Finding your channel is such a breath of fresh air. Keep speaking truth and life brother! Appreciate your willingness to talk through hard things, be transparent, and all without being ashamed of your leaning on the Lord in this life.
The person paying for a service always feels that they somehow have this "highground" and I just dont understand why this is. I always say that when we enter into an agreement that its an equal exchange. You require my skill and time and in exchange you'll pay me for what that time and skill is valued at. Respect the fact that we're transacting business here. No need for things to get personal. These kinda videos arent something we come across very often. Appreciate you for sharing man
@@Semesem_ Always a plus. Also the fact that you have a healthy ongoing relationship with so many of your other clients means that you are in fact doing something right. Keep going.
Thanks for being open about this as this is really encouraging. Sometimes it can be very tough as I am currently in a part of the business where no clients came and I wondered how am I gonna expand the business. Definitely Trust in God's plan and process and have peace that clients will stay forever. Respect for your honesty and may God continue to push and expand your business
What I’ve learned is for the tough conversations/topics, I always hop on a call with my client. Pretty much every single time it has ended positive and I was able to avoid a negative outcome. This also means they have to answer and talk to you vs just cowering and ghosting you.
Yeah I agree, but when someone doesn’t answer the phone this is the only option. But I’m glad I had this in text so that I can look back at it with proof
One thing i always keep in mind is that God is the one that sustains me, He holds me in his hand, i dont have to compete with no body or depend on nobody, He closes doors and He opens doors! Keep trusting God and working hard and He will bring the right clients. Blessings bro
As a realtor myself, this was totally unacceptable. When he said he was hoping it would be a more collaborative effort... what he was suggesting, was that you get paid when he gets paid (when the home sells and closes). Problem is... A. That's not how your policy is, or how it works, and B. Your payment isn't contingent on whether or not a home sells... and it may not!
@Semesem_ no problem, I hate seeing realtors doing people dirty like that. I have watched your channel for ideas on how to make some of my home tour/neighborhood vlog style content better for my channel. Good stuff, and as a business owner myself I appreciate all that you share about yours. 🤙
This was a great transparency talk, im learning to never let a business partnership ever get too personal again and to keep it strictly business from the very beginning
He perceived your authority as a flex, and challenge to his ego. He wasn’t about to let someone working under him dictate how business should be conducted-especially if you come from a different “background.”
Thanks, @Semeion! I’m saving this video to refer back to. You made so many great points. The reminder that all clients will leave at some point is Huge. I even tend to get sentimental when my coffee shop baristas move on…so I need to apply this truth there too. 😅 It’s great your wife is there to lift you up spiritually also! Blessings to you, bro! And thanks for the transparency and all the value you provide!
This was great to listen to. I wish I had someone tell me this when I was first starting out so I only hope this reaches those that are starting out! Thank you for sharing your experience and also shout you to your wife and circle of friends for being there to pray!
I feel this, I moved to Aryeo so that everyone has to pay if they want there media. Part of why I don’t offer any other services outside real estate listing services. Good to hear this is common
I’ve seen some filmmakers target the luxury market as a pivot when smaller capitalized clients hit a rough patch and cut their marketing spend. there’s always smooth air at a different altitude
Great video!! Rn I’m in the learning curve of gaining clients and trying to deal with the not having them cancel lol cuz I’ve had like three cancels in one week unfortunately, but I’m really sorry to hear that!! Truly it is a blessing in disguise!!
I know it's hard right now but stay encouraged 🙏🏾. I’ve had that season as well. But when the deposit is big enough people don’t cancel as much. They canceled on me more when I didn’t make them put a deposit down
@ ahhh thank you so much, yep that’s me!! I don’t make them put a deposit but I’m planning in January changing that and raising prices so hopefully it improves !!
Really appreciate you sharing this Semeion, I am having the exact same issue at the moment with one of my first clients as well. Late payments and bad communication over the past few months.
Correct….Rule number 1, never think your Interaction with your Clients are strong… they are not…. They are always “open” to moving on. Forever Loyalty is not a thing, they will always believe because of the relationship you owe them favor. If they attempt to come back DO NOT restart the connection it will immediately make you look desperate or in need of their relationship.
@ you made great points. mixing business and friendships is complicated to begin with. I try to practice crystal clear comms from the jump but that doesn’t guarantee a perfect working relationship. We live and we learn! Thanks again!
damn that's tough. great lessons though, appreciate you sharing. Learning to keep business separate is a really tough mindset for super nice people to do. I know when that time comes, it'll be tough for to handle.
