It is easy to feel overwhelmed by all the responsibilities involved in running a successful video production business. Many videographers struggle to prioritize tasks so that they can make the business grow by that critical inch.
I had significant problems keeping track of my priorities many years ago. I created THE PRIORITY PROCESS, which, in its simplest form, helps me to refocus my efforts whenever I feel the train is veering off-track.
You may have been following me for some time or participated in the weekly group coaching calls. If so, you might recognize this process as I often refer to it.
This priority process helps me determine the areas where my attention should be when I arrive at the studio every day.
1. SALES
What are the steps I should take to make a sale? Send an email, call, send a proposal, or submit an invoice to pay the deposit. People often wonder why I place sales before production. The reason is that the people I sell work only during business hours. We can generally do project work any time we want, so it is essential to focus on the sales activities first.
If all sales tasks have been completed, I will switch to-.
2. PROJECTS
What can I do today to make a project or projects move forward? (Write a script, book a shoot date, hire a narrator, edit, etc.)
-If all Project tasks have been completed, I will switch to-
3. MARKETING:
What can you do to market your company? (Email newsletter, blog post, video marketing, networking, etc.) You’ve probably noticed that our industry is highly cyclical. There are months when you get slammed, and then there’s no work the next month. This reality is not something to be stressed about. I choose to concentrate on marketing whenever there aren’t any projects going on. Everything seems to work out in the end.
If all marketing tasks have been completed, I will shift my focus to –
4. ADMINISTRATIVE
What needs to be done regarding all other aspects of running my business? (Accounts receivable, payroll, accounts payable, errands, etc.) This category is the most important. However, even though it’s my last priority, you still have to pay your bills and collect money from clients. It is usually listed after projects, sales, and marketing since I do a lot of my administrative work from my laptop at night while I watch TV.
This is how I found I can get the most out of my video production business. I also leave feeling fulfilled. It makes it easier to put down the working engine and spend time with my family after hours and on weekends.