Video Business Accelerator Podcast

In this episode, Den sits down with Adam Forgione, the founder of New York-based PennyLane Productions. Adam's one of those rare film production guys who's cracked the code to "working ON your business" instead of "working IN your business."Here's a sneak peek at what you'll hear:Adam's "3 Blocks" approach to running a video production business. (This approach will help video guys run their business instead of their business running them. In other words, it will give you the basic blueprint to avoid having a "tail-wagging dog" business. - 1:30)Why the average video freelancer almost needs to have a brain lobotomy to overcome their hang-ups with sales and marketing. - 6:20How to set and achieve your business goals without feeling like a one-eyed cat watching two mouse holes. (Here's Adam's methodology for doing just that... - 7:30)A “quick and dirty” guide to social media marketing. (Hear about Adam's social media marketing strateg

Part two of Matt SmolenHere's a sneak peek at what you'll hear:Imagine running a successful film production business where you're totally off the tools to the point where you don't even go on shoots. Wouldn't that be nice? (Well, that's Matt's situation now, thanks to Den's VBA coaching program which helped Matt put systems and procedures in place so Matt can work on... well... hear it from Matt himself at 2:00)Matt's clever litmus test knowing which clients to take on and which ones to pass on. Taking on the wrong client can be a nightmare. (It's simply not worth the trouble, no matter how good the money is. Here's how Matt guards himself against nightmare clients. - 3:00)Why you're already sitting on your next bunch of new business. (That's right. There is new business sitting right under your nose. This no-brainer (yet overlooked by most people) way to pick up new clients is revealed at 5:00)The marketing noob's guide to online lead gene

Dear listener,In this episode, Den gets his guest, filmmaker, and founder of Balloon Tree Productions, Matt Smolen, to really let his hair down and give up many of his business secrets. If you want proven strategies and methods for running a smooth, efficient, and systems-based video production business, then you’ll probably like this one… a LOT! Here's a sneak peek at what you'll hear:A stupid obvious way (yet hardly anyone does) to avoid burnout in business. If you feel like you're working harder than a cat trying to bury a turd on a marble floor and you're under more stress than John Goodman's office chair, then listen in at 3:35 and hear how Matt overcame this feeling of overwhelm. (Not only has it helped him feel more in control and less stressed, but it also made his video production business more fun and more profitable.)The secret to getting your hired-help or employees to (1) truly give a damn about your video business (2) work hard to impress you, and (3) willingly strain th

Dear listener,Here's part two of the Chris Skarrat.Here's a sneak peek at what you'll hear:The video freelancer's guide to going from freelancer to business owner. - 1:56Why you should master the art of failing. This totally counterintuitive business approach (used by Jeff Bezos when building Amazon) can help any video freelancer fast-track their transition from a one-man-band to a business owner leading an effective team. - 2:15The case for outsourcing the editing of your videos. - 4:25An "easier said than done” 3-step method for creating a business that operates with or without you. - 5:00The Homo sapiens' great folly when thinking about time frames. (And, how to use this piece of knowledge to become far more productive, consistent, and strategic. - 5:40)The “3 Bs” (beer, buddies, and business) of Den Lennie’s' Video Business Accelerator program. (Business is hard enough at the best of times and doing it alone can make it even tougher. But... that's the way it is, so…

Dear listener,Den interviews the man behind one of London's thriving film production companies - The Cleveland Agency. Den, as always, gets his guest to spill the beans so his slavishly loyal listeners get to hear how Chris built his successful video production business from the ground up. Plus, Chris tells how he battled, overcome, and sometimes sidestepped his way to success.Here's a sneak peek at what you'll hear:If you're wondering, “What's a good niche or market for your video production business?... then listen to the one mentioned at 3:40. (Not only is this a fun and exciting niche, but it's almost recession-proof, too.)The Chinese have a strange phrase for good luck: dog shit luck. Well, what do you call it when someone has dog-shit-luck that suddenly turns to just dog shit? (Who knows? But that's exactly what happened to Chris's video production business a few years back. Hear this gut-wrenching tale at 4:00)Chris's caveman simple (but profound) statement

In today's episode, I’m excited to share that we've launched a brand new free business community that makes it easy for video businesses to find support and grow. Join us today to learn from the best in your industry and build your business together.Connect with Den on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/denlennie/Get more great resources over at https://www.denlennie.com/Support the showConnect with Den on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/denlennie/Get more great resources over at https://www.denlennie.com/

Procrastination is one of the greatest enemies of productivity. Here's how to stop procrastinating, once and for all. This is the only guide you'll ever need to get rid of your procrastination and start doing what you're supposed to.Connect with Den on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/denlennie/Get more great resources over at https://www.denlennie.com/Support the showConnect with Den on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/denlennie/Get more great resources over at https://www.denlennie.com/

Are you someone that is anxious and fearful when it comes to selling? Here's what you've got to know about the Good, Bad, and Ugly of Habits and how they affect your sales. Remember, the easiest way to solve all business problems is to sell more. Listen up and start creating your system around sales!Connect with Den on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/denlennie/Get more great resources over at https://www.denlennie.com/Support the showConnect with Den on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/denlennie/Get more great resources over at https://www.denlennie.com/

In today’s episode, Den talks about how letting the fear of rejection hold you back in growing your business.When you’re a “little known” business, people don’t know what you do and how your products/services can benefit them. But when you say that you can help them become profitable, increase sales, reduce costs, or whatever it is they may be struggling with—they will listen!Connect with Den on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/denlennie/Get more great resources over at https://www.denlennie.com/Support the showConnect with Den on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/denlennie/Get more great resources over at https://www.denlennie.com/