Yeah it really is hard for me sometimes. I just enjoy being someone that make lighten the load from someone, but more than ever I realize that most clients don’t want to return that favor and treat you like you can be replaced with one text. Onto bigger and better
Okay this is going to sound a bit judgy. All Realtors are the same.... ALWAYS ALWAYS as issue when it comes to $$. Its happened to me time and time again thorough the years here in NY. Most DO NOT respect videographers and what we do. We are just an interchangeable object to them. Whether its the first shoot or the 100th shoot, at some point, getting paid or pressuring for discounts will become an issue. And they will use you as much as they can before you speak up. Worst industry of people to "collaborate" with lol. Sorry if that was negative but thats my honest experience.
I’m thankful for your insight. I trust the words of people who have been in the trenches for sure. What would you recommend as an alternative to those who might be reading your comment?
@Semesem_ I'd say stay away from real estate if you don't want headaches and having the write emails you never thought u would have to write. Never has my personal life been effected by work realted matters until i started working in real estate. Something that can help is setting up an agreement or contract prior. But even then, when your working with big company's like DE, nest seekers, compass...etc they don't care about your little contract and they will pay you when they please. And what are you going to do to a big business like that? Take them to court over $2000? It's tough one man. I'm only working with people I trust from now on. But even then...asking for discounts, late payments, rounds of corrections is still a thing unfortunately. It's just a slimey industry in my personal experience.
Found your channel recently bro and you advice is top. If I were to ask something, it would be about deliverables. Would it be possible to see the type of deliverables you do and the cost of them?
Hey bro ! This resonates with me asking God to show me what I’m missing I approached a client with a option for retainer every month they seemed very excited when I could get them on the phone but after they would ghost me so I’m curious if you could break down. Your beginning prices for videographery it’s new market for me because I’m photographer first !
been self employed for 22 years and one of the toughest things I realized is just because someone is self employed don't make them professional, I would have been upset also if he didn't respond
By collaborative they most of the time mean trade of services but only one person has to provide a service in most of those deals, everyone is always trying to finesse a way into free stuff, I bet he thinks since maybe his videos are going viral or that since he is recommending you to a few clients that it's beneficial to you to shoot him for pretty much free don't know how they got this mindset but it's real, especially in the music video industry
God first! Automatically we think it may be a "me" thing when truly it could be a them thing. He might have been struggling financially and put it on you. Embarrassed. Who knows? Especially if he won't address it. I was surprised with one of your recent vids talking about passing on a gig with a new client. My thinking is, if I'm available and the number is not ridiculous, I'll go do the gig. I'll kill it. I'll get paid. If there is wiggle room for a future project I'd let them know that was a test shoot. We may need to rethink the amount. You need to realize they don't know you either. It's a gamble for them as well. If they go full rate and you don't deliver it's even worse for them. I'm way more flexible the first day. All good bud. God first!!
Everything sounds great on your end, except it seems like you don’t reward your clients when they bring you more clients. There’s nothing wrong with giving them discounts when they literally bring in more work for you. I don’t reward clients but i do with super clients. I look at super clients discounts as me paying for advertisement because that’s basically what they are doing on top of giving you work.
I appreciate your comment, but I can tell you’re new to my channel, because I talk about how I do reward my clients quite often. Not only that but I talk about the dangers of not verbalizing a referral style Program because people can start EXPECTING something that you don’t provide. But like I mentioned in this video, he wasn’t my best client: He was one of the first but I’ve gotten the best referral and references from people who don’t ask for discounts or special treatment. And just seeing his response or non response rather to me vocalizing an important aspect in payment shows a lack of professional respect
Bro…. All realtors are these realtors are worst when it comes to this…. When they get that $300 license…. They act so entitled … like they went to Yale for 5 years to get this realtor license…. Realtors /real estate is the biggest scam in those country….. also, the price of real estate properties keep rising- which means, they get more commission… then you as a real estate photographer try to raise your prices, because the rise in cost of living, try to raise … they tell you your too expensive and a whole lotta bs
You are not talking about videography bussiness, you are talking about life and business which is helpful in every possiblal way. Thanks for sharing.
@@nyinyiphonemyint8191 I appreciate you comment, thanks for watching
Every client you lose is a blessing unless you messed it up.
As long as you was not unreasonable, losing a client is always a blessing.
Yeah that wasn’t the case with this client relationship so I’m definitely not concerned
Finding your channel is such a breath of fresh air. Keep speaking truth and life brother! Appreciate your willingness to talk through hard things, be transparent, and all without being ashamed of your leaning on the Lord in this life.
