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Jeff
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Episode #23: How to film an outdoor wedding
If you have filmed out door weddings, than you know there are challenges such as lighting, audio clarity from the pastor and couple, and also uncontrolled sounds (from nature). In this episode I’ll go over some tips on how to improve your outdoor wedding videos. I recently shot an outdoor wedding and wanted to give you these ideas while they were fresh in my mind. Filming an outdoor wedding... [Read more]
Episode #22: Planning the day of your wedding video shoot
If you’ve filmed weddings before you know how important it is to bring all your gear and equipment with you so you can be prepared for anything that might happen that day. What is the best way to remember what to bring and how to be prepared? In this episode I go over what you need to bring with you. This will be a great way to get started in making a checklist of what to bring to prepare... [Read more]
Episode #21: How to dress like a wedding video professional
What should you wear while filming a wedding video? In this episode, I’ll tell you what you need to know. Keep in mind that you are a professional and if you want to grow your wedding video business, than you should dress like a professional. Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 9:10 — 4.4MB) SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Episode #21: How to dress like a wedding... [Read more]
Wedding season is upon us
How many wedding video shoots do you have booked for this summer? I bet that number is directly related to how much you marketed yourself last summer. You see, most brides are planning there weddings about a year out. Sometimes it’s more and sometimes you may get a last minute call like I did a few weeks ago. But, if you aren’t marketing yourself year round, you won’t get any... [Read more]
Update on the Podcast
So…it’s been a while since I last posted a podcast about how to start your own wedding video business. About a month ago my office flooded and it’s been a LONG process getting everything back up and running. Thankfully I didn’t lose any equipment but I did lose about a month of productivity and wedding video podcasts. My plan is to start up again in late June and keep the... [Read more]
Episode #20: Using Twitter for your wedding video business
What is Twitter and how can you use it for your wedding video business? In this episode, I’ll talk about why you should be using it and the best way to engage with others. I’ve used Twitter for years and have built relationships, gotten clients and broadened my reach by using this amazing service. Go ahead….get involved. Help people, reach out, and join the conversation. . To... [Read more]
Episode #19: Contracts
Any experienced wedding videographer will tell you that having a contract is important. In this episode, I’ll tell you what your contract should have in it. I do recommend having lawyer create a contract for you and I share with you some things that I have in mine. - __________________________________________ Also check out my new 20 minute training video. I show you 3 services that let... [Read more]
Episode #18: Client Discounts and Seasonal Discounts
What do you do when a potential client asks for a discount? Or, should you offer discounts when business is slow in your wedding video business? In this podcast, I’ll give you tips on what to do for both of those scenarios in your wedding video business. In my experience I’ve had a lot of people ask for discounts and I’ll give you the tips of what to say and how to be prepared. ... [Read more]
3 tools to add a “Buy Now” button to sell your products and invoice clients
How do you invoice your clients and sell digital products? In this 20 minute, detailed training video, I walk you through 3 ways to sell your digital product and bill people for your wedding video services. You watch me as I set up each service and add a “Buy Now” or “Pay Now”button to my website. I even tell you what each service offers that the others don’t. You... [Read more]
Episode #17: Discounts
What do you do when someone asks for a discount? What if it’s a good family member or friend? In this episode, I’ll go over some key things to know before people start asking for discounts. Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 13:39 — 12.7MB) SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Episode #17: Discounts", url: "http://www.improvemyvideo.com/category/blog/episode-17-discounts/"... [Read more]
Episode #16: Meeting the Couple
Now that you have your wedding video business all set to go…you still have to get the clients. The best way to win over new video projects is to meet with a lot of bride and grooms to sell your services. In this episode I’ll go over what you need to know when you meet with the bride and groom. I’ll also share with you some things you shouldn’t tell the bride and groom. Podcast:... [Read more]
Episode #15: Wedding Video Styles
Are there styles of wedding videos you should know and promote in your pricing? What style do you shoot your weddings in? Did you know that some styles will demand more money? In this episode, I’ll be going over various styles, what you should know and what styles I do for my wedding videos. Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 12:09 — 11.3MB) SHARETHIS.addEntry({... [Read more]
Episode #14: Taxes
What should you know about your taxes now that you have been shooting some wedding videos? I’ll go over some issues to keep in mind. I’ve learned a lot over the years and want to give you some tips on what to deduct. No one likes doing their taxes, but if you can remember some key points, than you will save your money in the long run. Please consult an accountant on how they can... [Read more]
