Has your creative business hit a roadblock? 🚧🚧►►SIGN UP HERE: https://geni.us/tiny-letter-jordanI didn't take my own advice and I completely changed my website after only three months of the last design. Please don't kill me! But how I look at it is that I'm testing. I've got nothing to lose. If my site brings in zero leads and I change something and it brings zero leads, then what was the risk?But if I change some things on my site, and I get 1 or 2 or 3 new leads, then it was only upside.Most of our websites don't bring in business, and many of them act like digital resumes. So, what I wanted to create was a place that would help my potential clients. I want them to not regret clicking my link - in fact, I want them to feel grateful that they found such a resourceful safe haven on the internetWhat is your strategy for your website?---I’m Jordan P. Anderson - I help creators, artists, and craftspeople find clarity in their business.I help creative small businesses to find new business opportunities and strategize their marketing efforts by creating a space for thought and consideration that provides clarity and reinvigorates their love for their business. I take on projects by first understanding my client’s business and their needs. Together, we pinpoint the problem and we find a way to fix it.In total, I have worked on over 500 marketing and video campaigns helping clients reach new customers.------DAILY EMAILMy Daily Email Newsletter - https://geni.us/tiny-letter-jordanFREE TEMPLATESOne-Page Proposal Template - https://geni.us/1-page-proposal60-DayMarketing Strategy Worksheet - https://geni.us/marketingstrategyONLINE COURSESHow to Start Your Video Production Company - https://geni.us/videoproductionPersonal Branding: How to Stand Out and Build Influence - https://geni.us/jpa-coursesQuestions?Feel free to contact me at [email protected] and I will get back to you as soon as possible. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.jordanpanderson.com

Has your creative business hit a roadblock? - Sign up here: https://geni.us/tiny-letter-jordanAnswer the following questions: What barriers are in your clients' way? ​Can they contact you? Can they pay you? Can they schedule anything with you? ​What if they have questions?​If you have a client who is in crisis mode and they need your services now, how easy is it for the two of you to meet/chat/correspond about solving that problem?I talked about this in How To Look Like a Big Business - it wasn't merely for optics. Having your contact information listed and a robust contact form built for your clients is essential.When the economy reopens, there is going to be a mad dash to get everything back to normal. Your clients are eventually going to need your services, so it is crucial that you answer those above questions honestly.Don't find yourself playing catchup.https://tinyletter.com/jordanpanderson This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.jordanpanderson.com

Download the Template: https://geni.us/1-page-proposalFull Video:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqa0K6L_k2UHas your creative business hit a roadblock? - Sign up here: https://geni.us/tiny-letter-jordan This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.jordanpanderson.com

Strategy for Creative Small Businesses - https://geni.us/tiny-letter-jordan A lot of businesses rely on one main social media platform to drive their business and create awareness around their brand. For a small business, it's usually the owner creating and distributing the content on a platform that they personally like. Maybe it's easier to work with or they find it fun. But what if that platform disappeared tomorrow? We've all had to pivot our creative businesses somehow, so let's play this scenario out. Here are some questions to consider:  Where else do my clients frequent?  What other types of content could I be creating?  Do I have a platform to call my own (website, blog, email)?  Can I convert one type of content into another (Video into audio)?  Finally, what is one platform you swear you'll never use? (For me in 2015, it was Instagram) Though this scenario rarely happens - it's key that you start to diversify your marketing output to at least 2 platforms. You're renting out temporary space on these platforms, so it's crucial to have a contingency plan. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.jordanpanderson.com

📡🗓️ One-Page Proposal Template LIVE Q&A - https://www.youtube.com/c/Valleyfilms/liveStrategy for Creative Small Businesses - https://geni.us/tiny-letter-jordanI think after reading this you’ll realize it creates a number of opportunities for your personal brand to shine.⠀⠀1. Connect With Your Audience⠀What may be surprising with an online course is how deep you’re able to connect with your audience. Most content that we create is seen by less than 10% of your followers and nearly disappears within seconds of it being posted. ⠀An online course creates a long term, committed relationship between you and your audience.⠀Think about it - as each student enrolls, you’re able to welcome them, ask if they have any concerns about the course, and guide them through the lesson plan.⠀⠀⠀2. Show Off Your Expertise⠀Having your own online course really begins to solidify your status as an expert or at the very least exuding traces of expertise to the world. ⠀Perception is Reality.⠀Acting as the expert and positioning yourself as the teacher and mentor - the dynamic shifts with you and your audience. You are now seen as a valuable resource among your peers and colleagues. ⠀⠀⠀3. Generate A New Revenue Stream⠀We’ve witnessed the world contract and many creative entrepreneurs are facing refunds, cancellations, and postponed projects. Having an online, digital product like an online course could be a saving grace that these small businesses need to stay afloat. ⠀Over time, your online course will slowly gain traction. After a while, you’ll wake up every morning to a payment confirmation in your inbox.  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.jordanpanderson.com

