Grow Your Video Business with Ryan Koral

Park Howell, the world's most industrious storyteller, joins Ryan to break down why most brand stories fall flat—and the simple framework that fixes it. From making the pronoun shift from "me" to "you" to walking Ryan through a live ABT exercise on the podcast itself, Park shows exactly how to stop pitching and start proving your worth to the right audience. Key Takeaways Your story isn't about what you make—it's about what you make happen in your audience's life The And, But, Therefore (ABT) framework is the DNA of every story that actually lands Niching down works like a tractor beam—when you get specific, the right clients get pulled in Copy your homepage into ChatGPT and ask it to rewrite using Park's ABT framework for an instant shift About Park Howell Park Howell is known as The World's Most Industrious Storyteller having grown purpose-driven brands by as much as 600 percent. He is an EMMY Award-Winning, 40+ year veteran of the advertising industry and hosts the popular weekly Business of Story podcast, authored Brand Bewitchery, and co-authored The Narrative Gym for Business. Park recently launched the StoryCycle Genie™ to help business leaders craft a lucrative brand story strategy in minutes, not months. He is sought after internationally to help executives excel through the stories they tell. In This Episode [00:00] Welcome to the show! [05:34] Meet Park Howell [07:22] Story [11:16] Hero of the Story [14:06] Story Cycle System [16:02] And, But, Therefore... [25:32] Niching Down [32:04] Connect with Park [33:06] Outro Quotes "Your story is not about what you make, but what you make happen in people's lives." — Park Howell "You are not the center of your story. Your audience is." — Park Howell "We are all intuitive storytellers, but we really need to be intentional storytellers using frameworks that we know that work." — Park Howell "When you niche down to be that very specific supplier for a very specific audience, you're going to get other business outside of that niche, but it becomes like a tractor beam that sucks them into the Life Star." — Park Howell "Artificial intelligence is the worst brand name ever. If you really know how to use it and collaborate with it, it becomes artful intelligence that actually augments your intelligence." — Park Howell Guest Links Follow Park Howell on Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn Get your brand story strategy using StoryCycle Genie™ Links Find out more about the Studio Sherpas Mastermind Join the Grow Your Video Business Facebook Group Follow Ryan Koral on Instagram Follow Grow Your Video Business on Instagram Join the Studio Sherpas newsletter

486 Overview Daren Smith — indie film producer and founder of Craftsman Films — is back on the show, and he's bringing a whole new level of clarity on what it takes to build a sustainable creative business. He breaks down the MOVIE framework from his new book Blockbuster, shares the LinkedIn strategy that grew his audience from 800 to 12,000+ followers, and offers a totally fresh take on selling that doesn't feel like selling at all. If you've ever struggled with getting clients to say yes, or wondered how to stop spinning your wheels across too many platforms, this one's for you. Key Takeaways Pick one channel and go all in. Daren grew his LinkedIn following from 800 to 12,000+ in about 18 months by showing up consistently and targeting the specific audience he needed to reach — investors, not just filmmakers. Stop convincing, start listening. Rather than pitching what you want to make or sell, "dig for the demand" by asking clients what's frustrating them, what they wish were different, and what's keeping them up at night. Leverage other people's audiences. Getting a column on IndieWire — a site with 10 million monthly visitors — didn't happen overnight, but it started with a single DM and a year of showing up. That's the shortcut that doesn't feel like one. Use a filter for every opportunity. Daren evaluates every project with three questions: Is there leverage? Do I feel compelled to make this? And is it inevitable? If it doesn't clear all three, it's a no. About Daren Smith Daren is an independent film producer based in Utah, USA, who has produced four indie features and four seasons of television. Last year he had TWO films in theaters at the same time, which was a huge milestone. Currently, he's raising Producer Fund I, a $10M fund to produce the next 10 indie features, with the ultimate goal of creating a truly independent film ecosystem that benefits everyone - the investors, the filmmakers, the audience, and the industry at large. He's the founder of Craftsman Films, and the author of a number of books, his most recent being Blockbuster - How Independent Creators Can Build Massively Profitable Businesses. In This Episode [00:00] Welcome to the show! [05:13] Meet Daren Smith [06:47] Blockbuster [13:36] Visibility [16:18] Marketing [22:54] Go All In [26:35] Leverage [29:35] Indie Film [45:49] Having a Checklist [50:26] Connect with Daren [52:49] Outro Quotes "I'm not in the business of convincing people. If you convince somebody, you're running the risk of them being really upset if it doesn't go exactly the way they expected." — Daren Smith "The release of the thing is the start of the marketing. If you're really smart and strategic, you're actually doing marketing leading up to it — creating the tension that gets people to say, I have to have this." — Daren Smith "You're competing against everything else on the internet. Not just other people making movies — it's all of social media, all of AI, all of