Grow Your Video Business with Ryan Koral

Identifying your ideal customer sure is an overwhelming process. So is crafting a clear message that shows them that you understand and empathize with their problems and needs. My friend Mark Wallenwine understands that problem as well as anyone and I am so thrilled that he joins us today to discuss his step-by-step process of helping you craft the message you need to grow your business. Mark is a StoryBrand certified guide and copywriter. He helps million dollar companies craft clear messages, clarify marketing assets, and discover the character of their brand and their target audience so that their business can grow. I am so thrilled that Mark was good enough to join me to share his proven methods for achieving this. In this episode, Mark explains the steps of his workshop so you can see just how he helps brands narrow down their picture of their ideal client and clarify their message. It's truly exciting and brimming with aha moments. Have you been struggling to define your brand's message and your ideal client? What's seems to be the sticking point for you? Leave a comment on the episode page! In this episode Why identifying your target audience is perhaps the most crucial part of building your brand The reasons why looking to your past clients is much more profitable than searching for new ones Why your clients don't need to be in the same industry or in even remotely similar types of business Why a having a clear message is so much more important than a cool tagline The importance of creating a sales funnel that ends in landing clients who know that you can solve their problems The reasons why having good copywriting is essential to getting your ideal client and growing your business Quotes "Everyone is talking about the next best camera or thinking that that will solve all these problems. But your customers don't even know about the next best camera or care…. That doesn't solve their problems at all. Actually, that's the greatest way to divebomb your profitability." [10:07] -17:46 "In a business matrix, new products and new customers are the most dangerous places to be because you have no data on them. So when we're talking about customers, old customers with products you've made, are the safest place, because you know how long the projects take, you know how much was invested in them, you also know why they came to you, what problems they have, how you solved those problems." [14:25] "If you can resonate with how someone is feeling about a problem and talk about that in a way using language in a video or copy that is exactly like how they are thinking, then their brain literally goes 'Oh my goodness! They're speaking exactly what I'm thinking. They must have a solution for me.' When you follow that up with a solution to their problem they go, 'I have to buy this. Please take my money!" [36:32] Links Schedule a call with Mark Get Marks free ebook and questionnaire Follow Mark on Facebook | Youtube | Linkedin Building a StoryBrand by Don Miller How to Write Copy That Sells by Ray Edwards SSP 082: The Truth About How To Build An Effective Brand Check out the full show notes page 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!

This week we're throwing it back to one of my favorite interviews I've done, featuring Mark Winters. Rocket Fuel, the book he co-authored with Gino Wickman is one of the most impactful books in my entrepreneurial journey and I highly recommend you check it out. If you're like me, and most other creative business owners, you're really good at starting projects, but not always at finishing through on them. You have a ton of amazing ideas but most of them never get acted upon, and it feels like if only you could find the time to actually implement these thoughts your business would be unstoppable. If that sounds familiar, this is completely normal. You're most likely what Mark Winters calls a visionary. Mark is the co-author of a book called Rocket Fuel, where he and his co-author Gino Wickman detail the two essential roles that need to be filled for any business to truly thrive. As we discuss, most business owners and entrepreneurs are Visionaries, people who excel at coming up with ideas, but often lack the focus to follow through on the details and execution. That's where the Implementer comes in. As visionaries, these are the people we need to hold us accountable, and who excel at seeing that the grand ideas get put into practice in our businesses. Mark and I talk about how to know when it's time to seek out an implementor, how to find and make use of one in your business - even if that business only consists of you, and some common hiring mistakes small businesses make, along with a ton of other insight. Does the visionary role resonate with you? Have you ever hired someone who fit perfectly into the Integrator role? What results did that have on your business? In this episode: The difference between visionaries and implementers and why both are essential in successful businesses and partnerships How to know when you need to start looking for an integrator, and what characteristics you should be looking for How to make the integrator/visionary model work even in a small 1 or 2 person company Why you can't only hire people that you like and resonate with, and some of the consequences Quotes: "It's so hard for us to realize that all the stuff that drives us nuts, there's actually somebody out there, that's what they love!" [14:19] "It's the simple math problem that says, 'If I can pay $25/hr to have somebody do that and I can get an hour, what can I do with that? What could I generate with that hour?' It's probably way more than $25, and worst case it's an hour of freedom." [17:56] Links Find Mark online Follow Mark on Twitter @markcwinters Find Rocket Fuel on Amazon and AudibleTraction by Gino Wickman

