Monzo Media Productions

13/01/2025

When it comes to your video content, be aware of personal bias. Example, you might like hard rock or rap, but is that really the right kind of music for your video content? What will resonate with the audience and support your brand well.

Check out our blog on other ways to keep bias out of your video content.

https://monzomediaproductions.com/2024/12/how-to-keep-bias-out-of-your-school-video-marketing/

Bias always plays a role because the human mind naturally favors some things over others. In video marketing, it's no different. As a marketing tool, it can be particularly challenging since video is such a subjective medium. So, as a marketing communications director for an independent school, how....

09/01/2025

2024 is in the past. Also, I'm starring in a new thriller series called 2025 😂🎬.

All jokes aside, excited to be putting the final touches on some projects...and then gearing up for some new projects for Q1 into Q2.

New content is also being produce and on the way. Looking forward to helping more schools, nonprofits, and brands share their value and deliver results.

2025 will be the year of being focused on the mission.

10/12/2024

Final push of the calendar year. Make it count!

04/12/2024

When I first stepped into the post-college world, the word “networking” made me cringe. It felt like schmoozing without substance, as if I was just pretending to have skills and hoping someone would buy it. I thought networking was about “making the sale” or getting something out of people. Thankfully, I soon realized that’s not what it’s about at all.

Flash back to September 2015—I was turning 25, got dumped, and reeling from a major client cutting my work in half. Bills were piling up, invoices were getting paid very late, and I had no clear path forward. My “brand” was Monzpro (Remember that!), which was basically my code for “I have no idea what I’m doing and where I’m going.” But around that time, I joined a networking organization that pretty much saved my career.

Within six months, things started to change. I was meeting new people, getting exciting projects, and finally set up Monzo Media Productions as an official LLC. For the next four years, I became a bit of a networking “snob”—focused on building relationships, connecting others with the right people, and adding value wherever I could. Even as an introvert, I found my way in the networking world, and it worked.

Then came 2020. The lockdowns hit, and I lost my momentum. I went from attending events and making weekly calls to barely connecting with people a few times a month. My drive to help others faded, and honestly, I was in survival mode but i didnt really know how to approach this new world. Logically it made sense to just keep doing what I do but emotionally I was just drained. When in-person events came back around 2022ish, I tried to jump back in, but it wasn’t the same. My business had shifted to working with independent schools—a small, specialized niche—and I often felt out of place. Not that i didnt enjoy talking about business but i wasn’t thrilled with speaking with the 10th financial advisor that week (no hate I promise). I love talking about business, marketing, and other weird challenges we all go through.

I still had my networking etiquette, but I needed a new approach. My introverted self wasn’t about to drain all my energy on a single networking event only to go home and crash. I had to make it sustainable. It wasn’t a lack of resolve or want.

Here’s what I did:

I started prioritizing my energy calendar. I blocked off specific times for networking calls that wouldn’t drain me and left enough energy for the rest of my day. I set up different calendars for different types of calls—sales calls, networking calls, team meetings (shoutout to Motion Ai for making this so easy). By spring 2024, I found my rhythm again. My networking was finally working for me, instead of wearing me out (and virtual networking has helped a ton too for more one on one interactions).

Here are a few takeaways:

•Your energy isn’t about effort; it’s about your environment.
•Networking etiquette matters: no selling, be open to intros, respect boundaries, and ask questions.
•Stick with one group long enough to build real connections. Networking is a marathon, not a sprint.
•Remember, networking isn’t about selling. It’s a marketing move, not a sales one.
•Find your own rhythm—it might take time, but once you hit it, things will start to click.
You still need to network. You still need to build connections. You need to plant the seeds.

You can read more Creative Director Up Close Blogs here https://monzomediaproductions.com/creative-director-up-close/

21/11/2024

Parents don’t choose private schools just for the academics, the athletics, or even the so-called "rigor."

They’re looking for safety for their kids.