TV, all of gaming. You can make a really good thing and it can still fail if it doesn't reach enough people." — Daren Smith "I'm doing an exclusively family-friendly, values-based, meaningful media model. When I evaluate a project, I want filmmakers to know how I think — so that you're not saying yes to things you shouldn't be." — Daren Smith "Go all in on one channel until you reach a tipping point where it's kind of working on its own. None of mine were growing when they each got 10% of my time and energy." — Daren Smith Guest Links CraftsmanFilms.co — Daren's main hub (free digital copy of Blockbuster at craftsmanfilms.co/blockbuster) Find Daren online - LinkedIn Links Find out more about the Studio Sherpas Mastermind Join the Grow Your Video Business Facebook Group Follow Ryan Koral on Instagram Follow Grow Your Video Business on Instagram Join the Studio Sherpas newsletter

Ryan goes live — sort of — and ends up doing what he does best: real, honest coaching. In this solo-ish episode, Ryan chats with Mark Cruz about the fear of hiring help and what it actually looks like to start delegating in a small video business. Ryan also gets candid about overcoming perfectionism and why launching imperfectly beats not launching at all. Key Takeaways Hiring a virtual assistant through sites like onlinejobs.ph or Upwork — even for just 5–10 hours a week — can free up serious mental bandwidth and open the door to more revenue-generating work You don't need consistent income to start hiring; start small, build trust, and scale from there Perfectionism is the enemy of progress — in business and in life, done beats perfect every time Use AI tools (like Claude!) alongside personality assessments to build a hiring process that finds someone who truly complements how you work About Ryan Koral Ryan Koral is a documentary filmmaker, founder, and creative coach based in Michigan. Over the last 20+ years, he's built a 7-figure story-driven video studio (Tell Studios), a global community of filmmakers and creative entrepreneurs (Studio Sherpas), and a weekly podcast with over 1 million downloads. His work has reached email audiences of over 100,000 people, and he's had the privilege of working with names like Gino Wickman, Mike Kim, Disney, and the University of Michigan. Today, Ryan helps founders and experts who are the best-kept secret in their industry step into their voice, tell their story, and build a brand people believe in. He's currently writing a book about storytelling in the age of AI. In This Episode [00:00] Welcome to the show! [07:24] Hiring an Executive Assistant [16:02] Buy Back Your Time [23:25] Overcoming Perfectionism [25:49] What Could Happen? [28:51] Being More Authentic [31:22] Outro Quotes "You don't learn until you launch." — Ryan Koral "If you just got 10 hours back a week — how would that feel?" — Ryan Koral "I built my job, my studio, for my life — I'm not trying to build my life around my work." — Ryan Koral "Make mistakes, go ugly early, try things out at a fraction of the cost to learn your processes." — Ryan Koral Links Find out more about the Studio Sherpas Mastermind Join the Grow Your Video Business Facebook Group Follow Ryan Koral on Instagram Follow Grow Your Video Business on Instagram Join the Studio Sherpas newsletter

Brian Bogert is a human connection expert and voice architect who helps people identify the hidden patterns and emotional blocks that keep them stuck — in life and in business. In this episode, we dig into why so many creatives struggle to charge what they're worth, how childhood experiences shape our business decisions, and what it actually looks like to "drop the armor" so you can show up with more confidence and land better clients. Key Takeaways Your pricing problem is probably a personal problem. Brian shares how a video creative with over a million followers had never made more than $50K/year — until they addressed the emotional blocks tied to a childhood experience. Within months, she 3X'd her rate and was on track for her first million. Ask the question nobody's asking. The simplest way to get unstuck is to ask yourself (and your clients) better, open-ended questions. Brian's framework: "Questions create options and opportunities to make new choices." Strong spine, soft front. Know your value, your boundaries, and your worth — and be unwavering in that. But stay open enough to connect. That combo is what drives both better relationships and better sales. Your voice is your greatest asset. In a world where AI is commoditizing creative work, what sets you apart is your authentic voice, your leadership, and your ability to connect on a human level. About Brian Bogert Brian Bogert is a strategic voice amplifier and emotionally driven force multiplier who helps people lead, communicate, and scale with clarity - without compromising their humanity. Brian works with entrepreneurs, elite performers, and visionary creators to unlock clarity and scale through the lens of human behavior, message intelligence, and scalable connection. He compresses time, cuts through noise, and turns chaos into aligned action. With 100M+ video views and one of the most powerful comeback stories in the space, he brings raw authenticity, actionable insight, and unmatched energy to every stage, podcast, or training he leads. He believes in using technology to amplify humanity and truth - not replace it. Always human first. "When you eliminate waste, you can operate at speed without the need to hurry." - Brian Bogert In This Episode [00:00] Welcome to the show! [05:37] Meet Brian Bogert [07:28] Identifying and Removing Waste [20:32] Defining Where You Are