Category:

  • Overwhelmed By Work Requests? It\’s time to Consider Hiring Others to Help you Out

    If you do a good job, you will probably get results which means more money. That \’more money\’ part is very exciting to many. But if you are not careful, it may completely ruin your business. Money is good. It\’s thrilling when you know you are getting paid to do what you love. 
    Often, most Freelancers and online entrepreneurs get overwhelmed by work demand to a point where they forget about serving their customers well. If you have more than 2 projects at hand that requires the same attention to detail, consider assigning it to someone else to help you out. Hiring someone else with the same skills as yours from sites like Upwork will not only help you complete the projects faster with less effort, but you will also rest assured that the project is being taken care of.  Here are my few approaches to hiring a fellow freelancer online; 

    Accept That You Will Not Be a Freelancer All Your Life

    Don\’t let praises from your clients for a good job keep you from thinking bigger. Everyone of us will like to own an enterprise one day and quit their \’doing it themselves\’. When you get more work from your clients and referrals than you can handle it yourself, appreciate and accept that you are growing and you need some help. It\’s all about mindset change. You just need to accept the challenge to grow.

    Use The Freelancing Sites that You Are Familiar With

    Hiring another freelancer from a freelancing site that you have worked in is easy as you already know the terms. For instance, if you freelance on Upwork, you will not struggle trying to understand how to post a job, sift through freelancers and hire one. As a result, you will be quick to point on one with the right skills since you are already on the same shoes.

    NOTE: Try as much not to say/boast that you are a freelancer in the same field. Its non of the freelancers you want to hire business and may ruin your success in finding the right fit. Most expert freelancers are interested in providing solution to your problem. Stick to that. 

    Narrow Down Your Needs

    Now that you have decided which freelancing site to use, it\’s now time to narrow down your needs. Let\’s say a client wants a video that will require you to incorporate animations, voice over and screen recordings. In this case you will first need to break down this requirement into 4 -Voice over, animation, screen casting, editing and compilation. 

    For, me I will hire someone to do voice and someone else to do animation based on the script. I will then complete the screen-casting and compilation of the three elements. This is fun and exciting for me. 

    In some cases, I will  hire someone else to do editing and animation if have a lot of work at hand. By doing so, I will be making profit at end, at the same time having more time for myself than before. 

    Hire Someone with Portfolio and Clear Communication

    Now, poor communication can ruin day let alone your business especially when you are working on a fixed deadline. Some freelancers are poor when it comes to communication. If you sense this from the first e-mail, cease the communication. It will help you a lot in filtering and finding the right fit. 
    Pick the ones who are able to address your problem in their bid/application. 

    Consider Doing a Paid Test Project if You are Hiring For the First Time

    If you had been a freelancer for a long time and you start hiring, you may be intimidated by the quality others put out. At the same time, you will be scared of the fact that you pricing may not be attractive enough. You should not be. Think outside the box. Let the job sound very easy to do to someone experienced. Most freelancers like to work for clients with clear requirements irrespective of the price. If it\’s a video, you can hire 2-3 freelancers for a test project for $10-20 and ask them to create a 30 seconds video. From there, you can pick the best freelancer with clear communication skills. 

    Conclusion 

    Don\’t let fear hold you back from hiring someone to help you out even if you are a freelancer. You will soon discover that, you are getting more done in less time. Plus, you will have more time to participate in other fun activities. 

    And that’s all from me today.

    Till next time; bye and take care.

    If you need professional help on video, let me know by sending me an e-mail on connect@cheptiony.com

    Follow me on twitter @cheptiony

  • Overwhelmed By Work Requests? It’s time to Consider Hiring Others to Help you Out

    If you do a good job, you will probably get results which means more money. That ‘more money’ part is very exciting to many. But if you are not careful, it may completely ruin your business. Money is good. It\’s thrilling when you know you are getting paid to do what you love. 
    Often, most Freelancers and online entrepreneurs get overwhelmed by work demand to a point where they forget about serving their customers well. If you have more than 2 projects at hand that requires the same attention to detail, consider assigning it to someone else to help you out. Hiring someone else with the same skills as yours from sites like Upwork will not only help you complete the projects faster with less effort, but you will also rest assured that the project is being taken care of.  Here are my few approaches to hiring a fellow freelancer online; 

    Accept That You Will Not Be a Freelancer All Your Life

    Don\’t let praises from your clients for a good job keep you from thinking bigger. Everyone of us will like to own an enterprise one day and quit their ‘doing it themselves’. When you get more work from your clients and referrals than you can handle it yourself, appreciate and accept that you are growing and you need some help. It’s all about mindset change. You just need to accept the challenge to grow.

