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Grow Your Video Business with Ryan Koral
Grow Your Video Business with Ryan Koral
Author: Ryan Koral
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🎬 The podcast for ambitious filmmakers who want to build a thriving business—without burning out.
Hosted by Ryan Koral, a 20+ year video production vet and coach, this weekly show is your behind-the-scenes pass to what actually works in the world of commercial video.
Every episode is packed with real talk, tactical strategies, and candid conversations to help you:
+ Book better clients (at better rates)
+ Build systems that don't rely 100% on you
+ Charge what you're worth—with confidence
+ Create videos that make an impact and grow your bottom line
If you're ready to stop winging it and start running your business like a pro—you're in the right place.
🎙️ New episodes drop every week.
đź”— Learn more at https://studiosherpas.com
Hosted by Ryan Koral, a 20+ year video production vet and coach, this weekly show is your behind-the-scenes pass to what actually works in the world of commercial video.
Every episode is packed with real talk, tactical strategies, and candid conversations to help you:
+ Book better clients (at better rates)
+ Build systems that don't rely 100% on you
+ Charge what you're worth—with confidence
+ Create videos that make an impact and grow your bottom line
If you're ready to stop winging it and start running your business like a pro—you're in the right place.
🎙️ New episodes drop every week.
đź”— Learn more at https://studiosherpas.com
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John Bunn recently launched his solo podcast "Shifting Focus" after years of co-hosting How to Film Weddings. Starting with over $400K in student debt, he's built a wedding business that now books $30K+ weddings and has his entire year's expenses covered by the first month. John shares the psychology behind premium pricing, why cash flow equals creative freedom, and how getting specific about your ideal client changes everything about your business. Key Takeaways When you don't need the money, you come across completely different in sales calls—clients can sense desperation vs. abundance Getting laser-focused on your ideal client (not just any client with money) is what allows you to charge premium rates Cash is oxygen for your business—sometimes picking up part-time work is the smartest move to take pressure off while you build Consistency in the right activities (not just any activities) is what creates long-term success in creative businesses About John Bunn John Bunn is a wedding industry educator and mentor who has dedicated his career to elevating professionals through practical, results-driven education. After starting his own wedding video business in 2007, Bunn went on to film and photograph over 550 weddings, gaining deep insights into what truly drives success in the industry. Since transitioning to education in 2018, Bunn has mentored and worked with tens of thousands of wedding professionals, focusing on what he calls "the things that nobody wants to talk about" — the fundamental business practices that create lasting success beyond fleeting trends. Bunn's approach is rooted in real-world experience and a belief that sustainable success comes from shifting focus to what actually matters. His passion for teaching stems from the countless success stories he's witnessed, from working mothers who've transitioned to full-time wedding businesses to professionals finally booking their dream clients. Known for his straightforward, no-nonsense approach, Bunn emphasizes that "trends come, and trends go, but those who shift their focus and put in the work are the true success stories." His mission is to help wedding professionals cut through industry noise and concentrate on the strategies that will genuinely impact their businesses and families. As both mentor and coach, Bunn brings over 15 years of hands-on wedding industry experience combined with a track record of transforming careers through focused, practical education. In This Episode [00:00] Welcome to the show! [05:09] Meet John Bunn [09:08] Shifting Focus [20:32] Healthy Mindset with Money [28:10] Importance of Being Profitable [40:56] When Cash Is Tight [56:24] Connect with John [59:20] Outro Quotes "You come across completely different in your sales calls when you don't need the money." - John Bunn "Cash is oxygen in your business. It's hard to make good decisions when you don't have oxygen." - John Bunn "If you're not being intentional about where you want to go, you're going to be running someone else's race." - John Bunn "There's nothing wrong with saying, I need to go pick up a part-time job. Stop by on your way to where you're heading." - John Bunn "What does your business look like if you didn't need to make the sale today? That's the secret to selling." - John Bunn Guest Links Find John Bunn online Follow John Bunn on Instagram Follow John Bunn Films on Instagram Listen to the Shifting Focus podcast Links Find out more about the Studio Sherpas Mastermind Join the Grow Your Video Business Facebook Group Follow Ryan Koral on Instagram Follow Grow Your Video Business on Instagram Check out the full show notes
Clinton Haby has spent 16 years building a legacy filmmaking business that charges $8K-$24K per project. Starting with a desire to capture his grandfather's stories, he's developed a systematic approach to intimate storytelling that can't be replicated by technology. In this emotional episode recorded shortly after his grandfather's passing, Clinton shares his three-tier pricing model and announces Legacy Film School to teach others the art of premium storytelling. Key Takeaways Clinton's three packages range from $8K (captured as-told) to $24K (full cinematic treatment with B-roll and music) He insists on being alone with storytellers during interviews to create the most authentic connection His entry-level package generates roughly $250/hour, proving that specialized storytelling can command premium rates Legacy filmmaking is recession-proof and AI-resistant because it's built on authentic human connection About Clinton Haby Clinton Haby is a legacy filmmaking pioneer and the founder of StoryKeeping. What began as an urge to keep his grandparents' stories has taken him on a journey of non-stop learning. Listening to clients' wants and striving to deliver beyond their expectations has pushed StoryKeeping to standards far beyond what Clinton initially envisioned. Having served on the board and executive committee of the Association of Personal Historians, Clinton has had a front row seat to the legacy film industry from its infancy to today. Tested by the market and time, Clinton wants to help others capture the legacies of our personal heroes by launching Legacy Film School. In This Episode [00:00:00] Welcome to the show! [00:04:37] Meet Clinton Haby [00:07:57] Legacy Films [00:11:38] StoryKeeping [00:16:35] New Interest for Legacy Films [00:30:45] Using Your Gifting [00:34:16] Pricing for Legacy Films [00:39:57] Having a Distraction Free Space [00:44:48] Budgeting Time [00:57:37] Legacy Film School [01:01:04] Connect with Clinton [01:03:41] Outro Quotes "There's nothing like the first person perspective. It needs to come from pop, my grandpa, for it to resonate and for it to retain that magic." - Clinton Haby "People tell stories differently depending upon who's in the room." - Clinton Haby Guest Links Find Clinton Haby online Learn more about Legacy Film School Follow Clinton Haby on Instagram | Facebook Links Find out more about the Studio Sherpas Mastermind FREE Workshop Available "How to Consistently Earn Over $100k Per Year in Video Production While Working Less Than 40 Hours Per Week" Join the Grow Your Video Business Facebook Group Follow Ryan Koral on Instagram Follow Grow Your Video Business on Instagram Check out the full show notes
