Grow Your Video Business

Liz Wilcox shares why every video professional needs an email list (even if they're just starting out) and provides practical, easy-to-implement strategies for using email marketing to create more predictable income without feeling salesy or spending hours crafting the perfect message. Key Takeaways Your email list is your "potential client list" - people don't buy when you sell, they buy when they're ready, and email keeps you top of mind until that moment Start with a simple lead magnet (like "5 Red Flags When Hiring a Videographer") that solves a specific problem for your ideal clients Be your authentic self in emails - even corporate clients appreciate working with real humans who show personality rather than stuffy, formal messaging Ask questions and get feedback from your email subscribers to help craft services and packages they actually want instead of guessing what might sell About Liz Wilcox The Fresh Princess of Email Marketing, Liz Wilcox is an Email Strategist and Keynote Speaker showing small businesses how to build online relationships + make real money with emails. She’s best known for selling a blog, turning a $9 offer into multiple six-figures (without ads), and helping you untangle the email “knot” with her simple framework, the Email Staircase. She loves the 90s, headbands, and the beach. In This Episode [00:00] Welcome to the show! [04:22] Meet Liz Wilcox [06:11] Email Marketing Strategy [15:40] Softwares for Email Marketing [18:57] Effective Spots for Lead Magnets [33:33] Owning Your Personality [39:40] Know What Your Clients Want [47:10] Connect with Liz [51:47] Outro Quotes "People do not buy when you sell something. They buy when they're ready... So as far as starting your email list, it can be as simple as telling those clients, 'Hey, I'm gonna put you on this email list, I'm gonna email you.'" - Liz Wilcox "We're all H to H, human to human... If you think you can't be yourself because your client is too uppity or whatever, I say it with love, maybe reconsider. You can be yourself." - Liz Wilcox "Marketing is not saying 100 different things, it's saying one thing 100 different times. It's not braggy to say, 'Oh my gosh, my last client loved his video, here's a snippet.' That's not bragging, that's letting people know so that they can get something they love too." - Liz Wilcox "What would this look like if it was easy? And sometimes I'm like, well, Liz, it's just not easy. So I got a backup question. What would this look like if it was fun?" - Liz Wilcox Guest Links Find Liz Wilcox online Follow Liz Wilcox on Instagram | Facebook Get the Mega Email Swipe File Links Learn more about the Video Blueprint Starter Kit Join the Grow Your Video Business Facebook Group  Follow Ryan Koral on Instagram Follow Grow Your Video Business on Instagram Check out the full show notes

Pablo Gonzalez, Chief Evangelist of Vendoroo and founder of Be The Stage, shares his insights on transforming video services into predictable income. He emphasizes solving immediate client problems, like testimonial videos, before pitching larger projects. Gonzalez advocates for packaging services as experiences, stacking value with extras like captions and posting strategies. His journey from construction sales to tech highlights the need for niche focus and community building, making video professionals vital in a content-driven world.

