One of the best things that had happened to me in my business is when I had decided to share something of value to the world. This simple action had helped me connect with over 20,000 newsletter subscribers and meet many new customers and clients along the way.
This is something that took the time to develop and grow, but it was well worth it. Let me explain how this came to be.
Over eight years ago I created this website to serve as a digital business card and an online work portfolio. It was simple and it had served its purpose.
I later came across an article that had advised to share something of value for free to help a website grow and find new visitors.
So, I had decided to create an animation template for Apple’s Final Cut Pro & Motion software and then posted to this site. Little did I know that the simple act of sharing would change my entire life and place me in an entirely new direction.
At first, this free template allowed me to go on to different forums, websites, and groups and share my link to my freebie without any complaints of spam. Visitors also began to share the link with others.
Another bonus is that this site also became easier to find on search engines, it seems ‘free’ is a very powerful keyword. Plus, there were also requests for more templates, so I created more. Later I began to get requests for editing and animation work and to train and consult others that had wanted to learn what I knew.
In addition to the extra work, I also got suggestions that I should sell my templates. This was totally new for me, but I had decided to give it a shot and see where it goes. I purchased the domain name MotionMasterTemplates.com and off I went.
Starting an online store was a new business venture and I was very skeptical that anyone would buy the templates. But, I am very happy to write that people did. Fortunately, those early members are still loyal members to this day and if it was not for their trust and support I would not be where I am today. ( Thank you! )
Over the years the number of members grew and the demand for more training, consulting and client work. This was all accomplished with zero advertising and zero marketing, just simple old-fashioned word of mouth for the free templates.
Another amazing benefit is the number of people I had the amazing opportunity to meet. From my incredible customers and followers to those that I see as video industry leaders that I greatly respected and admired.
I had also become friends with, what some would call, my biggest online store competitors, fortunately, I did not see them as competitors but instead as people who share the same common passion and admiration for what we do. We still chat to this day and I also see them as my greatest mentors and motivators.
One of the biggest accomplishments in this great journey was having my store added to Apple’s Final Cut Pro Resource Page. When this had happened it brought me tears of happiness and joy. To have a highly valued company such as Apple add my little online store to a long list of amazingly talented people and businesses is incredibly gratifying. ( Thank you, Apple! )
To close this story, if you are a student, entrepreneur, freelancer or professional my advice is to share something of value. The more valuable the better.
Also, be sure to follow Paul Jarvis’ advice and collect an email address from those that want to download. This will allow you to connect with your followers and allow you to share more goodies in the future.
I wish you best of luck and happy sharing! 🙂