

Grow Your Video Business with Ryan Koral
Ryan Koral
🎬 The podcast for ambitious filmmakers who want to build a thriving business—without burning out.
Hosted by Ryan Koral, a 20+ year video production vet and coach, this weekly show is your behind-the-scenes pass to what actually works in the world of commercial video.
Every episode is packed with real talk, tactical strategies, and candid conversations to help you:
+ Book better clients (at better rates)
+ Build systems that don't rely 100% on you
+ Charge what you're worth—with confidence
+ Create videos that make an impact and grow your bottom line
If you're ready to stop winging it and start running your business like a pro—you're in the right place.
🎙️ New episodes drop every week.
đź”— Learn more at https://studiosherpas.com
Hosted by Ryan Koral, a 20+ year video production vet and coach, this weekly show is your behind-the-scenes pass to what actually works in the world of commercial video.
Every episode is packed with real talk, tactical strategies, and candid conversations to help you:
+ Book better clients (at better rates)
+ Build systems that don't rely 100% on you
+ Charge what you're worth—with confidence
+ Create videos that make an impact and grow your bottom line
If you're ready to stop winging it and start running your business like a pro—you're in the right place.
🎙️ New episodes drop every week.
đź”— Learn more at https://studiosherpas.com
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 11, 2023 • 42min
350. How to Navigate the Challenges of Video Production | Tips for Commercial Filmmakers
In this milestone episode of the podcast, Ryan discusses the unpredictable nature of the video business, the challenges of prospecting, and the importance of adaptability. He shares personal experiences, insights from his journey, and the evolution of his production company, Tell Studios. Ryan also touches on the significance of niching down in the industry and the transformative power of documentary storytelling. Key Takeaways You'll discover the importance of predictability in the video business and how to navigate the feast or famine cycles. You'll understand the transformative power of documentary storytelling and its impact on brand connection. You'll gain insights into the challenges and rewards of niching down in the video production industry. In This Episode [00:00] Welcome to the show! [02:22] Facing a tough economy [05:19] Lead generation [07:50] Niching to Enroll Films [10:46] An evolving team [14:35] Creating processes [21:03] Enroll Films! [24:13] Meet The Difference Makers Podcast [31:04] Hiring an executive producer [32:55] The future of this show [39:23] Evaluating your time Quotes "Without predictability in business, you go through feast or famine." "I want to have a conversation with people that understand the value of video." "I've known forever, YouTube is the place to be." "I've been doing this work inside of Studio Sherpas and educating filmmakers." "This basketball coach was the person who was responsible for me ending up at the university." Links Learn more about the Onward Summit FREE Workshop Available "How to Consistently Earn Over $100k Per Year in Video Production While Working Less Than 40 Hours Per Week" Join the Grow Your Video Business Facebook Group Follow Ryan Koral on Instagram Follow Grow Your Video Business on Instagram Check out the show notes page

Sep 4, 2023 • 48min
349. From Social Media to Live Video: Jim Fuhs' Journey of Adaptation
On today's show I talk with Jim Fuhs about something he has loads of experience with - creating connections through your brand by leveraging video content. This is a particularly important episode for video businesses. We talk not only of the value you can add to your own business through using video, but also how you can extend this knowledge to your video clients when creating content for them. We also cover a bit of how AI is affecting video and storytelling. The truth is that we will always have a need for the human element in storytelling. You can leverage AI as a tool for creating, but at the end of the day, the person behind the brand is what truly moves potential clients. There is no better way to showcase this than to use video to convey a personal and authentic story. Be encouraged, the importance of video in our world is just begging and there is so much room for growth in your video business! Key Takeaways Leverage AI and human creativity to create effective and efficient video content Video is the best way to emotionally connect with your audience online Repurpose video content to increase your impact About Jim Fuhs Jim Fuhs is the President of Fuhsion Marketing, a seasoned digital