Mark Lebrun shares how he built a thriving YouTube channel that replaced his corporate income and now discusses strategies for video production businesses to leverage YouTube, create targeted offers, and use AI to work more efficiently while maintaining authentic connections with clients. Key Takeaways Create YouTube content that addresses specific pain points your ideal clients face, then naturally incorporate offers that solve those problems Instead of sending everyone to your homepage, build targeted landing pages for different niches and track which ones convert best • Experiment with lower-priced offers (like a $19 download or $1,000 virtual coaching session) to serve people who aren't ready for your premium services Use AI strategically for SEO optimization, content planning, and business strategy while maintaining your human touch for client relationships About Mark Lebrun Mark Lebrun is a Digital Influencer and Strategist, and the founder of Digital Influencer Co. — a creative powerhouse helping faith-driven leaders and purpose-filled entrepreneurs grow their platforms and monetize their message. He has worked alongside high-impact leaders like Isaac Frere and April Lewis, and has partnered with organizations such as Alpha USA, Faith Driven Entrepreneurs, and Freedom From Within to help them scale their digital presence. With a combined following of over 320,000 across platforms, Mark has built an engaged community by blending bold faith, sharp strategy, and authentic storytelling. Mark is also the visionary behind Hood Proverbs, a brand rooted in community transformation through the gospel, and the founder of YouTube Influence Academy, a program equipping creators to grow their channels, monetize their influence, and create with conviction. In This Episode [00:00] Welcome to the show! [04:13] Meet Mark Lebrun [08:09] Why YouTube Is Gold [14:28] Marketing Through Ads [18:13] Having Multiple Landing Pages [26:57] Developing Systems to Avoid Burnout [31:47] Utilizing AI In Your Business [46:21] Connect with Mark [48:24] Outro Quotes "The creative economy is evaluated to be a $500 billion industry by 2027. And right now it's a $250 billion industry in 2025... You guys are the people who embody the creative economy. And let's just say, we put in an extra 1% more effort... you could get a piece of this pie." - Mark Lebrun "If you are drained as a YouTuber, as someone who's on social media, you might be doing it wrong. Because you need to have systems in place that prevent burnout... I don't want to see entrepreneurs burn out in this digital economy." - Mark Lebrun "When we put this kind of pressure on ourselves to continue to outdo, outperform... we should be on a slow ramp to improve and to be more efficient in those things... my heartbeat in doing this brand was that I want to help filmmakers be more fulfilled and less drained." - Ryan Koral Guest Links Find Mark Lebrun online Learn more about Mark Lebrun's Academy Learn more about Digital Influencers Co. Follow Mark Lebrun on Instagram | YouTube Follow Hood Proverbs on Instagram Links   Find out more about 10xFILMMAKER   Join the Grow Your Video Business Facebook Group  Follow Ryan Koral on Instagram Follow Grow Your Video Business on Instagram Check out the full show notes

In this eye-opening conversation, Graham Cochrane reveals how he built a $2 million business working just 5 hours a week by identifying the 20% of activities that drive 80% of results, and shares his four-part framework for designing a sustainable, energizing business week. Key Takeaways Most activities in your business don't generate revenue – identify the 20% that do and focus there while eliminating, automating, or delegating the rest Perfectionism keeps you from serving clients effectively – they care more about getting results faster than your video being a 10/10 • Design your week with four key elements: recharge time, relationship time, rainmaker time (revenue-generating activities), and reflection time "Do more of what is working" – analyze what's actually driving results in your business and double down on those specific activities About Graham Cochrane Graham Cochrane is a highly acclaimed entrepreneur, USA Today bestselling author, and keynote speaker with a track record of building successful online businesses. He is also the host of The Graham Cochrane Show, a top .5% ranked podcast globally, where each week he helps people create more money, margin, and meaning in their lives. With over 15 years of online coaching and content experience, 700,000 YouTube subscribers across his channels, and having built multiple 7 figure businesses that require less than 5 hours of work per week to run, Graham has established himself as a leading figure in digital entrepreneurship and personal development and is dedicated to strategically aligning online business owners with their true potential, empowering them to feel fulfilled and invigorated by their work through tailored strategies and innovative solutions and ultimately create what he calls an Effortless Business™.  