Tag: business

  • Custom Quotes vs. Packages: Which is Right for Your Business?

    Custom Quotes vs. Packages: Which is Right for Your Business?

    In the early days of my entrepreneurial journey, I offered predefined service bundles for weddings and events through my video production company. As a seasoned video producer, I eagerly awaited responses from potential clients after presenting them with these packages. However, I often encountered ‘crickets’(silence):-). This pattern gradually diminished when I discovered that clients preferred personalized quotes tailored to their unique requirements, leading to a shift in my approach to better accommodate their desires.

    A screenshot of sample packages

    Currently, I offer exclusively tailored service packages designed for recurring needs that share common specifications. This approach stems from my observation that potential clients within my specialty in media tend to have meticulous and discerning preferences.

    To streamline communication, I present them with a selection of pre-priced options, allowing them to make a choice that aligns with their financial plan. Should they desire additional features beyond their selected package, an extra charge will be applicable.

    This brings us to the question on which between custom quotes and service packages is right for your business? To begin with, lets first delve into why the two are necessary in any business.

    How Much Do You Charge For Your Services?

    This is a common question that service-oriented business owners get asked by potential clients a lot. If this question is new to you, you may find yourself responding without fully grasping the client’s requirements. It’s crucial to understand the underlying needs behind the inquiry to provide a satisfactory and comprehensive answer.

    Many new clients who ask this question do not really know in detail what they really want. For example, someone may specify in their request that they want drone footage incorporated into their video not knowing that this will cost them extra money.

    The first thing that you do when a client reaches out to you enquiring about the services you offer is to interrogate them properly so that you understand what they really need. Are they familiar with the service you are providing? Do they have a brief or terms of reference of what they want delivered to them?

    Once you know the type of client you are dealing with, you are able to easily decide whether to send them a custom quote or your rate card. Some clients requirements do not require rate cards, they require custom quotes.

    With this said, lets now look at the pros and cons of each item.

    Service Packages and Custom Quotes Pros and Cons

    Packages Pricing/Rate CardCustom Quotes
    Only works for some services.Works well for all the services you provide.
    Ideal for recurring events with similar deliverables e.g. wedding, photography e.t.c Popular for request with clearly outlined requirements and deliverables.
    Can save one time they could have spent preparing a quote. You are not limited on the amount you charge. You can charge whatever amount you want.
    You leave it to the client to make a choice. Only serious clients will follow up on it. Ideal for requests by companies and government entities.
    You are in control. You only deliver what you have outlined in the package. No more no less. You deliver what the client wants.
    Your rate card/ Packages may be cheaper to some clients making you to loose them. Can send different quotes to different clients based on your evaluation of their requirements.
    Needs revisions over time based on demand. It requires time to draft one and its not guaranteed your client will accept it.
    Table comparing the pros and cons of of packages and custom quotes

    In the business world, there are diverse strategies for setting service prices. Some individuals find it straightforward to provide custom quotes, tailoring prices to each client’s needs.

    Others prefer the simplicity and transparency of a fixed rate card, detailing their service fees, which suits their business model effectively. Both methods have their merits and cater to different preferences and operational styles.

    The variety of services you provide may warrant the inclusion of both options. This approach ensures that you’re well-equipped to handle any inquiries that come your way, utilizing the most suitable option for each situation. I hope you have found this article helpful.

    You can always reach out to me for a quote on video production services here. I can help you out on that line.

    Up until next time bye bye and take care.

    Follow me on social media @cheptionymutai.

  • Video Marketing: 5 Creative Video Ideas for Your Business

    Video Marketing: 5 Creative Video Ideas for Your Business

    Today, YouTube stands as a dominant search engine, with TikTok and Instagram also serving as significant platforms. The extensive user base and high search traffic make video an unparalleled marketing medium. Regardless of the industry, leveraging video is now a critical strategy for promoting products in the digital marketplace.
    The initial step can often be the most challenging. Many hesitate to produce original content due to a fear of failure, while some delay due to the expenses associated with video production.

    However, are these concerns sufficient to prevent someone from utilizing video content as a marketing tool for their business? It’s important to note that platforms like YouTube and other social media networks offer free content publishing opportunities.

    In this article, I will share with you 5 types of content that you can create about your business for very small initial investments. Remember that you can create more effective content when you hire a professional content developer to help you. I highly recommend this based on my long term experience in the media business.

    Why Hire A Professional Content producer Yet You Can Do Everything?

