In business, many things are done a certain way simply because that’s how they’ve always been done. These methods and systems become ingrained as unchallenged truths, forming a belief system that guides how businesses operate. But what if these long-standing assumptions are limiting your success? What if questioning them could set your video production business apart?

Learning from Unexpected Places

A recent personal experience prompted me to think deeply about my business and how we serve our clients. Over the last few months, my home has been undergoing a major renovation—new kitchen, new bathroom, and a new laundry. This process gave me valuable insights into project management, client experience, and industry norms.

The complexity of managing a renovation is incredible. The contract alone was over 100 pages, covering every aspect of the design, schedule, and conditions. The success of each step depended entirely on the previous one being completed on time. If the tiles were delayed, the tiler couldn’t work, which meant the next contractor had to be rescheduled, and so on. Every small delay had a knock-on effect.

The Reality of Unexpected Problems

Renovations are notorious for unexpected surprises. For example, during our bathroom renovation, the contractors removed old plaster and discovered that the grout between the bricks had disintegrated over time. The plaster had been holding the walls together. Fixing it added time and expense, but it had to be done.

In any industry, including video production, things don’t always go smoothly. The key is how quickly and effectively you solve problems and get back on track. Whether it's a building project or a video production job, resilience and adaptability are critical.

The Cost of Miscommunication

Another major lesson was the sheer number of small problems caused by miscommunication. Tradespeople arrived late or not at all, items were delivered incorrectly, and errors needed fixing. None of these were major issues, but they all contributed to frustration.

In the video production industry, the equivalent might be missing a crucial client revision, delays in delivering the final video, or communication breakdowns. Clients pay us to take their problems away, not add to them. Addressing these issues before they happen—or solving them efficiently—sets you apart.

Challenging Assumptions in Business

Speaking with others who had undergone renovations, I realised that many accept these frustrations as just part of the process. Clients expect delays, errors, and miscommunication because that’s simply how the industry operates.

But should it be this way?

In every industry, certain norms are taken for granted. The taxi industry once accepted that cabs were often dirty, unreliable, and hard to track—until Uber came along and redefined the experience. Domino’s Pizza challenged expectations by guaranteeing 30-minute delivery. Apple revolutionised computing by making systems intuitive and enjoyable.

The businesses that truly stand out are those that question the assumptions their industry operates on.

What Unchallenged Truths Exist in Video Production?

Every industry has ingrained beliefs that most people don’t question. In video production, we see examples like:

• Rounds of revisions – Clients exceeding their allocated revisions are penalised with additional fees. But could there be a more client-friendly approach that still protects your time?

• Unforced errors in edits – How often do minor mistakes creep into first drafts? Could a more robust quality control system reduce them?

• Turnaround expectations – Could rethinking the timeline and workflow improve efficiency and client satisfaction?

These are just a few examples of areas where standard practices could be questioned and improved.

The Power of Exceptional Client Experience

If a client is happy with the final product but frustrated by the process, they may hesitate to recommend you wholeheartedly. Compare that to a client who not only loves the final video but also found the process smooth, efficient, and stress-free. They will actively recommend you, bringing in more referrals and repeat business.

So, think about your industry. What’s an “unshakable truth” that could actually be replaced with something better? What assumptions are preventing you from delivering an exceptional client experience?

Take Action Today

To truly stand out, you need to go beyond delivering great work—you need to make the entire process seamless and enjoyable for your clients.

If you want help identifying and overcoming these ingrained industry assumptions in your video production business, I’d love to help. Head over to ryanspanger.com/coaching to learn how we can work together to refine your business processes and create an outstanding client experience.