Explore every episode of the podcast The Den Lennie Show
Dive into the complete episode list for The Den Lennie Show. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.
The Video Mentors dive deep into the world of niching, from targeting specific industries to honing in on geographic areas and stylistic approaches. The conversation unpacks both the benefits and challenges.
You'll hear personal journeys from the team on how embracing a niche has shaped their business, boosted financial success, and created more satisfying client relationships. 💡📈
TVM: Den Lennie, Andy Johnston, Caleb Maxwell, and Matt Smolen
Download the Little Black Book of Video Business Secrets: The Success Formula of 6 and 7-figure Video Businesses - Stand out, win premium projects, and grow while working less.
Get more great resources and check out how you can work with us in our FREE community directly at TheVideoMentors.com
In this conversation, The Video Mentors explore practical ways to overcome procrastination, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing tasks, setting clear goals, and celebrating small wins.
They share their own experiences and offer actionable tips and tools to help you stay focused and productive at work. 📈🎥✨
TVM: Den Lennie, Alana Tompson, Caleb Maxwell, and Matt Smolen
Download the Little Black Book of Video Business Secrets: The Success Formula of 6 and 7-figure Video Businesses - Stand out, win premium projects, and grow while working less.
Get more great resources and check out how you can work with us in our FREE community directly at TheVideoMentors.com
In this episode, we delve into a new AI chat box tool embedded on Den's website. This tool is unique as it is trained solely on Den's content, including books and podcasts, to provide personalized answers and enhance user engagement. Den shares insights into using this AI tool effectively and discusses its potential impact on video business owners.
Here's a sneak peek of what you'll hear:
Introduction to AI Chat Box: Discover how Den Lennie has utilized AI technology to create a chat box that offers tailored advice and information based on his books and podcasts.
Features and Benefits: Learn how this tool not only answers queries but also supports video business owners by referencing specific content related to Den’s work.
Live Demonstration: Experience a live demo where Den interacts with the AI, highlighting its accuracy and practical utility in real-time scenarios.
Engagement Opportunities: Den invites listeners to try the AI tool themselves and provides tips on how to interact with it effectively.
Community and Support: Insight into the free resources available at the Video Business Accelerator community, including free training, resources for budgeting and quotes, and regular community calls that help members enhance their video businesses.
Future Enhancements: Preview of upcoming improvements to the podcast and additional features in the AI tool, emphasizing continuous development and user-focused enhancements.
Dear listener, a well-rested Den Lennie delivers, and delivers BIG in this must- hear episode.
If you're wanting to be sitting pretty at the end of 2022, then you'll want to hear this episode. Den gets down to the nitty-gritty on what it really takes to explode your video production business's profits in 2022 and beyond.
Here's a sneak peek at what you'll hear:
A damn near perfect description of success and what it takes to get it. (This is what goal achievement and achieving success in any field really looks like. - 0:50)
The "Micro Stack" success secret. (Look at any high achiever or titan of industry and you can bet dollars to donuts they're using this secret. - 1:15)
Dastardly Den's wicked good “5-point game plan” for taking ideas from your head (where else?) to execution. (Bonus: not only does this 5-step game plan help you take action, but it helps you sort out the good ideas from the bad. - 4:00)
When being an action taker can be a bad thing. - 5:00
Advice to video freelancers who are one-man-bands. - 7:40
6 disturbingly good questions to ask yourself at the end of the year concerning your video business. (Probably not 1 in 1000 videographers would ask 2, let alone all 6 of these questions, and that's probably why so many videographers keep repeating what they did the year before. - 7:50)
A little-known business book that should be required reading for small business owners and freelancers. - 9:00
Quite possibly the most counterintuitive truth you'll ever hear about success, life, business. - 9:45
A success secret of the savviest business people in the world. (This gives them a huge advantage in business and the best part? You can easily do this, too. Full details at 12:50)
What's the single biggest thing that holds a videographer back from having BIG success? (It's a good question, ain't it? Well, you can hear Den's opinion on this at 14:00)
A mystifyingly stupid thing many videographers do that keeps them a day late and a dollar short. (Hint: it's about where they put their money. - 14:20)
How to make success almost inevitable. (Obviously, this one's easier said than done, but it's true, nonetheless. - 15:20)
Can videographers access Den Lennie's proven and battle-tested methods for growing a highly profitable video production business? (You bet! Here's how you can get your meathooks on them. - 17:25)
An ancient success secret most people won't ever take advantage of. (Why? Because it requires discipline. If you have that rare quality… you're likely already using this old-as-dirt success secret. - 18:20)
Dear listener, in this episode, Den gets down-n-dirty and gives a heartfelt lesson that can truly set you up for 2022. What else? Well, Den reveals the 3 biggest lessons that came out of 2021...plus... gives people in the video production industry a seminar's worth of marketing and business lessons.
Here's a sneak peek at what you'll hear:
The single most powerful (and misunderstood) marketing principle in all of marketingdom. (Luckily for you, dear listen, Den not only understands this powerful marketing principle but has taught it to several of his video coaching clients who have gone on to double, triple, and even quadruple their business, thanks largely to implementing this exact marketing principle. - 1:00
A powerful surprise benefit of niching down nobody talks about. - 2:20
Den gleefully shatters a myth about niche marketing. - 4:00
A certain type of client acquisition that begets client acquisition. - 4:45
An ingenious way to use the 80/20 principle in your marketing that can potentially put your marketing on steroids, and ultimately boost your video business's profits. - 5:30
How to get your clients to eagerly and happily pay your premium prices without so much as batting an eyelid. - 7:00
How videographers are unwittingly whoring themselves out. - 7:30
The most powerful (and profitable) word in all of business. (HINT: it's a two-letter word. - 7:55)
The "repulsion" marketing method. (This little-used and counterintuitive marketing method is viciously effective. - 8:00)
A laughably simple (but very effective) way to keep your clients deliriously happy and wanting to do business with you and ONLY you. - 9:00
A simple way to get your clients to overlook, forgive, and almost laugh off any mistakes you make. (This, of course, is not a license to become sloppy and careless, but it is certainly helpful for those times when you drop the ball. - 9:30)
Why Den's capping his video coaching clientele at 40 members and not a single soul more. - 10:00
FACT: when an online platform is free... YOU are the product! (Hear Den talk about why he and his merry band of Facebook followers are fleeing Zuckerberg's cesspit, I mean platform and are migrating their FB group to a paid platform. - 11:30)
Don't be fooled by Den's chill vibe on this episode. In this episode, Den drops more gems than a one-armed gem miner. If you're a videographer or in the video production industry, you'd be nuts not to hear this, especially if you're about to make a big business decision.
Alright...