    Many people underestimate the ‘creative process’ and ends up wanting to do everything from preproduction to postproduction alone in order to cut costs. When starting, you can go this path if you don’t have money to hire an extra hand to help. But if you have small budget that you can spare to hire someone to help you with shooting the video and editing, you better do so from the beginning and retain that person for as long as you are working on video marketing content. This way, you will have enough time to brainstorm on ideas for your next video. Selling is a craft. We sell everyday. We sell value. Without a well thought and organized process in video marketing, you will have rough time selling despite creating high quality video content. With this said, lets now talk about the type of videos you can create about your business.

    Talking Head Videos

    Videos featuring a ‘talking head’ are highly effective for narrative purposes. In this style, the individual on screen (you) is captured in a medium shot, close-up, or long shot while addressing the camera. This approach is frequently employed in news segments, particularly during speeches or expert interviews. In the realm of video marketing, the presenter may opt to either recite a pre-written script or spontaneously narrate a story related to the topic at hand.

    This is very ideal when starting to work on content for your business. Irrespective of if you are using a camera or phone to record the video, make sure that the audio is clear. Invest in a good lapel microphone.

    Also, if you hire a professional to help, it will be cheaper since all the equipment’s they will be using will be yours. So, in this case, you are hiring labor and professional guide since the same person will be working on editing the video.

    Crafting your inaugural video narrative with care ensures a seamless flow that captivates your audience. Introducing your business starts with introducing the person behind it – you. When viewers connect with the founder’s story, it fosters a deeper trust and engagement with the brand. Smile and let your passion shine through; it’s the first step to building a loyal community around your business.

    Drama/Comedy Videos

    Drama and comedy videos are very popular niches today online. Did you know that you can use drama and comedy to market your business?

    Let’s take a local mechanic who runs a bustling motor repair shop. This savvy fixer-upper can craft tales or reenact customer encounters right in the heart of their workshop. They’re not just about wrenches and oil stains; they’ve got a treasure trove of side-splitting anecdotes from under the hood. And while they’re sharing these comedic gems, they can cleverly weave in their shop’s name and whereabouts, ensuring their garage becomes the talk of the town.

    As their garage gains recognition, an increasing number of customers will seek out their services. Producing this kind of video content may initially require a significant investment, including hiring actors and a producer. However, the enduring benefits of regularly creating such content can be substantial.

    Video Tutorials

    We have 3 types of video tutorials namely; Screencast video tutorials, camera recorded video tutorials and animated video tutorials. Video tutorials can be produced for any kind of business. You just choose the type of video tutorial ideal for your business.

    Screencast tutorials capture a phone or computer’s screen activity to demonstrate the use of websites, applications, or software. These instructional videos are particularly beneficial for vendors promoting software-related products, providing a visual and practical guide for potential users.

    Tutorials captured on camera provide visual guidance for utilizing hardware or tangible products, such as computer parts. For instance, they can demonstrate the process of upgrading your computer by installing additional memory.

    Animated tutorials are videos that show how things work using character animations.

    Tutorial videos serve as an excellent educational tool, providing step-by-step guidance on various tasks. They are particularly effective because they demonstrate the process visually, making it easier for viewers to learn and retain information.

    To maximize the impact of your tutorial video, it’s beneficial to conclude with a compelling call to action that ties in with your business, offering a solution to the issue addressed in the video. This not only reinforces the lesson but also connects the viewer with your services, which can address their specific needs.

    Creating a single video won’t suffice if you’re aiming for impactful results; consistent video content is key to maintaining relevance. Should you find yourself uncertain about segmenting one video into multiple engaging pieces, seeking guidance from a video marketing expert could be greatly beneficial.

    AI Assisted Videos

    AI-assisted videos are productions crafted with the support of artificial intelligence, where every step of the creation is overseen by humans. This involves utilizing AI to develop scripts that resonate with your specific market. Following script completion, an AI-powered text-to-speech tool lends its voice for the narration.

    From here you can either generate image and videos using AI software or you can purchase royalty free photos and videos online. There are many websites online today offering free photos and videos that anyone can use.

    Creating videos can be surprisingly simple yet challenging, as it requires vigilance. Artificial Intelligence utilizes pre-existing content to craft new information. Hence, it’s essential to shape your content around a unique concept of your own.

    Documentary/Feature Stories

    Documentaries serve as a powerful medium for marketing products and services. They are particularly effective when you’re providing a service that impacts numerous individuals or narrates the transformation over a certain period. To communicate your message effectively, utilizing a documentary format can be the most compelling approach.

