Company Updates & Video Production Advice

Aspiring Entrepreneurs Can Overcome Setbacks By Utilizing These Strategies

Tue, 16 Apr 2024 22:50:44 GMT

Written By: Derek Goodman

Facing past failures is a formidable obstacle for many aspiring entrepreneurs. The fear of making the same mistakes again can be overwhelming, deterring some from pursuing their entrepreneurial dreams. Yet, with the right mix of resilience, determination, and strategic planning, it's entirely feasible to transcend these hurdles and carve a path to success. In this article, courtesy of Gier Productions, LLC , we will delve into actionable advice designed to lift your business off the ground, addressing key areas such as risk management, innovation, financial strategies, mental outlook, health, legal structuring, and market analysis.

Identifying and Mitigating Risks

Initiate your entrepreneurial quest by evaluating potential risks that could jeopardize your venture. Learning from past missteps and identifying emerging threats will help you formulate a resilient business strategy . Crafting contingency plans for foreseeable risks ensures you're well-prepared to face challenges head-on, boosting your confidence and fortifying your decision-making prowess.

Embracing Innovation

Innovation stands as the cornerstone of any thriving business, setting you apart from the competition and providing unique value to your customers. Keeping pace with industry trends and technological advancements is crucial. Adapting your business model to integrate novel ideas and technologies can significantly enhance your offerings. This flexibility ensures your business remains relevant and competitive, even as the market landscape evolves.

Take Care of Your Credit Score

Maintaining a healthy credit score is essential as it serves as a key indicator of your financial health and responsibility, influencing lenders' decisions on whether to offer you credit and on what terms. A strong credit score can unlock significant benefits, such as lower interest rates on loans and credit cards, which can lead to substantial savings over time. Furthermore, beyond just lending, a good credit score can impact other aspects of your life, including the ability to rent a house, secure lower insurance premiums, and even affect job opportunities, making it crucial to manage your credit wisely.

The Right Tools For Timely Payments

A robust cash flow is vital for the survival and expansion of your startup. Establishing an effective invoicing system is essential to secure prompt payments from your clients. Free invoice templates that offer customizable options can help create professional-looking invoices that reflect your brand's identity. This not only streamlines your cash flow but also underscores your commitment to professionalism and operational efficiency.

Cultivating a Positive Mindset

The mindset with which you approach entrepreneurship can profoundly influence your ability to navigate its inherent ups and downs. Maintaining a positive outlook, focusing on solutions rather than problems, can transform setbacks into valuable learning experiences and milestones towards success. Developing such a resilient mindset is key to overcoming obstacles with confidence and perseverance.

Prioritizing Health

The link between your health and the success of your business cannot be overstated. The demanding nature of entrepreneurship can impact both your physical and mental well-being. Embracing healthy habits —regular exercise, a balanced diet, and sufficient rest—is fundamental. A solid health foundation enhances decision-making, creativity, and endurance, enabling you to meet the rigorous demands of running a business.

Forming an LLC for Asset Protection

Safeguarding your personal assets is a critical consideration when launching your business. Establishing a Limited Liability Company (LLC) offers an efficient means to protect your personal assets from business liabilities. This legal structure creates a separation between personal and business finances, providing peace of mind and allowing you to concentrate on business growth without jeopardizing personal financial security.

Understanding the Market

Thorough market research is indispensable for grasping the needs and preferences of your target audience. Analyzing the market to spot trends, customer behaviors, and unmet needs can guide you in customizing your products or services. This knowledge ensures your offerings resonate with your intended market , distinguishing your business in a crowded marketplace.

Using Video in Marketing

Using video in marketing is crucial as it enhances engagement and retention among consumers, enabling marketers to convey complex messages quickly and effectively. Videos can trigger emotional responses, which significantly boosts the likelihood of viewers remembering the brand and its message. Additionally, the versatility of video content allows it to be spread across various platforms, such as social media, websites, and television, maximizing reach and impact. With the rise of digital consumption, incorporating video into marketing strategies is not only advantageous but essential for staying relevant in today’s market.

Setbacks are merely one component of the entrepreneurial equation, not the finale. Armed with the appropriate strategies and mindset, you can surmount previous failures and erect a flourishing business. Through risk identification and mitigation, fostering innovation, implementing effective invoicing, nurturing a positive mindset, prioritizing health, protecting assets with an LLC, and comprehending the market, you are equipped to realize your entrepreneurial aspirations. Motivate yourself to take that crucial step towards establishing your dream business, confident that with persistence, success is within grasp.