Here's a sneak peek at what you'll hear:
A mini-seminar on how to get out of a funk. (This is straight from a tough-as-nails woman who crossed the Atlantic ocean in a rowboat. - 3:00)
Advice on how to make big life changes from one of the world's most successful comedians. (This comedian used to be a marketing exec at the oil company Shell. Well anyway, one fine day he decided to quit and become a comedian. So... he did! - 5:45)
A foolproof way to lose your joy. (Naturally, everyone avoids a killjoy because we want to keep our joy, however... most people unwittingly have their joy stolen by doing this one thing mentioned at 6:40)
3 questions to ask before making any big life decision. (This could quite possibly save you from a world of pain. Listen up at 6:50)
FACT: the biggest factor in how big you scale your video business is how you use what's between your ears. (If you want help scaling your video business, then you might want to check out Den's coaching program where he will give you his proven blueprint to scaling a video business. Of course, there are certain prerequisites and not everyone gets accepted.)
Why Den's done with Flakebook (aka Facebook) - 13:00
What's this new app for videographers? What's this new discussion forum for videographers? (Hey, hey... hold yer horses. Den tells all at 13:20)
There are two types of videographers who should listen to this episode: (1) those who feel under pressure and can hear the wolves at their door, and (2) those who are sittin' pretty but want to take their business to even higher levels of success.
Here's a sneak peek at what you'll hear:
A “2-minute marketing trick” any videographer can use in the month of November to help keep business rolling in the door during the notoriously quiet months of December and January. – 1:30
The one & only time having a lean period in business is a good thing. - 3:00
Is Cold outreach in December a good idea or bad idea? (Hear Den's thoughts at 3:20)
The REAL reason most video production owners' Decembers and Januarys are leaner months. (And, what you can do about it. - 5:20)
How to appreciate your current business situation when you're not enjoying your current business situation. (Hear this simple but powerful mind trick at 6:30)
The surprisingly simple "Environment" secret for potentially ratcheting up your business's growth and profits. (Most people at the top of their industry are using this secret to gain a massive advantage over those who aren’t. Here's what it is and how YOU can take advantage of it, too. - 7:30)
Dirty tricks your brain plays on you when money's tight and the wolves are at your door. - 8:15
Why there are now zero excuses not to read. - 10:20
3 jolly good book recommendations. (The first book will help you develop a Navy Seal-like mental toughness that will have you running through brick walls, the second book is so damn motivational it will have you eating lighting and crapping thunder. The third book is less motivational but will help sharpen your marketing fangs to a gleaming edge. - 13:00)
A bonus book recommendation you'd be nuts not to read. - 15:00
A damn-near perfect formula for running a highly profitable business. - 16:00
How to "Scotchgard" your mind so all the negative crap doesn't stain your brain. - 17:00
The knucklehead's guide to meditation. - 18:00
An almost “too-hard-to-believe” fact about Den's VBA members (Den's coaching clients). - 19:00
Are you innovating within your business? It costs way more to acquire a new customer than it does to retain an existing one. So, think about how you can improve and engage your clients on a deeper level so they won't leave you. Businesses that fail to innovate, die.
Is all this talk about "purpose over profit" just fluffy sentiment... or... could it be the secret to great profits? If you're in the video production industry and the above question interests you... well, what are you waiting for?
Oh, you wanna know a little more about this episode? That’s fair enough. Alright…
Here's a sneak peek at what you'll hear:
Why value-driven businesses attract new clients like bees to honey while most profit-driven businesses have to hunt down new business like hungry wolves. - 1:00
How focusing LESS on money can make your business MORE of it! - 1:20
The videographer's guide to creating a winning culture in their business. (Building a team that's motivated, energized, and happy is as harder than Chinese algebra, but the advice Den gives starting at 2:25 is sure to help.)
How having a value-based business can make dealing with your clients an absolute pleasure. - 2:50
How having a profit-first based business can be one of the quickest ways to cultivate an undying contempt for the human race. - 3:00
A no-nonsense way to come up with your business's purpose. - 6:00
Den's damn-near perfect breakdown of a business's purpose, mission, and plan, and... how they all work in concert to make a highly profitable business. - 7:00
A surprisingly easy way to get crystal-clear on your business goals. - 9:00
A hardly-talked-about strategy for earning bigger profits with fewer clients. - 11:35
A clever "mind trick" for creating an almost perfect business structure. Hardly anyone thinks like this when organizing and structuring their business. (This is ridiculously simple and can give you a tremendous advantage. - 12:00)
How "focus and clarity" are the business owner’s superpower. -16:00
Onboard the client properly. Communicate the proposed timeline but also articulate the delays that might have an impact later on. Talk about how you like to communicate including what the milestones are. To help clients understand, ensure you have clear communication, a clear process, and a clear system.
Everybody has business goals but not everyone achieves them. Why is it that some do and some don't? There are plenty of reasons, but one major reason (perhaps the biggest) is revealed in this episode.
Here's a sneak peek at what you'll hear:
The single biggest bottleneck in your business, or anyone's business for that matter. (HINT: you can find this bottleneck in any bathroom. Just walk up to the sink, and lookup. - 1:05)
A quick crash course in the 5-stages of business. (And... how knowing this can help you make smarter and more profitable business decisions - 2:00
A nincompoop reason to stop advertising. (I'm sure you wouldn't stop marketing your video business for this reason, but if you have... you should get out your crayons and write down the advice given at 2:40)
A shockingly good business maxim you should tattoo somewhere on your body or at least on your office wall. - 2:50
Advice for video freelancers who aren't sure how to price their services. - 4:10
A totally counterintuitive way to ratchet up your creativity. (Not only does this spark creativity, but it also makes the running of your business smoother and ultimately more profitable. - 7:00)
A completely non-woo-woo look at how the stories we tell ourselves can attract things to our lives both good and bad. - 7:30
When NEVER to make an important decision. (In this certain situation, your IQ can drop by as much as 50%. Unfortunately, most people make big - but silly - decisions in this very situation. - 12:00)
A dead giveaway that you have a dirty big limiting belief. (We all have them, some are just better at identifying them than others. Here's how to spot them, and... how to change them to beliefs that serve you. - 14:00)
There are two types of business owners: (1) business owners who make excuses, and (2) business owners who make money. You can't be both. Choose wisely, Freckles. (Hear Den riff on this topic at 16:00)
How Warner Bros. Looney Tunes cartoons indoctrinate kids. (This is very subtle, but it can screw with a kid’s beliefs about money - like it may have done yours. - 19:00)
The curious reason Den always avoided buying new cars, even when he really wanted to and had the money. - 20:00
How to use your tongue to literally rewire your brain. - 20:20
How to use an ordinary piece of cardboard to help change your beliefs. - 21:00
It's about discussing business growth and expansion from different perspectives on the benefits of one over the other. It's bringing together like-minded people to add more perspective and value to solving problems. This is the power of a mastermind.
Dive into this inspiring episode as Den explores Sam's entrepreneurial voyage from a passion for video to spearheading a successful business in the live streaming and AV industry.
From navigating the complexities of COVID-19 to acquiring another company, Sam offers invaluable insights into the trials and triumphs of business expansion, the efficacy of active marketing, and the indispensable role of community and mindset in attaining success.