Lauren Cobello built a million-dollar PR agency in just 10 months as a single mom of four, working with celebrities like Kurt Angle and major influencers. She breaks down why personal branding isn't optional anymore, how to do a simple audit of your online presence, and why your story is the key to charging premium prices in a crowded market. Key Takeaways Your personal brand is simply what shows up when people Google you—make sure it's consistent across all platforms Your story is your biggest differentiator and allows you to charge premium prices instead of competing on cost Identify what drains your energy versus what lights you up, then set goals to hire out the energy drains You need to show up in AI search results now, not just traditional Google searches About Lauren Cobello Lauren Cobello is a Book Coach and Founder and CEO of Leverage with Media PR. As a renowned national TV personality, 4x author, and a prominent figure in the world of entrepreneurship and public relations. She has an impressive track record of success and a charismatic on-screen presence and has captivated audiences on national TV on shows like the TODAY show, GMA, Dr. Oz, Rachael Ray, and hundreds of others for over a decade. In This Episode [00:00] Welcome to the show![04:18] Meet Lauren Cobello|[06:02] Lauren's Story[20:26] Personal Branding[22:32] AI Search Results[24:52] Importance of Writing a Bio[35:00] Dig Into Your Story More[37:07] Your Zone of Genius[45:51] Connect With Lauren[50:04] Outro Quotes "Failure is my fuel and I'm one of the strongest, most resilient people that I know." - Lauren Cobello "I've got one life to live, and I'm going to be damned if it's a miserable one." - Lauren Cobello "What is the brand? What comes up when people Google you? Plain and simple." - Lauren Cobello "Your story matters. If I didn't have my personal brand set up so well on the back end, I would have just blended in with the rest of the agencies." - Lauren Cobello "You are sitting on gold. Your story is different from everybody else's story." - Lauren Cobello Guest Links Find Lauren Cobello online at Leverage With Media Follow Lauren Cobello on Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube Links FREE Workshop Available "How to Consistently Earn Over $100k Per Year in Video Production While Working Less Than 40 Hours Per Week" Join the Grow Your Video Business Facebook Group Follow Ryan Koral on Instagram Follow Grow Your Video Business on Instagram Check out the full show notes
Ashley Brock has managed over $200 million in ad spend and scaled her advertising agency from $250K to $6 million in just two years. In this episode, she shares why Google Ads should be your starting point (not Meta), reveals her "search and social" retargeting strategy, and explains how balancing humility with credibility transformed her business. Key Takeaways Start with Google Ads instead of Meta—people searching have higher intent to buy than social media scrollers Use the "search and social" strategy: capture high-intent leads on Google, then retarget them with video content on Meta Balance humility with credibility by sharing your wins upfront—people need to know why they should listen to you Get specific with your messaging and "stack the pain" to make prospects feel like you're speaking directly to them About Ashley Brock Ashley Brock is the Founder & CEO of the Paid Ads Academy and the go-to expert for paid ads coaching. With over a decade of experience and more than $200 million in ad spend managed, she has worked with Fortune 500 brands, partnered with Google, Meta, and TikTok, and helped thousands of entrepreneurs grow their businesses using her proven ad strategies that convert. Her methods have supported clients spending anywhere from $10/day to $100,000+ per day, and she has personally scaled her own business to 7 figures (soon to be 8). Ashley is the #1 Amazon bestselling author of How to Win with Paid Ads™, host of the Win with Paid Ads Podcast, and has been featured on ABC News. When she's not teaching business owners how to become findable™ online, Ashley is a wife, a mom of two young boys, and an entrepreneur passionate about helping others master a skill that can transform their business for years to come. In This Episode [00:00] Welcome to the show! [04:30] Meet Ashley Brock [05:46] Paid Advertising [13:54] The Power of Google Ads [20:04] Setting Up Ads Properly [21:36] Having a Re-Targeting Structure [26:46] Establish Your Credibility [31:31] Being In a Mastermind Group [37:00] Connect with Ashley [39:03] Outro Quotes "The performance of your ads will fall to the level of the skill of the person managing them." - Ashley Brock "Specificity creates the necessity." - Ashley Brock "You were so humble that you were actually not able to help them because they weren't listening, because they didn't care and they didn't believe you." - Ashley Brock "You are doing a disservice by not saying, here's why I can help you. Too many people are burying the lead." - Ashley Brock "What got you here won't get you there." - Ryan Koral Guest Links Find Ashley Brock online Follow Ashley Brock on Instagram | YouTube Listen to the Win With Paid Ads podcast Ashley Brock's book: "How To Win With Paid Ads"  Join the "Win With Paid Ads Challenge" Links FREE Workshop Available "How to Consistently Earn Over $100k Per Year in Video Production While Working Less Than 40 Hours Per Week" Join the Grow Your Video Business Facebook Group Follow Ryan Koral on Instagram Follow Grow Your Video Business on Instagram Check out the full show notes
CPA and financial planner Deb Meyer breaks down why most video business owners struggle financially and stay stuck on what she calls "the hamster wheel." She explains the crucial difference between revenue and profit, why separate bank accounts can save your business, and how to avoid nasty tax surprises that can cripple your cash flow. Key Takeaways Set up separate bank accounts for taxes, contractor expenses, and operating costs to avoid accidentally spending money that's already allocated Focus on profit margins (aim for at least 30%) rather than just top-line revenue numbers Get proactive tax planning to avoid surprise bills—a good CPA should give you quarterly projections, not April surprises Before buying any equipment or hiring staff, ask yourself if it will actually make you money or save you time that translates to revenue About Deb Meyer Deb Meyer, CFP®, CPA, and CEPA, is the award-winning author of Redefining Family Wealth, host of the Beyond Budgets® podcast, and founder of WorthyNest®, a fee-only, fiduciary wealth management firm that guides parents through important financial decisions using a values-based approach. Deb has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and CNN Business and is a contributor to Kiplinger. She is a 2019 CPA Practice Advisor "40 Under 40 Honoree" in Accounting and received the 2018 AICPA Standing Ovation Award. Deb lives in Missouri with her husband Bryan and three sons. In This Episode [00:00] Welcome to the show! [04:51] Meet Deb Meyer [06:34] Have a Trusted Financial Advisor [07:29] Cash Cushion for Your Business [10:12] Discerning Needs From Wants [22:18] Revenue and Profit [32:01] Tax Planning [45:07] Connect with Deb [46:29] Outro Quotes "You just bought yourself another job, really. I mean, you're not truly an entrepreneur if you're always beholden to the, hey, this is the mass I can get as my salary." - Deb Meyer "Revenue, great. It's a fun vanity metric, but it doesn't really matter that much in the grand scheme of things." - Deb Meyer "I look back and I'm like, what the heck was I thinking? Because it just felt like that's how I was making decisions like, man, yeah, if we had somebody doing that, that would feel pretty good." - Ryan "When COVID happened, we shrunk to four people. And we figured out how to run this company, the same company with four people... we're like so much more profitable these days." - Ryan "They should never have just surprised you with a $28,000 federal tax bill. That is really unfortunate." - Deb Meyer Guest Links Find Deb Meyer online Connect with Deb Meyer on LinkedIn Get Deb's free Starter Guide on 10 family finance myths Follow WorthyNest on Facebook Subscribe to WorthyNest on YouTube  Listen to the Beyond Budgets podcast Links FREE Workshop Available "How to Consistently Earn Over $100k Per Year in Video Production While Working Less Than 40 Hours Per Week" Join the Grow Your Video Business Facebook Group Follow Ryan Koral on Instagram Follow Grow Your Video Business on Instagram Check out the full show notes