I appreciate your comment and taking the time out to watch the video. Please list anything you’d like in the Q&A
The person paying for a service always feels that they somehow have this "highground" and I just dont understand why this is. I always say that when we enter into an agreement that its an equal exchange. You require my skill and time and in exchange you'll pay me for what that time and skill is valued at. Respect the fact that we're transacting business here. No need for things to get personal.
These kinda videos arent something we come across very often. Appreciate you for sharing man
Yeah it can be tricky sometimes but thankfully I have a great circle of people to keep me encouraged and moving forward
@@Semesem_ Always a plus. Also the fact that you have a healthy ongoing relationship with so many of your other clients means that you are in fact doing something right. Keep going.
Great content! It’s good to see other creatives, especially followers of Christ
I agree! It's a blessing to connect with other brothers and sisters in Christ.
Thanks for being open about this as this is really encouraging. Sometimes it can be very tough as I am currently in a part of the business where no clients came and I wondered how am I gonna expand the business. Definitely Trust in God's plan and process and have peace that clients will stay forever. Respect for your honesty and may God continue to push and expand your business
Thank you for watching and your comment. I receive that
What I’ve learned is for the tough conversations/topics, I always hop on a call with my client. Pretty much every single time it has ended positive and I was able to avoid a negative outcome. This also means they have to answer and talk to you vs just cowering and ghosting you.
Yeah I agree, but when someone doesn’t answer the phone this is the only option. But I’m glad I had this in text so that I can look back at it with proof
One thing i always keep in mind is that God is the one that sustains me, He holds me in his hand, i dont have to compete with no body or depend on nobody, He closes doors and He opens doors! Keep trusting God and working hard and He will bring the right clients.
Blessings bro
Amen to that
As a realtor myself, this was totally unacceptable. When he said he was hoping it would be a more collaborative effort... what he was suggesting, was that you get paid when he gets paid (when the home sells and closes). Problem is... A. That's not how your policy is, or how it works, and B. Your payment isn't contingent on whether or not a home sells... and it may not!
@@livinginoklahomacityofficial I appreciate your comment , especially being in the field as a realtor yourself . But I wish him the best
@Semesem_ no problem, I hate seeing realtors doing people dirty like that. I have watched your channel for ideas on how to make some of my home tour/neighborhood vlog style content better for my channel. Good stuff, and as a business owner myself I appreciate all that you share about yours. 🤙
I love your videos.
Don’t stop and move forward.
For now it is hard to argue with clients about their late payment at the begging of the way 😢
It just makes me more grateful for the clients I have that are willing to hear me out and have a professional
Conversation overall
This was a great transparency talk, im learning to never let a business partnership ever get too personal again and to keep it strictly business from the very beginning
Sadly I’m learning this , but noticing that some of the relationships I’ve made will most likely have to be sacrificed
He perceived your authority as a flex, and challenge to his ego. He wasn’t about to let someone working under him dictate how business should be conducted-especially if you come from a different “background.”
Possibly. Overall I’m glad how everything worked out
Thank you for your transparency and your advice that actually help me as someone is going through something similar
I’m glad it could help, we’ve all been there
Once again, thank you for sharing your words of wisdom. Helps a lot
@@jntechreview thanks for watching 🙏🏾
Thanks, @Semeion! I’m saving this video to refer back to. You made so many great points. The reminder that all clients will leave at some point is Huge. I even tend to get sentimental when my coffee shop baristas move on…so I need to apply this truth there too. 😅
It’s great your wife is there to lift you up spiritually also!
Blessings to you, bro! And thanks for the transparency and all the value you provide!
It's all about perspective! Thanks for watching 🙏🏾
This is exactly what I needed to hear, thanks man
You’re welcome, glad it helped 🙏🏾
Don’t sweat it bro, this recently happened to me. You inspired me to make a video talking about my experience
Can’t wait to see what you cook up
I appreciate that this was a video about dealing with people. More videos on handling clients and connecting with people!
You are so welcome, more content on that topic is coming soon!
you’ve got a great support system. also you can see the faith basis in your content and it’s much appreciated.
Thanks! It helps to have Jesus on your side 🙏🏾
Great video, glad I found your channel. I was searching for retainer packages and found your channel.
