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Just had a massive upheaval with my job - time to learn what this is all about.

by David See
26 replies
Hi all,

I am a freelance video producer in Australia.

Just this week I have been informed by our business's only client (we were contracted to them to remain exclusive since 2005) that they will no longer be needing our services after the first week in May. Sure, it was upsetting and we have a LOT of related outgoings, but instead of getting all sweaty, worried and anxious, I decided that - now more than ever - it really IS time to make a change.

AS AN ASIDE: The contract we had in place dictated we were not able to do other work for other clients while the contract was in place, so we were not nurturing other clients in the time we were contracted, due to those contractual obligations. In hindsight, the agreement was detrimental to us and the business anyway as we were "painted into a corner" and a loss of contract would mean it would take a lot of time to get back on our feet financially, so we are probably better to be free of it...but the instant loss of $52,000 per year is a real concern.

Sure, I could now approach the other possible clients now that I am "free" of the binding contract and peddle my services to them (which I will do anyway for an interim measure) but I really do feel that the day for exchanging actual time for money are over. I am tired of only earning money when I am physically working. And this is how I have been operating all my life since I started my business in 1987. In this day and age it doesn't work as well as it did years ago (unless your wage is enormous) and is dangerous.

So, what to do?

I am technology proficient and love everything technology-based, so I guess I have a jump-start there. But I just do not understand this IM thing and how all related things work.

It is all in front of me at the moment, and I am sure I can look back in twelve months (or less!) and say to myself "hey, that wasn't really THAT hard!) but at the moment I am completely baffled.

I know there is a thread here that is for beginners and I have had a look at it - and I know we are not supposed to ask "how do I make money?" because of all the info already here - we just have to search for it...but I would like to ask this:

From someone in my position with all the technology and facilities available to me right here in front of me NOW, just WHERE and HOW do I start with this IM thing? I have no idea.

Looking forward to staying in touch and contributing when I can.

David
#job #learn #massive #time #upheaval
  • Profile picture of the author Billionbound
    Hi there,

    Well I would say with what you have. Video marketing also know as web 2.0 would be and ideal avenue for you. But first things first. What would you like to market? What are you passionate about that could help you decide what you would like to market?

    Just a couple of ideas to get the juices flowing. If I can be of any help just let me know.

    Joshua
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  • Profile picture of the author Adaptive
    David, I'm not from down under but I hope you don't mind my saying...

    G'Day, mate!

    I am technology proficient
    That's a natural for video geeks, isn't it?

    with all the technology and facilities available to me right here
    Do you still have the use of the video equipment? Or are you referring to Internet marketing information?

    As I see it you have several options including...

    - Develop a more efficient video business, in which you do not have to personally do all the work. Get crews and systems set up, you be the rainmaker and project manager until even those roles can be handed off. At that point you will be the owner of a video business in which other people sell and make videos.

    - Develop a more efficient video business, in which you make videos that are products you sell to many buyers, rather than one time services for individual clients.

    - Use video as a tool within Internet marketing, along with web development, sales letters and so forth. Promote your own products and services. Or be an affiliate who promotes materials from other businesses. Or run a marketing consultancy in which you help other Australian businesses get online with video and reach a world market.

    - Leave video behind and start a new career in Internet marketing.

    Can you afford to take a month to sort out your options and make a plan?

    Regards,
    Allen

    P.S. Are you guys NTSC or PAL down there?
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    • Profile picture of the author David See
      Hi Allen,

      Yes I still have all the video equipment at my disposal (full HD broadcast camera equipment and editing equipment - hence our large continuing outgoings). It is all PAL for local work, but my camera shoot both PAL and NTSC.

      Thanks for the input.

      David
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    • Profile picture of the author SiteSeller52
      David,

      All of the info below is what you need to get started, think about the tings that were written and see how you can fit this into your life.

      Originally Posted by Adaptive View Post

      David, I'm not from down under but I hope you don't mind my saying...

      G'Day, mate!


      That's a natural for video geeks, isn't it?


      Do you still have the use of the video equipment? Or are you referring to Internet marketing information?

      As I see it you have several options including...

      - Develop a more efficient video business, in which you do not have to personally do all the work. Get crews and systems set up, you be the rainmaker and project manager until even those roles can be handed off. At that point you will be the owner of a video business in which other people sell and make videos.

      - Develop a more efficient video business, in which you make videos that are products you sell to many buyers, rather than one time services for individual clients.

      - Use video as a tool within Internet marketing, along with web development, sales letters and so forth. Promote your own products and services. Or be an affiliate who promotes materials from other businesses. Or run a marketing consultancy in which you help other Australian businesses get online with video and reach a world market.

      - Leave video behind and start a new career in Internet marketing.

      Can you afford to take a month to sort out your options and make a plan?

