

Grow Your Video Business with Ryan Koral
Ryan Koral
đŹ The podcast for ambitious filmmakers who want to build a thriving businessâwithout 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 worthâwith 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 proâyou're in the right place.
đď¸ New episodes drop every week.
đ 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 worthâwith 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 proâyou're in the right place.
đď¸ New episodes drop every week.
đ Learn more at https://studiosherpas.com
Episodes
Mentioned books

Apr 15, 2019 ⢠50min
120: Why Reinvestment Is So Crucial To Success w/ ReelBros Media
Reinvesting your time, money, and energy in your company is essential to its growth and longevity. But just where do you decide to focus? How do you determine what's most important right now? Today's guests, the ReelBros, have asked themselves these very questions and the answers have been invaluable. Brandon Main, John Hebrank, and Alex Schreer run a full-service production house that has recently shifted its focus towards providing its clients with unique camera shots that they wouldn't find anywhere else. As they put it, they run the line between where technology meets art and where engineering meets filmmaking. They and their business may be young, but they're already producing outstanding work for some pretty amazing clients. This energetic episode is all about investing in yourself and business. The bros tell us all about how they came up with the idea for their company and got it off the ground in only a week. They discuss the importance of constantly reinvesting in your company to help lead it to success and what to do to stand out from the competition. The ReelBros also drop some advice on using your passions to get out of creative ruts and show the world your talent. They discuss how their enthusiasm and obvious love of their craft gets their clients as excited for their work as they are. Many of these clients come to them through their presence on social media, and the ReelBros share how this is an effective tool for them. What does reinvesting in your company mean to you? How has it helped your business move forward? Leave a comment on the episode page! In this episode: Why your business' brand should represent who you are as a person The payoffs of getting your clients involved in the filming of the project Why reinvesting back into your company is critical to making it the business you want it to be How small businesses can get unstuck and find inspiring clients and work How getting out of your comfort zone will lead to all sorts of new opportunities Practical tips and tricks for using social media as an effective networking tool Effective division of labor as the key to any partnership's success Quotes: "From the very beginning, we were extremely focused on what we wanted ReeBros to be. It was a representation of who we are as people. We want people to know that every day we're on a shoot, we're absolutely having the best time of our lives." [19:08] "We see the value in investing back into the company whether that's education, money, time. Those are all super important to your success." [24:39] "Do things that are going to scare you. Get out of your element." [31:52] "Putting that effort into showing a client what you can do -- that's our biggest thing. It's almost like a pony show nowadays. You have to really show these people that you are really invested in what you do. If you're invested, then they will be invested in you." [34:49] "If you're going to start a business or a partnership, be absolutely 100% sure that you're doing it with the right people and for the right reasons. If not, that will manifest itself very quickly. And if it is meant to be and you work well together, nothing is impossible." [44:15] Links: Find ReelBros online Follow ReelBros on Instagram | Facebook | YouTube 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 into 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!