Elevate your brand's story with Gier Productions, LLC, the full-service video/film production and advertising company that crafts impactful videos to increase your sales. Discover how our award-winning documentaries and corporate videos can transform your message into a powerful tool for success. Visit us now at Gier Productions, LLC to see our work.

The Power of Video in Nonprofit Fundraising

Thu, 16 Mar 2023 01:21:20 GMT

It’s no secret that video is an incredibly powerful tool in visual storytelling. Non-profit organizations have been using videos to reach their audiences, engage them emotionally, and raise funds for years. From a 30-second video spot to a full-length feature documentary, there are so many ways for non-profits to use videos to tell their stories and raise the money they need to continue their work.

For starters, videos are great for introducing your non-profit organization to potential donors. Instead of a long description of what you do, a short video can quickly convey your message in an engaging way. You can also use videos to highlight specific programs or projects that need funding. Showing the tangible impact these initiatives have can be incredibly powerful in inspiring people (and getting them to open their wallets).

Finally, there's the power of storytelling. Videos don't just showcase your mission—they put a human face on it. They make the cause more approachable and personal by telling stories about how people benefit from your organization's work. This is especially effective when you pair it with accompanying footage, images, and music that pull on your audience's heartstrings—bringing them into the world of those you're helping, and inspiring them to get involved with your cause. So, if you want to really make an impact with fundraising efforts, consider using videos as part of your strategy!

At Gier Productions, LLC, we take the time needed to create quality videos, that are impactful, and encourage donors to support your cause.

8 Tips to Increase Customers and Profits

michael@gierproductions.com (Michael Gier) — Sat, 26 Feb 2022 22:02:10 GMT

Tip 1: Google places high value on videos making video a must on your website if you want to be found by the search engines and rank high in the search results. Customers also love video because we’re all impatient and we don’t want to have to read through a text heavy website. Customers want videos that concisely explain who you are, what you do, and why you’re their best choice. Putting a Company Overview Video at the top of your home page gives you tremendous advantage.

Tip 2: Next to the Company Overview Video you should have a Free Consultation link they can click on that allows potential customers to make an appointment with you. You want them to watch your video, get excited about potentially working with you, and make an appointment right away for their free consultation.

Tip 3: Your website should have a blog that you regularly add posts to. Google likes educational content on websites and will give you higher ranking in the search results which helps bring in more customers and income. Each blog post should have educational and helpful information.

Tip 4: Produce ongoing video content for your website and YouTube channel are important. These videos should include helpful information for your potential clients and answer FAQ’s. When they’re uploaded to YouTube, each of these videos become an internet marketing tool 24/7.

Tip 5: It’s important to show potential clients your great reviews. If you have video testimonials, then those videos should be on the testimonial page of your website and uploaded to your YouTube channel.

Text testimonials don’t usually mean much because you can write anything whether real or not. Instead, either on your home page or your testimonial page, add text that says something like “Read Our Reviews On” and have the google and yelp review logos on the page that link to your google and yelp review pages. Those pages are trusted because they’re 3rd party review sites.

Tip 6: It’s also important to increase your reviews. Google places a lot of value on reviews and so the more you have the better your search ranking. After you’ve completed the work for each client, send them an email that thanks them for their business and asks if they are “Satisfied” or “Unsatisfied” with your service.

If they click on satisfied it should take them to your Google review page so that they can give a positive review for your company.

If they click unsatisfied then it should take them to a page on your website that has a form asking why they are unsatisfied and how you can help.

Be sure there’s a place for them to add their email or phone number so that you can follow up with them and make them happy, even if it costs you money. An unhappy customer can potentially cost you a lot more money with lost customers if they post a negative review.

Tip 7: Whenever anyone posts a review good or bad, be sure to respond to the review by saying thank you or it was a pleasure helping you or whatever. Something that shows them you’re thankful for them. If it’s a negative review and you have their contact info, reach out to them and solve the problem in hopes they’ll change or delete the bad review. If you don’t have their contact info, then respond to their review on the review platform saying you are sorry they’re not happy and to please contact you so that you can help them resolve the problem.

Tip 8: Another important thing is to increase your social media following. Your website should have social media links to your Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter pages. If you have a LinkedIn business page, then add that as well. Then regularly, have someone on staff post short but helpful educational information on those social media platforms with a link to your website. Be sure it’s great content so that people want to share it. Social media posts should be done daily if possible or at minimum every few days.

Gier Productions can help you with all of this. We can produce your videos and if needed, we’ll create an updated website for your company and keep it updated with all of the latest google requirements for maximum results. Contact us with questions and take advantage of your free consultation so that we can help you grow your business and increase profits.