marketing consultant, and a retired Marine LtCol with over 30 years of business and social media experience. Jim has a unique approach to marketing that fuses Marine Corps Leadership with next-level digital marketing, offering his clients a perspective that sets him apart from the rest. As a highly successful Marine Corps Officer, Jim's leadership experience and expertise enable him to navigate the ever-changing marketing and technology landscape. He is a sought-after speaker, live streamer, podcaster, remote live stream, and virtual event producer, with a passion for excellence that shines through in everything he does. Jim's mission is to revolutionize the marketing industry with his innovative strategies and unparalleled insights. His commitment to excellence and dedication to his client's success has earned him a reputation as an innovator in the industry. Whether you are a small business or a large corporation, Jim is here to help you unlock your brand's full potential and take your business to the next level. In This Episode [00:00] Welcome to the show! [02:33] Meet Jim Fuhs [08:01] Jim's marketing positioning [09:43] Tell your story [12:57] AI in filmmaking and branding [21:07] Importance of video content [28:18] Creating a live show [32:49] Repurposing content [42:15] Being on camera [45:13] Connect with Jim [46:01] Outro Quotes "People connect with you, I think, through video much more than they do through other mediums, short of being in person." [10:45] - Jim Fuhs "You're creating this legacy that people can go out and watch 10 years from now." [10:58] - Jim Fuhs "How can you simplify things as opposed to feeling like you got to complicate them?" [45:00] - Jim Fuhs Guest Links Find Jim Fuhs online Follow Jim Fuhs on Instagram | Twitter Links Learn more about the Onward Summit FREE Workshop Available "How to Consistently Earn Over $100k Per Year in Video Production While Working Less Than 40 Hours Per Week" 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

Aug 28, 2023 • 43min
348. Mastering Sales and Pricing in Video Production with Matt Johnston
They discuss the importance of pricing and selling video solutions. Matt Johnston talks about his experience in creating viral videos and the importance of empathy in social video content. They emphasize the significance of understanding client struggles and goals in the sales process. Valuable advice is given for growing a filmmaking business and having a positive mindset.

Aug 21, 2023 • 1h 1min
347. Consistency and Connection: Video Marketing Insights with Peter Grano
On the show this week I talk with Peter Grano about one of the biggest keys in business - building strong relationships. Sometimes we get so focused on making money that we lose sight of what really matters. The relationships that you build are what will contribute more enjoyment than anything else in your business. We also talk about some different strategies for effective video marketing for your business and for your clients. It's important to use a style of video that fits your target audience and works in line with your brand. Most importantly, spend time creating quality content and investing heavily into your relationships in your business. This combination will lead to consistent fulfillment and growth in your business. Key Takeaways The road to success is long and takes steadfast consistency. Investing in relationships will make your work more meaningful and enjoyable. At the end of the day people and relationships are what matter more than work and money. Use a consistent and intentional social media presence to build trust and authority. About Peter Grano Having spent the last 5 years as the lead video producer at Business Builders, a small but mighty marketing agency in sunny St. Augustine, FL, Peter Grano has developed his skills as a DP, Director and Editor to better serve the clients that the agency serves day in and day out. With a huge appetite (in more ways than one) for excellence and a unique eye for lighting, Peter believes that people are everything in this business. Through intentional relationships and investing in himself through communities like this one, Peter constantly seeks to provide value to others and believes that without intentional friendships, you're not going to last, much less get to produce the kind of work that you've always wanted to. Stumbling into the world of Studio Sherpas has been one of the greatest blessings in his life and he considers himself lucky to be talking to the very handsome and skilled cinematographer, Ryan Koral. In This Episode [00:00] Welcome to the show! [03:47] Meet Peter Grano [13:31] Current successful trends in business marketing [18:48] Produced