When you’re just starting out in audio post, it can feel like you’re standing at the bottom of a mountain with no trail to follow. I get asked all the time, “How do I build my client list?” and I understand why. You’re starting from square one, and yes, it’s hard—but don’t let that make you give up. Success in audio post, as in any career, isn’t about luck or being in the right place at the right time. It’s about consistent, strategic effort over months and years.

Building a career in audio post requires two things in equal measure: technical skill and the ability to connect with people. You’ll need to master dialogue editing, sound design, and mixing, while simultaneously building a network of contacts in an industry that is both competitive and close-knit. And perhaps most importantly, you’ll need to push yourself outside your comfort zone. That might mean reaching out to a director you admire on LinkedIn, attending film festivals to meet creators, or taking on projects that challenge you in ways you’ve never experienced before. The work is difficult, yes, but it’s also immensely rewarding.

The foundation for everything starts with mindset. After decades in this industry, I’ve learned that the people who succeed are the ones who keep showing up. They don’t wait for opportunity to fall into their laps—they create it. This principle works in any area of life. Want to start a family? You make the right moves—build relationships, work on your health, and find the right partner. Want to become a bodybuilder? You hit the gym, track your nutrition, and consistently work toward your goal. The same principle applies to building a client list: you must actively build the bridge that will get you there. That means taking deliberate action—introducing yourself to professionals, reaching out to mentors, following up after meetings, and consistently showing your value. This is not luck. It’s strategy.

Even if your network is empty, you can start building it today. Take stock of who you know in the industry. Make a list, however small. Then, start reaching out in humble, productive ways. Make friends first—never approach someone with the attitude of “what can you do for me?” You might feel like your efforts are futile at first, but persistence pays off. The more people you meet, the more momentum you build toward your goal. But remember: networking only matters if you have the skills to deliver. Great relationships won’t compensate for poor work.

That’s why mastering the fundamentals is so important. Before you can attract clients, you need to be able to deliver professional-level work. This doesn’t start with blockbuster films—it starts with the basics. Recording actors, editing human voices, and refining dialogue for commercials, audiobooks, and short films will teach you more than you might expect. These early projects are the foundation on which your career is built. Do the work, and don’t get complacent.

Another valuable strategy is studying the success stories of others. Look at the LinkedIn profiles of professionals you admire. See where they started, how long they stayed at each job, and when they achieved recognition. These paths become roadmaps for your own career. Often, you’ll notice they changed jobs every one to two years or moved geographically to pursue opportunities. This shows that growth in this industry requires courage and strategic movement—rolling stones truly do gather no moss.

As you gain experience, you’ll also be building a personal database of contacts, mentors, and opportunities. This is one of the most valuable assets you can have. Stay humble but confident, and always keep learning. Seek mentors openly. Ask if you can help on a project, grab coffee, or simply pick their brain. The path you take may not look exactly like mine—there are too many variables—but the principle is the same: keep moving, keep learning, and keep connecting. If you’re not naturally a people person, you must become one.

To help young professionals navigate these challenges, I created the Audio Pro Network, a private, free community for audio professionals, along with a separate mentorship platform designed specifically to support the next generation. It’s different from a Facebook group: there are no algorithms, no distractions—just professionals connecting with each other. You have to engage, start conversations, and build relationships. I created it for myself, and it’s helped countless people meet mentors, collaborators, and even clients. Over time, you’ll see the value of having a network that grows alongside your skill set.

For those who want hands-on practice, I also created The Audio Post Career Accelerator (APCA). This is a virtual apprenticeship that allows you to practice dialogue editing, sound design, and mixing in a low-pressure environment while receiving feedback just like a client would provide. The goal is to develop muscle memory, decision-making skills, and the confidence to present your best work.

Finally, building your career requires a plan—or, as Ben Franklin said, “If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail!” Set goals, create a timetable, and follow through persistently. Combine this plan with active networking, continuous learning, mentorship, and practice, and you’re creating a career that can withstand the challenges of this industry.

If you’re reading this, you’ve already taken the first step: you know one more person in the industry—me. Since 2008, I’ve been building the Audio Pro Network to help audio professionals connect, grow, and succeed. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your craft, the opportunities exist—if you’re willing to put in the work.

About the Author

Joe Miuccio's career spans over 30 years in audio post, working across advertising, film, and television. In 2008, he founded Audio Pro Network as a private, algorithm-free community for audio professionals, adding a separate audio post mentorship platform in 2021. In 2022, he launched Voice Actors Connect, a thriving network for voice talent. All three platforms are grounded in his belief in mentorship, collaboration, and the power of community. His Audio Post Career Accelerator program furthers his mission, offering hands-on training through a first-of-its-kind virtual audio post apprenticeship, created to help the next wave of audio post pros level up and stand out. Joe also offers full audio post services through his company Pure Sound.