We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Derrick Lawson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Derrick below.
Derrick , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Alright, let’s jump into one of the most exciting parts of starting a new venture – how did you get your first client who was not a friend or family?
I just shared this story at a wedding show when interacting with vendors questioning me about my work. I’ve been in the media business since 2007. My company didn’t come by because I had a desire to take wedding photos or do election or product commercials, my mind was not focused on doing anything with media. I was in college for Psychology and that was the major I had as my backup plan. My media business started by attending the wedding of one of my friends. I was sitting at the back of the church with my wife waiting for the wedding to start and then my friend asked to speak with me. He shared that he had gotten someone to take photos but not a video of his wedding. He then asked me to take his iPad and walk down the aisle before the wedding party including him and his soon-to-be wife and record the wedding. I laughed and pretty much told him no. I eventually gave in and cooperated. It was funny because I had to walk backward down the aisle and the only thought was if I did and fell it would go viral. After that wedding, I edited it with only my computer’s software and gave it back to him. I would say that it was one of the best decisions I’ve made. Since then I have done many projects and events that I would only have imagined, well maybe not because I was not interested at the time in media. I have come to realize that there are certain events in your life that open opportunities for your future if you only pay attention. This was certainly one of them.
Derrick , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
My name is Derrick Lawson and I am the owner of Prodigy Media Group Worldwide based in Northeast Ohio. My company started by signing Artist developmental contracts that once signed, the artist would work with my team to produce eps and demos to pitch to larger companies. At the time also offered music production and engineering services. Our shift in services came around 2008 when clients started reaching out for weddings and graphic design services. Throughout the years I have expanded my services to include product and political ad commercials. My work has been placed in rotation as commercials with some major streaming platforms. My company offers professional photography, videography, graphic design, website development, music production/engineering, live recording, and wedding officiant services. One of the best feelings I have, when gaining new clients is to hear them express that they have gotten the best of the best when I give them their end product. I was recently at a bridal show and in all of these years, I can count on my hand how many I have been to, it’s just not my thing. One of my staff had told me that someone came to my booth that had a national videography business brand. She stated that he said he walked by several times because he was highly impressed by my work and heard of my company. Well, he came back a 3rd time and we talked for about 45 minutes sharing marketing strategies (more him than I). The host of the bridal show then asked me if I would be willing to take photos of their fashion show (another moment that possibly could open opportunities) I just wanted to share that story, I’m still amazed… When a potential client comes to my company for services. I try to get to know them and their story and the vision that they see. I then discuss ways my brand could help bring their vision into reality. One thing I have learned is that professional presentation is very important! Studying my clients and delivering beyond their expectations is key. You never know what other business opportunities could come from simply making a client feel that they trust you with their project. I think what sets my company apart from others is the niche of creativity I have to research products and make them more marketable.
Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?
Funding my business… whew! When I started my business all I had was a vision of making money and that was bad. However, I was a college student with a wife and one child, so maybe not bad as much. There were times I offered free services to build my portfolio, lowered prices to get business, and did a lot of side jobs to get the equipment I needed for projects, not to mention working a regular job. This start comes with the territory for most entrepreneurs. I don’t have a brick-and-mortar location but because of my business network, I can use several spaces free of charge whenever I need. Networking has been a great funding source. Starting, a lot of my funding came from referrals. This also helped me build my company.
How’d you meet your business partner?
My business partner is my wife. She is not directly involved with my day-to-day business, but I would say she is more of my manager, consultant, and the person who sees my vision but says to me “How does it look on paper, write it down, I want to see the business plans”. I met my wife in high school, the 9th grade to be exact. I walked into the gym for band practice and asked my friend, “Who is that girl?” He told me her name and my response was “That’s my wife”. I think I shocked myself when I said that. Now married 2o years later and 25 together I know it was meant to be.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.prodigymediagroup.com