[Mick Haensler]

I know I know…Photoshop is the way to go, I just don’t want to have to shell out the duckies right now. I need a new set of sticks as well as a new shotgun and wireless system. I’ve been borrowing from my previous employer for the past 8 months in exchange for free tech support. And now feel the need to make the all to difficult “clean break”. Do you know if PS Elements will accept the aforementioned templates?? Honestly, I don’t need all the bells and whistles of PS and could sure use the price break.

And yes…I did think you were being a smartass…but I’m one too so I didn’t take offense:) I enjoy a good jab from time to time. I was gonna give you the “aw shucks….Google??? ain’t never heard O’ that B 4” response, but thought a little deflection would do the trick. After all, the name of the company is Higher Ground, and I must conduct myself accordingly. Thanks again for the response…and I mean that sincerely!!!

Mick Haensler
Higher Ground Media

[Mick Haensler]

Thanks for the input Eric. Perhaps I wasn’t clear in my original post. I was looking for products that people had experience with. I should have prefaced my query with “does anyone have experience with”. But thanks just the same.

Mick Haensler
Higher Ground Media

[Mick Haensler]

While my business is by no means thriving, I am definitely keeping my head above water and paying myself a decent amount and not killing myself. Here’s how I’m doing it.

– Cash reserves….say no more
– Low low overhead
– Realistic amount of billable hours at a rate I can live with. For me, it’s an average of 20 hours a week at $90 an hour
– Niche bread and butter. For me it’s legal work and industrial training, it’s somewhat steady, pays well and doesn’t require a lot of thought or effort
– Find markets that NEED WHAT YOU DO. I have been building a steady clientele in the non profit world. Now more than ever, winners in business and in non profits need well thought out marketing material which should include video. If they’re not using video in their marketing, they will be left behind. Tell prospective clients this with confidence.
– Low low overhead
– Great customer service and communication
– Give back, you cannot receive without giving something, it’s a fact

The most important thing though for me, is I BELIEVE IT, THEREFORE I WILL ACHIEVE IT. I believe with all of my being that my business wiil be successful, rewarding and fun. AND IT IS!!! Our most difficult hurdle to overcome is ourselves. I am by no means a great videographer, photographer, sound designer, editor, or graphics designer. But I can put out a professional looking and sounding product and deliver excellent customer service in a timely fashion. Works for me and I have money in the bank, I sail several times a week, spend time with my family, will be going to California for a week next month, enjoy what I do and who I work with. I couldn’t ask for anything more and am extremely grateful for these gifts.

I am also grateful to this forum and especially Walter. In the beginning Walter was very generous in sharing information both one on one and in the forums. He gave me confidence and knowledge. This forum is one of the greatest resources in the business. BTW, did I mention the Low Low Overhead??

Mick Haensler
Higher Ground Media

[Mick Haensler]

Even lowly freeware audio editors like Audacity don’t have this issue. It just makes no sense to me whatsoever. Thanks for the sympathy. Maybe in the next upgrade.

Mick Haensler
Higher Ground Media

[Mick Haensler]

Oh my….this has gone in a direction I could not have anticipated….WORLD’S ARE COLLIDING JERRY!!!!

[Mick Haensler]

All I can say is if possible, rent your options first and try them out. Each has it’s advantages and disadvantages. The EX works for me although coming from a Z1, the amount of control on this camera was daunting. Only you will know which camera is best for you. It looks like you’ve done your research so get one in your hand and see how you like it. I’m a Sony guy so I’m kinda biased.

MIck Haensler
Higher Ground Media

[Mick Haensler]

Thank you guys for receiving the humor this written with. Yesterday was such a heavy day what with the anniversary of 9-11 AND possibly one of the worst storms in our history bearing down on the Gulf Coast, I figured everyone could use a good laugh. I will never forget the first episode of SNL after 9-11 when Lorne Michaels asked Rudi if it was OK to laugh. I only hope Bob feels the same!! I just couldn’t resist.

Mick Haensler
Higher Ground Media

[Mick Haensler]

Thanks for the input Bob, much appreciated.

Mick Haensler
Higher Ground Media

[Mick Haensler]

Hey Bob, thank for the response and curmudgeonly words of wisdom.

Part of the problem was I DID make up some of the expenses and they wanted to see the receipts. When on the road I like to eat well but don’t think it fare to charge my client for that surf and turf I had the night before so I usually come up with a number that seems fare like $15 for food and lump it into a food and lodging line item. In the end I got paid everything except a gas surcharge I have started putting in because of the high cost of fuel. No biggie, I can live with that. As it turns out, the person who booked me didn’t have authorization to do so. When she got her hand slapped for it, she tried to weasel out of it by only authorizing my day rate and no expenses. I was able to track down the comptroller of the company and after a long dissertation by him telling me how to run my business and me playin’ the “Aw shucks” country bumpkin who “don’t know no bitter”, I gots my money.

Lesson learned….documentdetaildocumentdetail….and no more surf and turf on the road….Life is uncertain though……

Mick Haensler
Higher Ground Media

[Mick Haensler]

I sit here stunned Ron. You and your family will be in our prayers this week.

Mick