Whether you're an aspiring business owner or in the process of scaling your venture, this episode is brimming with practical advice and genuine experiences to inspire and steer you on your entrepreneurial path.
Here's a sneak peek of what you'll hear:
Introduction to Sam's journey from filming action sports as a youth to becoming a prominent figure in the live streaming and AV sector.
How the COVID-19 pandemic unexpectedly amplified the need for live streaming services, propelling Sam's business into new heights.
The strategic advantages and outcomes of acquiring an additional AV company to bolster Sam's business positioning for future success.
Insights into the obstacles encountered while scaling the business, emphasizing systematization, staffing challenges, and project management.
The critical role of active marketing, with a spotlight on LinkedIn strategies, in driving business growth and establishing a strong industry presence.
The value of being part of a business accelerator community for support, learning acceleration, and accountability.
Sam's personal reflections on managing stress, the power of a positive mindset, and his quest for achieving a balance that fulfills his life goals.
Encouragement for budding entrepreneurs to pace their journey, savor the process, and methodically build a business that aligns with their vision.
Dear listener, you're in for a real treat. Why? Here’s why: Den interviews a grizzled veteran in the video production industry, namely, Chris Schwager. Mr. Schwager generously shares many secrets of the trade he's picked over 20 plus years in the trenches.
But first…
…here's a sneak peek at what you'll hear:
Being ahead of the curve in business is always a good thing, right? (Nope! Not always. Sometimes it can backfire as it did for Chris in 2019. Hear Chris tell this rough story at 5:50)
Proof that “assumption” is the mother of all screw-ups, especially in a business context. - 8:40
Hear the #1 secret to sales at 11:08. (This may sound ridiculously simple when you first hear this, but this is where the magic happens. Selling becomes child's play when you start doing this.)
The “6-word sales” secret you should tattoo on your body. - 16:59 - exact enough?
The videographer's dilemma: to edit or not to edit? (Sometimes it can be far more profitable not to edit. Hear one such time at 18:10)
Why perfectionists should never start a podcast. - 19:30
Den's highly sophisticated "Get Shit Done" business philosophy. - 20:00
A special "type" of marketing video that can dramatically increase your odds of landing a new client. Chris says this type of marketing video has been a game-changer for his business. - 24:00
An almost "stealth" way to sell prospects on your video production business on your very first point of contact. (Do this and watch your clients' eyes light up. - 24:30)
How getting in front of the camera can blow up your video business. - 25:15
Could videographers be the biggest hypocrites in business? (Quite possibly. Listen in at 25:25 and you be the judge. Whichever way you slice it, it doesn't look good.)
The "Eat Your Own Dog Food" marketing method for gaining your market’s trust and respectability. - 26:30
Identify all the possible avenues where videos can be used to connect to customers. Be the alpha and stand out as someone who's clearly done more work than anyone else on the scene and providing not just a video service but also a sense of partnership. Businesses that adapt to a more holistic approach will win the game.
Dear listener, this may be the most valuable episode yet. If you follow the business advice Den freely (he could charge thousands for this information) gives in this episode and apply it to your video business, well, heck... unless you're beyond all help (and that’s not you), you can't help but start making bigger profits.
Okay, here's a sneak peek at what you'll hear:
What business owners can learn from the Humpback whales' migration journey. - 2:00
FACT: humans are far superior to animals due to our intelligence and creativity, however, animals do have one instinct humans don't... and it's this lack of instinct that causes most humans to be caught with their pants down financially speaking. - 4:00
An almost stupid obvious (yet overlooked by most people) goal-setting tip that can dramatically put the odds of achieving your goals heavily in your favor. - 5:45
A top-notch formula for goal setting you'll love, especially if you have trouble setting and executing your business goals. - 6:00
The “3-word secret” to goal accomplishment. - 6:40
A clumsy (and very costly) mistake many business owners make when testing out a business idea. (I'm sure you never make this blunder mentioned at 7:30, but you just never know.)
The "10-Degrees" secret for quickly testing new business ideas and concepts with minimum effort, time, and money. - 7:50
Are 4k cameras overrated for the average video freelancer? Hear Den's thoughts at 8:40
Damn good business advice for videographers. - 9:30
The four-letter word starting with "P" that's almost a dirty world for the average business owner. - 12:00
A special "type" of business planning that can dramatically increase your odds of success. - 13:00
The treacherous tale of two explorers who raced each other to the South Pole. (This story contains quite possibly the greatest lesson on strategic planning ever told. - 15:00)
When using your "intuition" in business can cost you dearly. - 16:00
A 100% guaranteed formula for failure. (Sadly, most people who are failing in life and in business use this very formula. - 17:40)
The case for consistency over perfection. - 22:00
A tried and true way to recession-proof your business. - 25:20
You have to take profits. You have to enjoy the fruits of your labor. It's one of the treats and thrills of running a business. It's self-care. If you don't celebrate some of your success, you won't be in the right headspace to grow.
In this wicked good episode, Den delivers a mini-seminar on how to systemize your video business, and... do it in a way that won't leave you wanting to take a bath with an electrical appliance.
Here's a sneak peek of what you'll hear:
A caveman explanation of "scaling" a business. - 0:45
The litmus test for knowing if your video business is sellable or not. (Sadly, most buyers wouldn't touch the majority of video businesses with a 10-foot boom pole. Here's why... - 1:10
Did you know News Corp recently acquired a major stake in one of Australia's leading video production companies? (Ah, so what? What's that got to do with the average videographer? Here's what... - 1:55)
Den's always banging on about systems, isn't he? (Well, here's proof Den walks the talk. - 2:50)
A big juicy benefit of having a systemized video business. - 3:10
The “cognitive dissonance” of the average video business owner. - 4:20
Den swiftly slays a common myth about systemizing a business. - 5:00
More common systemization myths debunked. - 5:35
A laughably simple “3-step business systemization” formula even someone with a half-functioning brain could follow. - 6:50
The single biggest threat or obstacle to systemizing your business. (This answer may surprise you. - 8:45)
A mini-seminar on business systemization. Hear Den deliver this rapid-fire lesson at 9:50
Den's semi-famous 12-week "Done For You" systemization service. (This could be the most valuable investment you ever make in your video business. Nothing can boost profits and bring peace of mind like a well-optimized, organized, and systemized business. - 12:20)
5 questions very few video business owners ask about their business operations. (There's a name for video business owners who do ask these 5 questions. They're called successful! - 13:30)
How videographers can use their own skills to help systemize their business. - 16:00
The secret to "Time Collapsing" the onboarding process. This is how you can turn 2-weeks' worth of training into 2-days’ worth of training. (Not only is this a far more efficient way, but it's also far more effective. - 16:00)
Who should look at Den's "done for you" systemization service and who shouldn't. - 21:40
Sometimes, the simplest strategies are the hardest to implement. Without strategic planning and goal, everything is going to be a mess. Focus on what you can control to build rhythm, habit, and consistency. Be clear on what you want and focus on it. All these can lead to success.