I'll be Live this Friday at Noon EST to answer your one-page proposal questions.  📡🗓️ One-Page Proposal LIVE Q&A - https://www.youtube.com/c/Valleyfilms/liveStrategy for Creative Small Businesses - https://geni.us/tiny-letter-jordanThe recent oil price plummet got me thinking about commodities. And then I'm always reminded of commodities in the creative business world. Here's Investopedia's definition of a commodity."The basic idea is that there is little differentiation between a commodity coming from one producer and the same commodity from another producer."Yeah but that's oil - What about creative goods and services?The democratization of content creation has flooded our world with photos, graphics, and videos. Everyone has a camera! Yay! The once highly regarded digital artist - be it a photographer or videographer - has been reduced to the lowest common denominator...price.Have you ever given someone your hourly rate for a project?Did you secretly hope that you were the lowest hourly rate among your competitor so that you will stand out (and maybe get hired)?When you're competing on price, you have reduced yourself to being a bag of flour or a tanker of crude oil. Nothing special, easily replaceable, and no branding whatsoever.This is my core mission - to try and help creatives from befalling to such a punishment. The work we provide is creative and unique and we shouldn't be subject to a bidding war and race to the bottom. Branding and finding your niche are so, so important to your creative business. Got a question on how to do that? Email me at [email protected] This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.jordanpanderson.com

📡🗓️ One-Page Proposal LIVE Q&A - https://www.youtube.com/c/Valleyfilms/liveStrategy for Creative Small Businesses - https://geni.us/tiny-letter-jordanDo you ever talk yourself out of hitting "Publish" because your idea has already been covered?Do you think you're copying someone else by talking about their idea?Have you ever taken down a post because you felt insecure about your opinion on the subject?I have an easy mental trick for you to use.  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.jordanpanderson.com

Strategy for Creative Small Businesses: https://geni.us/tiny-letter-jordanDo you find yourself using "We" and "Us" when you're talking about your solo creative business?I sure as hell am guilty of this - until about two weeks ago. The idea is that as a small business if we use "we" and "us" and make it seem like we have a team, then maybe our clients will trust that "we" can get the job done. My website buttons would say, "Contact Us" and my About page would describe how "we are" blah blah blah.It's just you and that's ok. You're not fooling anyone.I understand the use of "We" because it does feel like a team effort. There's you the manager, you the creator, and you the owner. You wear different hats.Embrace being a company of one. And start building trust around your expertise, your abilities, and own the fact that when you clients hire your company that they are going to get you and no one else This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.jordanpanderson.com

Strategy for Creative Small Businesses - https://geni.us/tiny-letter-jordanYou work hard to get your IG profile set up.⠀A customer loves your feed and heads over to your website.⠀Wait...what' that? *Add to Cart*⠀ORDER COMPLETE!⠀You finally made a sale!⠀⠀The next question: Are you ever going to see that customer again?⠀Here are some small ways to keep your customers in your circle:⠀ Email⠀ Special Gifts⠀ Handwritten Letters⠀ Private Groups Seminars⠀ Meet-ups This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.jordanpanderson.com

Strategy for Creative Small Businesses - https://geni.us/tiny-letter-jordanPeople Don't Care About Your Business - Because you’re talking about the wrong things.⠀We think that talking about features are important: ⠀ Photoshop⠀ Coding/Responsive SEO Optimized Wordpress⠀ 4K Video 300 PhotosBut remember- clients may not know what you’re talking about. And it’s not their job to know.What we need to talk about are Benefits - the tangible and intangible results:⠀ Conversions⠀ Reduced Abandoned Cart⠀ Longer time on the website ⠀ Email signups⠀ Higher engagement ⠀⠀Clients don’t care what you do, they care what you do for them.  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.jordanpanderson.com