    Use The Freelancing Sites that You Are Familiar With

    Hiring another freelancer from a freelancing site that you have worked in is easy as you already know the terms. For instance, if you freelance on Upwork, you will not struggle trying to understand how to post a job, sift through freelancers and hire one. As a result, you will be quick to point on one with the right skills since you are already on the same shoes.

    Narrow Down Your Needs

    Now that you have decided which freelancing site to use, it\’s now time to narrow down your needs. Let\’s say a client wants a video that will require you to incorporate animations, voice over and screen recordings. In this case you will first need to break down this requirement into 4 -Voice over, animation, screen casting, editing and compilation. 

    For, me I will hire someone to do voice and someone else to do animation based on the script. I will then complete the screen-casting and compilation of the three elements. This is fun and exciting for me. 

    In some cases, I will  hire someone else to do editing and animation if have a lot of work at hand. By doing so, I will be making profit at end, at the same time having more time for myself than before. 

    Hire Someone with Portfolio and Clear Communication

    Now, poor communication can ruin day let alone your business especially when you are working on a fixed deadline. Some freelancers are poor when it comes to communication. If you sense this from the first e-mail, cease the communication. It will help you a lot in filtering and finding the right fit. 
    Pick the ones who are able to address your problem in their bid/application. 

    Consider Doing a Paid Test Project if You are Hiring For the First Time

    If you had been a freelancer for a long time and you start hiring, you may be intimidated by the quality others put out. At the same time, you will be scared of the fact that you pricing may not be attractive enough. You should not be. Think outside the box. Let the job sound very easy to do to someone experienced. Most freelancers like to work for clients with clear requirements irrespective of the price. If it\’s a video, you can hire 2-3 freelancers for a test project for $10-20 and ask them to create a 30 seconds video. From there, you can pick the best freelancer with clear communication skills. 

    Conclusion 

    Don’t let fear hold you back from hiring someone to help you out even if you are a freelancer. You will soon discover that, you are getting more done in less time. Plus, you will have more time to participate in other fun activities. 

    And that’s all from me today.

    Till next time; bye and take care.

    If you need professional help on video, let me know by sending me an e-mail to here.

    Follow me on twitter @cheptiony

  • Overwhelmed By Work Requests? It\’s time to Consider Hiring Others to Help you Out

    If you do a good job, you will probably get results which means more money. That \’more money\’ part is very exciting to many. But if you are not careful, it may completely ruin your business. Money is good. It\’s thrilling when you know you are getting paid to do what you love. 
    Often, most Freelancers and online entrepreneurs get overwhelmed by work demand to a point where they forget about serving their customers well. If you have more than 2 projects at hand that requires the same attention to detail, consider assigning it to someone else to help you out. Hiring someone else with the same skills as yours from sites like Upwork will not only help you complete the projects faster with less effort, but you will also rest assured that the project is being taken care of.  Here are my few approaches to hiring a fellow freelancer online; 

    Accept That You Will Not Be a Freelancer All Your Life

    Don\’t let praises from your clients for a good job keep you from thinking bigger. Everyone of us will like to own an enterprise one day and quit their \’doing it themselves\’. When you get more work from your clients and referrals than you can handle it yourself, appreciate and accept that you are growing and you need some help. It\’s all about mindset change. You just need to accept the challenge to grow.

    Use The Freelancing Sites that You Are Familiar With

    Hiring another freelancer from a freelancing site that you have worked in is easy as you already know the terms. For instance, if you freelance on Upwork, you will not struggle trying to understand how to post a job, sift through freelancers and hire one. As a result, you will be quick to point on one with the right skills since you are already on the same shoes.

    NOTE: Try as much not to say/boast that you are a freelancer in the same field. Its non of the freelancers you want to hire business and may ruin your success in finding the right fit. Most expert freelancers are interested in providing solution to your problem. Stick to that. 

