Grow Your Video Business

Should you trademark your brand? This week on the Grow Your Video Business Podcast, Ryan interviews award-winning documentary filmmaker, turned intellectual property attorney Trevor Ward. He’s answering all the questions you’ve ever had about trademarks, and some you probably didn’t even know to ask. Trevor shares his journey from filmmaking to law and if there's still a documentary filmmaker in his soul. If you are a small, medium, or large filmmaking company you should grab your pen and paper and listen to today's episode because we are diving deep into the trademark world. We’re talking about whether or not you should trademark your brand, the step-by-step process, how much it costs, and the risks that your brand is facing when you don't trademark it. About Trevor Ward Prior to becoming a lawyer, Trevor was an award winning documentary filmmaker and operated a small video production company for about 12 years (Red Eye Film Co.). He left the business because the last three feature docs that he attempted died in the water. On one, he spent about 1000 hours, his and other peoples’ money, and 2 years trying to make happen. After that experience, he did some soul searching and decided it was time for something new. He went to law school and now practice intellectual property law. Disclaimer Anything said in this podcast episode should not be construed as legal advice. This is purely for entertainment or educational purposes only. If you have specific legal questions, please consult an attorney in your state. Key Takeaways The importance of a trademark is to avoid consumer confusion.  Registering your trademark gives you stronger legal protection.  If you are not familiar with trademarks, you should hire an attorney to assist you.  In this Episode Meet Trevor [02:30]  A quick disclaimer [03:27]  How he switched from filmmaker to a whole different business [04:10]  Is there still a documentarist in the back of Trevor’s head? [06:32]  What’s intellectual property and why you should care about it [07:46]  What does intellectual property means to a small corporate filmmaker? [09:55] Should you trademark your brand? [12:47]  How to trademark your business [19:42]  A trademark funny story [23:41]  Can you still sell domains for a ton of money? [24:40]  Can you be sued by a big company? [27:20]  How much does it cost to trademark your brand? [28:25]  Is it really worth spending on a trademark? [29:29]  Trevor shares a “horror story” [30:10] Can Legal Zoom help you? [31:33] Why hiring an attorney is better than doing it yourself [32:16] What to do before you trademark your brand? [37:20]  How to stop someone from using your trademark? [38:20]  Trademark and tv shows [41:10]  How to get in touch with Trevor [42:47]  Links Join the Grow Your Video Business Facebook Group Get the ASCEND Method Cheat Sheet Find Trevor Ward online Connect with Trevor Ward on LinkedIn Follow Ryan Koral on Instagram Follow Grow Your Video Business on Instagram What’s your question for the podcast? Share a video or audio response! Additional Links: Check out the full show notes page Do you have something to share on this podcast? Fill out this form here. If you haven't already, we'd love it if you would take 1 minute to leave us a review on iTunes!

What’s really going to happen if you fail? Is it as bad as you’re thinking? What if the things you’re afraid of aren’t real? We’re keeping the vulnerability train rolling this week on the Grow Your Video Business Podcast, Ryan shares 3 ways to identify fear as a video business owner, how to eliminate the scarcity mindset, and how you can grow your community by offering to serve your competitors, that’s right…your competitors. Buckle up and get ready to confront your fears and grow your video business. Key Takeaways We often have an irrational fear of what will happen to us if we fail. It’s probably not as bad as we really think it is.   There is so much work out there. We don’t need to try to “crush our competition.” If we genuinely try to serve our clients, there will be enough work for everyone.   Offering to serve even your competitors opens up way more opportunities for growth than trying to go it alone.   In this Episode Scarcity Mindset [3:26]  Is there enough work?  [12:36]  Name that fear [14:00]  Affirmations [18:12] A servant’s attitude [31:50] Links Soundtracks: The Surprising Solution to Overthinking, by Jon Acuff Think and Grow Rich, by Napoleon Hill The Go-Giver, by Bob Burg Grabbin’ the Bag: A few thoughts on money, by Rob Bell 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 What’s your question for the podcast? Share a video or audio response! Additional Links: Check out the full show notes page Do you have something to share on this podcast? Fill out this form here. If you haven't already, we'd love it if you would take 1 minute to leave us a review on iTunes!