Episode #13: Starting a wedding video business
Should you start a wedding video business? Do you need to have a legal entity? I’ll be talking about these issues and why starting a legal entity might be a good idea. For more advice please consult legal counsel. This episode is only a guide and what I have learned in my years in the wedding video business. Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 11:13 — 10.5MB) SHARETHIS.addEntry({... [Read more]
Episode #12: When to bill clients for your wedding videos
After you figure out what you charge the next step is billing. When should your payments be due? How much should you ask up front and when is it all due? In this episode, I’ll give you the secrets to make the billing process easy which helps you get paid faster. No more feeling awkward when you talk with the bride and groom…you’ll have your strategy all planned out. Podcast:... [Read more]
Episode #11: Pricing your wedding videos
How much should you charge your clients to do a wedding video? What factors should you consider and when should you raise your rates? In this episode, we’ll talk about a few key factors when you start charging for your wedding videos. What would you like to learn more about in the wedding video industry? I’d like to hear your feedback. send me an e-mail at info (at) improvemyvideo... [Read more]
Episode #10: Lessons for a shooting wedding video in a large chapel
I was recently at a wedding with a HUGE chapel and will share my insights on how to shoot a wedding video at a large chapel. Their are challenges at a venue like this but also many similarities between a normal sized wedding chapel. I’ll discuss what to keep in mind at such a location and walk through how to set up and shoot a great looking wedding video. Podcast: Play in new window ... [Read more]
Episode #9: Why Wordpress is the best for your video business
If you need a website for your wedding video business, then Wordpress.org is your answer. In ths episode, we’ll talk about why you should learn more about this company and how it can easily benefit your wedding video business. If the web stuff isn’t your style, then drop me a line and I can create a great looking website for your wedding video business. Podcast: Play in new window ... [Read more]
Podcast #8: How a website can help your wedding video business
You can only hand out so many DVDs or send links to your wedding videos on YouTube, but there comes a time (very quickly), where you need to have a website of your own. This will show potential clients what you can do, how much you charge, the style of video you provide and other details of your wedding video business. In this episode I discuss several aspects of how a website can help your wedding... [Read more]
Podcast #7: How to create a Demo Reel that gets seen
In this episode we’ll discuss why a demo reel is so important and what should go on it. We’ll also discuss where you should put your demo reel and how to get it to future clients, friends, family, co-workers and more! Do you have questions or comments? E-mail me at: info@improvemyvideo.com. I’d love to hear from you. I can even read them on a podcast so they help others (I’ll... [Read more]
Podcast #6: 5 Ways to market your wedding video business
How do you attract customers if you are just starting out in your wedding video business? In this podcast, we go over 5 Ways to market your wedding video business. I’ll give you specific ways to spend nothing but gain a lot of clients. Once you get the ball rolling and have several feeders, then you will have continuous referrals and clients for your wedding video business. And who wouldn’t... [Read more]
Podcast #5: What Gear to use for your wedding video business?
What video gear should you buy when you want to shoot wedding videos? Should you purchase high end gear or build your gear as you earn more money. In this episode, I’ll explain what gear you should buy and when you should buy it. Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 11:33 — 10.6MB) SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Podcast #5: What Gear to use for your wedding video... [Read more]
E-Book #1: How to film a wedding: Secrets of the Pros
Learn how to film a wedding from start to finish. These comprehensive topics will give details on each topic and how to film like a professional. By purchasing this toolkit you will get all the products listed below at a significant discount than buying them separately. You’ll learn things like: 1) The Basics of Filming a Wedding 2) 7 Keys to Determine your Pricing 3) Sample price sheet of how... [Read more]
Podcast #4: The one secret to help your wedding video business grow
What separates your wedding video business from your competitors? What key factor will make you more money even if you have less talent and experience than someone else? In this episode, we’ll talk about that one secret you need. Leave some comments about how you demonstrate confidence in your wedding videos and in your business. Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration:... [Read more]
E-book #2: How to Market yourself without spending money
Product #2 “How to Market yourself without spending money” My detailed report that gives you 14 secret tips to market your services without having to spend money. This product could save you hundreds of dollars. I’ve used these tips countless times to land countless weddings and clients. $9.95 SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "E-book #2: How to Market yourself without spending... [Read more]
Do you offer discounts on your wedding videos during winter months?