    Narrow Down Your Needs

    Now that you have decided which freelancing site to use, it\’s now time to narrow down your needs. Let\’s say a client wants a video that will require you to incorporate animations, voice over and screen recordings. In this case you will first need to break down this requirement into 4 -Voice over, animation, screen casting, editing and compilation. 

    For, me I will hire someone to do voice and someone else to do animation based on the script. I will then complete the screen-casting and compilation of the three elements. This is fun and exciting for me. 

    In some cases, I will  hire someone else to do editing and animation if have a lot of work at hand. By doing so, I will be making profit at end, at the same time having more time for myself than before. 

    Hire Someone with Portfolio and Clear Communication

    Now, poor communication can ruin day let alone your business especially when you are working on a fixed deadline. Some freelancers are poor when it comes to communication. If you sense this from the first e-mail, cease the communication. It will help you a lot in filtering and finding the right fit. 
    Pick the ones who are able to address your problem in their bid/application. 

    Consider Doing a Paid Test Project if You are Hiring For the First Time

    If you had been a freelancer for a long time and you start hiring, you may be intimidated by the quality others put out. At the same time, you will be scared of the fact that you pricing may not be attractive enough. You should not be. Think outside the box. Let the job sound very easy to do to someone experienced. Most freelancers like to work for clients with clear requirements irrespective of the price. If it\’s a video, you can hire 2-3 freelancers for a test project for $10-20 and ask them to create a 30 seconds video. From there, you can pick the best freelancer with clear communication skills. 

    Conclusion 

    Don\’t let fear hold you back from hiring someone to help you out even if you are a freelancer. You will soon discover that, you are getting more done in less time. Plus, you will have more time to participate in other fun activities. 

    And that’s all from me today.

    Till next time; bye and take care.

    If you need professional help on video, let me know by sending me an e-mail on connect@cheptiony.com

    Follow me on twitter @cheptiony

  • How to Create a Video from Scratch Using FREE ‘Google’ Images and videos and get Paid For it

    Now, let’s say you meet a client online and he/she has the video script but is clueless on how to visualize script into a self explanatory video. Additionally, the client is not willing to appear on video or is working on a small budget thus can’t pay for a shoot. How will you advise him or her after you have looked at the script? Will you dismiss the client and say you have no idea how to go about it?

    Of-course, as a  creative video editor or producer, you will not. But you will be surprised by the number of freelancers who dismiss jobs like these for the fear of creating something that the client will reject. 

    If you are one of them, this article will be very helpful to you. 

    Now, get this; by the time your prospect arrives into the decision of reaching up to you for help on his/her video project, it means that they value your skills and professionalism.

    Even if you have no clue on how to go about it (based on the script provided);  your must act professional.

    Here are my four steps to working on a project like this with confidence.

    Ask Your Client to Give you Time to Look into the Script

    When you receive an e-mail from a prospect- you get excited – and start imagining payment hitting your account before you even start the job:-). Some freelancers even accept a job without thoroughly analyzing their clients requirements. This is a big problem, and a seasoned client will quickly notice this.

    When  you find yourself in a such situation, be professional, even if you know how to go about the project- don’t rush. This first impression will make you client handle you with respect you deserve.

    Do Your Research and Propose Different Video Presentation Styles

    YouTube is a good video resource with both short and long videos. This is the best reference point for your research. Pick out video styles that you know you will be in a position to produce. Then when getting back to the client, tell him/her that you are able to produce the video. Share the possible presentation styles you found out from your research on youtube.

    Most Videos are Produced Using Animated Clip Arts/Images 

    Depending the script and presentation style the client picks, utilize ‘google search‘ to source free ‘clip arts’ for use in producing the video. At the end of the day, you want a fun to watch video that communicates. Most of these clip arts and images are free. You can modify them on photoshop to suite your clients color and theme. You can also use free no watermark videos.  Read the post on Four Best Websites to Download Free No Watermark HD Videos to Incorporate to Your Video Project and see where to download free videos.

    Close the Deal and Start Working on the Video

    The step above is enough to convince your client that you are able to produce the video. Serious client will ask you the cost of production right away.  This is most exciting part but don’t be excited yet until your client commits-in this case a contract agreement. Charge him/her fairly and do a fantastic job you are proud of.

