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Today is Christmas and here’s wishing you all a very merry one. As the year is about to end soon enough, it’s timely to look back and evaluate the experiences we’ve had all throughout the year.
We’re joined today by a good friend of mine, Charley Valher of Valher Media. We’ll be talking about the three biggest lessons we’ve learned from our experiences in running shows and working with clients.
This episode’s going to be relatable for a lot of you so sit back, relax, and enjoy the show! Happy Holidays!
What’s In This Episode:
Den’s Three Biggest Lessons
Consistency in everything creates a great impact.
The power of LinkedIn and using Sales Navigator.
LinkedIn is a gold mine of opportunities for video production companies.
Den’s Biggest Win in 2019
A huge amount of growth in LinkedIn.
Golden Nuggets
Shorter, more direct content tends to get a lot of appreciation.
Slow and steady, incremental growth over a long period of time is sustainable and lowers the risk of external forces potentially destroying your business.
You have to be a real person on LinkedIn, because if you’re not, the community will banish you.
If you are clear on who you want to attract into your business, you’re going to win big on LinkedIn.
The difference between people who are successful and those who are not is their mindset.
Unsuccessful people often think “what can I get out of this?”
Successful people think “what can I give in order to succeed?”
Charley shares two important things he sees in people who are successful and adds one observation about people who are unsuccessful.
Never rest on your laurels.
In 2020, offshore editing will be a smart move to cut costs on post-production aspects of a business but still with on par skills and results.
Don’t be caught off guard by thinking you’re irreplaceable. Everybody is replaceable. And technology is doing a lot of work that a professional used to do.
Den’s mission in 2020 is to help video production company owners grow and scale but not at the expense of their health.
“It’s not how much you MAKE that counts, it’s how much you KEEP that counts.”
Video is getting bigger and bigger, and now is the time to get excited for the big wave that’s coming—those who are prepared will reap the rewards of a very prosperous future. - Charley
Book Recommendations:
Best Book for Den in 2019:
Cadence: A Tale of Fast Business Growth by Pete Williams
For Motivation:
Can’t Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds by David Goggins
Interest does not automatically generate a commitment to buying your products or services, and many companies find it hard to bridge this gap. Even fewer manage to establish a concrete sales process.
What they don’t realize is having a predictable sales process removes a lot of uncertainties in your day-to-day business.
In this episode, we will be exploring the process of converting people showing interest in your business into paying customers. This process will help you build consistency and predictability around your company.
What You’ll Learn From This Episode
Working out the structure of your sales process
Nurturing a cold inquiry into a hot sale
What is CRM?
Managing customer relationships in stages
The difference between talking to a previous client versus a cold inquiry
Increasing closed deals through immediacy and automation
Using patterns of behaviour to address customer concerns with a ready script
More sales conversions mean more information to refine your sales process
Being bold in your marketing upfront
Why your client should take part in your sales process
In part one of our back-to-back episodes with Simeon Quarrie, he shared some insights about the efficiency brought about by starting work at 2am every day. We talked about his work ethic and his ability to scale up and down depending on the projects at hand. Simeon and I also discussed how he makes sure that he is always one step ahead in the video business industry.
Today, as we continue our discussion, Simeon will share with us how, oftentimes, being too creative can scare a client. Based on Simeon’s previous experiences, he will tell us how important it is to get the right balance between creativity and meeting the demands of clients.
What You’ll Learn From This Episode:
Marketing Processes and Strategies: Getting more clients in the corporate market
Why being strategic in networking is paramount to getting your target market
Understanding your target market
Presenting yourself: For industry vs. when looking for clients
Reasons why clients are terrified of too much creativity
Why too much creativity is hurting your business
Why most clients go for predictable outcomes
Looking at the customer’s needs and providing consistent work
The risk of video businesses spending money on equipment and going broke
The significance of focusing ON the actual business
Instead of being IN the business, work ON the business
How Simeon creates impact with storytelling
Focusing on values — How it changes the perception of customers
Simeon Quarrie is the owner of VIVIDA. He is a filmmaker and storyteller who has successfully built a world-leading wedding video business and one of the few who has successfully transitioned into working with large businesses. Simeon is an international speaker, Canon Ambassador, Gteam member, and an advisor for Google and YouTube. He ensures he is focused on staying one step ahead and now creates interactive Virtual Reality films. Simeon’s clients include Sky, Barclays, Burberry, and EY.
After being in the video business industry for so long, it only takes a little loss of focus to lose track. But what does it take to make you stay in the game? How do you remind yourself that you have goals to achieve and dreams to chase?
Today, I’ll be speaking with one of my clients, Ryan Spanger, owner of Dream Engine. Ryan has been in the video production industry for 20 years, and his experience is immense. He will be sharing with us what he did to remind himself that he needs to stay on track, and how he keeps tabs on his thoughts, dreams, and goals.
If you’re going through a certain time in your business where everything just seems so dull, tune in and learn a lot of strategies for re-igniting your passion and focus.
What’s In This Episode:
About the Manifesto: What is it? How did it come about?
Ryan Spanger’s Manifesto: What do they mean?
# 1: If the story you’re telling yourself is no longer working, you can replace it with a new and better story.
Examples from own experience that led to this mindset
# 2: Cut loose.
What are the things holding you back from achieving more?
Burn ships
# 3: It’s not about the gear.
Invest in what really matters
Make sure that the equipment you’re using has ROI for every project
# 4: The journey towards mastery.
Slow and steady work leads to the development of mastery
Strategy and consistency are key factors to being successful
Be committed to working towards mastery
Kaizen
# 5: The industry does not exist.
# 6: These days, every business is an online business.
Be very clear about your target market, your products, and offers
# 7: Learning to love sales.
Define sales in a way that works for you
Find out what you can do for your prospects to alleviate their pains
# 8: Hang on to your soul.
Never forget why you’re doing what you’re doing
Feed your creativity
Value the present
# 9: Have someone in your life who believes in you more than you do.
Ryan Spanger is the Owner and Founder of Dream Engine, a video production company based in Melbourne, Australia. Ryan’s goal at Dream Engine is to help fast-track medium-sized companies to communicate, sell, and train more effectively through videos. He is committed to his mission of working with businesses to apply the Dream Engine method, and make videos that get their clients the results they need.
Last week, we talked about the reason why so many businesses stagnate and fail, and we discussed the most common mistakes that video businesses make. They fail to invest in themselves and for that reason, they’re setting up their businesses for failure.
In today’s episode, we’ll be picking up where we left off. I’ll help you understand that it’s not your fault. No one’s actually told you how to run a business before. In my case, experience has been the best teacher over the past eleven years of running my own business.
It’s a privilege for me to be able to share with you everything I know. And hopefully, you can get nifty lessons that will help you ACCELERATE your business.
What You’ll Learn From This Episode:
The importance of knowledge in marketing and sales
Equipment vs. Results: What matters most to your clients?
Tips on what to do if you’ve just started your own video business
Pricing strategies
The importance of outsourcing
Why it’s essential to understand the need for support and resources
Develop your business owner skill set and get rid of the freelance mindset
Learn to differentiate freelancing from running a business
Taking part in business and marketing events can be a step out of the comfort zone for some people. However, most of the time, the leap of faith can have a huge ROI for you and your business. In this episode, we’ll be looking into the power of investing in business events with the help of Charley Valher from Valher Media.
Charley Valher was the very first guest on the show and is an avid supporter of business events. Together, we'll discuss how events can help in networking, getting valuable advice, and professional coaching. He'll be sharing experiences on how these events can change your outlook as a business owner and as a person.
Here’s what you’ll learn from the episode
Getting the opportunity to form relationships with associates that you meet
Worth of investing money in business and marketing events
Having a platform to expand your network, nurture relationships, gather clients and garner more knowledge
The sense of connection and support that a business community can give
Getting more value and a return on investment when you go to events
Gaining access to a space to talk about business success, risks, and downsides to people who understand
The humbling experience of learning from other people’s strength area
The afterburner effect and how you can bounce back from a slump
Acknowledging the initial difficulty of incorporating events into your routine
Discussing the frequency of filmmakers in attending events
Being committed vs. being interested
Essential points on how to get the most out of business events
Allowing yourself to grow by minimizing biases and taking in new perspectives
One of the many reasons people go into the video business industry is they love sharing stories. The question is, what platforms can you use to tell that story and showcase your prowess in videos?
Today’s episode will be about the core aspects you need to understand in building an audience on LinkedIn. I will be speaking to Emily Wallace, who may not be in the video industry, but is reaching thousands of people via her video posts on LinkedIn. She will be sharing with us the secrets of her journey on LinkedIn — how she scaled her buyers advocate business dramatically in less than a year.
Three points we are going to discuss include: 1) Three core aspects of building your audience on LinkedIn; 2) Using the power of Sales Navigator to find any position in any company you want to connect with, and; 3) The content of the connection messages.
What’s In This Episode:
Emily’s journey on LinkedIn
Emily’s approach to marketing
Emily’s recommendation for video businesses who haven’t maximized their LinkedIn profiles
Additional tips for building solid relationships on LinkedIn
Sales Navigator — Is it the hidden gem of LinkedIn? How do you use it?
Why it’s important to write a personalised message to connect with someone on LinkedIn
Strategies for what happens after the invitation to connect has been accepted
What’s a great way to get your connections engaged in a conversation?
The power of using video content to connect with clients on LinkedIn
The effort you exert and the challenges you have to undergo to win the deal
Consistency is key
Constant and consistent action yields results
Recommendations for a different approach to content
The powerful aspect of “being human” on LinkedIn
Suggestion on creating scripts and how to approach people
Hashtags on posts — How many is enough and how many is too many?
Put up your contact details on LinkedIn — make yourself accessible
Emily Wallace is a Buyer’s Advocate who has expanded the reach of her business through the use of LinkedIn. She has been able to scale her business dramatically in less than a year by maximizing the power of content in gaining connections on LinkedIn. It is her primary goal to educate buyers and empower them in their property purchases.
Last week, we had Matt Smolen talk to us about the processes and the journey he went through from being a freelancer to hiring his team. We had a deep dive into the business side of growing Balloon Tree Productions.
