Grow Your Video Business

Do you feel like you’re running in place on a life-sized hamster wheel or are you living a life of delight? As a business owner and entrepreneur, it might feel like you have a never-ending to-do list to check off. But that’s not why you do what you do. Today, I’m thrilled to have a guest who will help us reframe why we got into this line of work, to begin with. About Amira Alvarez Amira Alvarez has created an amazing brand that makes a huge impact on people’s lives. She is the founder and CEO of The Unstoppable Woman, a global coaching company helping entrepreneurs, empire builders, and rising stars achieve their dreams and goals in record time. Your Business as a Source of Satisfaction Amira draws a direct connection between building and growing a business with personal satisfaction. While some days will naturally be more difficult than others, the goal of running your own business should be to have a good time. It should empower you to live the life you want. It’s easy to fall into the trap of the daily grind. To combat this, Amira urges fellow entrepreneurs to stay focused on the big picture. Recognizing Your Vision For Your Life and Career The fact of the matter is that there are infinite ways to run a business. Too often, entrepreneurs fall into the old paradigms that they know from former jobs. Yet, if you can identify your vision and how you want to show up for your job, you can actively work to create that reality. Amira urges everyone to recognize that they can operate according to their own rules. When this happens, you’ll be able to actually enjoy what you do for a living. Many find that they’re working themselves into the ground. Making more money can help you escape this. The trick is doing it without creating more work that you don’t want to do. This could mean raising your prices, selling more, or adding a new income channel. Before you can do this, you need to believe in yourself and the value of what you do. How is your business leading you towards a life of delight? How can you shift what you do to create a more fulfilling work experience? Tell me in the comments on the episode page!   In this episode  How growing your business can lead to joy and fulfillment [4:10] What happens when your goals become your priorities [11:39] Recognizing the signs that it’s time to shift gears on how you operate [14:53] The realization that you don’t need to run your business according to anyone else’s expectations [23:00] How to escape the trap of over-exhausting yourself [28:30] Building your sense of self-worth as insulation against those who would treat you poorly [36:20]   Quotes “Why grow your own business if it’s not for that sense of personal freedom, excitement, enthusiasm?” [4:24] “Doing the hard things - really stepping up and doing those challenging things that move the needle forward - that makes you feel great!” [13:56] “Who decided that the weekend is the weekend? Who decided that working is from nine to five? If I am excited and thrilled and living a delighted life, who cares? Why do I have to play by the rules?” [26:43] “If you don’t value yourself, if you don’t have a sense of personal self-worth, you will attract people who don’t treat you well.” [36:20]  “Go after your dreams. Own what you really want and go for it.” [42:19]   Links Download the 30-day guide to jumpstart your video business Storyblocks Find Amira Alvarez online Follow Amina on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | Linkedin The Unstoppable Woman Podcast The Morning Mindset Club The Income Breakthrough Summit Entrepreneurial Operating System IT Cosmetics   Additional Links: Check out the full show notes page Do you have something to share on this podcast? Fill out this form here. Be sure to take the Studio Sherpas survey for a chance to win some incredible prizes (if we do say so ourselves!) Stay up to date with everything we're doing at Studio Sherpas Tune in to our weekly Facebook Lives Follow Studio Sherpas on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram If you haven't already, we'd love it if you would take 1 minute to leave us a review on iTunes!