Being a filmmaker often means chasing the clients and the work while leaving your passion projects on the backburner. It's often easier, even "safer" not to do the work that truly speaks to your creative side, even though that work can open more doors and help you grow as a creator and artist. Lee Morton is the founder of Mozell Films, a company that helps brands tell their stories through video, while also doing freelance work as a director. In today's episode, he not only shares his knowledge on how to build successful business connections, but we also go deep into what it means to create work that you're truly passionate about. Lee's entrepreneurial journey is truly inspiring. He built his company from scratch by making gutsy decisions and snagging the best opportunities that came his way. Today, we discuss how to chase your dreams without regret and how to grow as an artist while also building and running a successful business. Do you have a passion project you've been putting off? Or, has such a project paid dividends you never expected? Let me know in the comments on the show notes page! In This Episode: How to make your brand stand out from the crowd by being unique in the way you hustle The importance of having a sales process, making the right connections, and having patience in order to land work with the big brands. What passion projects mean to the industry and why they should be an essential part of your business Taking control of the production process so that the work that your not fired up about makes the work you are excited about possible The importance of keeping your team passionate in the work you're all doing How having trust in your creative process and that of others will help you overcome so many struggles Quotes: "I think the one thing that I've been inspired by the most is simply opportunity. You can do anything you want in this world. You can create a project and make something and put it in front of anyone. And that is incredibly inspiring." [13:22] "I want to be the best at whatever I do because I know I'll be more fulfilled that way and I'll be able to serve people better than being a mediocre something." [31:25] "This is an orchestra of people serving a story, so they're all independent relationships. Serve them and their human spirit because that is what humanity is about. If you do that we're all going to be one hundred percent into this story and this project" [42:22] Links: Don't Forget to use the code "studiosherpas10" on last week's guest's Kristine & Calen's upcoming Masterclass Find Lee Online Follow Lee on Instagram Mozell Films Follow Mozell Films on Instagram Check out the full show notes page 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!

Striking a balance between your creative side and developing your business is tough. How do you stay true to your artistic talents while also growing a successful business? Videographer power-couple Kristine and Calen Rhome join us today to talk about how they've built up a successful videography business without compromising their artistic visions. Kristine and Calen run White in Revery which they started six years ago. While they specialize in wedding videos, they do a lot more as well. Ask them what they do and they might just answer "millennial jobs." Traveling around the world to shoot in some amazing locations, these super-entrepreneurs have found the sweet spot in running a successful business that showcases their talents but still leaves them the time and energy to focus on their family. Not wanting to keep all their knowledge to themselves, Kristine and Caleb now share what they know with one-on-one workshops and have created a comprehensive masterclass on video editing. In this podcast, we also talk about the importance of establishing an efficient workflow, how to cultivate personal relationships in different sectors of the industry, and how to let your work sell itself. Perhaps most importantly, we discuss why investing in yourself is essential. If you feel that your business is stagnating because you've reached the limits of your skill-set or are taking on too much yourself, then get prepared for an illuminating episode. How do you build your business while maintaining your artistic mindset? How have you built beneficial relationships with others? Leave us a comment on the episode page! In this episode: Why it's important to hire an employee even if you don't think you need one yet Why building relationships and nurturing connections with all sorts of people will get you more work How prioritizing family and your personal life will be reflected positively in your business The importance of always learning and improving your game, even though it may seem too expensive and time-consuming Quotes: "It has always been really difficult to let go and have someone else in place of you that represents your team, who can film your style well. The biggest part is having really good character, so they connect with the couple on a great level." "It's really important, for me personally, to be spending money on myself, on the knowledge I have." "Love what you do … Enjoy the process, do your best, but put out things that you're proud of." Links Build A Better Video Business With Our Exclusive Studio Sherpa Community Don't Forget to use the code "studiosherpas10" on Kristine & Calen's upcoming Masterclass White in Revery Follow Kristine and Calen on Facebook | Instagram | Youtube Venture Workshop for Wedding Filmmakers Tony Robbins Studio Sherpas Interview with Colleen Bezich on Legal Advice How I Built This Podcast Check out the full show notes page 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!

