

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

May 26, 2025 • 48min
439. When Value Beats Hourly Rates and Accelerates Your Business Growth with Sam Hanson
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

May 19, 2025 • 57min
438. From Ego to Impact: Matt Davis on Building a Legacy-Focused Video Business
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

May 12, 2025 • 46min
437. Building Authority That Converts with Adam McChesney
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

May 5, 2025 • 49min
436. The Power of Words in Building Your Dream Business with Mignon Francois
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

Apr 28, 2025 • 52min
435. Why Clients Choose You Over AI with Lindsay Tjepkema
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

Apr 21, 2025 • 1h 2min
434. The Truth About $100K Video Projects with Mark Bone and Michael Del Monte
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

Apr 14, 2025 • 50min
433. From Financial Disaster to Thriving Video Business with Johnny Mendez
Johnny Mendez shares the raw story of how his successful video production company hit rock bottom financially in December 2017, and the seven-year journey of rebuilding with better systems, mindset, and business foundations. He reveals how this painful experience transformed not just his company but his entire approach to life, work, and personal growth. Key Takeaways The shift from being "filmmakers who had a business" to "business owners who provide filmmaking services" is crucial for long-term sustainability Managing your finances properly isn't optional - even successful companies with great clients can collapse without proper cash flow management Personal growth and development are just as important as business skills - "you don't achieve your goals, you grow into them" Joining communities of like-minded professionals provides both support during difficult times and accelerates your learning and growth About Johnny Mendez Johnny is the co-owner of Hen House Media, an award-winning video production company serving clients for the last 22 years. Before launching his business, Johnny worked in film production and broadcast television. He's had the honor to film nationally and internationally working alongside truly remarkable clients. He has experienced his share of lows in both his personal life and business endeavors. These challenges led him to embrace personal growth and continued learning, which has profoundly impacted his life, helping him navigate through tough times, especially as the industry changes. Now, Johnny is rewriting his story and code, and wants to share that story in hopes of helping others. Above all, Johnny enjoys long walks on the beach with his family, and is planning a tell-all book on his love of sandwiches. In This Episode [00:00] Welcome to the Show! [04:54] Meet Johnny Mendez [05:44] Hen House Media[14:15] Financial Wake-Up Call [26:21] Managing Your Assets [29:06] Financial Tips [36:28] Investing In Yourself [43:52] The Great Reframe Podcast [45:49] Connect with Johnny [48:07] Outro Quotes "We used to be filmmakers who had a business, and now I think we're business owners who provide filmmaking services." - Johnny Mendez "There's a great quote. There's a guy Jim Rome who has a quote that says you don't achieve your goals, you grow into them. And that like is something that I want to just like half printed on my wall because it's so true." - Johnny Mendez "The money that comes in is not the money that you have. You have to put it through all of its filters to see what's at the bottom that you actually are. And then you can control that number by controlling everything that happens in the middle." - Johnny Mendez "For me, what's really important is family, right? My family is like the center of my universe and everything I'm doing now is in service of them. I want to spend more time with them. I want to be present." - Johnny Mendez Guest Links Find Johnny Mendez online Check out The Great Reframe on YouTube | Instagram Check out The Great Reframe podcast Follow Henhouse Media on Instagram | Facebook | Twitter 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