PJ Accetturo went from traditional filmmaker to running a seven-figure AI video agency, creating viral content that's been viewed millions of times. He breaks down exactly how filmmakers can adapt to AI tools without losing their creative edge. This episode covers the specific workflow, tools, and mindset shifts needed to capitalize on what PJ calls "the biggest gold rush of all time." Key Takeaways AI tools like VO3 and ChatGPT can be learned in days, but filmmakers have a huge advantage because they already understand story, pacing, and what makes content compelling The opportunity is massive right now—PJ says it's "very easy to build a seven-figure agency" because brands need AI content but most agencies haven't adapted yet You don't need to abandon traditional filmmaking; many successful approaches involve pairing experienced directors with AI specialists to create hybrid workflows The key to viral AI content is being funny, self-aware about using AI, and creating content that surprises and delights audiences rather than boring them About PJ Accetturo PJ is a seasoned innovator in the TV and advertising space, having served as CEO for multiple media companies and bringing over 15 years of industry experience. He first gained recognition at 18 when National Geographic showcased his work, setting the stage for a career creating content for global powerhouses like Toyota, Red Bull, The Atlanta Braves, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. As a commercial director, he spent over a decade working with some of the world's biggest brands. In 2019, PJ demonstrated his knack for audience engagement by growing a YouTube channel from zero to one million subscribers in six months. He then turned his sights to long-form storytelling, raising millions to produce his original animated series, Ghosts of Ruin, where he served as writer and Executive Producer. That project saw him collaborating daily with an Oscar-nominated director, a two-time Emmy-winning showrunner, Hans Zimmer's music team, and an A-list voice cast featuring Rosario Dawson, Justin Long, Nathalie Emmanuel, and Tony Revolori. Motivated to shorten production timelines and reduce costs, PJ is spearheading new processes with generative AI. With a commitment to ethical data training, he is now working to create world-class media with AI-powered workflows. In This Episode [00:00] Welcome to the show! [04:31] Meet PJ Ace [06:04] Adapting to Change with AI [10:27] Ad Creation with Veo 3 [17:50] The Future of Generated Video [24:56] How to Start AI Content [29:46] Tools for Creating AI Videos [42:37] Connect with PJ [43:52] Outro Quotes "If this is a tsunami heading towards Hollywood and advertising, I'm trying to hand out surfboards." - PJ Accetturo "It's very easy to build a seven-figure agency right now. Very easy, very quickly." - PJ Accetturo "Winners only... to anyone who's not wanting to adapt quickly, like displacement's coming." - PJ Accetturo "Your greatest skill is that we know how to get exposure on a camera and frame a good shot, like that's going to be tough to build a business off of. But if you can know more strategy and understand story structure... that's our unique advantage." – Ryan Koral "Everyone in the AI industry that has attention right now, most of them are not traditionally filmmakers... but the opportunity here, if everyone doesn't know is like whether you yourself are a traditional filmmaker for 10, 15 years, you can learn the tools in a few days, two weeks max." - PJ Accetturo Guest Links Find PJ Accetturo online Follow PJ Accetturo on Instagram | X Check out PJ's newsletter - AI Filmmaking Links FREE Workshop Available "How to Consistently Earn Over $100k Per Year in Video Production While Working Less Than 40 Hours Per Week" Join the Grow Your Video Business Facebook Group Follow Ryan Koral on Instagram Follow Grow Your Video Business on Instagram Check out the full show notes
Karen Anderson, strategic book coach and associate publisher, explains why video producers have a unique advantage when it comes to writing business books. She breaks down how books can serve as powerful lead generation tools and authority builders, sharing insights from her experience helping authors reach global audiences. Karen reveals the counterintuitive approach of interviewing others for your book content and explains why vulnerability trumps success stories when connecting with readers. Key Takeaways Books create authority and positioning that can lead to speaking opportunities, higher-value clients, and expanded business reach You don't need to write everything yourself - interviewing others for their expertise and stories can create more compelling content The best business books balance information with inspiration, using stories to help readers feel connected and motivated to take action Start with the end in mind - know what you want your book to accomplish for your business before you begin writing About Karen Anderson Karen Anderson is a Strategic Book Coach and Associate Publisher with Morgan James Publishing. She is a ghostwriter, editor, publisher, and co-author of the Wall Street Journal and USA Today best-selling book, The Bezos Letters: 14 Principles to Grow Your Business Like Amazon. In This Episode [00:00] Welcome to the show! [07:29] Meet Karen Anderson [08:58] Knowing Your Why [15:05] Information and Inspiration [18:25] Using Books as Lead Generation [28:35] The Importance of Principles [36:36] Knowing the Result You Want [46:52] Steps to Publishing Your Book [52:31] Connect with Karen [55:16] Outro Quotes "You don't write books to groups, you don't write books to institutions, you write books to one person." - Karen Anderson "People relate a whole lot more to vulnerability than they do to success." - Karen Anderson "The reality is, the best books in the world were somebody's first book and they probably had the same feelings." - Karen Anderson "You're coming in as Yoda. You're coming in as going, I've lived through this, I've learned this, I'm imparting wisdom." - Karen Anderson "It's so easy to talk about the things that I've messed up in this business... that's wisdom." - Ryan Guest Links Find Karen Anderson online Email Karen for the "Get the Book Done" template: admin@karenanderson.co Follow Karen Anderson on Instagram Links FREE Workshop Available "How to Consistently Earn Over $100k Per Year in Video Production While Working Less Than 40 Hours Per Week" Join the Grow Your Video Business Facebook Group Follow Ryan Koral on Instagram Follow Grow Your Video Business on Instagram Check out the full show notes
Jamie Munoz, founder of Catalyst Integrators, shares how the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) helped her scale a printing business from $2 million to $15 million in revenue and how it can work for video business owners of any size. She breaks down why so many entrepreneurs get trapped in the operator seat doing work that drains their soul, and provides a clear roadmap for getting out of operations and into the visionary role. Jamie also shares practical advice on hiring virtual assistants and the mindset shifts needed to stop being the bottleneck in your own business.  Key Takeaways Core values are your hiring and firing framework - When employees don't align with your company's core values (like being "hungry"), you have a clear framework for making personnel decisions rather than relying on gut feelings The accountability chart shows your scaling path - Instead of traditional org charts, EOS uses accountability charts that show people in multiple seats, making it clear where to hire next as the business grows Start with 20% time savings - Hire help for just 20% of your weekly tasks (about 8 hours) to free up a full day for revenue-generating activities that can pay for the help and then some Perfect is the enemy of profitable - Learning to let go of "10 out of 10" creative standards and accepting that "7 or 8 out of 10" often exceeds client expectations while maintaining profitability About Jamie Munoz Jamie Munoz is a rescue dog mom, who lives in Cave Creek, Arizona. She is the founder of Catalyst Integrators™ a fractional COO firm, winners of the SBA 2022, 2023 and 2024 Best Business Coaches award and ranked #640 on the 2024 INC5000 awards. They provide fractional COO Leadership for companies running on the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS®) from the book 'Traction' by Gino Wickman. By teaming up with the CEO and the Leadership