    While documentary is deemed expensive, you may want to consider it if you you want to achieve the results you are looking for.

    There’s no need for a frequent video production schedule. Consider creating a video monthly, every quarter, twice a year, or even yearly. A compelling narrative can significantly accelerate the achievement of your objectives.

    Conclusion

    In the realm of marketing videos, a plethora of styles and concepts await your exploration. Initiating the process is often the most daunting hurdle. Begin with a single approach and gauge its effectiveness. Should it fall short, don’t hesitate to switch gears and experiment with alternative methods until you discover the perfect fit for your vision.

    Are you seeking assistance with any aspect of production, such as videography, video editing, or directing? I’m here to offer my expertise. To get in touch, please click here. Expect a reply from me within a few hours.

    And that’s it.

    Up until next time, bye bye and take care. Follow me on all social media networks @cheptionymutai.

  • Investing in Kenya As a Foreigner – Important Information You Need To Have Firsthand

    Investing in Kenya as Foreigner

    FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA

    X – www.x.com/cheptiony

    Linkedin- www.linkedin.com/in/cheptionymutai

    Youtube: www.youtube.com/@cheptionymutai

    Thanks for watching the video.

  • The Freelancer’s Guide To Building A Sustainable Business In 2024: 2 Key Strategies

    If you are a freelancer, you have some benefits that can help you create a lasting online business, unlike someone who has a regular job. For example, freelancers can decide their own schedule. They work when they want. This gives them the opportunity to take care of their businesses.
    For someone who has a fixed employer, their main concern when it comes to work is pleasing their boss. The boss sets the hours they have to work.

    Video – Escape The Freelance Hamster Wheel – Build Your Own Business

    This means that as a freelancer in 2024, you have a better chance of success if you start a business now. That’s why in this blogpost, I will share with you 2 strategies to build a thriving business as a freelancer.

    Use Your Skills from Freelance Sites To Build a Niche Business

    Launching your own business is exciting, but the initial uncertainty can be daunting. Freelancing platforms offer a springboard, a dynamic testing ground to discover your entrepreneurial calling. As you complete diverse projects, pay close attention to the tasks that spark joy and expertise. Is it web design that gets your creative juices flowing? Or do you find analyzing data deeply satisfying? Recognizing these inclinations is your first step.

    Next, use the platform’s search engine and project listings to delve deeper. What specific niches within your chosen field are in high demand? Are there recurring project types you excel at? This intel is invaluable. By analyzing your strengths and aligning them with market needs, you’ll uncover a lucrative niche – your sweet spot.

    Remember, freelancing is a stepping stone. Once you’ve identified your niche, leverage the platform’s network and reputation to build your own portfolio and client base. Create a dedicated website showcasing your expertise and target specific clientele. Don’t underestimate the power of testimonials and positive reviews from platform clients – they add social proof and credibility.

    As your independent business flourishes, gracefully transition away from the platform, taking your established client base and honed skills with you. Remember, the platform was a stepping stone, not a destination. By using it strategically, you’ve transformed from a freelancer to a business owner, ready to conquer your chosen niche. So, step onto the platform, explore, experiment, and discover your true entrepreneurial potential. The path to your dream business might just begin with a well-placed click.

    Be The Go To Expert in Your Local Area

    Your local community can be a breeding ground for entrepreneurial dreams. Starting as a local freelancer allows you to tap into existing networks and build authority within a specific niche. Imagine yourself as a freelance writing whiz, sought after for crafting compelling website copy for local businesses.

    The beauty lies in starting small. Attend local networking events, connect with business owners, and showcase your expertise. Offer initial consultations at reduced rates to demonstrate your value. Word-of-mouth recommendations travel fast in a close-knit community, quickly establishing you as the go-to expert.

    As you garner clients, resist the urge to stay stagnant. Use that income to invest in building your business presence. Develop a professional website highlighting your services and testimonials. Partner with local graphic designers for a brand identity that resonates with your community. Consider offering workshops or speaking engagements to further solidify your expertise.

    Remember, every satisfied client is a potential walking advertisement. Deliver exceptional service, exceed expectations, and nurture genuine relationships. Soon, your local freelance work won’t just be an income stream – it will be the foundation of a thriving, community-rooted business. You’ll be the name on everyone’s lips, not just a freelancer, but the local expert everyone trusts.

