In this episode:

• Smart Delegation Philosophy: Embrace unconventional thinking to thrive in changing times.

• Hyper-specialised outsourcing: Smart delegation isn't about cost-cutting but leveraging world-class expertise to elevate your business.

• Fractional Experts: Discover the power of bringing in fractional roles like CFOs, CMOs, and systems experts to transform your business without bloating your team.

• Tony Stark's Transformation: How Iron Man moved beyond doing everything himself, learning to trust his team, build scalable systems, and mentor the next generation.

• Smart vs. Basic Delegation: It's not about offloading tasks; it's about creating repeatable, high-quality systems. Learn the difference between subbing out tasks and genuinely leveraging external expertise.

• Building Independence: Move beyond transactional relationships. Equip your business with the knowledge and skills to generate leads, close sales, and sustainably scale.

Ready to step into your true role as a creative leader and build something smarter, stronger, and sustainable?

Learn more about Ryan Spanger's coaching programs at: www.ryanspanger.com/coaching.

What if the smartest move in your business right now is to stop doing what makes sense?

This episode picks up where the last one left off: the conversation on Innovation. But we’re taking it somewhere deeper. Stranger. More personal.

It starts with a random moment from my past. A memory that came out of nowhere but suddenly made everything clearer. A reminder that the real breakthroughs often come from doing the thing no one else is doing. Trusting the idea that feels weird but somehow right.

If the last episode got you thinking about how to shake things up, this one will show you what that actually looks and feels like.

Listen now. And when the going gets weird... maybe it’s time to go pro.

For coaching that helps video production business owners build a business on their terms, visit ryanspanger.com.

What if the biggest threat to your video production business was also your greatest opportunity?

In this episode, we explore the second pillar of the Iron Man Model: Innovation. But not the Silicon Valley version. We're talking about grounded, practical shifts in how you work. Changes that make your business more agile, efficient, and enjoyable.

You’ll hear stories of what happens when people cling to the old way of doing things, and the surprising rewards that come from letting go of outdated dreams.

We’ll unpack how innovation really works in a creative business. What it looks like in your systems, your gear, your mindset. You’ll learn how to start asking better questions, experiment more, and embrace change without losing what makes your work great.

Whether you're running a busy production company or still building your freelance business, this episode is an invitation to rethink your assumptions, streamline your process, and evolve.

If you’ve ever caught yourself thinking, “That’s just how we do it,” this episode will help you break free.

If you want help applying this kind of innovative thinking to your business, visit ryanspanger.com to learn about my coaching program for video production business owners.

Some of my most rewarding client relationships started with jobs so small, I almost said no.

In this Shortcuts episode, I share the story of how those simple beginnings led to years of ongoing collaboration and trust. And I introduce a mindset that helped make it possible.

I call it the 10 Year Frame. It's a way of approaching early-stage clients that can completely shift how you think about sales, service, and retention.

In this episode:

• Why long-term relationships often begin in unexpected ways

• How to build trust early without trying to force it

• What to do when a job feels too small or not ideal

🎧 Listen now and consider what could change if you treated every new client like you’d be working with them for the next decade.

———

💬 Want to grow your video production business with more clarity and consistency? Learn about coaching at ryanspanger.com

Most people are either hyping AI to sell you something, or warning that it’s about to end your career. But what if there’s a more grounded, useful way to think about it?

In this episode, I introduce the first pillar of the Iron Man Model for video production business owners: AI. Not as a gimmick. Not as a threat. But as a powerful tool that, when used wisely, can make your business leaner, faster, and more profitable.

We’ll talk about how to use AI to travel light, increase your creative output, and build a system that supports you, instead of the other way around. I’ll also share how I’ve been training AI to think and work more like me, and how you can do the same.

This isn’t about hype. It’s about practical, thoughtful steps you can take right now.

If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by all the noise around AI, this episode will help you cut through it.

Mentioned in this episode:

• The Iron Man Model for video businesses

• Ueli Steck and the alpine climbing metaphor

• Why most AI predictions are wrong

• How to train AI to become your second brain

• Specific tools and use cases for AI in video production

If you run a video production company and want help applying these ideas to your own business, check out my coaching. You'll find everything you need there. No sales calls, just clear info and real support.

Ryanspanger.com/coaching

Welcome to the very first Short Cuts episode. These quick, focused sessions will drop at the end of each week to leave you with one big idea to reflect on, question, or put into action.

