Here's how you can establish a strong professional reputation in the video production industry.

Equipment doesn’t matter. Only the story does. Sure, keeping up with trends is important to know and understanding deliverables for a client is relevant, but to rise above the competition become an exceptional storyteller. Buying the latest equipment can put you in the poor house, so own a basic kit and rent the rest.

"Effects, titles, and transitions are like the fancy wrapping paper, but it’s the story inside that’s like the gift you actually want to keep!"

Technical knowledge like this is important and has its place, but content is king. Watch movies, short films, commercials, even weirdo experimental art films. Study what you like and go out and try it. Apple's groundbreaking "1984" commercial wasn't shot in 8K and it wasn't even broadcast in HD. It was effective because of its message. It elevated people's perception of the brand. Yes, spectacle had a lot to do with it, but you can be creative and effective with any budget. How much do you think John Cherry's original Ernest commercials cost? You could do the same today very cheaply. If you're technically minded or a gear-head, codecs and software may be your way to get ahead of the competition but storytelling always comes first.

Best Skill to develop fast : Think for your client. Archive and keep original footage in highest quality available, save title and graphic templates. Keep individual sound tracks. The corporate video gig you produced 5 years ago, shall now become the corporate reel in 5 years to come. Allow for minor changes - free of charge. Your preparedness from yesterday will allow you to do so. A simple re-edit of a video in where you replace people or show fresh innovative upgrades which are vital for your client - make them happy. They will thank you for it.

You gotta do it! Use the tools you have and make content. Tell stories, be creative, learn how to capture the viewers attention with a great story. The technical skills are important, but being able to tell a good story will always win out. I mean: Hundreds of Beavers! AIR?

I think a portfolio is important and you need to be on point, error free, when you share it. Create stories on YouTube and TikTok. Keep an audience engaged and show off your ability to navigate the entire production process! Avoid being too specialized UNLESS you want to work a single role in LA, Atlanta, or New York.

Creating content is the name of the game. It's like the tyres of a car, combined with the engine, fuel and steering wheel. Brakes? You need them when clients and their peers develop expectations, which are beyond discussed time-frames and monetary requirements. Deliver content on time. Deliver what was promised and works for the desired task, in terms of quality, format and audience.

Actively networking will be the key driver in this industry. Networking correctly will give you the opportunity to grow. Learn what aspect of video production you want to be in. Is it in film, features/documentary, corporate, wedding, social etc. Then network with those in that community/groups. You'll be amazed on how far and fast you'll go just by networking with the right people.

Networking actively has opened so many doors for me. Engaging with like-minded professionals on LinkedIn, attending industry events, and joining relevant groups has expanded my knowledge and connections. Remember, it’s not just about taking—offering help and sharing insights can build stronger, more meaningful relationships. Reach out and be personal when you do it. Do not send a cold DM with no context or connection.

The best feedback you will get from clients, who pick up the phone and become comeback clients. Managing comeback clients is always more work than making new clients, but ultimately it is them who are growing with you, hence entrusting you with bigger contracts, more responsibility and higher budgets.

Honesty, accountability, and responsibility. Those are the three words I want people to associate with my brand. I've learned not to engage in business with individuals who use the term "leverage" and to instead collaborate with those who use the term "contribute" more frequently.

In the video industry it is often said, that you only as good as your last job. Although this is true, bigger productions have a higher marketing value, than the social media clip you helped producing of someone starting in the tiktok scene. What they have in common though, is how you carry yourself during any production. Your are representing your brand, or the brand of your company whose t-shirt you feature on display. In case your work is on behalf of someone else's brand - stay loyal, avoiding to offer yourself as a replacement for the next gig all too eagerly. Your lack of loyalty will be seen by not just your peers - but also by the client. Will they choose you?