Are you looking far enough ahead? A lot of businesses worry about what's happening today but not enough time looking ahead. Successful businesses shine when they get away from the feast and famine by having a very clear idea of who to target and looking further down the track at what they want to achieve. Start looking at the big picture. Feel free to reach out if you're looking for someone to guide you.Connect with Den on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/denlennie/Get more great resources over at https://www.denlennie.com/Support the showConnect with Den on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/denlennie/Get more great resources over at https://www.denlennie.com/

It is very easy to curate content and publish it. Be careful not to believe. Be vigilant on those people who want to look successful and those that are successful. It's far better to be successful and blur in the background while helping clients achieve their goals than trying to look successful.Connect with Den on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/denlennie/Get more great resources over at https://www.denlennie.com/Support the showConnect with Den on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/denlennie/Get more great resources over at https://www.denlennie.com/

The first thing that a business mastermind will do is we'll get you to your result way faster than if you try  to do it yourself. Being in a mastermind is an opportunity to work "on" your business as oppose to "in" your business. The group accountability within the mastermind allows you to observe others on the same journey or those who've been on the journey a bit farther than you, or those behind you. The connections made in the mastermind is life changing. Connect with Den on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/denlennie/Get more great resources over at https://www.denlennie.com/Support the showConnect with Den on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/denlennie/Get more great resources over at https://www.denlennie.com/

The real fear is success. It can hinder your growth as a business because you're not comfortable with what you perceive might happen if you become successful. Step out of your comfort zone of being the odd one out.  Be comfortable with being different. Once you acknowledge the fear or discomfort of success, it's amazing what can start to shift after.Connect with Den on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/denlennie/Get more great resources over at https://www.denlennie.com/Support the showConnect with Den on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/denlennie/Get more great resources over at https://www.denlennie.com/

The primary goal of running a business is to make a profit with the least amount of effort. If you genuinely offer an incredible service then you should be fairly renumerated.  Now is a great time to be reviewing your pricing making sure to explain why to avoid assumptions. Working hard to become successful is a myth. Instead, you need to be smart to become successful.  Self-worth is what it really comes down to. Connect with Den on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/denlennie/Get more great resources over at https://www.denlennie.com/Support the showConnect with Den on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/denlennie/Get more great resources over at https://www.denlennie.com/

Can you run your week more effectively? You can manage your time better with a default diary. The bare essence of a default diary is creating themed days for every day of the working week. Create a day for growth which is for learning and implementation as well as a business development day intended for sales. Also, you need to get a system, be organized, be clear on what needs to be done and make sure to implement in order to achieve great outcomes.Connect with Den on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/denlennie/Get more great resources over at https://www.denlennie.com/Support the showConnect with Den on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/denlennie/Get more great resources over at https://www.denlennie.com/

When was the last time you genuinely took some time off? As a business leader, you need to optimize your health and performance. If you don't take time off, you're doing a disservice to your clients and your business and sometimes may lead you to make bad decisions. Having some time off gives you an opportunity to get creative again. It's hard to do this if it's only you in your business. Having a team for support and creating your own systems is critically important. Take a moment, breathe deeply, and be kind to yourself.Connect with Den on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/denlennie/Get more great resources over at https://www.denlennie.com/Support the showConnect with Den on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/denlennie/Get more great resources over at https://www.denlennie.com/

The number one obstacle in growing a business is belief systems around what is possible, what you're capable of, and your ceilings. What makes it most challenging is acknowledging that you have it but then embracing the discomfort of the growth required to break it. You have to embrace the discomfort of growth. If you're not uncomfortable, you're not going to grow. The more uncomfortable you are, the more likely you are to follow through and make it work. Mindset is everything.Connect with Den on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/denlennie/Get more great resources over at https://www.denlennie.com/Support the showConnect with Den on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/denlennie/Get more great resources over at https://www.denlennie.com/

As a video production company, it's very easy to get burned out. Remove yourself from being the first point of contact and being the bottleneck of your own business. Create a system for how you deal and communicate with clients. Protecting your time and energy levels allows you to create a meaningful change in people's lives and their businesses.Connect with Den on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/denlennie/Get more great resources over at https://www.denlennie.com/Support the showConnect with Den on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/denlennie/Get more great resources over at https://www.denlennie.com/

How to be more effective with the time you have? As a creative, managing all of your thoughts can be overwhelming. You need to have different days for different themes so your brain can clearly engage in what's happening on a given day. Creating a default diary and having a team as your support can help take away some of the work that you shouldn't be focusing on as a business owner.  It's far better to do things a little often than doing it all at once. The secret to productivity is consistency. Connect with Den on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/denlennie/Get more great resources over at https://www.denlennie.com/Support the showConnect with Den on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/denlennie/Get more great resources over at https://www.denlennie.com/

Dear listener,Den interviews a young whippersnapper coaching client named Josh Langmade whose video production company has skyrocketed to success in just a few short years. How'd he do it? Can you steal some of his secrets? Are there insider secrets to building a profitable video production business in record time?All great questions...and all are answered inside this episode.Here's a sneak peek at what you'll hear:The "R' word that is the backbone behind every service business that has a horde of happy and loyal clients and customers. - 0:30How the "good old boy's club" in Josh's hometown has unwittingly helped Josh grow his business. - 1:30How to turn your breakfast time into the most profitable and valuable time of your day. - 2:45An eye-opening look inside the heads of successful entrepreneurs. (There is a huge belief dichotomy that's driving almost every highly successful entrepreneur. Here's what this... - 4:00)The "Bust Arse" business phi