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How I made $4,000 in 3 months By Executing HARD

Tammyanne

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Wow, thank you! That is very interesting.

What kind of videos do you provide for the medical practitioners?

$4,000 a pop is great money! Twice what I make in one month at my current day job.

How would you recommend I go about getting my foot in the door to working with these types of clients?

I definetely am feeling the burn out already and want to niche down into a certain type of production. Weddings or more corporate gigs like you are doing. It's been great to learn while getting paid and be able to invest in new equipment but I am realizing that it is definetely not sustainable like you said.

The realtors I worked for do luxury homes so they definetely have the budget but in my market there isn't much of a need for listing videos right now because million dollar houses here in Seattle sell in DAYS. With or without alot of marketing. Its insane.

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Great Story, Congrats

Thanks for sharing!
 
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ChaseFade

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Hey Chase,

Did you have prior experience to video editing or did you just learn from tutorials?

I also would assume you're using Final Cut Pro am I right?

Thanks
Hey there

Yes I use final cut pro x

I had a bit of prior experience from editing a few of my old music videos but nothing much. Just trial and error and YouTube tutorials

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ChaseFade

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Congrats Chase. Reliving my days of being a cutting edge producer a long time ago. It is so addicting, so fun, and making money is a bonus.

Let me clue you in on a few things that could be hidden land mines.

I quit weddings. I did hundreds of them, and got rave reviews, and tons of referrals. The problem? They're live! What do you do when things don't go according to plan? Stop the wedding? You will face that dilemma. It probably won't even be your fault, but it will rise up to bite you. Bad.

Along with weddings - consumers. Consumers want what they see in the theaters, or at least on TV. No shake - perfect focus - perfect sound - perfect picture composure. All the time. Who wouldn't? The weddings I videotaped spanned 6 to 8 hours. That's a LOT of stuff going on. Miss one thing. Just one. They'll want to burn you at the stake. Do 50 things perfect - great - but the one thing is what they will focus on. They'll want a discount because that oh-so-precious moment is gone forever.

So my advice? Don't video something that can't be reconstructed. Use multiple cameras. I used to use two back in the day. Talk about expensive - over $5,000 each in the 70's. That might be around $12,000 each, or more, in today's dollars. That was JUST for the cameras. I had sound equipment and editing equipment that totaled even MORE than that.

I still do video today. It gets in your blood. But my cameras now are about $300 each, and I use five or six of them. I can edit unlimited video and audio tracks in my editing suite, and have all the bells and Hollywood effects. That's a far far cry from linear video using cameras that cost as much as a CAR, and manually editing. (That's opposed to rendering and having the machines do the work!)

Second piece of advice. I've already pretty much said it. Don't do consumer work. It is low pay, high expectations, and a LOT of work. Commercial is much easier, and pays ten times more. You also are not under severe deadlines, or worse yet: working a wedding reception on a Saturday night, after you've already been working since 11:00 am that day when everything started.

I made a lot of money in the video business, and it was fun. I only had three nightmares, out of hundreds of customers, to deal with. That's not bad. That is, if you're the type that thinks getting chewed up by a shark and surviving "only once" is something that's not "too bad." I can guarantee you it isn't worth it, no matter how much they pay you.

Today is different though. You CAN have multiple cameras, and of course the quality is superb. It would be hard to totally lose an event totally, although a malfunctioning camera *could* lose the most important shots you really need.

In commercial work, you just redo the shots, if that happened. Not the end of the world. No mob chasing you trying to kill you. Life is good.

I could tell you things for hours, but I'm trying to summarize an entire business in a very short response. One thing I would do differently. Delegate everything. You are the fill in guy, if needed. It is so easy to set yourself up for failure by running the show. You don't run the show - you direct the show.

Right now your prices are way too low. When you can get into high quality commercial stuff, you can afford a crew, and you don't have to do the work. Don't create a job for yourself.

That's enough for now. There are lots of resources to learn the technical things. And the marketing. There is nothing to stop you - except getting blown up by a hidden land mine! I've directed you away from those, though.

Good luck. Thanks for the very interesting posts.
Thanks for the lengthy response!

Very true. I always aim to get into B2B services and absolutely hate B2C because of the headaches and low pay.

