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How did you start your business?
My business currently is just past “hobby”. But the quality of work is not just “hobby”. In other words I dive right in and give my all for the projects I do, mostly weddings. All of my wedding clients feel that they receive professional services and appreciate the final project. But I would like to go way beyond the “hobby” stage to do video production, full-time. What are some of the video projects that all of you did to start your business growth? I currently own a Canon GL1, a Canon GL2, a Sony VX2100, a small lighting kit, Shure SM58 hand-held/Sennheiser wireless ew100 mic system, 3 i-river mp3 recorders, Vegas 5, DVDA 2, 2 editing computers and accessories such as wide lens, on camera light, etc. I think I have a good equipment set-up to grow my business. Just need ideas beyond weddings. I know there probably is a more appropriate forum to post this in, but I really value the opinion of the fellow Vegas followers on this forum. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
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4 Replies
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Hmmmm, good question. I’m trying to remember what I did 20+ years ago. Oh yeah, the same thing I’m doing now. I talk to everybody I meet, I belong to a couple of business organiztions and network (talking to everyone) They won’t hire you if they don’t know what you do. I do a lot of business seminars and conventions as well as training vids and things of that nature. I try to get to know the people a bit and during the conversation I try to come up with 1 way that video can be a benefit to their business. it might be covering a sales seminar or a convention, maybe a training video (how to) perhaps a welcome message from the CEO to new employees or clients-it might even be just a duplication or transfer job. One organization I belong to is the convention bureau and when a convention books in my city I get a notice of things they need-so if they check off video and its a show or convention I feel I can handle I’ll bid on it. I’m competing against some of the really big guys but I know my limitations so if I don’t feel its something I can handle right I pass. I guess you have to decide on an area that you want to delve into and let everyone you meet, know thats what you do-be it seminars, legal deps, day in the life vids, training vids, whatever.
As an example I met a guy a few weeks ago who is a professional sales trainer and has about 20 1 day seminars yet to do this year. I got to talking to him and he wanted them archived on video for himself. One day, an 8 hour day at that, 1 camera and I’m going straight to DVD with 1 wireless system for the speaker. No tape no edit just turn on the camera and the DVD burner and BAM! We’ve already signed the service agreement I’ve gotten my retainer and we’re all set to go. Not a large sum of money but still enough to make it worth my while. Point is though, I met him at the counter of a resturant while we were both having coffee and reading the morning paper. Moral of the story, be ready at all times you never know who you’re going to meet or what can come of it.
Good luck in your new venture,Don B
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Thanks VERY much, Don for the info. Don’t want to be nosey, but what did you charge the guy to do the video to DVD project? Just curious. If you are not wanting to share the amount, I completely understand.
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I have a day rate for a single camera with tripod, on cam lighting and 1 wireless audio system. Its for equipment and operator no editing and it is for an 8 hour day, PERIOD. That rate is 650.00 and I tacked on another hundred for going straight to DVD-after all I have to use 4 DVDs and 4 jewel cases plus I have to push the record button. 😉
Its easy money, BORING as all get out but who cares-cash is cash. I believe it will lead to some additional work for either him OR perhaps the clients he does the training for.
Don
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As I’ve worked over the years full time (my bread and butter) for a TV production company I’ve slowly (as I could afford it) picked up equipment and an editing computer to have my own side business. I started with buying a Hi8 camera that I got for half off ($900) at a going out of business sale and started videoing my friend’s weddings. As I’ve been able to do more (as equipment became more affordable) I’ve joined local community and business groups to connect with those around me. It’s not easy to establish yourself and I’ve had good and bad experiences (like anyone).
One of the first things I’ve learned that has made me effective is to “serve” a clients needs. Several years ago I wanted to do more than weddings so one day I decided to start asking people and businesses what they needed and try to use my equipment to accomplish it affordably. For instance: I found I also have an ability in design and I had a video camera that could take stills. A local church approached me. They had a small group of 30 families (100 people) and could not afford to pay thousands of dollars to a photography studio to create their photo directories. I came up with a customized approach to give them a photo directory for a fraction of the cost.
You might be asking what this has to do with video production. Nothing directly but this experience caused me to stretch myself and find out my capabilities and I also met church members that gave me business beyond the church directory.
If you want to get beyond wedding videography and expand your business you need to be open to taking opportunities to “serve” others that might seem to have nothing to do with video production but everything to do with Doug production. You are more than your equipment and what makes you unique with your strenghts and weaknesses is what will set you apart from being just another videographer.
Brian Sinks
IN1ACCORD Productions
Tulsa, Oklahoma
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