    So, next time a client contacts you with only a script; pause and do your research first before accepting to work on the project. You will be a surprised on how easy it is to produce the video.

    Till next time, bye, bye and take care. 

    If you need help with either scripting or producing a video from scratch using the script you have, let me know from the contacts us page here. Alternatively you can send me an e-mail to connect@cheptiony.com

    Otherwise, let me know what you think in the comments below. 

    Follow me on twitter @cheptiony 

     

  • How to Create a Video from Scratch Using FREE \’Google\’ Images and videos and get Paid For it

    Now, let\’s say you meet a client online and he/she has the video script but is clueless on how to visualize script into a self explanatory video. Additionally, the client is not willing to appear on video or is working on a small budget thus can\’t pay for a shoot. How will you advise him or her after you have looked at the script? Will you dismiss the client and say you have no idea how to go about it?

    Of-course, as a  creative video editor or producer, you will not. But you will be surprised by the number of freelancers who dismiss jobs like these for the fear of creating something that the client will reject. 

    If you are one of them, this article will be very helpful to you. 

    Now, get this; by the time your prospect arrives into the decision of reaching up to you for help on his/her video project, it means that they value your skills and professionalism.

    Even if you have no clue on how to go about it (based on the script provided);  your must act professional.

    Here are my four steps to working on a project like this with confidence.

    Ask Your Client to Give you Time to Look into the Script

    When you receive an e-mail from a prospect- you get excited – and start imagining payment hitting your account before you even start the job:-). Some freelancers even accept a job without thoroughly analyzing their clients requirements. This is a big problem, and a seasoned client will quickly notice this.

    When  you find yourself in a such situation, be professional, even if you know how to go about the project- don\’t rush. This first impression will make you client handle you with respect you deserve.

    Do Your Research and Propose Different Video Presentation Styles

    YouTube is a good video resource with both short and long videos. This is the best reference point for your research. Pick out video styles that you know you will be in a position to produce. Then when getting back to the client, tell him/her that you are able to produce the video. Share the possible presentation styles you found out from your research on youtube.

    Most Videos are Produced Using Animated Clip Arts/Images 

    Depending the script and presentation style the client picks, utilize \’google search\’ to source free \’clip arts\’ for use in producing the video. At the end of the day, you want a fun to watch video that communicates. Most of these clip arts and images are free. You can modify them on photoshop to suite your clients color and theme. You can also use free no watermark videos.  Read the post on Four Best Websites to Download Free No Watermark HD Videos to Incorporate to Your Video Project and see where to download free videos.

    Close the Deal and Start Working on the Video

    The step above is enough to convince your client that you are able to produce the video. Serious client will ask you the cost of production right away.  This is most exciting part but don\’t be excited yet until your client commits-in this case a contract agreement. Charge him/her fairly and do a fantastic job you are proud of.

    So, next time a client contacts you with only a script; pause and do your research first before accepting to work on the project. You will be a surprised on how easy it is to produce the video.

    Till next time, bye, bye and take care. 

    If you need help with either scripting or producing a video from scratch using the script you have, let me know from the contacts us page here. Alternatively you can send me an e-mail to connect@cheptiony.com

    Otherwise, let me know what you think in the comments below. 

    Follow me on twitter @cheptiony 

     

  • How to Create a Video from Scratch Using FREE ‘Google’ Images and videos and get Paid For it

    Now, let\’s say you meet a client online and he/she has the video script but is clueless on how to visualize script into a self explanatory video. Additionally, the client is not willing to appear on video or is working on a small budget thus can\’t pay for a shoot. How will you advise him or her after you have looked at the script? Will you dismiss the client and say you have no idea how to go about it?

    Of-course, as a  creative video editor or producer, you will not. But you will be surprised by the number of freelancers who dismiss jobs like these for the fear of creating something that the client will reject. 

    If you are one of them, this article will be very helpful to you. 

    Now, get this; by the time your prospect arrives into the decision of reaching up to you for help on his/her video project, it means that they value your skills and professionalism.

    Even if you have no clue on how to go about it (based on the script provided);  your must act professional.

    Here are my four steps to working on a project like this with confidence.