Just as promised, we’re bringing him back today to talk about the creative side of his business. Now, Matt believes delivering excellent quality is what keeps Balloon Tree Productions running. But what does excellence mean for Matt? Let’s hear it from the man himself.
What’s In This Episode:
Matt shares his passion for creating films and being a film director.
Matt talks about his short film, “There’s A Mobster Under My Bed,” and how he got into MIFF(Melbourne International Film Festival).
Matt relays his experience with MIFF.
What makes Matt’s brand unique?
Matt’s key to success as a production company
Is there a thing such as “a freelancer’s curse”?
How Matt’s overall experience with understanding costs helped him in working with bigger corporations
About Balloon Tree Production’s finances
What is the Nirvana of every business?
Matt answers the question, “Why don’t other businesses treat their business as an investment vehicle?”
Matt describes his studios in detail—availability, what they offer.
Matt talks about his events.
“You are equipped to make things true to you.” - Matt Smolen
Matt Smolen is the Owner of Balloon Tree Productions. A company that specialises in video production, photography, and media development. Matt is a Director and Writer who believes that excellence doesn’t always equate to being overly serious. Matt likes to give his content a fine mix of wonder, humor, and fun.
A lot of business owners are afraid of delegating tasks to their employees. They are worried that someone might screw up and affect the business operations as a whole. Believe it or not, the inability to give your employees accountability in the workplace and controlling their every move will only lower their employee engagement and productivity.
In this episode, we will be discussing strategies for the best company structure and delegation techniques that will enable your business to scale.
What You’ll Learn From This Episode
The downside of having autonomous control over projects
Why being the jack-of-all-trades is inefficient
Proper delegation requires proper systems and processes
The main secret to delegation is consistent communication
Managing people vs. leading people
Why shared values are vital in the workplace
What is draw.io?
The ins and outs of creating an organizational chart and integrating tailored job descriptions
The production company landscape is evolving — from content creation to production strategy. In the past, clients only wanted to see a video output; however, their goals have changed in this era. They want to know how these videos can impact their business positively. They also want to translate these investments to sales and brand awareness.
In this episode, we have Ben Amos discuss how he and his company were able to transform their production strategies. His experience as an owner of a video production business in Queensland, Australia for 12 years helped him spearhead this change. After six years of being in the production industry, he decided to expand his knowledge and enter the world of the combination of online video and marketing. Thus, the emergence of his video strategy company.
What You’ll Learn From This Episode
Video production company vs. video strategy company
How passion can contribute to the advancement of your field
Strategies to create videos which can produce high returns on investments
The evolution of video production
How marketing companies are now bypassing agencies
Why videos are vital on the front page of websites
The step-by-step strategic video plan—knowing the audience, determining the goals, and aligning proper content
Understanding the different distribution channels online
Focusing on the organic distribution of content
Why you should not focus on a project-based strategy
Believe it or not, the more established your subscription process is, the faster your revenue inflow will grow. This claim was backed up by today’s guest, Geoff Anderson. Anderson is the owner of Sonic Sight, author of Shoot Me Now, and is now in the works to release a new book called Watch Me Now.
Geoff is back with us for a second episode to discuss subscription models. He cites his real-life experiences in producing and leveraging subscription-based video services to boost business and maximize the return on investment.
If you want to find out what worked for him, make sure to listen to this conversation. Rest assured that you won’t leave empty-handed from this episode.
What You’ll Learn From This Episode
The reality of a business’ rollercoaster ride performance
Constant content translated to repeat clients
How customers respond to packages, discounts, and deals
Why building a content library is vital for all businesses
How to converse with demanding clients
The importance of drafting a proposal in closing a deal
Being a preferred partner supplier starts with niche market specialization
The harsh reality: clients only value the end output, not the process
The 50-50 fee process vs. the 20-60-20 payment strategy
Understanding the contribution of freelancers to the business
The year 2019 is coming to an end and we’re at a point in time where we start to evaluate ourselves. Have we done enough? I know some of you are starting to freak out because “I haven’t done any marketing.” For some, it’s a case of work having a ”few dry areas.”
I’ve seen and heard one too many colleagues and friends wanting to start a marketing plan in January. But why wait for January when you can do it now?
Join me in today’s episode as we tackle the “lack mindset” and how you can actually overcome it. Enjoy!
What’s In This Episode:
Choosing between abundance and scarcity.
“You never really learn from success, you learn everything from failure.”
The dangers of spending time with the wrong people. Who are these wrong people?
Den gives tips on what to do during the “quiet times” of video businesses.
Things to ponder on:
Fear stops 95% of filmmakers from getting out of that feast and famine hole.
The procrastination for fear of not doing anything well is what stops you from being more successful.
What is the most dangerous place to be in the video business industry?
What is the ONLY way to scale your video business?
Abundant personality versus Scarce personality
Recognize when scarcity is showing up and understand how scarcity affects your decisions.
The scarce zone is a dangerous zone to be in.
An emotional pendulum: How does this affect decision making in the business?
Make decisions from a place of neutrality.
Choose between complaining and finding solutions to the problems you’re complaining about.
Den gives sage advice for those who are worried about the lack of work in January.
Questions you need to ask yourself if you haven’t done marketing last year.
What is the secret to success?
“None of it is easy, but it’s certainly harder when you’re on your own.”
If you or anyone you know needs help in the areas we’ve just discussed above, the Video Business Accelerator is more than willing to help you. Take the first step towards growing into a more successful video business owner.
Business owners understand how responsibilities pile up once you decide to scale your business. Responsibilities are a lot easier to bear when we have people to share them with.
In today’s episode, I will be talking to Matt Smolen, owner of Balloon Tree Productions. Just like many other businesses, he started from humble beginnings as a solo freelancer. Matt will be sharing with us how he started, and what it takes to grow from a freelancer to having a team of your own.
What’s In This Episode:
Matt’s Backstory: How did Matt go from freelancing to being a business owner?
Why Matt has always been conscious about giving an excellent experience to his clients
Matt’s story of transition from freelancing to expanding and hiring people
Why it is crucial to choose a team with the same beliefs and values as you
Matt relays the journey he went through from being a freelancer to hiring people and loading up on responsibilities (i.e., paying salaries)
How Matt’s team helped him leverage his time differently—from a business perspective
How the Video Business Accelerator has impacted Matt and his business
Matt Smolen is the Owner of Balloon Tree Productions. A company that specialises in video production, photography, and media development. Matt is a director and writer who believes that excellence doesn’t always equate to being overly serious. Matt likes to give his content a fine mix of wonder, humor, and fun.
Most marketers see generating leads as a simple task. However, searching and collecting these details are much more complicated than waiting for these companies to find your content. In this episode, we’ll cover the basics of creating a system for generating leads - from converting inquiries to sales, following up customers, conducting email marketing, and researching.
What You’ll Learn From This Episode:
Knowing the strategies of your competitors and how your unique selling proposition can overpower theirs
How to capture data on your website
Creating a good system for filtering website traffic
The importance of solidifying your business purpose into a sentence
Have you got a solid strategic plan in place now? Have you got a strategic number that you want to hit? As a business owner, your number one priority should be business development and having a systemized process in scaling your business. In this way, you can continually focus on growth, sales, and furthering relationships with existing clients.
Have you ever thought about the life you truly desire? You can have whatever you want in life; you just need to be crystal clear about what success looks like to you. Listen up to this episode and learn how a vision board can help you make that a reality.
Cash flow management is critical for all businesses. To protect your company's growth, it's more important than ever to avoid cash flow issues and safeguard your money. Listen to this episode for some sound advice on how to protect your cash flow.
Save 10 minutes every single day for a year. Plan and set your intentions for the day, week, quarter, and year. Get up early and meditate. Implement a thinking time. Follow these simple steps to help you become more strategic and focused in achieving your goals.
Have you ever turned a boring job into something remarkable? There are tons of ways that you can do it effortlessly. And keep in mind that the amount of money you can make in film and television is mitigated by the type of work you do.
How would you know if your efforts are being directed in the right direction? The majority of businesses are driving blind and have no idea that this is having a significant impact on their operations. After listening to this episode, start tracking your cash flow.
Den interviews Ben Baldwin who is the founder of Chuffed Productions, long-time client, member of Den's VBA, and all-round top bloke. If you're in the video production industry, then listening to this is very likely to make you money.
Here's a sneak peek at what you'll hear:
Why bad actors would be better off behind the camera than in front of one. - 2:15
Ben rattles off a laundry list of presenting jobs he had before launching his own business. - 4:00
How Ben bluffed his way into the video production industry. - 6:30
Why you should shake more hands if you want to go further in business. - 7:00
A clever thing Ben did as a video freelancer that helped him scale his business later on. (Best part: anyone video freelancer can do this immediately. - 9:45
Ben debunks a common videographer myth that is holding backing many videographers from scaling up their business. - 10:00
ATTENTION videographers: beware of the “editing trap”. - 11:00
The “5-letter word” that's considered a dirty word amongst videographers. (Hint: it starts with the letter "N" - 15:00)
How to win at business by saying "No" to more would-be clients. - 19:00
How to avoid pain-in-the arse clients. - 21:00
The timid business owner's guide to building smooth-sailing client-partner relationships. (And... doing it with brutal honesty. - 22:00)
A dirt simple way to jack up your fees (used by Google and other giant corporations) and have your clients not even raise an eyebrow. This can work just as well for the little guy, too. - 23:50
A profit-killing mindset that is keeping many video freelancers a day late and a dollar short. (If you are saying any of the things mentioned at 24:00, you might want to change that right quick.)
Wicked good business advice from Mr. Den Lennie. 24:30
The book every business owner should read at least twice per year. (This book is fast becoming the small business owner's Bible, and for good reason. - 37:20)
Why you should be concerned if you're always feeling comfortable in business. - 40:00
One big advantage business owners who attend masterminds have over those that don't. - 40:30
The secret behind Ben's dramatically improved business acumen. (And, how you can do the same. - 42:00)
Do you recognize your business's constraints? It is essential to be able to identify your blind spots so that you can take action and address them head on. Listen to this episode for some useful advice.
Don't you know that it's in the midst of discomfort and pain that the most growth occurs? You may not like with what I'm about to say in today's episode, but it's critical that you hear it and see if it resonates with you.