Just because you have a great idea, it doesn’t mean that your customers are going to love it too. They have their own projects and are working on their own schedule. Understanding that your priorities are not the same as your customers’ is key to creating long-term relationships with them.  Jason Fried, a non-serial entrepreneur, is the founder and CEO of Basecamp. He’s co-authored several books including Getting Real, Rework, Remote, and It Doesn’t Have to be Crazy at Work.  As someone who has always loved creating and designing things, Jason started making websites right out of college. Realizing that he preferred working for himself, Jason refocused his career path on creating businesses. He quickly discovered that organization is central to productivity and success, but the tools to make it happen didn’t exist. It was this realization that gave birth to Basecamp. Today, Jason shares some of his revelations from the workplace. A big one was coming to the understanding that not everything is as urgent as we often think it is. This allows us to slow down and get perspective on where our energy should really be going. Basically, we should all be getting a good night’s sleep before acting on anything big. Furthermore, as a leader, you need to create the space for honest and open communication with the people you work with. This means asking the right questions and being open to any answer.  How do you best listen to your customer’s concerns? Leave a comment on the episode page!   In this episode  How necessity can give birth to brilliant business ideas [5:30] The advantages that come from listening to customers instead of making assumptions [9:30] What it really means to treat your customers with care and respect [13:10] The realization that few things are as urgent as we think [17:00] Where to cultivate joy and purpose in the work that you do [23:03] The importance of always asking questions of your team and company [25:10] Why you should look for inspiration outside of your industry [33:30]   Quotes “Constant iteration is the only way to make anything better.” [8:51] “Just because we have something new to offer and we think it’s better, that doesn’t necessarily mean that for other people better is what they’re looking for. A lot of people are looking for consistency and predictability.” [9:58] “A lot of things can wait and they can wait their turn. It’s actually better for things to have to wait their turn because sometimes when you get to them you realize it wasn't that good of an idea anyway.” [18:35] “False urgency is a really dangerous thing. I think a lot of companies suffer from it.” [22:58] “The fundamental thing is that if you want answers you have to ask questions. People don’t bring you answers if you don’t ask questions first.” [27:00]   Links Find Jason Fried online Follow Jason on Twitter Storyblocks Basecamp It Doesn’t Have to be Crazy at Work Remote Rework Getting Real The Rework Podcast Death by Meeting by Patrick Lencioni Know Your Team The Drive Podcast Get your free video business jumpstart guide   Additional Links: Check out the full show notes page Do you have something to share on this podcast? Fill out this form here. Be sure to take the Studio Sherpas survey for a chance to win some incredible prizes (if we do say so ourselves!) Stay up to date with everything we're doing at Studio Sherpas Tune in to our weekly Facebook Lives Follow Studio Sherpas on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram If you haven't already, we'd love it if you would take 1 minute to leave us a review on iTunes!

If you’re not working with the clients and budgets you’d like, the problem may lie in your website. What does the copywriting on it look like? Is it helping your ideal client find you? If not, it’s time to reassess the story you’re telling. Josh Cantrell is the founder of Signal Brandworks, a messaging and copywriting agency that helps people find the right words to sell more. Josh is also a certified Storybrand guide and a Ray Edwards Certified Direct Response copywriter. Josh and I discuss why you need to care about copywriting if your business is to thrive. Proper copywriting is what gets your message across and sets you apart from the competition. It comes down to having the right framework in place. With that established, the right ideas and words will follow. To achieve this, you need to identify what it is that makes you special. We’re each individuals with unique qualities. Making that your brand will automatically distinguish yourself. That being said, don’t focus on yourself. Instead, make the focus on what your clients receive from you. How can you make your clients the heroes of their own stories? Let’s talk in the comments on the episode page!   In this episode Why videographers should care about copywriting Establishing the right frameworks for creating successful copy What it takes to make a clear and compelling website How to turn your copy into a compelling story Being clear on what you don’t do as well as what you love to do   Quotes “If you have the right framework, then the ideas come a lot better. And once you have the ideas, then the words can come a lot better.” [8:25] “The harder it is to understand and work through the words on your website, the less likely they’re going to stay and do business with you.” [17:35] “You, yourself, are the brand. You are different from everybody else out there. The way that you talk about what you do is going to be different from the way that other people talk about what they do.” [18:16] “If you get the right words, the right clients will fall through the cracks onto them.” [34:01]   Links Find Josh Cantrell online Storybrand Building a Storybrand by Donald Miller Storyblocks Join the waitlist for the Video Business Academy   Additional Links: Check out the full show notes page Do you have something to share on this podcast? Fill out this form here. Be sure to take the Studio Sherpas survey for a chance to win some incredible prizes (if we do say so ourselves!) Stay up to date with everything we're doing at Studio Sherpas Tune in to our weekly Facebook Lives Follow Studio Sherpas on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram If you haven't already, we'd love it if you would take 1 minute to leave us a review on iTunes!