I am a little worried about missing a certain moment or two but the style of my wedding videos arent completely dependent on capturing live audio as much as others. I'm excited to start getting wedding clients to see if I can handle the headaches that come along with it.

Will keep you guys updated.

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Real Deal Denver

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I am a little worried about missing a certain moment or two but the style of my wedding videos arent completely dependent on capturing live audio as much as others. I'm excited to start getting wedding clients to see if I can handle the headaches that come along with it.

You brought up a good point. Let me elaborate on audio for a moment.

Usually, after the exchange of rings in a wedding, there is a song and/or lighting of a unity candle. Shortly after that takes place, the bride and groom are there with nothing to do really - and a few minutes to spare. So what do they do? They talk to each other. And usually giggle and smile for a moment. What do they say?

I used wireless mics that would pick up even a whisper. I got those intimate conversations. I got the "I love you" after the rings were put on. And I got the smile and teary eyes.

THAT is the meat and potatoes that they want and hope to see! And, one more thing - close up too! Get those tiny beads of sweat!

Weddings are so emotional. You can capture that. And everyone will love you forever for doing it!
 
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ChaseFade

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You brought up a good point. Let me elaborate on audio for a moment.

Usually, after the exchange of rings in a wedding, there is a song and/or lighting of a unity candle. Shortly after that takes place, the bride and groom are there with nothing to do really - and a few minutes to spare. So what do they do? They talk to each other. And usually giggle and smile for a moment. What do they say?

I used wireless mics that would pick up even a whisper. I got those intimate conversations. I got the "I love you" after the rings were put on. And I got the smile and teary eyes.

THAT is the meat and potatoes that they want and hope to see! And, one more thing - close up too! Get those tiny beads of sweat!

Weddings are so emotional. You can capture that. And everyone will love you forever for doing it!
Definetely! Already got a few wireless mics ready to go!

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ChaseFade

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UPDATE

Booked another music video! Took all your advice on focusing on quality over quantity. We will be shooting 1 video over 3 days and I charged $500 all up front. I usually shoot 3 videos in a day so this is a big change for me. And I've never received full payment upfront.

Price is still low but this will be a consistent client for me if things go well with the first video.

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ChaseFade

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UPDATE

Booked another music video! Took all your advice on focusing on quality over quantity. We will be shooting 1 video over 3 days and I charged $500 all up front. I usually shoot 3 videos in a day so this is a big change for me. And I've never received full payment upfront.

Price is still low but this will be a consistent client for me if things go well with the first video.

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Just wanted to add a note on how I got this client.

Yesterday I get a direct message on Instagram and it's from a buzzing rap group from Seattle. More specifically, from their manager and we end up meeting for a beer. After discussing the goals for this project he mentions how he discovered me.

Last month I was filming a show to get more footage for a music video. I was waiting for my client to perform, but there was a guy going on to play right before him who was all alone. 3 minutes before he went on stage, I asked if he wanted me to shoot a 1 minute recap video (easy sell because I'm providing value) of his set for his social media pages and he said sure.

I shoot the video, edit it and send it over and finish my music video also.


Now this is where it goes back to doing work for free initially to eventually book paid work later on.

He loves the video and posts it on his social media pages and tags me (free promotion) and that's where this guy found me!

Turns out that same group we are doing this next video with, was actually performing that same night. I didnt want to shoot their set because they had a videographer and photographer already. Didnt want to step on anyone's toes.

He said he liked my recap video so much more than the one his guy made that he didnt even want to post it haha

$500 because I was willing to provide value to someone for free. It's a win-win situation.

I'm also willing to bet that the guy I shot the recap video for will come around to shoot a music video in the future.

--TLDR--

Provide value for free to get in the door and it will lead to paid work if you do a great job.



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Real Deal Denver

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The marketing is the important part, and you got it. You are going to go very far.

It is so refreshing to see someone excel naturally. So many struggle with the basic important stuff.

If you keep your prices low, you can maybe do 5-6 a week, which is way over 100K a year. That's a nice cushion to take care of all your bills, so you can pursue what you really want. What might that be?

Glad you asked.

I just bought a book about making a film. The kind of film that shows in theaters - not a fun hobby project.

"Rebel Without a Crew" by Robert Rodriguez. "Or how a 23-year-old Filmaker with $7,000 became a Hollywood Player." Director of El Mariachi.

