—Welcome to Startup Gems, where we find undiscovered startup growth hacks, stories and case studies from every random nook and cranny of the internet.—

—Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur, an aspiring startup expert, or simply someone seeking inspiration, Startup Gems is your source for the stories that ignite the flames of innovation.—

—I’m your host, Chris Koerner, and In this installment, we're diving into the inspiring journey of Eric, a solo entrepreneur who turned his passion for video editing and motion graphics into a successful productized service business. Today, we'll explore the key principles that propelled Eric's agency to success.—

—Firstly, we'll delve into the art of strategic networking and outreach. Discover how Eric utilized platforms like LinkedIn to connect with potential clients and create valuable opportunities. We'll then explore the power of niche-focused productization, understanding how Eric tailored his services for specific markets, making a significant impact on his success. Finally, we'll unravel the importance of showcasing a strong portfolio, examining how this played a pivotal role in building trust with clients and attracting new business.—

—Let's get into the story. Eric, a video editor and motion graphics designer with over five years of experience, recently decided to take the plunge into entrepreneurship.—

—A little while back, he stumbled upon a YouTube video about a guy who had successfully productized his design services, working solo. Intrigued by the idea of productizing a service he excelled at, Chehtahn decided to give it a shot.—

—His target audience? Software as a Service, B2B, and AI startups in need of short, one-minute product videos for marketing. He knew these companies had excellent products but often lacked the videos to effectively market them online.—

—To kick things off, Eric leveraged his LinkedIn network, reaching out to ten individuals with "growth marketing" in their job titles. One of them responded positively, expressing interest in short product videos. Eric shared his business model and pricing, and they agreed to test the waters with a single video. The result? A smashing success, with the client paying eleven hundred and 50 dollars for the video. This initial deal quickly grew into a subscription, contributing to Eric's impressive 4 grand in monthly recurring revenue.—

—Excited by this early success, Eric is eager to scale up his business under a new name. He plans to offer motion ad videos regularly for a flat monthly fee and believes there's a growing market of startups in need of similar services.—


—As Eric develops his website, he's exploring various marketing strategies. Twitter, cold emailing, and Facebook ads are all on the horizon, with a strong portfolio playing a pivotal role in attracting clients.—

—Eric charges about 5 grand per month or closer to 4 grand if signed up for a quarterly subscription, offering unlimited motion videos and revisions. He also provides clients with exclusive access to a project dashboard for seamless communication and video requests.—

—Now, when it comes to running his business as a solo founder, Eric's day is packed. He dedicates six hours to video editing, project management, and marketing, sharing his work on Twitter and similar platforms.—

—Eric's journey serves as an inspiration to budding entrepreneurs. His advice? If you're looking to start a productized service business, having a robust portfolio of your work is your secret weapon. It not only showcases your skills but also attracts potential clients, giving you a head start on your entrepreneurial journey.—

—So, if you're considering a one-person productized service business, take a page from Eric's book and remember the power of a strong portfolio. And keep an eye out for Pexmotion, which is poised to make waves in the world of video editing and motion graphics. —

And now that we've heard Eric's Story, let's transition to dissecting the business prinicples from the story and how you can apply those principles to any business.

—Principle 1: Strategic Networking and Outreach—

—In Eric's journey, one key principle stands out: strategic networking and outreach. By reaching out to individuals in his target audience on LinkedIn, he successfully found a client interested in his services.—


—Business owners can leverage social media platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, or industry-specific forums to connect with potential clients or partners. Engage in meaningful conversations, share your expertise, and reach out to prospects genuinely interested in your services. Building a strong online network can open doors to valuable opportunities.—

—Principle 2: Productizing Services for Specific Niche—

—Eric's success lies in productizing his video editing services for a specific niche—Sotware as a Service, B2B, and AI startups. He identified a market gap and tailored his services to meet their needs, offering short product videos for effective online marketing.—


—Evaluate your skills and identify a niche market that aligns with your expertise. Develop specialized services or products catering to the unique needs of that niche. Conduct market research to understand their pain points and preferences, then tailor your offerings accordingly. Focusing on a specific niche can help you stand out and attract clients looking for precisely what you offer.—

—Principle 3: Showcasing a Strong Portfolio—

—Eric's compelling portfolio played a crucial role in attracting clients. His high-quality work and successful projects provided tangible evidence of his skills, instilling confidence in potential clients.—

—Invest time in building a portfolio showcasing your best work. Include case studies, testimonials, and before-and-after examples if applicable. Regularly update your portfolio with new projects and client testimonials. Ensure your portfolio reflects your expertise and the value you bring to clients. A strong portfolio not only impresses potential clients but also serves as a powerful marketing tool, helping you secure new business opportunities.—

—By implementing these principles—strategic networking, niche-focused productization, and showcasing a strong portfolio—business owners can enhance their chances of success, just like Eric did with his thriving video-editing agency. Remember, these principles are not just limited to one industry; they can be applied across various businesses to achieve remarkable results.—



—Thank you for being part of today's adventure through the world of startups and innovation. Did this episode ignite any fresh perspectives or ideas? Share your reflections and favorite takeaways in a review wherever you’re listening now. Remember to stay curious, continue to forge your own path, and subscribe and follow Startup Gems to be the first to access stories that will fan the flames of your entrepreneurial passion.—