Studio Sherpas Podcast

CPA and financial planner Deb Meyer breaks down why most video business owners struggle financially and stay stuck on what she calls "the hamster wheel." She explains the crucial difference between revenue and profit, why separate bank accounts can save your business, and how to avoid nasty tax surprises that can cripple your cash flow. Key Takeaways Set up separate bank accounts for taxes, contractor expenses, and operating costs to avoid accidentally spending money that's already allocated Focus on profit margins (aim for at least 30%) rather than just top-line revenue numbers Get proactive tax planning to avoid surprise bills—a good CPA should give you quarterly projections, not April surprises Before buying any equipment or hiring staff, ask yourself if it will actually make you money or save you time that translates to revenue About Deb Meyer Deb Meyer, CFP®, CPA, and CEPA, is the award-winning author of Redefining Family Wealth, host of the Beyond Budgets® podcast, and founder of WorthyNest®, a fee-on

PJ Accetturo went from traditional filmmaker to running a seven-figure AI video agency, creating viral content that's been viewed millions of times. He breaks down exactly how filmmakers can adapt to AI tools without losing their creative edge. This episode covers the specific workflow, tools, and mindset shifts needed to capitalize on what PJ calls "the biggest gold rush of all time." Key Takeaways AI tools like VO3 and ChatGPT can be learned in days, but filmmakers have a huge advantage because they already understand story, pacing, and what makes content compelling The opportunity is massive right now—PJ says it's "very easy to build a seven-figure agency" because brands need AI content but most agencies haven't adapted yet You don't need to abandon traditional filmmaking; many successful approaches involve pairing experienced directors with AI specialists to create hybrid workflows The key to viral AI content is being funny, self-aware about using AI, and creating content that surprises and delights audi

Karen Anderson, strategic book coach and associate publisher, explains why video producers have a unique advantage when it comes to writing business books. She breaks down how books can serve as powerful lead generation tools and authority builders, sharing insights from her experience helping authors reach global audiences. Karen reveals the counterintuitive approach of interviewing others for your book content and explains why vulnerability trumps success stories when connecting with readers. Key Takeaways Books create authority and positioning that can lead to speaking opportunities, higher-value clients, and expanded business reach You don't need to write everything yourself - interviewing others for their expertise and stories can create more compelling content The best business books balance information with inspiration, using stories to help readers feel connected and motivated to take action Start with the end in mind - know what you want your book to accomplish for your business before you begin wri

Jamie Munoz, founder of Catalyst Integrators, shares how the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) helped her scale a printing business from $2 million to $15 million in revenue and how it can work for video business owners of any size. She breaks down why so many entrepreneurs get trapped in the operator seat doing work that drains their soul, and provides a clear roadmap for getting out of operations and into the visionary role. Jamie also shares practical advice on hiring virtual assistants and the mindset shifts needed to stop being the bottleneck in your own business.  Key Takeaways Core values are your hiring and firing framework - When employees don't align with your company's core values (like being "hungry"), you have a clear framework for making personnel decisions rather than relying on gut feelings The accountability chart shows your scaling path - Instead of traditional org charts, EOS uses accountability charts that show people in multiple seats, making it clear where to hire next as the busin

Brendan Kane, founder of Hook Point and author of the bestselling book by the same name, shares his proven frameworks for breaking through the noise on social media and attracting dream clients. He reveals why the biggest mistake video business owners make is selling the service instead of the solution, and how finding strategic partnerships can scale your business faster than chasing individual clients. Brendan also breaks down his unique approach to "storytelling formats" - repeatable structures that consistently drive engagement and results across any industry.  Key Takeaways Solve pain points, don't sell services - Focus on the core problems that keep your ideal customers awake at night and position your video skills as the solution to those specific issues Partner with connectors, not just customers - Find the people who already serve your ideal clients at scale rather than trying to reach each customer individually - one partnership could lead to hundreds of projects Use proven storytelling formats - S

Ben Albert, founder of Balbert Marketing and host of Real Business Connections podcast, shares his belief that there's no single key to success - instead, every business has its own unique combination lock. He reveals his nearly 100% effective strategy for getting video testimonials by asking during emotional high moments, and explains how childhood experiences between ages 8-13 often shape the core values that drive our businesses. Ben also shares practical exercises for identifying what makes you "better versus bitter" and how to shift your time and energy accordingly. Key Takeaways Success is a unique combination, not a universal key - Every business has different skills, clients, locations, and team members, requiring their own specific combination of strategies and approaches Ask for testimonials during emotional highs - The best time to request video testimonials is when clients are already feeling positive and engaged, not during random outreach Use the Better vs. Bitter exercise - Draw a line on pape

Justin Schenck, founder of Growth Now and host of the Growth Now Movement podcast, shares how curiosity became his business superpower and why podcasting is the ultimate networking tool. He breaks down the harsh realities of podcasting (78% of shows quit after 7 episodes) while revealing how to use video skills as a "golden ticket" into high-value networking rooms. Justin emphasizes building genuine relationships over transactional networking, showing how simple curiosity-driven questions can lead to meaningful business connections.  Key Takeaways Podcasting is the ultimate networking tool - It gives you permission to reach out to anyone and have meaningful 45-minute conversations that build real relationships Use your video skills as access - Offer to create testimonials or recap videos for events you want to attend but can't afford, turning your craft into networking currency Curiosity beats hard selling every time - Simply asking "Have you ever thought about..." is more powerful than any sales pitch or bu