This week things get real…and real vulnerable on this week's episode of the Grow Your Video Business Podcast.  If you’re a creative, a business owner, or just a human being, you’ve probably experienced the beast we all know and loathe…imposter syndrome. Ryan shares his best practices for overcoming imposter syndrome and finding success over the last two decades. Ryan also shares 3 takeaways that he has learned from mastermind groups that will help you move the needle in your business and get where you want to be. Key Takeaways There’s no right moment to start your business, you should focus on creating a solid foundation and get things going from there. Create a mindset where you are focused on being the most helpful person you can be. You only achieve success by surrounding yourself with people that want you to succeed as much as you do. In this Episode Intro [00:05] My mastermind [02:28] When I first started in the business [05:46] My experience with The Video Business Academy [13:48] My experience with podcasting [16:08] How’s the foundation of your business? [17:03] My 1st big takeaway [23:52] Don’t be afraid to share your success [27:09] Don’t wait for your demo reel [30:37] My biggest takeaway [31:54] A takeaway recap [35:16] Links Get the ASCEND Method Cheat Sheet The Graham Cochrane Show Join the Grow Your Video Business Facebook Group Follow Ryan Koral on Instagram Follow Grow Your Video Business on Instagram What’s your question for the podcast? Share a video or audio response! Additional Links: Check out the full show notes page Do you have something to share on this podcast? Fill out this form here. If you haven't already, we'd love it if you would take 1 minute to leave us a review on iTunes!

One of the hardest parts of growing your business is handing off the work that you've mastered and hiring an employee that will allow you to grow and scale your business. This week on the Grow Your Video Business Podcast, Ryan breaks down 9 mistakes everyone should avoid when it comes to hiring employees. When should you hire? What is their role? What are their goals? Ryan uncovers some tips and tricks from almost two decades of experience to help you avoid some of the most common pitfalls when it comes to growing your business.   Key Takeaways There are different ways of hiring, and maybe hiring someone full-time and overwhelming this person with a lot of tasks is not the best idea. Creating processes and procedures early in your business is extremely important before thinking about hiring someone. Staying true to your core values should be the main idea behind your hiring process. You don’t need to hire full-time right away, you can always bring someone on part-time at first. In this Episode How to define roles [07:57] Being clear on what success means [15:50]  The importance of daily check-ins [22:49]  Weekly/Monthly Strategy Meetings [29:27]  Hiring out of Desperation [31:30]  Creating Processes & Procedures [38:18]  Feast or Famine [39:40]    Links Join the Grow Your Video Business Facebook Group Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap and Others Don’t, by Jim Collins The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don’t Work and What to Do About It, by Michael E. Gerber Death by Meeting: A Leadership Fable…About Solving the Most Painful Problem in Business, by Patrick Lencioni Rocket Fuel, by Gino Wickman Get the ASCEND Method Cheat Sheet Follow Ryan Koral on Instagram Follow Grow Your Video Business on Instagram What’s your question for the podcast? Share a video or audio response! Additional LInks: Check out the full show notes page Do you have something to share on this podcast? Fill out this form here. If you haven't already, we'd love it if you would take 1 minute to leave us a review on iTunes!

One of the greats in the motion design industry, Cameron Pierron, joins Ryan on this episode of the grow your video business podcast to share his journey in the industry, and how he got started on his career back in 1999. For all those that think motion design is too complicated or maybe you struggle finding success with motion design in your videos, then this episode is for you. Cameron breaks down the ins and outs of motion design, how to create an impactful demo reel, and why you should have fun. Cameron has been a motion designer for over 20 years. He is a self-taught designer and animator who started off as a remote freelancer and has had the opportunity to build projects for studios like Prologue Films, Digital Kitchen, worked with agencies like Publicis and Ogilvy & Mather, and clients like 343 Industries, Amazon, American Express, Disney, Microsoft, MTV, RCA, Sony, and many more. About Cameron Pierron Cameron has been a motion designer for over 20 years. He is a self-taught designer and animator who started off as a remote freelancer and has had the opportunity to build projects for studios like Prologue Films, Digital Kitchen, worked with agencies like Publicis and Ogilvy & Mather, and clients like 343 Industries, Amazon, American Express, Disney, Microsoft, MTV, RCA, Sony, and many more.   Key Takeaways Keeping it simple and being transparent about your capabilities is the key to succeed in the motion design industry.  Developing an impactful demo reel is necessary to create a career in motion graphics and video production.  Why you should over-deliver if you want your clients to come back.  In this Episode Meet Cameron [10:23]  How we met each other [11:22]  How he started in After Effects [13;23]  How to develop your skills in motion designing [14:56]  How he feels about demo reels [19:17]  The important things you should consider to become successful [27:01]  Cameron’s thoughts about the “fake it until you make it” mentality [29:08]  How to price yourself [35:11]  What are agencies looking for in your demo reel [39:36]  Where Cameron gets his inspiration [43:47]  Does Cameron use incognito mode? [48:11]  Cameron’s number 1 habit that helped him achieve success [48:29]  What’s an example of over-delivering [49:02]  What’s next for Cameron [52:24]  How to get in touch with Cameron [54:32]  Cameron’s last piece of advice [55:17] Links: Join the Grow Your Video Business Facebook Group Additional Links: Check out the full show notes page Do you have something to share on this podcast? Fill out this form here. If you haven't already, we'd love it if you would take 1 minute to leave us a review on iTunes!