Personal Branding: How to Stand Out and Build Influence Enroll Here:  https://geni.us/pb-course Three years from today you and I are having coffee. You are really happy with the progress you've made over these past three years. What's to make you so happy? Success is vague. Define it. Tracking your goals creates expectations and increases your chances of success. ---- Personal Branding: How to Stand Out and Build Influence How To Turn Influencing Into A Career In this course, we are going to figure out a game plan to turn your hobby into a sustainable business. Together, we walk through ways to make money as an Influencer. Get paid to work with your favorite brands. Want to learn how bloggers and influencers just like you get paid to promote their favorite brands? It all starts with building your audience. “What if I don’t know what to talk about?” An Influencer is simply someone who knows 10% more than the next person. We overestimate our competition and underestimate ourselves. Once you find your passion, expertise quickly follows. Read my daily email about business and marketing strategy - https://geni.us/tiny-letter-jordan This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.jordanpanderson.com

Enroll Here:  https://geni.us/pb-course"If you really want to become an influencer, this is the course for you."How To Turn Influencing Into A CareerIn this course, we are going to figure out a game plan to turn your hobby into a sustainable business. Together, we walk through ways to make money as an Influencer.Get paid to work with your favorite brands.Want to learn how bloggers and influencers just like you get paid to promote their favorite brands? It all starts with building your audience.“What if I don’t know what to talk about?”An Influencer is simply someone who knows 10% more than the next person. We overestimate our competition and underestimate ourselves. Once you find your passion, expertise quickly follows.Read my daily email about business and marketing strategy - https://geni.us/tiny-letter-jordan This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.jordanpanderson.com

Strategy for Creative Small Businesses - https://geni.us/tiny-letter-jordan Discounting proves your prices are BS. It trains your customers to only buy during a sale Offer limited services insteadI've received a lot of flash sale emails lately - everyone is lowering their prices or discounting their products. Some I've seen as low as 70%! This may seem like tough times now, but what happens when everything resumes back to "normal"?Discounting Proves to Me That Your Prices are Made UpPutting your services on sale confirms in the client's mind that your services are fungible. Last month over the phone, you seemed really adamant that your prices are a firm $5,000 and that you can't go any lower. I check your site today and see that you're now saying $2,000? What happened?This type of back and forth subconsciously proves that your prices are only as high as your confidence and that your business is a grocery bag in the wind. Your Clients are learning Bad Habits.Whatever works is my dog's motto. If I can snatch some food off the coffee table, then whatever works. By lowering your prices frantically, you are communicating to your client base that the time to buy is when my prices are at their lowest. "Don't bother signing up at full price, I'll be discounting them next week." It rewards the cheap, price-shoppers, and creates bitterness among your good clients.If you're going to lower your price, then lower your offering.This is not a discount and shouldn't be framed as a discount. This is a fair exchange of value between you and your client. If your client wants to pay 60% of the full price, then create a solution that offers 60% of the value. There's nothing wrong with accomodating your clients. There is value in a long-term client relationship. The key is that you are completely open and honest about expectations. Many people have caught on to this lately in the form of DIY Kits. You're saying, "We won't build it for you, but here's a way we can help." Great video from The Futur on Discounting - https://youtu.be/UNrd-XtaC28?t=85 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.jordanpanderson.com