If you have a slow down during the winter months, do you offer discounts on your wedding videos during winter months? How much do you discount? Do you do that to attract more clients or do you do it because other wedding vendors do it? Write back on this post and let me know what you do during the winter months. I’ll make a podcast on the topics. SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Do you offer discounts... [Read more]
Podcast #3: The basics of how to shoot your first wedding video
Have you been asked to shoot a wedding video but have no idea what to expect or how to learn? In this podcast episode, I’ll review several aspects if you are shooting your first wedding video. In future episodes, we’ll discuss all the details from marketing, to meeting with the bride and groom and also how to edit your masterpiece. But, I wanted to get a simple episode out on the basics... [Read more]
E-book #3: Checklist for meeting with the couple
Product #3 “Checklist for meeting with the couple” Buy this product here OR sign up for the newsletter updates and get this e-book for FREE. Learn how to meet with the couple and book the weddings you want. Find out what to bring, what to say, and the steps to take. A detailed checklist with explanations. $9.95 SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "E-book #3: Checklist for meeting... [Read more]
Podcast #2: 4 Reasons to start a wedding video business
Why would someone want to start a wedding video business? If you want to earn some extra money on the weekends or if you want to build your wedding video brand, then this is the podcast to get your started. I talk about 4 reasons to start a wedding video business. Click the blue play button to play the episode. Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 9:49 — 11.5MB) SHARETHIS.addEntry({... [Read more]
Just joined Twitter
I just added Twitter to this website. Feel free to reTweet my posts and connect with me @ImproveMyIdea. I would love to get to know you better. SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Just joined Twitter", url: "http://www.improvemyvideo.com/category/blog/just-joined-twitter/" }); Read More →
How to create $1000 extra income per month with wedding videos
There are a lot of ways to make a few extra bucks and a lot of scams that “tell” you how to make millions of dollars but neither seem to ever work out. What if you could create $1000 of extra income per month doing what you love? That’s what I do by filming weddings. It’s great for someone who is just starting to get into the video field, or for someone that love to video... [Read more]
Podcast #1: Introduction to the wedding video podcast
An Introduction on topics important to improving your wedding video business or hobby. Tips and tricks from one of the pros in the industry. Stay tuned for more in depth podcasts…coming soon. Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 3:41 — 1.9MB) SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Podcast #1: Introduction to the wedding video podcast", url: "http://www.improvemyvideo.com/category/blog/introduction-to-the-wedding-video-podcast/"... [Read more]
E-book #4: How to build your video packages and know what to charge
Product #4 “How to build your video packages: a detailed report on what to charge” I walk through 7 areas to remember when making your prices. I give “pro tips” for each topic. $9.95 SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "E-book #4: How to build your video packages and know what to charge", url: "http://www.improvemyvideo.com/category/blog/e-book-4-how-to-build-your-video-packages-and-know-what-to-charge/"... [Read more]
E-book #5: Gear Checklist: make sure you don’t leave anything at home
Product #5 “Gear Checklist: make sure you don’t leave anything at home” Now that you’re on the road to becoming a wedding video professional, you’ll need to bring gear like the pros bring. Having this checklist will ensure you bring everything you need. Nothing will get a bride angrier than telling her you have to run home to get something you forgot. Professionals... [Read more]
E-book #6: Checklist for Filming a Wedding like a Pro
Product #6 “Checklist for Filming a Wedding like a Pro” “Your checklist for filming a wedding like a pro” is now available. It’s packed with important information if you want to film a wedding like a pro. Print it out and take it with you while you film your weddings. I created this because I see a lot of inexperienced videographers wanting more info on what to expect... [Read more]
Why use Youtube for your business?
