[Steve Myers]

Thanks Mark. Will do (the self financed project). Had several planned (went on hold for the tyranny of the urgent).

On clients and the process. For the big ones (proposed this to one recently)- since they were so involved in the approval steps (copy, video, audio) I proposed to edit on location (in their offices). To expedite the process (of review copies). That $85,000 would have been really welcome – (could have passed on the $450.00 troubled client.) They liked the idea but passed (due to time restrictions and not willing to dedicate employee time to the project with an Oct 1 deadline – bid in late June).

I remember those ‘creative spaces’ of the 80s/90s. Pretty much disappeared past 2001.

For smaller clients (I could see renting office space by the day/week) in one of several ‘public’ places. Pre Cor America (here) is a facility with a few offices for rent, a conference room, and a phone line system (answered by a live voice sounding like a larger company). Identifies what line is being called and a script for the receptionist. Could easily factor it into the budget.

I need to retire $35k of debt. Sounds easy. Wish it were. I may leave the industry (for a while) to retire it (and come back later to produce for clients of my choosing). Or solely my projects. A friend’s company in El Paso does just that. He makes his income off DVD sales. And Documentaries are really where I live.

Thanks for the suggestions. Shy of real counseling (and able to afford a good massage therapist) I am ‘fragemented.’ Feel a little better (inwardly) about filing the basic report. Don’t feel like he just ‘got away with it,’ and yet didn’t press deep (him not being questioned or harassed per se – as he might see it). Gives me legal options. Feel better about that.

Just not sure what to do for a living now. To retire that $35k. Tied here (caring for the parents). Had a rich relative pass recently. Will won’t be read for another few weeks. Not banking on anything. Would rather have him alive. He was a good soul. And one good client could erase that $35k in a heartbeat. The good motivation though it not to settle for ‘whatever’ and retain some dignity in the process. Hard to do with pressing bills but still the wisest thing over all.

Thanks again for the suggestions.
Steve

[Steve Myers]

Thanks for everyone for posting your support and encouragement. its meant a lot.

A few minutes ago I was able to file a Class C report (here in Texas) of the assault. The officer and department said it classified as a class A (prosecutable) and can (if I choose) bump to to a class A depending on the outcome of the Medical exam I am having tomorrow morning (8/21).

Moreover, this is on the record, I have a case number and the business card of my area’s police representative. If the man calls further, shows up at my home/studio, or makes threats in public all I have to do is call 911 and give the case number. They can arrest and detain him on the spot (if needed).

There’s really not much more to be gained by going any harder on him. I see this report as an ‘insurance’ policy I’ve done the right thing — and have law enforcement support if ever needed. But suing this guy (at this point) doesn’t really achieve anything other than ramping up his anger. I’m taking care of parents in their 80s, one in Hospice care (after a stroke) and NONE of us needs any more drama (or Trauma).

In Business I have re-examined HOW I conduct business and how I WILL conduct business from this point forward.
#1. I won’t meet wtih clients in a home/office situation. I will agree to meet in public.
#2. My standards have raised from a C level to an A. That means they are A clients or they are not MY clients. (Referrarl, solid reputation, able to afford my work).
#3. I won’t cut out PRO BONO but will be highly more selective for who, when, where and how much.
#4. This will apply to ALL clients – even those religious ones I once gave a free pass. No more free passes.
#5. Unless there is a major exception I will not allow clients in my home, home/office, and home/studio.
#6. When possible, I will secure employment in a production facility, television station, or salaried in a corporate/business environment.
#7. My relaxed freelance days (for any client) are over.
#8. My business plan goes back to mid to large sized clients/accounts
#9. I won’t produce for any more small time unrelated industries (web pages, HR Training, video e-mail) entreprenuers and/or Multi-level-marketing people as a rule.

I know our industry (broadcast/business) has ventured into those waters — but the consumer driven company (client) is one who never appreciates what we bring to the table (and probably never will).

I will work at Wal Mart for $10.00 an hour in the photo finishing department before I ever accept any client who will not pay my $125.00 an hour for post production and $175.00 per hour for Field Camera work. Because the average last few clients (in the drop your shorts categories) have wound up in the $10.00 (or less) category for what were supposed to be $100.00 per hour charges.

I used to bend backwards to grow and develop a client. There was once a time when it was advantageous (twenty years ago). But even then I did so in a television station, with a full crew (and staff behind me), a company that was loyal (and protective) of us, and clients who had to purchase a substantial advertising schedule to qualify for free (to low cost) spot TV :30 advertising. Nonprofits had to qualify for free PSA production too.

The key is not to let one’s guard down.

And no more business with bullies. I won’t hesitate to cut any client off for the least amount of it. Life’s too short not to. More communication too with my co-op of producers.

If anything I feel foolish for having let so many wannabe’s into my studio and producing break even work to develop something larger that never transpired.

A local MAJOR producer has done the same thing. Facilities that are ‘closed’ to the public, including their clients. I read a post in another topic of IF THEY TRUST ME TO DO THE JOB FOR THEM IT WILL BE FINE. IF THEY DON’T I DON’T NEED THEM. Tough words – right attitude. Protective. The major producer here was broken into awhile back where the thieves stole specific items. Their sales rep pretty much knew who it was for the way they acted during the facilities tour. But, with no security cameras, nothing could ever be proved.

There’s a reason television stations are so heavilly protected these days. Same with companies and heavy industry. Living in the subburbs just lulled me into a comfort zone that should be re-examined. I have and have made the appropriate adjustments.

As far as the bully goes – there’s a record of what transpired. Any other calls there will have priority response. And I’ll be subtle to the producers I know to stay clear of this guy. At least a warning. I won’t go near him at all.

For those who thought I was quick to give away the farm to him (when he turned hostile) I figured less than $400.00 was not going to break me and if I could get out of his home on that alone it was worth every penny. I kept my cool and eventually walked out. Whats the saying about a crash landing? Any crash landing you can walk away from was a good landing. So I landed well. And did the right move alerting the authorities. Filed the report.

Thanks to all for your well wishes, support and counsel. I’ve got more questions down the line on marketing but really appreciate this BUSINESS forum as a place to talk about these unspoken business issues and find solid support and counsel. Again, thanks to all.

Steve Myers
Steve Myers Productions
Arlington (DFW) Texas