Healing the Heroes of 9-11

michael@gierproductions.com (Michael Gier) — Fri, 24 Sep 2021 22:31:35 GMT

We are excited about our most recent documentary project called "Healing the Heroes of 9-11" produced by Michael Gier , an award-winning director, producer, and filmmaker.

22Zero.org hired Gier Productions, LLC to produce this film for their nonprofit. The documentary features the stories of five 9-11 First Responders, four of whom were at ground zero and the fifth at the Pentagon. They each discuss the trauma they experienced and how it affected their lives the last twenty years. Then they each go through something called the Trauma Resiliency Protocol (TRP) to see if it can help them with their Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS). After they each experienced TRP, they came back for a second interview to discuss their changes.

All five 1st Responders had life changing positive results including the great sleep they now experience after not sleeping very well for 20 years. John Walker had never been able to get any closer to ground zero than two blocks because it was too painful and he never planned to visit the 9-11 memorial or museum, but after TRP he joined the others and walked through both the memorial and the museum. Bonnie Giebfried said that after 9-11 she only came in to the city when she had to, and when she did she got in and out as fast as possible. After TRP she came into the city and said that she took her time, looked around, and enjoyed the city for the first time in 20 years. These are just a few of the many stories the 1st Responders shared about how TRP changed their lives.

The purpose of the film is to show anyone battling PTS that if 9-11 First Responders who experienced unimaginable trauma and have battled PTS for 20 years can be healed, then anyone can be healed.

Peer to peer support is another important topic of the film. 22Zero.org trains police departments, fire departments, and others on how to use TRP to help each other. Many don’t trust someone behind a desk with initials after their name and who have never experienced what they have. Now with TRP, a police officer can turn to a fellow officer and get the help they need; or fire fighter to fire fighter. This helps 1st Responders all over the country get the help they need so that they can operate at 100%. This potentially saves not only their own lives, but also the lives of those they come in contact with.

22Zero, a nonprofit organization that has helped thousands of military veterans and first responders battling PTS. Dan Jarvis, CEO of 22Zero, is a veteran of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and a retired Deputy Sheriff who battled PTS for many years. Jarvis, who at one time was suicidal discovered life-altering treatments to support his own recovery and is now on a mission to restore the lives and mental health of service members and first responders all over the country.

“PTSD is an injury and it can be healed,” Jarvis says. “Veterans who served in Afghanistan are facing mental health and PTSD issues all over again while watching the current destruction unfold overseas. 22Zero can heal their trauma and help to manage their emotions through our free services.”

The film was released on September 11, 2021 in honor of the 20th anniversary and will be available online at no cost to the viewer. And 22Zero does not charge 1st Responders, Veterans, Active Duty Military or their families for TRP.

Gier’s last award-winning documentary, released March 2021, “Wounded Heroes, " details the many successful treatments available to veterans and first responders without the use of prescription drugs. Wounded Heroes can be seen on Amazon , iTunes , Google Play , VUDU , Vimeo on Demand , YouTube Movies , and more.

Our Film "Wounded Heroes" Wins 2nd Award

michael@gierproductions.com (Michael Gier) — Sat, 29 May 2021 23:50:53 GMT

Wounded Heroes , an award-winning documentary directed/produced by filmmaker Michael Gier and released by Gier Productions, LLC, was a three-year passion project and features successful alternative treatments that give anyone battling PTS their lives back.

The first award that we won was the Honorable Mention award (second place for best documentary film) from the New York Movie Awards film festival. Then in May 2021 the film won the Grand Jury Feature Documentary (first place for best documentary) at the Orlando International Film Festival.

The film not only features successful alternative treatments, but it also features steps for success. Gier says, “First, try the treatment option that’s most appealing to you and then following up with other treatment options because they work well in combination. Second, find likeminded people that have your back; don’t fight this battle alone. Third, it’s vital to find a new mission; a purpose bigger than yourself.”

With the stresses of Covid, civil unrest, a divided country, and everything going on in Afghanistan, it’s time to help people heal. Wounded Heroes is a film that features solutions, not only for Veterans, but also for police officers, firefighters, doctors, nurses, and anyone battling PTS.

Wounded Heroes is available on Amazon, iTunes, Google Play, VUDU, YouTube Movies, Roku, and Vimeo On Demand.

The “Sponsor a Hero" program gives people the opportunity to purchase screenings that are then given to heroes at no cost. It’s a great way for people to pay it forward as a thank you in appreciation for all they do.

Visit WoundedHeroesDocumentary.com to get more details about the Sponsor a Hero program, watch the trailer, film excerpts, press interviews, and more.

Your Competitors Are Using Video, Should You?