In this ridiculously good episode, Den obliterates every excuse in the book for not being productive and for feeling overwhelmed while running your business, and... gives a ton of proven and battle-tested methods, tricks, and strategies to overcome a lack of productivity, disorganization, and overwhelm.
But first...
Here's a sneak peek at what you'll hear:
A dead giveaway that you lack systematization in your business. - 0:50
The #1 reason why most small business owners feel more overwhelmed than a one-toothed man in a corn-on-the-cob eating contest. (And, what to do if you're one of them. - 1:00)
When focusing on improving your "technical" abilities in your business is a BAD idea. - 1:50
What the "freelance curse" is, and how to make damn sure you avoid it. - 2:20
A disturbing fact: according to professor Tom Jackson from Loughborough University, 92% of employees become stressed when they receive and read an email in the workplace. (Ah, so what? You're a freelance videographer or a business owner - your email inbox doesn't raise your blood pressure, right? Don't be too sure. - 3:00)
An almost unheard-of method to overcome overwhelm at work. (Next time you're as busy as an ant of a candy bar and you feel stress coming on, just do this... - 4:30)
How to use an ordinary diary to obliterate overwhelm at work. - 4:50
A no-muss, no-fuss way to organize your week. - 4:45
The lazy man's guide to outworking most workaholics while only working a 3.5-hour workweek.
A little-known app Alexander Graham Bell would have loved. FACT: Alex Graham Bell was one of history's most productive men ever. (When asked about the secret to productivity, he said this: "Concentrate all your thoughts upon the work at hand. The sun's rays do not burn until brought to a focus." Well, this little-known app will help you do just that. - 7:50)
Two tell-tale signs that you're a willing victim of overwhelm. (If these two tell-tale signs describe you when you're working, then you'll want to fix this right quick. - 8:10)
Q. What do pot smokers and multi-taskers have in common? A. They both perform tasks well under their capabilities. (Truth be told, if you want to perform a task well, you're better off smoking pot than multitasking. - 8:30)
A “2-minute seminar” on energy management. (If you're dragging arse through the day and have the energy level of a sloth on Valium, then what you hear at 9:00 could be just what the doctor ordered.)
It’s no secret Dolly Parton preferred working 5 to 9 instead of 9 to 5. Well, Den's also a fan of workin' 5 to 9. Here's why... - 10:00
Den's daily routine. - 11:00
Den's secret "White Space” scheduling technique that inoculates you from unexpected situations and stops your day from getting derailed. - 12:00
Why video freelancers who make themselves available 24/7 are beyond silly. - 13:10
If a business owner is overwhelmed at work, is it really their fault? Here Den's uncircumcised answer at 15:40
Quite possible the most counterintuitive truth ever told. - 16:10
Can people trust your company? Are they going to get what they need and not end up with something overly creative or overly ambitious? This is where relevance comes in. It's very important to understand who you are talking to and know where they are at on their buying journey.
If you, dear listener, could click your fingers and magically have your life the way you want it, how would it look?
Surprisingly, if you ask the average person what success looks to them, they'll look at you like a dog that's just been shown a card trick. They have no real clarity about what success would look like to them. And that's probably why most people don't live fulfilling lives - they don't really know what success means to them.
Bottom line:
If you feel like you need help with getting clarity on your own definition of success, then maybe, just maybe, this episode will help you find that elusive clarity.
Here's a sneak peek at what you'll hear:
The “double-edged sword” of chasing after financial goals. - 2:00
Den's 20-year goal. - 3:55
Den's "wins and loses" on his way to achieving his ultimate goal - moving from jolly old England to Queensland, Australia. - 4:00
Why many financially successful people still work like dogs. - 5:45
Dirty tricks our brains play on us that can screw up our ability to make wise decisions. - 8:00
Damn good money advice to people considering moving abroad and getting a loan. - 11:00
Why Den used to feel guilty driving around in nice new cars. - 11:50
A "2-second mindset tweak" for overcoming hang-ups over money and success. (Do you feel bad driving around in a nice car or for flying first class? If so, try following this advice given at 12:30 and you may just start feeling like the best things in life are yours for the taking.)
Den's MTV Cribs-like tour inside his home. - 15:00
What success means to Den and his laydee. - 15:50
What does Den think about vision boards? Hear Den’s opinion at 17:30
A completely non-woo-woo look at visualizing success. - 20:00
Not every season needs to be a sprint to finish. Not every season needs to be a hard drive on sales. Sometimes you have to slow down to speed up. Having a team and taking some time out helps enormously and gives you time and space to think strategically.
In this episode, Den addresses a pressing concern echoing through the video business community in March 2024: the challenge of articulation. This episode is a deep dive into why so many videographers are finding it difficult to communicate the unique value they bring to their target markets, directly impacting their ability to attract and secure work.
Den unpacks the essence of marketing as not just a tool but a necessity for survival in the competitive videography landscape. By breaking down the process into digestible, actionable steps, this podcast promises to equip you with the strategies needed to redefine your marketing efforts, helping you to not only stand out but thrive.
Here's a sneak peek of what you'll hear:
Unveiling the Articulation Challenge. An exploration of marketing fundamentals: delivering the right message to the right audience at the perfect time.
Overcoming Creative Hurdles. The destructive cycle of inactivity and its impact on business flow, highlighting the crucial role of consistent marketing.
Strategic Market Engagement. Emphasis on the importance of niche specialization and using a 'profit per day' metric to pinpoint the most profitable client segments.
Innovative Client Acquisition Tactics. Leveraging LinkedIn for strategic marketing, emphasizing the importance of consistent engagement to remain top of mind.
Real-world Success Stories. The critical need for patience and persistence in building a successful business and fostering market trust.
Today, Den brings back systematization guru Dave Jenyns. If you are looking to systematize your business or hire a new team member or virtual assistant or... you just want to streamline your business and maximize your profits, then don't miss this one.
Here's a sneak peek at what you'll hear:
A completely irrational (yet very common) reason why many video freelances refuse to hire a team or even just a virtual assistant. - 2:20
A stupid obvious way (but hardly anyone does) to shortcutting your way to successful hiring. - 3:15
Hands down the faster, easiest, and most effective ways to systematize your video production business.
Den's "freelance-friendly 3-step method" for systematizing your video business. - 3:50
A low-risk (and cost-effective) way to hire a team member for your video business. - 4:10
Where to find some of the best virtual assistants money can buy. (This country mentioned at 5:00 for some reason produce world-class virtual assistants and… it won’t break the bank to hire them.)
The nervous business owner's guide to systematization. - 6:10
A BIG advantage videographers have over other business owners when it comes to systematizing their business. - 7:00
Who should a videographer hire first? Hear Dave's expert opinion at 8:00
Insider advice on who exactly to look for when hiring a customer service worker or manager. - 10:00
How to hire a team of employees on a shoestring budget. 10:10
An almost idiot-proof way to quickly, easily, and effectively onboard new team members or virtual assistants. - 13:00
Onboarding secrets from a man dubbed "The world's #1 small business guru". - 15:45
A juicy onboarding tip that will (1) fast track a new member's learning curve (2) give them clarity and understanding of how your business runs (3) ratchet up their motivation, and (4) optimize their talents.