Apr 7, 2025 • 50min
432. Automating Your Way to More Freedom and Profit with Carter Hogan
Carter Hogan shares his journey from filmmaker to software founder and reveals why most video professionals don't actually have a lead generation problem - they have a lead nurturing problem. He breaks down practical ways to automate the "low-value activities" in your business so you can focus on the creative work that matters most. Key Takeaways Your leads need 7-8 touchpoints before they'll trust you enough to hire you - if you're not consistently staying in touch, you're leaving money on the table A simple monthly newsletter highlighting recent projects and how they solved client problems is the easiest way to nurture leads effectively Automating payment processes and follow-ups not only saves time but prevents thousands in unpaid invoices from slipping through the cracks Presenting a professional front through automated reminders and follow-ups makes clients feel like you have a full team, even if you're a solo operator About Carter Hogan Carter Hocan is the Co-founder and Owner of Vidlead, a video production company. With 10 years of experience as a videographer and producer, Carter gained recognition through his YouTube channel DevinSuperTramp. He also spent five years with Fulltime Filmmaker Online Film School. Carter's expertise in creative storytelling and video production drives Vidlead’s mission to deliver innovative content solutions for businesses and creators alike. In This Episode [00:00] Welcome to the Show! [06:30] Meet Carter Hogan [11:24] VidLead [14:14] Lead Nurturing [17:59] Monthly Newsletter [22:30] Automated Messaging for Socials [30:54] VidLead Financial and Time Benefits [32:21] Invoicing [47:56] Outro Quotes "People ask me like, what's going to help me? And it's like, well, if you haven't signed up yet, one, you're going to save money because you're going to cancel at least three or four softwares... And then two, you're going to free up a lot of your time so that you can work on your business." - Carter Hogan "If you can automate the low value activities in your business and focus on the higher value activities, you're going to get a lot more bang for your buck. You're going to make a lot more money that way. Cause you're focusing on where your time really should be spent." - Carter Hogan "Even if I'm selling like a $50 broomstick on Amazon, I still have to hit like at least five or six touch points to have somebody trust me enough to buy my $50 broomstick. Now we're talking about thousands of dollars in video production." - Carter Hogan Guest Links Get your first Month free with VidLead Connect with Carter Hogan on LinkedIn Follow VidLead on Instagram | Facebook | Twitter 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

Mar 31, 2025 • 49min
431. The Communication Mistake That Could Be Costing You $100K with Jason Raitz
Jason Raitz shares his journey from public speaker to communication coach and reveals how seemingly small changes in how we speak with (not at) people can dramatically impact trust, relationships, and revenue. Through powerful stories and practical advice, Jason shows how better communication isn't just nice to have - it's essential for business growth and client retention. Key Takeaways: Most leaders communicate out of fear, manipulation, or force for short-term results - but this approach eventually drives away team members and clients Effective communication follows the 20/80 principle: be fully present (10%), ask exceptional questions (10%), and genuinely listen (80%) Your listening skills and communication effectiveness could be costing you $80,000-$100,000 a year and 8 hours of productivity every week When you speak "with" people rather than "at" them, you'll build trust that naturally generates referrals and increases revenue About Jason Raitz Jason Raitz is on a mission to help leaders speak with people, not at them. As President of Speak with People, he equips leaders with communication skills that build trust, foster loyalty, and drive growth. Since 1996, Jason has spoken at over 700 events, reaching more than 200,000 people. He also hosts the Speak with People Podcast, inspiring Leaders to refine their communication and deepen relationships. He and his wife have been married for 28 years and have 5 kids. They're huge advocates for adoption the rare disease community. In This Episode [00:00] Welcome to the show! [04:22] Meet Jason Raitz [11:44] Being a Better Communicator [13:43] Words and Actions [23:06] Tips for Better Communication [28:04] Be A Story Collector [34:54] Why Communicate Better? [44:47] Connect with Jason [46:24] Outro Quotes "Real influence isn't demanded, it's earned one meaningful conversation at a time." - Jason Raitz "People will listen to you for a season if you communicate out of force. They will listen to you if you communicate out of fear, if you come down hard on them. But that only works for a short time." - Jason Raitz "When you speak with people, you speak from a place of health. You speak from a place of trust, joy and collaboration. Like you want to get the absolute best." - Jason Raitz "Healthy communication is oxygen for our relationships. And you just breathe life into people. The difference is astounding." - Jason Raitz Guest Links Free Communication Course Find Jason Raitz online Listen to the Speak With People podcast Follow Jason Raitz on Instagram | Facebook | YouTube Check out Ryan's resources (including his book, "Speak With People, Not At Them," releasing September 2025) 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

Mar 24, 2025 • 46min
430. Why Most Video Projects Fail Before They Start with Ryan Holck
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 Guest Links Find Ryan Holck online Grab your free website audit Follow Ryan Holck on Instagram | Facebook | YouTube Connect with Ryan Holck on LinkedIn Follow Distill Your Story on Instagram | Facebook 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