    Conclusion

    While the initial glow of freelancing is undeniable, its very flexibility can become a double-edged sword. The constant hustle for projects, the feast-or-famine cycles, and the blurred lines between work and life can be addictive, yet ultimately trap you in a cycle of tasks without building something bigger.

    Owning a business, however, liberates you from this treadmill. It shifts the focus from simply “doing” to “building.” You chart the course, set the vision, and create a structure that fosters growth and impact. Instead of being solely tethered to client demands, you’re empowered to say “yes” to the projects that align with your long-term goals, shaping your business into the embodiment of your passion.

    Sure, the responsibility is greater, but so is the reward. It’s the difference between renting a swanky apartment and designing your dream home. The latter, while demanding effort, grants you ownership, freedom, and the satisfaction of creating something truly your own. So, step off the freelance hamster wheel and embrace the liberating power of building a business. It’s where you truly discover your entrepreneurial potential and leave a lasting mark on your community, and maybe even the world.

    If you are looking for help with content creation, let me know by reaching out to me here. I will help you out.

    Follow me on x @cheptionymutai.

  • The Best Time to Hire a Video Producer or Production Company for Your Business or Brand

    Many business owners fear to approach and engage a video producer or a video production company to help them produce their marketing videos. Why? Most of them think that they are very expensive. But is that true? To some extend yes. Video production is not cheap. There are a lot of things that one needs to factor in like equipment’s, labor, administration, logistics and the frequency of the production.

    What every video producer or video production company is looking at when approached by a brand or business is, the sustainability of the project. How often will you need the services of a video producer? What is your long term projection when it comes to producing video content? What is your objective?

    Watch Video – When to hire a video producer

    A one time video production project is more expensive than a long term contract. The producer and production company needs you to give them regular business so that they can learn more about your business and improve on their craft. Jumping from one producer to the other thinking you are saving on costs will in the end become very expensive.

    With this said, its imperative to have a budget of how much you are willing to spend every week or month depending on how often you want the videos produced for your business. Before you consider a budget for a video producer, here are things you need to look at first.

    Is Your Business or Brand Making Money

    Video production service will come in as a new expense to your business. That is why it is important to first invest money in customer acquisition before introducing video as one of your marketing tool. In todays competitive online market space, one needs to regularly produce videos in order to rank well in search engines. It doesn’t matter how much you spend to produce the videos, the search algorithm will rank each of them differently.

    Having video as one of your marketing tool will cost you money. If you don’t plan well, you will burn out along the way because the results you were expecting from the videos failed to materialize quickly.

    Secondly, the capital you had set aside to facilitate video production may be depleted before you see any results. And if the producer did his job well on your idea, you will be left alone wondering what went wrong.

    No producer will be happy to work with a client who always complains when they are issued with invoice. Fix your accounts first then consider approaching a producer to help.

    When You Are Busy And Have No Time to Shoot Content

    Most people do everything in their business. From preparing quotes, writing proposals, offering the actual services, making presentations, shooting videos, editing the videos, publishing the videos online e.t.c. That’s not a problem if you are starting up. Once you start getting clients, it is good to get a producer to help with video production.

    Every step of a production needs creativity. If you do everything yourself, your creativity will be compromised especially in the production and post production stage. I mean, why would you do the shooting and editing yourself yet you can pay a video producer who specializes on the same to do the job?. Use your money to ease yourself from video production tasks so that you can focus on your business.

    Again, when you are busy because your business is growing, consider approaching a producer or production company to take over the video production. At the end, everyone will enjoy.

    I hope this is helpful. Video producers like myself enjoy working with progressive brands or businesses. That is why I am encouraging you to first prioritize activities that will make you money. Ask yourself, Is video necessary now? If it is necessary, then get in touch so that we can discuss on your objectives and the amount you are willing to spend.

    I like when brands, businesses or companies consider video as part of their marketing strategy. When they prosper, I with my team prosper too.

    Are you ready to start using video services in your business? Let me know here. I will be open to discuss your long term plan. Lets grow together.

    And that it from me here. Until next time, bye bye and take care.

    Follow me on social media using the links below.

  • Freelancing Or Business? Which Of The Two Should You Invest Most of Your Time And Money In

    Freelancing and business share a lot in common. That’s why many people are capable of tackling both of them at a go. But which of the two should one invest more of their time in?

    On this blogpost, I will try to demystify the strengths and weaknesses of each one of them so that you see where you need to invest most of your energy in online.