This guy actually did it. For real. There's a word for people like that. Hero!

It's on Amazon. I bought a used hard copy edition (it came in like new condition, by the way). I have an ongoing love affair with books, and the ones I know I will be rereading and keeping close to me I buy in hardcover.

Stabilize with your plan now - have fun - and then go for the BIG stuff. Plant that seed in your brain and let it grow. Dream. Big!
 

ChaseFade

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The marketing is the important part, and you got it. You are going to go very far.

It is so refreshing to see someone excel naturally. So many struggle with the basic important stuff.

If you keep your prices low, you can maybe do 5-6 a week, which is way over 100K a year. That's a nice cushion to take care of all your bills, so you can pursue what you really want. What might that be?

Glad you asked.

I just bought a book about making a film. The kind of film that shows in theaters - not a fun hobby project.

"Rebel Without a Crew" by Robert Rodriguez. "Or how a 23-year-old Filmaker with $7,000 became a Hollywood Player." Director of El Mariachi.

This guy actually did it. For real. There's a word for people like that. Hero!

It's on Amazon. I bought a used hard copy edition (it came in like new condition, by the way). I have an ongoing love affair with books, and the ones I know I will be rereading and keeping close to me I buy in hardcover.

Stabilize with your plan now - have fun - and then go for the BIG stuff. Plant that seed in your brain and let it grow. Dream. Big!
Just looked it up, cant seem to find it for Kindle. Guess it's only paperback since it's from the 90's

My marketing feels OK. I really want to get a good process down but at the same time I know if I keep producing great work the referrals will come naturally

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ChaseFade

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ChaseFade

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@ChaseFade Good job, man!

This is my forte, so I like seeing other people grinding in it too. I don't do live shoots or event-type work though. I only do controlled production.

In my case, my degree is in Communication with a Concentration in Media Production.

Once you're confident in your production abilities, as a path to growth, I'd recommend quality over quantity.
This industry will burn you out fast if you consistently churn out a massive number of low paying gigs in record turnaround time. It is a great way to start, but not sustainable long term.

Go for bigger budget industries.
By that, I mean - skip the miserly realtor and go for the medical practitioner.
Except if you're dealing with a realtor in Beverly Hills or some place with insane ROI for the realtor.

Like one of my production contracts with a medical practitioner, I do very simple one-day shoots for them at... $4,000 a pop. About 8 hours of shooting, and I leave with a decent check.

Not a big production set-up. In fact, I one-man-show that production all the time. Simple 2-fixed-cam setup + lighting.
Sure, I have to edit the clips for another 2 weeks each time, but I can do that from anywhere in the world, on my own time.

The point being, try as early as you can to separate the wheat from the chaff.

Yeah, YouTube is a great place to learn stuff. I still learn new things all the time on there.
I have a few video editing tutorials with hundreds of thousands of views on YouTube. It gives me satisfaction that people are learning something from it the way I learn from other videos.

From all indications, you have the drive to make it happen, so keep grinding.
Can you link us to your tutorials? I've watched so many videos that I bet I've seen yours haha but it never hurts to get more knowledge


Still having trouble figuring out how to get higher paying corporate clients...

I had an artist lowball me for $200 and i reluctantly agreed. Then he didnt show up on the date we booked. I called him out on it and he called me a "no name loser" and threatened me if I didnt stop messaging him smh definetely not my ideal client lol

My gut told me not to even respond at first after checking his page to see drugs and guns in every picture smh. I keep going back on my word when there is a chance to make a quick buck. Learned a few lessons.

Not all money is good money. not every potential client with a few bucks is worth the time. Cant niche down if I'm grabbing at every opportunity that comes my way. Need to be more selective.

Now that I am more focused on doing quality projects with bigger budgets, and no longer doing run-and-gun type work day in and day out, it allows me to focus on what's important and go after my target market.

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Just looked it up, cant seem to find it for Kindle. Guess it's only paperback since it's from the 90's

Get it. Now. Refer to it often. THIS is your roadmap to the big time.

My marketing feels OK. I really want to get a good process down but at the same time I know if I keep producing great work the referrals will come naturally

Absolutely!

I think this thread contains a lot of value about creating something from nothing and should be NOTABLE at least!

