In this episode of Creatives Grab Coffee (#88), we sit down with Mike De Robbio from Pickle Pictures (South Melbourne, Australia) to dive into the realities of growing a video production business. Mike shares how adaptability played a key role in scaling his company, the importance of genuine sales outreach, and why SEO is both a powerful tool and a long-term investment. We also discuss managing cash flow, building strong client relationships through clear communication, and the challenges of running a lean, scalable operation. If you’re looking for practical insights on navigating the business side of video production, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways!
Creatives Grab Coffee is produced by Lapse Productions, a video production company based out of Toronto, Canada. Reach out to them for your video production needs.
SPONSORS: Canada Film Equipment and Audio Process
Watch: Adaptability, Sales & SEO: Growing a Video Business (ft. Pickle Pictures) #88
Listen: Adaptability, Sales & SEO: Growing a Video Business (ft. Pickle Pictures) #88
Key Takeaways
1. Adaptability is Key to Growth – Being flexible and saying “yes” to opportunities, even without a clear roadmap, can open unexpected doors in business. Michael’s journey from freelancing to running a national video production company was built on this mindset.
2. Sales is About Being Genuine – Cold outreach works best when it’s conversational and focuses on solving client pain points rather than being overly salesy. A friendly, localized approach helped Pickle Pictures secure long-term clients.
3. SEO is a Long Game – While SEO can generate strong inbound leads, relying solely on it is risky due to algorithm changes. Spreading efforts across direct outreach, paid ads, and referrals ensures stability.
4. Communication Defines Client Success – Understanding different client working styles and adapting to them fosters stronger relationships. Clear expectations, structured feedback timelines, and proactive conversations prevent bottlenecks.
5. Cash Flow is a Major Challenge – Large projects take time to finalize and pay out, so managing cash flow effectively is crucial. Breaking invoices into smaller milestones and setting clear payment terms can help.
6. Lean and Scalable Operations Work Best – Pickle Pictures thrives with a contractor-based model, allowing flexibility to take on large projects without the burden of full-time overhead.7. The “Fear” Mindset Keeps You Proactive – Always assume clients may leave and consistently work on generating new business. Staying ahead of potential downturns helps sustain long-term growth.