      Regards,
      Allen

      P.S. Are you guys NTSC or PAL down there?
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  • Profile picture of the author Dana_W
    Well, David, here are some ways that people make money online:

    1.) Provide services for people. I used to be a newspaper reporter, so I started by writing articles and ghostwriting ebooks, and moved on to writing press releases. The downside of this: it does not pay very well to start. You would need to research and, in your case, probably see what other video services people are offering, and see how much they charge, and charge similar rates or even less - because you are new and have not yet established a reputation.

    The upside of this: by writing ebooks for IM gurus, I got to see how THEY make money.
    And that is how you can learn too - by working for OTHER people, you will start to learn the IM business from the inside out while getting paid to do so.

    2.) Promoting affiliate products, like Clickbank or Commission Junction products. You usually do this by creating a sales page or review page, and writing articles for article directories to drive traffic to the sales page.

    3.) Adsense Sites

    4.) CPA (Cost Per Action) Offers

    5.) Creating and selling info-products
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    • Profile picture of the author David See
      Originally Posted by Dana_W View Post

      Well, David, here are some ways that people make money online:

      1.) Provide services for people. I used to be a newspaper reporter, so I started by writing articles and ghostwriting ebooks, and moved on to writing press releases. The downside of this: it does not pay very well to start. You would need to research and, in your case, probably see what other video services people are offering, and see how much they charge, and charge similar rates or even less - because you are new and have not yet established a reputation.

      The upside of this: by writing ebooks for IM gurus, I got to see how THEY make money.
      And that is how you can learn too - by working for OTHER people, you will start to learn the IM business from the inside out while getting paid to do so.

      2.) Promoting affiliate products, like Clickbank or Commission Junction products. You usually do this by creating a sales page or review page, and writing articles for article directories to drive traffic to the sales page.

      3.) Adsense Sites

      4.) CPA (Cost Per Action) Offers

      5.) Creating and selling info-products
      All so confusing for me at the moment...I guess now all I have to do is learn how to do all this! :-)

      Thanks so much for the info.

      David
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      • Profile picture of the author Dana_W
        Originally Posted by David See View Post

        All so confusing for me at the moment...I guess now all I have to do is learn how to do all this! :-)

        Thanks so much for the info.

        David
        It took me months to get comfortable with and familiar with all of those terms. It's like entering any new field; you won't learn it overnight. If you have the skills to make quality video you have very marketable skills; you could start out by supporting yourself making video for other people, and visit the warrior forum regularly to learn about other potential areas of interest in internet marketing.
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  • Profile picture of the author koolwarrior
    Banned
    David, you are someone that a lot of the GURUs in this business would LOVE to have on their team!

    If I were you, I'd start hitting them up with your portfolio of work, and say "See my quality? You could have it for your next launch."

    Guarantee you, they'll sh** their drawers and cut you a check on the spot (them rich greedy punks).

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  • Profile picture of the author David See
    Hi Joshua,

    Thanks for taking the time to respond - as you could imagine this is all very daunting from where I sit.

    I am really passionate about video. Shooting beautiful pictures and teaching how to shoot really excites me.

    I also enjoy producing videos of other people teaching their craft. I have already produced videos on Australian Pottery and have a very basic series of DVD's teaching people how to shoot wedding videos.

    Not sure if this is what you meant, but I thought it would be a start (if that's what it is all about). If I am on the wrong track, please let me know.

    David
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  • Profile picture of the author DLB777
    David, do you do custom advertising videos for people? I know I will be needing some video help down the road, as it's not my talent.

    Deborah
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    • Profile picture of the author David See
      Originally Posted by DLB777 View Post

      David, do you do custom advertising videos for people? I know I will be needing some video help down the road, as it's not my talent.

      Deborah
      Hi Deborah, yes, I certainly do.

      My YouTube page will show you some of my work. As it stands at the moment I will admit it is all over the place and not set up for advertising my services very well at the moment, but at least it will give you an idea. I sometimes insert these videos in relevant web sites using HTML from YouTube.

      There is a bit of stuff on there that is only for others to view and not properly edited (but not private) but look for the Showreel MARCH 2009 video. It will show you the quality of my work, although of course highly compressed for the net of course.

      Search for Digicrew on YouTube and you will see my work.

      There are some other examples there, too.

      If there is any more information you might need, please let me know.

      Thanks for the response.

      David
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  • Profile picture of the author koolwarrior
    Banned
    DLB777 has a point. I know Todd Gross made a killing doing video promos for people's affiliate products, and selling access for people to use those promos as marketing materials.
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  • Profile picture of the author koolwarrior
    Banned
    David...you know you can add your youtube information to your profile on here, right? It'll show up next to every post you make. Notice mine...
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    • Profile picture of the author David See
      Originally Posted by koolwarrior View Post

      David...you know you can add your youtube information to your profile on here, right? It'll show up next to every post you make. Notice mine...
      Great! Thanks for that.
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  • Profile picture of the author Patrick Judge
    DAVID, your videos are excellent and with your talent you will make it ! You already seem to know what you are doing. Theres lots of things you can do, certainly the training courses looks good, why not approach the gurus, the mlm companies, theres so many things you can do, the wedding videos is good business too. I am sure few people here will use your services when they see your work, fair play to you !! With video like that you should be doing tv work and advertisments !!