His insights have been regularly featured in national media outlets like Forbes, CNBC and Business Insider. In This Episode [00:00] Welcome to the show! [03:36] Meet Graham Cochrane [07:43] Rebel [13:44] Narrowing Down Your List [22:11] Hobby Or A Business? [27:40] The Best At Serving Clients [40:23] 4 Things Every Week Needs [50:42] Connect with Graham [51:24] Outro Quotes "Effort-fueled businesses will eventually fade, but energy-fueled businesses flourish. And there's a big shift. You have to go from effort to energy to build a sustainable business." - Graham Cochrane "Most of what you're doing isn't generating much revenue in your business. Which means the other best news is that a small part of what you're doing each week is actually leading to the majority of your revenue." - Graham Cochrane "You don't have to be the best filmmaker to win in your video business. The best filmmaker isn't the one that wins. It's not the best craftsman that wins. This isn't an award show for who makes the best video. This is a business for who serves their clients the best." - Graham Cochrane "We don't learn from our experiences, we learn from reflecting on our experiences." - Graham Cochrane (quoting from John Dewey) Guest Links Find Graham Cochrane online Recording Revolution Follow Graham on Instagram | Facebook | YouTube The Graham Cochrane Show (podcast) Episode #131: How Being Your True & Authentic Self Will Set You Apart Episode #273: What Video Clients are ACTUALLY Looking For with Graham Cochrane Links Find out more about 10xFILMMAKER   Find out more about the Studio Sherpas Mastermind Join the Grow Your Video Business Facebook Group  Follow Ryan Koral on Instagram Follow Grow Your Video Business on Instagram Check out the full show notes

Sam Hanson shares his journey from leaving a 10-year job to starting his own motion design business that's doubled every month, offering insights on finding your worth as a creative and the importance of genuinely helping clients rather than just focusing on billing hours. Key Takeaways Understand your value by asking clients what solving their problems is worth to them - don't just set an hourly rate based on what you think you deserve Being helpful, cheerful and consistent creates relationships that lead to more work - Sam's biggest clients keep giving him more projects because he makes their lives easier Having a community of supportive peers (like a mastermind group) provides the encouragement and accountability needed to take risks and grow your business About Sam Hanson Sam Hanson is a motion designer and founder of Unlidded Co., focused on helping brands repurpose existing content and create motion graphics that bridge the gap between static design and video. His work helps build a cohesive, consistent brand narrative across platforms, drawing on over a decade of experience he finds brand design with live action. In This Episode [00:00] Welcome to the show! [04:24] Meet Sam Hanson [06:16] Mastermind Retreat Takeaways [10:50] Mastermind Group [22:31] Value Based Pricing [28:51] Helpful Softwares for Business [31:15] Discovering Your Value [44:49] Connect with Sam [47:28] Outro Quotes "Find out your worth and then believe in it. Like if you've gotten paid more than you think you're worth before and you actually delivered and then that person's happy, don't go back from that because you can do that at that same level again and again." - Sam Hanson "My takeaway is that people are way more encouraging than you are to yourself. And that was a huge, huge boost for me." - Sam Hanson "You don't need to figure out your worth. That's what that project's worth. That's what solving this problem, that's what it's gonna be worth for them." - Ryan Koral "The best advice I can give to myself is to keep going. Sometimes things are really hard and they don't need to be. And even if they feel like that, it seems like it just keeps getting better." - Sam Hanson Guest Links Find Sam Hanson online Book a call with Sam Hanson - he'd love to connect with fellow creatives and business owners! Find Sam Hanson on Facebook | Instagram Connect with Sam Hanson on LinkedIn Links  Find out more about the Studio Sherpas Mastermind Join the Grow Your Video Business Facebook Group  Follow Ryan Koral on Instagram Follow Grow Your Video Business on Instagram Check out the full show notes

In this candid conversation, former co-host Matt Davis shares his journey launching a legacy film business while reflecting on how sobriety and community support helped him overcome perfectionism and finally pursue his passion project after years of hesitation. Key Takeaways Don't wait for everything to be perfect before launching something new – get feedback from past clients and build as you go Being part of a supportive community that holds you accountable is crucial for pushing through self-doubt and taking action Authenticity in your work comes from being authentic in your own life – facing personal struggles directly can unlock your creative potential About Matt Davis Matt Davis is the founder and creative director of Life Stage Films and Harvest Filmworks, with nearly two decades of experience