    Ask Your Client to Give you Time to Look into the Script

    When you receive an e-mail from a prospect- you get excited – and start imagining payment hitting your account before you even start the job:-). Some freelancers even accept a job without thoroughly analyzing their clients requirements. This is a big problem, and a seasoned client will quickly notice this.

    When  you find yourself in a such situation, be professional, even if you know how to go about the project- don\’t rush. This first impression will make you client handle you with respect you deserve.

    Do Your Research and Propose Different Video Presentation Styles

    YouTube is a good video resource with both short and long videos. This is the best reference point for your research. Pick out video styles that you know you will be in a position to produce. Then when getting back to the client, tell him/her that you are able to produce the video. Share the possible presentation styles you found out from your research on youtube.

    Most Videos are Produced Using Animated Clip Arts/Images 

    Depending the script and presentation style the client picks, utilize ‘google search‘ to source free \’clip arts\’ for use in producing the video. At the end of the day, you want a fun to watch video that communicates. Most of these clip arts and images are free. You can modify them on photoshop to suite your clients color and theme. You can also use free no watermark videos.  Read the post on Four Best Websites to Download Free No Watermark HD Videos to Incorporate to Your Video Project and see where to download free videos.

    Close the Deal and Start Working on the Video

    The step above is enough to convince your client that you are able to produce the video. Serious client will ask you the cost of production right away.  This is most exciting part but don\’t be excited yet until your client commits-in this case a contract agreement. Charge him/her fairly and do a fantastic job you are proud of.

    So, next time a client contacts you with only a script; pause and do your research first before accepting to work on the project. You will be a surprised on how easy it is to produce the video.

    Till next time, bye, bye and take care. 

    If you need help with either scripting or producing a video from scratch using the script you have, let me know from the contacts us page here. Alternatively you can send me an e-mail here.

    Otherwise, let me know what you think in the comments below. 

    Follow me on twitter @cheptionymutai

     

  • How to Create a Video from Scratch Using FREE \’Google\’ Images and videos and get Paid For it

    Now, let\’s say you meet a client online and he/she has the video script but is clueless on how to visualize script into a self explanatory video. Additionally, the client is not willing to appear on video or is working on a small budget thus can\’t pay for a shoot. How will you advise him or her after you have looked at the script? Will you dismiss the client and say you have no idea how to go about it?

    Of-course, as a  creative video editor or producer, you will not. But you will be surprised by the number of freelancers who dismiss jobs like these for the fear of creating something that the client will reject. 

    If you are one of them, this article will be very helpful to you. 

    Now, get this; by the time your prospect arrives into the decision of reaching up to you for help on his/her video project, it means that they value your skills and professionalism.

    Even if you have no clue on how to go about it (based on the script provided);  your must act professional.

    Here are my four steps to working on a project like this with confidence.

    Ask Your Client to Give you Time to Look into the Script

    When you receive an e-mail from a prospect- you get excited – and start imagining payment hitting your account before you even start the job:-). Some freelancers even accept a job without thoroughly analyzing their clients requirements. This is a big problem, and a seasoned client will quickly notice this.

    When  you find yourself in a such situation, be professional, even if you know how to go about the project- don\’t rush. This first impression will make you client handle you with respect you deserve.

    Do Your Research and Propose Different Video Presentation Styles

    YouTube is a good video resource with both short and long videos. This is the best reference point for your research. Pick out video styles that you know you will be in a position to produce. Then when getting back to the client, tell him/her that you are able to produce the video. Share the possible presentation styles you found out from your research on youtube.

    Most Videos are Produced Using Animated Clip Arts/Images 

    Depending the script and presentation style the client picks, utilize \’google search\’ to source free \’clip arts\’ for use in producing the video. At the end of the day, you want a fun to watch video that communicates. Most of these clip arts and images are free. You can modify them on photoshop to suite your clients color and theme. You can also use free no watermark videos.  Read the post on Four Best Websites to Download Free No Watermark HD Videos to Incorporate to Your Video Project and see where to download free videos.

    Close the Deal and Start Working on the Video

    The step above is enough to convince your client that you are able to produce the video. Serious client will ask you the cost of production right away.  This is most exciting part but don\’t be excited yet until your client commits-in this case a contract agreement. Charge him/her fairly and do a fantastic job you are proud of.

    So, next time a client contacts you with only a script; pause and do your research first before accepting to work on the project. You will be a surprised on how easy it is to produce the video.