Thu, 22 Apr 2021 15:59:13 GMT

Since the dawn of electronic media, businesses have used video to connect with audiences in unique and meaningful ways. Although video has dominated the traditional advertising landscape for decades, video has now become an absolute must for anyone in business.

Just look around. We're all starting to see more of an emphasis in corporate use of online video for marketing, branding and sales. Why has online video taken hold? The simple fact is, it works!

Many years ago, most companies could only afford to use text and photos, either on their website or in emails, to describe their company, service, or product.

In more recent years, however, things have changed and a fundamental shift took place right before our very eyes. The metamorphosis from text/photos based websites to video infused multi-media websites has taken hold and is delivering a more dynamic way for companies to tell their story. By adding video, website owners can now express themselves better and explain their message more clearly and, in the process, reduce confusion while increasing conversion rates!

So why isn’t every company using video? Clearly, there are many reasons but among the most common is a concern that incorporating online video is expensive and offers little return. This couldn't be further from the truth. Although now-a-days video is much more affordable, some businesses just don't think it's important enough to spend the money.

But the fact remains that video tremendously increases conversion rates. Not only that but Google required video on your website if you want to rank high in search results. So the real question business owners need to ask themselves isn't how much video costs, but how much income are they losing by not having video.

The other benefit of video is that you can use it 24/7/365 as an internet marketing tool. When the video is properly optimized, it will show up in the search results when your video relates to their search. This is free advertising and brings customers your way.

5 Things to Consider When Creating Videos

Wed, 24 Mar 2021 15:57:40 GMT

1. Quality is a must. Potential customers will judge you based on the video that represents your company, products and/or services. Anything you have produced to represent your company must be of the highest quality so that it represents the quality of what you offer your customers.

2. If there’s going to be someone on-camera to talk about your company and what it offers, then be sure that they’re comfortable on-camera. It can be the CEO or company employee if they’re comfortable, but many times it’s a better choice to hire a professional spokesperson to represent you and what you offer.

3. Whoever you have represent you on-camera, it’s important that they be the same age and the same type as your target market. If your market is the corporate world then you may want an older more experienced spokesperson. If you’re market is surfers then you’d want a young, hip surfer-type.

4. Keep the length of your videos short. If the video is a company overview video, or testimonial video then it’s usually best to keep it at no more than two minutes. If the video is a FAQ video then it can be longer because you’re giving the viewer information that they may consider important and so they’d be willing to sit and watch a longer video. The overall goal is to always present the information in the most short and concise way possible.

5. You should always include a call to action in your videos. Whether you want them to complete a form, click through to another page, pick up the phone, or buy a product, make sure you tell them what you want them to do after watching your video.

In short, video doesn't have to cost your company an arm and a leg. Video can give you a return on investment and help you increase sales. Don't let your competition have an edge on you, make this year your company takes advantage of the many benefits of video.

Why Video?

Tue, 23 Feb 2021 16:56:26 GMT

Video is the king of communication value. More than any other medium, video engages viewers and allows you to make a faster connection with potential clients. People do business with people, not websites. Video allows them to feel comfortable with you before they’ve even contacted you and it shows them why you are their best choice.

In today's changing world, most of the people online have a very short attention span so if you've gotten this far you're doing pretty darn good. It’s not enough to simply get visitors to your site, now you must also capture their interest and quickly deliver your message.

The average conversion rate for text only sites is only 1%. It's a fact, websites that have video have a much higher conversion rate.

“Our amount of leads from the traffic we were driving to our site increased by about 400%. Just that one video saved users the time of looking through our site.” - JB Kellogg

Not only does online video communicate your qualifications and personality in a dynamic and effective way but it also raises your visibility and web presence because a video is 53 times more likely to show up on Google than a text only site.

Website Magazine stated, “Video is one of those content assets that has a major presence on the search results page and its importance can no longer be denied by any department in the organization.”

In another article Website Magazine stated, “Video is the fastest growing medium in the history of the Web, and both consumers and marketers are embracing it at unprecedented rates of adoption. Small and medium sized businesses in virtually every industry are currently building their brands, engaging new customers and selling their products and services through the use of online video.

“You can either adapt your approach and practices by including video or sit idle and watch your website disappear from view and your business become obsolete.” - Peter Prestipino, Website magazines Editor-in-Chief.

Here are a few statistics found on Forbes.

• 90% of customers report that product videos help them make purchasing decisions.

• Embedding videos in landing pages can increase conversion rates by 80%.

• Video is projected to claim more than 80% of all web traffic by 2019.

• Adding a video to marketing emails can boost click-through rates by 818-439-7383%.

• “64% of customers are more likely to buy a product online after watching a video about it.”