vs user-created content [23:24] Create the wow factor [27:18] Don't create, document [31:24] Build trust and authority through social media [35:16] Relationships and consistency [43:41] Enjoy the journey [47:59] Delegation [55:43] Connect with Peter [57:45] Outro Quotes "It always starts out on a personal level with some of the best clients." [29:46] - Peter Grano "You don't just do stuff for money, there is a personal side to everything." [37:36] - Peter Grano "It's a long road to success and being consistent is the most important thing." [37:57] - Peter Grano Quest Links Find Peter Grano online Follow Peter Grano on Facebook Follow Business Builders on Instagram | Facebook | Twitter Links Learn more about the Onward Summit FREE Workshop Available "How to Consistently Earn Over $100k Per Year in Video Production While Working Less Than 40 Hours Per Week" 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

Aug 14, 2023 • 44min
346. The Power of Clear Positioning: Lessons from Robby Fowler
On the show today I have a wonderful conversation with Robby Fowler about just how important it is to get crystal clear on who you serve and what problems you solve for them. This will help you turn a blanket brand strategy that connects with no one into a clear and compelling call that will show your target audience that you know and understand them. By getting clear on who you serve, what problem you solve, and how you can accomplish this for them; you will be able to pull in more leads, build trust, and convert those leads into sales that are supported by a healthy and genuine relationship. It's time to clear things up and move forward into greater success for your business! Key Takeaways Find a common denominator that links your target clients. Use the 3 P's of Positioning to communicate with clarity who you serve and how you help them. When marketing, lead with the problem that you solve for your client. Use the ABCs of business to diagnose the health of your business and identify what is holding you back. About Robby Fowler Robby Fowler is a branding and marketing strategist who helps high-integrity consultants, coaches, and trainers build, brand, and market personal brands that make more (than) money. Robby believes too many personal brand businesses are trapped on a treadmill of activity because they're not crystal clear on what specific business they want to build. While every personal brand wants more money, Robby helps them get there by building a business worth giving their lives to. In This Episode [00:00] Welcome to the show! [01:50] Meet Robby Fowler [06:06] Turning setback into success [12:30] The Three P's of Positioning [16:22] Niching [25:13] How to develop a successful hook [31:04] Growing through experience [34:54] The ABCs of Business [41:44] Connect with Robby [43:31] Outro Quotes "Fog slows down even the fastest Ferrari" [14:00] - Robby Fowler "Get busy then get picky" [20:37] - Robby Fowler "Use what you might consider as your weaknesses as your strengths. [24:09] - Robby Fowler Guest Links Follow Robby Fowler on Instagram | Facebook | Twitter Connect with Robby Fowler on LinkedIn Get your free copy of THE 7 SIMPLE SECRETS BEHIND PERSONAL BRAND WEBSITES THAT GET RESULTS Get the 4 Freaky Fast Friday Wins emails Get more insights on his podcast, The Brand ED Podcast Links FREE Workshop Available "How to Consistently Earn Over $100k Per Year in Video Production While Working Less Than 40 Hours Per Week" Get the ASCEND Method Cheat Sheet 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

Aug 7, 2023 • 49min
345. Mastering Organic Social Media and Content Marketing with Dorien Morin-van Dam
Today on the show, I talk with Dorien Morin-van Dam, an expert in organic social media and content marketing, about the slippery subject of social media marketing for your business. In the conversation, we break down some simple ways that you can get started with social media marketing for your business that is meaningful and effective for you. We also discuss the importance of targeting your marketing so that it is not a waste of time and how to repurpose content to maximize your exposure and impact with the least amount of effort. This show will disrupt any fears or hesitations that you have about getting into the world of social media marketing for your business and provide you with some practical steps to make your social media game more easy and effective than ever before! Key Takeaways Use authenticity, storytelling, and behind the scenes content to create engaging and compelling social media content that grips your target audience. Repurpose content in many forms for maximum exposure and impact. In order to create content