Apr 8, 2019 ⢠46min
119: Why Using Youtube Is The Best Way To Grow Your Business w/ Kelsey Brannan
Who doesn't want a massive YouTube following? It will help you connect to other filmmakers, find clients, and showcase your skills all in one place. Garnering a huge number of subscribers may seem like the Holy Grail of video on social media, but with the right approach and dedication, it's totally possible! And today's guest, Kelsey Brannan is the go-to person for growing your following and creating an epic Youtube channel that will work to showcase and grow your business. Kelsey is the creator of Premiere Gal, a YouTube community of over 117,000 subscribers which is focused on video, photo, and audio production. After getting a Masters degree in documentary filmmaking from Georgetown, Kelsey worked as a filmmaker with the State Department. She's since moved on to helping others learn the ins and outs of her craft and is the head of creative growth at Wipster, a video feedback and collaboration platform for creators, teams, and businesses. In this interview, Kelsey talks about what it's like to grow a YouTube channel to over 100,000 subscribers and why as video makers we should be striving for this as well. Kelsey also discusses the difficulties that many freelancers face by not being part of the companies that they want to work for as well as some great advice on how to surmount this challenge. Kelsey goes on to talk about the challenges of communicating with clients and how platforms like Wipster can make this infinitely easier. Before our talk comes to an end, Kelsey shares what she knows about affiliate marketing in relation to YouTube video marketing and how it can expand your passive income stream. Do you use a tool like Wipster to that helps you be more efficient or creative? Tell me what it is in the comments on the episode page! In this episode: Why your business shouldn't rely on a single source of income The biggest challenge that freelancers experience and how to overcome it What Wipster is and how it can streamline your communication with clients What to consider when deciding whether or not to create a YouTube channel for your business The kind of YouTube channel that will attract the most potential clients Useful and actionable tips for growing your YouTube channel How to make extra passive income with affiliate marketing on YouTube Quotes: "Whether you decide to go to college or not, just surround yourself with people who inspire you and just start getting your hands dirty." [9:20] "If you present yourself as an expert on YouTube and you grow that following and that expertise, you can really bring in more business for yourself." [25:20] "It's kind of like the power of the network too, because you may get a lot of solo entrepreneurs and freelancers watching you, but then they talk about you and refer you." [29:25] "You can't expect instant results. It takes time, persistence, and patience. But if you can impact just one person, that's a win for me." [35:20] Links: Premiere Gal website Follow Kelsey Brannan's Premier Girl on YouTube | Twitter | Instagram | Patreon Wipster NAB Giveaway Wipster Follow Wipster on Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Twitter | Linkedin NAB Show Book a meeting with Wipster at NAB Show The High-Performance Planner vidIQ 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 into 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!

Apr 1, 2019 ⢠48min
118: The Only Definition Of Success That Really Matters w/ Lee Cockerell
Our jobs rise and fall on customer service. Providing your clients with quality work is one thing, but keeping them happy is often something else. Today's guest, Lee Cockerell, has a lifetime of insight into providing invaluable customer service as part of some huge companies that you can start applying right away! In addition to being one of my favorite experts on leadership ever, Lee is the retired exec Vice President of the Walt Disney World Resort, a position he held for 10 years. Before Disney, Lee spent eight years with Hilton and Marriott International. Lee is the author of four books on leadership, management and customer service and hosts a weekly 15-minute podcast, Creating Disney Magic. Having worn so many big hats, Lee has plenty of expert advice to share on time management and customer service. In this interview, Lee takes us through his journey of how he learned the importance of treating everyone with caring and respect. This led him to dedicate himself to helping others by sharing his knowledge and insights with the world. Lee talks about the importance of expanding your horizons by regularly going to new places, meeting different people, and having the confidence to take risks. Lee also describes the most important elements that make a great company culture. These include going to great lengths to hire the very best employees, having clear expectations, and excellent training. You also have to let everyone in your organization know that you know they matter. Lee's insight into what makes the best customer service is something none of us can afford to miss. It's really simple too. Lee explains how just being nice in the right ways will keep your customers coming back again and again. He also breaks down just how to manage your time effectively so that you can have both a successful job and a fulfilling life. How do you go above and beyond to make your customers happy? Tell me about it in the comments on the episode page! In this episode: Discovering that you have something important to share with other people Why teaching others creates the best legacy that you can leave behind Why it's infinitely better to be an expert at something specific than a jack of all trades The only definition of success that really matters How to positively impact a company's culture from the inside The true first rule of customer service Tried and true tips on maintaining effective time-management Quotes: "The best satisfaction you'll get is when somebody thanks you for helping them along the way. They won't forget it -- you will because you may help a lot of people, but people never forget when you help." [7:13] "Become an expert in something; then you can expand. You'll always have something to fall back on in case you don't get that promotion or that opportunity. Experts always find a job." [12:53] "Hire them right, train them right, and treat them right, and you'll have a good organization. If you're not committed to your people, they're not going to be committed to you." [21:09] "If you don't take the time to plan the life you want, you're going to spend a lot of time living a life you don't want." [30:15] "You do it through attitude, passion, and keep learning after you kinda wake up one day. You can do it, anybody can do it. Either you're going to be smarter every day or not. It's up to you." [42:42] Links: Grab your free gift by texting "morning planner" to 442222 Find Lee Cockerell online Follow Lee on Twitter | Facebook | Linkedin Creating Disney Magic podcast Creating Magic by Lee Cockerell Eat That Frog! by Brian Tracy The High-Performance Planner Additional Links: Check out the full show notes page 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 into 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!