Welcome to the community
That blessed me bro! That was a win for u and your business
I needed to hear that 🙏🏾
This was great to listen to. I wish I had someone tell me this when I was first starting out so I only hope this reaches those that are starting out! Thank you for sharing your experience and also shout you to your wife and circle of friends for being there to pray!
It really does help to have a good support system!
I feel this, I moved to Aryeo so that everyone has to pay if they want there media. Part of why I don’t offer any other services outside real estate listing services. Good to hear this is common
I considered doing that, but there is soooo much money in events I had to dip my feet in
Thanks for sharing! This is a great reminder to check ourselves! Blessing are on their way!
You are so welcome
Thanks for being transparent with your faith too, blessings 👊
Always! I won’t be ashamed 🙏🏾
Perfect timing to see this,. . . .going through the same thing. Thank you.
@@davidcollinsmedia2203 hopefully your conversation turns out better than mine
I’ve seen some filmmakers target the luxury market as a pivot when smaller capitalized clients hit a rough patch and cut their marketing spend. there’s always smooth air at a different altitude
Whooooooo man this is a word!! Thanks for sharing
Big facts. Big clients are usually not difficult and pay in full before I hit record.
Great video!! Rn I’m in the learning curve of gaining clients and trying to deal with the not having them cancel lol cuz I’ve had like three cancels in one week unfortunately, but I’m really sorry to hear that!! Truly it is a blessing in disguise!!
I know it's hard right now but stay encouraged 🙏🏾. I’ve had that season as well. But when the deposit is big enough people don’t cancel as much. They canceled on me more when I didn’t make them put a deposit down
@ ahhh thank you so much, yep that’s me!! I don’t make them put a deposit but I’m planning in January changing that and raising prices so hopefully it improves !!
Really appreciate you sharing this Semeion, I am having the exact same issue at the moment with one of my first clients as well. Late payments and bad communication over the past few months.
@@AJAVisionss then like me it’s probably time for a tough but honest conversation
@@Semesem_ Yeah 100%, it's difficult because it will be my first time doing this. But sometimes you need to lose something in order to grow.
Very honest! Thank you for sharing!
Thanks for watching 🙏🏾
Correct….Rule number 1, never think your Interaction with your Clients are strong… they are not…. They are always “open” to moving on. Forever Loyalty is not a thing, they will always believe because of the relationship you owe them favor.
If they attempt to come back DO NOT restart the connection it will immediately make you look desperate or in need of their relationship.
@@pureheartvisuals thanks for your insight
Lessons on lessons. Thank you for sharing!!
We've all been there, the best thing we can do is learn from it and move forward.
@ you made great points. mixing business and friendships is complicated to begin with. I try to practice crystal clear comms from the jump but that doesn’t guarantee a perfect working relationship. We live and we learn! Thanks again!
damn that's tough. great lessons though, appreciate you sharing. Learning to keep business separate is a really tough mindset for super nice people to do. I know when that time comes, it'll be tough for to handle.
Yeah it really is hard for me sometimes. I just enjoy being someone that make lighten the load from someone, but more than ever I realize that most clients don’t want to return that favor and treat you like you can be replaced with one text. Onto bigger and better
@@Semesem_ no doubt, on to the next one. Keep doin your thing bro.
I lost two of my biggest clients and my key business partner in 2024…. I know your pain bro. Lol … But I didn’t complain… God is still good!
He is defintley good and I can’t wait to hear how you maneuvered through it
Thanks for sharing! I hope you get 1M subs next year
I'm just trying to be transparent and honest, even when things are tough. Thanks for watching!
Good video bro 🔥
Thanks for watching
Good stuff bro
Thanks for watching 👍🏾
Okay this is going to sound a bit judgy. All Realtors are the same.... ALWAYS ALWAYS as issue when it comes to $$. Its happened to me time and time again thorough the years here in NY. Most DO NOT respect videographers and what we do. We are just an interchangeable object to them. Whether its the first shoot or the 100th shoot, at some point, getting paid or pressuring for discounts will become an issue. And they will use you as much as they can before you speak up. Worst industry of people to "collaborate" with lol. Sorry if that was negative but thats my honest experience.
I’m thankful for your insight. I trust the words of people who have been in the trenches for sure.
What would you recommend as an alternative to those who might be reading your comment?
@Semesem_ I'd say stay away from real estate if you don't want headaches and having the write emails you never thought u would have to write. Never has my personal life been effected by work realted matters until i started working in real estate. Something that can help is setting up an agreement or contract prior. But even then, when your working with big company's like DE, nest seekers, compass...etc they don't care about your little contract and they will pay you when they please. And what are you going to do to a big business like that? Take them to court over $2000? It's tough one man. I'm only working with people I trust from now on. But even then...asking for discounts, late payments, rounds of corrections is still a thing unfortunately. It's just a slimey industry in my personal experience.