you must consume and learn from content that speaks to you. Leverage the simple steps of mastering LinkedIn to build your authority in your field and grow your network. About Dorien Morin-van Dam Dorien Morin-van Dam is a leading expert in organic social media and content marketing with over 12 years of experience. As a Certified Social Media Manager and Agile Marketer, she is well-versed in the latest techniques and best practices for driving engagement and results through organic social media. Dorien is an international speaker, and hosts her own livestream show and podcast, "Strategy Talks." You'll recognize her on stage and online by her always-present orange glasses, a nod to her Dutch heritage. In This Episode [00:00] Welcome to the show! [03:16] Meet Dorien Morin-van Dam [08:51] What is effective in the social media world today [13:56] Adopting the voice of your client [15:50] The power of blogging today [22:46] Niche your marketing [25:16] Incorporating video into blogs [27:39] Baby steps for getting started [35:02] Content marketing from a live show [42:16] Consume to create [45:45] Connect with Dorien [46:46] Outro Quotes "They're telling me the stories, and the passion of their business shines through when the business owner talks to me." [08:28] Dorien Morin-van Dam "Make sure you stay true to who you are and the kind of video that you like." [41:23] - Dorien Morin-van Dam "In order to create content you have to consume content, I am a firm believer in that." [42:55] - Dorien Morin-van Dam Guest Links Find Dorien Morin-van Dam online Follow Dorien Morin-van Dam on Instagram | Twitter #strategytalks Links FREE Workshop Available "How to Consistently Earn Over $100k Per Year in Video Production While Working Less Than 40 Hours Per Week" 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

Jul 31, 2023 • 57min
344. Building a Magnetic Movement Through Empathy and Connection with Duane Zingale
No one wants to be the annoying person who simply pesters people until the agree to buy. That approach to marketing will only take you so far, and is not the way to create fulfilling relationships. On today's show I talk to Duane Zingale about his journey of breaking away from that style of pressure marketing and instead leveraging genuine relationships. Stop viewing yourself as a salesperson and start viewing yourself as a leader. Once you have built a healthy relationship with someone, you can then lead them into the best option to solve their specific problem. This leadership style of marketing will lead you to so much more success and a network of fulfilling relationships. Key Takeaways Stop focusing on getting a sale and start focusing on guiding your potential clients into what is best for them Capture their heart and then they will trust you with their minds Use The LISTEN Framework to connect truly with others and lead them into a sale About Duane Zingale When Duane Zingale is not lost in a Lego Fairytale with his two amazing daughters, he is likely to be found geeking out on crafting relationship-based marketing ecosystems with his LISTEN Framework™. And it's not just about building a funnel for the sake of it. Duane is emphatic about creating a connection through digital empathy. He is a Marketing Connection Consultant & Founder of the digital marketing group Legacy Catalyst. This guy loves tech so that you and I don't have to! His Mission with Legacy Catalyst is to get behind more than just a business… but to champion movements that will change the world one life at a time leaving a lasting Legacy. He likes to say when you leave your digital footprint today you start leaving your legacy for tomorrow. And that's why he believes starting a movement is the most powerful way to market and monetize your personal brand! That's why he launched the "Marketing Your Movement™ Show" to help personal brands such as coaches & consultants lead a transformational community and earn a return on their influence. Duane helps his clients leverage automated marketing systems to create conversations in context …. Using his LISTEN Framework™ to build a relationship with potential clients through their customer journey. In This Episode [00:00] Welcome the show [04:25] Meet Duane Zingale [07:20] Humanity in business [11:22] Journey into leadership-based marketing [19:13] The LISTEN Framework [31:49] Finding your zone of genius [44:36] Creating the life you want to live [47:28] Building a self-sustaining sales funnel [52:52] Importance of an email list [55:14] Connect with Duane [55:50] Outro Quotes "Let's make marketing human again" [08:08] - Duane Zingale "People don't care about your solution until they know that you care." [10:32] - Duane