Have you ever had a project become bigger than it’s supposed to? I know I have. It’s cost me time, money, and sanity. This is scope creep and it’s incredibly common. Fortunately, I’ve learned (the hard way) to avoid it. It's fine to go that extra mile for your clients. It’s great to give them more than they expect. But if you don’t have healthy boundaries, you risk getting taken advantage of. Your client should be honoring your time and effort by paying you for it, Supposed “small tweaks” and “just a little thing” become time wasters. Most of us can’t work for free. It can be tough to say no to a seemingly small ask. Yet, it’s crucial to respect yourself as well as your clients. Knowing when to do something extra for a client while also prioritizing your own needs is a difficult tightrope to walk.  Over the years, I’ve found ways to avoid scope creep. Being clear on who the project owner is and thoroughly explaining your process will help. Even explaining from the start that scope creep will mean extra charges can help to prevent it from happening.  Has scope creep taken over one of your projects? Let’s talk about it in the comments on the episode page!   In this episode What scope creep is and why it happens to everyone What to watch out for when doing work for friends and family Why your own priorities are never to be ignored Simple tips to prevent scope creep before it becomes an issue What to do once the project has grown beyond what it should   Quotes “You should overdeliver. You should be kind to your clients. You should let them experience the huge value that you bring. But what you also should do is have boundaries.” [4:13] “If you want to go the extra mile, do that. But in those cases, make sure you’re letting them know.” [15:19] “I’ve been fortunate enough to hear from a lot of different people who have been using the ASCEND Method over the past few years who have landed huge jobs and have had a lot of success because they have a process now; they have confidence in these meetings.” [20:12]   Links Learn the ASCEND Method here!   Additional Links: Check out the full show notes page Do you have something to share on this podcast? Fill out this form here. Be sure to take the Studio Sherpas survey for a chance to win some incredible prizes (if we do say so ourselves!) Stay up to date with everything we're doing at Studio Sherpas Tune in to our weekly Facebook Lives Follow Studio Sherpas on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram If you haven't already, we'd love it if you would take 1 minute to leave us a review on iTunes!

What would you choose to do if you had to completely shift your life? Would you focus on your true calling? All too often our jobs get in the way of our dreams. This is a shame because what you do for work has all the potential to align with your higher calling. But it’s up to you to intentionally create this. Today, I’m thrilled to be joined by Ira Davis, one of the original Studio Sherpas students. As a former Marine Corps drill instructor, the founder and CEO of DreamDiver and IV I II Studios, Ira works to help people discover their stories and inspire others. His companies are designed to help aspiring pioneers, visionaries, and world-changers discover their purpose and dive into their dreams to impact the world.  As filmmakers, we are uniquely positioned to share our vision with the world. At the same time, we often get sidetracked creating for others. There’s nothing inherently wrong with this. We all have to earn an income and keep our businesses running. However, ignoring your own visions means that you risk sharing with the world with your own special vision and genius.  Ira passionately explains what happens when you create from the soul, rather than from some material need. If you commit to this, you’ll find that your work resonates deeper with the right audiences. It will lead to more fulfilling opportunities down the road. Throughout this conversation, we reevaluate what success means. Being able to put food on the table is one type. So is fulfilling the mission that you feel called to do. Ira explains how these two don’t need to be exclusive of each other. Turning your dream into a livelihood isn’t easy, but the rewards are beyond priceless What is your dream? How can you take your business there? Let’s chat in the comments on the episode page!   In this episode Deciding how you truly want to show up with your lens Balancing the needs of making money with fulfilling your dream vision Having bigger dreams for yourself and your video business Recognizing that income stops your impact Why inspiration is more powerful than motivation What happens when you build your company on a dream that’s bigger than yourself   Quotes “There’s never been a better time in the history of our lives where we have the time to stop moving at one hundred miles an hour to focus on who we have been called to be and what we have been called to do and create.” [3:05] “If you get the opportunity to do this, you are playing the infinite game. The finite game is money. The infinite game is transforming and moving people’s hearts and souls. Now, and even after I’m dead, will this thing live on?” [18:55] “When you dream bigger than yourself, it will attract people who want to join you and push it to the stratosphere.” [23:59] “Just because you have the purpose to create great content, doesn't mean that you’re the content creator.” [40:59] “A person without a dream is a person without direction for their life. If you don’t have a dream, where are you going?” [46:53]   Links Find Ira Davis online Follow Ira on Twitter | Instagram | Facebook IV I II Studios: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook Play Bigger Evolved Enterprise by Yanick Silver The Infinite Game by Simon Sinek Get on the waitlist for the Video Business Academy!   Additional Links: Check out the full show notes page Do you have something to share on this podcast? Fill out this form here. Be sure to take the Studio Sherpas survey for a chance to win some incredible prizes (if we do say so ourselves!) Stay up to date with everything we're doing at Studio Sherpas Tune in to our weekly Facebook Lives Follow Studio Sherpas on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram If you haven't already, we'd love it if you would take 1 minute to leave us a review on iTunes!