In today's episode, we'll look back over the last 90 days and ask ourselves, "Did you meet your revenue targets?" Did you meet your strategic objectives? Are you on track to meet your financial objectives for the next year? It's critical that you have one to three clear strategic priorities when you set your priorities for the next quarter. You should also start tracking your company's performance each month to see how far you've come toward achieving your strategic goals.
Do you set unrealistic goals for your business? In today’s shorty episode we are going to correct this because it’s really important to be aware where you are at in your journey and how you set your goals realistically.
When it comes to selling, do you ever feel insecure and ashamed? In this episode, Den explains how to market your products and services without actually selling them. Listen up to learn some useful selling tips!
Businesses in the VBA started from 300,000 to over a million in just two years. None of this comes easy. The VBA has a proven process that helps people systemize their process, get them into the right headspace, and do the steps in the right order whilst having a degree of accountability to their peers. VBA Mastermind is powerful and fun but can be exhausting in a way that it's supportive, helpful, lifts you up, and gets you focusing on the right things.
Den interviews a young whippersnapper coaching client named Josh Langmade whose video production company has skyrocketed to success in just a few short years. How'd he do it? Can you steal some of his secrets? Are there insider secrets to building a profitable video production business in record time?
All great questions...and all are answered inside here in this episode.
Here's a sneak peek at what you'll hear:
A special kind of "old" that's cool and beneficial in life and in business. - 1:40
An almost stupid obvious (but something almost nobody does) technique for quickly implementing goals, ideas, and strategies you keep putting off. - 4:00
Why Den's school wanted to expel him. This schoolboy shenanigans story explains why Den's a “gun” in business and why he's doing what he's doing now. - 6:00
A simple litmus test for knowing if you truly have entrepreneurial blood flowing through your veins. Listen in at 7:15
Sage advice from young Josh about how to approach business so that you're far more likely to (1) be innovative (2) creative (3) profitable, and (4) avoid getting stuck in the proverbial rut. - 8:50
A little-known business book that can help straighten out crooked thinking. (Josh credits this book as being the catalyst that propelled him into action at a time when he was sitting on his arse umming-and-ahing. - 9:20)
Quite possibly the greatest trait any leader could ever have. (If you don't have this trait as a leader, your underlings, contractors, and employees will never give you their complete trust, respect, or their best efforts. - 12:15)
What to say to a prospective client who says, "Nah, we don't need or want to use video for marketing", that could potentially get you new business from that very client. - 13:30
Could video freelances be the biggest marketing hypocrites in all of business? Hear this controversial topic at 14:20 and YOU decide.
A quickie crash course in video production marketing. - 16:30
Josh reveals his clever marketing strategy that has his clients pre-sold on hiring him and his company before they've even contacted him. - 19:00
Den interviews a young whippersnapper coaching client named Josh Langmade whose video production company has skyrocketed to success in just a few short years. How'd he do it? Can you steal some of his secrets? Are there insider secrets to building a profitable video production business in record time?
All great questions...and all are answered inside this episode.
Here's a sneak peek at what you'll hear:
The "R' word that is the backbone behind every service business that has a horde of happy and loyal clients and customers. - 0:30
How the "good old boy's club" in Josh's hometown has unwittingly helped Josh grow his business. - 1:30
How to turn your breakfast time into the most profitable and valuable time of your day. - 2:45
An eye-opening look inside the heads of successful entrepreneurs. (There is a huge belief dichotomy that's driving almost every highly successful entrepreneur. Here's what this... - 4:00)
The "Bust Arse" business philosophy. - 5:40
How to use an ancient Chinese philosophy to hire the best people for your business. - 10:00
The dangers of never having your business decisions questioned or challenged. (The truth is, most business owners never have their business ideas or strategies questioned or challenged, and it's probably why 50% of small businesses are on life support by their fifth year and almost 90% of all start-ups fail. - 15:40)
A totally counterintuitive (but very effective) mindset to achieving more in business with less effort. - 20:00
A laughably simple piece of business advice (often taught to kindergarten students, believe it or not) even experienced business people overlook. - 21:00)
How to be more effective with the time you have? As a creative, managing all of your thoughts can be overwhelming. You need to have different days for different themes so your brain can clearly engage in what's happening on a given day. Creating a default diary and having a team as your support can help take away some of the work that you shouldn't be focusing on as a business owner. It's far better to do things a little often than doing it all at once. The secret to productivity is consistency.
As a video production company, it's very easy to get burned out. Remove yourself from being the first point of contact and being the bottleneck of your own business. Create a system for how you deal and communicate with clients. Protecting your time and energy levels allows you to create a meaningful change in people's lives and their businesses.
The number one obstacle in growing a business is belief systems around what is possible, what you're capable of, and your ceilings. What makes it most challenging is acknowledging that you have it but then embracing the discomfort of the growth required to break it. You have to embrace the discomfort of growth. If you're not uncomfortable, you're not going to grow. The more uncomfortable you are, the more likely you are to follow through and make it work. Mindset is everything.
When was the last time you genuinely took some time off? As a business leader, you need to optimize your health and performance. If you don't take time off, you're doing a disservice to your clients and your business and sometimes may lead you to make bad decisions. Having some time off gives you an opportunity to get creative again. It's hard to do this if it's only you in your business. Having a team for support and creating your own systems is critically important. Take a moment, breathe deeply, and be kind to yourself.
Can you run your week more effectively? You can manage your time better with a default diary. The bare essence of a default diary is creating themed days for every day of the working week. Create a day for growth which is for learning and implementation as well as a business development day intended for sales. Also, you need to get a system, be organized, be clear on what needs to be done and make sure to implement in order to achieve great outcomes.
The primary goal of running a business is to make a profit with the least amount of effort. If you genuinely offer an incredible service then you should be fairly renumerated. Now is a great time to be reviewing your pricing making sure to explain why to avoid assumptions. Working hard to become successful is a myth. Instead, you need to be smart to become successful. Self-worth is what it really comes down to.
The real fear is success. It can hinder your growth as a business because you're not comfortable with what you perceive might happen if you become successful. Step out of your comfort zone of being the odd one out. Be comfortable with being different. Once you acknowledge the fear or discomfort of success, it's amazing what can start to shift after.
The first thing that a business mastermind will do is we'll get you to your result way faster than if you try to do it yourself. Being in a mastermind is an opportunity to work "on" your business as oppose to "in" your business. The group accountability within the mastermind allows you to observe others on the same journey or those who've been on the journey a bit farther than you, or those behind you. The connections made in the mastermind is life changing.
Are you looking far enough ahead? A lot of businesses worry about what's happening today but not enough time looking ahead. Successful businesses shine when they get away from the feast and famine by having a very clear idea of who to target and looking further down the track at what they want to achieve. Start looking at the big picture. Feel free to reach out if you're looking for someone to guide you.
It is very easy to curate content and publish it. Be careful not to believe. Be vigilant on those people who want to look successful and those that are successful. It's far better to be successful and blur in the background while helping clients achieve their goals than trying to look successful.
In today’s episode, Den talks about how letting the fear of rejection hold you back in growing your business.
When you’re a “little known” business, people don’t know what you do and how your products/services can benefit them. But when you say that you can help them become profitable, increase sales, reduce costs, or whatever it is they may be struggling with—they will listen!
Are you someone that is anxious and fearful when it comes to selling? Here's what you've got to know about the Good, Bad, and Ugly of Habits and how they affect your sales. Remember, the easiest way to solve all business problems is to sell more. Listen up and start creating your system around sales!
Procrastination is one of the greatest enemies of productivity. Here's how to stop procrastinating, once and for all. This is the only guide you'll ever need to get rid of your procrastination and start doing what you're supposed to.
In today's episode, I’m excited to share that we've launched a brand new free business community that makes it easy for video businesses to find support and grow. Join us today to learn from the best in your industry and build your business together.
Den interviews the man behind one of London's thriving film production companies - The Cleveland Agency.
Den, as always, gets his guest to spill the beans so his slavishly loyal listeners get to hear how Chris built his successful video production business from the ground up. Plus, Chris tells how he battled, overcome, and sometimes sidestepped his way to success.
Here's a sneak peek at what you'll hear:
If you're wondering, “What's a good niche or market for your video production business?... then listen to the one mentioned at 3:40. (Not only is this a fun and exciting niche, but it's almost recession-proof, too.)
The Chinese have a strange phrase for good luck: dog shit luck. Well, what do you call it when someone has dog-shit-luck that suddenly turns to just dog shit? (Who knows? But that's exactly what happened to Chris's video production business a few years back. Hear this gut-wrenching tale at 4:00)
Chris's caveman simple (but profound) statement about change. (We all want certain things to change, but many people never see that change take place. Here's a major reason why... 5:00)
The myth of status quo in business. Many business owners foolishly believe they are maintaining their business, but are they really? (Hear this sobering truth from Den at 7:20)
Den's brilliant litmus test for knowing (almost instantly) if a prospective client will be a good fit or not. - 8:40
Prospective clients like to do business with service businesses they like, however…here's an even more important fact... 8:50
Leadership advice to video business owners who manage a team. - 10:00
Chris's dang good book recommendation for those who are serious about fulfilling their true potential in life and business. - 10:20
Chris's "better-late-than-never" success habit he's just started doing. (But don't be too quick to scoff, dear listener. There's a good chance you’re not doing this almost stupid-obvious success activity, either. - 15:00)
3 special questions (most business owners never think about) to ask yourself about your business that can potentially lead to breakthroughs, increased profits, and a more smooth-sailing business operation. Listen carefully at 17:40 or you'll miss it!