Stuck [22:32] Importance of Questions [28:36] Strong Spine, Soft Front [32:05] Sharing Your Story Helps Others [36:17] Vulnerability [42:08] How To Charge More [48:35] Connect with Brian [52:54] Outro Quotes "Your voice is your greatest asset. The question is, do you know your voice? Do you feel strength and conviction in your voice? And can you be unwavering in your voice?" — Brian Bogert "The second you have nothing to protect, justify, or defend about yourself — about how much you charge, about the quality of your work, about your integrity — you are free." — Brian Bogert "You don't have it because you don't ask for it. We're afraid." — Ryan Koral "Courage doesn't mean you're not afraid. It means you choose to do it anyway." — Brian Bogert "The world will never judge you based on your intent. The world will only ever judge you based on what your words, actions, and behaviors communicate, even if you're not aware of it." — Brian Bogert Guest Links Find Brian Bogert online Follow Brian Bogert on Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn Links Find out more about the Studio Sherpas Mastermind Join the Grow Your Video Business Facebook Group Follow Ryan Koral on Instagram Follow Grow Your Video Business on Instagram Join the Studio Sherpas newsletter

In this conversation with Jeremy Vest, we explore the real challenges of running a sustainable video business—from figuring out profitable pricing to building systems that let you step away without everything falling apart. Jeremy shares his journey from underpricing his work to creating a business model that prioritizes recurring revenue and genuine client relationships over the feast-or-famine cycle that plagues so many filmmakers. Key Takeaways Pricing isn't just about covering costs—it needs to account for growth, overhead, and the strategic value you bring to clients, not just your time and equipment Recurring revenue relationships beat one-off projects—focusing on retainer clients and long-term partnerships creates predictable income and reduces marketing stress Systems free you from your business—documenting processes and building operational systems lets you scale without being the bottleneck in every decision Your business should serve your life goals—whether that's flexibility, income, or creative fulfillment, build your business model around what actually matters to you About Jeremy Vest Jeremy Vest is the founder of Creator Unlock & Video Niche King. With 19 years of experience and over 50 billion organic views generated through his strategies, Jeremy helps creators & companies build YouTube channels that grow on purpose—not by luck. He's worked with Roger Wakefield, dozens of Fortune 100 companies, Grant Cardone, and vidIQ. Jeremy created the D.O.M.I.N.A.T.E. Framework, a clear game plan for turning YouTube into consistent attention, leads, & revenue. In This Episode [00:00] Welcome to the show! [06:24] Meet Jeremy Vest [09:42] Sticking With A Niche [16:12] Starting A YouTube Channel [27:49] Analysis Paralysis [31:06] Using AI Before Publishing [38:25] Story Over Equipment [44:25] "Edutainment" [50:21] Connect with Jeremy [54:30] Outro Quotes "If you're not making enough to reinvest in your business and pay yourself what you're worth, you're not pricing right—you're just buying yourself a job." - Jeremy Vest "The best clients aren't always the ones with the biggest budgets—they're the ones who value what you do and want to work with you again and again." - Ryan Koral "I'd rather have three solid retainer clients who need me every month than chase twenty one-off projects that all disappear after the invoice is paid." - Jeremy Vest "When you build systems in your business, you're not just making life easier—you're creating something that can actually grow without you doing everything yourself." - Ryan Koral "Stop thinking like a freelancer who trades time for money. Start thinking like a business owner who creates value that compounds over time." - Jeremy Vest Guest Links Follow Jeremy Vest on Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok | LinkedIn Free Niche Audit www.creatorunlock.com Links Find out more about the Studio Sherpas Mastermind Join the Grow Your Video Business Facebook Group Follow Ryan Koral on Instagram Follow Grow Your Video Business on Instagram Join the Studio Sherpas newsletter

Brian Galke breaks down how to decode people's facial features to connect better with clients and prospects. He shares practical tips on reading eyebrow shapes, understanding personal vs. business sides of the face, and why soft skills matter more than ever as AI automates technical work. This isn't manipulation—it's about truly seeing people and serving them at the highest level. Key Takeaways The Three Eyebrow Shapes: Straight eyebrows = facts and data people; angled eyebrows = action-oriented doers; rounded eyebrows = emotional, relationship-focused individuals. Tailor your communication style based on what you observe. Left vs. Right Side of Face: The left side (from your perspective) shows someone's personal/emotional side, while the right shows their business/logical side. Notice which side they lead with to understand how to connect. Soft Skills Are Your Competitive Advantage: With up to 800 million jobs potentially replaced by AI, your ability to read people, connect authentically, and make others feel seen is what'll set you apart. Practice Makes Perfect: Knowledge without action is worthless. Start observing eyebrows in every conversation, adjust your approach, and watch your client relationships transform. About Brian Galke Brian Galke is a communication strategist, keynote speaker, and