AwakenedFilms
Veteran
PaPa,
I have commented at length about strategic Pro-Bono work (my philosophy about creating business opportunities, do a search if you are interested in more). I have to say that in my expereince, reel & website do not mean a whole lot. The success of my business seems to be more about relationship than technology, CVs, slick websites, reels or even begging for gigs via CL, Mandy...etc. For me, the relationships are not just about repeat customers, its also about referrals from satisfied customers.
A mentor of mine said to me over lunch this week, "Focus is the most important asset of a small business owner". His point was to figure out what I do best / enjoy best and absolutely CRUSH IT. Only then, should I look at ways to expand into other arenas. The funny thing is I know exactly what I do best and what I'm passionate about. Sadly, I was too busy putting irons in the fire and scattering 'speculation seeds' to see that I was in danger of loosing my focus. I too am looking for ways to expand my business and the point of the lunch was to flesh out a bunch of opportunities (I have a list of potential ventures similar to Barry's, but about 10x's longer). The bottom line for me is, if an opportunity comes to me in a different arena, I might just take it. However, I learned a really important truth this week - the men and women of excellence, who are at the top of their game and well know; those people "made it" because of focus.
The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing. My 6-12 month goal is to simply focus on the main thing and crush it.
Dan and Noel, interesting point about splitting up the charges. I virtually always charge a 'dayrate' which is comparable or slightly above some of the quoted figures. I may need to change my billing habits, but it seems like "Six / Half Dozen". Can someone elaborate on splitting up charges?
Jason
I have commented at length about strategic Pro-Bono work (my philosophy about creating business opportunities, do a search if you are interested in more). I have to say that in my expereince, reel & website do not mean a whole lot. The success of my business seems to be more about relationship than technology, CVs, slick websites, reels or even begging for gigs via CL, Mandy...etc. For me, the relationships are not just about repeat customers, its also about referrals from satisfied customers.
A mentor of mine said to me over lunch this week, "Focus is the most important asset of a small business owner". His point was to figure out what I do best / enjoy best and absolutely CRUSH IT. Only then, should I look at ways to expand into other arenas. The funny thing is I know exactly what I do best and what I'm passionate about. Sadly, I was too busy putting irons in the fire and scattering 'speculation seeds' to see that I was in danger of loosing my focus. I too am looking for ways to expand my business and the point of the lunch was to flesh out a bunch of opportunities (I have a list of potential ventures similar to Barry's, but about 10x's longer). The bottom line for me is, if an opportunity comes to me in a different arena, I might just take it. However, I learned a really important truth this week - the men and women of excellence, who are at the top of their game and well know; those people "made it" because of focus.
The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing. My 6-12 month goal is to simply focus on the main thing and crush it.
Dan and Noel, interesting point about splitting up the charges. I virtually always charge a 'dayrate' which is comparable or slightly above some of the quoted figures. I may need to change my billing habits, but it seems like "Six / Half Dozen". Can someone elaborate on splitting up charges?
Jason
)....i just started doing this in february and i've been blessed with not having to look for work as yet. I wa. s helping my cousin do a mock commercial and the creative director of a performing arts company was passing by and saw me with my camera scouting with my cuz. He stopped and asked if i do videography( i hadnt done anything paid yet and learning my dvx, which i just got in december) I told him yes i do videography 
....and he had a job for me. Long story short, he liked what the result and has been using me for different projects ever since, and i;ve done quite alot for them in the short period. They also recommended me to other people and i did jobs for those people. I havent even had time to do my own projects. However i have been able to buy more equipment which i needed. So its word of mouth for me. I do admit to giving them reduced rates, because honestly, the volume of work i have gotten from them and through them, i have to be good to them, and in return they will be good to me. But thats just them. When things slow down (cuz it aint always gonna be raining) i plan to hit the streets...cards in hard and hand it out everywhere. Small businesses will be my main target to do commercials for them. I also am gonna do music vids for selective songs or groups i deem are good enough and are talking sense ( i dont want to propogate the foolishness out there). My card will have some kind of link online to see some stuff i;ve done...and luckily i have stuff to show cuz i;ve done stuff now. I also have my friends doing word of mouth marketing for me who have there eyes and ears open for anything that i can do. Get one and 2 dedicated clients...do excellect work, have a good attitude and approach to your work, be friendly...and it will go a very long way cause they will talk to people for you. everytime i churn out good work for them He says "what a good thing i stopped that day when i saw you" 