Couldn't agree more! This is what all threads should be. Juicy and full of details. Since I was in this biz, it is particularly hard for me to NOT get back into it. This is a great thread all around. I want the movie rights!

Not all money is good money. not every potential client with a few bucks is worth the time. Cant niche down if I'm grabbing at every opportunity that comes my way. Need to be more selective.

I once was offered a gig to video a company picnic event at a park. They weren't going to pay me, but I could have all the food and beer I wanted. I turned it down. They were disappointed because they found me through a friend, and thought the video would be really cool to have. I set boundaries, and insisted I was a professional. Some laughed at that in the beginning. One of my crowning achievements was producing a three volume set of a week long event that people came from all over the country to attend. That was a huge amount of work, but I was paid well. Another video company made their own video, which had their own on the air weekly TV show - as did the local TV station (NBC affiliate), so I was up against the big guns. This, as you might see coming, was a true David and Goliath story - which I see so much of in you, by the way. Anyway, I just did what I thought I would like, if I were the customer, and I spent a lot of time polishing it to Hollywood standards. It turned out fantastic. I used several marketing tricks, as this was going to be sold to the attendees. I made sure I got a HUGE variety of shots on different days, so I had as many different events, and people in it as I could. That worked great - sales greatly exceeded expectations. By miles. I had a production house make the copies, and we reordered copies three times. I think we ordered 200 at a time. That's a lot of copies. Not on a national level, of course, but huge for a local event not open to the public. (Side note - sell extra copies at the time you book your event. Almost all my customers ordered copies. It all adds up!)

That gave me a lot of experience - a lot of confidence - and a lot of marketing material I could use to get bigger and better jobs. And they lived happily ever after...

Hope that helps. Your thread is great on so many levels. You're doing it with no excuses and nothing held back. You're doing it right. You have nowhere to go but UP!
 
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ChaseFade

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Absolutely!



Couldn't agree more! This is what all threads should be. Juicy and full of details. Since I was in this biz, it is particularly hard for me to NOT get back into it. This is a great thread all around. I want the movie rights!


Hahaha you can have them! [emoji23]

Love the details and stories you are telling us. Thank you for all the insight!

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MJ DeMarco

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Xavier X

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Can you link us to your tutorials? I've watched so many videos that I bet I've seen yours haha but it never hurts to get more knowledge


Still having trouble figuring out how to get higher paying corporate clients...

I had an artist lowball me for $200 and i reluctantly agreed. Then he didnt show up on the date we booked. I called him out on it and he called me a "no name loser" and threatened me if I didnt stop messaging him smh definetely not my ideal client lol

My gut told me not to even respond at first after checking his page to see drugs and guns in every picture smh. I keep going back on my word when there is a chance to make a quick buck. Learned a few lessons.

Not all money is good money. not every potential client with a few bucks is worth the time. Cant niche down if I'm grabbing at every opportunity that comes my way. Need to be more selective.

Now that I am more focused on doing quality projects with bigger budgets, and no longer doing run-and-gun type work day in and day out, it allows me to focus on what's important and go after my target market.

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I would have loved to, but I keep my identity separate from my general online activities. My name isn't even Xavier :cool:. It's a privacy thing.

But yeah, "upcoming artists" are perhaps the worst possible client base. If it's an ignorant wannabe gangster rapper, that's even double worse, like you've seen with Mr. $200 McNoShow.

Although at this stage it's still okay to take on crappy paying projects for the experience. Provided you consider the opportunity cost of doing so.
When your skills are ready for prime time, then you can insist on higher rates. At your current skill level, you're definitely under-pricing, but again - experience.

Unfortunately, in this business, some clowns think you pay your bills with "pizza, beer and a lot of fun."
 

ChaseFade

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I would have loved to, but I keep my identity separate from my general online activities. My name isn't even Xavier :cool:. It's a privacy thing.

But yeah, "upcoming artists" are perhaps the worst possible client base. If it's an ignorant wannabe gangster rapper, that's even double worse, like you've seen with Mr. $200 McNoShow.

Although at this stage it's still okay to take on crappy paying projects for the experience. Provided you consider the opportunity cost of doing so.
When your skills are ready for prime time, then you can insist on higher rates. At your current skill level, you're definitely under-pricing, but again - experience.