founder of Subtle Skills, where he teaches people how to decode others, conversations, and connection itself. After overcoming social anxiety early in his career, Brian was introduced by a mentor to Decoding Facial Features—a skill that revealed how people naturally process information, make decisions, and communicate. By combining decoding with body language, active listening, and statement analysis, he created a practical, tactical communication framework that works in any environment. Those very skills helped him rise to Regional Vice President of Sales, managing a $40M book of business. Now a sought-after Keynote Speaker and Podcast Guest, Brian has shared stages with Chris Voss, Brad Lea, Janine Driver, Steve Sims, and Greg Reid, helping audiences master the subtle decoding skills that make communication more influential, confident, and authentic. In This Episode [00:00] Welcome to the show! [06:30] Meet Brian Galke [07:23] The Decoding Detective [08:21] Understanding People [10:54] Treating Others Well [18:25] Soft Skills [23:53] Speaking Their Language [34:59] Headshots [40:02] Connect with Brian [42:16] Outro Quotes "People feel more isolated and alone than they have in all time because they're looking at other people's social media, seeing the highlight reel and thinking their daily life doesn't matter. When people feel seen and heard, they feel changed." — Brian Galke "If you read the statistics, it's up to 30% of jobs will be replaced by AI. So that's up to 800 million jobs. People need to learn people skills so that they're actually different from AI and automation." — Brian Galke "Knowledge is one thing. Awareness is exposure, one thing. Putting into practice is where it becomes valuable." — Brian Galke "Go out and use these skills because when people feel seen and heard, they feel changed. Practicing connecting with other people can change a life, but it can also save a life." — Brian Galke Guest Links Get the Cheat Sheet: https://getthecheatsheet.com Subtle Skills: https://subtleskills.com Links Find out more about the Studio Sherpas Mastermind Join the Grow Your Video Business Facebook Group Follow Ryan Koral on Instagram Follow Grow Your Video Business on Instagram Join the Studio Sherpas newsletter

Elisa Trentham is a legacy storyteller, founder of Sherwood Media, and adjunct instructor who's learned how to build a video business on her own terms. In this conversation, she shares why elevating client experience matters more than having the fanciest gear, how she's building her own distribution platform through live events, and the importance of defining success based on your values—not someone else's highlight reel. Key Takeaways Client experience is everything – From pre-production prep to the actual set, creating an elevated experience for your clients sets you apart more than your camera specs ever will. Build your own platform – Instead of relying solely on social media algorithms, create your own distribution through live events and community experiences where you control the narrative. Define success on your terms – Stop comparing your behind-the-scenes to someone else's highlight reel. Your journey, your values, and your definition of success are what matter. Be a "heck yes" person – If you're going to say yes to something, go all in. But also give yourself permission to pivot when something's not working anymore. About Elisa Trentham Elisa is a Knoxville native, business owner, wife, and mother of three who has spent her career capturing stories that matter. Her journey began in her backyard, making movies with friends using her parents' camcorder. That passion led her to Asbury University where she earned a Media Communication degree and gained experience working broadcast at the Vancouver Winter Olympics and on film sets in Hollywood. After college, Elisa joined University of Tennessee professors as the Media Production Coordinator for an international women's empowerment program funded by the State Department. This role taught her how to tell powerful stories with a simple camera and microphone, and gave her opportunities to travel around the world. But her most meaningful projects are much more personal to her - creating a "legacy films" capturing the stories of people who have impacted her life, her grandmother, her father, and even her midwife. Through this 10-year business and storytelling journey, Elisa developed her storytelling values of honor, truth, and love. Today, Elisa continues to help individuals and organizations share their stories through her production company, bringing the same blend of technical expertise and emotional intelligence to every project, whether it's filmed in a boardroom or a living room. In This Episode [00:00] Welcome to the show! [04:09] Meet Elisa Trentham [04:52] Working With College Students [08:25] Legacy Storytelling [10:09] Business And Family Legacy Films [21:07] Understanding Client's Expectations [28:02] Advice For New Filmmakers [36:40] Core Values [38:16] Don't Compare Yourself to Others [44:56] Connect With Elisa [46:26] Outro Quotes "Don't just be a, yeah, sure, I guess I'll go do that. Be a heck yes person. Like go in there and if you say yes, like give it your all." – Elisa Trentham "I can't let what somebody else is doing and what somebody else is defined as success for them... I gotta live this one right here." – Ryan Koral "It doesn't have to be my forever plan... there's no perfect plan you can make that's going to last for decades and decades." – Elisa Trentham Guest Links Follow Elisa Trentham on LinkedIn | Instagram Links Find out more about the Studio Sherpas Mastermind Join the Grow Your Video Business Facebook Group Follow Ryan Koral on Instagram Follow Grow Your Video Business on Instagram Join the Studio Sherpas newsletter

