Why do I need a Process?
Let me just get the answer to that question out of the way; because if you do not get a decent process together your business will shrivel up and die like a cut gypsophila flower in the sun.
So what is a process in regards to wedding videography? Basically it's your workflow from first enquiry to final delivery. It must be written out in a detailed step by step document.
I have an internal process and one I show clients, the internal one is fully detailed with email templates and phone scripts etc. And the one I show clients is more basic outline, it's actually online here: Client Process. The idea behind presenting my clients with this process is that it demonstrates how organised and professional I am and how simple their role is in it, which hopefully gives them a sense of confidence and security. Taking weight off of the bride's shoulders is what we're all about as wedding industry professionals; the less she has to worry about, the better all round.
To get you started if you don't have something already, here are my steps or chapter headings for my internal process:
1. Receive enquiry
2. Send through email with link to Contract and Process
3. Follow up email arranging a phone call/meeting
4. Send invoice
5. Receive deposit, book date - send receipt
6. Send Questionnaire*
7. Send reminder
8. Receive first 50% - send receipt
9. Film wedding
10. Edit
11. Draft
12. Second 50% - send receipt
13. Deliver video
*my Questionnaire is a 'google form' which outputs a shoot doc PDF I take on my phone as reference on the day of the wedding.
Under these headings are bullet point lists, email templates etc.
It will change as you perfect it, you'll improve it along the way and make corrections, but as long as the structure is there you are good to go. I love having a written process because as a creative person my brain is all over the place, when a email comes in or I'm on a call with a client and they ask a question, I have a reference point right there in front of me. I don't have to store everything in my brain, it's all written out.
It is important to re-assess your process constantly to make sure it's optimised to efficiently produce the best work practices possible. Also try and make sure it's in clear english and formatted well. Why? With a process you're looking to create something that someone else can follow. If your goal is grow your business at some point you'll get more work than you can handle on your own so now is the time to make sure your role is replicable. Make sure the tasks in your process are easy to understand and clear enough for multiple other people to execute.
A written process is the brains behind your business, if it's clear and it makes sense, then so will your business.
So what is a process in regards to wedding videography? Basically it's your workflow from first enquiry to final delivery. It must be written out in a detailed step by step document.
I have an internal process and one I show clients, the internal one is fully detailed with email templates and phone scripts etc. And the one I show clients is more basic outline, it's actually online here: Client Process. The idea behind presenting my clients with this process is that it demonstrates how organised and professional I am and how simple their role is in it, which hopefully gives them a sense of confidence and security. Taking weight off of the bride's shoulders is what we're all about as wedding industry professionals; the less she has to worry about, the better all round.
To get you started if you don't have something already, here are my steps or chapter headings for my internal process:
1. Receive enquiry
2. Send through email with link to Contract and Process
3. Follow up email arranging a phone call/meeting
4. Send invoice
5. Receive deposit, book date - send receipt
6. Send Questionnaire*
7. Send reminder
8. Receive first 50% - send receipt
9. Film wedding
10. Edit
11. Draft
12. Second 50% - send receipt
13. Deliver video
*my Questionnaire is a 'google form' which outputs a shoot doc PDF I take on my phone as reference on the day of the wedding.
Under these headings are bullet point lists, email templates etc.
It will change as you perfect it, you'll improve it along the way and make corrections, but as long as the structure is there you are good to go. I love having a written process because as a creative person my brain is all over the place, when a email comes in or I'm on a call with a client and they ask a question, I have a reference point right there in front of me. I don't have to store everything in my brain, it's all written out.
It is important to re-assess your process constantly to make sure it's optimised to efficiently produce the best work practices possible. Also try and make sure it's in clear english and formatted well. Why? With a process you're looking to create something that someone else can follow. If your goal is grow your business at some point you'll get more work than you can handle on your own so now is the time to make sure your role is replicable. Make sure the tasks in your process are easy to understand and clear enough for multiple other people to execute.
A written process is the brains behind your business, if it's clear and it makes sense, then so will your business.