Grow Your Video Business with Ryan Koral

Episodi

• 492. The Paid Workshop That Wins Bigger Clients with Evans Wilson 29.05.2026 49min

  In this live coaching episode, I sit down with Evans Wilson of Zenith Creative, who's spent years running his video business as a side hustle alongside a full-time corporate job. We dig into the real reasons he's stuck on pricing and growth, and I walk him through a paid discovery workshop strategy I've used more than 50 times to win bigger clients and build instant trust. We also get into the future of video in an AI world and why storytelling is still your edge. Key Takeaways A paid discovery workshop reframes you from "vendor pitching services" to "strategist worth investing in"—and clients stop ghosting meetings the moment money's on the table. Sell the result and the roadmap, not the meeting itself. Nobody's excited to buy another Zoom call. Apply the workshop fee to a package booked within 60 days to make it an easy yes for newer clients. AI is changing production fast, but storytelling, pacing, and trust are still the things you get hired for. About Evans Wilson Evans Wilson is the founder of Zenith Creative, a video production company he's run for nearly nine years alongside an 18-year corporate career as the solo in-house videographer for a large energy company. With help from his wife and a handful of trusted freelancers, he's built Zenith into a thriving business while quietly living the "double life" so many video creators know well. These days his focus is on growing Zenith, where he primarily serves construction and industrial services companies—though he's always happy to stray from that niche when the right project comes along. In This Episode [00:00] Welcome to the show! [06:37] Meet Evans Wilson [11:36] Finances [18:32] The Video Blueprint Method [21:24] Selling Workshops [37:14] How the Content Market Changes [38:47] AI Content [47:56] Connect with Evans [48:21] Outro   Quotes "People who pay, pay attention." — Ryan Koral "What you want to sell is the results." — Ryan Koral "Get to the heart of the story, get to the soul of the brand, and then start thinking about how you roll it out into other content." — Ryan Koral "It's the worst it's gonna be right now—but the challenge is always, are you a good storyteller?" — Ryan Koral (on AI video) "The only thing stopping me is me, not them." — Evans Wilson Guest Links Find Zenith Creative onlineFollow Evans Wilson on 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
• 491. The Pricing Trap That's Quietly Killing Your Business with Zack Thompson 25.05.2026 43min

  In this episode, I sit down with Zack Thompson, co-founder of Bumpy Road Productions, for a live coaching session on pricing, packaging, and positioning. Zack's growing a sketch comedy series offer for brands, and we dig into why his current price points are leaving serious money on the table. If you've ever struggled to charge what your work is actually worth, this one's for you. Key Takeaways Your base package needs to be profitable on its own—don't price the entry tier hoping clients upgrade to your premium offer Charge for value, not crew size; a one-person shoot and a five-person shoot shouldn't be a $2K difference One specific, numbers-driven testimonial from a recognizable client is worth more than a hundred generic "they're great" reviews Build three simple packages with clear differentiation in scope and cadence rather than stuffing everything into the top tier About Zack Thompson Zack Thompson is the co-founder of Bumpy Road Productions. Majored in Film at Rochester Institute of Technology, then worked in outdoor documentary television for 5 years. Now he runs his own production company with his brother Jake. Recently completed a feature-length sports documentary, "Northmen Way, A Lacrosse Story". With Bumpy Road they have done all forms of client video work, specializing in comedy-driven video. Quotes "I'm done in the days of throwing a low ball price just to get a job and then kicking myself afterwards." — Zack Thompson "When you start to talk about the potential value, it becomes way easier to justify spending fill in the blank." — Ryan Koral "Just be careful on how you build those packages—make the base one that if you only ever sold it, you'd be all set." — Ryan Koral Guest Links Follow @bumpyroadproductions on Instagram and 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 Join the Studio Sherpas newsletter
• 490. Why Your Story Is the Strategy with Lynn Friesth 18.05.2026 39min