The video production guy's biggest time-suck ever! - 18:20
A "3-second mindset" tweak for those who hate selling. This 3-second shift in thinking can "flip" someone's hatred of sales into a newfound love... just as it did for Chris. (Hear the man himself at 19:10)
Communication secrets of an adman from the '60s Mad Men era. (Use these to win over clients and build rock-solid business relationships. - 20:00)
The video freelancer's guide to going from freelancer to business owner. - 1:56
Why you should master the art of failing. This totally counterintuitive business approach (used by Jeff Bezos when building Amazon) can help any video freelancer fast-track their transition from a one-man-band to a business owner leading an effective team. - 2:15
The case for outsourcing the editing of your videos. - 4:25
An "easier said than done” 3-step method for creating a business that operates with or without you. - 5:00
The Homo sapiens' great folly when thinking about time frames. (And, how to use this piece of knowledge to become far more productive, consistent, and strategic. - 5:40)
The “3 Bs” (beer, buddies, and business) of Den Lennie’s' Video Business Accelerator program. (Business is hard enough at the best of times and doing it alone can make it even tougher. But... that's the way it is, so… get used to it, right? WRONG! If you're in the video production industry, you may want to check out the VBA. Think of the VBA as a business mastermind group but without the usual stodginess and pretences. Hear an insider's account at 8:45)
A brilliant (but little-used) marketing strategy that "flips" the script so clients pursue you instead of you pursuing them. - 11:50
The almost "too-good-to-be-true" gig that landed in Chris's lap almost by dumb luck. (This gig would be any video production guy's wet dream. Hear this story at 12:30)
A ridiculously effective marketing strategy for film production companies. (However, most people are reluctant to follow this advice once they hear it. But if you can get passed the initial psychological resistance and execute this powerful marketing strategy, I don't think you'll have any hang-ups with the results. - 14:00)
Chris's strange (but effective) trick for keeping positive when you're having a stinker of a day. - 16:00
How to become even more resilient than Keith Richard's liver. (Hear how Chris overcame his own personal business shitstorms at 18:00)
In this episode, Den gets his guest, filmmaker, and founder of Balloon Tree Productions, Matt Smolen, to really let his hair down and give up many of his business secrets. If you want proven strategies and methods for running a smooth, efficient, and systems-based video production business, then you’ll probably like this one… a LOT!
Here's a sneak peek at what you'll hear:
A stupid obvious way (yet hardly anyone does) to avoid burnout in business. If you feel like you're working harder than a cat trying to bury a turd on a marble floor and you're under more stress than John Goodman's office chair, then listen in at 3:35 and hear how Matt overcame this feeling of overwhelm. (Not only has it helped him feel more in control and less stressed, but it also made his video production business more fun and more profitable.)
The secret to getting your hired-help or employees to(1) truly give a damn about your video business (2) work hard to impress you, and (3) willingly strain their brains to come up with strategies and systems for your business. Hear exactly how Matt achieved this with his team, - 4:20
The unglamorous secret to having a quick and smooth-sailing onboarding process for your video business.Do this correctly, and you'll be getting the very best out of your new hires almost immediately. (Bonus: not only will you love how quickly they'll find their feet, but they will find the whole experience rewarding and inspiring, too. - 6:30)
The "Balloon Tree" method that helps get your team fired up, feeling good, and all on the same page. - 10:00
A quickie crash course in project management for filmmakers.
A “quick and dirty” rundown of workflow management software. And… which ones Matt fancies and the ones he doesn’t. - 14:00
The forgetful business owner's guide to running a seamless and effective business. - 16:00
Advice for filmmakers looking to hire. - 19:00
Untapped and overlooked places to find good employees for your video production business. Your next star employee may come from one of these normally ignored places. - 19:20
Simple tips for conducting an effective and elegant performance review. - 20:00
Imagine running a successful film production business where you're totally off the tools to the point where you don't even go on shoots. Wouldn't that be nice? (Well, that's Matt's situation now, thanks to Den's VBA coaching program which helped Matt put systems and procedures in place so Matt can work on... well... hear it from Matt himself at 2:00)
Matt's clever litmus test knowing which clients to take on and which ones to pass on. Taking on the wrong client can be a nightmare. (It's simply not worth the trouble, no matter how good the money is. Here's how Matt guards himself against nightmare clients. - 3:00)
Why you're already sitting on your next bunch of new business. (That's right. There is new business sitting right under your nose. This no-brainer (yet overlooked by most people) way to pick up new clients is revealed at 5:00)
The marketing noob's guide to online lead generation. - 7:00
A crafty marketing "tool" that can do all the sifting and sorting for you when looking for clients, so you only hear from the ones who are pre-sold and keen to hire you! - 9:40
What the "Marketing Triangle" is... and... how understanding it can make you a far more effective marketer. -11:00
What an "HVC" offer is, and... how to use it to turn ice cold leads into hot new business. Do this correctly, and you can get a horde of new clients rushing to your doorstep without even having spoken to them! - 10:00
A dignified way to repel tire-kickers, lookie-loos, and flaky prospects who love to waste your time. Not only does the method send the low-quality prospects running for the hills, but it has a way of attracting high-quality prospects. - 12:00
Attention All Film Production Companies: Are you saying this on your website's homepage? If so, you might wanna change that right quick! Hear the full story at 13:00
A secret way to turn one piece of marketing content into multiple pieces. - 14:00
A "just plain silly" mindset many video freelancers have when it comes to marketing their business. Thinking this way will undermine all your marketing and sales efforts. - 15:20
A little-talked-about reason why you should get your prospects on the phone. (And no, this is not so you can hard sell them on your services, although that's a possibility. Nope. There's another reason that's of immense value. -15:50)
Little-known psychological insights into today's online consumer, and how this affects those who promote their video production business online. - 18:00
A "stealth" online marketing technique that, when done right, can convert far more online leads into new paying clients. - 19:00
How to make your video business almost omnipresent so that no matter where your prospects go or how busy they get - there you are! - 23:00
A marketing goof almost all business owners make when they get new leads. Doing this is like throwing money away. But don't be too quick to scoff. There's a good chance you're making this blunder, too. - 24:00
In this episode, Den sits down with Adam Forgione, the founder of New York-based PennyLane Productions. Adam's one of those rare film production guys who's cracked the code to "working ON your business" instead of "working IN your business."
Here's a sneak peek at what you'll hear:
Adam's "3 Blocks" approach to running a video production business. (This approach will help video guys run their business instead of their business running them. In other words, it will give you the basic blueprint to avoid having a "tail-wagging dog" business. - 1:30)
Why the average video freelancer almost needs to have a brain lobotomy to overcome their hang-ups with sales and marketing. - 6:20
How to set and achieve your business goals without feeling like a one-eyed cat watching two mouse holes. (Here's Adam's methodology for doing just that... - 7:30)
A “quick and dirty” guide to social media marketing. (Hear about Adam's social media marketing strategy at 8:45)
The “3-letter word” that can bring your video business a swarm of online leads who are eager to hire your services. - 10:30
Instagram Reels vs Stories - which works best for marketing your video business? (Hear Adams's thoughts at 13:20)
A totally underrated social media platform that even pro marketers overlook. (If you're not promoting your film production business on this platform... you should be! - 14:00)
The video nerd's guide to social media marketing. - 15:00
A case for documenting your social media marketing. (Doing this can bring you a surprise benefit when talking to prospects. - 16:30)
2 “not-so-easy” (but very effective) marketing tips for getting far more likes, comments, and shares on your LinkedIn posts. (One tip will take some good ol fashioned work ethic. The other will take some serious stones. - 18:00)
A classy and dignified way to post provocative and controversial marketing content that will very likely get your video business mucho attention. - 20:00
Adam's fiery rant about today's companies and their almost non-existent customer service. - 22:00
Den's beef with one of Australia's prominent airlines. - 23:00
A raw and no B.S. look at customer service in a highly automated tech world. Here's how to keep that human touch. - 26:00
A little-known website for those who go nuts at automated customer service and just want to speak to a real human being. - 29:00
Stupid-simple ways to win over and retain clients. (This is overlooked by most video guys. - 32:00)
How to use your phone to impress the hell outta your prospects and clients. - 33:00
Rock solid advice to filmmakers about CRM software. (Sadly, if you asked most filmmakers what CRM software they're using, they'll stare at you like a dog that's just been shown a card trick. - 2:00)
How Gen Y and Z have killed the phone call, and... how this could come back and bite them in the arse, especially when it comes to business. - 5:20
Exceedingly dumb mistakes many filmmakers make when would-be clients contact them. Den talks about the two biggest mistakes at 6:45
Den and Adam give the thumbs up to this particular CRM software. - 6:55
A quickie crash course in Customer Relationship Management. - 9:00
How to (ethically and 100% legally) spy on all your website visitors. And, how to use this “intel” to help turn these leads into happy paying clients. - 10:00
A ridiculously easy (and very effective) conversion strategy that probably less than 1 in 1,000 filmmakers are using. (If you want to get an easy leg up on your competition, simply start doing what's revealed at 14:30)
How to "rig" it so that you, and you alone, become the obvious choice for your prospects. - 16:00
You can lead a filmmaker to effective business follow-up, but you can't make them implement. - 16:30
The “n-word” that can bring video production businesses droves of new leads and new business. - 18:00
Why the "I don't have time to read" excuse is now just pure and unadulterated B.S.
Den unapologetically repeats his semi-famous “marketing mantra”. (Den says his clients always get a little confused and put off when they first hear this mantra - but those clients who try it have no issues with the results. - 20:00)
A surprise benefit of niching down your video production business. - 21:00
An ingenious “front-end marketing” strategy that probably less than 1 in 10,000 businesses know about. (If done correctly, this clever marketing strategy can quickly make your filmmaking business seem like the obvious choice to any website visitor looking to hire a video production company - 21:20
The absolute best time for non-profit businesses to (1) hire a video production business, and (2) when, how, and where non-profit businesses should use those videos. - 23:30
A secret way to market your filmmaking business to lawyers. Details at 27:00
A shockingly good insight into what filmmakers really are, and what they should really be doing. (HINT: it ain't just creating videos. Once you understand this, you'll be able to bring far more value to your clients, thus making your filmmaking business stand head and shoulders above the competition. - 31:00)
What clients really want when they hire a video production business. (Yes, they want great videos, of course, but this one thing mentioned at 31:00 is what they're really after.)
The simple (but effective) "60-Second Sales Pitch" any video production business could (and should) use. - 32:00
What Ben said. Listen in at 34:00 and hear this man's brilliant insight into sales and marketing. This eye-opening look into marketing a filmmaking business
Ever wonder what it really takes to go from a video freelancer to a business owner who has a smooth-sailing (and profitable) video production company that works with or without you? If so, you'll love this episode with guest Grant Jamison (cool name, eh?) Den and Grant talk about how to make the transition from freelancer to business owner, plus... there are marketing tips aplenty.