Strategy for Creative Small Businesses - https://geni.us/tiny-letter-jordan- To shift the mindsets of their clients- It’s used on something that cost a lot of money- It moves photographers from Vendor to Expert statusWedding photographers have collectively hypnotized wedding couples into believing that their photography services are extremely valuable.Whether you like it or not, they are able to charge thousands of dollars for a service that clients are more than happy to pay for. What’s the logic and what can we learn from their tactics?1. Ease the Price-Shopper’s MindWedding couples aren’t enterprises, so their budgets are going to be limited and their due diligence won’t be as thorough. Naturally, some couples are going to be price-shoppers — those that base the majority of their decisions on price. By shifting the language on a photographer’s website from “Packages” to “Investment” couples are able to imagine their money going towards something valuable. It justifies the large amount of money that’ll be exchanged because now this couple is acting as a sage financial planner. I would argue that this takes advantage of couples and hypnotizes them into believing that making a fancy investment is far wiser than purchasing a service package. Nonetheless, the lesson stands — get your clients out of price-shopping mode.2. Get Out of the “Vendor” Category FastAnother achievement of wedding photographers is that they’ve been able to articulate themselves out of the vendor status and into the expert or artist status. You pay for a vendor’s time by the hour, but you’ll INVEST in the artist’s precious time.As a former wedding videographer (and perhaps this is where my bittersweet respect arises from), I had a hell of a time trying to get out of vendor category. Even on the day of the wedding, the videographer was always given 2nd or 3rd priority over the photographer. But this made sense from a sunk cost perspective — couples “invested” not only more money, but more hope and expectations into the photographer. I was probably getting paid a third the photographer’s rate and was seen as an accessory rather than essential.The challenge of using “investment” for many other service industries is overcoming the vendor status aka being a commodity. The banquet hall, catering company, and the live band would struggle to call their services investments. It doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue when I think about investing in Stella Artois and a perfect rendition of “Love Shack” (although the return seems pretty high). But there’s nothing to distinguish one bartender from handing you a beer from the other. Photographers have been able to distinguish themselves as worthy investments even though you could argue that photos in 2020 are as commoditizes as they come.I’m not the biggest fan of the word “investment” because I believe it’s misleading, but photographers have done something that is applicable to all creative small businesses: demonstrate and communicate their value to would-be clients.Here’s what FroKnowsPhoto has to say: https://youtu.be/DvLD_OTbtJM?t=812 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.jordanpanderson.com

Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/6BKWQr5Jho8Towards the end of the strategy sessions I have with my clients, we go into this final exercise call Goal Prioritization. Fancy way of saying, "We need to prioritize what you're going to do in your business."We break these down into 4 key components: Revenue Awareness (Marketing) Delight, and EfficiencyThe exercise starts with revenue because let's be honest - it's everything to a small business.In each section, we spend about 5 minutes a piece listing out all the possible options and ideas. Move fast, edit later.Next, once those 5 minutes are up, together the client and I will go through each idea item and rank them on doability, desirability and time to implement.We rank these because, sure, there are many great ideas out there but if the client doesn't want to do them, then there's no point trying to force them into action.We assess the time to implement each top idea into Less than 30 Days, Less than 60 Days and Less than 90 Days. If it's an idea that is doable, the client wants to do it, and it can be done within 30 days then that's a top idea.Go all-in on those short-term, obtainable ideas to get some early points on the board. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.jordanpanderson.com

DOWNLOAD HERE: https://geni.us/1-page-proposal The One-Page Proposal Template Tutorial What’s Included:  One Page Proposal (.Docx File Format)  Three Pricing Options  High Anchor Price To Shift The Total Price In Your Favor  Carefully Crafted Options For Your Clients  Payment Term Options  Customizable Branding Based on Pricing Creativity - A Guide to Profit Beyond the Billable Hour, this one-page proposal is perfect for any creative business looking to close more deals and save time from writing dead-end proposals. You’ll be able to give your clients multiple options that they can feel comfortable with.  This proposal is framed to price your services where your clients get the most value and earn you the most profit. Strategy for Creative Small Businesses - https://geni.us/tiny-letter-jordan This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.jordanpanderson.com

Read my daily email about business and marketing strategy - https://geni.us/tiny-letter-jordanHow to Look Like a Big Business in 5 Small Steps⠀⠀Do people ever ask, “Are you a real business?!”⠀⠀Being small is great but it’s hard to manufacture Trust.⠀⠀STEP ONE: Phone Number⠀Not listing A phone number is an easy tell that you’re a small company. List your own or get a Google voice number.⠀⠀STEP TWO: Email⠀Create a business email account preferably one that uses your domain.⠀⠀STEP THREE: Privacy Policy/Terms of Service⠀Templates can be found online. Google it.⠀⠀STEP FOUR: Good Web Design⠀Having a cheap or broken website should not be allowed in 2020.⠀⠀STEP FIVE: Be Unavailable⠀The more seen and heard from, the more common you appear. Create value through scarcity.⠀ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.jordanpanderson.com