  Lynn Friesth spent 41 years at John Deere before stepping into what he calls an "encore career" — and now he helps other retiring professionals do the same. In this conversation, we dig into why story is the most underrated strategy in any business, how to draw real moments out of people who don't think they have a story, and the surprising market opportunity for filmmakers willing to serve the 65-and-older crowd. Plus, Lynn shares why "not done yet" might be the most powerful mindset shift you can make at any age. Key Takeaways Your story isn't just nice-to-have content — it's the thing that makes clients choose you over everyone else with similar skills Polished doesn't beat real anymore; the unscripted moments are what actually connect with viewers Retiring professionals are a massive, underserved market for filmmakers — they have the wisdom, the budget, and the need Testimonial videos from past colleagues and clients are way more believable than anything you could say about yourself About Lynn Friesth Lynn coached high-achieving executives 55+ to reinvent their identity, leverage their expertise, and create meaningful income—without getting lost in the noise of endless options. With his unique Human Wisdom + AI Toolkit approach, powered by LynnAI, they combine your hard-earned experience with the leverage of modern tools—helping you design an Encore Career that's both impactful and sustainable. Results he helped clients achieve: Turn decades of corporate leadership into a thriving advisory business Replace a corporate salary with a flexible, meaningful consulting practice Launch a personal brand that attracted clients in under 6 weeks In This Episode   [00:00] Welcome to the show! [05:08] Meet Lynn Friesth [09:35] The Five Stages of Manhood [18:04] Don't Overcomplicate Things [18:59] Being Real [24:34] Ask Questions [33:40] Lynn AI [35:47] Lynn's Book [36:57] Connect with Lynn [38:47] Outro   Quotes "Don't just drift into your encore life. Get started and design what you want to do. Don't drift, just design." - Lynn Friesth  "Your story is what's gonna make you different than the person next to you. Your story is gonna be the thing that's gonna make people want to work with you or not." - Ryan Koral  "I always tried to have a really tight script and follow it. But then I found out the most views I got were a couple of podcasts where I just riffed and stumbled over words and wasn't very polished at all — but I was real." - Lynn Friesth "Often high achievers want to talk about what should I be doing, when in fact what they really need to find out is who do I want to be." - Lynn Friesth Guest Links Check out Lynn's Website  Not sure what's next after corporate life? Meet Lynn AI — Lynn's virtual coaching assistant. He'll help you find your purpose, build your brand, and create a life of impact.  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
• 489. The Hidden Hours That Are Killing Your Profit with Derick Fischer 11.05.2026 36min

  In this episode, I sat down with filmmaker Derick Fischer of Fishbowl Media for a live, no-script coaching session. After getting laid off from his corporate TV gig last November, Derick is officially making the leap from side hustle to full-time business owner—and he was honest about the messy middle of that transition. We unpacked his pricing, the systems he's missing, and the specific tools he can plug in this week to start filling his pipeline. Key Takeaways Your hourly rate is probably a fantasy until you track every hour. Music searches, call sheets, revisions—those "little" tasks add up to thousands of dollars in unpaid time per project. Cold outreach still works, but it shouldn't be manual anymore. Tools like BotDog and Perplexity can build your prospect list and start conversations while you're focused on shoots and edits. Lead with a low-ticket offer, not a video package. Free virtual tours, paid workshops, or strategy sessions get clients in the door before you ever pitch the bigger project. A weekly sales block on your calendar is non-negotiable. Without it, you're back on the roller coaster the second a big project wraps. In This Episode [00:00] Welcome to the show! [05:16] Meet Derick Fischer [07:49] Coaching Session [10:01] Biggest Frustration in the Business [12:08] With the End In Mind [17:20] Evaluating Cost In Jobs [20:52] Perplexity AI [24:36] Botdog AI [30:30] Having Systems In Place [35:21] Connect with Derick [35:57] Outro Quotes "If those costs are not being passed over to a client, you're giving away your time and you're giving away $1,500 worth of your skills." — Ryan Koral "You will forever be on the roller coaster, trying to find new client after new client, but without a system in place, you're just making life a lot harder for yourself." — Ryan Koral "Find the things that can run in the background, especially as a solopreneur, when you are the one responsible for everything." — 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  
• 488. Stop Pitching and Start Proving Your Worth with Park Howell 04.05.2026 34min

  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
• 487. Stop Writing Your Own Tagline and Do This Instead 27.04.2026 31min