Found your channel recently bro and you advice is top.
If I were to ask something, it would be about deliverables. Would it be possible to see the type of deliverables you do and the cost of them?
Yes, absolutely
Hey bro ! This resonates with me asking God to show me what I’m missing I approached a client with a option for retainer every month they seemed very excited when I could get them on the phone but after they would ghost me so I’m curious if you could break down. Your beginning prices for videographery it’s new market for me because I’m photographer first !
I can go over what I’ve done
@@Semesem_ that would be great for insight man !
been self employed for 22 years and one of the toughest things I realized is just because someone is self employed don't make them professional, I would have been upset also if he didn't respond
Yeah it defintley wasn’t the best feeling but I’m gonna just keep it pushing and look for clients that respect me
@semeion thank you for this video is it possible you can make a video on best ways to fire a client professionally ?
I can go over it in my Q&A post
Always get the remainder before you take any equipment out
Yep
Something similar what happen to me this past weekend..
It happens, it’s definitely a part of the industry!
By collaborative they most of the time mean trade of services but only one person has to provide a service in most of those deals, everyone is always trying to finesse a way into free stuff, I bet he thinks since maybe his videos are going viral or that since he is recommending you to a few clients that it's beneficial to you to shoot him for pretty much free don't know how they got this mindset but it's real, especially in the music video industry
I don’t have clarity on what he meant unfortunately but I wish him the best
God first! Automatically we think it may be a "me" thing when truly it could be a them thing. He might have been struggling financially and put it on you. Embarrassed. Who knows? Especially if he won't address it. I was surprised with one of your recent vids talking about passing on a gig with a new client. My thinking is, if I'm available and the number is not ridiculous, I'll go do the gig. I'll kill it. I'll get paid. If there is wiggle room for a future project I'd let them know that was a test shoot. We may need to rethink the amount. You need to realize they don't know you either. It's a gamble for them as well. If they go full rate and you don't deliver it's even worse for them. I'm way more flexible the first day. All good bud. God first!!
@@scottievee330 thanks for your input.
Over familiarity Caused your problem ..
Nothing good lasts forever.
Familiarity breeds contempt for sure 👍🏾
Everything sounds great on your end, except it seems like you don’t reward your clients when they bring you more clients. There’s nothing wrong with giving them discounts when they literally bring in more work for you. I don’t reward clients but i do with super clients. I look at super clients discounts as me paying for advertisement because that’s basically what they are doing on top of giving you work.
I appreciate your comment, but I can tell you’re new to my channel, because I talk about how I do reward my clients quite often.
Not only that but I talk about the dangers of not verbalizing a referral style
Program because people can start EXPECTING something that you don’t provide.
But like I mentioned in this video, he wasn’t my best client: He was one of the first but I’ve gotten the best referral and references from people who don’t ask for discounts or special treatment.
And just seeing his response or non response rather to me vocalizing an important aspect in payment shows a lack of professional respect
I am new here 😂👍🏾
@ lol see lol, it’s all good tho. I do agree with you. It’s important to reward your clients for sure
i just lost my first and only retainer yesterday
Bigger and better is in the way
What happened ?
Bro…. All realtors are these realtors are worst when it comes to this…. When they get that $300 license…. They act so entitled … like they went to Yale for 5 years to get this realtor license…. Realtors /real estate is the biggest scam in those country….. also, the price of real estate properties keep rising- which means, they get more commission… then you as a real estate photographer try to raise your prices, because the rise in cost of living, try to raise … they tell you your too expensive and a whole lotta bs
Yeah it can definitely be a tough industry to WANT to stay in when you get a taste of some personalities . But I am praying for better clients overall
@@Semesem_ Same here....Been thru exactly what you are going thru recently....And Especially here in South Florida, The entitlement is next level
Would be nice to do a live stream for the QnA so we can get live responses
@@FullFrameStudio I do that already
@Semesem_ I'll have to turn notifications on!!!
Leave realtors, man. I’m telling you that the world is way better once you do
I might try trulyb
Unfortunately, they treat us as a tool. Not saying that it’s wrong, but it is what it is. They come and go. #butgod
@@AntonKeith harsh truth but I agree
Im pretty sure I know who ur talking about lmao... small circle
It’s possible but either way I wish him the best