crafting compelling visual stories. Starting with weddings and expanding into corporate production, Matt has filmed over a thousand events worldwide. A former co-host of this podcast, he's now launching legacy films—documentary-style projects that capture family stories for future generations. Matt brings a unique perspective shaped by his personal journey of overcoming addiction (recently celebrating two years of sobriety) and his commitment to authentic storytelling. In This Episode [00:00] Welcome to the show! [06:14] Meet Matt Davis [09:38] The Importance of Humility [18:53] Legacy Films [38:55] Battling Perfectionism [41:55] Just Do The Thing [49:30] Connect with Matt [51:24] Lightning Round Questions [56:20] Outro Quotes "I always thought that if I got to three or six months, oh, I can handle this alcohol thing... I feel like I take the limitless pill every day with my sobriety. I feel like my head is clear. My ideas are coming forth in a way that I didn't even think that could happen 10 years ago or five years ago." - Matt Davis "You're telling me that I've done over a thousand events and weddings for families and you're afraid to pick up the phone and call people and tell them what you're up to... getting feedback from past clients, they already trust me, already friends with me, it was a godsend." - Matt Davis "Don't overthink it. Just do it... get out of your head and just do the thing that you feel like you were designed to do, called to do, however you wanna phrase that. But that's what you owe the world." - Ryan Koral "I didn't feel like I was being my authentic self for years because of the struggle that I was having behind the scenes... I wasn't. I really wasn't being authentic. And who am I to go out there and try to make these authentic films for businesses?" - Matt Davis Guest Links Family Legacy Stories from Life Stage Films Follow Matt Davis on Instagram Follow Life Stage Films on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter Follow Harvest Filmworks on Facebook | Instagram Links Find out more about the Studio Sherpas Mastermind Join the Grow Your Video Business Facebook Group  Follow Ryan Koral on Instagram Follow Grow Your Video Business on Instagram Check out the full show notes

In this episode, Ryan talks with Adam McChesney about his journey from medical device sales to building two seven-figure digital marketing businesses. Adam shares valuable insights about personal branding, the importance of creating authentic content, and specific digital marketing strategies for service-based businesses that want to grow. Key Takeaways Get clear on what YOU want in your business rather than building what others think you should Build personal brand authenticity by sharing your process and behind-the-scenes content instead of just finished results Focus your website content on specific location/industry combinations to boost your SEO performance instead of generic blog posts About Adam Chesney Adam McChesney is a serial entrepreneur based in St. Louis, MO. Originally a medical device sales rep, he transitioned into entrepreneurship full-time in the midst of the pandemic in July 2020.  Since going out on his own, Adam has leveraged his skillset of personal branding & digital marketing to grow multiple companies at this point.  He is the Founder of Builders of Authority, and Co-Owner at Auto Glass Repair of STL.  Formerly, Adam was the VP of Growth and Partner at Hite Digital, a digital marketing agency that Adam helped grow to a 2x INC 5000 award winner. Adam was named Hite Digital Franchise of the Year in both 2021 & 2022. After building a multiple 7-figure agency with personal branding, Adam decided to launch Builders of Authority, which offers group coaching & 1-1 consulting for entrepreneurs and businesses looking to take their personal branding to the next level.  After his exit from Hite Digital, Adam restarted a highly specialized digital marketing agency, helping contractors and home service companies with website design, SEO, Google PPC, and Facebook Ads. Builders of Authority LIVE are Adam’s in person events where he brings in world-class speakers to teach and educate attendees on how to become THE authority in their industries.  He is the host of the Builders of Authority Podcast, and has been a guest on over 200 podcasts himself.  Adam is married to his wife Delaney, and they have 1 child, a boy named Murphy along with a dog, Georgie. In This Episode [00:00] Welcome to the show! [04:45] Meet Adam McChesney [10:41] Getting Clear On Your Goals [14:25] Don't Miss Your Ideal Client [25:11] Sharing Behind The Scenes [27:43] Being Authentic [31:05] Tips For Your Website [40:02] Search Atlas [43:59] Connect with Adam [44:50] Outro Quotes "If you try to be everything to everyone with your personal brand and you try to be everything to everyone inside of your business, you're gonna be nothing to no one." - Adam McChesney "So many people struggle to go get more clients and they're like, I'm doing all this incredible work. And then I go look at their Facebook page... but nobody knows about it because you haven't