But first...
Here's a sneak peek at what you'll hear:
The curse of the video freelancer, and... how to break it. - 3:00
The frustrated videographer's guide to escaping the editing room. (Ever feel like you're living life inside an editing room? Listen, if you suspect your business could be more profitable if you weren't stuck in the editing room all day, you'd be right, Bubba. But how? Well, tune in at 4:30)
A dang good business book every video freelancer should read. (This book will help you start thinking like a business owner instead of a freelancer. - 6:30)
The yawning gap between “learning” and “execution.” (It's nice to "learn" about how to run a video production company, it's another thing entirely to do it! - 7:00)
Moronic things family members and friends say. Ever heard this one: "Hey, do people still hire videographers?" Hear Grant talk about this at 8:00
A shrewd way to sell clingy clients on your new outsourced help. (Do your clients get a little nervous when you tell them you're no longer on the tools and are outsourcing? Then simply say this to immediately put them at ease. - 12:30)
How to stumblebum your way into the perfect niche market. Here's how Grant did this at 15:00
Is LinkedIn a good place to market your video production business OR... is it a waste of time? - 18:00
Grant's “easy-peasy” 4-step marketing blueprint for landing new clients. - 21:00
Clever social media marketing tricks Grant uses to land new clients. - 22:30
An exact, word-for-word outreach script that warms up ice-cold prospects real good! (Perfect for any video production business or freelancer looking for a reliable and effective way to pick up new business. - 22:00)
The “chink” in the creative person's armour. (Fact: business is tough and not for the faint of heart. Here's how the average creative type can toughen up. - 24:00)
The "C & C" marketing method any video freelancer could start using today! It works like crazy... IF... you work it. - 24:30
Perhaps the single best habit any videographer to develop. - 26:00
What's the secret to unbreakable, unshakable, and unrelenting self-confidence? (If you know the secret, please, let us know. Until then, we'll offer this humble piece of advice (straight from Grant's mouth) that may help you boost your self-confidence a few notches. - 2:10)
The "Men's Shed" aspect of Den Lennie's VBA (a coaching program for serious videographers). - 4:00
The nervous salesman's guide to selling with great aplomb. (This is how Grant went from being shy, introverted, and nervous when talking with prospects to being a confident and effective salesperson. If you hate sales or think it's sleazy, listen in at 6:00 and you might change your tune.)
LinkedIn marketing secrets nobody told you about. - 8:00
The "ASK" marketing method (perfect for LinkedIn) that can sometimes get you an almost embarrassing amount of likes, shares, and comments. (Here's how it works... 8:30)
Clever content ideas for videographers wanting to promote their services on LinkedIn. These content ideas are what's working right now for Grant. - 9:00
A special kind of marketing video that always seems to get Grant a ton of engagement on LinkedIn. - 9:30
The hallmark of a great marketer. Having great ideas is one thing, but if you're not doing this thing mentioned at 10:10, your marketing efforts will be about as effective as a glass hammer.
A ridiculously simple (but oh-so effective) marketing strategy any filmmaker can start using today. (This is what Grant does routinely on LinkedIn and, well… you're welcome. - 12:00)
Is your LinkedIn marketing content more ignored than an 18+ warning? (If you're not getting that LinkedIn love, cheer up! It's not all bad news. Hear this insight into LinkedIn marketing from Den at 13:00 and you'll glad you did.)
A crafty (and laughably easy) way to expand your LinkedIn network and marketing exposure. (This is one of Den's LinkedIn marketing tricks. Pay attention now, listeners. - 15:50)
An ice-cold fact: most small business owners look at their client base through rose-colored glasses. Here's what they are NOT looking at. -19:00
An all-too-common mindset that keeps freelance videographers playing small.
A little-known business book that's so good, Den refers to as the Bible. - 24:00
Dear listener, in this episode, you're going to hear some information that could potentially turn your video production business into one of the most sought-after businesses in your industry. Hyperbole? Don't be too sure. Look, at least hear the first 5-minutes before making up your mind, okay?
If you choose to listen...
Here's a sneak peek at what you'll hear:
Q. Why did the short-sighted videographer fall into the well? A. He couldn't see that well. Sorry, bad joke. Here's a more serious question: Q. Why did the videographer stop posting marketing videos online? A. Because after one week he hadn't landed a new client. Sound familiar? If so, you'll want to hear this... - 4:00
An ingenious (and very profitable) thing you can do with all your content marketing videos. (If you've been consistently creating marketing videos to promote your video services, but you're not doing what's mentioned at 3:40, then you've leaving piles of money on the table.)
The REAL power of video marketing. - 5:00
Video marketing vs Text marketing - who wins? Hear Den's story at 5:10 and you decide.
Advice for those who struggle to come up with marketing content ideas. (Follow the advice given at 9:40 and your creative juices will start flowing like crazy.)
Why "How To" marketing videos aren't worth a damn... UNLESS... you do this first. - 10:20
What you must do in the first 5-seconds of your marketing videos. (Fail to do this and you're marketing video will be more ignored than the first piece of bread. - 11:00)
The “30-second mistake” most video marketers make when creating a marketing video. (Making this blunder all but guarantees people ignore your videos. - 11:30)
An unsexy video marketing tip that can dramatically boost audience engagement. - 12:30
A laughable simple way to turn one piece of marketing content into ten! - 12:40
How well-meaning content marketers shoot themselves in the foot. (Yes, giving valuable information in your videos is good, but not if you're doing it the way mentioned at 13:00)
Should you be on ALL the major social media platforms or focus on just one? (Hear Stephen's expert opinion at 15:00)
A neat little trick for knowing how to interact on social media sites so that you're treated seriously and not like a buffoon. - 17:30
Beautiful nonsense many highly creative videographers buy into that keeps their business in a constant cycle of feast or famine.
The “c-word” that makes all the difference when creating marketing content. - 21:40
Why being nervous in front of a camera is a good thing. (Are you self-conscious when making a video about your filmmaking business? That's great! No, really. Hear why at 22:10)
A weird (but very effective) trick for getting yourself out of a funk. (This is what the late Steve Jobs used to do to keep the black dog at bay. Next time you're feeling lousy and out of sorts, try doing this... - 23:00
Den drops a powerful marketing secret at 24:20. Don't get too excited, now. This takes some berries to do.
No serious business owner would ever use TikTok to market their business... or would they? - 4:00
How TikTok's algorithm is different from other social media platforms, and what that means to content creators. - 5:30
Which social media platform can give you a shortcut way to building a big audience? Listen up at 6:00
Why lousy content creators should probably avoid TikTok and just stick with the other major social media platforms instead. - 7:00
Someone once said, "You can't polish a turd, but you can roll it in glitter." Sadly, this turd of an approach is used by many business folks when creating their TikTok marketing videos. Here's how to avoid making that same mistake. - 8:50
A ridiculously simple way (yet overlooked by most people) to get the right people to watch your content marketing videos on TikTok. - 10:00
How to become almost “omnipresent” on social media. (Imagine your marketing videos consistently popping up in front of your market on every social media platform. Is this just a flight of fancy? Not so! Listen in at 11:00)
Insider tricks for pumping out marketing videos at breakneck speed. - 11:30
Californian engineer's secret to automated video marketing. - 14:00
Repurposing content secrets that will make you look prolific. -15:00
Why every boo-boo is always the business owner's fault, even if their team makes the mistake. - 18:00
Why filmmakers who don't systematize their business often come across as a-holes to their team. And, how not to be one of them. - 19:00
Advice for those looking to hire a social media manager. Here's what to look out for. - 26:00
The case for creating evergreen marketing content. - 28:00
A hardly ever-talked-about way to build rock-solid trust with your audience with video marketing. (If you're not doing what's mentioned at 28:40, then it's very likely your audience has doubts about you.)
A "2-second mindset" tweak towards video marketing that can make all the difference. - 28:50
Why “content marketing” is the good-looking cousin of advertising. - 29:00
FACT: nice people who always want to be liked tend to be horrible marketers. Here’s why... 33:00
In this episode, Den chats to an ex-ad agency employee who got bitten by the entrepreneurial bug, saw a gap in the creative freelance market and filled it! If you're a video freelancer looking for work, then don't miss this episode.
Here's a sneak peek at what you'll hear:
What Create Crowd is, and... how it's helping videographers make more moolah. - 3:00
Attention all video freelancers, graphic designers, photographers, make-up artists, copywriters, and creative thinkers: looking for more work? Great. Here's a new way that can potentially bring you new business quickly and consistently. - 8:00
A little-known newsletter every video freelancer should subscribe to immediately. (This is one of those rare newsletters that can truly help you land new, high-quality clients. - 11:00)
An insider secret: there’s a little-known database that has cashed-up ad agencies looking to hire video freelancers right now! Here's where to access this database. - 13:00
How video freelancers can potentially get featured in a newsletter that gets read by ad agency owners looking to hire. - 14:00
An insider's advice to freelancers who want to become the go-to videographer for ad agencies. (Follow this advice and you can potentially be on speed dial for multiple agencies. - 1:30)
An outreach marketing fallacy that keeps video freelancers from picking up new business. (Buying into this fallacy will castrate all your marketing efforts - 2:00)
How NOT to do outreach marketing. (If your outreach marketing sounds like the example given at 4:20, then you'll want to change that right quick. Here's how...)
A ridiculously simple way (yet overlooked by most people) to get on the radar of producers and directors of big agencies who hire video freelancers. - 5:00
Why video freelancers should think more like sleazy car salesmen. - 6:00
Key people to approach inside an ad agency if you're a videographer looking for work. - 11:00
Den's "how NOT to turn up to a corporate gig" story. (Megadeth were a great '80s metal band but rocking up to a corporate gig looking like one of the band members is probably not a great idea. - 13:00)
A crackbrained thing many video freelancers do to their fees when working for big agencies. Doing this will always backfire. - 16:30
The surprising power of being organized. (It ain't sexy. It ain't exciting, but by golly, this one attribute will get a videographer more work than just about anything else. - 18:00)
The pros and cons of working for an ad agency as a hired videographer. - 22:00
A classy way to deal with producers and directors who have the creativity of a house brick. - 24:00
In today’s episode, Den shares a great overview of the Video Business Accelerator Mastermind. VBA is a great place to grow, learn and network with other video business owners. Listen in as Den announces how you can join to win one of the five VBA scholarships.
