Life has a way of showing you when it’s time to change. At first it whispers. Ignore it for long enough and the message gets louder.

In this episode, I share a story from my own video business about what happens when you hold on to something that’s lost its shine, and the surprising strength that can come from letting go.

So what is your business trying to tell you right now?

What happens when your video business grows beyond what you can handle alone?

In this episode, I share my journey of moving from a one-person operator to leading a team: from hiring freelancers and interns to building an in-house crew. You’ll hear the fears I had about bringing in help, the mistakes I made, and the lessons that reshaped my video production company.

Whether you’re running a solo video business, occasionally bringing in freelancers, or already thinking about your first hire, this conversation will help you decide where to take things next.

If you’re ready to start thinking about growing your video business beyond yourself, this episode will show you where to start.

A new prospect approached me this week with an interesting request. On the surface, it sounded flattering. But when I thought about it, I realised what he was really asking for was something I’ve learned to say no to.

In this episode, I’ll share how I handled it, why I have a firm rule about it, and where I put that energy instead.

The20 - A mastermind for video business owners ready to stop doing it all themselves, and build a real business

Running a video business solo means you’re wearing every hat: shooting, editing, sending proposals, chasing invoices, posting on LinkedIn, taking client calls. Some days it feels manageable. Other days, it’s chaos.

And when it’s just you, it’s tempting to think: “I don’t need systems. I know how I do things.”
I used to believe that too. But here’s what I’ve learned: systems matter just as much for solo operators as they do for bigger teams.

Because systems do two critical things:

• They make your business easier to run right now.

• They prepare you for growth when the time comes.

In this episode, I break down:

• The common trap that keeps solo operators stuck and overwhelmed

• Why systems don’t add complexity, they actually reduce it

• Four reasons systems matter even if you never plan to hire a team

• Five high-impact systems you can start with today: proposals, onboarding, editing, delivery, and client retention

• How shifting from “operator” to “owner” changes the way you run your business

If you’ve been holding off on building systems because you think you’re “too small,” this episode might change your mind.

👉 Learn more about The20 Mastermind for video business owners: ryanspanger.com/the20

What do a pair of too-small boots and an expensive winter jacket have to do with running a video production business?

In this episode, I share two personal stories that reveal a hidden cost many business owners pay without even realising it. We’ll explore how to recognise when it’s time to let go, when it’s time to invest, and how those choices can shape the future of your business.

If you’ve ever stuck with the wrong clients, clung to old ways of working, or hesitated to back yourself when it mattered, this episode is for you.

Every successful video production company has one thing in common: systems. Without them, you stay stuck doing everything yourself, quality slips when you’re busy, and growth stalls. In this episode, Ryan Spanger shows how systems give you consistency, control, and the freedom to build a business that works beyond you.

What You’ll Learn:

• The hidden risks of running without systems
• How to capture your processes without overcomplicating them
• Why systems separate professionals from amateurs

If you’d like support to build the right systems and grow your video production business, visit ryanspanger.com

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This is a throwback to the very first Short Cuts episode: a quick weekly idea to get you thinking, questioning, or acting as you head into the weekend.

In this one, we tackle a story that many video producers tell themselves: “The kid with the gimbal is undercutting me and stealing my work.”

That story can quietly shape how you see your business, and your place in the industry. But what if it’s holding you back more than you realise? And what if there’s a better story to tell yourself instead?

Running a video production business is not only about creativity. It is about building systems that make your business easier to run, deliver a better client experience, and help you grow.

In this episode of The Business of Video Production Podcast, Ryan Spanger shares two of the most valuable systems he has developed in his own company:

• Client Onboarding: how to set expectations, frame the client experience, and lead with permission so projects run smoothly from day one.

• Client Review Sessions: how to gather honest feedback, strengthen relationships, and open the door to repeat business and referrals.

These processes may seem simple, but most production companies skip them. When you implement them consistently, they can completely change how clients feel about working with you.

Ryan also explains why systems are the key to transforming your business. Once you have built them, they support each other and free you up to focus on growth instead of being stuck in chaos.

If you want support to put systems like these into place in your own business, visit ryanspanger.com to learn more about coaching.

In this Business of Video Production Shortcuts episode, I explore how to make prospects feel “half sold” before you even speak to them.

You’ll learn:

• How to create marketing content that builds trust and credibility in advance

• Why case studies, testimonials, and social proof shape buying decisions

• How to enter the conversation already happening in your prospect’s mind

• The key to making a compelling offer without becoming attached to the outcome

If you want more of your prospects coming to you ready to buy, this episode will show you how to make it happen.

If the idea of selling makes you feel awkward or fake, this episode will change how you see the whole process.

You don’t need scripts, pressure tactics, or slick lines to win work. In fact, the most effective salespeople are often the ones who never thought they had what it takes.

In this episode, I’ll share how to sell video production services in a way that feels authentic, honest, and aligned with who you are. You’ll learn how to:

• Build trust without relying on persuasion tricks

• Turn your marketing into your best sales tool

• Keep your pipeline full so you never feel desperate

• Position yourself as an educator and guide instead of a pushy salesperson

If you’ve ever doubted whether you’re “good at sales,” this conversation will flip that belief on its head.

This one is unmissable for every video producer who wants more clients without selling their soul.