Re: What is profitable for your business?

While my business is by no means thriving, I am definitely keeping my head above water and paying myself a decent amount and not killing myself. Here's how I'm doing it.

- Cash reserves....say no more
- Low low overhead
- Realistic amount of billable hours at a rate I can live with. For me, it's an average of 20 hours a week at $90 an hour
- Niche bread and butter. For me it's legal work and industrial training, it's somewhat steady, pays well and doesn't require a lot of thought or effort
- Find markets that NEED WHAT YOU DO. I have been building a steady clientele in the non profit world. Now more than ever, winners in business and in non profits need well thought out marketing material which should include video. If they're not using video in their marketing, they will be left behind. Tell prospective clients this with confidence.
- Low low overhead
- Great customer service and communication
- Give back, you cannot receive without giving something, it's a fact

The most important thing though for me, is I BELIEVE IT, THEREFORE I WILL ACHIEVE IT. I believe with all of my being that my business wiil be successful, rewarding and fun. AND IT IS!!! Our most difficult hurdle to overcome is ourselves. I am by no means a great videographer, photographer, sound designer, editor, or graphics designer. But I can put out a professional looking and sounding product and deliver excellent customer service in a timely fashion. Works for me and I have money in the bank, I sail several times a week, spend time with my family, will be going to California for a week next month, enjoy what I do and who I work with. I couldn't ask for anything more and am extremely grateful for these gifts.

I am also grateful to this forum and especially Walter. In the beginning Walter was very generous in sharing information both one on one and in the forums. He gave me confidence and knowledge. This forum is one of the greatest resources in the business. BTW, did I mention the Low Low Overhead??

Mick Haensler
Higher Ground Media