A grim reality about the selling and buying of video production businesses you should know about. - 19:00
Why Dave Jenyns should be called the "Tiger woods" of business systems. - 24:30
How to systematize your parenting. (Believe it or not, kids react well to this type of structure when done this way. - 27:00)
The 8 steps to scaling your video business are the skeletal structure of a high-performing business. If you build this up in the next 7years you will have a really solid business which is something that is saleable or if not, will provide you with an incredible income while doing whatever you want.
Are you a filmmaker who does their own bookkeeping?
If so, this episode may just be the most important thing you hear in regard to your business's accounting and profitability.
Here's why: Den gets the privilege to chat to tax expert Blake Jenkins who specializes in helping business owners in the creative, film, and TV space. This one could truly help fatten your piggy bank, save you time and money, and keep you out of legal hot water.
Here's a sneak peek at what you'll hear:
The single most important thing to get right when doing your own bookkeeping. Sadly, most business owners screw this critical part up right proper. - 1:10
Horrible (and costly) blunders many small biz owners make with their bookkeeping. - 1:30
Nasty bookkeeping "blind spots" that trip up many a small business owner. - 2:00
How tax experts can tell if a bookkeeper really knows their onions or not. - 4:20
How using low-tech and "user-friendly" accounting software can come back to bite you. Beware of these pitfalls... - 7:00
Den's "top-notch" business advice that can potentially save you a lot of heartache, frustration, and... help your business reach its full potential. - 8:45
A common expense almost all business owners assume is a tax deduction but.... it ain't. - 9:50
What you're REALLY buying when you hire a bookkeeper. - 10:00
Why hiring a good bookkeeper is an investment and not a cost. - 10:30
Why having a "DIY" mindset in business can be dangerous to your bank account. - 11:20
Are you "penny-pinching" yourself out of business? Well, if you're skimping on your bookkeeping and accounting, you probably are. - 13:10
Why a good accountant is a business owner's best friend. - 17:30
The single most misinterpreted section of the Income Tax Act. - 24:50
A knuckle-dragging thing many business owners do to lower their tax bill that only ends up attracting the attention of the Tax Man. Not good. - 25:20
Den's admittedly “unpopular” opinion on the tax system for business owners. - 26:00
What does success look like to you? What are you aiming to accomplish with your company? Strategic planning is an important element of growing your business and reaching your personal goals. Listen to this episode and start preparing for the final quarter of 2021.
Today... Den talks about a topic that is THE key to making real and lasting breakthroughs in your video production business. That topic, dear listener, is the topic of change and habit building. But... don't expect to hear the same old cliches and lessons on this topic.
Here's a sneak peek at what you'll hear:
A powerful goal-setting trick Den stumbled upon while working out on a rowing machine. Doing what Den mentions at 4:00 can increase your chances of hitting your goals.- 4:00
The case for setting goals that seem out of reach. - 5:00
3 laughably simple tips for forming a new habit almost nobody does. (Apply these three things to your new habit and watch what happens. - 7:00)
Two characteristic traits that all of Den's most successful coaching clients possess. 8:20
A little-known (and extremely powerful) Japanese business philosophy that almost all of the world's most successful companies religiously adhere to. (And, if applied to your business and new habits, it can make all the difference in the world. - 8:30)
A truly no-brainer (yet almost always overlooked) way to ensure your business doesn't grow stagnant, fall behind the times and become inferior to your competitors. (Den learned this simple - but virtually foolproof - method while working with Sony's engineers on multiple projects. After closely observing Sony's engineers, Den said it's little wonder Sony is one of the most innovative companies in the world. Here's how you can use their exact method in YOUR business. - 9:11)
A dirty trick your brain plays on you to keep you from making changes, improvements, and exploring new ideas and methods. (And... here's how to outsmart it. - 9:00)
The "7-letter word" (Hint: it starts with "C") that is perhaps the single biggest obstacle to change. (Learn to overcome this and making life and business changes will become infinitely easier. - 10:00)
How to trick your brain into wanting to do things you hate. Den discovered this clever trick when working out with his sadistic fitness trainer. (Normally Den drags his arse to his fitness sessions, but one day Den realized he was actually looking forward to going. Here's what Den did to go from hating working out to looking forward to working out. - 11:00)
What nobody told you about making a change or creating a new habit. (Once you understand this little-known fact about creating new habits, you can act accordingly and start putting the odds in your favor. - 11:30)
Creating a new habit ain't rocket science, however, there is something you can learn from rocket science that can help you stick with your new habits. (Hear this insight at 12:30)
Why your brain is more like a computer than a living organ. (And, how knowing this can help you make real and lasting lifestyle and business changes. - 14:00)
A cracking good quote about the difference between successful people and unsuccessful people. - 17:00
The rarest activity in business today. If you can start doing this "rare as unicorn meat" activity in your business, heck, it will only be a matter of time before you start seeing the positive results. - 17:30
One success habit when can all learn from Mark Zuckerberg. - 17:50
The single most neglected organ in the human body. - 18:15
Proven and battle-tested methods for creating new habits that last. - 19:00
It's important that you don't try and do everything at once. Think about how you approach your marketing and what you can do that is a better and higher use of your time and not just hosing new business opportunities. Don't tell people that you're consistent, show them.
Today... Den delivers a no-nonsense, no B.S. message to video freelancers who are passionate about their work and their creativity, namely, how it can be a real trap when pitching your service to prospective clients.
Here's a sneak peek at what you'll hear:
The sordid truth about "creativity" most video freelancers don't want to hear. - 1:00
A monkey-simple sales principle even experienced video production owners don't fully understand. (The #1 reason why prospective clients turn down a video freelancer's service is that this basic sales principle is being ignored by the video freelancer. Any sales pitch that breaks this cardinal sin of sales doesn't stand a chance. - 2:45)
How NOT to pitch your video production service to a large organization. (Most video production owners who sell to large companies talk about how much money the organization can make from their work, but... believe it or not, this is the worst way to pitch your service. Here' what they really want... - 4:00)
Seth Godin's eye-opening "hierarchy of Business needs" lesson. When selling your video service to someone who's a company representative and not the owner, making a profit is almost at the bottom of their list of needs. (Find out what's at the top of their needs list at 4:10 - Powerful information.)
3 juicy sales tips for video freelancers. - 4:50
5 secret desires almost all corporate employees have when hiring a video production company. (They won't come out and say any of these secret desires, but you can be sure they'll be testing you to see if your video service can meet them. Hint: making a profit is not one of them. - 5:00)
The tale of Beth and Bill. (This little fictitious story contains one of the single most important sales principles you can ever learn. - 8:30)
Are you approaching sales with a one-pitch-fits-all? If so, you'll want to tune in at 8:00
A quickie crash course in sales psychology. (This is high-level sales psychology delivered in a video freelancer-friendly way. - 14:00)
What NEVER to do when a client balks at your service fees. And, what you should do instead. - 14:50
A shockingly good (and very clever) question to ask a prospective client when pitching your video service. (The benefit of asking this question is twofold: (1) your prospect will feel respected, and (2) by virtue of asking this question you'll know exactly how to sell them! Yep, told you it was clever.
