excuse to call a few of your past clients and chat with them to ask if you can use them as a reference.

Smile

Connie Terwilliger · Posted: Fri May 23, 2008, 01:23 (GMT) Post subject:

For big projects I OFFER to provide references. Long term clients who send me work every week or month who send the "You ROCK!" emails every once in a while. A huge client for me - a major corporation for which I had to go through an RFQ - absolutely needed references - their FARS and DARS required that those boxes be checked off. Your clients will be happy to tell your potential client how wonderful you are.

Lisa Foster · Posted: Fri May 23, 2008, 16:18 (GMT) Post subject:

Yep, good advice - I knew I would be tracked right with your smartness! They are indeed a company that does not normally deal with the vo industry, and you're right Connie - the guy asking for the refs pretty told me the CEO needed them to get those little boxes checked! So, all good to know, I went ahead and gave them 3 refs, and all is good. I do thank you for your wise words, and will be ready for this request in the future!
Now, I have the contract, and I don't speak "contract-ese" - anyone on these boards savvy enough with contracts that I can shoot a copy to (3 pages long, sigh) for a quick review for cheap $$ ? Thanks!

Maxine Dunn · Posted: Sat May 24, 2008, 01:14 (GMT) Post subject:

Hi Lisa,

Being asked for references for v/o does seem rather unusual in my experience, but why is it a problem? Sure all your demos and client list “should” indicate that you’re great, but some clients want to know what you’re like to work with – as a person – or just have questions that a demo or client list can’t provide.

If you're a working pro, I'm sure you have multiple clients that you can email and request permission to use their names as a reference.

If this is a big job, perhaps it's a client that has a corporate culture in place that REQUIRES references on file. Like a corporation, or a university, or a museum. Kind of like some companies require purchase orders or tax forms, etc. (As you mentioned in your last post – need those boxes checked!)

When I land a big gig I'm more than happy to provide whatever information my client needs. I like to make their job easier, to make them shine, to make them KNOW that doing business with me is professional, rewarding, quick and easy.

And, as an aside, it's a great opportunity to assemble several clients that will provide references for you in the future if necessary, so there won't need to be any period of cogitation. You can just email back instantly with a list of glowing references. Just think how great that will make you look and how satisfied your client will be! In my experience clients love instant gratification, and I get great jollies providing it for them.

I think if they want a few references, it’s a good idea to supply them. There’s really no reason not to.

Best of luck!

Maxine

.