We all want discipline in our lives, but it’s a lot of work. Discipline means doing what you’d rather not do to realize the goals you want to achieve. As a filmmaker who wants to stay in business for the long run, it will be discipline that gets you there.  On today’s solo episode, I want to talk about some of my hard-learned lessons in becoming profitable. It was developing a sense of discipline that allowed me to work smartly, efficiently, and effectively. Over the years, I’ve gained tools that allow me to profit more and keep my business sustainable. Central to this is creating target goals for your year. You need to know what you want to achieve. Then you can work backward from that goal to put in place the necessary actionable steps. I do this every year. It informs what I do every day. During this time, I’ve discovered and honed several other great tools and strategies to foster discipline. This means not looking at my phone until I’ve achieved something. I’ve created a quiet space for contemplation and have a plan for each day. I create a morning routine to get into the daily rhythm and avoid interruptions. I promise that you’ll get more done for your video business once you incorporate these steps into your regular habits. What is the one thing you keep putting off? Tell me in the comments on the episode page!   In this episode The link between profitability and time Creating measurable targets and goals to achieve your business goals My five tools for building discipline What happens when you prioritize difficult tasks   Quotes “We need to be profitable. If we’re not profitable, we’re not going to be in business for long.” [6:10] “If it’s something that could help move your business forward, do it now.” [15:44] “Having a rhythm and committing to that rhythm is going to help you get more things done.” [27:04]   Links Studio Sherpas Episode 160 - How to Build Daily Habits That Will Improve Your Life Studio Sherpas Episode 158 - How To Live With Intention & In Alignment With Your True Goals with Cliff Ravenscraft Eat That Frog by Brian Tracy The Full Focus Planner Get on the waitlist for the Video Business Academy   Additional Links: Check out the full show notes page Do you have something to share on this podcast? Fill out this form here. Be sure to take the Studio Sherpas survey for a chance to win some incredible prizes (if we do say so ourselves!) Stay up to date with everything we're doing at Studio Sherpas Tune in to our weekly Facebook Lives Follow Studio Sherpas on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram If you haven't already, we'd love it if you would take 1 minute to leave us a review on iTunes!