3 Ways you can guide your clients and become a valuable asset to their business. It’s time to stop selling and start guiding! This week on the Grow Your Video Business Podcast, Ryan flies solo so he can break down 3 ways to start guiding your clients instead of selling to them. Tired of being tried as just the person with the camera? This episode will break down how you can become the brain behind the camera instead and set yourself up as a trusted advisor to your client that will ultimately create a system that brings in more money and saves you time. Key Takeaways The salesman mentality is overwhelming and outdated, you should focus on understanding the needs of your clients instead of bragging about yourself and your equipment. You should be the hero of your craft, and you only achieve that by letting your clients talk and express themselves. Understanding the foundations of sales in the video business allows you to save your time and money, be more productive and focus on things that are more fit for you. In this Episode 3 ways that you can guide your clients [00:00]  My journey in the video business [02:53]  The 3 Sales mistake [04:55]  How I overcame a scarcity mind [06:43]  My mentality when I started my business [08:28]  Understanding the scarcity mindset [10:46]  How the Video business works [11:20]  The correct mindset to become successful in the video business [14:23]  How to guide well [17:38]  Why you should highlight your client’s success [20:36]  My third tip to help you [22:20]  The importance of having a plan for your sales [25:58]  Get in touch [29:15]  Links: Listen to “Business Made Simple” podcast with Donald Miller Follow Ryan Koral on Instagram Follow Grow Your Video Business on Instagram Join the Grow Your Video Business Facebook Group What’s your question for the podcast? Share a video or audio response! Learn the ASCEND Method Additional Links: Check out the full show notes page Do you have something to share on this podcast? Fill out this form here. If you haven't already, we'd love it if you would take 1 minute to leave us a review on iTunes!

This week on the Grow Your Video Business Podcast, Ryan flies solo to break down 8 things you absolutely need to have on your website if you want to have a successful business. We’re talking calls to action, secondary calls to action, lead magnets, social proofs, and so much more. Your website needs to be the hub that your workflow revolves around and this episode is going to show you exactly how to do that. Buckle up, get ready to take some notes, and schedule yourself some time to work on your website. After you listen let us know which of the 8 things resonated with you the most and how they can help improve your process. Key Takeaways Your website should reflect the kind of clients you want to hire you. Having your own website in addition to social media allows you to control the narrative. Your website should be a representation of your process AND your personality. In this Episode Why your website is important [5:34]  How your client views your website [13:00]  Create a Call to Action [17:25]  Create a secondary call to action/lead magnet [19:30]  Only show work you want to be hired for [21:00]  Social Proof [27:00]  Talk about your process [29:00]  Contact Information [34:16]  Brand Authenticity [35:20]  Go Ugly Early [41:00] Links Building StoryBrand, by Don Miller Follow Ryan Koral on Instagram Follow Grow Your Video Business on Instagram Join the Grow Your Video Business Facebook Group What’s your question for the podcast? Share a video or audio response! Additional Links: Check out the full show notes page Do you have something to share on this podcast? Fill out this form here. If you haven't already, we'd love it if you would take 1 minute to leave us a review on iTunes!

