430. Why Most Video Projects Fail Before They Start with Ryan Holck

Mar 24, 2025

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Episode notes

Ryan Holck shares his journey from creative implementer to strategic partner, revealing how the right questions at the beginning of a project can completely transform both your client relationships and your bottom line. He breaks down exactly how to stop wasting time on prospects who aren't aligned with your value and start positioning yourself as more than just someone with a nice camera.

Key Takeaways

Asking "Who's the top person we're trying to reach and what's the next step you hope they'll take?" changes everything about how you approach video projects
Bringing up budget expectations early saves everyone time - try saying "Projects like this typically run between $X and $Y" to quickly assess alignment
Helping clients understand the value of what you're creating relative to their potential return makes price conversations much easier
Good creative work isn't just about technical execution - it's about getting stories that connect emotionally and drive real results

About Ryan Holck

Ryan Holck is a speaker, author, marketer, and brand messaging strategist. As creator of the Distill Your Story framework, he guides brands to tell their story clearly so they are memorable and referable.

He specializes in helping brands identify their unique story, simplify their messaging, and deliver it strategically both online and in person.

Ryan combines storytelling principles with marketing practices to help brands be memorable and referable. His work has spanned industries including: soloprenuers, family-run businesses, green energy, women’s health, food safety and state-wide nonprofits.

In This Episode

[00:00] Welcome to the Show!
[05:18] Meet Ryan Holck
[06:12] Focusing On Your Goal
[12:03] Discussing Budget With a Client
[24:18] Advantage of Creative Storytelling
[26:47] Using Testimonials
[29:54] Educating Your Clients
[36:23] Different Types of Clients
[42:02] Connect With Ryan
[43:43] Outro

Quotes

"Great questions lead to great creative. If you could sit and think about what are two or three things that I could ask a potential client that would help me understand what they need, but would also help reveal to the client what truly is going to be the change moment in this project for them." - Ryan Holck

"Do not be afraid of the creative process because you were made to be creative. And at the same moment, it is not everything you are, that your creativity is a piece of what you are and who you are, but it is not the entirety of it." - Ryan Holck

"The game changer moment for me is when our discovery calls went from me just asking a lot of questions to helping a client understand what kind of client are they." - Ryan Koral