really been posting about it." - Adam McChesney "What people really want to know is what is Ryan's process look like? Like all of the deliverables, anybody can create the video, make it look super shiny, but like who is Ryan and his company behind the scenes?" - Adam McChesney "So many creatives are so good at doing the thing for the other people, but they're not great at doing it for their own business. So it's like, I'm going to go build somebody else's house first before I go build my own. You got to build your house first and then go build everybody else's." - Adam McChesney Guest Links Find Adam McChesney online Follow Adam McChesney on Facebook | Instagram | TikTok Connect with Adam McChesney on LinkedIn Join the Builders of Authority Facebook group Check out Search Atlas (SEO tool) Links Find out more about the Studio Sherpas Mastermind Join the Grow Your Video Business Facebook Group  Follow Ryan Koral on Instagram Follow Grow Your Video Business on Instagram Check out the full show notes

Mignon Francois, founder of The Cupcake Collection and self-proclaimed "Director of Joy," shares her incredible journey from a struggling mom who couldn't pay her electric bill to building a destination bakery that ships nationwide. She discusses the power of vision, the importance of joy even during trials, and why storytellers have such an important responsibility. Key Takeaways Nothing exists apart from words - your vision and what you speak about your business has the power to create your future When building a business, your vision takes your whole life to achieve, your mission is the vehicle to get there, and your values are the luggage you pack for the journey It's okay to feel scared in your business journey - "if it doesn't make you afraid, then it's not big enough" Look for joy even in difficult times - choose to become better, not bitter About Mignon Francois Mignon François is a #1 national best-selling author, entrepreneur and renowned baker who has inspired millions on her journey of going from drowning in debt to building a multi-million-dollar cupcake empire – The Cupcake Collection. She leveraged her $5 to feed her family and turned it into a legacy with over five million cupcakes sold.  Her grassroots story of success has garnered national attention from TODAY with Hoda and Jenna, Southern Living, Entrepreneur and Business Insider to name a few. She is the author of Made from Scratch: Finding Success Without a Recipe, where shares her story of finding success with no presets in place.  Mignon is a sought-after speaker and is committed to equipping and empowering people to change the trajectory of their lives. In This Episode [00:00] Welcome to the show! [06:09] Meet Mignon François [12:11] The Cupcake Collection [18:02] Mignon's Story [28:32] When to Grow Your Team [32:18] The Power In Your Words [40:40] Remember Your Why [46:06] Connect with Mignon [47:28] Outro Quotes "I just believe that cake makes you feel seen. You know, have you ever had a cake that didn't feel like, you did this for me?" - Mignon Francois "Nothing exists apart from words. Our words have power to change. Our words have power to save. Our words have power to heal. Our words have power to create." - Mignon Francois "If it doesn't make you afraid, then it's not big enough." - Mignon Francois "As storytellers, we are wielding the most granular piece of earth. And we are being tasked with molding and shaping that which someone wants to communicate from the beginning." - Mignon Francois "Your vision is gonna take you your whole life to get there. The mission is the vehicle you're using to travel to that life destination. And your core values are the luggage that you're packing for the journey." - Mignon Francois Guest Links Find Mignon Francois online Follow Mignon Francois on Instagram Made From Scratch: Finding Success Without a Recipe, by Mignon Francois Links Learn more about the Mastermind Join the Grow Your Video Business Facebook Group  Follow Ryan Koral on Instagram Follow Grow Your Video Business on Instagram Check out the full show notes

Lindsay Tjepkema, founder of Human Brands Win, shares her expertise on how video professionals can differentiate themselves through authentic storytelling and relationship building. She provides practical strategies for sharing your unique value without feeling "braggy" and explains why human connection remains your biggest competitive advantage in an AI world. Key Takeaways Your story isn't about bragging - it's about connecting with clients who share your values and helping them understand how you can solve their problems If you're uncomfortable telling your own story, let your clients tell it through conversations about their experience working with you LinkedIn and in-person events remain powerful channels for relationship building when you focus on adding value rather than selling Being intentional about your brand means answering key questions: Who do you serve? Why do you do this work? How are you helping people? About Lindsay Tjepkema Lindsay spent two decades in global B2B marketing leadership and was most