Do you have a business dream? If your answer is yes, the next question should be: Are you being realistic about your business goals and strategies to help you reach those dreams? If you don’t know the answer to either of those questions, this episode is for you. This week, Kat Schmoyer breaks down the system she uses to help her clients achieve their goals. We have an honest conversation with someone who specializes in the back-end operations of creative businesses. Kat shows us how to create strategies that actually work and her exclusive 90 days goals strategy. She shares her tips on how to stay focused when deciding your goals and how to finally stop leaving money on the table. Kat is a business coach & integrator for creatives! She helps small business owners achieve their dreams through coaching, affordable templates and products! She lives in a 2 stoplight town with her husband and her two kids. She loves the color pink and has a knack for organizing just about ANYTHING. Don't forget to buy Kat's Calendar Shop Product: https://katschmoyer.com/printable-calendar-ultimate-2022 And her free Trello Templates: https://katschmoyer.com/trello-my-week-template-freebie Be sure to check out Kat Schmoyer: @katschmoyer https://www.facebook.com/katschmoyer https://www.instagram.com/katschmoyer/ https://twitter.com/katschmoyer https://katschmoyer.com Links: Join the Grow Your Video Business Facebook Group Additional Links: Check out the full show notes page Do you have something to share on this podcast? Fill out this form here. If you haven't already, we'd love it if you would take 1 minute to leave us a review on iTunes!

This week on the Grow Your Business Podcast, Tyler Lessard joins Ryan to share their common love for marketing and how positioning yourself correctly can help you grow your sales in your business. This episode is a must for any business owner that wants to grow their business and pitch better ideas to clients. Key Takeaways Understanding the true potential of video production allows you to increase your sales without spending too much money.   Video production is just another way of delivering your business message to your client.  There are hidden video production skills that can be used to grow your business. About Tyler Lessard  Tyler is the VP Marketing and Chief Video Strategist at Vidyard, co-author of The Visual Sale,  host of the annual Video-in-Business Awards, and frequent content producer for all things video in marketing and  sales. In this Episode Inspiration for Tyler’s book [04:45] The public reaction to Tyler’s book [07:01] The impact of video in business [13:23] Where and how video can be used on businesses [21:51] How to immediately impact sales and closing rates with only 6 videos [24:39] The 100 new clients video you should make [32:03] Where to get inspiration for your business videos [40:25] How StreamYard works [43:11] How to get in touch with Tyler [50:03] Links Sign up for the 5 Day Challenge The Visual Sale, by Tyler Lessard Find Tyler Lessard on LinkedIn Check out Vidyard Follow Vidyard on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter Follow Ryan Koral on Instagram Follow Grow Your Video Business on Instagram Join the Grow Your Video Business Facebook Group What’s your question for the podcast? Share a video or audio response! Additional Links: Check out the full show notes page Do you have something to share on this podcast? Fill out this form here. If you haven't already, we'd love it if you would take 1 minute to leave us a review on iTunes!

This week on the Grow Your Video Business Podcast Cliff Ravenscraft joins Ryan to share his experience with mastermind groups. This episode is a must-download for any small business owner that wants to grow their business using the exponential resources of mastermind groups. Ryan shares his history with Cliff and their combined successes from mastermind programs. About Cliff  Cliff Ravenscraft is a business mentor, professional coach, and motivational speaker. His focus is to help you break free from any beliefs and/or behaviors that are holding you back from living the life of your dreams and doing the work you feel most called to do in this world. Key Takeaways  Joining a mastermind group allows you to tap into the resources beyond what you are capable of alone. Masterminds offer opportunities for exponential growth through networking. You are the average of what your peer group expects of you. In this Episode Cliff’s Background [5:09] What are masterminds? [9:46] The Mastermind Principle [12:01] The Mastermind Group [14:46] Perfect Harmony [18:14] Benefits of the Mastermind [27:14] Join A Mastermind Group [52:02] Links Sign up for the 5 Day Challenge Weekly Studio Sherpas Mastermind Episode 158 w/ Cliff: How to Live with Intention & In Alignment with Your True Goals Find Cliff Ravenscraft online Upgrade Your Peer Group Podcast Follow Cliff on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter Follow Ryan Koral on Instagram Follow Grow Your Video Business on Instagram Join the Grow Your Video Business Facebook Group What’s your question for the podcast? Share a video or audio response! Additional Links: Check out the full show notes page Do you have something to share on this podcast? Fill out this form here. If you haven't already, we'd love it if you would take 1 minute to leave us a review on iTunes!