Why Availability Beats Perfection (Every Time)
- Laura Doman
- 3d
- 3 min read
Because decisions don’t wait for flawless.
Let’s get this out of the way right now:
Perfection is not the thing that gets you hired.
Sure, it’s impressive.
Sure, it looks responsible.
And yes—it takes time to get there.
But more often than not, perfection is an idealized goal, not a real-world requirement.
Availability, on the other hand?
That’s currency.
Especially in a fast-moving world where timelines shrink, budgets expire, and decisions need to be made now.
Perfection impresses. Availability gets chosen.
Why Availability Beats Perfection in Real Life
Speed is in demand—as long as it’s not sloppy.
And availability plus a quick response time?
That’s the real power couple.
This is especially true during the holidays.
Not every business can shut down for two weeks at the end of the year.
And plenty of organizations have budgets that must be spent by December 31—or the money simply disappears.
That spells opportunity for those of us willing to keep an OPEN sign on our virtual doors.
Even during the holidays.
“Perfection impresses. Availability gets chosen.”
What Actually Gets Chosen (When Time Is Tight)
In real life—especially when deadlines loom—people aren’t choosing perfect.
They’re choosing:
Responsive
Reliable
Clear
Easy to work with
In other words: available.
Especially when they need something done right away.
Over the holidays, I was reminded of this in a rather profitable way.
When Fewer People Are Working, Being Available Matters More
The week of Christmas, I booked a voiceover job for a 20-minute training video.
It didn’t come from nowhere.
I had already told my clients and prospects that I’d be available through the holidays and could accommodate rush jobs if needed.
I wasn’t traveling.
My recording studio is in my home.
And honestly? I enjoy a break from all the cooking—and the cleanup!
So while many voice actors hung up their mics until January, I made myself an available resource.
Availability paid off again when an unexpected (and frankly
unusual) flood of on-camera auditions landed in my inbox right after Christmas and through New Year’s Day.
December is usually quiet—but sometimes schedules get turned upside down.
Two commercial auditions arrived with tight turnarounds. I submitted both—well within deadline.
Then six more landed late. Very “can you get this in quickly?” energy.
Eight auditions.
Over the holidays.
I didn’t wait to make them perfect.
I made them ready.
(And let’s be honest—trying to be perfect in this business often leads to stiff, uninspired performances. Casting doesn’t want perfection. They want real, human, authentically-you. Imperfections included.)
The result?
I was cast in two commercials…
…and just got a callback for a third.
Not because I was flawless.
Because I was available and responsive.
Why Availability Is Reassuring (and Magnetic)
Availability isn’t just about being around when others aren’t.
It’s about making other people’s lives easier.
It quietly communicates:
Competence
Reliability
Confidence
Long before perfection ever enters the room.
And this isn’t just true in voiceover, film, or TV.
During the holidays, I also stayed in conversation with people who—like me—were still present. Open. Reachable.
Those conversations turned into:
Speaking gigs booked for January
Potential collaborations
New partnerships
No theatrics. No pressure.Just presence.
This Is Not About Hustling (Please Read This Part)
Let me be very clear.
This is not about grinding through the holidays.
It’s not about never resting.
And it’s definitely not about being “on” all the time.
That’s exhausting.
This is about choice.
It’s about noticing when the room gets quieter—and deciding whether being available serves you in that moment.
It’s also about communicating what you can do for others, rather than constantly talking about yourself.
A Shameless Truth (Because of Course There Is One)
You don’t need to be perfect to be chosen.
You don’t need to feel fearless to say yes.
You don’t need to have everything figured out to be bookable.
You just need to show up.
And more often than not?
That’s the entire difference.
Upcoming Event
Media Mastery intensive: The Experts Panel
Thursday, January 15 at 2 pm EST
The full program runs January 13-15, 2026
Want to learn more? Let's talk!
I'm Laura Doman, a voice & TV/film actor and video communications coach. As an actor, I create memorable characters that tell my client's stories well, from the friendly CEO to your sassy best gal pal dispensing real-world advice. As a coach, I help you become more comfortable and charismatic on camera in videos, presentations, and online appearances.