CAUTION Videographers: Beware of technology creep. - 22:30
Are you a highly creative video freelancer who takes pride in your artistic productions but feels creatively stifled? (Like, for example, when you’re doing dull work such as shooting an interview in a dreary boardroom? Well, here's how you can have your cake and it, too. - 23:40)
How important a good website is at communicating and articulating a message with your target market. A great website should build trust and articulate in a way that will create an enormous impact on your target market. Just because you can, doesn't mean you should.
FACT: every business owner wants more freedom, more time, and more money.
Another Fact: as a business owner, there's really only one way to achieve that, and that's what Den talks about with today's special guest Dave Jenyns.
Dave is the author of the highly acclaimed business book titled SYSTEMology and... one helluva sharp businessman. In this episode, Den gets Dave to spill the beans on how he managed to create more freedom, time, and money with his video production business. Dave believes any business owner can do the same by following a few basic steps.
But first...
Here's a sneak peek at what you'll hear:
How does a guy who's clueless about all things video production successfully build and sell a video production business? Well, Dave Jenyns did just that, and he reveals how he did it at 1:00
Proof that technicians are highly overrated when it comes to running a successful business. - 1:25
An insider tip for selling your video production business, or any business, for that matter. (Once a would-be buyer sees that your business has what's mentioned at 2:00, you can bet your sweet bippy their greed glands will start secreting.)
Two business "bottlenecks" Den's identified in almost every video production owner's business he's coached. - 4:20
How to systematize your way to more freedom, more time, and more money. - 7:00
You don't need to systematize your video business if your business only has a small team, a tiny setup, and a turnover of less than $250,000, right? Wrong, wrong, and WRONG! Listen up at 8:00
The lazy man's way of systematizing a business. - 9:30
Den's fiendishly clever (and simple) business systematization tips. - 11:45
Dave's dirty little secret to systematizing as video production business. - 12:40
The “80/20 rule” applied to business systematization. - 15:00
A completely counterintuitive way business owners can ratchet up their creativity, reduce stress levels, and boost their IQ. - 24:00
How NOT to create business systems. Sadly, this is how most business owners go about it. - 27:00
Bringing together a team of incredible people can help you expand your business. Create a success-oriented business culture and allow your team to grow. Listen up and learn how to create more opportunities and scale your business.
In this episode, Den provides a curated list of essential reads for videographers and creative entrepreneurs, aiming to inspire, educate, and drive transformative approaches to business and personal development. Highlighting books on a range of topics from building a sellable business to cultivating success through daily habits, Den shares insights on applying these lessons broadly across entrepreneurial endeavors for strategic growth.
Here's a bullet list of the books mentioned with a short summary of each:
Built to Sell by John Warrillow: Highlights the journey of a graphic designer evolving from freelance to owning a sellable business, underscoring the significance of systemization and operational independence.
One Page Marketing Plan by Alan Dib: Offers a streamlined strategic marketing overview, providing actionable insights on market understanding and message crafting within a single-page framework.
Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin: Delivers leadership lessons from former Navy SEALs on taking full responsibility in life and business, translating military discipline into personal and professional growth strategies.
The Road Less Stupid by Keith J. Cunningham: Focuses on smarter business decision-making, advocating for reflective thinking time to avoid common business errors, with direct advice on strategic planning.
Great by Choice by Jim Collins: Analyzes the success of companies in tumultuous conditions through the "20 Mile March" concept, promoting consistent, disciplined progress with insights from historical explorations.
Can't Hurt Me by David Goggins: Chronicles Goggins' transformation from adversity to becoming a top endurance athlete, inspiring readers to surpass mental limits and explore untapped potential.
Your One Word by Evan Carmichael: Encourages identifying a singular, powerful concept to drive business and personal ethos, simplifying success into one guiding principle.
Atomic Habits by James Clear: Details the impact of small, daily habits on achieving significant, long-term goals, emphasizing the compound effect of routine actions.
The Rockefeller Habits by Verne Harnish: Inspired by John D. Rockefeller's strategies, this book offers a structured approach to business scaling with a focus on strategic planning and goal achievement.
Die With Zero by Bill Perkins: Challenges traditional financial planning, advocating for spending wealth on life experiences to ensure a fulfilling life without regrets of unused wealth.
$100 Million Offers by Alex Hormozi: Teaches the art of creating compelling offers with principles of direct response marketing, aimed at maximizing business growth and customer value.
Work Less, Make More by James Schramko: Shares strategies for optimizing business efficiency to enhance income while minimizing work hours, targeting entrepreneurs desiring work-life balance.
Business for Filmmakers by Den Lennie: Offers unfiltered advice on building a lucrative videography business, addressing practical aspects from passion to profit.
The Filmmaker's Guide to Budgets and Quotes by Den Lennie: Focuses on financial strategies for filmmakers, with tips on boosting production profit margins through effective budgeting and quoting.
Today... Den chats to an old palsy-walsy named Nick Bell. Nick's a fiendishly good freelance videographer who's just got back from a gig that's almost every videographer's wet dream - filming at the Olympics.
Here's a sneak peek at what you'll hear:
A “30-second breakdown” of Tokyo's Olympic diving camera set up. - 4:00
Nick's “down-n-dirty” years. (Hear about Nick's humbling experience when building up his videography career as an Englishman in New surroundings, namely, Australia. - 6:00)
Two sure-fire ways videographers can keep the work rolling in. (These two ways aren't anything you haven't heard before, however, most videographers could dramatically improve upon these two ways. - 7:00)
How Nick was thrown in the deep end filming the Olympic diving. (No, no, not literally, although that would have been a good story, too. Hear this at - 9:00)
Nick's goofs, blunders, and screw-ups while filming the springboard divers. - 10:00
The "fake" medal ceremony. - 12:00
Just how hard does a videographer work at the Olympics? Here Nick talk through an average day of filming at the Tokyo Olympics.13:-00
Nick's rare act of “unprofessionalism.” (This very forgivable lapse of judgment happened right after British diver Tom Daley won gold. - 16:10)
Why Tom Daley (British gold medallist) knitted a scarf for Nick and the camera crew. - 18:10
Nick's professional opinion on the pros and cons of having the Olympics with no crowds. - 18:30
If an Olympic athlete wins gold at the Tokyo Olympics and no one was around to see it, did it really happen? (Hear Den wax philosophical on the importance of videographers at 19:20)
Nick's quarantine experience that will almost make you envious. - 26:00
Do you know why you're doing what you're doing? The power of purpose is similar to the energy of light magnified by a magnifying glass. The more control you have over who you work with, the more fulfilling your business life will be.