Executive coach Michael King breaks down why being talented at your craft doesn't automatically make you good at running a business. He shares his framework for moving from reactive daily tasks to intentional vision-building, emphasizing that most creatives are thinking way too small about what they're building. Michael challenges listeners to create a "to-be list" focused on identity and impact rather than just grinding through endless to-dos. Key Takeaways Talent vs. Leadership are different skills - You can be amazing at video production but terrible at running a video business, and both require intentional development Start with identity, then vision, then structure - Before diving into tactics, get clear on who you are, what you want to build, and who you need on your team Create bandwidth for future thinking - You have to intentionally make time to work ON your business, not just IN it, even when you're swamped with client work Embrace being "good and different" - Stop comparing yourself to others and

Dan Clouser, author and podcast host, shares his journey from running a youth sports organization for 30 years to full-time RV life while hosting "The Journey of My Mother's Son" podcast. He emphasizes that growth only happens outside your comfort zone and reveals how years of coaching taught him that life, like baseball, is a game where you're either winning or learning. Dan discusses the power of authentic storytelling, the importance of listening without judgment, and how genuine conversations reveal that people have far more in common than they realize.  Key Takeaways Growth requires discomfort - You can only grow outside your comfort zone, whether that's being pushed or making a conscious decision to step into uncomfortable territory You're either winning or learning - Failure is only truly failure if you don't learn something from it; every loss contains a lesson that can prevent future defeats Authentic connection beats perfect branding - Being willing to show your face, share your story, and be vulne

Terry Rice, a former Facebook executive turned keynote speaker and performance coach, shares his powerful transformation story from corporate alcoholic to successful entrepreneur after losing everything. He reveals his R3 framework (Reclaim, Realign, Rebuild) for personal and business transformation while emphasizing the importance of authentic personal branding over perfectionism. Terry demonstrates how being vulnerable about his struggles - including addiction, job loss, and family tragedies - has actually opened doors to bigger opportunities, including speaking at Google and having a documentary made about his life. Key Takeaways Character branding beats personal branding - Show your real self, including failures and struggles, rather than a polished façade that people can't relate to Own your flaws as fuel - Use your mistakes, challenges, and pain as branding material rather than trying to hide them - it creates deeper connections with your audience Authenticity opens unexpected doors - Being vulnerable

Ryan shares the hard truth that discipline, not hustle, is the real path to freedom in your video business. He breaks down the three key strategies that helped him build a seven-figure agency while working only three days a week: understanding the difference between working in vs. on your business, setting clear quarterly priorities, and implementing time blocking. This solo episode is a wake-up call for video business owners who are stuck reacting to whatever's in front of them instead of intentionally building toward their goals. Key Takeaways Work ON your business, not just IN it - Schedule regular CEO time for vision-setting, process creation, and strategic planning instead of only doing shoots, edits, and admin work Focus on one clear quarterly goal - Break down annual goals into quarterly milestones with clearly defined "done" criteria, then create weekly tasks to achieve them Implement time blocking - Create themed days or dedicated blocks for different types of work (deep work, admin, marketing, sale

Chris Robinson, Executive Vice President of Maxwell Leadership, shares his powerful framework for breaking out of business complacency in his new book "From Drift to Drive." He reveals how successful entrepreneurs often drift into "careless security" where they stop doing the things that made them successful in the first place. Chris outlines his seven-step process to help business owners regain clarity, build community, and take intentional action toward their goals.  Key Takeaways Complacency isn't laziness - it's "careless security" where you become comfortable and stop sharpening the skills that got you where you are Start with clarity - consistently ask yourself "What do I want?" because your goals should evolve as you grow Align your daily actions with your annual goals - check if your weekly to-do list matches what you said you wanted at the beginning of the year Community beats competition - surrounding yourself with like-minded people opens more doors than trying to protect your "secrets" About Chr

Phil Mershon, founder of Social Media Marketing World and Unforgettable Events, shares insider secrets on how video producers can transform from vendors into strategic partners. He reveals the mindset shifts and tactical approaches that make event organizers choose you over the competition. This episode is packed with actionable advice for anyone wanting to build long-term relationships with event clients. Key Takeaways Position yourself as a strategic partner by understanding client goals and revenue outcomes, not just filming requirements Treat hybrid events like television productions to create experiences that compete with Netflix-quality content people expect today Use daily check-ins and "must-have" lists to ensure you capture critical moments while staying flexible for spontaneous opportunities Ask outcome-focused questions upfront to become the thinking partner who takes pressure off your client's team About Phil Mershon Phil Mershon is CEO of Unforgettable Experiences and the director of experience

