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Ryan Spanger runs video production business Dream Engine and is a long time member of James’s community. It’s been mutually beneficial – Ryan’s business is thriving, and James has learned a great deal about video production.
Today, Ryan relates the story of his business success that has unfolded over a decade.
He and James talk about Ryan’s first awareness of online marketing and of the potential for a videography business.
They discuss how a videographer can run a business from home, and Ryan’s recent shift to a coaching role.
And they share the importance of a success mindset and loving what you do.
Table of contents
1. Ryan’s entry into the world of James
2. An event that was a big thing for Ryan
3. What working with James was like
4. The huge role mindset plays
5. When you don’t want to get off the tools
6. Finding out what people want
7. Becoming an expert in video business
8. Tactical versus long-term thinking
9. Where to get qualified help with your videos
Ryan’s entry into the world of James
Ryan first encountered James around 2011, when James guested on the Small Business Big Marketing podcast, discussing the potential of online marketing for businesses. Ryan was drawn to James’s quiet confidence and the possibilities he outlined for business growth through online platforms.
This intrigue led Ryan to attend an event James held in Caloundra – this became Ryan’s initial engagement with James’s world of business.
The Caloundra event was pivotal not only for Ryan but for James as well. At this time, James found himself involved in podcasting, following positive feedback from his spot on Small Business Big Marketing – one of the hosts from the podcast, Tim, invited him to collaborate in what became the Freedom Ocean podcast.
An event that was a big thing for Ryan
The event, styled FastWebFormula3 (FWF3) marked a significant turning point for Ryan, giving him insights into internet marketing and potential directions for his business.
Before the event, Ryan hadn’t been to any such conferences, but his time there was enlightening, filled with inspiring conversations and presentations by industry experts.
One memorable interaction was with presenter Ed O’Keefe, whom he met by chance at the pool and engaged in an hour-long chat about marketing.
Presentations from Mike Rhodes, Jen Sheahan, Alexi Neocleous and other experts exposed Ryan to various facets of online marketing, building his interest and his determination to reshape his business. With his newfound knowledge, Ryan began to envision a clear roadmap for the growth and direction of his company.
What working with James was like
James does remember speaking with Ryan at the event, after which Ryan came on board his coaching program.
Working with James had a significant impact on Ryan’s business.
Ryan’s existing company that was functional and had demand, but there were areas that needed improvement and consistency. James’s program helped him evaluate his business from different angles, particularly regarding staffing.
James helped Ryan overcome his reservations about hiring full-time staff, and in fact got him to hire two people instead of one, to avoid being single-source dependent. This shift proved transformative for Ryan’s business, giving him the space to focus on other aspects of the company.
James remembers Ryan as a determined and systematic implementer who would diligently apply insights from their discussions to improve his business. They tackled various matters, from enhancing SEO to restructuring his website to in-depth mindset discussions about finance and lifestyle.
Ryan appreciates James’s guidance, particularly his ability to instill confidence and encourage action. The chance, too, to discuss challenges and receive feedback was invaluable for Ryan, helping him make pivotal decisions that steered the development of his business.
The huge role mindset plays
Ryan has become very aware of the role mindset plays in business growth, especially in terms of releasing self-imposed limitations and assumptions.
As a video production business owner with a creative background, Ryan grappled with whether his creativity could thrive in a successful business environment. He learned over time to embrace the possibility of business growth and expanding his service reach.
Ryan also highlights the importance of coaching, of the need sometimes for a coach or mentor who believes in one’s potential more than they do themselves.
James affirms the value of mindset by recalling the Johari Window, a tool he discovered in 1995. The Johari Window divides knowledge into four quadrants: known to both coach and student, known only to the person being coached, known to neither, and known to the coach but unknown to his pupil.
The last quadrant is crucial in coaching, says James, as it represents areas where the coach can impart knowledge and insights to the individual. This knowledge, backed by the coach’s confidence, can often ease the individual’s fears and challenges, guiding them towards progress.