Why would a company that has professional services want to be on Youtube? Aren’t teenagers the only ones who post videos and waste their time looking on Youtube? We’ve all heard about Youtube and we’ve all asked these questions. But consider this. Google is the #1 search engine. When was the last time you used another search engine on a consistent basis? In fact, using the word... [Read more]
It’s been a while but I am goi…
It’s been a while but I am going to post a blog about the importance of Youtube. SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "It’s been a while but I am goi…", url: "http://www.improvemyvideo.com/category/blog/its-been-a-while-but-i-am-goi/" }); Read More →
Our video contest ends tomorro…
Our video contest ends tomorrow. Go to http://www.GrowDayton.com to watch the 30 sec videos on main page to help us win. SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Our video contest ends tomorro…", url: "http://www.improvemyvideo.com/category/blog/our-video-contest-ends-tomorro/" }); Read More →
Last week of the video contest…
Last week of the video contest. Go to http://www.GrowDayton.com to view these 30 second videos and help me win a contest. Please RT SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Last week of the video contest…", url: "http://www.improvemyvideo.com/category/blog/last-week-of-the-video-contest/" }); Read More →
Just uploaded several tool kit…
Just uploaded several tool kits for beginner wedding videographers. Great resources. ImproveMyVideo.com SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Just uploaded several tool kit…", url: "http://www.improvemyvideo.com/category/blog/just-uploaded-several-tool-kit/" }); Read More →
RT Here’s The FREE Software @r…
RT Here’s The FREE Software @ryanwade Used To Make Over $4,000 With One Tweet … http://viraltweets.com SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "RT Here’s The FREE Software @r…", url: "http://www.improvemyvideo.com/category/blog/rt-heres-the-free-software-r/" }); Read More →
How to dress like a video pro to earn like a video pro
Chances are that if you are just starting you video career or are filming a wedding for a friend or family member that you may overlook something very important. The way you dress as a professional says a lot about yourself. Even if you are filming a wedding for free, you still want to be respectful and dress appropriately for the job. The key for knowing what to wear at a wedding, is to match the... [Read more]
How to Film a Wedding
With the economy going down, more and more people are wanting to get some money on the side and filming weddings are a great way to go. It is one of the ways a lot of people enter the video market is to start by filming friends and family weddings. This is something you shouldn’t take lightly since a wedding is a very important day for more than just the bride and groom. On one hand, it can... [Read more]
Just posted 7 videos on www.Gr…
Just posted 7 videos on http://www.GrowDayton.com. Help us win this contest by watching and spread the word about PicsMatch software. #picsmatch SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Just posted 7 videos on www.Gr…", url: "http://www.improvemyvideo.com/category/blog/just-posted-7-videos-on-wwwgr/" }); Read More →
more info coming soon on this …
more info coming soon on this site. Most podcasts too. SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "more info coming soon on this …", url: "http://www.improvemyvideo.com/category/blog/more-info-coming-soon-on-this/" }); Read More →
Hoping to upload a new podcast…
Hoping to upload a new podcast in the next week. It’s been a while. SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Hoping to upload a new podcast…", url: "http://www.improvemyvideo.com/category/blog/hoping-to-upload-a-new-podcast/" }); Read More →
The first podcast is up. It’s …
The first podcast is up. It’s the intro.Look for the next episode soon. I’m excited to see how this helps people learn more and earn more. SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "The first podcast is up. It’s …", url: "http://www.improvemyvideo.com/category/blog/the-first-podcast-is-up-its/" }); Read More →
It’s been a while since I last…
It’s been a while since I last tweeted. Still working on the site and how I can help people. Any thoughts of how to do that? SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "It’s been a while since I last…", url: "http://www.improvemyvideo.com/category/blog/its-been-a-while-since-i-last/" }); Read More →
Get your videos online. Everyone else is doing it.
