Post Box

What financial milestone would make you feel like you've truly succeeded as a video editor?

1 year ago | [YT] | 3

Post Box

I've been away for a while working as an editor in the industry. Refreshing my skills and learning more.

But I'm coming back with more knowledge and experience for Post Box V2.0 very soon. We've got...

- A fresh lick of paint.
- Clearer promise on value.
- More confidence in my message.

A big thing has been stepping away from YouTube and stepping back into the world of freelance editing.

Curating my knowledge, workflows, experience and thoughts by actually working in the industry I want to talk about and improve.

Felt like I wasn't being honest by not using the systems and processes I'll be teaching others, I had to do it myself, to know it works before I gave it my seal of approval.

Excited to get back into it. Aiming to release a couple of videos (work pending) before the end of the year ✂️🤞

1 year ago (edited) | [YT] | 10

Post Box

Not every client is going to be a nightmare client. But it’s important to see the red flags before starting any work to protect your time, energy and money.

Just be aware, and keep on the lookout.

If you're struggling to identify what kind of red flags to look out for, I wrote about six that editors (especially beginners) need to know about.

You can read that here: postboxediting.com/posts/client-red-flags

1 year ago | [YT] | 8

Post Box

Most editors think that doing a free or “trial” edit is a way to secure future gigs or build a portfolio.

When in reality, it’s just a way for exploitive people to take advantage of you.

Instead, here are three effective techniques you can use to build your portfolio, without needing to offer free edits and sacrifice your integrity.

Read them here: postboxediting.com/posts/portfolio-mistakes-editor…

2 years ago (edited) | [YT] | 6

Post Box

Social media is giving editors a real insight into the kinds of conditions they have had to deal with when working with difficult clients.

I really hope the industry moves to provide more tools to help us deal with situations like that a lot easier.

2 years ago | [YT] | 5

Post Box

I’ve heard too many horror stories of editors getting cheated out of money after doing a trial edit.

The more this happens, the more editors are going to realise that doing that kind of work is not worth the hassle.

Here are three effective techniques you can use to enhance your work without needing to offer free edits.

Read it here:
postboxediting.com/posts/portfolio-mistakes-editor…

2 years ago | [YT] | 4

Post Box

It’s upsetting to see how many people I see asking for editors that just scream red flags.

Not every client is like that, but It’s quite sad how many are trying to exploit, rather than value, the skills and expertise of editors.

2 years ago | [YT] | 8

Post Box

From my experience, doing trial edits has never been in favour of the editor. You always end up getting burnt.

If you find you’re getting asked for trial edits all the time – create more specific portfolio pieces. It’s there for a reason.

2 years ago | [YT] | 4

Post Box

There are 6 red flags you need to be aware of when working with a client.

If you’re a beginner, these are especially important 👇🏻


1/ Asking For The Price First

If a client leads with wanting to know the price first, it usually means they’re prioritised over cutting costs vs getting the best result possible.

This usually leads to further negotiation and haggling tactics.

---

2/ Free Trial Edits.

When a client asks for a trial edit, they’re potentially looking to get a freebie out of you and exploit you for your hard work.

Usually because your portfolio hasn’t done the job to convince them.

These never end well.

---

3/ High Demands & Expectations.

”Looking for X editing style. 20 min videos. Pay $50 a video”

I see these kinds of posts all the time, asking for a lot, paying little.

Respect your craft and don’t go for these kinds of jobs.

---

4/ Moving The Goalposts.

Clients who shift the goal posts, or worse, don’t know what they want to begin with are probably best of left alone.

Set your boundaries. If they want help getting direction for their video, charge for it.

---

5/ Nothing In Writing.

This one is dodgy. Always get things in writing to protect your interests, avoid confusion, or something going wrong.

If your client only does these things over a call, it’s a good idea to put a stop to that pretty early on.

---

6/ They B*tch About Their Last Editor.

If they constantly complain about their ex, is it really going to be a healthy relationship?

It may be the ex’s fault, it may not be.

It’s a clear sign they’re probably impossible to please. Something to keep in mind.

2 years ago | [YT] | 7

Post Box

What if I told you there are much better ways to build your portfolio than doing free projects for clients?

Here’s three of them 👇🏻

1/ Improve What’s There

A quick way to build your portfolio is to take what exists already and change it up. For example:

• Take existing client content and re-edit it.
• Make your own videos and show your skills.
• Or re-shoot a client's video in your style.

But what’s the difference?

You’re giving up your time by doing it for someone else, vs controlling your time by choosing to do it for yourself.
You have way more creative control and leverage if you do it this way.

2/ No Risk. No Reward

It’s always best to avoid doing trial (or free) edits where possible. They hardly ever work.

But if you do, try this.

• If they like the video, they have to pay to use it = win.
• If they don’t, they don’t get the video = win.

When you do this, it protects your interests.
You either walk away with cash and a new client.

Or you walk away with a new portfolio piece. Once again you have control over your time, and get something in return for it.

3/ Value For Value

This won’t pay the bills, but it’s another tactic.

Instead of getting paid, you can get compensated in the equivalent value in product or services.

I don't recommend going this all the time — but useful in a pinch. Definitely use sparingly.

These are just a few of the techniques editors can use to avoid working for free, build and grow their portfolio, and secure clients that actually value what they can do.

2 years ago | [YT] | 6