Just as a child may draw assurance from a calm and collected parent, an individual can gain confidence from a supportive coach. James saw this pattern in Ryan, who not only accepted guidance but leaned into challenges, showing determination and an adventurous spirit, pushing beyond barriers to tap his full potential.
When you don’t want to get off the tools
James shares an essential lesson he’s learned about people who are highly skilled in their creative field: their biggest fear is often having to step away from their craft, or “getting off the tools”. He suggests they should focus on their area of expertise and let others handle everything else.
James uses his own practice as an example. James shows up for his podcast and answers coaching questions, but outsources tasks such as editing, publishing, bookkeeping, etc.
Ryan agrees with James and shares his experience of the same. Over time, he gradually evolved his business, focusing more on his passion – making films, while delegating other tasks. This approach allowed him to work on projects that he genuinely enjoyed.
Ryan challenges the conventional wisdom of getting completely “off the tools” and argues that it’s essential to stay engaged in the parts of the business that spark joy and passion, especially for creative individuals. Success, he says, about finding balance and doing things on one’s terms.
James adds the concept of the “lottery test”, suggesting that even if someone suddenly became hugely wealthy, they would still engage in their passions. If Ryan, for instance, were to receive an enormous sum of money, he would still be bicycling and making films.
Finding out what people want
It’s important, says James, to understand one’s clients, and to relate to them in ways that are relevant to their interests and passions. By using metaphors from their world, for example, a coach can achieve a stronger connection.
James also seeks to detach people from preconceived notions, goals, or inputs that upbringing and environment have imprinted. He’s about discovering what the client truly wants, and developing a plan based on that.
Ryan speaks of his shift from working in an office to becoming more flexible. Initially, when his children were younger, having a separate office space let him focus more on work. Over time, however, he found himself less eager to be in the office daily.
Ryan struggled with whether it was okay to not be physically present where his team was. COVID-19 ended the dilemma by forcing Ryan into a remote setup, as he and others were no longer allowed to go to the office.
Ryan set up an office in his garden, a space that offers tranquility and control, and is equipped for his video production work. For him, the optimal solution has become a blend of a physical office that he can visit as needed, and a personal office at home.
Becoming an expert in video business
James recounts his positive experiences working with Ryan and how impressed he was with his organization and expertise in video production. As a result, when another videographer sought advice on the business side of video production, James suggested they contact Ryan.
James is happy to learn Ryan has transitioned to coaching others in running a video business.
This was prompted, says Ryan, by industry peers seeking his guidance. He feels that this next stage in his life is a chance to share his wealth of knowledge, continue running his production company, and potentially impact the industry.
James gets much satisfaction from seeing many former students, like Ryan, become coaches themselves and even exceed his expertise, reflecting well on his coaching skills.
Tactical versus long-term thinking
Back when James was a salesperson, he had the experience of being temporary sales manager. It was an eye-opening view into how his peers performed their roles.
Some lacked product knowledge, struggled with accurate pricing, and even missed appointments, which was surprising to James, who had been the top salesperson.
Similarly, he imagines Ryan may encounter unexpected realities when he steps into other production companies.
Ryan was surprised, he says, at how tactical and short-term oriented many people are, often more focused on solving immediate problems than on improving systems. He relates this to his personal fitness journey, where he used to be more concerned with immediate results, but has now shifted focus to long-term benefits like muscle balance, flexibility, and bone strength.
Short-term thinking, says Ryan, is prevalent in the creative industry, where some people are more interested in creating an image of success rather than actual achievement.
It’s core, James says, to stay focused on the long-term, rather than just addressing immediate needs or issues. Long-term thinking can prevent unnecessary drama or emergencies, much like hiding matches from a child to prevent a fire.
Success, he says, isn’t just about dealing with the urgent but about avoiding problems in the first place.
Where to get qualified help with your videos
If you’d like help with your videos, you can reach Ryan at dreamengine.com.au. The website offers a wide range of resources on filmmaking and video, useful for businesses looking to create promotional content, or individuals wanting to learn video production skills.
You might also check out James and Ryan’s past discussions about evolving video creation techniques and platforms for sharing video content.
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