Read my daily email about business and marketing strategy - https://geni.us/tiny-letter-jordanTim Ferriss talks about the Lose-Win Guarantee - the key to selling anything to anyone. The classic money-back guarantee is a given and doesn’t spark any interest with your customers.“The New Rich aims to make it profitable for the customer even if the product fails. Lose-win guarantees not only remove risk for the consumer but put the company at financial risk.” - The 4-Hour Work WeekI’ve been on the buying end many times where the guarantee offered sealed the deal.I recently bought Peak Design’s travel backpack BECAUSE of their Lifetime guarantee. And then I bought their pouches, and their camera cubes, and their shoulder straps…When I was the cinematographer at Legion Athletics, they had a killer guarantee:We don’t play these games because we don’t have to, the quality of our products makes it unnecessary.If you order any of our supplements for the first time and don’t like it, you can keep it. Just notify us and we’ll give you a full refund on the spot. No complicated forms and no return necessary.“Make your customer base an exclusive club, and treat the members well once they’ve been accepted.”---To Learn More About Personal Branding, Visit https://www.jordanpanderson.com/personalbranding This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.jordanpanderson.com

Read my daily email about business and marketing strategy - https://geni.us/tiny-letter-jordanEmily Rutt (@theemilyedition) is a DC blogger and photographer. On this episode, we discuss how to work with brands and using Instagram as a part of your larger brand strategy.WHAT WE DISCUSS:• Needing a Creative Outlet• Always being an Entrepreneur• Instagram as a Top of Funnel• The Need for a Marketing Strategy• Fun vs. Business• Having the Right Intentions• Influencers: The Proven Model• A Successful Day• Using Lightroom• Knowing Your Strength• Influencer Rates & Pricing• Creating a Media Kit• Saying NO to a Project• Being Your Audience’s Gatekeeper• Start Up Cost of Being an Influencer• Traveling for your Profile• Revenue Streams• Getting more FollowersEmily EditionWebsite: http://www.theemilyedition.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theemilyedition/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.jordanpanderson.com

Emma Weiss (@emmamweiss) joins us to share her knowledge about the wedding photography industry. She believes in first building a relationship with clients in order to capture their best moments.Receive my daily emails: https://tinyletter.com/jordanpanderson This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.jordanpanderson.com

Kit Stanwood (@kit_stanwood) sits down to discuss how to make a living off blogging and being a social media influencer. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.jordanpanderson.com

Heather Roma (@thewestsidecollective) talks about brand strategy and helping clients find new marketing opportunities. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.jordanpanderson.com

Camila Arango (@plumabybluebird) breaks down the ingredients that go into running a successful bakery. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.jordanpanderson.com

Kat Campbell-Houston (@Kutlery) sits down to discuss how she built her food and fashion brand. Two words: Design SensibilitiesWhat We Discuss:* Finding the culinary arts after college* Watching Julia Child* Balancing a full-time job* Instagram Philosophy* Taking your small business serious* Being in the moment as an influencer* Forgoing the content calendar* Avoiding burnout* Launching a cooking workshop This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.jordanpanderson.com

Blaire Wikoff from the @missfingerfoodie account sits down to discuss simple recipes and how to take amazing food photos on Instagram. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.jordanpanderson.com

After receiving her grandmother’s cake pans, Amanda had found her calling- baking cakes. For the last ten years, Signature Sweets by Amanda has been serving up wedding cakes to hundreds of clients all across the Washington D.C. area. She’s now ready to take her business to the next level with a commercial oven and a newly renovated kitchen. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.jordanpanderson.com

Chef Kyle Bailey is a prolific D.C. chef who has been in charge of numerous luxury restaurants. Not only is Kyle a fantastic chef, he’s also a restauranteur with plans to open a New Orleans-style restaurant in the heart of Washington, D.C.Badass, Grit, Passionate, and Compassionate are a few words that come to mind when you think of Chef Kyle Bailey Dauphine’s (Coming Soon)- https://www.dauphinesdc.com/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.jordanpanderson.com