Zingale "The best way to help somebody move forward is actually to be able to listen." [17:16] - Duane Zingale "I have to stop giving out of my excellence to step into my genius." [30:50] - Duane Zingale Guest Links Find Duane Zingale online Download The LISTEN Framework Today Receive a FREE PDF of "Wonderfully Different, Wonderfully Me" coloring book Follow Duane Zingale on Instagram | Facebook | Twitter Follow Our Wonderful Family on Instagram | Facebook | Twitter Links Register now for the Onward Summit FREE Workshop Available "How to Consistently Earn Over $100k Per Year in Video Production While Working Less Than 40 Hours Per Week" Join the Grow Your Video Business Facebook Group Follow Ryan Koral on Instagram Check out the full show notes Follow Grow Your Video Business on Instagram

Jul 24, 2023 • 46min
343. Embracing Human-Centered Communication: Insights from Ethan Beute on Personal Connections in a Digital World
In the digital landscape that we live and do business in, the human-centered connection has been stripped away from many of our relationships. On today's show I talk with Ethan Beute about how to overcome this hurdle and excel in all of your relationships through embracing human-centered communication. We focus on one of the simplest and most effective ways to break down this digital isolation - video messaging. Sending video messages allows you to interact with others like no other form of digital communication. By leaning into human vulnerability and accessing all of the forms of verbal and verbal communication, video messages communicate your message and leave no room for misinterpretation. They also make the viewer feel heard and understood. All of these aspects combined with a genuine care for your clients will build healthy, long-lasting relationships that evolve into the backbone of your entire business! Key Takeaways Digital communication strips the humanity from our business relationships Use video messaging to build genuine connection and make your clients feel valued Never try to solve conflict over text-only messaging About Ethan Beute Ethan Beute is Chief Evangelist at BombBomb, Wall Street Journal bestselling author of "Human-Centered Communication" and "Rehumanize Your Business," and host of Chief Evangelist and The Customer Experience Podcast. In This Episode [00:00] Welcome to the show! [03:46] Meet Ethan Beute [05:28] Why video communication? [17:47] Personal growth through responding well [22:56] Impactful examples [32:05] Specific use cases [37:52] What is BombBomb? [40:25] Bonus use cases [44:26] Outro Quotes "The sincerity matters above all." [12:10] - Ethan Beute "All anyone that we're working with wants out of life is to be seen as the unique individual human being that they are; that they matter." [14:30] - Ethan Beute "Our single biggest impediment to growth is human vulnerability: fear of judgment, fear of rejection…" [28:05] - Ethan Beute Guest Links Find Ethan Beute online Follow Ethan Beute on Instagram | Facebook | Twitter Follow BombBomb on Instagram | Facebook | Twitter Get your free, enhanced, digital copy of the book Human-Centered Communication Links FREE Workshop Available "How to Consistently Earn Over $100k Per Year in Video Production While Working Less Than 40 Hours Per Week" 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

Jul 17, 2023 • 49min
342. Content-Driven Connections with Morgan J. Ingram
In this episode, we delve into the power of content-driven conversations and Morgan's innovative approach to generating traction online. We talk about how Morgan creates captivating shows that not only engage audiences but also deliver tangible results. Also we explore the concept of embracing authenticity and vulnerability, revealing how sharing failures and challenges can deepen connections with our audience and in turn foster greater support and engagement. Don't get stuck in the trap of perfection, instead start creating engaging content for your business and your clients! Key Takeaways Intentionality is more important that production quality Create content for your business that can be multi-purpose Taking your audience into the vulnerable process is more engaging than simply showing them the polished final product About Morgan J. Ingram Morgan J Ingram is a dynamic leader, innovator, and entrepreneur who has significantly impacted the world of B2B sales and marketing. As the CEO and founder of Ascension Media Productions, he is leading the charge to transform traditional outbound sales and marketing methods by creating content-driven conversations that generate revenue. Morgan's commitment to innovation and cutting-edge solutions has led him to pioneer a new approach