  In this solo episode, Ryan pulls two real hot seats from a recent mastermind call and unpacks the patterns behind them—outbound efforts that lead to ghosting, and messaging so vague even the owner's mom can't explain what they do. He also shares why he's writing a book this year, the AI stack he's using to buy back time, and the client-interview exercise that turns your favorite customers into your copywriters. Key Takeaways  Discovery calls aren't pitch calls. Your job is to ask enough questions that they practically sell themselves on video—not to rattle off your packages and hope something sticks. Your clients already wrote your tagline. Interview the people who keep coming back, capture their exact language, and let that become your marketing message instead of trying to invent one in a vacuum. Niche expertise lets you skip the 20 questions. Once you know the top pain points in a vertical, you can name them before the prospect does—and that's when they say, "it's like you're reading my mail." Record every sales call. An AI notetaker gives you a searchable archive of what clients actually care about, and most video business owners still aren't doing this. In This Episode [00:00] Welcome to the show! [09:30] AI Softwares [12:19] Ryan's Book [23:17] Understanding Clients Pain-Points [26:56] A Strong Elevator Pitch [29:53] AI Recorders [30:21] Outro  Quotes "Your vibe draws your tribe. When you speak and share the things you care about, it's gonna resonate with certain people—and it's gonna not resonate with others. That's what you want." — Ryan Koral "They're ghosting you because they never reached out. They didn't have a problem, they were saying would be solved by video." — Ryan Koral "Your clients, your favorite clients—they should be able to tell you exactly why they keep coming back. Use that in your marketing message." — Ryan Koral "The more you let them articulate what their pain points are, the easier it is to serve them in the long run." — 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
• 486. The Filmmaker Who Built a New Model for Indie Film with Daren Smith 20.04.2026 53min

  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
• 485. The Untapped Niche Filmmakers Are Sleeping On With Quynh Nguyen, Jessie Chu and Sara Kim 13.04.2026 1h 1min

  Quynh Nguyen, Jessie Chu, and Sara Kim are paper flower artists, educators, and co-founders of a mastermind built specifically for creative makers. In this episode, they share why story — not just skill — is what separates thriving artists from those who stay invisible. We also dig into why the creative maker market is a surprisingly powerful niche for video professionals to explore, and what it really takes to just start showing up on camera. Key Takeaways Sharing your story isn't optional — your audience is already guessing what your brand is about, so you might as well tell them yourself. The creative maker market (paper artists, ceramicists, makers of all kinds) produces inherently beautiful visuals and is actively looking for videographers who get them. You don't learn until you launch — waiting for the perfect setup or the perfect script just delays the growth that only comes from doing. A mastermind works best when the leaders model vulnerability first — that's what gives members permission to open up and be honest about their struggles. About Quynh, Jessie, Sara Three artists. Two countries. One mission: to build a thriving, honest, and supportive community for paper flower artists around the world. Together they bring backgrounds in law, music performance, culinary arts, marketing and logistics. They are proof that creative entrepreneurs come from everywhere. Paper Talk was born in 2017 when Quynh and Jessie could not find a community of crepe paper flower artists online and decided to build one themselves. What started as a Facebook group became a global community of makers, a podcast with 250,000 downloads, three published books, a YouTube channel with 73,500 subscribers, and brand partnerships with some of the most recognizable names in the creative industry. None of that happened without video. In This Episode [00:00:00] Welcome to the show! [00:05:29] Meet Quynh, Jessie, and Sara [00:17:42] Utilizing Pinterest [00:24:03] Creative Maker Market [00:39:19] Newsletters [00:46:53] Mastermind Groups [00:58:56] Connect with Quynh, Jessie, and Sara [01:00:04] Outro Quotes "If you don't put your foot out there and say, 'This is my story, this is my brand' — they might miss the mark, and you're missing your targeted audience." — Quynh Nguyen "What you see versus what your audience sees are two different things. Being able to tell them why you're doing this — that's what stands out." — Jessie Chu "Your ideal clients need you to show up for them. If you're holding back by not showing up on video, you're holding back the thing you're made to do." — Ryan Koral "My first video is so cringy to watch — but I don't take it down, because without that first video, I wouldn't be where I am now." — Sara Kim "In the last 10 weeks of sharing my real story — vulnerable, personal stuff — I've gotten more comments, DMs, and people stopping me in public than in the last two years combined." — Ryan Koral Guest Links Find Quynh Nguyen (Pink & Posey) online - Website | @pinkandposey on socials Find Jessie Chu (Crafted to Bloom) online - Website | @jessie.choo on socials Find Sara Kim online (Handmade by Sara) - @handmadebysakim on socials Explore Paper Talk 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 Join the Studio Sherpas newsletter
• 484. You Don't Learn Until You Launch 06.04.2026 32min