team, Jamie and her team of COO's help crystallize and execute on the vision for the companies they serve. In This Episode [00:00] Welcome to the show! [05:03] Meet Jamie Munoz [06:02] Entrepreneurial Operating System [14:23] Vision Traction Organizer [25:18] When Can You Use EOS? [33:24] Getting Your Time Back [40:39] Who Not How [45:24] Connect with Jamie [46:52] Outro Quotes "Your people are free to be excellent elsewhere." - Jamie Munoz "No one will care about your business as much as you do. And no one will do things as good as you, right? Or as right as you would, or the same way you would." - Jamie Munoz "Being wanted, not needed is a nice seat to be in on the chart." - Jamie Munoz "Protecting your time as an entrepreneur is the number one thing." - Jamie Munoz "We are people who entrepreneurs want to figure it out themselves... But like over time, that only works so much." - Jamie Munoz Guest Links Find Jamie Munoz online  Connect with Catalyst Integrators on LinkedIn Links FREE Workshop Available "How to Consistently Earn Over $100k Per Year in Video Production While Working Less Than 40 Hours Per Week" Join the Grow Your Video Business Facebook Group Follow Ryan Koral on Instagram Follow Grow Your Video Business on Instagram Check out the full show notes
Brendan Kane, founder of Hook Point and author of the bestselling book by the same name, shares his proven frameworks for breaking through the noise on social media and attracting dream clients. He reveals why the biggest mistake video business owners make is selling the service instead of the solution, and how finding strategic partnerships can scale your business faster than chasing individual clients. Brendan also breaks down his unique approach to "storytelling formats" - repeatable structures that consistently drive engagement and results across any industry.  Key Takeaways Solve pain points, don't sell services - Focus on the core problems that keep your ideal customers awake at night and position your video skills as the solution to those specific issues Partner with connectors, not just customers - Find the people who already serve your ideal clients at scale rather than trying to reach each customer individually - one partnership could lead to hundreds of projects Use proven storytelling formats - Success comes from finding repeatable content structures (like "Man on the Street" or "Is It Worth It") that match your personality and expertise Measure meaningful metrics - Focus on consistent breakthrough content that demonstrates you're connecting with audiences in your area of expertise, not just vanity metrics like follower count About Brendan Kane Brendan Kane is a digital strategist with two decades of experience helping entrepreneurs, brands, and influencers connect with global audiences. He founded Hook Point in 2018, where he has generated over $1 billion in client revenue and 60 billion views through innovative digital strategies. Brendan has worked with major companies like MTV, Paramount Pictures, IKEA, and Skechers, as well as celebrities such as Taylor Swift and Rihanna. He started in filmmaking, overseeing digital strategies for Paramount Pictures and Lakeshore Entertainment, and pioneered influencer campaigns. Brendan is also the author of three best-selling books: One Million Followers, Hook Point: How to Stand Out in a 3-Second World, and The Guide to Going Viral. In This Episode [00:00] Welcome to the show! [05:02] Meet Brendan Kane [07:05] Helping Clients Biggest Pain Point [10:18] Strategic Marketing [19:41] Standing Out [22:42] How Hook Point Helps People [32:11] Demonstrate the Power of Video [33:20] Using AI for Video [37:30] Organic Marketing [46:46] Connect with Brendan [48:10] Outro Quotes "You think about the core customer that you're trying to reach and what is their biggest pain point? What is the thing that actually wakes them up in the middle of the night? And how can you help with your skillset solve that problem." - Brendan Kane "Don't necessarily go direct to the customer but who already reaches your customers at scale and how can you create you know value exchange or a partnership in that direction." - Brendan Kane "If I had to create a video agency today, I would create AI video soup to nuts and I would just find a way... I would just be creating models where I can create AI videos and just start sending it to businesses." - Brendan Kane "I never work with people and our company never works with people to go viral for the sake of going viral, to get views for the sake of going views. It always has to tie into their expertise, their zone of genius." - Brendan Kane "The ROI is as big as your vision... I know people with millions of followers, millions of subscribers that are making six figures a year... But I know people, you know, that have had millions of followers and built billion dollar companies." - Brendan Kane Guest Links Find Brendan Kane online and download his books for free Follow Brendan Kane on Instagram | Facebook | YouTube Connect with Brendan Kane on LinkedIn Links FREE Workshop Available "How to Consistently Earn Over $100k Per Year in Video Production While Working Less Than 40 Hours Per Week" Join the Grow Your Video Business Facebook Group Follow Ryan Koral on Instagram Follow Grow Your Video Business on Instagram Check out the full show notes
Ben Albert, founder of Balbert Marketing and host of Real Business Connections podcast, shares his belief that there's no single key to success - instead, every business has its own unique combination lock. He reveals his nearly 100% effective strategy for getting video testimonials by asking during emotional high moments, and explains how childhood experiences between ages 8-13 often shape the core values that drive our businesses. Ben also shares practical exercises for identifying what makes you "better versus bitter" and how to shift your time and energy accordingly. Key Takeaways Success is a unique combination, not a universal key - Every business has different skills, clients, locations, and team members, requiring their own specific combination of strategies and approaches Ask for testimonials during emotional highs - The best time to request video testimonials is when clients are already feeling positive and engaged, not during random outreach Use the Better vs. Bitter exercise - Draw a line on paper and list what makes you better versus what makes you bitter, then systematically shift time from the bitter column to the better column Your origin story shapes your business values - The experiences and relationships from ages 8-13 often determine the core values and mission that drive your entrepreneurial journey About Ben Albert When Covid hit, Ben was furloughed and feeling lost. He hesitantly opened his MacBook, began reaching out to strangers on LinkedIn, and that one step launched his entrepreneurial journey. Today, Ben hosts the internationally recognized podcast Real Business Connections, runs the thriving firm Balbert Marketing, and in just over a year, replaced his previous income—all while keeping it real and authentic. Ben has collaborated with industry giants like Chris Do, James Altucher, and Jordan Harbinger. Through demand from his network, Real Business Connections has expanded to offer podcast production and growth services for top thought leaders. Once an underdog himself, Ben founded GrowGetters ONLY Collective, a community for growth-minded leaders to access mentorship, accountability, and meaningful connections. He's on a mission to impact one million lives, one conversation at a time. In This Episode [00:00] Welcome to the show! [05:08] Meet Ben Albert [07:27] Growgetters Only [09:44] Success Is A Combination Lock [18:30] Better And Bitter [20:22] Delegation [25:29] Video Testimonials Timing [39:30] Connect with Ben [40:12] Outro Quotes "There is no key to success. There is no one magic pill to solve everyone's problems. There is no key to success, resilience, success in your video business. It's a combination lock." - Ben Albert "When's the best time to ask for a review or a video testimonial? It's during that emotional high." - Ben Albert "I felt disconnected. So I didn't realize this. I was developing a deep, almost necessity for connection." - Ben Albert "All you got to do is take something from the bitter column, do a little bit less of that, and then take the same amount of time in the better column and allocate that time to the better column." - Ben Albert "Each business, each person has their own little combination. So part one, I find, is find someone who's already done what you tried, wanted, want to do, because they've built a playbook." - Ben Albert Guest Links Join Ben's free community Listen to the Real Business Connections Podcast Complementary Consultation / Meet and Greet with Ben Connect with Ben Albert on LinkedIn Follow Real Business Connections on Facebook | YouTube Follow Balbert Marketing on Facebook Follow Ben Albert on Instagram Links FREE Workshop Available "How to Consistently Earn Over $100k Per Year in Video Production While Working Less Than 40 Hours Per Week" Join the Grow Your Video Business Facebook Group Follow Ryan Koral on Instagram Follow Grow Your Video Business on Instagram Check out the full show notes