    Till next time, bye, bye and take care. 

    If you need help with either scripting or producing a video from scratch using the script you have, let me know from the contacts us page here. Alternatively you can send me an e-mail to connect@cheptiony.com

    Otherwise, let me know what you think in the comments below. 

    Follow me on twitter @cheptiony 

     

  • Is your Client Asking you to Rush a Project/Contract? Hold on, Here is How to Make More From It

    Any freelancer with proven track record will tell you that they regularly get requests from both past and new clients to work on a project within a very short timeline-in fact, it\’s the client who sets the timeline.

    When this happens, the client will offer to pay you more to complete the project. But not all of these clients will mention this when making their request, and if you are naive, you will accept the project and charge them your regular rates.

    As, someone experienced, you should not do this. Instead, you need to negotiate for more. It\’s your time to cash in on your experience. By the client choosing to contact you, it means they trust you and your service.

    Now, how do you start the pitch for more? Well, you need to be a very organised person and smart. Here are a few tips to approach it.

    Base Your Extra Fee on Delivery Timeline 

    If it\’s a client whom you have worked with in the past, they are well aware of your timelines based on your order. For example, if you usually deliver a video within 5 days and your client have placed an order and wants the same in 2 days, then, you should start your negotiations here. Tell them you appreciate the offer. Then now tell them how you work on such orders. 

    Don\’t Sound Like Someone in \’Dry Spell\’

    Not all months are same. I agree. There are some which are good while others are not. Before replying that e-mail request, calm down, sober up and be as professional as you can even if you are free. Your client already know that you are a busy person. Be someone who works on schedule. That way, your client will be like \’Can you pause other projects and do mine first.\’ 

    Give Them a Reasonable Fee for Fast Delivery

    Now, if the client proposes an amount from the start of his/her request, use that to initiate your negotiation. If they don\’t, then give them your price. For a returning client 30-50% is a good extra amount to charge. For a new client. You might have to change your strategy. Say, something like \’\’I usually double the price for fast delivery, but since you are a new client, I will charge you only 50% more. 

    Show Your Client that You Know What You are Doing 

    If you know what you are doing, you will ask your client the right questions. In turn, your client will close the deal fast. The questions you ask will help you collect  the right information you need to complete the project.

    If are not properly organised, or you negotiation strategy is not in order, you client will hesitate to hire you.

    Note that, you client is ready to spend. You only need to give them a reason to.

    And that is it from today.

    If you need professional help on video, let me know by sending me an e-mail on connect@cheptiony.com

    Till next time, bye and take care.

    Follow me on twitter @cheptiony

  • Tips to Ensuring You get Paid For Your Blog for Services After Delivery

    If you give expert advise or opinion on your blog and readers love what you share, they will definitely seek for your expertise or refer you to other people looking for services that you offer. You will always get excited when a client contacts you and wants to hire you for your services. If you are not cautious, you will end up giving out all your services for free or at a throwaway price.

    At end, you will feel sorry for yourself for trusting someone who contacted you remotely and asked for your services of which you provided them in good faith.  

    Some remote clients are heartless and rude. Once they get hold of the service they needed; be it video or voice over, they forget about you. Some will say they didn\’t use it. This is despite you making revisions and iterations based on their request. So, how do you ensure that you get your pay after working on and completing the project with a client you met on your blog?

    Set your terms 

    Your terms should surround your PAY. Before anything else, focus on getting your pay-that\’s the reason you are working with them on the first time. Many freelancers and bloggers fear to talk about pay for the fear of loosing the client. Now, get this from me, crooked clients know this and they maximize on it. They will do everything to ensure that you don\’t ask for any pay upfront. And at the end you loose both your \’fingers and your chips.\’ Now, here is a brief on how I do it. 