If you don’t have samples of your work online than you should put it up quickly. If you aren’t putting your clients videos online than you should put it up NOW. A recent article by emarketer.com gives several compelling reasons to put your videos online. Here are some stats they presented: – 77 percent of the total U.S. Internet audience viewed online video. – The average online... [Read more]
Things are going amazing. Rel…
Things are going amazing. Releasing the podcast soon as well as materials to help people with filming and editing. SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Things are going amazing. Rel…", url: "http://www.improvemyvideo.com/category/blog/things-are-going-amazing-rel/" }); Read More →
Haven’t Tweeted in a while. M…
Haven’t Tweeted in a while. Macworld today was a bit of a downer. Was hoping for a newer iphone. Oh well. SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Haven’t Tweeted in a while. M…", url: "http://www.improvemyvideo.com/category/blog/havent-tweeted-in-a-while-m/" }); Read More →
3 ways to get more business
Since Christmas is almost here and you’re probably thinking about 2009 and beyond, I thought I would give you some tips on how to get more business. My biggest mistake when I started in the video production field was to expect people to ask for my services without networking and getting my name out there. Here are 3 ways you can get more business in 2009 1) Make networking work for you: ... [Read more]
Great trip to Austin…althoug…
Great trip to Austin…although it was a bit cold SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Great trip to Austin…althoug…", url: "http://www.improvemyvideo.com/category/blog/great-trip-to-austinalthoug/" }); Read More →
iShowU is the best screen capt…
iShowU is the best screen capture program…and affordable. Wish I would have found it earlier in the week. SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "iShowU is the best screen capt…", url: "http://www.improvemyvideo.com/category/blog/ishowu-is-the-best-screen-capt/" }); Read More →
my new 1080p 24in monitor is a…
my new 1080p 24in monitor is amazing. Such better than my old one. I likey SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "my new 1080p 24in monitor is a…", url: "http://www.improvemyvideo.com/category/blog/my-new-1080p-24in-monitor-is-a/" }); Read More →
back from Mexico…great vacat…
back from Mexico…great vacation…back to work this week. Looking forward to it. SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "back from Mexico…great vacat…", url: "http://www.improvemyvideo.com/category/blog/back-from-mexicogreat-vacat/" }); Read More →
Great posts on my blog…check…
Great posts on my blog…check out http://www.improvemyvideo.com SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Great posts on my blog…check…", url: "http://www.improvemyvideo.com/category/blog/great-posts-on-my-blogcheck/" }); Read More →
The best way to manage your money….for free
Since tax season is quickly approaching and getting your receipts together is always a blast (insert sarcasm here) I thought I would share an easy way to track your spending and see where your profits are coming from. For the past year, I’ve been looking for budget programs and programs that track your spending. I want this both for my personal/family finances as well as my company expenses... [Read more]
How to act when you’re the boss or freelancer
In the past 2 weeks, I’ve come across the same scenario and each time I was shocked and taken back. I not only film weddings but also work with companies of various sizes and create custom videos for them. This occasionally lets me work with creative freelancers. Most of the time, it has been a good experience but these last 2 interactions has made me think. Each time, I have hired them... [Read more]
Color Correction
It’s easy when you first start out in the video production field to focus on the simple things like: hitting the record button when you want to start so you get the bride walking down the aisle and hitting the record button a second time when you want to stop so you don’t film your feet for ten minutes. It’s also easy to think about how to show your client that you are knowledgeable... [Read more]
done editing 2 projects…now …
done editing 2 projects…now we render and wait. SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "done editing 2 projects…now …", url: "http://www.improvemyvideo.com/category/blog/done-editing-2-projectsnow/" }); Read More →
New Toolkit available
I have been working hard the last few weeks to produce a toolkit that will help from start to finish of getting a wedding video to filming the ceremony and reception. These comprehensive topics will give details on each topic and how to film like a professional. You’ll learn things like: 1) The Basics of Filming a Wedding 2) 7 Keys to Determine your Pricing 3) Sample price sheet of how... [Read more]
Tilt Shift
I had a meeting last week with several other media professionals and we got on the topic of Tilt Shift and using it in video. If you haven’t seen it, then click on the link at the end of this post…it’s amazing. Keith Loutit does a great job with this video. Using a special lens, you can change the perspective and make it look like scale models. When you first look at the photo... [Read more]