Mar 25, 2019 ⢠45min
117: How To Level Up Your Projects With Color Grading w/ Denver Riddle
There are the subtle touches you can make to your videos that will take them to the next level. Much of this has to do with the color grading you use. It can set you apart from your competitors and get you noticed in ways that you hadn't been before. The best part is that anyone can learn to do it! Denver Riddle is a colorist with a true passion for sharing what he's learned about color grading with others. He's the founder of Color Grading Central and has worked on countless feature films and commercials. Denver has developed numerous color grading tools, including the original color presets for Instagram's video feature, so you may even have used his work without knowing it. In this interview, Denver tells the story of how he discovered the role color grading can play to make an ordinary film look epic. He's used his skills in coloring to showcase the quality of his work which has paid dividends when on the job hunt. Denver explains just why having well-done color grading can make all the difference to the audience as well. If you're interested in getting into the world of coloring, Denver talks about why it's easier and less expensive than ever to do it now. What's your experience with color grading? How does it make your videos stand out from the crowd? Tell me in the comments on the episode page! In this episode: The subtle parts of imagery that set big budget films apart from ordinary video The most important 27 seconds you have and the power of first impressions How to attach a monetary value to the time and energy spent on color grading Where to start if you want to learn how to do color grading and why it has never been a better time to begin Quotes: "I just felt like there was this huge gap between what I was able to create when I bought my first HD camera and what other people were producing online. It was really a perplexing problem." [7:35] "The average is 27 seconds that someone will form a first impression. So when people are looking to hire somebody, the first and foremost thing that they're going to look at is the quality. What kind of quality does this person put out?" [16:14] "There's been a huge shift in the industry across all levels just because of the advancement in the technology and the democratization of the tools." [30:25] Links: Color Grading Central Follow Denver on Instagram | YouTube Cinema Grade Joshua Smith's Wedding Videos Magic Bullet Suite by Red Giant Blackmagic Design Additional Links: Check out the full show notes page 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 into 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!

Mar 18, 2019 ⢠47min
116: How To Improve Your Business Using Simple Daily Practices w/ Travis Hull
The journey of improving and refining your business may seem vast and daunting. If you're trying to do it all at once, you'll likely end up frustrated and not much further along than you are already. But if you can move that needle forward just a little bit every day, then you're going to see significant improvement before too long. And, today's guest, Travis Hull, knows all about how the small steps can make for major positive changes! Travis is the founder of Talking Heads Studio and his studio works with businesses and brands from around the country as well as at home in Orlando, FL. Travis helps all sorts of clients tell their stories through video, photography, and event production, be they a local non-profit or the NFL. Travis and I sit down to talk about finding businesses to work with that share his mission of helping people improve their lives and the challenges and rewards of that endeavor. We also chat about what it means to make meaningful relationships as a filmmaker and the countless ways that this can pay off. Travis ends by sharing some great advice on how to find work with major brands even if you're a small studio. How have you leveraged business relationships to find work with the brands you want to work with? Let me know in the comments on the episode page! In this episode: Taking your skills as a filmmaker into the realm of event production Seeking out businesses to work with that don't just pay your bills but help to improve people's lives Discovering the little daily practices that you can do to improve both your business and the world around you Finding value when meeting and connecting with people that go beyond mere business relationships Being humble enough to learn new things that will help improve your business How to find work with a big national brand when you have no idea where to start Quotes: "Shooting weddings you get one take. So now, telling stories with national brands and being able to go in and think ahead, making sure your equipment and crew and everything are lined up, so when that CEO that makes thousands of dollars an hour walks in the room, you're ready to roll and you're ready to kill it for 'em." [11:43] "I think a large part of the success of our business is building relationships and having a good network of people around you that support you or refer people to you or whatever it may be. That way when I need them, they're there and when they need me I'm there." [22:57] "We try to build a culture that when someone comes in the door of our studio, they're super relaxed at all times, especially if we're going for an emotional interview. We don't want them to pay attention to the lights, the camera, anything." [34:13] Links: Find Travis Hull online at Talking Heads Studio Follow Travis on Facebook | Vimeo | YouTube | Instagram The High-Performance Planner Only Today Additional Links: Check out the full show notes page 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 into 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!