A member of the DC Bloggers Union, Katie Milam is a fashion and lifestyle blogger under the account, @asseenonkathleen. Katie from a young age has always had an obsession with fashion. In her group of friends, she has been the go-to girl for fashion advice. It took some courage to start her blog, but once it was up and running she hasn’t looked back. Best Advice: You never know what’s going to be hit unless you put yourself out there.https://www.asseenonkathleen.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.jordanpanderson.com

Instagram: @thecreativegentlemanA man of high fashion, Oneil Gardner, better known as The Creative Gentleman, has been posting his latest styles on his blog and Instagram. Each weekend for Oneil is a chance to explore new looks, photograph them, and show them off to the world. The Creative Gentleman is able to add unexpectedly awesome elements to his wardrobe - like Chuck Taylors with a suit and vest.Oneil loves collaborating with brands and helping his audience find their own style.“When you wear something, it should tell a story about you.” This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.jordanpanderson.com

Evie Hobbs (@evieneedstoeat) found herself in London, bored and slightly hungry. It was Monday 10am, she was off work that day, so she and a friend went to a restaurant with a camera. What started off as a fun way to kill time in the deserted London streets turned into a near-full time job.Website - https://www.evieneedstoeat.com/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.jordanpanderson.com

Chef and Owner of Reverie, Johnny Spero sits down to talk shop when it comes to starting a restaurant, making it in the culinary world, and making it on your own terms. Chef Johnny has worked for some of the greatest chefs around the world and he brought his knowledge back to D.C. to open his new restaurant, Reverie. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.jordanpanderson.com

A few years ago, Corey Gray felt like he had enough momentum with his photography business to take the leap. Corey quit his full-time job to pursue his own photography and videography business. Corey works spreads across fashion and athletic photography to Travis Scott and Billie Eilish concerts. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.jordanpanderson.com

Here are some simple ideas for content that can be easily implemented at your business... This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.jordanpanderson.com

The main reason most companies hire in-house shooter/editors is because they need the content and they need it now. Hiring an outside video production house means emails, proposals, meetings, contracts, revisions, reshooting and re-edits. Most companies need a quick and easy video done within a few hours and ready to publish ASAP. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.jordanpanderson.com

When first getting on a film set, talking back and forth with your team, the crew, and the client can seem overwhelming. Everyone has an opinion, your boss tells you not to talk to this person but be sure to talk to this person. On a film set, there are a lot of moving parts - equipment, people, and egos all in one place. It’s a mess - but it doesn’t have to be.Visit http://jordanpanderson.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.jordanpanderson.com

The definition’s in the name. It’s the audience or people you’re trying to target. A target audience can be broken down in infinite ways whether it’s age, geography, gender, education, income, interests. The best businesses know their target audience in and out. They create “marketing personas” or personalities to embody the ideal member of that target audience. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.jordanpanderson.com

You’re a well-intentioned New Hire, maybe you’re under the age of 33. Within a few weeks you start to notice the company’s culture: how meetings are run, how people greet each other in the hallway, the office doors are closed or open.The first couple of months you’re there, some of the cultural wrinkles start to show. The Honeymoon phase is over and now you’re face-to-face with glaring company problems- and I mean glaring. Visit http://jordanpanderson.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.jordanpanderson.com

Nothing gets Cajuns more fired up than to publish a recipe of their favorite Louisiana dish that their momma and grandma used to make. The engagement on these videos went truly viral among Louisiana Travel’s audience. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.jordanpanderson.com

In many creative firms, they start by creating their main product - let’s use video production for example. They start with the statement that they produce this product: video. They will understand the cost of that video, and based on that will price the video. Once the pricing formula has been created, the creative firm will then find a client to sell that video. This leads us into the concept of “cost-based” pricing. Visit http://jordanpanderson.com/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.jordanpanderson.com

I’ve produced over 300 videos for my channel. Some were published, others were shunned for life. Allow me to walk through my quick and dirty process of coming up with ideas for YouTube and beyond. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.jordanpanderson.com