  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  
• 483. How to Get Clients Without Chasing Anyone with Alex Yu 30.03.2026 49min

  Alex Yu is a real estate team leader and coach out of Orange County, California who's spent 21+ years learning what it really means to serve the right people — not just more people. In this conversation, Alex and Ryan get into the surprising parallels between real estate and the video business, particularly around audience clarity, the danger of copying other people's content strategies, and why being authentically yourself online is actually your biggest competitive advantage. It's a refreshingly honest conversation from someone who's made the expensive mistakes so you don't have to. Key Takeaways "Everyone is my client" is a trap. If you're trying to speak to everyone, you're resonating with no one. Getting specific about who you serve — and why — is what makes your content and your marketing actually work. Copying someone else's strategy is like copying a copy of a copy. Alex's analogy of a house key that gets worse with each duplicate is spot on: by the time you're doing a watered-down version of what worked for someone else in a different market, it's barely opening any doors for you. 100 targeted views can outperform 100,000 random ones. If you only need 10 new clients, the math on "going viral" doesn't add up — what you actually need is the right 100 people watching, not the largest possible audience. Video builds trust while you sleep. Alex makes the case that video lets you pre-qualify (and disqualify) potential clients before they ever book a call — saving you hours and shortening the sales cycle with the people who do reach out. About Alex Yu Alex Yu is a real estate team leader and coach based in Orange County, California, with over 45 years of roots in the area and a background that includes managing bank-owned assets for JP Morgan Chase during the 2008 financial crisis. These days, he leads a lean, high-performing team — proving that fewer, better people beats a big headcount every time. Alex is passionate about helping business owners get clear on who they serve, build cultures worth showing up for, and use video to grow their brand authentically. In This Episode [00:00] Welcome to the show! [04:23] Meet Alex Yu [06:19] More Than Just a Lead [13:12] Having the Right Team [16:04] Hiring and Firing [21:25] Good Work Culture [26:44] Being Your Authentic Self [38:07] Benefits of Being On Video [48:27] Connect with Alex [48:51] Outro  Quotes "When they're called leads, and they're called transactions, and they're called deals, that kind of diminishes what the life change is. And I think that's actually the biggest mistake I see." — Alex Yu "If you have a house key and you make a copy of it, the second copy is not so good. The third copy based on the second copy is worse. Pretty soon you're so far removed that it doesn't even open the doors you want anymore." — Alex Yu "There's a third of people that are going to work with you no matter what — they love you. There's a third that don't like your face, your voice, whatever — they'll never work with you. And then there's another 33% that just don't know you yet." — Alex Yu "Video can be an amazing time saver. People watch your brand video, they get to know you, they decide whether or not you're somebody they want to work with — and if they save you the time of not booking a discovery call, that's the ROI." — Ryan Koral "It's not always about income. It's about figuring out what is important to you and then doing more of it — and knowing at the end of the day that the income is going to be part of this." — Alex Yu Guest Links Find Alex Yu online Follow Alex Yu on 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    
• 482. Why You're Afraid to Charge More with Brian Bogert 23.03.2026 53min

  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  
• 481. Build a Leaner Business That Actually Makes Money with Bill Grant 16.03.2026 53min