Today... Den talks to tax expert Blake Jenkins. Blake is the senior account manager at Count Out Loud - an accounting firm that serves the film, media, and creative sectors. If you're a video freelancer or owner of a video production company, this could very well be the most profitable episode you ever hear.
Here's a sneak peek at what you'll hear:
Why paying more tax is a good thing. - 0:45
Why Tax accountants shake their heads and roll their eyes when small business owners spend money to save on tax. - 2:20
3 critical questions to ask before making a business purchase. (Spending your business dollars without knowing the answer to these three things is almost like throwing your money off a cliff. - 3:00)
A dopey thing many business owners do when seeking tax advice. - 3:30
The dunderhead's guide to managing your tax. - 4:00
A sneaky (and 100% legal) way to reduce your tax bill that probably 95% 0f business owners aren't taking advantage of. - 4:10
The laymen's guide to understanding the difference between sole trading, trusts, and Pty Ltd. - 7:00
Important things nobody told you about going from a sole trader to a company structure. - 8:10
When exactly to consider becoming a company. - 8:50
A caveman explanation of running your business through a trust. - 10:00
A sweet little business “tax break” most people don't know about. - 12:00
Clever ways to structure your business that can reduce your overall tax and can help you start creating your own personal wealth. - 13:20
A hardly-talked-about advantage of having effective bookkeeping. - 14:30
Absurdly good advice for hiring an accountant for your business. - 15:30
Still collecting your receipts in a shoebox to give your accountant? (Then you'll want to hear Blake's clever advice at 18:30)
Cash flow secrets. (What savvy accountants look for, and strategies they use to improve cash flow. - 21:00)
More insider tax secrets. - 24:45
About Blake Jenkins Blake is a Chartered Accountant and has over 8 years experience working in business advisory and tax. His career started in boutique corporate firms and quickly discovered that his passion is helping small and medium businesses grow into their potential. Utilising his skill set, technology and applying these to the entertainment and creative industries, Blake works with businesses along their journey to help them achieve their personal and professional goals. Blake has worked across numerous productions in a range of financial capacities. From production accountant to structuring, he particularly enjoys working with developing professionals to navigate business complexities.
Do you have any objectives that you think are too difficult to accomplish? Listen up and discover how a helping hand can help you achieve your goals more quickly.
Today... Den breaks down a very sophisticated (and powerful) marketing concept - making it caveman simple to understand and implement.
Here's a sneak peek at what you'll hear:
Legendary copywriter Eugene Schwartz's ingenious marketing insight that even some pro marketers don't know, much less understand it. - 1:00
The dumb mistake almost every business owner makes when creating their sales and marketing messages. This blunder is committed before they even write or speak a single word. - 1:30
A certain segment of a market that needs very little information to decide whether to hire your service or not. These people are the very best people to market to. - 3:10
A quickie idiot's guide to writing effective sales and marketing messages. - 5:20
Obnoxiously good marketing advice for turning skeptical prospects into eager clients with hearts full of trust. - 6:00
Why building an email list is a complete no-brainer. If you're not building an email list of interested prospects, then you're leaving “mucho dinero” on the table. - 7:00
Even more “no-brainer” reasons to use email marketing to create new business and boost profits. - 7:45
A caveman simple thing to put on your website’s homepage that can dramatically help you grow your video business. (Best part: hardly anyone in the video production industry is doing this. Want to capitalize on this untapped opportunity? Of course you do. So, listen up at 10:30)
A special segment of your market you should be targeting. The prospects in this segment of your market are pretty much laydowns. - 11:40
A clever way to use "teaching" to convert more prospects into paying clients. - 13:00
A “3-minute” crash course in digital marketing. - 13:10
Who NOT to promote your video business to. Even though these people could benefit from your video service, the juice ain't worth the squeeze. - 16:00
The absolute worst prospects to market your video service to. Many a business owner has gone broke targeting these exact prospects. (If you want your marketing efforts to be effective, then avoid these rotten prospects like the Rona! - 18:00)
Today, I'm going to discuss how well subscription video packages work. Listen to this episode to learn how to avoid the pitfalls you may encounter along the way.
Den talks about one of the most exciting, glamorous, and thrilling topics you could ever imagine. What is this amazing topic? It's this: strategic business planning. Huh? You think that intro is full of hyperbole? Okay, I don't blame you for thinking that, but I would hold off judgment if I were you. Trust me, if you haven't heard Den talk about strategic business planning before, you, my friend, are in for a real treat.
You see, the information in this episode has the potential to turn around struggling businesses and help successful businesses as much as double, triple, or even quadruple their business profits.
But first...
Here's a sneak peek at what you'll hear:
How to use an ordinary notepad to increase the odds of you achieving your business goals. - 3:00
A completely counterintuitive business planning strategy for overworked business owners. - 4:10
A dumb mistake even highly intelligent business owners make when strategizing and planning. - 7:00
Proof that business planning is a skill. - 7:45
The amazing (and treacherous) true story of two hard-nosed and competitive explorers who raced each other to the South Pole. (This hardcore story of triumph and disaster contains quite possibly two of the most valuable business lessons you can ever learn. - starts at 7:00)
The little-talked about "5 over 12" business planning strategy. - 12:15
When it's good to think negatively. (There is a certain time in business to throw away your optimism and get in touch with your inner skeptic. Here's exactly when to do this... - 12:15)
What "cannonball" marketing is, and why you should avoid it at all costs. (Sadly, many business owners are unwittingly using this ineffective marketing strategy, and they wonder why their results are so miserable. Full story at 15:00)
The BIG difference between negotiating your fee with a small business owner and a corporate representative. (Once you find out what this big difference is, you may very well change who you seek to do business with. Get the full scoop at 16:18)
When having good camera equipment can hurt your video business. - 17:00
Do you know what you're worth, or do you always doubt yourself? When you can tell people what you charge without hesitating, it shows you're completely aware of your worth. It indicates you recognize your value and respect yourself enough to ask for it.
Den slides his jab about all things business scaling and leadership. Den believes the two go hand in hand when it comes to scaling a business, and... on this topic, Den knows whereof he speaks.
Here's a sneak peek at what you'll hear:
"I wanna grow my business but I don't want to have any ----- !" Can you guess how that sentence ends? Listen in at 1:20 to find out. (Barely a week goes by where Den doesn't hear this gripe come out a video freelancer's big yap.)
What's more rare? (A ) A video freelancer who's successfully scaled his business as a one-man-operator, or (B) rocking horse shit? Answer: A (Hear about this at 2:25)
A "9-letter word" starting with "A" that's perhaps the most misunderstood and little-used business practice today. (HINT: Gary Vee talks about this business practice almost ad nauseam, and rightly so. - 5:00)
Why hiring workers from countries such as the Philippines or India is a win/win. - 6:10
Insider outsourcing secrets. (Follow the two outsourcing tips given at 7:00 and you will find that outsourcing can be stress-free and very profitable.)
How to hire a team for your freelance video business even if you have no office and work from home.
