In this episode, Den Lennie addresses the challenges of sales in the video business, emphasizing the need for a consistent mindset and habit formation.  Key topics include the role of CRM tools in managing client relationships and tracking leads, strategies to combat sales slumps, and the power of community support. Insights from VBA members highlight practical approaches to maintaining a vibrant sales pipeline and the importance of peer advice in navigating business hurdles. Sales Mindset...

This episode is a candid exploration of the challenges and triumphs in the video industry, client success stories, and Den's personal journey of balancing professional ambitions with personal well-being. Whether you're a budding videographer or an established entrepreneur, get ready for insightful strategies, real-life anecdotes, and practical advice on thriving in the ever-evolving world of video business. Return from Hiatus: Understanding the reasons behind the podcast's recent break and...

Hey there, fellow creators and business enthusiasts! 🎥   In today's episode, we're diving deep into the real-talk territory of business partnerships - especially why going into business with someone isn't necessarily the golden ticket to success. Ever found yourself wondering if you should join forces with someone in the hopes of making your business boom? Before you take that leap, lend an ear to some invaluable advice based on firsthand experiences. In this episode, I share insights from...

Ever wondered how to accurately price your video projects? Dive into today's episode where we break down the magic behind the pricing calculator used in the VBA. This tool has been a game-changer for us, helping itemize and streamline our pricing process. From pre-production, production to post and expenses – we discuss it all. 🎬 You might sometimes feel the pressure of the market or Uncle Bob saying his DSLR does wonders for almost free, but knowing your worth is essential. We chat about...

Ever felt like you're stuck in a never-ending cycle of getting TOO busy with work and neglecting the growth of your video business? I've been there!  In today's episode, I'm sharing a clip from a live training call where I dive deep into this exact challenge. We chat about the balance of handling client requests while still being the driving force behind your business. And trust me, every video business faces this, whether you're earning thousands or millions. So let's navigate these tricky...

Hey there! Ever caught yourself neck-deep in tasks that you KNOW aren't the best use of your time? 😅 Today, we're diving deep into the game-changing concept of the 'effective hourly rate' and how you can leverage other people's time to optimize your day-to-day operations. You'll get a peek into a recent coaching call where we hashed out when to DIY and when to bring in an expert. 🚀  Plus, real talk on some common daily tasks (like house cleaning and even cooking!) and if they're truly worth...

Hey there, aspiring videographers and business enthusiasts! 🎥  In today's episode, we're diving into the real struggles of transitioning from a freelance videographer to running a full-scale video business. It's not all glitz and glamor; it's about making tough choices, understanding what shoots to take on, and finding that perfect balance between doing what you love and growing your company. Join me as I guide one of my clients through a coaching session, revealing the ins and outs of...

Have you ever wondered about production fees and whether you should charge them on your video projects? In today's episode, we're diving deep into the production company fees. Whether you're a one-man band or running a full-fledged production company, understanding production fees is essential to pricing your projects correctly and making more money. We'll talk about what production fees cover, why they're vital, and how to articulate them to your clients.  Spoiler alert: It's probably...

In today's episode, I'll be sharing some cool tricks for keeping the conversation going on LinkedIn. We've talked about connecting with prospects organically, but what do you do when the conversation gets live? I'll show you how to nurture the relationship with curiosity and make sure the dialogue keeps flowing. One common question I get is about following up with leads without sounding desperate. It all depends on who you're talking to. If you have a specialization or niche, personalize...

In today's episode, I dive into a topic that makes many filmmakers uncomfortable: marketing. I totally get it! We all hate being spammed or bombarded with unwanted messages. But here's the thing: if you don't put yourself out there, you're guaranteeing no results. Remember what Wayne Gretzky, the famous hockey player, said: "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take." Join me as I share a valuable coaching call clip where I discuss the specifics of marketing and how to conquer the fear of...

In the dynamic world of video production, it's common to experience ups and downs in your business. But how can you effectively manage those slow periods and ensure a consistent flow of opportunities? In this episode, join me as I dive into the specifics of sales and marketing strategies that can help you prepare and maintain a steady stream of business growth. This insightful discussion was extracted from a live coaching call within the VBA Elite program, providing you with an insider's...

In this episode, I want to tackle a common concern among videographers: taking time off and worrying about the state of your business while you're away. Recently, one of my clients decided to take a month off to shoot in Europe, and we had an insightful discussion about how to prepare for such a break. Join me as I share a clip from our VBA Elite Mastermind, where we support a member making a big decision in his business and planning for time off. We dive into the anxieties that arise, the...