  Bill Grant is a partner and creative director at As Told By, a production company out of Columbia, South Carolina. After 20+ years in the industry—starting in weddings and grinding through social media retainers—he landed on something that actually works: long-form storytelling for nonprofits, built around a framework that helps clients use their videos and actually raise money with them. He also shares how he transitioned from a full W-2 team to a lean contractor model, and how his studio is quietly becoming a podcast production hub. Key Takeaways The "Blueprint Framework" — Bill's system for making sure nonprofit clients get real ROI from their videos: get it in all the foundational places (YouTube, LinkedIn, website, email signature), show it in person as often as possible, and actually analyze the results Retainer-heavy social media work can feel productive but often burns clients out — long-form, emotionally-driven storytelling tends to create far more lasting impact and return business Transitioning from W-2 employees to contractors gave Bill more flexibility and surprisingly better working relationships with his former employees Podcast studio rentals starting at $350–$500 per session can at minimum cover your rent — and at best, become a serious revenue center if you add production services on top. About Bill Grant Bill Grant, Partner and Creative Director for As Told By, is passionate about helping nonprofits tell their story through effective marketing and video production. For roughly 19 years, Bill has led the way in helping the philanthropy efforts of organizations throughout South Carolina by highlighting the impact they have on real people of the Midlands. Bill is talented in uncovering the stories that make a connection and weaving them into video content to create an emotional attachment to the mission of every organization that he works with at As Told By. He is always thinking outside of the box for ways to inspire action. He also operates As Told By Studio in Columbia producing podcasts for clients as well as the As Told By You Podcast. In This Episode [00:00] Welcome to the show! [06:55] Meet Bill Grant [14:11] The Blueprint [18:25] Helping Clients Use Their Videos [37:57] Social Media Marketing [41:09] Employees And Contract Workers [43:59] Ways To Use Studio Space [51:37] Connect with Bill [52:53] Outro Quotes "You don't lose until you quit." — Bill Grant "Our focus is to make something that they love. They can't be OK with it. It can't be satisfactory. They've got to love it." — Bill Grant "Even if they know how to do it, they don't always do it. So to have that nudge—just caring for them—makes sure they get out of it what they want." — Bill Grant "My relationship with ex-employees is so much better than it was when they were employees." — Bill Grant "The overthinking is what pauses you. This idea right here is worth $2,500 at minimum—just take these words and say them to a client." — Ryan Koral Guest Links Follow Bill Grant on Instagram | Facebook  Check out As Told By You 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 Join the Studio Sherpas newsletter  
• 480. From Underpricing to Profitable Systems with Jeremy Vest 09.03.2026 55min

  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
• 479. The ADHD Entrepreneur's Guide with Skye Waterson 02.03.2026 49min

  Skye Waterson joins the show to talk about something that hits home for a lot of creatives—why we start everything but finish nothing. She breaks down the connection between ADHD symptoms and creative entrepreneurship, shares her game-changing filter for deciding what actually deserves your attention, and explains why having fewer goals will get you further faster. This one's packed with practical systems that'll help you work with your brain instead of constantly fighting against it. Key Takeaways About 30% of creative entrepreneurs show ADHD symptoms—and most don't even realize it's affecting how they run their business The Filter Framework helps you ask three critical questions before taking on any new project: Does this move my business forward? Can I do this sustainably? Will this create momentum? Having 20 goals for the year means you're building a house of cards that'll collapse the moment something shifts—focus on one domino at a time instead Deep work sessions are most effective when you focus on completing ONE thing across multiple sessions rather than spreading your attention across three different projects each week About Skye Waterson Skye Waterson is the founder of Unconventional Organisation, an international support service for professionals with ADHD. Diagnosed during her PhD after repeated burnout, she's built a business that helps entrepreneurs and executives with ADHD (or suspected ADHD) build sustainable systems, scale their companies, and actually enjoy the process. Her approach is science-backed, realistic, and built around how ADHD brains actually work. In This Episode   [00:00] Welcome to the show! [05:05] Meet Skye Waterson [07:46] Classic ADHD Symptoms [12:28] ADHD And Dopamine [21:27] Brain Dump [24:53] How To Prioritize [45:17] Stop Doing The Hard Way [47:15] Connect with Skye [48:18] Outro   Quotes "I would recommend that you stop trying to just do it the hard way because you feel like you should because if everyone else can do it, you can do it." - Skye Waterson "You probably are working at capacity right now. You need a new system, not just more stuff to do." - Skye Waterson Guest Links Follow Skye Waterson on Instagram Visit Skye Waterson's Website and 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 Join the Studio Sherpas newsletter
• 478. The Art Of Decoding Facial Features with Brian Galke 23.02.2026 43min

  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
• 477. Use AI to Save 20 Hours a Week with Jonathan Mast 16.02.2026 52min