Den sits down with Chuckmedia's owner Stu Edgeworth. Mr. Edgeworth is one of those guys many video freelancers like to hate. Why? Because he's one of the few freelancers who's discovered the secret of having his cake and eating it too! Edgeworth runs a successful filmmaking business, has a wife and three kids under five, and still has the time and resources - thanks to his commercial video production business - to create short films, travel the world, and always be around for his family.
How's he managed to pull this off?
Well, listen to this episode, dear listener.
Here's a sneak peek at what you'll hear:
Stu Edgeworth’s entire backstory told in two minutes. - 3:00
How do you come across as a big successful film company even though you're a one-man band operating out of a tiny garden shed? (Simple: You do what Mr. Lennie did in this exact situation. Hear this “keeping up appearances” story at 6:00)
Solid advice for freelancers looking to hire staff. - 10:00
Why hiring staff is like investing. - 11:15"
A "rotten to the core" fear that stops many freelancers from ever hiring staff. (This irrational thought process will stop a freelancer from ever hiring a team even though he's always busier than a one-armed baggage handler at Heathrow airport. - 11:30
Clever strategies to use when business is slower than rush hour traffic but payroll and other expenses still need to be met. - 12:00
Why video freelancers should think more like financial investors when running their businesses. -14:00
How video freelancers CAN have their cake and eat it too! Stu Edgeworth is living proof you can have the best of both worlds. (Edgeworth runs a successful commercial video production company, has a wife and 3 kids under 5, and still has the time and resources to make short films and travel the world. - 19:00)
The case for video freelancers indulging in passion projects. (Hear how doing this can benefit your commercial efforts. - 19:30
The “WAGs of videographers” episode. (This future interview may or may not be on the cards. We'll see... )
Edgeworth’s' shrewd reason to start a podcast. - 25:00
An obnoxiously good “How To Scale a Video Business” archive episode you should listen to. (If you want to systematize your video business, then you'll wanna hear this past episode mentioned at 27:00)
In today’s video, Den discusses how you've gotten this far and what you can do differently next year to accelerate and build a meaningful business. Listen up and start changing your algorithm and watch your results skyrocket!
Before we wrap up 2022, Den shares how it has been amazing year for the VBA members.
The VBA Elite and Uplevel programs are designed to help you scale your video business to a new level.
If you are serious about growing your revenue then you’ll understand that there’s a limit on what you can do alone. If you want to be involved in a group of phenomenal business owners then we would love to talk to you in January!
Want to make your video business as successful as possible in 2023? Here are 5 tips to help keep you on track and avoid overwhelm. It’s time to get excited for a new year and make sure you are prepared for the best year of your business!
Are you looking for high-paying corporate video clients?
If so, you're in luck.
In today's episode, Den shares three simple strategies to help you find the best-paying clients.
So whether you're just starting out or you've been in the business for a while, these tips will help you land the best jobs and make more money. Listen up and check out these three simple strategies that you should embrace if you want to attract higher-paying clients this year.
In today's episode, we're going to discuss 5 ways that you can fail in your video business. Listen to this episode to learn how to avoid these common mistakes and master the art of growing your video business!
If you're looking to build a successful video business, you need to pay attention to these 5 ways to fail. By following these tips, you'll be on the path to success!
In today's episode, we'll dive into the power of niching for videographers. Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your business to the next level, understanding the importance of niching is crucial to your success.
We'll discuss how narrowing down your focus can help you stand out in a crowded market, attract higher-paying clients, and ultimately grow your business. From finding your niche to leveraging it to your advantage, this video will provide a starter guide for videographers looking to take their craft to the next level.
You should check out this video if you want to increase your income. We'll show you how to find your niche and how to niche down the best opportunities for you. By niching down, you'll be able to focus your marketing efforts on the most profitable opportunities, maximising your chances of success!
Today, I'm going to talk about getting more done and managing your time more effectively as a Videographer.
We all have the same 24 hours in a day, but why do some people seem super effective and manage their time well, and you struggle to get things done?
Why do some people get so much done in a day and sometimes feel overwhelmed, like you can't get what you had planned to do?
Today, I'm gonna show you how to get more done with some productivity hacks and tips and tricks I've picked up and implemented in my video business that will help you get more done in less time.
Wow, can you believe it? We've made it to the 300th episode of "How to Scale a Video Business" podcast! I couldn't have done it without all of you listeners who have been with me since Episode 1. Thank you for your continued support and trust.
I’m excited to share with you some updates on what's going on in the video business right now. If you want to learn more about scaling a video business, then you need to check out my YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@videobusinessaccelerator and this podcast.
With 300 episodes, I have a treasure trove of knowledge and experience that I'm eager to share with you.
I want to give a shoutout to all the listeners who have helped make this podcast a success and to all my clients who trust us to help them grow their business. It really is a huge honor and we're very proud of the work we do with our clients. Here's to another 300 episodes and beyond!
As a videographer, you may be tempted to focus on the creative side of things and leave the business to someone else. But if you want your business to be profitable, you must understand the basics of marketing and sales.
In this video, Den talks about why the business side of videography is so important and offer some tips for making your business more successful.
Videographers. It would be best to stop making these mistakes when pricing your jobs.
If you're a videographer struggling to get clients or get paid what you're worth, there's a very good chance you need to correct some things in how you price your jobs. You're probably not charging fully for everything you're actually delivering.
In this episode, I will show you the biggest mistakes videographers make when pricing out their jobs.
Do you ever get bored being a videographer? In my own career, I've had many moments when I've been on a shoot, and I've just gone, I'm bored. This is not exciting to me. It's not stimulating me. What am I doing? And I've considered a couple of times completely changing careers, and I wanna talk about that today.
In this economy, videographers need to be creative and resourceful to stay afloat. In today’s episode, Den offers some advice on how to make the most of your business in a slow economy.
In today's episode, we'll be sharing insider secrets and strategies that top videographers use to create exceptional value for their clients and stand out in this competitive industry.
Money is a hard thing to talk about but it's the root of the quality of the work you'll deliver. Charge too little and you'll resent the work and the client...It's such an awkward conversation for creatives.
Struggling to charge what you're worth for your videography skills confidently? In this episode, we'll explore the powerful concept of price anchoring, and teach you step-by-step how to use it to your advantage.
Discover the secrets of setting the right prices, creating perceived value, and negotiating with clients like a pro.
Don't undervalue yourself anymore – it's time to take charge and transform your business! 💪🎥💰
If you want to recession-proof your video business, there are some key industries you should be focusing on because it's not all doom and glooms out there.
In today's episode, I'm gonna look at seven industries. That are gonna thrive during an economic downturn. So your business, in turn can thrive and actually do better in a recession than perhaps you might think.
The topic of rates is often avoided in our industry, with many filmmakers reluctant to share what they charge. But by sharing this information, we can better understand the market, help each other make informed decisions about our own rates, and collectively work towards a more transparent industry.
The survey consists of questions about your editing system, rates for a day of editing, rates for shooting without kit, and rates for gear usage. We're also keen to learn about the kind of camera gear you're using and how much you've spent on camera gear and accessories over the past three years. Finally, we're interested in understanding your average monthly revenue generated from your video business.
In a slowing economy, it's essential to identify and capitalize on opportunities within your marketplace. In today’s episode, we’ll explore strategies to not only survive but thrive during challenging economic times.
We'll dive into understanding market sentiments and leveraging them to your advantage when engaging with clients. Learn how to stand out from the competition and uncover where the real opportunities lie and seize them with confidence.
This episode shares some of my fave marketing strategies for video business owners looking to improve their lead flow. I'm a huge fan of organic marketing and believe LinkedIn is a goldmine for connecting with potential clients without costing you a dime, just a bit of your time.
My advice? Get on LinkedIn and make 20 new connections each day. Stick with it and don't lose momentum. To back up what I'm saying, I've got some real-life success stories from my clients who've been doing just this and landing some super awesome projects.
The key here is to play it cool and not jump straight into selling. Instead, build some solid connections first. We even have some neat follow-up scripts we give to our paid clients to make things a bit easier.
You might be thinking, "This sounds slow." And yeah, it can take a while - anywhere from 3 to 9 months. But trust me, the results are so worth it!
Another cool trick I discuss is 'niching down'. This basically means becoming the go-to expert in a particular area. This can really boost your chances of getting more work in your field and isn't as limiting as you might think.
So, that's the lowdown! To get more involved, join our free community or check out our free training. We've got heaps more tips and advice to share!
Hey, it's Den, back at it again! I'm breaking down how to transition a client from a one-off project into a long-term partnership this time. I'll share some insider tips from an actual conversation with a client where we discussed establishing a retainer or monthly partner package deal. You'll learn how to price your services correctly, maintain control of the project, and understand the benefits of a monthly relationship with a client.
I also discussed a real-world case where a client wanted to repurpose existing footage for new video content and how I handled that. You'll get an insight into a simple client retainer tracker and how to keep track of hours worked, prices, and remaining hours.
But that's not all! I also talk about asking the right questions to understand your client's needs, the importance of being present in sales conversations, and establishing trust with your clients.
Hey, it's Den, back at it again! I'm breaking down how to transition a client from a one-off project into a long-term partnership this time. I'll share some insider tips from an actual conversation with a client where we discussed establishing a retainer or monthly partner package deal. You'll learn how to price your services correctly, maintain control of the project, and understand the benefits of a monthly relationship with a client.
I also discussed a real-world case where a client wanted to repurpose existing footage for new video content and how I handled that. You'll get an insight into a simple client retainer tracker and how to keep track of hours worked, prices, and remaining hours.
But that's not all! I also talk about asking the right questions to understand your client's needs, the importance of being present in sales conversations, and establishing trust with your clients.
Hey guys! Today's episode is a real-life scenario of a client pulling out of a gig just days before it happens.
Ever faced a situation like this?