When this year started, no one expected it to turn out the way it has. Sadly, many small businesses have gone under as a result. Those that survive will be the flexible ones. If you can identify the opportunities that exist and pivot to take advantage of them, then this will be a storm you can weather.  Kenny Morgan is an agency owner who transitioned from branding and design to storytelling and video production. He’s worked with some great brands like Vans, Sony, the NFL, and more. His company, Counsel Creative strives to help businesses of all sizes tell their stories through web development, branding, graphic design, and video production.  Niching his business down from a full-service agency to video production allows Kenny to be very strategic in what he does. In the face of the COVID economy, this has allowed Kenny to be adaptable with his business. Unfortunately, he’s had to shrink the size of his workforce. However, he also sees the opportunities for growth that it presents in the end. As people consider niching down their business, there is often a fear that they’ll miss opportunities. However, if your business focuses on something you're passionate about, that will shine through in your work. That’s how customer loyalty is born and businesses excel. Is your business on the ground right now? How can I help you stand back up? Let me know in the comments on the episode page!   In this episode Being adaptable and optimistic in the face of uncertainty Fighting the fear of niching down The importance of building emotional connections Why processes are the key to growth   Quotes “We have a choice. We can adapt and grow. Or we can sit back and unfortunately see our defeat. I hope I can be the one to always keep standing up.” [20:42] “It’s one thing to adapt. But if you’re adapting into something that’s not truly you, then it’s not really the best place.” [22:11] “In order for us to serve people, we have to understand ourselves first.” [34:00]   Links Find Kenny Morgan online Follow Kenny on Facebook | Instagram | Linkedin | Vimeo “Bridge of Spies” standing man scene   Additional Links: Check out the full show notes page Do you have something to share on this podcast? Fill out this form here. Be sure to take the Studio Sherpas survey for a chance to win some incredible prizes (if we do say so ourselves!) Stay up to date with everything we're doing at Studio Sherpas Tune in to our weekly Facebook Lives Follow Studio Sherpas on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram If you haven't already, we'd love it if you would take 1 minute to leave us a review on iTunes!

No one likes failing. But every failure hides an opportunity. In fact, what sets you above your competition may have been borne out of a failure. Combined with perspective, failure provides lessons for learning and growing. Nate Bailey is a leader and a speaker who knows how to impact and reach an audience. He recently fulfilled his long-time dream of selling his insurance agency to follow his dream of being a full-time coach. As a best-selling author of three books, Nate adheres to the simple philosophy of living what you teach. With the business landscape thoroughly impacted by COVID, Nate is busy supplying large doses of perspective. This is a time to focus on what you can control. We can’t predict how and when the situation might change, but we can be strategic in how we position our companies to respond.  Just because you may be stuck at home and conferences are canceled doesn’t mean you can afford to stop networking. There are still authentic ways to reach out to potential clients and partners. Nate explains how the details of connecting have shifted, but not the underlying principles. These times are a good reminder that there will never be a perfect time for anything. Waiting for perfection will only lead to paralysis. It’s important to recognize when something is good enough, give it a shot, and learn from the experience. What have you been avoiding because you might fail? What could get you to do it? Let’s talk about it in the comments on the episode page!   In this episode Remembering what you still have control over in your business How to reach out without going out Focussing on progress, not perfection Recognizing the opportunities that accompany failure   Quotes “If they can tell that you’re really coming from the right place and you know what you’re doing, and you do create something of need that creates value, you’re going to be fine. It’s going to come back to you for sure.”  [24:17] “If I'm going to show or tell somebody that they should do this or that in their life, but I’m not doing it, that would be super out of integrity for me. I don’t ever want that to happen.” [31:05] “It’s all about progress, not perfection. If you wait to be perfect, that’s what keeps people from launching the business.” [35:15] “Flipping the perspective on failure is great. It’s how we learn. It’s how we grow.” [38:27]   Links Find Nate Bailey online Follow Nate on Facebook | Instagram | Linkedin Download Nate’s free audiobook Sales Navigator   Additional Links: Check out the full show notes page Do you have something to share on this podcast? Fill out this form here. Be sure to take the Studio Sherpas survey for a chance to win some incredible prizes (if we do say so ourselves!) Stay up to date with everything we're doing at Studio Sherpas Tune in to our weekly Facebook Lives Follow Studio Sherpas on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram If you haven't already, we'd love it if you would take 1 minute to leave us a review on iTunes!