  Jonathan Mast (the White Beard AI Guy) breaks down how video professionals can use AI to handle the administrative grunt work that's eating up their time—without sacrificing quality or creativity. He shares his proven strategies for creating consistent content, automating client onboarding, and using AI as a creative partner instead of a replacement. If you've been overwhelmed by AI or skeptical about how it fits into your business, this conversation will change your perspective. Key Takeaways Start with operations, not creativity – Use AI to handle scheduling, client communications, and admin tasks before trying to use it for creative work. These "boring" tasks are where you'll see immediate time savings. The Q&A content strategy – Record simple videos answering common client questions. You already know the answers, so there's no need for scripts or elaborate setups. Batch record them in an hour and you've got weeks of content. AI as your creative partner – Think of AI tools as amplifiers of your creativity, not replacements. Let them handle the tedious parts of editing, graphics, and client onboarding so you can focus on what you do best. Don't chase every new tool – Check in every 60-90 days on what's new in AI for video, but don't jump on every shiny object. Focus on tools that integrate with what you're already using. About Jonathan Mast Jonathan Mast stands at the forefront of AI prompting mastery, empowering businesses and entrepreneurs to leverage artificial intelligence for measurable growth. Since 1995, he has blended marketing expertise with cutting-edge technology, and over the past few years has emerged as a leading authority on practical AI implementation. With an engaged audience of nearly 600,000 AI enthusiasts and entrepreneurs (450,000+ in his active Facebook group and 100,000+ email subscribers), Jonathan is a trusted voice making complex AI concepts approachable and immediately applicable. His Perfect Prompting Framework teaches businesses how to effectively communicate with AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini to achieve exceptional results. As the founder of White Beard Strategies, Jonathan focuses on helping businesses and their teams leverage AI to save time, increase profits, and deliver more value to their audiences. His philosophy emphasizes AI as a tool that amplifies skill and experience rather than replacing human creativity and judgment. Jonathan's dynamic speaking style breaks down complex AI concepts into actionable steps that audiences can implement immediately. His international speaking engagements across North America, Asia, and Australia are packed with practical takeaways, and his 100+ podcast appearances demonstrate his ability to connect with and educate diverse audiences. In This Episode [00:00] Welcome to the show! [04:37] Meet Jonathan Mast [05:42] AI Marketing [17:27] AI Note Taking [21:53] Wispr Flow [26:29] Answering Questions Through AI [29:33] Why Posting Matters [30:57] Video Made Easy [44:22] Saving Time In Your Business [49:21] Connect with Jonathan [51:17] Outro   Quotes "AI gives you time. It gives you space. It gives you margin and that margin lets you be the creative that you truly want to be." – Jonathan Mast "We're literally in that stage of technology right now where if you're in a business and you're not using AI, I really believe you're going to find yourself in a very bad spot within 18 months." – Jonathan Mast "If you were going to start using AI, start with your operations, start with the things you just wish somebody else would do." – Jonathan Mast "You could literally take one wasted hour a week and turn it into answering some simple questions that you already know the answers to." – Jonathan Mast "Let AI amplify your creativity. You guys have such amazing creativity but sometimes we get so bogged down in the day-to-day running our business that we can't be the creative we want." – Jonathan Mast Guest Links Connect with Jonathan Mast - https://jonathanmast.com/linktree Search "White Beard AI" to find Jonathan's content across platforms 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
• 476. Define Success Your Way with Elisa Trentham 09.02.2026 47min

  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
• 475. 5 Billion Views: What Rob Clark Knows About Social Media 02.02.2026 56min