Justin Schenck, founder of Growth Now and host of the Growth Now Movement podcast, shares how curiosity became his business superpower and why podcasting is the ultimate networking tool. He breaks down the harsh realities of podcasting (78% of shows quit after 7 episodes) while revealing how to use video skills as a "golden ticket" into high-value networking rooms. Justin emphasizes building genuine relationships over transactional networking, showing how simple curiosity-driven questions can lead to meaningful business connections.  Key Takeaways Podcasting is the ultimate networking tool - It gives you permission to reach out to anyone and have meaningful 45-minute conversations that build real relationships Use your video skills as access - Offer to create testimonials or recap videos for events you want to attend but can't afford, turning your craft into networking currency Curiosity beats hard selling every time - Simply asking "Have you ever thought about..." is more powerful than any sales pitch or business card exchange Local podcasts have massive monetization potential - Niche, local shows are easier to sponsor and can generate six-figure advertising revenue with smaller audiences About Justin Schenck Justin Schenck is an entrepreneur, speaker and the host of the top rated podcast the Growth Now Movement. He has been named a Top 8 Podcaster to follow by INC Magazine, featured in Thrive Global and chosen as an 'Icon of Influence' in the new media space. Justin's podcast has grown to become a podcast that is currently getting played in over 100 countries every single week and he has gone on to help countless people grow their brands and business with his company PodBrand.io He is also the host and creator of one of the go to events for entrepreneurs and forward thinkers; Growth Now Summit LIVE! In This Episode [00:00] Welcome to the show! [06:26] Meet Justin Schenck [12:59] Networking [20:23] What's Your Vehicle? [22:14] Should You Start A Podcast? [29:26] Working With The Right Clients [37:17] Society for Human Resource Management [49:13] Connect with Justin [50:16] Outro Quotes "Curiosity is a superpower." - Justin Schenck "The greatest thing about podcasting is anybody can have a podcast. And the worst thing about podcasting is anybody can have a podcast." - Justin Schenck "78% of shows don't make it past their first seven episodes. It's called Podfade." - Justin Schenck "You have this superpower as filmmakers to get into almost any room with the thing that you can do." - Ryan Koral "The people who are worried about your price point are the worst people to work with." - Justin Schenck Guest Links Find Justin Schenck at the Growth Now Summit Follow Justin Schenck on Instagram | Facebook | YouTube Listen to the Growth Now Movement podcast Links FREE Workshop Available "How to Consistently Earn Over $100k Per Year in Video Production While Working Less Than 40 Hours Per Week" Join the Grow Your Video Business Facebook Group Follow Ryan Koral on Instagram Follow Grow Your Video Business on Instagram Check out the full show notes
Executive coach Michael King breaks down why being talented at your craft doesn't automatically make you good at running a business. He shares his framework for moving from reactive daily tasks to intentional vision-building, emphasizing that most creatives are thinking way too small about what they're building. Michael challenges listeners to create a "to-be list" focused on identity and impact rather than just grinding through endless to-dos. Key Takeaways Talent vs. Leadership are different skills - You can be amazing at video production but terrible at running a video business, and both require intentional development Start with identity, then vision, then structure - Before diving into tactics, get clear on who you are, what you want to build, and who you need on your team Create bandwidth for future thinking - You have to intentionally make time to work ON your business, not just IN it, even when you're swamped with client work Embrace being "good and different" - Stop comparing yourself to others and own what makes you uniquely valuable in the marketplace About Michael King Michael King is not just a coach — he's a builder of people, companies, and creative movements. With over a decade of executive insight, creative thinking, and relentless execution, King has launched full-scale leadership systems and founded anti-agencies that prioritize genuine service over industry norms. At the center of King's approach is a fundamental belief that strategy, simplicity, and systems unlock the best in people. This philosophy drives his work across multiple domains: coaching Fortune 500 executives, building platforms for founders, and speaking to teams and leaders around the globe. King is the creator of innovative frameworks like TEAMS and leads transformative experiences through Accelerator, an immersive strategic coaching experience designed to drive meaningful change. His reputation is built on delivering insight without fluff, transformation without ego, and strategic thinking that helps leaders grow what matters most. Whether working with C-suite executives or emerging entrepreneurs, King brings the same commitment to practical wisdom and results-driven strategies that have made him a sought-after voice in leadership development and organizational transformation. In This Episode [00:00] Welcome to the show! [04:19] Meet Michael King [13:51] Recognizing Your Talent [18:42] Learning to Run a Business [26:33] Future Thinking [32:37] Staying Focused On Your Calling [36:23] Good And Different [41:33] Connect with Michael [42:31] Outro Quotes "There's a huge difference between talent and leadership." - Michael King "The reason why you're not moving the needle is because the tactics and the strategies... [are] not connected to the vision." - Michael King "There's always room for good and different." - Michael King (quoting a club manager's advice to comedian Yakov Smirnoff) "You're leaving too much on the table. It's not big enough. It's not impactful enough. You have more in you." - Michael King "The people that you surround yourself by will determine the future of your business." - Michael King Guest Links Find Michael King online Connect with Michael King on LinkedIn Follow Michael King on Instagram | Twitter Follow Teams Coach on Instagram | Facebook Links FREE Workshop Available "How to Consistently Earn Over $100k Per Year in Video Production While Working Less Than 40 Hours Per Week" Join the Grow Your Video Business Facebook Group Follow Ryan Koral on Instagram Follow Grow Your Video Business on Instagram Check out the full show notes