Sometimes your clients just don't know what story they have to tell. They might know what their brand is, but not how to get their values and ideas across beyond a simple list of keywords. Of course, it's your job to find that story and tell it for them. Clover Carroll, founder of New Story Media, has built a company that does just that. He helps his customers define their brand through authentic video storytelling. Not only does he have a lot to say about ways to help and nurture relationships with clients, he also shares how he has grown as a successful entrepreneur. Clover started off shooting videos for luxury farms and ranches (hear why he hates drones), and today he helps his clients tell their stories with strategic video marketing campaigns. He's not afraid to ask deep questions about their company's core values in order to get the message across. In this episode, we discuss successful marketing practices to grow as a company and how to create a system that weathers the high and low seasons of business. We also discuss the power of community. Clover reminds us that we are not alone in our struggles and the best way we grow and succeed as entrepreneurs is to learn from each other. Have you learned any valuable lessons from a community? How do you dispel a potential client's fears with the authenticity of your brand? Let us know in the comments on the episode page! In this episode: How the power of community can help us learn and cope with our struggles. Why it's critical to generate leads well in advance of when you need them through a nurturing campaign. How to put potential customers' fears to rest by being our own awesome and authentic self. Ways in which a video production business can transform into engaging marketing strategy company. Quotes "From an entrepreneur's standpoint, I'm always analyzing success. What you have done, whether you realize it or not...you have created a lead generator of value where you don't even put in all the content entirely yourself. The group is generating the content for you, and that's incredible." [9:33] "There's the business system that has to happen. Whether you're selling video or marketing or cheese, you have to have business systems in place. That is why it is imperative that you read all the time. You've got to be learning. You got to have new processes. You got to have new ideas." [28:36] "People say 'I need a video to explain my business.' But what they really need is strategy." [35:25] Links: Build A Better Video Business With Our Exclusive Studio Sherpa Community New Story Media Follow New Story Media on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter StoryBrand Minimalist Marketing Dotcom Secrets The E-Myth by Michael Gerber Teamwork ActiveCampaign Story & Heart DigiMarCon South Check out the full show notes page 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 leave us a review on iTunes!

One of the biggest mistakes filmmakers tend to make nowadays is forgetting the importance of storytelling. Storytelling has a rich human history and it is something that today's returning guest, Patrick Moreau, is passionate about helping other filmmakers discover. In this episode, Patrick walks us through why we need to understand the science of storytelling and how that knowledge will help us land bigger and better jobs. Patrick is the founder of Stillmotion and Muse Storytelling, and has recently launched a free course for filmmaking walking through the effects story has on the human mind. The 'Expert of Storytelling', Patrick has a highly esteemed portfolio including work for Canon, the United Nations and the NFL and is a master of delivering results-based content to his clients. Patrick takes storytelling to the next level, explaining the concept of narrative transportation and backs it up with hard scientific facts behind the reason storytelling works (when its done right, of course). By strategically planning how to achieve an objective and become a storytelling expert, you can increase the amount you make per job, open up new revenue streams through consulting, and instill more confidence in your clients. He also digs into why we need to challenge ourselves to become more than 'pixel pushers' and to truly connect with our client's message and in turn, connect deeply with the human emotion in your consumer. Patrick believes it's more important to go beyond the filters and the drones of today's filmmaking scene to actually emotionally connect with a specific story. How do you connect with your client's stories and help them make 'more than just a video'? Let us know in the comments! In This Episode Going beyond being a filmmaker to become a storyteller The science behind how and why storytelling works How to properly communicate your goals with your clients Adding value to the way you tell stories Positioning yourself as an expert in the industry Quotes "That's where you want to be with your clients, a trusted expert who can execute and deliver results, and you're just giving them clarity on how you're going to do it." (6:32) "We are making videos for humans to watch so we kind of have a responsibility to understand how humans work. What actually creates connection? Why would somebody actually watch this? Why wouldn't they watch this? And that's really the premise of all of it. If you are making videos for humans understand what gets their attention, what drives them to action, what would get them to actually watch your content? And once you understand that you unlock a whole new world of how you can create and how you can interact with your clients." (13:24) "They want a video, they aren't sure how they want to get there, they don't even necessarily communicate why they want to do it, but by us positioning ourselves as the expert and walking them through a different way, all of a sudden they're like 'yeah I get why we would pay you way more, because the guy down the street is just making a video" (32:32) "[The training videos] go through in detail how to actually apply these ideas to your business right now so that it's like tangible value that you can walk away with." (43:53) "All of a sudden, you're the expert. And you get the rooms and the budgets and the time, and you just fall in love with it. You just get excited to get back out and get on the field and create things that you believe in. Things that you want to see made. And that's powerful. (47:02) Links Build A Better Video Business With Our Exclusive Studio Sherpa Community Level Up Your Filmmaking Muse Storytelling Stillmotion Follow Stillmotion on Twitter | Instagram Check out the full show notes page 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 leave us a review on iTunes!