Unfortunately, in this business, some clowns think you pay your bills with "pizza, beer and a lot of fun."
Yes exactly. I just did a quick video recap last night of a show for a DJ I am partnering with for weddings. Didnt ask for a dime because I know it will come back in spades later on.

He is introducing me to his clients and we are going to offer a bulk deal if you book me for the wedding video and him for DJing. Also 20 percent commission of we refer each other and only one gets booked.


The rapper wants to still shoot the video but I am totally against it. Not worth the cost and I am thinking about how that looks branding/reputation wise if I am working with that type of client. Dont want to be putting my name on it if it will make me look bad.

Also got a message from a fitness trainer last night and he is starting a pre-made fitness meal company and works with some NFL Players and Agents [emoji16] meeting with him soon. He saw the few free workout videos I made for my friends. Again, free work can be beneficial to getting paid work!

I am feeling the hangover right now big time lol free drinks and experience are the big positives from last night.

Back to editing!

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ChaseFade

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You are a huge inspiration and role model! Thanks so much for sharing your story of your success!
I am just getting started! Thanks for reading

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ChaseFade

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Another thing that I realized this morning...

I am at work right now pulling an over time shift...I work as a Janitor.

As I was cleaning a few toilets I noticed something...

I was actually enjoying it!

Not in a weird way where I love to clean or something like that...but because of my video business success so far and how bright the future looks, I dont mind it!

I used to dread going to work, and dread every second of this job because I had no way out. It was a dead end with no chance of ever becoming something more.

I know that by putting in extra time and earning extra money I can put it towards my business and essentially work my way out of this job. It's a great feeling!

I finally have a Why. A reason to do what I do.

Or a few reasons...

1. I want to quit my job and be free.
2. I dont want to ever worry about money.
3. I want to be able to travel on a moments notice
4. I want to pay off my house and have no outstanding bills.
5. I want to invest in real estate
6. I want to help people around me and live in abundance
7. I want to help people.


When you have purpose behind you, you become unstoppable. All it takes is patience and constant improvement. Produce more than you consume.

Keep producing!

No stopping until im free...

Until then im back to cleaning toilets.

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When you have purpose behind you, you become unstoppable. All it takes is patience and constant improvement. Produce more than you consume.

AMEN brother! The same transformation happened to me when I went from being "just" an employee to beginning to build my own dream. Your mindset opens doors you never knew existed, and you will never be the same again!
 

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As I was cleaning a few toilets I noticed something...

I was actually enjoying it!

Not in a weird way where I love to clean or something like that...but because of my video business success so far and how bright the future looks, I dont mind it!

Congrats.

I love when I hear my concepts ratify in real life.

This is happening because you've activated your dream. You have a plan for the future. A vision. A workable blueprint to get there. And when you have all those things, suddenly the crappy job ain't so bad. You actually want to do well at it.

As they say, how you do anything is how you do everything.

This is why I was never fired from any job. I've always had a future vision, and part of that future vision had a present moment of paying bills in a less-than-worthy job. I made sure to do it well.

There's nothing wrong with being the best toilet-cleaner because it means you can be the best at something much greater.
 
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ChaseFade

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Finally home and relaxing on the couch after one of the busiest past few weeks of my life.

Worked 2, 80 hour weeks back to back at workand shot 3 videos this weekend.

One thing I've been thinking about lately is figuring out how to scale this business where it's not solely dependent on me. It is going to be a tough process because I have always been very hands on with everything and also finding people that will be up to my standards. I dont want this to be another job where im jumping from gig to gig wondering where my next check will come from.

I know I am not even close to the point where I can begin to scale but it has been I'm the back of my mind lately.

Best way I can think to start outsourcing/scaling up is once I start niching down into weddings I can start refining the process of sales/marketing and shooting the film. Then start bringing people with me and get them to the point where they can make it 100% independently. Then do that with every process of selling and creating a wedding film.




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Worked 2, 80 hour weeks back to back

You'll get used to it. As you get better, you will love your work more, and it won't seem like work nearly as much as it does now.

What you won't get used to is people telling you how "lucky" you are to have your own business and make so much money.

I tell them, I'll give you a secret on how to double your income - starting next month. They are usually pretty interested to get this little gem of inside information - until I tell them to get another job. Yes, work twice as much. I do. So I should make more money.

