owning your business

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 for a project that I could have done myself and made more money.  But, I have enough on my plate and at times it’s easier to hire certain aspects out.   Both times, I had the freelancer come back with their strict terms and give me rates which I knew were pretty high for their experience and knowledge level.  In their defense, I should have been more precise when giving the expectations on the project but with each project, I assured them along the way that I would take care of them like always and not run them over.  After all, I want to build relationships not make a quick buck.  Maybe it’s just me, but when they gave their demands, it left a bad taste in my mouth and made me think.  They are talented but also need to realize their place.  I would assume when working at McDonalds you wouldn’t tell your boss how much you charge to work there and what you will or won’t do while working.  I look at freelancers the same way.  I know it’s a 2 way street and you have to be clear about what you offer (I do some freelancing myself and try to live this out) but please do this before you begin working with them.  Always try and communicate as much as possible before, during and after the project to maintain a positive relationship and hopefully continue to get more work.  I continually see beginners or freelancers who want immediate respect and expect a huge hourly rate.  Most companies that hire freelancers won’t hire that type of person again until the freelancer understands the process and that making demands won’t make a difference.  Be humble and play nice with others.

Being on both sides, I decided to write expectations on both sides.  Feel free to learn from these, add to these and comment on this post.

Bosses:
-Please be clear on what you expect
-How much you pay
-The time each portion needs to be completed
-Extra editing and how the review process works on your end and the freelancers side
-Who owns the rights of the project
-Stay in communication throughout the process (don’t assume everything is ok, if you don’t hear from the freelancer)

Freelancers:
-Don’t talk down to the people hiring you and make demands.  You might not have all the facts, experience or knowledge about the topic.
-Either say yes and do the job or turn it down and find another project.
-Do great work in a timely fashion and you will continue to get more work.
-Talk through the review process with your boss and what charges you expect (they may not have this in the budget but will let you know before the project starts, not during)
-Don’t get cocky
-Keep in mind if you are a beginner or in college, you may need to learn the ropes at a cheaper rate.  Remember, everyone started at that level and gradually increased their rates.  Don’t assume you can start off at $200/hr if you are fairly new in this field.

So again…learn to play nice with others regardless if you are the boss or a freelancer.

owning your business

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 size company with no marketing/video branch.  If come right out and tell them you will create a video for $20,000 (or $10,000 or even $2000) always tell them what the “big companies” are charging.  “They usually charge $50,000+ for this scope  of work.  Since I am a smaller company and am more nimble, I can cut costs while still creating a great video”.  When they drop their jaw at $50,000 for a video and you mention, $20,000 for the same video, your price will seem great.  But, if you drop your price right away, they may be expecting to pay half that ($10,000 or less).  It’s only a perception thing but it helps.  Make sure you lay out the benefits to the video and how it will: 1) save them money 2) earn them money 3) inform their customers or 4) train their employees…  You get the idea.

What do you think?