Well, Lookie Here: Another Voice Over Award Nomination (And Why You Should Totally Humble-Brag About Yours)
- Tom Dheere
- 6 days ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 12 hours ago
So, uh, funny story.
It happened again. I just got another nomination for a OneVoice Award. Yeah, I know, try to contain your shock. 😉
Seriously though, I was genuinely thrilled to see my name on that list again for the upcoming OneVoice Awards 2025.
A huge shoutout is due to Bahlr Media for making the spot look so good that my voice didn't totally ruin it, and to North Idaho College for, you know, hiring me in the first place. Clearly, they have excellent taste. #JustSaying
My initial reaction, naturally, was to do what any self-respecting human in the 21st century does: hit social media. I did a quick social media blast:
🎤 "It happened again! 🌟 I've been nominated for another OneVoice Award! A big thank you to @BahlrMedia for producing a damn fine-looking spot and North Idaho College for casting me✨ #VoiceOver #VoiceActing #onevoiceawards #OneVoiceAwards2025 #gravyforthebrain #Proud #onevoiceconf
And while that felt good in the moment (validation, woo!), it got me thinking. Beyond the warm fuzzies and the chance to use excessive hashtags, what does an award nomination really do for a voice actor? Turns out, potentially quite a bit. And if you're not leveraging yours, you're leaving free marketing gravy on the table.
Why Your Award Nominations Aren't Just Digital Dust Collectors
Let's be honest. We work tirelessly, often in our pajamas, talking to ourselves in padded boxes. It's not always the most glamorous life. So when a reputable organization like OneVoice says, "Hey, you! You're doing a good job!", it's a big deal. But it's more than just a personal ego boost (though we'll take those where we can get 'em).
It's a fancy badge of approval: Think of a nomination as a golden sticker that says "Quality Assured" by industry pros. Clients who may not know you from Adam or Eve will see that recognition and think, "Okay, this person is legit. Someone else trusts them with their project, maybe I should too." It cuts through the noise.
Suddenly, you're slightly less invisible: Award buzz gets people talking. Your name pops up on lists, in social feeds, and maybe even in industry newsletters. It's like a little spotlight finding your padded box in the vast, dark warehouse of voiceover talent.
You look more put-together than you feel: Let's face it, we're creatives. Our "brand" might sometimes feel like it's held together with duct tape and dry shampoo. Awards lend an air of professionalism and success that can make you appear far more organized and accomplished than you might be on a Tuesday morning before coffee.
Networking without the awkward small talk (mostly): Award events and the online conversations surrounding them are prime opportunities to connect. You already have a built-in ice-breaker: "Hey, congrats on your nomination!" or "See you at the awards?" It's networking with a purpose, rather than just awkwardly hovering near the veggie tray.
Okay, I'm Nominated. Now What?
Getting the nomination is step one. Step two is actually using it to your advantage. Don't be shy! (Within reason, nobody likes a constant humble-brag).
Go Beyond the initial "OMG!": Your first social media post is great. Now, spread the news strategically. Hit LinkedIn with a more professional announcement. Share it on your Facebook page. Tweet about it again a few days later, maybe highlighting the project itself. Use those hashtags! #SeriouslyUseThem
Make Your Online Home Shine: Your website is your central hub. Consider creating a section for "Awards and Recognition." Slap that nomination on your homepage. Update your bio. If the award provides a graphic or badge, flaunt it (according to their rules, of course).
Update ALL the Things: You know all those places you have a little bio or profile? Casting sites, online directories, your email signature? Add your nomination there. It's like sprinkling little credibility boosters all over the internet.
Tell the People Who Mattered: Remember those lovely folks who hired you or collaborated on the nominated project? Send them a quick, personal email to say thank you and let them know their project got recognized. It makes them look good too, and happy clients are repeat clients.
Have a Plan for the Big Night (or Day): If you win, great! Have a quick announcement drafted. If you don't, that's okay! You were nominated out of presumably a gazillion entries. Focus on the honor of being recognized amongst your peers.
We all work hard in this industry. Getting an award nomination is a fantastic acknowledgment of that effort and the quality of your work. Don't let that recognition just fade into the digital ether. Use it, leverage it, and let it help open doors to new and exciting opportunities.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go find a suitable frame for this nomination certificate that I'm making on Canva. And maybe practice my "gracious winner" face. Or my "gracious nominee who is thrilled for the winner" face. You know, just in case. 😉
Keep Going - Watch this next:
Understanding Self-Marketing
Want to stream as many How-To videos as you want? Get a Video Subscription - use code FORWARD for 20% off your first month!
Here's what I've got going on in the next few months - register to attend and add your voice to the mix!
Check in and Stay on Track...
Don't know where to start? Let's chat.
Grab 15 minutes free - let's see what your business needs...
Through VO Strategist, Tom's provided voiceover business & marketing coaching since 2011. He's also a voice actor with over 25 years of experience who has narrated just about every type of voice over you can think of. When not voicing or talking about voicing, Tom produces the sci-fi comic book Agent 1.22.
Comments