The extra mile is a mark of excellence! It discloses your level of dedication, determination to earn repeat business, and willingness to do whatever it takes to keep a client for life. It’s a powerful habit and a point of competitive advantage.
Our everyday actions reveal the extra mile and requires a defined purpose. For example, is your objective to increase the number of job leads coming in, land more gigs, establish yourself as an industry expert, or gain unsolicited referrals? Whatever it may be, exploring ways in which you can implement going the extra mile is a critical element to your success in achieving your objective.
How much time and effort do you dedicate to marketing yourself? Are you networking with other voiceover talents, creative directors, production directors and influential people in the industry? Do you refer others? Do you give others a reason to refer you? When you audition or record a job, do you provide the client with various takes? What is your reputation in the industry? Do you have a voiceover coach? Are you staying abreast of the latest trends in the industry? These are just a sampling of questions that may help reveal areas in which you may decide to apply the principle of going the extra mile.
My favorite course of action is referring my client to others. For example, if my client owns a plumbing or kitchen remodeling company, I will refer friends, colleagues, and family members to their businesses when they need this kind of service. This is a great way to keep a client around for a long time!
Albert Gray, the author of The Common Denominator of Success, states it well, “The secret of success of every person who has ever been successful lies in the fact that they formed the habit of doing things that failures don’t like to do.”
Going the extra mile will take a bit of extra effort; however, picking just one area to apply the extra mile will help set you apart from the rest. It is a daily habit that leads to success!