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In this episode of Creatives Grab Coffee, we sit down with Ryan Spanger, founder of Dream Engine in Melbourne, Australia, to discuss the long game of running a successful video production business. With over 20 years in the industry, Ryan shares insights on scaling a production company, refining marketing strategies, and the importance of building long-term client relationships. We dive into the power of personal branding, leveraging content like LinkedIn and podcasts, and how to navigate networking authentically. If you’re looking to develop a sustainable video business, this episode is packed with practical strategies and inspiration.
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 – Introduction and sponsor shoutouts
02:19 – Welcoming Ryan Spanger from Dream Engine
02:40 – Ryan’s background and the start of Dream Engine
03:16 – Expanding into podcasting and coaching
04:56 – Common mistakes video businesses make
07:01 – The importance of building a structured marketing system
08:47 – The role of self-reflection in business growth
11:02 – Standardizing video services while adapting to different clients
13:47 – Becoming a trusted advisor to clients
16:24 – The challenge of finding proactive leads vs. relying on referrals
17:32 – Targeting negative intent leads: Finding clients who aren’t actively looking for video
19:26 – The power of working with clients who already want video
21:58 – Networking strategies: How to plant seeds for future leads
23:44 – Finding the right communities to network in
26:30 – The “1000 True Fans” concept for building a loyal client base
29:31 – Playing the long game in business and networking
31:27 – The best content strategies for LinkedIn marketing
35:39 – Why quality posts matter more than frequency
36:39 – Experimenting with video content on LinkedIn
38:06 – The process behind Ryan’s podcast and topic selection
40:41 – The structure of Ryan’s solo podcast episodes
43:22 – The creative benefits of routine and rituals
46:39 – Biggest challenges for Lapse Productions: Sales and lead generation
49:14 – Marketing strategies and building an online presence
52:28 – Overcoming the discomfort of self-promotion
55:34 – How confidence and consistency impact branding
58:34 – Avoiding the trap of comparison in the video industry
01:01:44 – The importance of avoiding regret in business
01:02:20 – Closing questions: How Dream Engine got its name and Ryan’s dream project
01:05:13 – Where to find Ryan and Dream Engine online
01:05:46 – Outro and final sponsor mentions
SPONSORS:
Canada Film Equipment: www.CanadaFilmEquipment.com
Audio Process: www.Audioprocess.ca
🎵 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2vHd8BdbkMQITFZmDJ0bo9
🍏 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/creatives-grab-coffee/id1530864140 🎞️
Produced by LAPSE PRODUCTIONS – https://www.lapseproductions.com
To learn more about the show, visit: https://www.creativesgrabcoffee.com/
By Creatives Grab Coffee5
66 ratings
In this episode of Creatives Grab Coffee, we sit down with Ryan Spanger, founder of Dream Engine in Melbourne, Australia, to discuss the long game of running a successful video production business. With over 20 years in the industry, Ryan shares insights on scaling a production company, refining marketing strategies, and the importance of building long-term client relationships. We dive into the power of personal branding, leveraging content like LinkedIn and podcasts, and how to navigate networking authentically. If you’re looking to develop a sustainable video business, this episode is packed with practical strategies and inspiration.
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 – Introduction and sponsor shoutouts
02:19 – Welcoming Ryan Spanger from Dream Engine
02:40 – Ryan’s background and the start of Dream Engine
03:16 – Expanding into podcasting and coaching
04:56 – Common mistakes video businesses make
07:01 – The importance of building a structured marketing system
08:47 – The role of self-reflection in business growth
11:02 – Standardizing video services while adapting to different clients
13:47 – Becoming a trusted advisor to clients
16:24 – The challenge of finding proactive leads vs. relying on referrals
17:32 – Targeting negative intent leads: Finding clients who aren’t actively looking for video
19:26 – The power of working with clients who already want video
21:58 – Networking strategies: How to plant seeds for future leads
23:44 – Finding the right communities to network in
26:30 – The “1000 True Fans” concept for building a loyal client base
29:31 – Playing the long game in business and networking
31:27 – The best content strategies for LinkedIn marketing
35:39 – Why quality posts matter more than frequency
36:39 – Experimenting with video content on LinkedIn
38:06 – The process behind Ryan’s podcast and topic selection
40:41 – The structure of Ryan’s solo podcast episodes
43:22 – The creative benefits of routine and rituals
46:39 – Biggest challenges for Lapse Productions: Sales and lead generation
49:14 – Marketing strategies and building an online presence
52:28 – Overcoming the discomfort of self-promotion
55:34 – How confidence and consistency impact branding
58:34 – Avoiding the trap of comparison in the video industry
01:01:44 – The importance of avoiding regret in business
01:02:20 – Closing questions: How Dream Engine got its name and Ryan’s dream project
01:05:13 – Where to find Ryan and Dream Engine online
01:05:46 – Outro and final sponsor mentions
SPONSORS:
Canada Film Equipment: www.CanadaFilmEquipment.com
Audio Process: www.Audioprocess.ca
🎵 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2vHd8BdbkMQITFZmDJ0bo9
🍏 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/creatives-grab-coffee/id1530864140 🎞️
Produced by LAPSE PRODUCTIONS – https://www.lapseproductions.com
To learn more about the show, visit: https://www.creativesgrabcoffee.com/