3 Ways to ensure success with your video company.
Last Friday I had the privilege of filming a wedding. This time, it was for a close friend. It means so much to me when I get to capture a wedding on video for a friend. This couple is so encouraging and with God’s help will continue to encourage people for decades to come. Even though I work hard when filming anything, I put an extra touch into weddings where I know the couple, family... [Read more]
New Product…download it, read it, become a pro
I just completed and posted the first product that will help you improve your videos. My goal was to illiminate the stress when filming a wedding. Where to be? What to film? What to expect? What will happen next? I read a lot of blogs, posts and forums and a lot of you have the same questions and I want you to film like a pro. Click on the products page or click the link below to get... [Read more]
How to break in (and not get arrested)
I hear from high school students, college students and others that are interested in breaking into the video production field but don’t know how to do it. There are several ways and some of them are more costly than others. Let’s go over a few of them. College: Get a degree in a media related field. Pros: It looks good on your resume and you can use that if you want to work at a production... [Read more]
Products and Services
The more I meet beginner videographers, the more I realize they have the passion and drive to do a great job filming but they need the information. I would have loved during my first years to have the “secrets of the pros”. I’ve done enough wedding and corporate videos to be able to help beginners raise their level of success to the next level. What are some products and services... [Read more]
Start it up!
I keep hearing from people how bad the economy is as well as the job market, home market and lending market. From all the reports I would agree, it does look pretty bleak. What if I had a built in market that will never stop and will continue to come back. Sounds pretty good eh? One of the many things about video production is that their is a built in market. Wedding videos. There are a little... [Read more]
The Biz…gotta love it
I filmed a wedding the other week (not a big deal since I am a videographer) and I again was encouraged by the amount of people wanting to be on camera and asking what I do. They were intrigued by the fact that I own my own company and work when I want and for whom I want. They were impressed by my camera as well as my audio equipment. I always tell people that a great investment is a good looking... [Read more]
How to price your video…and make the money you want.
Pricing is the best part of the job. You can literally make what you want to make regardless of where you live. I would say, if you’ve never filmed a wedding, to keep it under $1000 (at least for your first wedding). Search online around your area to see what others are charging. Remember, their will always be “cheap” and “discounted” wedding videographers in the area but they will... [Read more]
Knowledge
I got started filming weddings for friends and family so they didn’t mind if it wasn’t the best. They also didn’t pay a lot for it either. I had to ask friend for cameras to use for these first weddings since I didn’t own any yet. One wedding I filmed, I somehow didn’t get all the bride walking down the aisle with my primary camera so I didn’t have a close... [Read more]
Confidence
In wedding videos there is one thing that separates the people who make money and those that don’t. It’s confidence. Most wedding videographers create the same product but one charges well under $1000 and the other starts his basic package at $1000. Confidence will put money in your pocket. I have seen almost exact wedding packages, demos, and websites yet one will charge double or... [Read more]
Presentation
It’s all about presentation in the video business. It doesn’t matter, if you are pursuing your first video contract or if you are a seasoned veteran, you still need to focus on presentation. My first paying gig with my brand new video company (at the time) was for a local car dealership. We didn’t own a camera or even a pro editing program but we presented our vision and let... [Read more]
Secrets of the video production trade
I just met with a fellow video producer today that has his own company and is expanding his reach. He started in live events and weddings and has moved to corporate weddings. I’ve noticed most professional videographers take that coarse. Interesting. Here is a secret of landing that big contract with the large company. Let’s say you are working with company X and they are a medium... [Read more]
Don’t work, do what you love…and get paid for it.
How many of us have a job? I’m guessing (and hoping) most people do. I don’t have a job, I do what I love and get paid for it. Strange idea I know. It’s sad to hear friends and family say how they hate going to work in the mornings while I get up and create videos and media for companies. I get to work with people, work with video and also be my own boss. Their is something... [Read more]