Dan Clouser, author and podcast host, shares his journey from running a youth sports organization for 30 years to full-time RV life while hosting "The Journey of My Mother's Son" podcast. He emphasizes that growth only happens outside your comfort zone and reveals how years of coaching taught him that life, like baseball, is a game where you're either winning or learning. Dan discusses the power of authentic storytelling, the importance of listening without judgment, and how genuine conversations reveal that people have far more in common than they realize.  Key Takeaways Growth requires discomfort - You can only grow outside your comfort zone, whether that's being pushed or making a conscious decision to step into uncomfortable territory You're either winning or learning - Failure is only truly failure if you don't learn something from it; every loss contains a lesson that can prevent future defeats Authentic connection beats perfect branding - Being willing to show your face, share your story, and be vulnerable creates deeper connections than hiding behind logos or polished facades Listen to understand, not to respond - Real conversations happen when you listen to understand someone's perspective rather than just waiting for your turn to speak About Dan Clouser Dan Clouser is an author, blogger, podcast host, speaker, and consultant who founded and operated the Berkshire Baseball & Softball Club (later the BIG Vision Foundation) for 30 years. The organization ran youth sports teams, tournaments, and a 130-acre sports complex, where he dedicated his career to teaching leadership and life lessons to young people. In 2019, he and his wife Sandy answered what they felt was a calling to leave their comfort zone and embark on a cross-country RV journey. Inspired by his late mother Loretta Magary—a free spirit who took her own transformative travels in the 1980s—they sold most of their possessions and hit the road with their golden retriever, Youkilis, to continue her legacy of giving back through volunteering and storytelling. Through speaking engagements, writing, and podcasting, he shares the stories of the "many little people in many little places doing many little things" who are making a difference in the world. His mission is to inspire others to take their own steps toward positive change, honoring the belief that collective small actions can transform the world. Following Youkilis's passing in April 2024, he and Sandy continue their journey together, documenting the remarkable people they meet along the way. In This Episode [00:00] Welcome to the show! [04:38] Meet Dan Clouser [05:51] Comfort Zones [11:37] A Game of Failure [16:42] Journey of My Mother's Son [21:54] Creating Personal Connection [29:08] Understanding Someone's Why [34:14] "A Good Boy's Journey" [37:11] Connect With Dan [40:04] Outro Quotes "Growth only happens when you're uncomfortable. You can't grow any other way." - Dan Clouser "You're either winning or learning. It's only a failure if you don't learn something from that failure." - Dan Clouser "All of us as human beings have a lot more in common than what we don't. We're a lot more alike than we are different." - Dan Clouser "Understanding is not necessarily agreeing." - Dan Clouser "This is the first shot that we've all had at this life. We're all going through this the first time with no experience of what's coming next." - Dan Clouser Guest Links Find Dan Clouser online Follow Dan Clouser on Instagram | Facebook | Twitter Check out Dan's latest book: A Good Boy's Journey Links  FREE Workshop Available "How to Consistently Earn Over $100k Per Year in Video Production While Working Less Than 40 Hours Per Week" Join the Grow Your Video Business Facebook Group Follow Ryan Koral on Instagram Follow Grow Your Video Business on Instagram Check out the full show notes
Terry Rice, a former Facebook executive turned keynote speaker and performance coach, shares his powerful transformation story from corporate alcoholic to successful entrepreneur after losing everything. He reveals his R3 framework (Reclaim, Realign, Rebuild) for personal and business transformation while emphasizing the importance of authentic personal branding over perfectionism. Terry demonstrates how being vulnerable about his struggles - including addiction, job loss, and family tragedies - has actually opened doors to bigger opportunities, including speaking at Google and having a documentary made about his life. Key Takeaways Character branding beats personal branding - Show your real self, including failures and struggles, rather than a polished façade that people can't relate to Own your flaws as fuel - Use your mistakes, challenges, and pain as branding material rather than trying to hide them - it creates deeper connections with your audience Authenticity opens unexpected doors - Being vulnerable about personal struggles can lead to major opportunities, as Terry's experience shows from one LinkedIn comment to a documentary deal Identity-first transformation works - Get crystal clear on who you are and what you represent before focusing on tactics, systems, or external business elements About Terry Rice Terry Rice is a keynote speaker, performance coach, and author who helps professionals align who they are with where they're going—then act accordingly. Known for his bold, story-driven approach, Terry teaches leaders how to live and tell better stories that build trust, drive impact, and unlock exponential growth. Whether on stage or in a coaching session, he blends lived experience with actionable strategies to help high performers shed limiting identities, ignite their vision, and build rituals that deliver lasting results. Before launching his coaching and speaking business, Terry held consulting roles at Meta and Adobe—giving him a firsthand view into high-performance business environments. His insights have been featured by Good Morning America, Fast Company, and The Wall Street Journal, and he's spoken for top organizations including Amazon, Google, and Berkshire Hathaway. Terry also teaches entrepreneurship at General Assembly and contributes regularly to Entrepreneur.com. Based in Brooklyn, he's a proud husband and father of five and a relentless advocate for mental and physical fitness as the foundation of long-term success. In This Episode [00:00] Welcome to the show! [05:54] Meet Terry Rice [14:13] Character Brand [19:07] Own Your Flaws [25:07] Being Authentic [36:32] Intentionally Reflecting [41:29] Follow The Plan [45:26] Connect with Terry [47:19] Outro Quotes "If I look at your brand and think to myself, I would not hang out with you on purpose. Why would I want to work with you? Because that's me hanging out with you on purpose, right?" - Terry Rice "The more you can own your edge and use that as fuel, use that as branding, the faster you'll grow and you'll remove some of that guilt, that regret, that shame that you might have as well." - Terry Rice "There's two types of pain, right? There's the pain of discipline or the pain of regret. The challenge is the pain of discipline weighs ounces, whereas regret weighs tons." - Terry Rice "I don't care about your editing tools. I don't care if you're using Adobe. I want to know about your soul. Because if our souls are aligned with a message that I want to spread, then cool, we're good." - Terry Rice "We can't go back and create a new beginning, but we can start from now and create a new ending." - Terry Rice Guest Links Find Terry Rice online Follow Terry Rice on Instagram | Threads| Twitter | YouTube Connect with Terry Rice on LinkedIn Check out more resources from Terry Rice Links FREE Workshop Available "How to Consistently Earn Over $100k Per Year in Video Production While Working Less Than 40 Hours Per Week" Join the Grow Your Video Business Facebook Group Follow Ryan Koral on Instagram Follow Grow Your Video Business on Instagram Check out the full show notes