I trained six people over the years because they wanted in on the "gravy train." They all quit because they didn't want to work weekends or nights. Not that it's hard work - but it is time consuming. Oh no - can't do that. But they do want all the benefits.
 

Maxboost

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Another thing that I realized this morning...

I am at work right now pulling an over time shift...I work as a Janitor.

As I was cleaning a few toilets I noticed something...

I was actually enjoying it!

Not in a weird way where I love to clean or something like that...but because of my video business success so far and how bright the future looks, I dont mind it!

I used to dread going to work, and dread every second of this job because I had no way out. It was a dead end with no chance of ever becoming something more.

I know that by putting in extra time and earning extra money I can put it towards my business and essentially work my way out of this job. It's a great feeling!

I finally have a Why. A reason to do what I do.

Or a few reasons...

1. I want to quit my job and be free.
2. I dont want to ever worry about money.
3. I want to be able to travel on a moments notice
4. I want to pay off my house and have no outstanding bills.
5. I want to invest in real estate
6. I want to help people around me and live in abundance
7. I want to help people.


When you have purpose behind you, you become unstoppable. All it takes is patience and constant improvement. Produce more than you consume.

Keep producing!

No stopping until im free...

Until then im back to cleaning toilets.

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This is what I needed to hear and probably the most important nugget in the thread. I forgot my "whys" and I have not been as productive as I should have been in the past 2 weeks.
 
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ChaseFade

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You'll get used to it. As you get better, you will love your work more, and it won't seem like work nearly as much as it does now.

What you won't get used to is people telling you how "lucky" you are to have your own business and make so much money.

I tell them, I'll give you a secret on how to double your income - starting next month. They are usually pretty interested to get this little gem of inside information - until I tell them to get another job. Yes, work twice as much. I do. So I should make more money.

I trained six people over the years because they wanted in on the "gravy train." They all quit because they didn't want to work weekends or nights. Not that it's hard work - but it is time consuming. Oh no - can't do that. But they do want all the benefits.
Those 80 hours were just at the day job, not even counting video edits and shooting after work. It's nice to have alot more money to invest into equipment and better yet, when you work all day and night you dont have time to spend money on anything unnecessary haha

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ChaseFade

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UPDATES

Feels like it's been months since I have updated my progress on the thread!

Shot a few more music videos recently. Had a rapper I met back when I was making music actually fly up to Seattle from Atlanta to come make 3 music videos with me. He paid for the flights and all his food here with basically his last dollar (hes a college student). He slept on the couch and I showed him around the city and we just worked the whole weekend.

Upgraded my drone to the DJI Mavic Air and sold my DJI Spark. Paid off my camera and new lens entirely in cash.

Still paying off the Macbook but only because I am in no rush since it is zero percent interest until Aug. 2019

Shooting my first wedding this weekend for my fiance's sister. Low pressure since she doesn't expect much but I am going to blow her away with the quality. Had her pay me $200 just to make sure she really wanted it and was committed. Very cheap for what most people charge but its family and I will be able to book more clients in the future once I have the portfolio. Win win for everyone since I was going to be attending anyways.

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Real Deal Denver

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Thanks for the update!

You're definitely moving up! Use those music videos and weddings to fill in your schedule and pay the bills. But don't make them your main business.

To be successful, you're going to have to go after the commercial stuff. Don't get bogged down in the consumer world. It will consume your time and you'll stay running around circles.
 
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ChaseFade

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I just have doubts about the commercial work right now because I havent done much of it and dont have the network yet to start getting more clients. other than the realtor ads and some listing videos. Definetely not consistent enough. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel with weddings and it's geared toward my strengths. Although, We will have to wait and see how this first one goes before I make any major decisions.

But heres my big thing with weddings...

Yes, it's very consumer based and is not commercial. I get that. But for every con there are many pros. One thing I like is that I dont need to create a story and plan the video at all other than shooting it. No directing, no story boards. Nothing but showing up and getting the shots and then editing.

