Being a
lover of documentary films, and watching them change over the years, I often
dreamt about shining a light on the issues that were important to me. I’ve wanted to expose corrupt institutions,
show a glimpse of someone’s unique life situation or film edgy shorts for
almost as long as I can remember. I had
the passion, but didn’t know the first thing about starting my own production company
. . . legally. I did tons of research
and decided that, instead of leaping blindly into a profession that I knew
nothing about, I would earn a degree in Digital Cinematography from Full SailUniversity. It was during my first
online class that I really got the sound advice that I needed to get the ball
rolling. I asked my instructor if it was
better to start my company as an LLC (Limited Liabilities Company) or opt for
the bigger Inc. (Incorporated) tag? He
gave me a list of reasons why an LLC was the best choice and I was off and
running from there.
In 2012 I
took the first step and filed the necessary documents, with the help of
LegalZoom, for SheBusy Productions to become a nationally recognized legal
LLC. The next step was to create a
“brand’ for my company and work on advertising.
I was able to buy all of the advertising products that I needed, without
draining my pockets, over at Vistaprint.com.
They offer great products, inexpensive prices and they usually have
phenomenal sales (especially around Black Friday). After advertising products, I created a
Facebook Fan Page and launched the company’s official website. While all of these avenues brought in a
trickle of potential clients, it’s word-of-mouth that brought clients in by the
flood.
Having a
great reputation is almost better than any other form of advertisement. Offering inexpensive, or comparable, pricing
along with great customer service is sure to get tongues wagging about your
business. In the early stages, you may
have to start off doing jobs at a deep discount but great word-of-mouth
advertising will pay off in the end. I
got my professional start filming weddings, church services, special events and
short films. All of these mediums put my
work in the hands of someone who was willing to recommend my company to a friend
or use my services again in the future.
By the time I finally obtained my
degree, I had learned enough to take SheBusy Productions to an all-new level
and how to effectively manage the business aspects of running a successful
company. The education that I received
at Full Sail University was so invaluable that I decided to give it another go
by obtaining my Masters degree in Entertainment Business. I’m preparing for a multimedia “take over”,
an enormously successful production and entertainment company but, most of all,
I’m preparing to “be the change”.
5
Easy Steps to Launching
Your
Own Business
v Research your craft, potential market and industry. Either obtain
a degree or advanced learning to
help you on your way.
v Legal Leg Work: When in doubt, try LegalZoom!
v Advertising:
Create a buzz about your business!
v Social Media: Get regularly involved in social media sites
that are relevant to your business.
v Dive In! If you’re into filming, FILM (almost) EVERYTHING.
If you’re into music production, PRODUCE (almost) EVERYTHING! If it goes against your morals, personal
beliefs or is in just poor taste of character, it’s your business and you can
say NO.
Bonus Tip:
Be sure
to have fun! You should enjoy your passion and your creativity should flow
easily. If you have to force it, then it’s
the wrong fit.