Every entrepreneur understands the challenge of managing their finances. Meeting financial goals, avoiding debt, and just keeping your head above water can be a struggle. Honestly, this is one of my least favorite topics, but it’s incredibly important. Andy Hill is the award-winning podcaster and blogger behind Marriage, Kids, and Money. He has helped countless young families build wealth so they can thrive. His writing has been featured in USA Today, Business Insider, and NBC News.  It used to be that crises were hypothetical to plan for. With COVID, it’s become a reality for most of us. Andy explains that the number one mistake that entrepreneurs make is not having funds set aside for times like these. With business for many at a standstill, the need for having financial reserves is as apparent as ever. That’s easier said than done, right? Andy recommends automating your process of creating your financial safety net from the start. If you put whatever you can spare aside each month, you’ll be much better positioned to weather another period of poor business. It’s these small deliberate actions that will get your finances where they need to be. But sometimes we end up in a situation that we haven't prepared for. Strategically cutting unneeded business expenses will relieve the burden. Adaptability is also a necessity of survival. As the business landscape changes, being able to pivot what your company does will ensure its longevity. What does your safety net look like? Let’s talk about it in the comments on the episode page!   In this episode The mistake that entrepreneurs make by not having emergency savings Automating your systems to save money Trimming the unnecessary expenses from your business Bringing in people to help you with save money for the long-run Tools for staying focused on your business goals   Quotes “It’s a great idea to have three to six months of business expenses in savings.” [6:15] “If you can make small incremental increases on a daily or monthly basis to get where you want to go, that’s what you gotta do.” [9:15] “That’s the whole point of starting these businesses in the first place. If we’re not working on the stuff that we really like, then why are we doing this? We might as well go back to the corporate nine to five.” [25:48] “It’s a lot easier to save money than it is to get new clients.” [34:11]   Links Find Andy Hill online Follow Andy on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube The Slight Edge by Jeff Olson Profit First by Mike Michalowicz Full Focus Planner Sign up for Gusto and get $100 on Amazon!   Additional Links: Check out the full show notes page Do you have something to share on this podcast? Fill out this form here. Be sure to take the Studio Sherpas survey for a chance to win some incredible prizes (if we do say so ourselves!) Stay up to date with everything we're doing at Studio Sherpas Tune in to our weekly Facebook Lives Follow Studio Sherpas on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram If you haven't already, we'd love it if you would take 1 minute to leave us a review on iTunes!

We will all come across opportunities to change our lives. Recognizing and acting upon them is key. We have what it takes. Sometimes we need support to see that. Today’s guest shares how harnessing your greatness to do what is hard will ultimately lead to unimaginable success. Rock Thomas is the world’s number one whole life success expert. He is the host of the top-rated #IAmMovement Podcast, a bestselling author, and motivational speaker with over 30 years of experience in personal development and coaching. Rock has studied one on one with such legends as Tony Robbins, Jack Canfield, Dr. Wayne Dyer, and more. Over 100 million people have watched his Goalcast video. Rock’s story involves some pivotal crossroads. His early years were full of hard work. Rock found ways to embrace the lessons he learned and develop his work ethic. It wasn’t something he could do on his own though. Rock credits finding the right support and advice as the most important part. Now he helps others the way others helped him.  As a coach, Rock helps people see the part of themselves that needs to be awakened. There is greatness in everyone. We just often need someone to hold up a mirror so we can see it. Once that’s done, you can accept who you are and harness that to succeed.  In what ways have others helped you recognize your own strengths? Tell me about it in the comments on the episode page!   In this episode Recognizing opportunities amidst adversity Accepting who you are as the measure of success What happens when you accomplish big tasks a little bit at a time Doing the difficult things to make life easier Focusing on future possibilities, not just present ones   Quotes “I think that’s a secret. Just chip away at things. Have a north star and do a little bit every day.” [16:59] “If people will do what is difficult, life will be easy. If you keep on doing what’s easy, life will get difficult.” [19:46] “If you look for the greatness and the opportunities that are happening right now, the world is never going to be the same. It’s going to shift. So you gotta start thinking how you’re going to adapt.” [28:07] “The mind will usually say no first. Say yes and figure things out later. Don’t let the hows stop you.” [35:53]   Links Find Rock Thomas online Follow Rock on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube Atomic Habits by James Clear Willpower Doesn’t Work by Benjamin Hardy Join the Course Creator Agency! Download the Networking Checklist   Additional Links: Check out the full show notes page Do you have something to share on this podcast? Fill out this form here. Be sure to take the Studio Sherpas survey for a chance to win some incredible prizes (if we do say so ourselves!) Stay up to date with everything we're doing at Studio Sherpas Tune in to our weekly Facebook Lives Follow Studio Sherpas on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram If you haven't already, we'd love it if you would take 1 minute to leave us a review on iTunes!