Mar 11, 2019 ⢠39min
115: Why Your Mindset Can Be Your Biggest Struggle w/ Dallin Nead
Perhaps the biggest difference between an entrepreneur that makes it and one who doesn't is their mindset. Being intentional on how you overcome your internal conflicts makes all the difference. Few know this better than my guest today, Dallin Nead. Dallin, with Content Supply, has been working in corporate, travel, film and broadcast video production for over ten years. His work has taken him all over the globe as he makes outstanding content to help people and businesses share their stories. Dallin is a filmmaking entrepreneur focused on helping other entrepreneurs take their business to the next level by providing strategy, production, and distribution service. Today, you're going to hear about how Dallin got into helping other entrepreneurs through video. He's learned a lot along the way and he shares some key concepts about the importance of mindset and how it differentiates you as a freelancer or business owner. Dallin also tells us about his sales process that he uses to connect with potential clients who may not have realized that they want video services. Dallin is a big fan of getting retainer clients and he tells us why you should be too. He also tells us how he takes existing models from other businesses and adapts it to serve his clients and himself. How do you approach your internal conflicts with a mindset that leads to success? Leave a comment on the episode page! In this episode: How following your passions will lead to more fulfillment than just doing what society asks of you Why mindset can be your biggest struggle as a business owner and how you can take control of it Following a simple sales process to land clients who may not otherwise have wanted your services How to get high paying retainer clients and what to offer them How you can shoot over six months of content in just two days Quotes: "To actually make a career that I have full autonomy with and I can have deeper connections and be more creative I needed to be an entrepreneur by way of filmmaking." [16:05] "A remarkable story involves conflict and the hardest conflict to overcome is internal." [18:23] "It's taking existing models and adapting it to a way that you can serve who you want to serve. That's where I think innovation and revolution may come in and really benefit people by bringing in new eyes to tried and true principles that have always been around." [34:14] Links: Find Dallin Nead online Follow Dallin on Instagram | Facebook | YouTube Teachable Smart Passive Income with Pat Flynn SwitchPod's Kickstarter Campaign Clickfunnels Muse Storytelling Story and Heart Additional Links: Check out the full show notes page 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 into 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!