Hey guys! Today's episode is a real-life scenario of a client pulling out of a gig just days before it happens.  Ever faced a situation like this?  I'm sharing my personal experience of how we tackled this in the VBA Elite Mastermind.  Learn how to turn these situations into valuable business lessons and effectively navigate cancellation policies. We'll also discuss striking a balance in negotiations to ensure a fair outcome for all parties. Find out how we've worked towards minimizing...

Hey, it's Den, back at it again! I'm breaking down how to transition a client from a one-off project into a long-term partnership this time. I'll share some insider tips from an actual conversation with a client where we discussed establishing a retainer or monthly partner package deal. You'll learn how to price your services correctly, maintain control of the project, and understand the benefits of a monthly relationship with a client. I also discussed a real-world case where a client...

Hey, it's Den, back at it again! I'm breaking down how to transition a client from a one-off project into a long-term partnership this time. I'll share some insider tips from an actual conversation with a client where we discussed establishing a retainer or monthly partner package deal. You'll learn how to price your services correctly, maintain control of the project, and understand the benefits of a monthly relationship with a client. I also discussed a real-world case where a client...

This episode shares some of my fave marketing strategies for video business owners looking to improve their lead flow.   I'm a huge fan of organic marketing and believe LinkedIn is a goldmine for connecting with potential clients without costing you a dime, just a bit of your time. My advice? Get on LinkedIn and make 20 new connections each day. Stick with it and don't lose momentum. To back up what I'm saying, I've got some real-life success stories from my clients who've been doing just...

In a slowing economy, it's essential to identify and capitalize on opportunities within your marketplace. In today’s episode, we’ll explore strategies to not only survive but thrive during challenging economic times.  We'll dive into understanding market sentiments and leveraging them to your advantage when engaging with clients. Learn how to stand out from the competition and uncover where the real opportunities lie and seize them with confidence. Support the showConnect with Den on...

The topic of rates is often avoided in our industry, with many filmmakers reluctant to share what they charge. But by sharing this information, we can better understand the market, help each other make informed decisions about our own rates, and collectively work towards a more transparent industry. The survey consists of questions about your editing system, rates for a day of editing, rates for shooting without kit, and rates for gear usage. We're also keen to learn about the kind of camera...

If you want to recession-proof your video business, there are some key industries you should be focusing on because it's not all doom and glooms out there.  In today's episode, I'm gonna look at seven industries. That  are gonna thrive during an economic downturn. So your business, in turn can thrive and actually do better in a recession than perhaps you might think. Support the showConnect with Den on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/denlennie/ Get more great resources over at...

Struggling to charge what you're worth for your videography skills confidently? In this episode, we'll explore the powerful concept of price anchoring, and teach you step-by-step how to use it to your advantage.  Discover the secrets of setting the right prices, creating perceived value, and negotiating with clients like a pro.  Don't undervalue yourself anymore – it's time to take charge and transform your business! 💪🎥💰 Support the showConnect with Den on LinkedIn...

Money is a hard thing to talk about but it's the root of the quality of the work you'll deliver. Charge too little and you'll resent the work and the client...It's such an awkward conversation for creatives. Support the showConnect with Den on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/denlennie/ Get more great resources over at https://www.denlennie.com/

In today's episode, we'll be sharing insider secrets and strategies that top videographers use to create exceptional value for their clients and stand out in this competitive industry. Support the showConnect with Den on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/denlennie/ Get more great resources over at https://www.denlennie.com/

In this economy, videographers need to be creative and resourceful to stay afloat. In today’s episode, Den offers some advice on how to make the most of your business in a slow economy. Support the showConnect with Den on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/denlennie/ Get more great resources over at https://www.denlennie.com/

Do you ever get bored being a videographer? In my own career, I've had many moments when I've been on a shoot, and I've just gone, I'm bored. This is not exciting to me. It's not stimulating me. What am I doing? And I've considered a couple of times completely changing careers, and I wanna talk about that today.  Support the showConnect with Den on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/denlennie/ Get more great resources over at https://www.denlennie.com/

Videographers. It would be best to stop making these mistakes when pricing your jobs.  If you're a videographer struggling to get clients or get paid what you're worth, there's a very good chance you need to correct some things in how you price your jobs. You're probably not charging fully for everything you're actually delivering. In this episode, I will show you the biggest mistakes videographers make when pricing out their jobs. Support the showConnect with Den on LinkedIn...