I'm sharing my personal experience of how we tackled this in the VBA Elite Mastermind.
Learn how to turn these situations into valuable business lessons and effectively navigate cancellation policies. We'll also discuss striking a balance in negotiations to ensure a fair outcome for all parties.
Find out how we've worked towards minimizing our actual out-of-pocket expenses and managed to bring down the cancellation fee to 25% of the original budget.
Discover the art of negotiating with grace while preserving relationships with your clients, even in sticky situations.
Lastly, we'll delve into the power of community, particularly among video business owners, and how it helps you rally around in challenging times.
Join us in this journey and see how you can also leverage these experiences to build a more robust video business.
In this episode, I want to tackle a common concern among videographers: taking time off and worrying about the state of your business while you're away. Recently, one of my clients decided to take a month off to shoot in Europe, and we had an insightful discussion about how to prepare for such a break.
Join me as I share a clip from our VBA Elite Mastermind, where we support a member making a big decision in his business and planning for time off. We dive into the anxieties that arise, the challenges of managing a business remotely, and strategies to ensure a smooth operation in your absence.
As creatives, we often think that no one else can handle our clients and projects like we do. But in this episode, we explore the idea of transitioning your business into a self-sustaining entity, where you can step back and trust others to take the reins. We discuss the importance of systemizing workflows, delegating tasks to capable team members, and positioning yourself as an international business.
You'll also hear practical advice and personal experiences from fellow videographers who have successfully taken extended breaks. We talk about maintaining consistent communication, even while away, and the positive effects of ongoing marketing efforts.
So if you've ever wondered how to navigate time off as a videographer or if you're planning your first extended break, this episode is for you. Discover strategies to keep your business running smoothly, embrace curiosity, and enjoy a well-deserved vacation without worrying about the long-term impact.
In the dynamic world of video production, it's common to experience ups and downs in your business. But how can you effectively manage those slow periods and ensure a consistent flow of opportunities? In this episode, join me as I dive into the specifics of sales and marketing strategies that can help you prepare and maintain a steady stream of business growth.
This insightful discussion was extracted from a live coaching call within the VBA Elite program, providing you with an insider's perspective on our methods. Sales lulls are natural and don't necessarily indicate a decline in your video business. Instead of panicking, take a moment to gain perspective through activities like meditation or going for a walk. Then, approach your marketing efforts systematically by focusing on making meaningful connections rather than relying solely on email blasts with low click-through rates.
I share the importance of prospecting and leveraging your warm leads and existing clients to uncover new opportunities. Remember, market conditions are constantly shifting, and it's crucial to adapt your offers accordingly. Testing different marketing strategies, such as running new ads or exploring alternative angles, allows you to stay in tune with the market's demands.
I also discuss the impact of seasonal fluctuations, such as the end of the financial year, which can affect your video business's activity. Understanding that businesses experience periods of both high and low activity is essential. By tracking your quarterly performance and staying on target, you can focus on strengthening your marketing efforts and boosting sales.
Sales, as Wayne Gretzky famously said, is a numbers game. Don't hesitate to put yourself out there and embrace the process. I share a couple of real-life examples of engaging with potential clients facing cash flow challenges, demonstrating the importance of diagnosing the bigger picture and providing solutions that address their needs. By being genuinely helpful and having conversations that offer value, you can build trust and establish yourself as a go-to resource.
Consistency is key in sales and marketing. Balancing regular social media posts with proactive outreach ensures a powerful combination that drives results. To explore more insights and resources to scale your video business, I invite you to join our free community or watch our comprehensive training—both linked below. Let's work together to take your video business to new heights.
In today's episode, I dive into a topic that makes many filmmakers uncomfortable: marketing. I totally get it! We all hate being spammed or bombarded with unwanted messages. But here's the thing: if you don't put yourself out there, you're guaranteeing no results. Remember what Wayne Gretzky, the famous hockey player, said: "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take."
Join me as I share a valuable coaching call clip where I discuss the specifics of marketing and how to conquer the fear of promoting your work. We'll explore how to get comfortable with marketing and overcome the fear of annoying potential clients. Trust me, most people won't even see every piece of marketing you put out.
I debunk the myth of spamming and highlight the importance of targeting a specific audience. I'll share insights from our email marketing tests and how frequently you should engage with your clients through email. Plus, I'll reveal the power of consistent content creation and building relationships on platforms like LinkedIn.
If you're ready to learn effective marketing strategies tailored to the video production service industry, you're in the right place. Don't miss out on this valuable advice to get your work noticed and grow your business.
In today's episode, I'll be sharing some cool tricks for keeping the conversation going on LinkedIn. We've talked about connecting with prospects organically, but what do you do when the conversation gets live? I'll show you how to nurture the relationship with curiosity and make sure the dialogue keeps flowing.
One common question I get is about following up with leads without sounding desperate. It all depends on who you're talking to. If you have a specialization or niche, personalize your follow-up by mentioning a recent project that would interest them. Engage their curiosity and ask if they'd like to see it. This approach keeps the conversation going without being pushy.
When targeting agencies on LinkedIn, remember that you're not the only one vying for their attention. Stand out by offering a personal touch. Let them know you just finished a project that's relevant to their industry and ask if they'd like a link to check it out. By intriguing them, you make them decide whether they want to explore the relationship further.
In summary, it's essential to use curiosity to engage your prospects on LinkedIn. Personalize your follow-ups based on their interests or niche, and offer intriguing opportunities to keep the conversation alive.
Have you ever wondered about production fees and whether you should charge them on your video projects? In today's episode, we're diving deep into the production company fees.
Whether you're a one-man band or running a full-fledged production company, understanding production fees is essential to pricing your projects correctly and making more money. We'll talk about what production fees cover, why they're vital, and how to articulate them to your clients.
Spoiler alert: It's probably easier to charge a fee on a 15K project than a 5K project, but hey, there's no reason you shouldn't try!
From line items to margins, office expenses, and even justifying the cost of your filmmaking addiction (trust me, I know the struggle), we'll cover it all. And I'll take you through an example of a real conversation I had with a client about production fees. It's all about being fair and transparent, providing excellent service, and making sure your business thrives.
Whether you're looking to fuel your equipment habit or simply optimize your expenses, this episode is packed with insights that will help you make more profit on your productions.
Hey there, aspiring videographers and business enthusiasts! 🎥
In today's episode, we're diving into the real struggles of transitioning from a freelance videographer to running a full-scale video business. It's not all glitz and glamor; it's about making tough choices, understanding what shoots to take on, and finding that perfect balance between doing what you love and growing your company.
Join me as I guide one of my clients through a coaching session, revealing the ins and outs of evaluating projects, when to outsource, and the exciting opportunities that lie in those golden business environments. Whether you're all about the travel or cozying up with ribs and potential clients, this chat's got some invaluable tips for you. And guess what? We even uncover the secret to transforming from a hands-on technician into a strategy-loving business owner. 🧠💼
Are you feeling trapped in the technician realm? Wondering how to scale your business without losing your creative spark? Or perhaps you're dreaming of being the dominant service provider in the U.S. Then, you won't want to miss this one!
Hey there! Ever caught yourself neck-deep in tasks that you KNOW aren't the best use of your time? 😅
Today, we're diving deep into the game-changing concept of the 'effective hourly rate' and how you can leverage other people's time to optimize your day-to-day operations. You'll get a peek into a recent coaching call where we hashed out when to DIY and when to bring in an expert. 🚀
Plus, real talk on some common daily tasks (like house cleaning and even cooking!) and if they're truly worth your valuable hours. 🕒
Get a notebook ready, because we're also touching on the nitty-gritty of evaluating your past year's business activities. Yep, it's a reflection session, but don't sweat – we'll guide you through the tough bits. By the end, you'll have a clearer sense of where your time goes, and how to ensure you're always getting the bang for your buck!
Ever felt like you're stuck in a never-ending cycle of getting TOO busy with work and neglecting the growth of your video business? I've been there!
In today's episode, I'm sharing a clip from a live training call where I dive deep into this exact challenge. We chat about the balance of handling client requests while still being the driving force behind your business. And trust me, every video business faces this, whether you're earning thousands or millions. So let's navigate these tricky waters together. 🌊
Ever wondered how to accurately price your video projects? Dive into today's episode where we break down the magic behind the pricing calculator used in the VBA. This tool has been a game-changer for us, helping itemize and streamline our pricing process. From pre-production, production to post and expenses – we discuss it all. 🎬
You might sometimes feel the pressure of the market or Uncle Bob saying his DSLR does wonders for almost free, but knowing your worth is essential. We chat about translating the video production process into terms your clients will understand and valuing your expertise at every stage.
Not only will we dissect the pricing process, but we’ll also explore how to communicate value, deal with budget constraints, and anchor the worth of your work away from casual hobbyists.
Hey there, fellow creators and business enthusiasts! 🎥
In today's episode, we're diving deep into the real-talk territory of business partnerships - especially why going into business with someone isn't necessarily the golden ticket to success.
Ever found yourself wondering if you should join forces with someone in the hopes of making your business boom? Before you take that leap, lend an ear to some invaluable advice based on firsthand experiences. In this episode, I share insights from my journey, painting a realistic picture of what partnering with another company truly entails.
I recount my days in London, where a mutually beneficial agreement with another production company laid the foundation for a successful collaboration, without the formalities of an official business partnership. This casual yet respectful arrangement had us bringing varied projects to each other's tables, fostering trust and flexibility while keeping our individual businesses flourishing.
Walk with me as I break down a real-life example from a recent coaching call, sharing some golden nuggets on how to negotiate better with other production companies without getting into an official partnership. We're talking about wearing your producer hat and getting into the nitty-gritty of budget discussions, quote preparations, and fostering relationships that are mutually rewarding.
And remember, when it comes to business and negotiation, it's a messy arena. You're not just crunching numbers but also building partnerships where compromise and collaboration lead the way. I share some of my own tales, working with big names and how James and I successfully maneuvered through various projects, maintaining a respectful agreement that worked wonders for both of us.
So, if you're ready to foster relationships that are not just profitable but also harmonious, this episode is for you! Hit play to learn how to negotiate better, forge meaningful connections, and create a win-win situation in the industry without getting caught in the formalities of an official partnership.