Mar 4, 2019 ⢠49min
114: The One Thing You Need To Do To Make More Money w/ Blair Enns
How do you charge your clients more with confidence? I know many creatives like us have trouble asking for more money because they're afraid that it will somehow pollute their craft or drive away customers. Don't fall into this trap! I'm really excited to have a guest today, Blair Enns, who knows all about offering great value to your clients and successfully charging more without feeling bad about it. Blair possesses a truly amazing mind and an amazing gift to be able to help people like you and me. If you've heard of him, it's likely because of his book, The Win Without Pitching Manifesto. Honestly, this book has changed the way I engage with my clients. In addition to his books, Blair runs a training program where he and his team of coaches help other entrepreneurs win more business. This episode is all about what Blair says is the number one thing you need to do to make more money. We chat about two differentiators which will allow you to charge more from your clients, how price anchoring will help build your confidence and increase revenue, and helpful ways to push back against a client. Blair also shares how to get over the limiting belief that charging more will turn you into a greedy person. We go on to talk about the importance of specializing so that you can stand out from the competition and show your clients the value that you will provide them. Is something stopping you from raising your rates? Have you gone ahead and done it and seen results? Tell me all about it in the comments on the episode page! In this episode: Why you should double what you're charging your clients (but probably won't) The role that self-esteem plays in your ability to close more high payoff sales Pushing back against a client's objections in a way that is helpful and builds confidence Understanding that there are no moral problems with making more money How creating extraordinary value for your clients will ultimately lead to other kinds of success How to help people to want to work with you instead of trying to simply convince them that you're good enough Why every client should have a different value-based pricing plan Quotes: "You can [charge multiples of what you've been charging] but you have to think about what it is that you do and what it is that the client is buying differently. And then you have to frame it differently. And when you do it right you won't be pulling a fast one on the client, you'll actually be creating more value for the client and you'll have them willingly pay you more because you're now thinking about the engagement differently." [13:33] "If you're struggling with confidence, you need to work on options. -- wherever possible, increase your options." [17:07] "'No' isn't the end if you don't want it to be the end; it's just the beginning of whatever happens next." [20:17] "We need to get over this idea that money is somehow sullied and that we should only ever want so much. You are allowed to want whatever you want for whatever reasons you want." [28:48] "It's not just a matter of raising your rates, you have to change the way you price. You have to change the way you think about pricing." [43:00] Links: Find Blair Enns online Follow Blair on Twitter | Linkedin | Instagram | Facebook 2Bobs Podcast with David C. Baker and Blair Enns The Win Without Pitching Manifesto by Blair Enns A Target Audience of One by Blair Enns Pricing Creativity: A Guide to Profit Beyond the Billable Hour by Blair Enns Obliquity: Why Our Goals Are Best Achieved Indirectly by John Kay Additional Links: Check out the full show notes page 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 into 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!

Feb 25, 2019 ⢠45min
113: How To Conquer Your Fears & The Haters w/ Ryan Welch
Imagine if you were so afraid to try filmmaking that you never did it. Sure, most of us have been scared at some point in our professional journeys. That's okay. There are times when a little fear is healthy. Not allowing that fear to hold you back and share what you can create is the important part. Ryan Welch is the owner and Creative Director of AO Films in Oregon, a small team of filmmakers and creative collective. Ryan has a lifelong passion for telling great stories using the power of images. He has directed and shot a number of award-winning films with a blend of narrative and documentary storytelling. In this interview, we talk about fear and how it will dictate what we do and don't do if we let it. It begins with being part of your client's team so that you can work together as smoothly and openly as possible. We talk about how it also comes from having intentionality and purpose in your work so that it aligns with your values. Ryan goes on to shed some light on how he finds validation in his work that is not related to external criticism. How do you create great work without letting fear and worry hold you back? Leave a comment on the episode page! In this episode: Working with clients who are passionate and great to collaborate with The "magic" formula for finding your perfect clients How being intentional can start with something as simple as your name Not letting the haters keep you from doing the work that you truly care about Using your passion projects to find more work Getting the funding you need to pursue your passion projects Quotes: "Ultimately, you have to follow your desires and the things that you want as a company, the things that you're passionate about." [10:29] "As much as you can, eliminate fear from what you're doing." [23:56] "Create and do things that make you come alive and put them out for the world to see. And if people don't connect with it, then who cares? That's their issue, not yours." [25:47] "Finding a way to overcome that fear of other people's judgment of what you're doing is something that I think if you can figure out early on, you're going to be better off." [27:06] "There is a desire for content. And if you have a great story, there's somebody out there who will listen to you." [38:31] Links: Find Ryan Welch at AO Films Follow AO Films on Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Vimeo | YouTube Follow Ryan on Instagram | Twitter Go Ahead! Adventure The High Performance Planner by Brendon Burchard Additional Links: Check out the full show notes page 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 into 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!

