The Truth About Running a Creative Business (30 Years of Experience) | Paul Nelhart

Breaking Down a $50K Client Project as Videographers

Welcome back to the Almost Creative Podcast. In this episode, we break down one of the biggest client projects we’ve ever taken on: a nonprofit campaign that turned into a $50,000 production involving multiple shoot days, 12+ deliverables, interviews, strategy, revisions, and full-scale project management. We walk through the entire process from discovery calls and pitching to pricing, pre-production, client communication, revisions, and the realities of scaling creative work beyond just making videos. If you’ve ever wondered what larger commercial productions actually look like behind the scenes, this episode gives an honest look at the business, pressure, and systems required to pull them off successfully. 🎯 In This Episode • Landing a $50K video project • Competing against larger production companies • Discovery calls and client communication • Structuring proposals and pricing • Managing multi-day productions • Scope creep, revisions, and organization systems • Lessons learned from one of our biggest projects yet 📲 Follow Almost Creative Instagram: @almostcreativepod Travis: @trheberling Chris: @chrisshootsvideo

The Truth About Running a Creative Business (30 Years of Experience) | Paul Nelhart

In this episode, we sit down with Paul Nelhart, a growth consultant with 30+ years of experience in sales, marketing, and business development. But his real focus isn’t tactics—it’s people. We break down why so many creatives struggle to grow, not because of their skill, but because of identity, communication, and the way they approach their work. This conversation challenges how you think about business, self-awareness, and what it really takes to build something sustainable. In this episode, we cover: * Why business is really about people, not tactics * The identity trap creatives fall into * “Covert contracts” and hidden expectations * Why communication is often the biggest bottleneck * Work-life balance vs entrepreneurial guilt * Building a business that aligns with who you are Timestamps: 0:00 Intro + Who is Paul Nelhart 1:30 Paul’s background (30 years in business) 3:30 What consulting actually means 5:30 Identity vs work (creative struggle) 8:30 Work-life balance vs entrepreneurial guilt 11:30 Hobby vs career conflict 13:00 The biggest struggle in business 13:15 Covert contracts explained 15:30 Real-world example (wedding story) 21:00 Why communication drives growth 27:00 Scaling, leadership, and letting go 36:00 Systems, hiring, and delegation 42:00 Growth plateaus + self-awareness 48:00 Final advice + key takeaways If you want to better understand yourself as a creative, improve how you communicate with clients, and build a business that actually fits your life, this episode is packed with insights you can start applying immediately. Follow Almost Creative: Instagram: @almostcreativepod Travis: @trheberling Chris: @chrisshootsvideo YouTube: Almost Creative

The Questions Every Videographer Asks (Answered)

After a stretch of travel, client work, and a packed schedule, we’re back and getting back to basics. This episode is a relaxed, FAQ-style conversation built around the questions we get asked all the time. From what camera you should buy to whether AI is actually replacing creatives, we break it all down in a way that makes sense, especially if you’re just getting started. We also talk about where the industry is heading, why entry-level creatives are feeling the pressure, and how to position yourself so you don’t get left behind. In this episode: • What camera you should actually buy (and when) • The difference between hobbyists, hustlers, and high-end creatives • Is AI replacing videographers or just changing the game? • Why taste and direction matter more than gear • How to approach getting started the right way Follow us: Instagram: @almostcreativepod Travis: @trheberling Chris: @chrisshootsvideo YouTube: Almost Creative

The people skills you're missing (From HR) | EP 26

In this episode of The Almost Creative Podcast, we sit down with a special guest to talk about the side of creative work most people overlook - people. We break down how working with clients, teams, and collaborators actually shapes your success, and why communication, expectations, and professionalism matter just as much as your creative skill. This conversation covers real-world scenarios creatives face every day - from handling difficult situations to building trust, setting boundaries, and creating long-term opportunities through the way you work with others. If you’re a creative entrepreneur trying to grow your career, get better clients, and operate at a higher level, this episode will challenge how you think about communication and professionalism. Follow us on Instagram: @almostcreativepod Watch on YouTube: Almost Creative

Why ADHD Isn’t a Weakness in Business (Steve Long) | EP 25

In this episode of The Almost Creative Podcast, we sit down with Steve Long, co-founder of Blink Tee's to talk about what it really looks like to run a business with ADHD. Steve shares his experience navigating focus, dopamine, and motivation, and why ADHD can be a creative advantage when understood properly. We discuss entrepreneurship, leadership, unfinished ideas, and how understanding ADHD can improve communication, relationships, and business outcomes. This conversation isn’t just for people diagnosed with ADHD. It’s for anyone working with clients, partners, or teammates who think and operate differently. In this episode: • What ADHD actually is beyond the stereotypes • Why ADHD can function like a creative advantage • Dopamine, focus, and motivation • Why starting is easy but finishing is hard • How ADHD impacts leadership, marriage, and teamwork • Tools and frameworks that actually help If you're a creative entrepreneur trying to build systems that work with your brain, not against it, this episode will change how you think about focus and productivity.