And as always, if you find value in this content, please do like, subscribe and join our free community through the link below. We've got a treasure trove of resources waiting just for you!
Here's to building businesses that thrive on mutual respect and collaboration, rather than rigid partnerships! 💼🤝
This episode is a candid exploration of the challenges and triumphs in the video industry, client success stories, and Den's personal journey of balancing professional ambitions with personal well-being. Whether you're a budding videographer or an established entrepreneur, get ready for insightful strategies, real-life anecdotes, and practical advice on thriving in the ever-evolving world of video business.
Return from Hiatus: Understanding the reasons behind the podcast's recent break and how to manage burnout.
Reality of Business Growth: Insights into the practical challenges of scaling a video business.
Personal Preferences: Why Den prefers audio podcasts over other content formats like YouTube videos.
Success Stories: How Den's clients are achieving remarkable results through the Video Business Accelerator program.
Niche Focus: The importance of focusing on a specific niche for business growth and client satisfaction.
Life Updates: Sharing Den's personal experiences with moving house and the importance of family time.
Business Philosophy: Balancing business growth with personal life and happiness.
Building Client Relationships: Strategies for creating lasting partnerships and introducing subscription models.
Addressing Burnout: The importance of recognizing and managing burnout in the entrepreneurial journey.
Looking Ahead: Future plans for the podcast, new website launch, and the free community resource for videographers.
In this episode, Den Lennie addresses the challenges of sales in the video business, emphasizing the need for a consistent mindset and habit formation.
Key topics include the role of CRM tools in managing client relationships and tracking leads, strategies to combat sales slumps, and the power of community support. Insights from VBA members highlight practical approaches to maintaining a vibrant sales pipeline and the importance of peer advice in navigating business hurdles.
Sales Mindset Challenges: Discussing consistent sales approaches and habit formation.
CRM Benefits: Exploring various CRM tools for client tracking and lead management.
Navigating Sales Downturns: Tactics for overcoming inactive periods in business.
Sales Pipeline Management: Techniques for nurturing and tracking sales opportunities.
Community Insights: Member experiences and peer support for business challenges.
In today’s episode, Den delves into the critical topic of gear acquisition syndrome in the video production industry. With the allure of Black Friday deals, he shares valuable insights on the importance of prioritizing business and personal growth over expensive equipment purchases. Drawing from his experiences and discussions from the VBA Elite Mastermind group, Den provides practical advice and strategies for video business owners.
Investment Focus: The importance of investing in business growth and personal development instead of accumulating equipment.
Quality vs. Cost: A comparison of different lighting brands like Aperture and Nanolight, highlighting the balance between cost and quality.
Business Growth Strategies: Den shares strategies for building a successful video business, including saving profits, investing in marketing, and learning sales techniques.
Mentorship and Learning: The value of mentorship in business, based on Den's own experience with a mentor and his investment in personal growth.
Client Case Study: Discussion of a challenging situation with a client, underscoring the importance of risk mitigation and problem-solving in business.
Exclusive Offers: Announcement of two special offers - a half-price entry to the uplevel program and a sales training program named "Organic Sales Machine."
Sales Training Program: Details of the sales training program, including LinkedIn optimization, lead generation, quoting for profit, and cash flow management.
Dive into this enthralling episode of the 'How to Scale a Video Business Podcast' with Den Lennie. Experience a captivating journey from humble beginnings in 2009 to the realization of a dream lifestyle in Australia.
This episode is a treasure trove of insights on balancing entrepreneurial aspirations with personal goals, the nuanced challenges of business growth, and the art of aligning your work with your values.
Join Den as he offers a candid, personal narrative filled with lessons and inspiration for entrepreneurs at all stages of their business journey.
Here's a sneak peek of what you'll hear:
Beginnings and Dreams: Reflections on the business's early days in the UK, emphasizing the perseverance required to achieve long-term goals.
Entrepreneurial Challenges: Discussing the stark realities and unexpected challenges in the initial years of business and how to navigate them.
Decade of Evolution: Insights into the business's growth and maturation over 10 years, focusing on efficiency and quality.
Future Plans and Work-Life Harmony: Strategies for reducing Den's day-to-day business involvement to achieve better work-life balance.
Defining Success: Exploring the concept of a vision board and personal definitions of success.
Australian Adventure: The tale of moving to Australia and the journey towards buying the dream home.
Strategic Property Decisions: Tactics used in buying and selling properties, including leveraging the same agent for continuity.
Value-Aligned Business Practices: Emphasizing the importance of aligning business operations with personal values and goals.
Upcoming Events and Podcast Pause: Announcing upcoming client events and a brief break in the podcast schedule due to the house move.
In this episode, Den discusses the common challenges videographers face in January, often referred to as the "January blues." These challenges include financial strains, feeling demotivated, and the loneliness that comes with running a business.
Den shares insights from a recent two-hour coaching call with the Video Business Accelerator Elites, emphasizing the importance of community and mentorship in overcoming these challenges.
Here's a sneak peek of what you'll hear:
The recurring nature of the January blues and the impact on videographers' enthusiasm and optimism.
The financial pressures faced at the start of the year, including late payments and an empty bank account.
The importance of being part of a coaching community to avoid making rash decisions and to gain new perspectives.
Strategies for scaling a video business, not just in size but in fitting one's personal goals and lifestyle.
The significance of having a strategic plan and clear goals, both financially and personally.
The value of consistency in running a successful video production business and setting realistic expectations.
In this episode, Den discusses effective strategies for handling sales calls in the video production business. He emphasizes the importance of building rapport early in conversations and maintaining an authoritative position. The main focus is on a systematic approach to sales, distinguishing between 'warm' leads and other inquiries, and handling the common urgency for price quotes from potential clients.
Here's a sneak peek of what you'll hear:
Focus on Sales Calls: Strategies for effective sales calls in video production business.
Building Rapport: Importance of establishing rapport early in the sales conversation.
Maintaining Authority: Techniques to maintain an alpha position during sales discussions.
Handling Price Inquiries: Addressing clients' urgency to know the price and guiding the conversation effectively.
Sales as Art and Science: Acknowledging sales requires both skill and systematic approach.
The Three-Part System: Identifying the problem, understanding the client's goal, and envisioning the future scenario.
Client Engagement: Strategies for engaging clients in discussing their business, problems, and goals.
Assessing Client Needs: Questions to assess the client's needs, goals, and expectations.
Building Trust: Tips for establishing trust and assessing client's motivation and urgency.
Price Discussion: Navigating the conversation to a budget discussion and handling price objections.
In this episode, Den provides a curated list of essential reads for videographers and creative entrepreneurs, aiming to inspire, educate, and drive transformative approaches to business and personal development. Highlighting books on a range of topics from building a sellable business to cultivating success through daily habits, Den shares insights on applying these lessons broadly across entrepreneurial endeavors for strategic growth.
Here's a bullet list of the books mentioned with a short summary of each:
Built to Sell by John Warrillow: Highlights the journey of a graphic designer evolving from freelance to owning a sellable business, underscoring the significance of systemization and operational independence.
One Page Marketing Plan by Alan Dib: Offers a streamlined strategic marketing overview, providing actionable insights on market understanding and message crafting within a single-page framework.
Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin: Delivers leadership lessons from former Navy SEALs on taking full responsibility in life and business, translating military discipline into personal and professional growth strategies.
The Road Less Stupid by Keith J. Cunningham: Focuses on smarter business decision-making, advocating for reflective thinking time to avoid common business errors, with direct advice on strategic planning.
Great by Choice by Jim Collins: Analyzes the success of companies in tumultuous conditions through the "20 Mile March" concept, promoting consistent, disciplined progress with insights from historical explorations.
Can't Hurt Me by David Goggins: Chronicles Goggins' transformation from adversity to becoming a top endurance athlete, inspiring readers to surpass mental limits and explore untapped potential.
Your One Word by Evan Carmichael: Encourages identifying a singular, powerful concept to drive business and personal ethos, simplifying success into one guiding principle.
Atomic Habits by James Clear: Details the impact of small, daily habits on achieving significant, long-term goals, emphasizing the compound effect of routine actions.
The Rockefeller Habits by Verne Harnish: Inspired by John D. Rockefeller's strategies, this book offers a structured approach to business scaling with a focus on strategic planning and goal achievement.
Die With Zero by Bill Perkins: Challenges traditional financial planning, advocating for spending wealth on life experiences to ensure a fulfilling life without regrets of unused wealth.
$100 Million Offers by Alex Hormozi: Teaches the art of creating compelling offers with principles of direct response marketing, aimed at maximizing business growth and customer value.
Work Less, Make More by James Schramko: Shares strategies for optimizing business efficiency to enhance income while minimizing work hours, targeting entrepreneurs desiring work-life balance.
Business for Filmmakers by Den Lennie: Offers unfiltered advice on building a lucrative videography business, addressing practical aspects from passion to profit.
The Filmmaker's Guide to Budgets and Quotes by Den Lennie: Focuses on financial strategies for filmmakers, with
In this episode, Den addresses a pressing concern echoing through the video business community in March 2024: the challenge of articulation. This episode is a deep dive into why so many videographers are finding it difficult to communicate the unique value they bring to their target markets, directly impacting their ability to attract and secure work.
Den unpacks the essence of marketing as not just a tool but a necessity for survival in the competitive videography landscape. By breaking down the process into digestible, actionable steps, this podcast promises to equip you with the strategies needed to redefine your marketing efforts, helping you to not only stand out but thrive.
Here's a sneak peek of what you'll hear:
Unveiling the Articulation Challenge. An exploration of marketing fundamentals: delivering the right message to the right audience at the perfect time.
Overcoming Creative Hurdles. The destructive cycle of inactivity and its impact on business flow, highlighting the crucial role of consistent marketing.
Strategic Market Engagement. Emphasis on the importance of niche specialization and using a 'profit per day' metric to pinpoint the most profitable client segments.
Innovative Client Acquisition Tactics. Leveraging LinkedIn for strategic marketing, emphasizing the importance of consistent engagement to remain top of mind.
Real-world Success Stories. The critical need for patience and persistence in building a successful business and fostering market trust.
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