    • Understand your clients requirements first – Every job is based on requirements. For example; if a client needs me to edit and produce his/her video, one of the first requirements is the footage and storyboard on how he/she wants it edited. If it\’s video creation, I will first find out what he/she will provide me with for use in creating the video. Once I have all requirements with me I will proceed now to the next stage of telling them the cost. 
    • Give them your rates –Now you have the requirements. You are an expert. It\’s time to give them your rates for the service. I usually give them my rates per minute of production. This will help them decide whether to work with me or not. If they decide to work with me, its a win.But, I don\’t get excited yet until I get paid. 
    • Set timelines –  Encourage your client that you work on timelines. And let him/her set the timeline. This will make them commit as they will be rest assured you will working on the project and delivery will be soon. This is a good place to know if he/she is serious about it or not. 
    • Introduce your mode of payment once the timeline is set – once you have the timeline set, mention that you always want to be paid an upfront of say 50-70%. Give them options to make payment. If they doubt you, advise them to use freelancing sites like Upwork.com.  They can also use escrow.com. Here both parties will be protected via the escrow payment protection system. Don\’t let them convince you to do the job first and get the whole payment later. That\’s an axe from far. Ran away fast. 
    • Decline any work/job without down payment – If the clients starts dilly dallying about paying you after you complete the project, simply say no unless they follow your terms. This is where you will get your first part of the bargain and your confidence on the project will be boosted. 
    • Do the job and ask for the final pay once he/she approves the last draft – Now, many freelancers loose their final pay because they quickly trust the prospect after receiving the first pay and end up give out everything on completing. Don\’t fall into this. Treat everything as business. Give and take. They pay you, you give them the final product. 

    Conclusion 

    With all this said, you will still be tricked into giving out everything without pay because some clients may send the pay as agreed, and when you deliver the service- they reverse the payment before it clears with your bank. At the end, they will stop replying to your messages and e-mails – and you LOOSE your pay.

    If this happens to you, don\’t let it repeat itself. Tighten you terms based on your experience. At the end, you will be smiling all the way to the bank. Moreover, your list of serious clients will be growing spontaneously. 

    And that\’s all from me today.

    Till next time; bye and take care.

    If you need professional help on video, let me know by sending me an e-mail on connect@cheptiony.com

    Follow me on twitter @cheptiony

  • Rank Better on YouTube with Captions or Subtitles

    Most people don\’t take subtitles seriously when working on a videos intended for publishing on Youtube. But did you know that youtube captions or subtitles can increase the chances of your video being found on youtube? Also, did you know that this can increase your chances of getting business especially if you are a freelancer as your prospect will perceive you as more knowledgeable than others? Well, lets dig deeper.

    Case Study

    Go to youtube and search for a video using a keyword, say \’Motivational talks.\’ You will get hundreds of videos from the search results. Now, how do you quickly identify the best one apart from clicking the ones appearing on the top of the search results? Simple, you use search filters.

    When you click on filters, you will find \’subtitles\’ under features. Now this where you know that \’subtitles is one algorithm that youtube uses to filter search results.

    Why this is important 

    Millions and millions of videos are Uploaded to youtube daily. To beat the competition, youtube introduced \’features\’ as part of the search filters to allow regular video creators to stand out in the market place. Subtitles is one of them. Subtitles is often overlooked by most people but widely used by serious and ardent you-tubers.

    Moreover, this filter is used by youtube to rank videos people search on youtube.

    Also, those searching for videos on youtube will pick this feature to narrow down their search and often, they are left with few choices if none.

    This means that all videos without subtitles will be eliminated and explains why many valuable content without subtitles on youtube have few views.

    Why this service is a asset to your business  

    Most freelancers will agree me that at one point in their business, clients have asked them for subtitles after completing a project for them. In most cases, you will find that the client is willing to pay for this additional service. 

    Besides, it makes you stand out as a freelancer you can charge more than others.  

    This is how you grow your freelancing business and stand out from the rest. It will also aid you when explaining the cost that you charge. Some clients will ask you to break down your budget. 

    Now, a seasoned client who invest heavily on video will view you as an expert as he already know the value of subtitles in their video.

    How to create video subtitles 

    Creating video subtitles is easy and anyone can do it. For me, I use Camtasia studio or Youtube. I recommend youtube as you can add subtitles in realtime.

    To add subtitles on youtube, go to youtube and select the video you want to add subtitles and click edit. You will see the subtitles menu there.

    \"\"

    Now you know a loophole that you can utilize on video editing and earn more money.  

    That\’s all from me today. 

    If you need help with video production, please let me know via the contact us page. I will be glad to help. 

    Till next time, bye and take care:-)  

    Also, follow me on twitter @cheptiony