Building a client base through professional networking is key to your business, but so is protecting the privacy of that contact list.

I have to admit that the tone of this blog will be a little different than my others. That’s because this topic makes me a little defiant, if not indignant, just at the thought. It came up for me (again) when I was talking with some colleagues, who have been asked for their contact lists by someone new or not yet in the voiceover industry.Â
No, you cannot have my contact list.Â
While it may seem like a benign request, asking a business owner or freelancer for their contacts, to make your own business-building easier, is downright rude and lazy. Not only that, it could be detrimental to the person you’re asking! So, again:
No, you cannot have my contact list.
Let me explain: A contact list is essential to the health of your business. It’s something that almost every entrepreneur builds critically, over time, and with great care. This takes years of working, networking, professionalism, relationship-building and proving you’re trustworthy. The number of contacts in a business’ directory takes years to amass and they are precious to the survival of that business because that’s how we get work. Through our clients.
No, you cannot have my contact list.
The people on that contact list are often nurtured and taken care of by the business owner through professional interactions, newsletters or follow up emails sent so conscientiously so as not to annoy or tarnish that relationship. If I were to, say, send one of those contacts to you and you, perhaps, ghost them, are rude to them or in any way ‘burn the bridge’, that blame could be squarely pointed at me and I’m just not willing to risk that to make your life easier. I would apologize here, but really shouldn’t have to: I am not willing to stick my neck out for someone who could potentially ruin that client relationship for me.
So, no, you cannot have my contact list.
While you can search for many people and companies easily (and you should!), some are not so easily found. Either way, most people appreciate privacy and the protection of their contact information. Sharing that without asking them would be a breach of trust. And if I do ask? Perhaps they say no and then have a sour taste in their mouth about me and therefore my work. I’m not willing to risk that.
But have you ever shared a contact?
Yes, I have! One or two. Never my full contact list; that’s madness! I’ve shared a client with a select few colleagues whose voices I knew would suit the client’s project, and who would be respectful, professional and, most importantly, not ruin it for me. These are people who I know would treat this handed-over relationship with such care that, in fact, the client would be impressed I recommended them! What I have done more of is suggested colleagues to clients whom I know are looking for more voice actors. I’ll only recommend people I trust to do an excellent job and, knock on wood, it’s always worked out well so far.Â
To summarize: I want you to know that I do wish you the best with your entrepreneurial journey- I really do! I’m happy to offer advice, tips and tricks that have worked for me, as many have done for me. I believe in paying-it-forward and helping those who are in a different place than I am; we can have coffee, have a Zoom chat, talk on the phone- whatever! But, sharing my contact list - the backbone of my business- will not happen. And I encourage you to protect your client list with the same voracity. Not only will your business be better off, but your clients will appreciate the privacy.Â
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