Paige Burns is shifting her entire business from brand work to schools and nonprofits—and she's being refreshingly honest about how hard that pivot actually is. In this conversation, we dig into why networking still beats any sales funnel you can build, how hiring your "competitors" actually grows your business faster, and the one random conversation that's made her tens of thousands of dollars. Key Takeaways One networking conversation at a conference led to tens of thousands in referral work across multiple universities—proof that in-person connections still outperform any automated sales funnel Hiring and collaborating with people you see as "competitors" creates a healthier business ecosystem and almost always comes back to benefit you Being an introvert doesn't disqualify you from networking—Paige forced herself to attend one event per week when starting out, and it fundamentally changed her business and confidence When pivoting your business focus (like Paige's shift from brand work to schools/nonprofits), don't expect overnight success—it's a longer play that requires patience and consistent effort About Paige Burns Paige Burns is the award-winning founder and creative director of Main Paige Media, a women-owned video production agency based in Beverly, Massachusetts. With over a decade of production experience from broadcast to mobile, Paige specializes in helping mission-driven organizations tell emotionally resonant, unscripted stories that spark action and build connection. Main Paige Media creates docu-style brand films and strategic video content for purpose-driven small businesses, nonprofits, and schools. Under Paige's leadership, the team is known for its collaborative approach, thoughtful storytelling, and deep commitment to amplifying voices that are making a difference in their communities. In This Episode [00:00] Welcome to the show! [02:52] Meet Paige Burns [15:36] Goals and Creative Fulfillment [23:31] Receiving Feedback [25:43] A Male Dominate Field [38:45] Collaborating With Others [40:27] Impact of Networking [45:57] Connect with Paige [46:56] Outro Quotes "I didn't know what I didn't know. And I think that was really huge." — Paige Burns "What you give is what you get... I have given away jobs to people I see as my competitors, because I'm like, I don't really want it, or I'm not available here, you take it. And that always comes back." — Paige Burns "One conversation where I was just like, I want to talk to someone else who has this small university video job has made me tens of thousands of dollars." — Paige Burns "The quickest way to build trust to get business is in person at events... don't let that be your 80% focus. Let that be 20%, maybe at most like 40%, and then spend the other 60 to 80% of your time cultivating relationships." — Ryan Koral "I am a completely different person than I was in 2019 when I started my business. Because this has pushed me so far outside of my comfort zone, it has grown my confidence like tenfold." — Paige Burns Paige Burns is shifting her entire business from brand work to schools and nonprofits—and she's being refreshingly honest about how hard that pivot actually is. In this conversation, we dig into why networking still beats any sales funnel you can build, how hiring your "competitors" actually grows your business faster, and the one random conversation that's made her tens of thousands of dollars. Key Takeaways One networking conversation at a conference led to tens of thousands in referral work across multiple universities—proof that in-person connections still outperform any automated sales funnel Hiring and collaborating with people you see as "competitors" creates a healthier business ecosystem and almost always comes back to benefit you Being an introvert doesn't disqualify you from networking—Paige forced herself to attend one event per week when starting out, and it fundamentally changed her business and confidence When pivoting your business focus (like Paige's shift from brand work to schools/nonprofits), don't expect overnight success—it's a longer play that requires patience and consistent effort About Paige Burns Paige Burns is the award-winning founder and creative director of Main Paige Media, a women-owned video production agency based in Beverly, Massachusetts. With over a decade of production experience from broadcast to mobile, Paige specializes in helping mission-driven organizations tell emotionally resonant, unscripted stories that spark action and build connection. Main Paige Media creates docu-style brand films and strategic video content for purpose-driven small businesses, nonprofits, and schools. Under Paige's leadership, the team is known for its collaborative approach, thoughtful storytelling, and deep commitment to amplifying voices that are making a difference in their communities. In This Episode [00:00] Welcome to the show! [02:52] Meet Paige Burns [15:36] Goals and Creative Fulfillment [23:31] Receiving Feedback [25:43] A Male Dominate Field [38:45] Collaborating With Others [40:27] Impact of Networking [45:57] Connect with Paige [46:56] Outro Quotes "I didn't know what I didn't know. And I think that was really huge." — Paige Burns "What you give is what you get... I have given away jobs to people I see as my competitors, because I'm like, I don't really want it, or I'm not available here, you take it. And that always comes back." — Paige Burns "One conversation where I was just like, I want to talk to someone