1. ASK “WHY?” 5 TIMESMany clients when you sit down with them have a great sense of the in’s and out’s of their business. Problems arise with clients and they will seek out a creative firm- perhaps it’s a marketing issue or positioning issue or an even deeper issue that the client can’t articulate. Usually, the client will seek out the creative firm that specializes in what they believe to be the solution. “We need a new website!” (Google search for Web Design firm). “We need a new landing page video!” (Google search for Video Production firm). For the sake of example, a client has recently booked an initial meeting with your firm and they present their problem. Then, they proceed to self-diagnose: “We aren’t attracting enough views to the website because it’s boring and we need YOU to make us a landing page video,” the Client says. What most firms will respond goes something like this: “Yes, I see what you mean. We too think a new video will do just the trick. Let’s start planning the video.”Rather than letting the patient self-diagnose and tell you what prescription they’d like, instead, begin to ask the first “Why?” question. “Perhaps you’re right about a landing page video. Why do you believe a new landing page video will attract more views to your website?”The Client answers with a very logical answer.Ask “Why?” to that logical answer. Keep asking “Why?”The more “Why?” questions you ask, the deeper the issue goes thus revealing the true nature of the problem. Learn to ask better questions that get to the heart of the real issue. Only from there, can you truly help your client.2. DON’T INTERRUPT THE CLIENTThis second tip isn’t so much about manners but more so about what it reveals about how you feel about the client. When the client speaks, you listen. You continue to ask penetrating questions about their business, but after that, shut up and listen. In conversation, half of the time, we listen to the other person and the other half, we think about what we’re going to say next. Many of us only think about what we want to say next. When you’re speaking with the client, especially for the first time, you want to be the best listener possible. Interrupting the client shows that 1) you’re not listening to what they have to say and 2) that you lack patience. We are here to serve the client. Develop that serving mentality. We should be making the client feel listened to, appreciated, and understood. It is a rare occasion for business owners to feel this from another firm. Your client relationships should be associated with good feelings and a sense of appreciation. These good vibes will lead to your clients actually wanting to engage with your firm more and more- instead of avoiding you.3. REMOVE YOUR BIASWe briefly mentioned bias in Tip #1 by letting the client self-diagnose themselves into your wheelhouse. As a filmmaker, yes video production is my specialty, but it’s unfair to force my preferences onto the client. The appropriate course of action is to honestly understand a client’s problem and try to help them solve it. If a client doesn’t truly need your services, then it’s more beneficial to your firm that you recommend the actual solution. Nothing can jeopardize your firm’s reputation more than taking on a client to give them the wrong solution. We are not vacuum salesmen. Everyone does not need a vacuum. This is what separates serving from selling. We are not selling the client anything. We are here to help them. Sometimes you have to say in the initial meeting that your firm may not be the best firm for this problem, but would be happy to give some recommendations.Your clients will respect the fact that you haven’t take advantage of them, and this third tip will reward your firm many times over in reputation and client relations. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.jordanpanderson.com

