We were lucky to catch up with Michelle Francine recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Michelle thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s been the best thing you’ve ever seen (or done yourself) to show a customer that you appreciate them?

I’ve purchased professional services and vacation experiences where I felt appreciated long after the event. Whether I’m sent a personalized note with a picture of me while receiving the services or I get a phone call weeks after making my final payment, it makes me feel good to be remembered! In turn, I’m less likely to forget about that company or contractor. So now, I carry this practice with me in my business by posting thank you notes for my clients on my Instagram or LinkedIn feed. This is also a great opportunity for me to showcase my client’s business, talents, or services!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

To summarize, I am a geek and an educator! I obtained my first degree in Computer Sciences then later I pursued my Masters in On-line Education. Thanks to one of my instructors, a seed was planted in me to explore my public speaking abilities in the world of voice-over and voice acting. While working full-time for well-known software companies, I leaned into the voiceover industry in my free time. I’ve taken acting classes. Attended voiceover conferences. Got representation through a talent agency. And now, I work with a commercial voice-over coach and have started my digital media company, Michelle Francine Productions, Inc.

My digital media company aids Marketers, Creative Directors, Business Owners, Film Makers, Educators, and Producers with projects or events that require clear communication, messaging, or enablement! My services include:

1. Voiceover Production
2. Music Library
3. Instructional Design
4. Technical Training/Public Speaking
5. Consulting

If you’re an aspiring voice talent who needs coaching to get started in the industry, I’m here to help. My small business truly is a culmination of my workplace strengths and talents over the years; all in service to those who need assistance in bringing their digital media projects to life!

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

It was 50% career history and 50% intentionality.

I can safely say that I’ve created a great reputation with my previous employers. A majority of my managers have consistently stated that I’m detail oriented, have always met my deadlines, present high-quality work, and communicate well. People remember those who have solid work ethics and can trust that you will get the job done. Many colleagues and friends support my business or send opportunities my way.

I’m intentional about networking and marketing my business. Whether I reach out to new people at a trade show or on LinkedIn, I challenge myself to be brave enough to simply engage. Social media, content creation, and advertising are all very time-consuming activities necessary for building a reputation, so I create a schedule for when I post, record, or initiate a paid ad. I make sure that all of this is realistic to my personal time constraints. It’s okay if I only do one of these things once a week, so long as I’m making steady progress.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

My 75-year-old mother was very independent, walking, driving, and living alone. But, our world was turned upside down when she had a stroke back in 2019. That’s when life in a wheelchair became her reality and life as a caregiver became mine. Her need for affordable nursing home care prompted our move from California to Memphis, Tennessee.

Just imagine, uprooting your home recording studio, selling your belongings, saying goodbye to friends, and immersing yourself into a new culture. It was a physically and emotionally painful experience. It disrupted all of the dreams and plans we had for our lives. But, now that we’re settled in, we live much closer to family, I can afford my mother’s ongoing care, and I can focus on building my business again!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.michellefrancine.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michellefrancinevo
• Linkedin: https://www.Linkedin.com/company/michellefrancine/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@michellefrancineproductions

Image Credits
Mary Turner (Mom), Val White (Aunt), John Harraman, Lisa Wagner, Cherish Brown, Annarose Monroe Photography