A common trap that befalls many a video freelance when outsourcing. - 9:45
The difference between a “manager of staff” and a leader. - 11:00
Are you doing your own bookkeeping? If so, you might want to listen very closely at 14:00
A dead giveaway that you're a control freak and resistant to outsourcing. (If you're doing what's mentioned at 14:10, well... just listen, okay?)
What "Opp Cost" is, and why you should do everything in your power to avoid it. - 15:10
Ever wonder where all your time goes each week? (Well, now you can find out. Just use this little-known app Den mentions at 16:00 and you'll know exactly where you're spending your time and for how long... down to the minute.)
Den gives a mini crash course in creating rock-solid and reliable-as-the-sunrise business systems. If you want to know about proven and battle-tested business systems that make businesses more efficient, more stress-free, and more profitable, then click on that play button.
But first…
Here's a sneak peek at what you'll hear:
The little-talked-about reason why most video freelancer's business numbers rarely ever increase or decrease more than 10 percent each year. - 2:15
The case for making yourself less relevant and less visible in your business. - 3:00
When exactly to start thinking about creating systems for your freelance videography business. Is there really a right time and a wrong time? (You bet! Listen up at 3:10)
The “S&D” secret to business freedom and profitability. (No, this does not stand for "sales and distribution" or even "search and destroy". - 4:15)
The “7-letter word” that is the very backbone of every successful business. - 5:00
Den's "smooth sailing" 8-step system for lighting a studio interview - Starts a 6:00
Den's "kiss the hair" lighting trick he uses for studio interviews. - 7:20
Why "brain dumping" sessions are crucial when creating effective business systems. - 8:30
A counterintuitive (but proven) way to become far more creative and innovative than you would be otherwise. (If you think of yourself as a "creative", then chances are you're not taking advantage of this creativity enhancer mentioned at 9:20)
Do you find yourself getting stuck, working inefficiently, and lacking direction in your business? (We ALL do at times, but if this is an ongoing issue, then this might be why... - 10:00)
Google's absurdly effective “goal-setting system” that their finance team uses religiously. It's no fluke that Google dragged in a cool 180 billion dollars in 2020 and have achieved a year-on-year increase of 13%. (Well, here's how any video production business can use Google's exact goal-setting method for their business, too! - 10:30)
A caveman simple “3-step formula” for creating systems for your business so it runs with greater efficiency, productivity, clarity, consistency, and control. (Einstein was right - everything should be made as simple as possible, but no simpler. This is especially true of creating business systems. This ridiculously simple 3-step formula is straightforward but it must be done correctly. - 11:10)
Den's closely guarded “business systems” cheat sheet he gives to certain members of the filmmaking industry. (This is pretty much a paint-by-numbers way to get your business operating with battle-tested business systems, and... do it quickly, easily, and pain-free. -11:30)
The REAL secret to scaling your video business. - 12:00
How long does it take to fully systemize an established video business? One week? Months? A year? Hear Den's answer at 16:00
Why Den purposely discriminates against those who seek his help. (That's right, there are a certain group of people Den gives preferential treatment to. Full story at 18:25)
A stupid obvious thing (that hardly anybody does) Den does to stay razor-sharp and one-step ahead of the competition. - 19:15
Mark Zuckerberg's (and other uber-successful people's) clever life hack that simplifies his life, frees up his mental bandwidth, and makes him far more productive. (Best part?
In this episode, Den discusses effective strategies for handling sales calls in the video production business. He emphasizes the importance of building rapport early in conversations and maintaining an authoritative position. The main focus is on a systematic approach to sales, distinguishing between 'warm' leads and other inquiries, and handling the common urgency for price quotes from potential clients.
Here's a sneak peek of what you'll hear:
Focus on Sales Calls: Strategies for effective sales calls in video production business.
Building Rapport: Importance of establishing rapport early in the sales conversation.
Maintaining Authority: Techniques to maintain an alpha position during sales discussions.
Handling Price Inquiries: Addressing clients' urgency to know the price and guiding the conversation effectively.
Sales as Art and Science: Acknowledging sales requires both skill and systematic approach.
The Three-Part System: Identifying the problem, understanding the client's goal, and envisioning the future scenario.
Client Engagement: Strategies for engaging clients in discussing their business, problems, and goals.
Assessing Client Needs: Questions to assess the client's needs, goals, and expectations.
Building Trust: Tips for establishing trust and assessing client's motivation and urgency.
Price Discussion: Navigating the conversation to a budget discussion and handling price objections.
Are you planning to consistently grow this month? Goals are effective because they direct attention to attaining desired outcomes. Continue to build your business by listening to this episode.
Den interviews Jaimee Maree who is the founder of Savvy Copy - a direct response copywriting agency. Ah, so what? Here's the so what: If you want to know how to turn your website visitors into paying clients, then listen closely to this episode, because Jaimee reveals nitty-gritty details on how to do just that.
Here's a sneak peek at what you'll hear:
What the hell is copywriting? ... and why you should care. - 3:00
Why probably 99% of video freelancers who write their own website copy are “penny-wise but pound-foolish”. - 5:25
The backasswards thinking of business owners who write their own website copy. - 6:00
You know your product better than anyone else, so... you should write your own website copy, right? (Not so fast, Tiger. Listen, there is a reason why the most successful video production companies in the world outsource their copywriting, and it ain't because they're too busy. Full story at 7:45)
The “logical fallacy” of business owners who think they should write their own copy. - 8:20
4 common (but silly) reasons people are scared to outsource their copywriting. - 9:10
A crucial element of copywriting even pro copywriters overlook. - 10:00
The BIG secret to wildly successful website copy. (This is nothing glamorous or exciting, but this is where the success of a website's copy is won or lost. - 11:10)
The acid test for knowing if the copywriter you hire is a pro or a bum. - 11:25
Why the word "copywriting" is a misnomer. - 11:40
Why world-class copywriters are more like detectives than writers. - 12:00
How most video production companies are unwittingly targeting the wrong clients. - 12:50
The #1 thing to know about your website visitors. If you don't know this about your website visitors… you may as well get a chimp to write your website copy. - 13:30
Insider copywriting secrets - This is gold! - 14:00
The little-known (and little understood) marketing maxim called "The Who". (Nothing to do with the English rock band, however... if you don't understand this marketing truth, your website copy will be about as useless as Pete Townsend's guitar after playing Woodstock. - 15:50
Beware of the content writer dressed up in copywriter's clothing. (Hear this important difference between the two, and... how to identify the copywriters from the content writers. - 20:00)
Why copywriting (when done properly) is like playing 3D chess. - 21:00
When your ego is your amigo. - 23:50
A little-known copywriting secret for getting website visitors eager to hire your video services. (You can do everything else right, but without doing what Jamiee mentions at 25:00, your website copy will almost certainly tank.)
How you can get more business by repelling website visitors. - 27:00
Why website designers should be forced to consult a copywriter before signing off on their work. - 28:00
Why an “average” website designer who understands copywriting is far more valuable than a “world-class” website designer who's clueless about copywriting. (Probably less than 1 in 1000 business owners understand this. - 30:00)