  Rob Clark from That Tall Family has generated over 5 billion views on social media, and in this episode, he breaks down exactly what it takes to get attention in 2025. We talk about why most video businesses are posting the wrong way, how to create content that actually converts, and the game-changing mindset shift you need to stop chasing clients and start attracting them. If you've been struggling to grow your audience or wondering if social media even matters for your production business, this conversation will change how you think about content creation. Key Takeaways Attention is the new currency. If you don't have people's attention, you don't have a business. Rob's entire philosophy centers around earning attention first, then converting it into clients and revenue. The 20% rule for creators. Dedicate at least 20% of your work week to building your own brand and creating content for yourself—not just for clients. This investment pays off by letting you charge more, attract better clients, and prove you actually know what you're doing. Stop overthinking your content. The biggest mistake video businesses make is waiting until everything's perfect. Rob creates content daily because he knows consistency beats perfection every single time. Your expertise means nothing without proof. Would you hire a personal trainer who's out of shape? Same goes for social media. If you're telling clients they need video content but you're not creating your own, you're losing credibility (and clients). About Rob Clark Rob Clark is the creator behind That Tall Family, the viral family brand with over 4 billion views and 4 million followers across TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook. After years of trial, error, and breakthrough moments, Rob mastered the art of creating content that not only gets attention but also builds community and drives business growth. Today, he's known as a Viral Video Social Media Coach, teaching creators, brands, and business owners how to grow faster by understanding what actually makes videos take off. Rob helps people simplify their content strategy, leverage data, and show up authentically online—without burning out or guessing what works. His story from small-town beginnings to leading a global-reach brand makes him a powerful voice for anyone trying to build something meaningful with a camera, creativity, and consistency. In This Episode [00:00] Welcome to the show! [04:11] Meet Rob Clark [12:47] We Overcomplicate Social Media [17:27] You've Got To Ship It [23:53] Defined Expectations With Clients [25:19] Promoting Your Work [38:43] Getting Clients Through Socials [40:02] Create Once, Post Everywhere [46:24] Addressing The Pain Point [48:58] Lead By Example [53:56] Connect with Rob [56:01] Outro Quotes "If you don't have attention, then you have nothing." -Rob Clark "I'm putting just as much time building the Rob Clark brand as I am working for clients. I'm starting to believe that's the biggest difference between going from good to great—that investment in yourself." -Rob Clark "If you put 20% into doing your own brand, you're gonna be able to charge 50% more for clients because you're gonna get more opportunities, you're gonna be able to jack up your prices, and you're gonna create better quality content." -Rob Clark Guest Links Building a full course package that will be live next month at 4BillionViews.com  Checkout That Tall Family Website Follow Rob Clark on LinkedIn | 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 Join the Studio Sherpas newsletter
• 474. Why I Hire My Competitors with Paige Burns 26.01.2026 47min

  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
• 473. AI Tools That Sell Without the Sleaze with Molly Mahoney 19.01.2026 52min

  Molly Mahoney drops serious knowledge about using AI to amplify your creative business instead of fearing it. She walks through how she built an interactive tool that generated 130 sales in three days, ran a Facebook auction that hit $30K in eight minutes, and why helping others succeed is the secret to growing your own business. If you've been wondering how to actually use AI in your video business without feeling like a sellout, this one's for you. Key Takeaways AI should amplify your creativity, not replace it—use these tools to handle the repetitive stuff so you have more time for actual creative work. Interactive tools create "activation offers" that give clients quick wins and naturally lead them to need your higher-level services. Agentic systems can automate your entire client journey by connecting different AI tools and apps together (tools like MindPal and Base44 make this accessible). Authenticity indicators (your mistakes and stumbles) build more trust than perfectly polished content ever will. About Molly Mahoney Molly Mahoney is a digital marketing strategist, keynote speaker, and former NYC performer who helps entrepreneurs blend AI-powered marketing with authentic human connection. With viral videos hitting over 39 million views and features in Forbes and Inc., she's known for turning complex tech into simple, profitable strategies. She launched her business The Prepared Performer in 2013… and has since helped thousands of people to show up more powerfully, turning their message into a revenue generating movement. In 2021, Molly launched the world's first AI-focused content membership (2 years before chatGPT hit the scene). She's the author of Choose Confidence, Finding My Awesome, and the new Ai playbook, Ai-ify™ Your Business. She believes your "weird" is your superpower – and that the more fun you have, the more money you make! In This Episode [00:00] Welcome to the show! [04:12] Meet Molly Mahoney [15:45] Backstory Research With AI [19:04] Figuring Out Your Niche [23:47] Your Weird Is Your Superpower [29:49] The Quesadilla of Awesome [41:14] AI Tools [44:21] Sora Prompt Templates [47:18] Agentic System [49:21] Connect with Molly [51:39] Outro Quotes "Rather than asking yourself, what can I do to help grow my business, take a step back and look at what can I do to help other people to succeed." - Molly Mahoney "When you trip up over your words, don't edit it out, leave it there, it's an authenticity indicator." - Molly Mahoney "The most important thing that you can do is to figure out who you are as a human being and let your freak flag fly." - Molly Mahoney "I could see a lot of video creators being like, oh no, this is gonna hurt my business... But what I decided to do rather than being like, how am I gonna use this to grow my business... I went and created a tool to help other people succeed." - Molly Mahoney "If you create a software tool that helps people to get better results with video, they're only gonna get so far. And then they're gonna get to the point where they're like, I need help." - Molly Mahoney Guest Links Follow Molly Mahoney on Instagram | Facebook  Check out Molly Mahoney's WebsiteGet Molly's free Ideal Client Avatar Generator HERE Links Get Instant Pricing Clarity 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