Ryan shares the hard truth that discipline, not hustle, is the real path to freedom in your video business. He breaks down the three key strategies that helped him build a seven-figure agency while working only three days a week: understanding the difference between working in vs. on your business, setting clear quarterly priorities, and implementing time blocking. This solo episode is a wake-up call for video business owners who are stuck reacting to whatever's in front of them instead of intentionally building toward their goals. Key Takeaways Work ON your business, not just IN it - Schedule regular CEO time for vision-setting, process creation, and strategic planning instead of only doing shoots, edits, and admin work Focus on one clear quarterly goal - Break down annual goals into quarterly milestones with clearly defined "done" criteria, then create weekly tasks to achieve them Implement time blocking - Create themed days or dedicated blocks for different types of work (deep work, admin, marketing, sales) to stay focused and avoid distractions Hope isn't a strategy - While hope is important, you need a focused plan and the discipline to execute it consistently to achieve real business growth In This Episode [00:00] Welcome to the show! [08:10] Reclaim Control in Your Business [10:54] Doing the Hard Things [14:55] Knowing What You Want [16:09] The Price of Freedom [19:56] Working In Vs. Working On [22:36] Get Clear On Your Goals [24:46] Time Blocking [33:15] Share Your Goals [36:56] Outro Quotes "Growth only happens when you're uncomfortable. You can't grow any other way." - Ryan Koral "Discipline is the price of freedom." - Ryan Koral (quoting Elton True Blood from the 1920s) "Hope isn't a strategy. You must have hope. You should have hope... But the problem is that we get stuck in this like just hoping that our previous project is going to get our next work." - Ryan Koral "Excellence comes at a price and one of the major prices is that of inner control." - Ryan Koral (quoting Elton True Blood) "Being the best filmmaker isn't the thing that has helped this business be around for 20 years... I've had a plan and I've been executing on that plan." - Ryan Koral Links Find out more about 10xFILMMAKER  Find out more about the Studio Sherpas Mastermind FREE Workshop Available "How to Consistently Earn Over $100k Per Year in Video Production While Working Less Than 40 Hours Per Week" Join the Grow Your Video Business Facebook Group Follow Ryan Koral on Instagram Follow Grow Your Video Business on Instagram Check out the full show notes
Chris Robinson, Executive Vice President of Maxwell Leadership, shares his powerful framework for breaking out of business complacency in his new book "From Drift to Drive." He reveals how successful entrepreneurs often drift into "careless security" where they stop doing the things that made them successful in the first place. Chris outlines his seven-step process to help business owners regain clarity, build community, and take intentional action toward their goals.  Key Takeaways Complacency isn't laziness - it's "careless security" where you become comfortable and stop sharpening the skills that got you where you are Start with clarity - consistently ask yourself "What do I want?" because your goals should evolve as you grow Align your daily actions with your annual goals - check if your weekly to-do list matches what you said you wanted at the beginning of the year Community beats competition - surrounding yourself with like-minded people opens more doors than trying to protect your "secrets" About Chris Robinson Chris Robinson is the Executive Vice President of Maxwell Leadership and author of From Drift to Drive. He leads the global expansion of the Maxwell Leadership Certified Team, a premier community of coaches, speakers, and trainers developed by Dr. John C. Maxwell. With over two decades of experience, Chris specializes in equipping leaders across industries with the skills and mindset for meaningful impact. Known for his authentic approach and dynamic speaking style, he highlights the dangers of "success-induced complacency" and offers strategies for sustained excellence. As a dedicated coach and lifelong learner, Chris inspires professionals to transform comfortable success into purposeful growth, empowering them to maximize their potential and make a lasting difference. In This Episode [00:00] Welcome to the show! [04:04] Meet Chris Robinson [05:23] From Drift to Drive [07:56] Complacency [11:36] Clarity [16:17] Gathering [17:42] Filtering [18:34] Guidance [25:29] Action [26:13] Evaluation [34:10] Connect with Chris [34:56] Outro Quotes "The gap between what's good and our potential, that gap is great. And so if we can take what we're good at and we can really begin to go back and sharpen that, hone that like we did in order to build that skill set, then we can start reaching towards our potential." - Chris Robinson "Every single time, Ryan, that you've been crystal clear on what it is that you want, you've got it every single time." - Chris Robinson "You don't have to do this business alone. There's communities you can plug into. There's guides you can plug into. You don't have to make this all up." - Chris Robinson "Any success that I've achieved, it's because I haven't been afraid to build community and build a relationship with people that are doing the exact same thing as me." - Ryan Koral "My goal for this book is to awaken the unknowingly complacent to help them get going, reignited, and back on track to where they want to go." - Chris Robinson Guest Links Find Chris Robinson website | eSpeakers Find Maxwell Leadership website | Facebook | YouTube Follow Chris Robinson on Facebook Connect with Chris Robinson on LinkedIn From Drift to Drive: A High Achiever's Guide to Breaking the Chains of Complacency, by Chris Robinson Get Your Free Complacency Assessment Profile Links FREE Workshop Available "How to Consistently Earn Over $100k Per Year in Video Production While Working Less Than 40 Hours Per Week" Join the Grow Your Video Business Facebook Group Follow Ryan Koral on Instagram Follow Grow Your Video Business on Instagram Check out the full show notes
Phil Mershon, founder of Social Media Marketing World and Unforgettable Events, shares insider secrets on how video producers can transform from vendors into strategic partners. He reveals the mindset shifts and tactical approaches that make event organizers choose you over the competition. This episode is packed with actionable advice for anyone wanting to build long-term relationships with event clients. Key Takeaways Position yourself as a strategic partner by understanding client goals and revenue outcomes, not just filming requirements Treat hybrid events like television productions to create experiences that compete with Netflix-quality content people expect today Use daily check-ins and "must-have" lists to ensure you capture critical moments while staying flexible for spontaneous opportunities Ask outcome-focused questions upfront to become the thinking partner who takes pressure off your client's team About Phil Mershon Phil Mershon is CEO of Unforgettable Experiences and the director of experience for Social Media Examiner where he helped create and lead Social Media Marketing World. Phil creates memorable experiences that lead to increased retention, and impact. In addition, Phil is also a keynote speaker, corporate trainer, consultant, and the author of Unforgettable: The Art and Science of Creating Memorable Experiences. In This Episode [00:00] Welcome to the show! [04:26] Meet Phil Mershon [06:51] Phil's Journey to Event Planning [10:23] Event Recap Videos [18:34] Getting Hired for Events [21:58] Become a Thinking Partner [32:02] How to Not Miss Moments [35:51] Interview Questions [43:22] Social Media Marketing World [46:32] Connect with Phil [48:28] Outro Quotes "You become part of our team as opposed to a vendor who we have to manage." - Phil Mershon "Your show is competing with Netflix and Amazon and all these things right now. And we can help you." - Ryan Koral "If you can stand out and say, we get it... we can make this show maybe not the same quality because we don't have a million dollar budget, but it can feel that way." - Phil Mershon "The first thing that's going to get my attention is you've understood what my goals are and you know how to make those a reality as opposed to talking about gear and people." - Phil Mershon "You still have to have great content to show me you've got skill. I don't care what kind of cameras you're using. I just need what's the outcome." - Phil Mershon Guest Links Follow Phil Mershon online Follow Phil Mershon on Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Threads Connect with Phil Mershon on LinkedIn Social Media Marketing World Links Learn more about the Video Blueprint Starter Kit Join the Grow Your Video Business Facebook Group Follow Ryan Koral on Instagram Follow Grow Your Video Business on Instagram Check out the full show notes