else who has this small university video job has made me tens of thousands of dollars." — Paige Burns "The quickest way to build trust to get business is in person at events... don't let that be your 80% focus. Let that be 20%, maybe at most like 40%, and then spend the other 60 to 80% of your time cultivating relationships." — Ryan Koral "I am a completely different person than I was in 2019 when I started my business. Because this has pushed me so far outside of my comfort zone, it has grown my confidence like tenfold." — Paige Burns Guest Links Checkout Paige Burn's WebsiteFollow Paige Burns on LinkedIn Links Find out more about the Studio Sherpas Mastermind Join the Grow Your Video Business Facebook Group Follow Ryan Koral on Instagram Follow Grow Your Video Business on Instagram Join the Studio Sherpas newsletter Checkout Paige Burn's WebsiteFollow Paige Burns on LinkedIn Links Find out more about the Studio Sherpas Mastermind Join the Grow Your Video Business Facebook Group Follow Ryan Koral on Instagram Follow Grow Your Video Business on Instagram Join the Studio Sherpas newsletter

Ryan sits down with keynote speaker and author Andy Storch to talk about why your personal brand matters way more than your company brand—especially if you're trying to land corporate work. They dive into LinkedIn strategy for video business owners, why being relatable beats being perfect, and how Andy and Mike Kim collaborated on their latest book. Plus, you'll hear Ryan's hilarious story about filming a wedding for a software guy who married a stripper (spoiler: it didn't last). Key Takeaways Personal brand over company brand: People follow people, not companies—especially on LinkedIn. Share your story, your behind-the-scenes, your personality, not just portfolio pieces. Relationships trump perfection: Clients often hire based on how you make them feel and how easy you are to work with, not just because you have the best reel. The corporate shift is more profitable: Moving from weddings to corporate work means better margins, repeat clients, and getting your weekends back. AI makes your humanity more valuable: As technology handles more tasks, your storytelling ability, curiosity, empathy, and personality become your biggest differentiators. About Andy Storch Andy Storch is a keynote speaker, connector, podcaster, and author of two books, including Own Your Career Own Your Life and his latest book, Own Your Brand, Own Your Career with Mike Kim. Andy works with organizations to teach and inspire professionals to own their brands and careers to achieve more success in the future. He'a also the host of two podcasts, including the Talent Development Hot Seat and Own Your Career show. Finally, Andy is a husband, father, cancer survivor, and expat, who is on a mission to get the absolute most out of life and inspire others to do the same. In This Episode [00:00] Welcome to the show! [04:20] Meet Andy Storch [08:44] Marketing [13:04] Branding [17:23] Real Connections [19:57] Showing Up On Social Media [26:36] Wedding Versus Corporate Videography [34:39] Storytelling [45:20] Connect with Andy [45:55] Outro Quotes "Nobody cares more about your career or your personal brand than you do." - Andy Storch "I don't follow any companies on LinkedIn. If I see any company posts on LinkedIn, I barely notice and I scroll on by. I follow people." - Andy Storch "The thing I'm going to remember the most, it's how people make you feel." - Ryan Koral "People have brands as well. We all have a personal brand. It's essentially our reputation. It's what people think about us, what people say about us. So we might as well be intentional with that." - Andy Storch "If you're gonna choose one, I would choose the personal brand every time." - Andy Storch Guest Links Connect with Andy Storch on LinkedIn Follow Andy Storch on Instagram

In this special end-of-year episode, I'm getting personal and reflective about 2025 - the wins, the struggles, and what I'm cooking up for next year. If you've been following along this year (or if this is your first episode), grab a coffee and join me for an honest look at what it means to build a sustainable creative business while staying true to yourself. What You'll Learn Why I almost walked away from my production business this year (and what changed my mind) The power of collaboration over traditional client work (including my successful revenue-share partnerships) How being intentional about relationships transformed my business and life What's coming in 2026: new book, app launch, and a non-filmmaker mastermind Key Takeaways On Gratitude and Relationships Your personal relationships are your business foundation - the mastermind retreat in Austin was a career highlight The power of connecting people in your network (it brings more fulfillment than any film project) Why surrounding yourself with people who've gone before you is non-negotiable On Business Evolution 2025 was the best year financially since COVID for Tell Studios Some relationships cook for a decade before they turn into six-figure projects Revenue-share partnerships (like the one with Susan generating $2M+ in sales) can be more profitable than traditional client work On Content and Platform Building Nearly 500 episodes over 10 years - consistency compounds The podcast has opened more doors than any marketing campaign ever could Sometimes you need fresh audience to revitalize your offers On Taking Action Took multiple swings this year - plenty missed, but the ones that connected were worth it Pitching creative collaboration ideas (like YouTube creator partnerships) creates new revenue streams Perfectionism will