This week, I want to talk about a story that comes up often in the video production industry. You’ve probably heard it. You might have even told it yourself.

But what if that story is holding you back more than you realise?
What if the thing you see as a threat is actually something else entirely?

In this short episode, I’ll challenge a common industry narrative and offer a different lens to see it through. One that might change the way you think about competition, creativity, and your own place in the game.

Connect with Ryan Spanger: www.ryanspanger.com
Coaching for Video Business Owners: www.ryanspanger.com/coaching
Dream Engine Video Production: www.dreamengine.com.au

Most superheroes were born with powers or had them thrust upon them.
But Iron Man? He built his own.

In this episode of The Business of Video Production Podcast, I explore why Tony Stark is the perfect metaphor for video production business owners.

You don’t need to wait to be chosen or build a big team to succeed. You can create your own 'suit' by using systems, tools, AI, and innovation to amplify your power, stay lean, and create more freedom.

I break down what I call the Iron Man Model, including:

• Why AI can be your thinking partner, not just a tool for automation

• How outsourcing and offshoring help you stay focused on high-value work

• Setting up marketing systems that work while you are busy with clients

• Innovating your workflow, services, and offers to stay ahead of the curve

• And the most important part of all: your own personal transformation

I also challenge the traditional business advice around scaling, adding staff, and chasing revenue milestones. Because sometimes what looks like growth actually builds a cage.

If you have ever felt like your business owns you instead of the other way around, this episode is for you.

Links & Resources:
🎧 Episode 16 – The Perfect Model for a Production Company
🔗 Learn about coaching with me: ryanspanger.com
💬 Connect with me on LinkedIn: Ryan Spanger on LinkedIn

Before you master the tactics and strategies of building a thriving video production business, there's something deeper you need to look at: your relationship with ambition.

In this episode, I explore why ambition is one of the most misunderstood and underused forces for creative business owners. Many of us were taught to tone it down, play small, or not reach too high. Over time, those messages can create an inner resistance to going after what we truly want.

But here's the thing. You can't build a remarkable business if you're holding yourself back.

We’ll explore:

• Why ambition is not the same as greed

• How childhood messages and cultural conditioning may be limiting you

• The hidden shame that can come with wanting "too much"

• How to reconnect with a healthy, natural sense of drive

• Why ambition is essential for resilience and growth in your business

Whether you're running a lean solo operation or leading a growing team, you need access to that inner fire. The creative fuel that drives bold decisions, consistent action, and real success.

This is a foundational conversation for any video business owner who is ready to stop playing small and start reaching their full potential.

If you’ve ever downplayed your ambition to feel safe or accepted, this episode is for you.

🎧 Listen now and reconnect with the energy that will move your business forward.

—
Want coaching support to unlock your ambition and grow your business with confidence?
Visit ryanspanger.com to learn more.

While I'm taking a short 4-week break from releasing new episodes, I am bringing back some listener favourites. Today’s rerun is a powerful one: Sales for Non-Salesy Video Producers.

In this episode, I share how "non-salesy" video producers, the ones who do not feel like natural salespeople, can actually become some of the most effective and trusted at selling their services.

You will hear about:

• Why being authentic is your biggest sales advantage

• How to build a sales process that feels natural instead of forced

• The power of educating and empowering clients rather than convincing or pressuring them

• A personal story about winning a client by simply being honest and direct

• Why a strong marketing flywheel makes sales easier and removes desperation from the process

If you have ever felt uncomfortable selling, or if you want to sell in a way that aligns with your values and personality, this episode is for you.

Thank you for listening while I'm on a short break. I will be back with brand-new episodes soon.

🎧 If you missed it, make sure also to check out Episode 5: Developing an Authentic Sales Process for Videographers. It's the perfect companion to today’s topic.

After 25 years in the industry, I’ve refined a video production business model that is profitable, sustainable, and aligned with how I want to live and work. In this episode, I break it down so you can consider whether parts of it might work for you too.

We cover:

• Why I prefer working directly with businesses instead of through agencies

• The types of video services I offer and why I don’t niche too narrowly

• My sweet spot when it comes to project budgets

• The ideal team structure for agility and profit

• Office setups that keep overheads low and flexibility high

• Why I avoid owning a studio and what I do instead

I’ll also share practical questions to help you design your own business model: one that supports your goals, lifestyle, and income targets.

If you're ready to build a video production business that actually works for you, this episode is a great place to start.

Visit ryanspanger.com/coaching to learn more about working together.