to growth called narrative-led growth. This strategy enables employees to produce and share content that aligns with the brand narrative, creating a revenue marketer journey that drives sales conversations. He was recognized for his content creation and strategy work in 2016 on The SDR Chronicles, where he did over 100 videos focused on the profession of sales development while he was in the role on YouTube. Recognized as one of the Top 50 Sales Leaders to follow by LinkedIn and a Top 25 Sales Development Thought Leader by Inside Sales, Morgan is a highly sought-after speaker and trainer. At JB Sales, he helped some of the world's top companies, including Salesforce, Zoom, and Snowflake, improve their top-of-the-funnel prospecting efforts. Morgan's work has been featured in prestigious publications such as Forbes, the HubSpot blog, and the Harvard Business Review. He has also been named a 4x LinkedIn Top Sales Voice. In This Episode [00:00] Welcome to the show! [03:45] Meet Morgan Ingram [08:07] Getting started in "Edutainment" [15:30] Structuring content creation [18:52] Morgan's most interesting projects [24:04] Marketing for video businesses [27:30] Why are people fascinated with the process? [30:32] Vulnerability in marketing [40:19] Practical content creation [46:18] Connect with Morgan [47:10] Outro Quotes "Looking at the systems that you already have built to have good productions and that's the content that you should be sharing." [25:30] - Morgan Ingram "It feels like a connective tissue for me to like something that I aspire to do." [28:14] - Morgan Ingram "At the end of the day, we as ourselves, have to live with ourselves 100% of the time." [33:24] - Morgan Ingram Guest Links Sign up for the Commish Media newsletter Follow Morgan Ingram on Instagram | Facebook | Twitter Links FREE Workshop Available "How to Consistently Earn Over $100k Per Year in Video Production While Working Less Than 40 Hours Per Week" 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

Jul 10, 2023 • 49min
341. The Power of Serving Others in Your Video Business with Nathan Cheuvront
At the deepest level, we are in the business of helping people. In order to succeed in the business of helping people, the most important thing is for your business to be others-oriented. On today's show, our guest Nathan Cheuvront has built a wildly successful commercial video business by putting special attention on how his business interacts with people. From the very beginning, Nathan and his business partner have focused significantly on serving others, taking personal responsibility, building relational bridges, and creating top-notch experiences for each other, their clients, and their team members. If you want to take your video business to the next level, make sure you go out of your way to serve the people around you! Key Takeaways A business partner relationship is much like a marriage Serve others at every opportunity Create the right team that works for your goals Create experiences that clients and team members love About Nathan Cheuvront Nathan is a self taught commercial film producer that loves creative work and has been figuring this commercial video thing out for the last 10+ years. Now working on $200k + commercial productions and have been running my own production company Southend Films with my business partner since 2017 here in Atlanta Georgia. In This Episode [00:00] Welcome to the show! [04:02] Meet Nathan Cheuvront [07:23] Being relational minded [12:18] Serving others [16:11] Personal responsibility and self reflection [19:06] Challenges of partnerships [23:29] Benefits of partnerships [27:49] When to lean on others [31:08] Choosing the right people [37:26] Do what is best for your business in this season [41:12] Creating good experiences on set [46:05] Connect with Nathan [46:55] Outro Quotes "You want to build bridges, not burn them." [11:41] - Ryan Koral "We are in this business of helping people. When you filter it down all the way. It's like, 'How can I help you?" [12:24] - Nathan Cheuvront "You're wearing too many hats and you're doing too many things. There is a lot of power in delegating." [27:19] - Ryan Koral Links Get the The Lead Machine: Website Checklist for Filmmakers FREE Workshop Available "How to Consistently Earn Over $100k Per Year in Video Production While Working Less Than 40 Hours Per Week" Join the Grow Your Video Business Facebook Group Find Nathan Cheuvront online Follow Nathan Cheuvront on Instagram | Facebook Follow Ryan Koral on Instagram Follow Grow Your Video Business on Instagram Check out the full show notes If you haven't already, we'd love it if you would take 1 minute to leave us a review on iTunes!