kill your momentum - share the journey, not just the destination What's Coming in 2026 A Book (Finally!) About the power of your story as a business owner and how to use it as your differentiator. Plus a kids book with an artist! New Collaboration Partnerships Following the success of revenue-share models, exploring 2-3 new strategic partnerships An App Launch Built in collaboration with former mastermind member Andrew - designed to benefit video business owners Non-Filmmaker Mastermind Expanding beyond the filmmaker space to work with entrepreneurs across industries Updated Budget Maximizer Brand new spreadsheet, templates, and training to ensure project profitability In This Episode [00:00] Welcome to the show! [04:38] Before the GYVB Podcast [11:44] When The Podcast Started [17:45] Big Milestones In Life [21:03] Financial Highlight Since Covid [23:04] 2026 Hopes and Goals [26:59] Collaboration [30:35] Mastermind [36:27] Newsletter [39:05] Outro Quotes "I've made a lot more mistakes than I have had successes, but I'm still here learning and growing." - Ryan Koral "People pay me money to facilitate relationships and conversations. It's mind-blowing." - Ryan Koral "Your word matters. Being a person of integrity means sometimes not announcing things until you're sure - but also learning it's okay to dream out loud." - Ryan Koral Links Find out more about the Studio Sherpas Mastermind Join the Grow Your Video Business Facebook Group Follow Ryan Koral on Instagram Follow Grow Your Video Business on Instagram Join the Studio Sherpas newsletter

Chad Godfrey has been running Summit Video Services for over 20 years, and he's built something most video pros overlook: a thriving business where 60% of revenue comes from video transfers and archival work. In this conversation, we dig into why his transfer business keeps growing year after year, how local networking and in-person relationships are still the best marketing strategy, and why teaching free workshops can actually land you more clients instead of giving away the farm. Key Takeaways Video transfer and archival services can be a massive, consistent revenue stream—Chad's business grows every year despite assumptions that the market would dry up Building real relationships through chambers, boards, and local networking events is still the most effective way to generate buzz and trust in your community Teaching free workshops positions you as a leader and keeps you top of mind when people need professional help—it's counterintuitive but it works Having strategic relationships with complementary businesses (graphic designers, photographers, etc.) creates a powerful referral network About Chad Godfrey As a young child, Chad Godfrey was constantly infatuated with film and video cameras, audio recorders, and early personal computers. In 2004, Chad linked these interests together and started a business. For the past 21 years, Chad has been the owner of Summit Video Services, an audio and video production and photography services company based in Lee's Summit, Missouri. Chad is an Emmy-nominated and nationally-awarded video producer with recognitions in the areas of video production, editing, photography, design, documentary, motion graphics, and sound design. Chad's professional work in video production includes documentary and brand films for businesses and the non-profit sector. He is a creative storyteller with a unique ability to structure a narrative, whether for a short film, commercial, music video, or YouTube vlog. Chad has an exceptional capability to pace a story, build tension, and create emotional engagement; all critical skills to the clients he serves. Chad's photography is primarily commercial, providing services for architectural firms, municipalities, and the commercial real estate industry. Though less for profit, Chad's true passion is landscape and astro-photography. He's had many opportunities to travel internationally with a backpack full of gear (sometimes too full) to "chase the light." Chad is a contributing member of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. Chad's spouse of 24 years, Suzie, is an elementary teacher in the Lee's Summit School District. Together, they have three kids, ages 22, 19, and 15. In This Episode [00:00] Welcome to the show! [06:42] Meet Chad Godfrey [16:17] Advertising Strategies [17:07] Documentary Video Production [24:57] Things That Sustain a Business [26:42] Aha Moments From The Mastermind [37:09] Advice to New Business Owners [40:15] Finance Resources [46:28] Being Involved In Local Groups [47:41] Connect with Chad [52:41] Outro Quotes "There's no substitute for just talking to people and inviting them to and going to events and shaking hands. If you're not generating some buzz about what you do in your local area, then you're just not doing enough." - Chad Godfrey "That seems counterintuitive—you're giving away the farm. But when people can actually see you as a leader in that realm and that you're giving away some of your knowledge, they're gonna wanna come back to you and pick your brain some more." - Chad Godfrey "The quickest and easiest way to build trust with somebody is in person so they can really see what you're like. People will hire people that they know, like, and trust." - Ryan Koral Guest Links Follow Summit Video Services on Instagram Visit Summit Video Services Website Links Find out more about the Studio Sherpas Mastermind Join the Grow Your Video Business Facebook Group Follow Ryan Koral on Instagram Follow Grow Your Video Business on Instagram Join the Studio Sherpas newsletter