When I first started out with my business, I thought that branding meant little more than having a cool label and a good looking website. Yeah... I was wrong about that. Through the years, my branding has both hurt and helped my business, as I'm sure it has for many of you. Today we're diving into the art and strategy of branding, and how you can put it to work for your business. In this episode, I want to share some of the highs and lows (and embarrassing relics of past iterations of my businesses…) of my branding journey, tips and tricks of how to avoid getting lost in your branding, and how to figure out what makes your company different. Proper branding can give your company a stronger sense of direction, help you access your target audience and secure larger and more profitable projects. It's important to keep refreshing your brand over time to make sure it is still speaking your language to your potential clients, and figuring out what your company's overall feel and vibe is your first step. Where are you at your company? Have you branded yourself? Leave a comment on this post with your thoughts on my second solo episode! In This Episode Learning from your mistakes to make your branding better The stories behind the branding of my companies and some of the mistakes I made What a brand looks like today vs 15 years ago How to clean up a confused brand and why it matters Understanding the branding learning curve Quotes "My hope is that we can all just understand that if we are learning, we are in a good spot, if we are open to change, we are in a good spot. And back then I was learning and I was open to change, and I just wish I would have changed sooner, I wish I would have understood what a brand was sooner." (9:53) "When we did the branding process I finally felt like, 'oh my gosh!' My confidence went up. And I wasn't ashamed anymore." (15:42) "With a solid brand, when you go to sleep at night, your brand works for you. When people are emailing you, your brand should work for you. When people are talking to you on the phone, meeting you in person, you should know how to say what it is you do and who you are doing it for. And that is who you are and that is actually what your brand is. Your brand is who you are." (17:30) "It was more about the conversation about where the brands need to go as opposed to what they needed to look like." (28:41) "That's really where branding comes in. Branding is that piece where if you have solid messaging surrounding you and you are inundating yourself and just embracing the brand then you can go anywhere, whether it's online or going to a networking meeting. You can be the brand for other people." (38:44) Links Build A Better Video Business With Our Exclusive Studio Sherpa Community Deep Canvas DJ Hurula & One Brand Studio Building A Story Brand by Donald Miller Story Brand Level Up Your Filmmaking Check out the full show notes page 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 leave us a review on iTunes! My First Business' "Branding" *Cringe*:

You know that feeling of hitting a brick wall with your business. Like you've tried everything to do more for your clients and stand out from the pack but nothing seems to stick? Maybe you're overwhelmed and know you need to bring on more help but don't know where to start? Danny Gonzales joins us today to share how he's been able to set his business apart in the crowded world of video production. Danny Gonzales created Optimum Productions over 11 years ago and is a valuable member of the Studio Sherpas community. His company is focused on B2B marketing, boasting a client list including Procter & Gamble, Coca-Cola, HP, and more. Combining video production, strategy, and digital marketing, Optimum Productions mission is to create impactful content that makes their clients lives easier. Danny, the self-proclaimed 'owner, operator and janitor' of his small video business, is here to discuss what it takes to keep hold of your dreams and how to improve your craft while also figuring out what it means to actually provide great customer service. Danny believes that by asking yourself questions about where you are going and where you want to go with your business, along with the support and guidance of a community life Studio Sherpas, you too can transition from business person to business owner. I'd love to hear what you're doing to stand out as a film business. Let me know in the comments on the episode page! In This Episode The tipping point between a hobby and a business What drew Danny to Studio Sherpas and the Selling Like A Sherpa Course How being part of a community can help you transition from freelancer to business owner The best way to ask for a prospective clients budget Indicators that it's time to hire your first real employee, and how to decide who you should hire How to stand out as a business to potential clients Quotes "We help our clients to basically develop a strategy around video, create that content, and then actually deploy it." (8:17) "You start off because you are really passionate about that particular skill set. But the challenge is, when you get into the thick of it, you're like 'oh, there's a bunch of other things that go along with this business that I did not realize" (18:45) "In B2B there is sometimes this perception that because it is not consumer-facing it can't be cool… and that's not true. That is not true at all. So we really pride ourselves on working with B2B brands who really want to do something that is different. (23:57) "If you're hiring somebody that can do things that you are currently doing that are driving you crazy, that allows you to be freed up to help make more money for the business, then it's like oh my gosh a no-brainer, it's not going to take you very much to be able to replace that income or hourly rate" (41:33) Links Optimum Productions Website Follow Optimum Productions on Facebook | Twitter | YouTube Selling Like a Sherpa Check out the full show notes page Stay up to date with everything we're doing at Studio Sherpas Tune into our weekly Facebook Lives If you haven't already, we'd love it if you would leave us a review on iTunes!