1. INSTAGRAM INFLUENCERSInfluencers hit the mainstream in early 2018 and it has become a go-to marketing practice for brands in every industry. Any unboxing video, any travel video you’ve seen, any tech review video — that’s influencer marketing. Restaurants aren’t the exception and in fact, they’re ripe for this marketing strategy.An instagram influencer, or simply an influencer is a personal brand or account who usually has a large and highly engaged audience. For a price, that influencer can endorse a restaurant for their audience to check out. These endorsements could be posts, Instagram Stories, tagging, collaborative postings, or even a written blog post.Much like a celebrity endorsement of the 90s, it’s a “get what you pay for” business model. The more followers an influencer has, the higher their day rate will be. Some accounts are small enough, where a comped meal will do the trick- others will want possibly hundreds of dollars. So based on the marketing budget, it might be smarter to hire 20 mid-size influencers then to hire 2–3 big accounts.I CAN’T STRESS HOW EFFECTIVE INFLUENCERS ARE IN 2019.WHAT TO DO:Go on Instagram,Find food bloggers in your space (#DCFood, #FoodBlogger, #DCFoodBlogger)Direct message their account, or email themInvite them to visit your restaurantNegotiate the terms (Content Deliverables, payment, etc.)Repeat this process to your heart’s (or budget’s) desire2. YELP/GOOGLE MAPSYelp and Google Maps are essential apps on everyone’s phone. Some use one more than the other but both are great ways for hungry customers to find your restaurant. Obviously, the reviews are out of the restaurant’s control but there are certain key features that restaurant owners should consider.The first major step on these apps is to populate your restaurant’s profile with clear, understandable photos. Notice I didn’t say pretty or beautiful photos. (See Strategy #4). So many make-or-break moments happen when a customer can’t read the menu, clearly see the restaurant’s atmosphere, or only see a few decent photos of the food. Clearly show or list your menu items on these apps. And if you do link to the restaurant’s website, it had better be simple and mobile-friendly.In this discovery process, customers aren’t looking for the prettiest restaurant, they need the facts first. Once they know what the restaurant serves THEN they begin weighing the fluff and frills.WHAT TO DO:Create Yelp and Google Map Accounts (How To)Fully and completely fill out the details of your profilesTake some clear, legible photos your menu, restaurant, and foodGet really detailed with the metadata (Food Genre, Reservation Process, Directions, Descriptions, Pricing). The more specific the better.Continue to update these profiles regularly.3. PHOTO CONTENTFood should not only taste good but it should look good. And not only should it look good, but it should look good in a photograph. Take photos of your dishes as they’re finish plating, while they’re in the prep phase, while they’re on the grill. Shoot photos of every stage of your dishes!Hiring a professional photographer is the next logical step. Chefs may know how to plate it properly but lighting and editing the photo may not come as natural. Start a relationship with one or twenty photographers around town. Make it worth their while — pay them fairly, comp their meal. Don’t promise them “exposure”.CONTENT CREATORS CAN’T PAY THE BILLS WITH “EXPOSURE” AND “OPPORTUNITIES”.WHAT TO DO:Take a bazillion photos of every dish on the menuUnderstand the hashtag game on Instagram.Start relationships with local photographersTake a bazillion photos of the food.4. FACEBOOK/INSTAGRAM PAID ADSSo this may not come as natural as photography or setting up a Yelp account, but this can be wildly effective. When people talk about paid-for Facebook Ads, they often think of the “Boost Post” blue button that many business accounts are used to seeing- There is This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.jordanpanderson.com

Lighting a white background is easier than you think.Lights used in this video:IntellyTech Light Cannon - https://geni.us/EXGkARRI L7-C Fresnel - https://geni.us/qGiWmrARRI LoCaster 2 - https://geni.us/Hd5Q0First, you have to light the background and THEN you have to light the subject separately. You don't need fancy lights, you simply need enough light to cover the dark spots on the background.Lighting both the subject and background will result in harsh shadows on the background and an overexposed subject. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.jordanpanderson.com

WHAT IS A CALL SHEET?A call sheet simply is a production document that gives the working production a brief overview for tomorrow’s shoot. Usually the 1st AD or producer will distribute them the day or evening prior to the shoot date. It lays out basic information such as when to show up for work aka Call Time, where to be, and who to contact if you have any questions. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.jordanpanderson.com

3 OF THE MOST IMPORTANT QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR VIDEO CLIENTS...New Online Course Coming Soon! - https://www.jordanpanderson.com/online-coursesMy Camera Gear- http://geni.us/jordankitQuestions:1. What is the Business Problem they're trying to solve?2. Who is the target audience?3. What is the distribution plan? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.jordanpanderson.com

Traveling as a Filmmaker is simply put - awesome. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.jordanpanderson.com

My Camera Gear- http://geni.us/vlogkitYeah...we got some things to talk about.---► Subscribe to My Channel Here: http://bit.ly/jpa_youtube---INSTAGRAM- http://bit.ly/jpa_instagramFACEBOOK- http://bit.ly/jpa_facebookPODCAST- http://bit.ly/jpa_podcastMy Video Camera - http://geni.us/vlogkitMy Photography Camera - http://geni.us/vlogkit#Jordanpanderson►►New to the Vlog?--How to Start A Production Company- http://bit.ly/videocompanyJordan is a cinematographer and content creator based out of the Washington, D.C. area. Specializing in documentaries and commercials, Jordan takes on projects with passion and vigor. All aspects of his cinematography are beholden to story and what moves that story. Jordan strives to always deliver cinematic images no matter the story.“Every day there is a new challenge and opportunity to learn, make friends, and tell powerful stories.” This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.jordanpanderson.com

If you only had $10,000 to spend on video equipment, what would you buy? Would you buy a camera or a light kit?Let's debate the merits of both straregies. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.jordanpanderson.com