    Patrick
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    • Profile picture of the author David See
      Originally Posted by Patrick Judge View Post

      DAVID, your videos are excellent and with your talent you will make it ! You already seem to know what you are doing. Theres lots of things you can do, certainly the training courses looks good, why not approach the gurus, the mlm companies, theres so many things you can do, the wedding videos is good business too. I am sure few people here will use your services when they see your work, fair play to you !! With video like that you should be doing tv work and advertisments !!

      Patrick
      Hi Patrick,

      Yes, it has been a long hard road...I have been into video since 1984 and have worked for TV news since 1990.

      Like everything else, times are changing and I realise that I have to now do something differently than I have done all these years, whilst of course retaining the usual work I do now until times get so good, that I can let it go.

      Could I please ask how I contact the gurus and mlm people?

      Sorry, all very green with all this.

      David
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  • Profile picture of the author David See
    That's the thing, isn't it?

    I have the skills to make great video, but how to you market/apply those skills to those who need them (gurus, mlm's and the like)?
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    • Profile picture of the author Dana_W
      Originally Posted by David See View Post

      That's the thing, isn't it?

      I have the skills to make great video, but how to you market/apply those skills to those who need them (gurus, mlm's and the like)?
      Well, you need to show them that you can produce the kind of stuff they need. In my case I created a website and put some writing samples on it. In your case you need to find out what kind of videos gurus need, and make a couple, and put them on a website to show the quality of what YOU can produce.

      If I were you I would: 1) Make a couple of really good videos to use as samples; 2.) Approach all of the top gurus and offer to make them a free video and ask that, if they like the video, they provide you with a testimonial.
      If none of them go for it, just approach some people here on the Warrior Forum and make that same offer. Make sure they are long term members with a lot of posts, so that people will take their recommendations more seriously.

      Frank Kern is known for his IM videos: http://masscontrolsite.com/blog/?p=39 They kind of have a deliberately casual look but they're very well thought of.
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      • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
        Originally Posted by David See View Post

        All so confusing for me at the moment...I guess now all I have to do is learn how to do all this! :-)

        Thanks so much for the info.

        David
        David, at this point you don't have to learn how to do "all this"...

        All you have to do is learn enough about each to see which one trips your trigger. Then learn how to do that.

        Trying to learn how to do everything before you start on something is a sure-fire ticket to overload and doing nothing. I'm a veteran of that run myself...
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    • Profile picture of the author Patrick Judge
      Originally Posted by David See View Post

      That's the thing, isn't it?

      I have the skills to make great video, but how to you market/apply those skills to those who need them (gurus, mlm's and the like)?

      Well your in the right place !!
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  • Profile picture of the author BizBooks
    you should start by making a 3 minute video commercial for a product on clickbank that sells well- you would sell as an affiliate by having the video link to your domain that forwards to your clickbank hoplink.

    by this time tomorrow.... $$$

    that's one way to get your feet wet!
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  • Profile picture of the author Traffic101
    Wow David, I think you've gotten a lot of helpful suggestions. Now you have to digest the material and decide what you are passionate about. When you do something you love it doesn't feel like work.

    Also seems you have a lot of options. Good luck to you. Video marketing is becoming the next best thing.
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  • Profile picture of the author Adaptive
    I also enjoy producing videos of other people teaching their craft.
    If you still enjoy hands-on producing, there's your goldmine.

    Find experts and do documentary style shoots of what they do and how they do it. Then use internet marketing to sell these how-to videos into specialized niches.

    Travel videos are also a great potential area for you.

    I guess now all I have to do is learn how to do all this!
    No, you need to team up with someone who knows all this but doesn't know video... lighting... camerawork... editing... audio sweeting... helping talent feel at ease... all the things you know.

    I'd love to talk with you in more detail about this plan, let's follow up by private message.

    Regards,
    Allen
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  • Profile picture of the author Morrow
    Hey David Let me know if you get stuck with anything drop me a pm or something I will try to help you out!

    To really get started you should maybe make your own product at a niche that you are good at for example your video making skills, then use those skills to promote it!
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  • Profile picture of the author jamsferguson
    If you want an easy ay to get some training in IM, check out ed Dale's highly regarded 9and totally free) Thirty Day Challenge
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  • Profile picture of the author TomWilson
    I'm no IM expert as I am just getting started, but wow I think you have potential gold mine in selling your skills to IM'ers especially the ones who have money. Just a though, plus you might sell information on how to make good videos for IM sites with home equipment. It sure seems like there are many directions you can go with your skill set.
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