Business coach Angie Callen shares how creative entrepreneurs can overcome perfectionism and imposter syndrome by embracing authenticity, focusing on serving clients rather than impressing peers, and implementing practical time and energy management strategies. Key Takeaways Successful entrepreneurship is 80% mindset and 20% everything else - being willing to get vulnerable and step in front of the camera is essential for video pros who want to build trust Focus on creating content for your potential clients rather than worrying what your peers will think - "generosity is the opposite of comparison" and collaboration beats competition Manage both your time AND energy by implementing theme days, time blocking, and scheduling your most challenging tasks during your peak energy hours About Angie Callen Angie Callen is an award-winning coach, international speaker, and obsessive entrepreneur who loves empowering others to lead amazing lives with thriving careers, all while embracing authenticity. She's a Carnegie Mellon graduate and former engineer known for her strategic, analytical, yet creative approach to marketing, sales, and business growth. A fun, engaging, and energetic speaker, Angie is unapologetically one thing: herself! She's passionate about helping executives, leaders, and entrepreneurs embrace their natural gifts and strengths for ultimate gains in life AND work. Angie's thought leadership has appeared in Forbes, NASDAQ, USA Today, Business Insider, Yahoo! Finance, and more.  In This Episode [00:00] Welcome to the show! [06:33] Meet Angie Callen [08:11] Having a Healthy Mindset [12:23] Imposter Syndrome [16:46] Overcoming Perfectionism with Action [27:33] Authenticity [39:08] Preventing Burnout [43:11] Energy Management [44:10] Connect with Angie [45:30] Outro Quotes "Perfectionism is a procrastination technique, y'all. Perfectionism will hold you back more than it will push you forward, especially in entrepreneurship... The best antidote to the imposter syndrome is action." - Angie Callen "Your relationship, your personal relationship, your spouse, the person you choose to do life with will have just as much, if not more impact on the success of your business as you, because if you do not have a supportive one, you will not be successful." - Angie Callen "I think successful entrepreneurship is 80% mindset and 20% everything else. Because if your headspace isn't there and you don't have a little of that grit and a little of that conviction around what you're doing, the roller coaster of ups and downs... is going to make you real sick real fast." - Angie Callen "From a bigger picture strategy perspective, focus on one thing at a time, chunk it down because growing a business is a giant amorphous blob that is really hard to make sense of." - Angie Callen Guest Links Find Angie Callen online Listen to the No More Mondays podcast Learn more about The Modern Coach community Follow Career Benders on Instagram | Facebook Follow Angie Callen on Instagram Links Stop hiding and start showing up; learn more about the Video Cohort Join the Grow Your Video Business Facebook Group Follow Ryan Koral on Instagram Follow Grow Your Video Business on Instagram Check out the full show notes
Chad Brown shares his journey from running a "successful" but personally destructive film business to completely redesigning his work to serve his life, offering powerful insights about the specific reflection processes that can help video professionals build profitable businesses without sacrificing what matters most. Key Takeaways The results in your life reveal the truth about your priorities - if you say family is important but your calendar and bank account tell a different story, you're living a lie Get extremely specific about what you want (not just "more time off" but when, where, how long, with whom) because vague goals prevent you from taking real action Your business doesn't have to look any particular way to be successful - question industry norms and design a model that actually serves your life priorities About Chad Brown Chad Brown is a scaling strategist and coach. He founded a media production studio called Shade Tree Films in 2008 that has serviced global companies such as Volkswagen, Target, and Pixar Animation Studios. This is where his love and passion for leadership and business was developed. Over the last 7 years he has trained and developed creative entrepreneurs who want to increase their profit and work less. When he is not helping others create more freedom in their business, you will find (or won't be able to find) Chad on a wild adventure in the mountains with his family. He resides at the foot of the Rocky Mountains in Orem, Utah, with his wife Katie and three children (Addison, Kenya, and Milo). In This Episode [00:00] Welcome to the show! [04:07] Meet Chad Brown [05:37] Chad's Filmmaking Experience [10:58] Are You Fulfilled? [13:29] Prioritizing Family [21:00] Identify What You Want [27:30] Prices Verses Benefits Exercise [30:20] Connect with Chad [34:22] Outro Quotes "When I hired my coach...he just looked at me and said, 'You're lying to yourself. You may like the idea of being a family man, but look at the results that you have in your life right now. The results are the truth. The story you tell, unfortunately at this moment is a lie.'" - Chad Brown "If I say one thing's important, but my calendar and my bank account say something different, then I'm living a lie. And until those two things align, it's gonna be despair." - Chad Brown "Most people build their life around their business rather than building their business around their life...You can do that. People build all types of businesses, it doesn't have to look a single way." - Chad Brown "It's a psychological principle that our mind will generalize things so that they're not actionable because action takes energy...If I get really specific about something, my brain goes, 'Okay, this is real. Now I've got to take action.'" - Chad Brown Guest Links Find Chad Brown online Get Chad's FREE Business Scaling Masterclass Links Learn more about the Video Blueprint Starter Kit Join the Grow Your Video Business Facebook Group Follow Ryan Koral on Instagram Follow Grow Your Video Business on Instagram Check out the full show notes
Ryan opens up about his nine-year journey of building the wrong kind of video business and his recent pivot toward creating something sellable. He shares candid insights about hitting seven figures, the challenges since 2020, and why he's now focused on packages over custom work while addressing a filmmaker's concerns about AI taking over the industry. Key Takeaways Building a business that can run without you creates more freedom than being the indispensable creative at the center of everything Package-based services with predictable pricing are more scalable and sellable than endless custom projects Position yourself as a strategic partner who offers workshops and thinking partnership, not just shooting and editing services AI won't replace filmmakers who differentiate themselves through strategy, storytelling, and client partnership rather than just technical execution In This Episode [00:00] Welcome to the show! [03:12] 10xFILMMAKER [04:46] New Goals for a New Season [14:05] Adjusting Your Direction [19:13] Built To Sell [28:39] When AI Impacts Our Work [31:03] Marketing Yourself [36:42] Mastermind Community [41:40] Outro Quotes "It took me nine years to realize that I was building the wrong kind of video business. I always thought freedom meant doing everything myself, being the creative, the editor, the salesperson and the project manager." - Ryan "If the only thing that you're offering is showing up for somebody and filming B-roll type stuff and just following the directions that somebody has for you, it's going to be really easy for that same client to have a machine follow directions for them." - Ryan "If you're positioning yourself as shooter editor, that's not as compelling and that's not as helpful for a client that needs somebody that understands more, that understands how marketing works or why it works." - Ryan "We just landed a $20,000 gig a couple of weeks ago with a client that wanted to spend $5,000... I somehow talked them into doing this workshop, a paid workshop that was going to take half of the budget that they had set aside." - Ryan "I still believe that this work is so powerful. I believe that it can make a massive impact and that's why I feel compelled to stay in it even if and when I sell this company." - Ryan Links Find out more about 10xFILMMAKER  Find out more about the Studio Sherpas Mastermind Join the Grow Your Video Business Facebook Group Follow Ryan Koral on Instagram Follow Grow Your Video Business on Instagram Check out the full show notes




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