Business coach Angie Callen shares how creative entrepreneurs can overcome perfectionism and imposter syndrome by embracing authenticity, focusing on serving clients rather than impressing peers, and implementing practical time and energy management strategies. Key Takeaways Successful entrepreneurship is 80% mindset and 20% everything else - being willing to get vulnerable and step in front of the camera is essential for video pros who want to build trust Focus on creating content for your potential clients rather than worrying what your peers will think - "generosity is the opposite of comparison" and collaboration beats competition Manage both your time AND energy by implementing theme days, time blocking, and scheduling your most challenging tasks during your peak energy hours About Angie Callen Angie Callen is an award-winning coach, international speaker, and obsessive entrepreneur who loves empowering others to lead amazing lives with thriving careers, all while embracing authenticity.  She’s a

Chad Brown shares his journey from running a "successful" but personally destructive film business to completely redesigning his work to serve his life, offering powerful insights about the specific reflection processes that can help video professionals build profitable businesses without sacrificing what matters most. Key Takeaways The results in your life reveal the truth about your priorities - if you say family is important but your calendar and bank account tell a different story, you're living a lie Get extremely specific about what you want (not just "more time off" but when, where, how long, with whom) because vague goals prevent you from taking real action Your business doesn't have to look any particular way to be successful - question industry norms and design a model that actually serves your life priorities About Chad Brown Chad Brown is a scaling strategist and coach. He founded a media production studio called Shade Tree Films in 2008 that has serviced global companies such as Volkswagen, Tar

Ryan opens up about his nine-year journey of building the wrong kind of video business and his recent pivot toward creating something sellable. He shares candid insights about hitting seven figures, the challenges since 2020, and why he's now focused on packages over custom work while addressing a filmmaker's concerns about AI taking over the industry. Key Takeaways Building a business that can run without you creates more freedom than being the indispensable creative at the center of everything Package-based services with predictable pricing are more scalable and sellable than endless custom projects Position yourself as a strategic partner who offers workshops and thinking partnership, not just shooting and editing services AI won't replace filmmakers who differentiate themselves through strategy, storytelling, and client partnership rather than just technical execution In This Episode [00:00] Welcome to the show! [03:12] 10xFILMMAKER [04:46] New Goals for a New Season [14:05] Adjusting Your Direction [1

Liz Wilcox shares why every video professional needs an email list (even if they're just starting out) and provides practical, easy-to-implement strategies for using email marketing to create more predictable income without feeling salesy or spending hours crafting the perfect message. Key Takeaways Your email list is your "potential client list" - people don't buy when you sell, they buy when they're ready, and email keeps you top of mind until that moment Start with a simple lead magnet (like "5 Red Flags When Hiring a Videographer") that solves a specific problem for your ideal clients Be your authentic self in emails - even corporate clients appreciate working with real humans who show personality rather than stuffy, formal messaging Ask questions and get feedback from your email subscribers to help craft services and packages they actually want instead of guessing what might sell About Liz Wilcox The Fresh Princess of Email Marketing, Liz Wilcox is an Email Strategist and Keynote Speaker showing small

Pablo Gonzalez shares his journey from construction sales to Silicon Valley tech evangelist and reveals how video professionals can create more predictable income by solving "Monday morning problems," stacking value beyond just delivering footage, and packaging their services as experiences rather than products. Key Takeaways Create offers that solve immediate business problems first (like testimonial videos) before trying to sell big vision projects - this builds trust that lets you eventually sell those larger projects Package your video services as experiences rather than products - such as turning client testimonial videos into a VIP day that makes both your client and their customers feel special Look for ways to "stack value" by providing additional deliverables that make it easier for clients to use and share their videos (like providing captions, email copy, and suggested posting strategies) Find a specific niche to serve repeatedly - this creates insights that lead to better offers, more referrals,

Mark Lebrun shares how he built a thriving YouTube channel that replaced his corporate income and now discusses strategies for video production businesses to leverage YouTube, create targeted offers, and use AI to work more efficiently while maintaining authentic connections with clients. Key Takeaways Create YouTube content that addresses specific pain points your ideal clients face, then naturally incorporate offers that solve those problems Instead of sending everyone to your homepage, build targeted landing pages for different niches and track which ones convert best • Experiment with lower-priced offers (like a $19 download or $1,000 virtual coaching session) to serve people who aren't ready for your premium services Use AI strategically for SEO optimization, content planning, and business strategy while maintaining your human touch for client relationships About Mark Lebrun Mark Lebrun is a Digital Influencer and Strategist, and the founder of Digital Influencer Co. — a creative powerhouse helping fai

In this eye-opening conversation, Graham Cochrane reveals how he built a $2 million business working just 5 hours a week by identifying the 20% of activities that drive 80% of results, and shares his four-part framework for designing a sustainable, energizing business week. Key Takeaways Most activities in your business don't generate revenue – identify the 20% that do and focus there while eliminating, automating, or delegating the rest Perfectionism keeps you from serving clients effectively – they care more about getting results faster than your video being a 10/10 • Design your week with four key elements: recharge time, relationship time, rainmaker time (revenue-generating activities), and reflection time "Do more of what is working" – analyze what's actually driving results in your business and double down on those specific activities About Graham Cochrane Graham Cochrane is a highly acclaimed entrepreneur, USA Today bestselling author, and keynote speaker with a track record of building successful on