Everything is planned to the exact minute by a wedding planner or wedding party. 2nd, they can be very big money with the right branding in place. 3rd, and most importantly, I plan on dedicating a year to learn the process, get everything dialed in from marketing to editing to delivery so I can COMPLETELY OUTSOURCE THE ENTIRE BUSINESS and just over see the entire operation. When it comes to wedding films, they are all more or less the same each time. Its consistent. Commercial work is different every project and can be tougher to teach to an employee. Also I like the idea of doing one thing well. Be known for being the very best, being the go to company for one thing. Weddings.

I dont want to work every wedding, so I am aiming for a direction where I am not essential to the business. If I am it ends up being just another job where my net worth is tied to hours worked. No scale.


Last but not least, once they are finished I know these videos will be watched by the family of the bride and groom for years to come and that really motivates me. It gets annoying spending hours and hours, (precious time of my life I will never get back) on making a video for it to only be seen by 100 people and forgotten the next day. I know with wedding films it will be watched and cherished and be shown at family gatherings for decades.
Thanks for the update!

You're definitely moving up! Use those music videos and weddings to fill in your schedule and pay the bills. But don't make them your main business.

To be successful, you're going to have to go after the commercial stuff. Don't get bogged down in the consumer world. It will consume your time and you'll stay running around circles.

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Real Deal Denver

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Allllll righty then. You're hard to argue with - but I will anyway.

I feel like I'm talking to my younger self through a time warp. Went down the same path. Here's what I should have done.

Commercial stuff is MUCH easier and MUCH less time consuming than consumer video. And your customers will not be NEARLY as picky. They pay you more, and it's not the end of the world if things don't turn out like Warner Brothers. I tell you, consumers now want full Hollywood. They're paying you good money, and you better do TEN times better than their brother's friend - who is no slouch - he's made his own music videos too.

For commercial - think practical. EVERY employee that comes on board has to go through orientation. They tell them they can't sexually harass the secretary. So, after they hire them, the next week the secretary files a complaint about sexual harassment. The poor guy gets hauled in and says nobody told ME I couldn't do that. They say yes we did. Maybe they did - maybe they didn't. Is there hard proof? He said, she said. So - replace the orientation process with a thorough, or a series of, very direct videos. With a quiz after each one - which is not to see how smart they are, but to PROVE that they watched the video. Now, no more misunderstanding - it's all there in the video. Problem solved. Not to mention the huge time savings the company will get every time they have to do orientation. Will that save payroll costs? Damn right it will. Big time. Ok - with me so far?

Now do the same exact training/orientation videos for specific job duties. How to run a computer program - how to run a certain machine - how to fill out forms. And when something changes - you have to create, or modify the video. It's an income stream. Never ends.

Companies have to comply with certain training regulations. Find out what those are. For restaurants, it's precise procedures on how to handle food properly. And store it. And monitor the age of food. It's a lot to keep track of. So - make this ONE video about this ONE topic, and you can sell it to every restaurant in town. And I'm not talking $20 to compete with Best Buy. I'm talking $175. I buy "continuing education" for my line of work - and that's about what I pay. I'm an appraiser. There are thousands of appraisers in the country - and we are all REQUIRED to take education update courses. This is an INDUSTRY.

Next idea. Legal depositions. This is needed to verify exactly what was said. Expressions help, so sound recording alone isn't ideal. Video is much better. How many attorneys could use this service? A lot.

Next idea. Company meetings. Do you know how much companies spend to have execs fly in from all over the country for important product launches - key business meeting - etc.? A flippin lot.

Next idea. Do you know how pissed brides can get when you miss a four second shot of them - say, seeing their best friend from college walk into the room - and you were looking away at that moment. You missed the shot of her LIFETIME! And now, you're gonna die. Been there. Live is live. You will never get 100% of everything 100% of the time 100% perfect. It's just a matter of time before Bertha rips your throat open. And she will. She paid big money for a professional - and you screwed up her entire life! You heartless bastard!

STAY away from weddings. I was lucky. In 6 years of doing them full time, I only had three wenches that wanted to kill me. I didn't screw up - but I missed ONE shot. They didn't kiss me for the 135 GREAT shots that I did get. No! They wanted to kill me for the ONE that I didn't get.

Done. I've just handed you a career on a silver platter. And a damn good one too.

You are ready and capable to fill in the blanks and run with this. You just needed direction, and there it is. The world is your clam. Or starfish. Hey - oyster! Now I remember! Go get em.
 
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