recently the founder and CEO of venture-backed SaaS startup, Casted. Today, she is the Founder and CEO of her 3rd business, Human Brands Win, where she is a growth advisor and brand strategist helping leaders embrace their uniqueness to drive success. She’s (nearly) vegan, loves DMB, and lives near Boston with her husband and their three boys. In This Episode [00:00] Welcome to the Show! [06:17] Meet Lindsay Tjepkema [07:15] Why Brand Is Important [10:32] How to Tell YOUR Story [22:15] Using Your Client's Stories [29:05] Networking Effectively [38:05] Finding Your Story [49:36] Connect with Lindsay [50:25] Outro  Quotes "No matter what technology comes into play, no matter what's happening in the world or in the various industries we work in or the customers we serve, the one thing that always perseveres as the key differentiator is the relationships you are able to build and strengthen with the people you want to know like and trust you long term." - Lindsay Tjepkema "If you don't provide that and your story, because we're telling stories all the time, if your story on your website or in your content or lack thereof is, 'Will make this for you, this is the cost,' then that's your story. And you're going to be a commodity to people that I think would otherwise really value a whole lot more." - Lindsay Tjepkema "AI can't replace your personality. You have to tell people what makes you different. And that can look like a lot of different things. But if you want people to know why they should work with you instead of asking AI to auto-generate a video, you have to tell them. And when you tell them, how you tell them, what you tell them is story." - Lindsay Tjepkema Guest Links Get the B.R.A.V.E Scorecard Find Lindsay Tjepkema online Find Human Brands Win online Listen to the "Actually, I Can" podcast Connect with Lindsay Tjepkema on LinkedIn  Links Find out more about the Studio Sherpas Mastermind Join the Grow Your Video Business Facebook Group  Follow Ryan Koral on Instagram Follow Grow Your Video Business on Instagram Check out the full show notes

Mark Bone and Michael Del Monte, Founders of Art of Documentary, share their journey from running track to becoming successful filmmakers and educators. They dive deep into how filmmakers can create more value, communicate better with clients, and balance passion projects with strategic business decisions in today's changing industry. Key Takeaways Focus on what a video will DO for a client, not just how it will LOOK - clients care about results and problems solved, not your gear Create multiple assets from a single project to meet different client needs - the two-minute anthem video AND the 30-second hard-selling cutdown The right kind of "free work" early in your career can be strategic marketing that leads to huge opportunities later Finding mentors and community is essential for growth and sustainability in this industry About Michael Del Monte Michael Del Monte is a Canadian documentary filmmaker known for telling stories of overlooked individuals. With degrees in Philosophy and Theology, he’s directed four award-winning feature documentaries, with work featured on Netflix, Amazon Prime, ESPN, CBC, and more. About Mark Bone Mark Bone is an award-winning Toronto-based director who discovered documentary filmmaking while working in Egypt during the Darfur war. He’s directed acclaimed films like 58 HOURS and ASD Band: The Movie, and his work has screened at HotDocs and been featured by CNN Films and Vimeo. He’s also directed global campaigns for brands like Nike, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz. In This Episode [00:00:00] Welcome to the show! [00:04:39] Meet Michael Del Monte and Mark Bone [00:08:35] Documentary Foundations Course [00:17:23] Big Clients Vs Small Retainers [00:21:52] Define Your Goals [00:33:50] Showing Value by Showing Up [00:40:55] Bringing Multiple Assets [00:48:33] "Free Work” [00:55:40] Connect with Art Of Documentary [01:00:43] Outro Quotes "A beautiful cinematic emotional video does nothing for us if we don't know what to do with it." - Client quote shared by Michael Del Monte "I compare AI to fast food... there'll be a use case for it clearly in that world, but we still need fine dining chefs. We still need chefs who can make gourmet meals, who have hundred-year-old recipes and it tastes very differently." - Michael Del Monte "AI can't replace your personality. There's three things you can do as an entrepreneur. You can be good, you can be reliable, and you can be fun. And I just don't think AI is fun." - Mark Bone "Every year, or I would say even every six months, you need to be making time for a project that can help you take multiple leaps forward in your career." - Michael Del Monte Guest Links Find The Art of Documentary online Follow The Art of Documentary on Instagram Follow Michael Del Monte on Instagram Follow Mark Andrew Bone on Instagram | YouTube Links Find out more about 10xFILMMAKER   Join the Grow Your Video Business Facebook Group  Follow Ryan Koral on Instagram Follow Grow Your Video Business on Instagram Check out the full show notes