Jody Shilan

This week I shot the opening video for the website and it reminded me of a lesson I learned years ago but had to learn again. Like many of you I think I can do everything myself and I also have this distorted belief that I can do everything really well.

So, I looked up some stuff online, found out what writing a script was all about and got a great deal on a flip video camera which I would  use in conjunction with my computers webcam. As far as I was concerned, I was good to go. Unfortunately, after writing and rewriting the script and playing with my different video cameras I quickly realized I was out of my league (and probably out of my mind too) to think that I could pull this off. What's worse, is that I had wasted two weeks and put together a video that was mediocre at best.

I decided that it was time to seek some professional help (for the video wise guy). I did some research again and spoke to some people to get some ideas and some help. In a very short time, I was able to find a very talented, local videographer who was excited about the opportunity to work on this project, and quite frankly, was excited
to do anything besides weddings and bar mitzvahs.

He and his assistant listened to what I was trying to do, helped me develop the script and the storyline, kept me from being too nervous in front of the camera and finally edited the entire thing. What took me weeks to do poorly was completed in a few days with very little stress on my end. Hey, I'm no Al Pacino, but when you see it on the site you'll have to admit that it is pretty good for a first time effort on a limited budget.

My point of this story, and there is one. It is better to spend the money to work with a professional from the beginning and do something well than it is to do something cheaply and poorly. This same concept applies to everything in your business, including your employees.  Hire people that are more knowledgeable than you and possess skills that you do not. Spend the money, do it right and stick to doing what you do well.

"Remember, if you find this information helpful tell your fellow landscape contractors. If you don't, please tell us."

Thanks!

Jody Shilan
Editor
FromDesign2Build.com