    All the information I am going to share with you here is based on my experience freelancing on different freelancing platforms and running a video production business based in Nairobi Kenya.

    First, I will start with the common things that freelancing and business share in common.

    Common Things That Freelancers And Business People/Entrepreneurs Share

    low section of man against sky
    Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com
    1. Freedom To Make Choices – Freelancers and business people have freedom to make their choices. They choose when to work, what to work on, where to work, when to go for vacation e.t.c.
    2. Can Propose or Set Their Rates – When a client or prospect shares details of what they want done, freelancers or entrepreneurs can propose how much they will charge for their services. If the client agrees to it, they can set up a contract based on what has been agreed upon. This is the beauty of being either a freelancer or an entrepreneur.
    3. Unlimited Earnings – Freelancers and business people are capable of making a lot of money based on the amount of contracts they win. More contracts means more money.
    4. Can Work Anywhere – While a business person needs a permanent business establishment/location/offices for for them to operate, individuals who own online businesses offering services can work anywhere. This is the same case with freelancers, they can work anywhere.
    5. Can Partner In Projects– Freelancers and business people can collaborate together very well in business dealings. In many scenarios, the business owner is usually the employer while the freelancer is the contractor.

    With this said, it exists important things that differentiates freelancing and business.

    Difference Between Freelancing And Business

    FreelancerNOBusiness Person/Entrepreneur
    You are limited on the who to contact for business. Most freelancers rely on invitations for interview and bidding on job posts on a freelancing platform.1Depends on your aggressiveness to look for business. You are free to identify and contact as many prospects as you can.
    A freelancers is governed by a freelancing platform terms of service. Their profiles are at risk if they break certain rules. 2Businesses are governed by the rules they set by the founders. Clients have the choice of either accepting or rejecting work offered to them.
    Most of the project rates are set by the client. There is little freedom to make choices. 3Business people send quotes based on the clients brief. They are free to quote the amount they want.
    Growth is dependent on your past clients reviews. You have no control of any negative review you receive. 4You have control on the reviews. You can grow depending how knowledgeable you are in a given assignment and not on what other people say about your services.
    The clients you meet or have are yours as long as you remain on a given freelancing platform. You are not allowed to contact them outside the platform. 5The clients who hires you are fully yours. You can communicate freely with them and ask for business.
    If you are hired by many clients on a freelancing platforms, you are not allowed to sub-contract the same work to other freelancers unless you have a freelance agency on the same site. 6You are the boss. You can contract and sub-contract with your set terms and conditions. This is the beauty of owning a business.
    You are exempted from PAYE tax and only required to declare income tax on all your earnings annually. In some countries, income earned from a foreign country is not taxed. 7Your business is governed by the tax laws of your country and you must be compliant to them. Failure to comply may result in your business being closed down.
    The future of your success is at the mercies of the freelancing site you are in. If the site finds any small discrepancies in your account or a client reports your account for no reason, your account will be closed or suspended.8You hold the future of your business as you will grow from the repeat work from same clients. When you do good job, clients will recommend your services.
    Comparison Between freelancing and Business

    As you can see business wins when it comes to a long term investment with high returns. However, its important to point out the roles that freelancing plays when starting up.

    Why Freelancing Is Important When Starting Up An Online Business

    Freelancing plays a major role when starting up an online business. Here is why it might be a good idea to invest your time in freelancing first before launching your online business.

    woman inside booth
    Photo by Quang Nguyen Vinh on Pexels.com
    1. Raise Capital – At the early stages of starting an online business, one needs to invest money into building a system in form of a website. You can raise capital to build your online business offering freelance service online. The rule to this is; Don’t be carried away by the freelancing jobs to a point you forget about establishing your online business.
    2. Identify a niche Within Your Skills– Freelancing platforms is the home for different skillsets. If you succeed freelancing in a given niche, it’s a pointer that there is demand for that service and others that are trending on a given freelancing platform in the same niche. This way, you can position your services in the online market place with a lot of confidence.
    3. Income To Sustain Yourself – Before you start earning from your business, you need money for upkeep. This is the money that you can easily earn offering freelancing services.

    And that is it from me. I hope this article was helpful to you.

    Should people invest more of their time offering freelance services or doing business?

    Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

    And if you are looking for professional video production services, you can request a quote for free on Techtube Video Studio website. You will get a response within 12 hours.

    Until next time, bye bye and take care.

    Follow me on twitter @cheptiony.