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 or situation. It becomes more than a job when I have a relationship with the couple.
Most people that get into the “wedding video biz” start by filming friends and family weddings. Since you know the couple and you are trying to get started, go the extra mile. Don’t get picky with staying an extra 15 minutes, even though it says in your contract that you won’t stay past 10pm. The little you do for free, will come back to you in referrals. Here are 3 ways to insure succes with your video company.
1. Network: Tell as many people what you do and find common services that can recommend your video services. You have to get your name and company out there for people to pay you. Set up a basic website, use Facebook, talk to friends and family, go to networking meetings in your area. Go to the “products” page and in the coming weeks I’ll have some info to purchase on how to market yourself (for free). Don’t forget to think about areas that other videographers won’t (see my ebook on the products page). If you are sitting at home wondering why people aren’t calling you with work, then you need to get out and talk to some businesses. People do business with people they know and trust.
2. Go the extra mile: Don’t be lazy, overly picky or rude when starting your business (or once you are successful!). Remember, your clients are making you successful and you need them to refer you to anyone. You can be picky about the weddings you film (especially if you only film beach weddings, high end weddings or any other niche) but don’t be picky and tell the couple all the things you don’t do (“I don’t go to the rehearsal. I don’t go to film the bride getting ready. I don’t stay longer than 2 hours for the reception.”) I’ve heard some crazy things the videographer tells the couple. Go the extra mile and it will come back to you.
3. Quick turn around: It’s easy to get lazy once the wedding is done and you’ve gotten paid. But, you still have the editing to do. Make it a goal to get the DVD back to the couple by the time they get back from the honeymoon. That’s my goal. When I first started I would wait a few weeks but then I would procrastinate and never “feel” like finishing the wedding. It’s best to just get it done and into the hands of the anxious couple. Most wedding photographers aren’t able to offer quick turn around so if you can hand the DVD to the couple a few days after they get back from the honeymoon, you will look like the best business person EVER! They will tell all their friends/family about you and your video services.
So there you have it. Get people to know who you are, your work ethic and that you offer quick turn around and you will have customers lining up.
Tell me what you think in the comments…
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