Maeve Ferguson breaks down why quiz funnels are dominating lead generation right now and how you can build one that actually qualifies your prospects instead of just filling up your inbox. She shares her journey from accountant to funnel strategist to AI obsessed entrepreneur, plus we get into the wild world of agentic AI—including the agent she built that finds speaking opportunities and matches them to her calendar automatically. Key Takeaways Quiz funnels outperform traditional lead magnets because they tap into people's curiosity and desire to learn about themselves Your intellectual property (IP) and strategic frameworks are what'll make you AI-proof—the execution will get automated Agentic AI can handle repetitive tasks like finding leads, posting content, and even analyzing ad performance The best quizzes aren't about convincing people they need your service—they're about helping qualified prospects realize they're ready for it About Maeve Ferguson Maeve Ferguson Is A Business Strategist And The Creator Of The Client Engine™, a proven system that helps authors, consultants, and entrepreneurs transform their intellectual property into evergreen lead-generation machines. Specialising in diagnostic assessments and quiz funnels, Maeve helps experts attract, qualify, and convert high-ticket clients at scale. With a background in private equity and a track record of working with 7- and 8-figure thought leaders, Maeve brings a unique blend of corporate strategy and entrepreneurial speed to the table. Her clients range from bestselling authors to global speakers who want to scale without shouting into the void or wasting time on unqualified leads. Maeve has been featured in Forbes, appeared on Jen Kem's Stage, and leads a multi-6-figure business while raising two young kids on a horse farm in Ireland. Through a mix of systems, data, and diagnostic-driven strategy, she helps creatives turn their ideas into income and their frameworks into globally recognised assets. In This Episode [00:00] Welcome to the show! [05:41] Meet Maeve Ferguson [07:36] Intellectual Property [14:01] Diagnostic Architecture [28:11] Rich Niche [32:24] Marketing Strategies [37:59] Agentic AI [50:02] Connect with Maeve [51:37] Outro Quotes "Listen to your market and give them what they want." - Maeve Ferguson "Where the world is going, those services of doing the doing will be replaced by AI. What won't be replaced is the tail framework." -Maeve Ferguson "The things I'm building now didn't exist six months ago. Never mind where we're going to be next year, five years time. It's going to be a different planet." -Maeve Ferguson "We're not trying to convince people that they should want video, because that's like pushing water up a hill." -Maeve Ferguson Guest Links Get your IP Assessment (in 8 minutes) Follow Maeve Ferguson on Instagram Connect with Maeve Ferguson on LinkedIn Watch the Expert to Thought Leader Show on YouTube Listen to the Expert of Thought Leadership podcast Links Find out more about the Studio Sherpas Mastermind Join the Grow Your Video Business Facebook Group Follow Ryan Koral on Instagram Follow Grow Your Video Business on Instagram Check out the full show notes

Dave Hunter started GreenRoom Video after a career in theater, building it from side hustle to a $1.2 million company. Recently discovering he's an integrator (not a visionary) through reading Traction, Dave shares how he's learned to delegate, scale, and break through belief barriers that were limiting his growth. His team now handles projects from start to finish while he focuses on business development and strategy. Key Takeaways The 80% rule: If someone can do what you're doing at 80% of your ability, they should be doing it to enable growth Belief barriers like "no one can do this as good as me" often limit business growth more than actual constraints Start with contractors before full-time hires to test your management skills and their abilities Learning whether you're a visionary or integrator fundamentally changes how you should approach running your business About Dave Hunter Dave Hunter is the Founder and Creative Director of GreenRoom Video, a Chicago-area production company that has produced over 1,000 videos for Fortune 500 companies, small businesses, schools, and nonprofits. With a background in theater and more than a decade of experience in performance and production, Dave brings a creative storyteller's eye to every project. Under his leadership, GreenRoom Video surpassed $1 million in annual sales and continues to grow with a focus on helping organizations communicate their messages with clarity, creativity, and impact. In This Episode [00:00] Welcome to the show! [06:27] Meet David Hunter [11:08] Having an Executive Assistant [15:41] 20 Dollar An Hour Projects [27:02] Belief Barriers [29:56] When To Be On Set [40:42] EOS Method [48:51] Connect with David [50:29] Outro Quotes "If somebody can do what you're doing at 80% of what you can do, they should be doing it." - Dave Hunter "There's several belief barriers we have where we don't think that's possible, but it is, and the only difference is choosing to try it." - Dave Hunter "Your prices are too low if everyone's saying yes to your proposals." - Dave Hunter's business coach "Act your wage as a company—profit doesn't mean your salary, profit means after your salary, there's still profit." - Dave Hunter Guest Links Find Dave Hunter online at GreenRoom Video Follow Dave Hunter on Instagram | Facebook Links Find out more about the Studio Sherpas Mastermind Join the Grow Your Video Business Facebook Group Follow Ryan Koral on Instagram Follow Grow Your Video Business on Instagram Check out the full show notes