Feb 18, 2019 ⢠41min
112: Three Unconventional Ways To Excel In The Video Business w/ Barry Andersson
How do you find work if you live in a place that might not have many opportunities? It's going to take some creativity, determination, and flexibility for sure, but the work is out there. Today's guest, Barry Andersson, has made a career out of taking what he calls "intelligent risks" to find amazing work in unexpected ways. Barry is an award-winning director and cinematographer. He has made a career in television and video production which includes five feature films, many short films, three TV pilots, and numerous commercials. He uses his real-world experience to work for clients like Disney, Skype, and ESPN to instruct seminars globally about best practices for filmmakers. He's consulted with groups like the US Marines, the NFL, NBA, and some prestigious universities. As if that weren't enough, he's also the author of the DSLR Filmmaker's Handbook. Today, we're talking about unconventional ways to find work in this business. Barry has found work that he truly enjoys doing and we talk about discovering jobs that we find fulfilling. As a master of making great videos under less than ideal circumstances, Barry pulls the curtain back to reveal some of the ways he ends up with amazing finished products. Barry took a unique path into filmmaking, eschewing formal film school in favor of going his own intrepid route. We talk about what this journey was like, its unique struggles and advantages and disadvantages. Barry is a pro at finding work in unexpected places and he shares how he does that too. Have you found any outside the box solutions to getting work far from the big studios? Let me know how you did it in the comments on the episode page! In this episode: Identifying work that you truly enjoy doing Common frustrations that aspiring filmmakers face and how you can overcome them The work-ethic and sheer force of determination necessary to make it big in this line of work Finding jobs in unexpected places by leveraging your resources and connections Why you should work on jobs that make you nervous and uncomfortable Three unconventional ways to excel in the video business Quotes: "Any time I get to work with someone and get to create an authentic moment that isn't authentic, that's something that I feel like I was put on this earth to do." [9:21] "How many people have one defined path that worked? This is the only business where literally there are no rules⌠As long as you don't think it's crazy, then it's a viable option to try." [20:31] "If you're not working on jobs routinely that make you uncomfortable and nervous, you are not doing it right because those are the jobs that push you to be the best." [29:08] Links: Find Barry Andersson online Follow Barry Andersson on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | Vimeo The High Performance Planner The DSLR Filmmaker's Handbook by Barry Anderson and Janie L. Geyen Additional Links: Check out the full show notes page 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 into 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!

Feb 11, 2019 ⢠37min
111: How To Structure Your Business So You Can Take Unexpected Time Off w/ Mason Gray
What if something tragic occurred and you needed time away from your business? Yeah, I went there. But let's imagine that you needed to take an undefined break from your work to handle an unexpected turn of events. Is your business set up in a way to handle that? Because of the way Mason Gray structured his business he was able to handle just such an unexpected turn. Mason Gray is the co-owner of Gray's Studio in Texas. This studio has been around for more than a century so it's had to adapt a lot to stay in business. Mason has helped bring his studio from being based purely in photography into the world of video and marketing. This episode is all about how the digital landscape has changed and how as filmmakers we have a built-in advantage to work smarter rather than harder. Mason talks about how transitioning to digital ads has significantly upped his profits while reducing his active workload. We also discuss finding clients who sell everyday needs-based products and services. We go on to talk about how Mason was able to keep his business going all while taking time off to be with his family after the premature birth of his daughter. Even though these circumstances were unexpected, Mason's business never suffered because he had the systems in place to allow it to run smoothly without him. What would happen to your business if you suddenly needed to take off a few days, weeks, or even months? Leave a comment on the episode page! In this episode: The support that comes from being part of a family business The biggest lessons Mason learned from the Selling Like a Sherpa Course Realizing that you're a business person first and a photographer/videographer second Finding potential customers selling common everyday products Having a business structured so that you can take unexpected time-off and still earn an income Quotes: "Really work on the business side of things. It's not about executing your craft. It's not about how do I get better lighting, how do I get better equipment. It's about relationships and making connections and just hustling for that business." [8:42] "Everything that you can think of that you use every day - that's a customer. All it takes is, are you going to learn it and are you going to take action?" [23:42] "My passion is my family first. And that's why I'm doing what I'm doing. It's because I love my family and this is going to allow me to have time with my family. And then the video comes also." [29:52] "I want to become a solution for my clients versus just adding something pretty to their portfolio or website. Results have to be easily seen to be a solution." [32:47] Links: Find Mason Gray at Gray's Studio Follow Gray's Studio on Instagram | Facebook Check out Mason's class on digital ads Visual Masterpiece Selling Like a Sherpa Course Additional Links: Check out the full show notes page 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 into 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!