Have you ever felt like there's more you could be doing for your clients than just delivery beautiful work? Going above and beyond and providing additional value to your clients is something that will set you apart from your competition and keep clients coming back to you again and again. Today, Marley Baird is going to share with us exactly where to get started. Marley is a video branding expert who has worked with huge brands and influential people to create a unique video creation and marketing company. Marley focuses on social media marketing to create videos that explain a core message while eliciting an emotional response to increase her client's exposure and relevance online. Based out of Edmonton, Canada, but constantly traveling for work, Marley Baird Media has created a solution where other video companies are falling short. She dives into her client's 'why' factor and shares how she gives more value to her clients than just a nicely shot and edited video. Marley has capitalized on new revenue streams in social media and branding while combining her passion for video making. If you are passionate about filmmaking, eager to learn from your clients and peers, and realize the power and potential of multifaceted video and marketing brand power, this episode featuring Marley Baird is your first step to success. What are you doing to add more value to your clients than just the final video product? Let us know in the comments on the episode page! In This Episode Marley's social media strategies Why YouTube is Marley's most powerful social media starting point Where to start if you want to give your clients something more than just a video Creating content that elicits an emotional response A different way of thinking about business and human connection Quotes "Every time we do travel I just feel so energized by it. You would think that filming 10 months' worth of content in 3 days would be draining and you would be exhausted after, but I really energized because the clients we work with are so fun and we learn a lot while we are there. We make it fun for everybody." (13:50) "With any client, I see what they are doing and I see how influential [they are] and how their thought leadership is making such an impact, and to be a part of the process... it's so exciting to be a part of that process and watch how other people's lives are changed from a video." (16:02) "I am happy when I get to make a video for someone that generates more excitement and impact for people, and changes their lives. It changed for me from being this person who fought so hard to sit at the cool kids' table to now just create something that makes an impact and who cares what table you sit at or if you are a black sheep or not." (20:33) "When you make something that can become this ecosystem, this synergistic strategy, where all these things can go together, that's what's going to set you apart." (26:11) Links Marley Baird Media Website Follow Marley on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube Alex Charfen Entrepreneur Expert Selling Like a Sherpa Grum Scheduling App Social Media United Find out how I use some of my favorite apps to sell more and better! Check out the full show notes page Stay up to date with everything we're doing at Studio Sherpas Tune into our weekly Facebook Lives If you haven't already, we'd love it if you would leave us a review on iTunes!

When you hear the phrases "multi 6-figure film business", or "celebrity clients", do they sound like unattainable goals from your current vantage point? If so you're going to want to hear what my good friends Chris and Toni Wheaton of Heart Stone Films and Portico Pictures have to share with us today. Married in 2008, Chris and Toni are a power couple of film business gurus. Heart Stone Films began in 2007 and has since captured the wedding moments of numerous NFL, NBA players, NASCAR drivers as well as Emily Maynard of The Bachelorette. Over time, their connections, connections and jaw-dropping work allowed them to branch into commercial video, and Portico Pictures was born. Chris and Toni share tips on growing a thriving film business including dealing with staffing and outsourcing, working with your spouse, how to build a great portfolio, pricing and how to move up in the filmmaking world to a higher creative standard. Originally posted as a Facebook Live video, look out for the bonus Q&A with live viewers in today's episode on our Facebook page! What do you feel is standing between you and the next level of your film business? Let us know in the comments on the episode page! In This Episode Comparing and contrasting the wedding and commercial industries What it takes to work effectively with your spouse Who your first hire should be as you grow your business Why a replication system can help your business maintain quality The importance of putting measurables on your business Defining your team's individual roles in the business and charging what you are worth Quotes "We just felt like [Portico Pictures] was necessary because our wedding brand is really romantic, really geared towards the bride, and marketed that way. So, we just felt that we didn't necessarily want that to be the language and the brand that any potential commercial clients were seeing off the bat when they went to our website or found us or heard about us." (38:40) "Were both in every seat right now. A year ago, when we had full-time staff there were different people in all the seats and it worked beautifully, but we've just redefined those seats now to where it's mainly just the two of us." (50:56) "I think the big myth or lie that we believed is that 'no one can do this but me, no one is creative but me, no one can make these films the way that I do', and it's just not true. There are plenty of people out there who can do it." (55:16) Links Heart Stone Films Website Follow Heart Stone Films on Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest Weddings with the Wheatons Portico Pictures Website Follow Portico Pictures on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Vimeo The White Space Rental Studio Ivy Robinson Events Traction Book Rocket Fuel Book Archaius Creative Check out episode 31 with David Aguilar of Archaius Creative Check out episode 43 with Mark C. Winters, Co-Author of Rocket Fuel Check out episode 75 with Doug Darling Check out the full show notes page Stay up to date with everything we're doing at Studio Sherpas Tune into our weekly Facebook Lives If you haven't already, we'd love it if you would leave us a review on iTunes!