Want to Stand Out? Ask the Right Question

Want to Stand Out? Ask the Right Question

Let Me Tell You a Story

I was in New York on a new client pitch for a Fortune 500. It was me and Jessica, talking with a Sr. VP of Product & Sales and the marketing team about their new brand video. The pitch felt great. Then at the end of it, the Sr. VP?looked me right in the eye and asked:

"Tell me, who exactly would we be working with day to day at your firm?"

I didn't hesitate.

"You get me."

He got up, so I?did too. I?went to shake his hand and say thanks for the meeting. He beat me to it, smiling:?"You're hired".

He elaborated, telling me that the deal-maker was my personal involvement. That this video meant a lot to the brand, so they needed our best. He explained that I'd be surprised how many video agencies don't work like that.

So began one of the most amazing client relationships I've ever had. I?learned so much. We've made fantastic work together, winning tons of awards but most importantly helping to grow the brand significantly.

At First, I?Really Didn't Understand

At first, I?really didn't understand what a big deal accountability and personal involvement was. To me, if a client pays you then you owe them your best. Besides, I started this video agency because I?love telling clients' stories. I?look at my job like Steven Spielberg or another big Hollywood director or producer does. I?take it seriously. I?give it my heart. I'm there on set, directing the action. I also write or help write most of our videos and lead the team in post-production. You get my best and my team's best, every time and every step of the way.

We're the real deal, and I?thought everybody else worked this way too.

But Then I?Looked Around

And started really paying attention to some of our competitors. The truth is, most of these video agencies don't actually make videos. They sort of act like glorified employment agencies, matching freelancers with client jobs.

At best, they do some planning and pre-production, but then bring in freelancers to make the videos. Leaving you at least one step removed from the actual creators.

And these freelancers? They are not paid very well.

Stories Are Powerful

Another client and friend for whom I've directed several commercials once told me: "Stories are powerful. A great story, well-told, can change the world".

As a brand, why wouldn't you want your video to be the best it can be? Why would you put your brand's reputation into an assembly line environment where there's no accountability and a wall between you and the people actually making your video?

It's a recipe for mediocre storytelling and poor results.

My New York Fortune 500 client understood this, and he opened my eyes to one of my superpowers.

So if you truly get the power of a story well-told, if you understand how powerful visual communication can be, and if your video needs to stand out?

Well then, we're your huckleberry.

Here's our website.

Patrick O. is the leader of Froth & Fur, a bicoastal video agency that's worked with over a dozen Fortune 500s and big brands you know. Plus brands you'll know soon.


Haley Baldwin

Film & Media Producer

3 个月

Absolutely, I really appreciate someone speaking to this. The dissonance felt as a freelancer being pedaled by production companies absolutely takes it's toll. How can we feel proud about our work if we are not included and passionate about the story?

Nick Esquivel

Helping Businesses Recruit & Hire the Best Global Talent – "If It Can Be Done Remotely, It Can Be Done Globally"

4 个月

Thanks for sharing Patrick, just followed!

Josh Oakhurst

The techiest tech guy who ever tech'd the tech. 3x exits. Currently productizing a service business and playing with myriad, stealth startup ideas.

5 个月

Video is about the number one place I would want continuity between pitch/sale and production through finish. 100% right about how other agencies operate as glorified freelancer factories.

Well said and very good lessons that others in various businesses, NOT just branding/advertising/marketing and promotions should take heed of! Like your Fortune 500 client, I am the head of my company, and it's easier and more direct with your counterpart on the clients end!

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