Not just the kind that keeps kids safe from physical harm, but the kind that lets them take risks, be vulnerable, and still know they’re accepted for who they are.Imagine a school environment where a kid can try out for the play even if they’re terrified, join a robotics club with zero tech skills, or step onto the soccer field for the first time who may not be super coordinated. And instead of judgement, they’re met with encouragement.

That kind of psychological safety? It’s rare. And it’s invaluable.

Creating spaces where kids can be themselves without fear—that's the real edge.

How can your school show that?

18/11/2024

Video isn't just for marketing and enrollment. The latest blog post dives into 4 other ways your school can use video effectively in various other ways.

https://monzomediaproductions.com/2024/10/how-to-use-video-production-in-other-unique-areas-of-your-school/

As a school marketer, you’re likely in one of two positions: either you already have a compelling video strategy in place to support marketing, admissions, and branding efforts for your school—great! Or, you might not have integrated any video at all, and perhaps that has affected your brand awa...

15/11/2024

☮️ ❤️🎬

08/11/2024

We've had the pleasure of working on a new impact video for Acenda this fall. Hearing stories like these can be difficult but it's important to be aware of others who are going through these challenges. Acenda helps bridge that gap with many programs like Life Link homes.

24/10/2024

I've started a new blog series called Creative Director Up Close. I'll be giving you full access to my fun, amazing, chaotic, brilliant, and definitely weird mind as a creative director and entrepreneur. Hope it gives you some good perspectives.

People give advice for various reasons, but quality help should be a priority. Bad advice that sounds good is common. Personal experience shows incremental changes, not drastic ones, often lead to better outcomes. Trust your gut and seek individualized guidance.

20/09/2024

There is nothing more important that the hook

Discover how to create effective video hooks that captivate your audience from the first second. Learn strategies to avoid common mistakes and boost your video marketing success.

12/09/2024

Be aware of blind spots when working on productions otherwise, you will have a bad time...and not get the results you're looking for

Learn how to avoid common video production blind spots like lack of planning, poor audio quality, and overcomplicated narratives to create impactful, professional videos

30/08/2024

Grateful to one of our first partners for trusting us to tell their stories throughout his company's growth.

22/08/2024

School is just around the corner (or in some locations already have started!).

Its such an exciting time of the year as the weather starts to cool down and the leaves start to change.

Throwing it back in 2022 when we film Upland Country Day School's general admissions video- there beautiful campus is only matched by the amazing education that the students get to experience

27/07/2024

8️⃣ years ago today, Monzo Media Productions was introduced to the world.

That’s a significant milestone marked by:

1️⃣ Hitting brick walls (figuratively and occasionally literally)

2️⃣ Wondering why some things work and others don't

3️⃣ Sleepless nights and early mornings

4️⃣ Seeing things click (cue the celebratory dance)

5️⃣ Building lasting relationships

6️⃣ Having a blast on set (lights, camera, action—and laughs!) 🎬😂

7️⃣ Providing value as often as possible

8️⃣ Changing lives for viewers to make buying and enrollment decisions

My team and I are super grateful to help schools, non-profits, and businesses achieve their growth goals to make the world a better place.

15/07/2024

🎥 Filming the final Cupcake Gala this year was an absolute delight, just like it has been in previous years.

The Calliope Joy Foundation continues to make incredible strides in raising money and awareness to fight metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD).

Here are some highlights from the event:

1. FDA Approval: The FDA has approved a new gene therapy to combat MLD, a significant milestone in the fight against this deadly disease affecting children.

2. Groundbreaking Achievement: Who knew we'd see a treatment for MLD in our lifetime? This breakthrough brings hope to countless families.

3. Special Guest: Brandon Graham of the Philadelphia Eagles made a memorable appearance, showcasing his support. He is a man of the people!

The Calliope Joy Foundation's work is nothing short of inspiring, and events like the Cupcake Gala are a testament to the power of community and determination. Here's to many more milestones and victories in the fight against MLD! 🌟🧁

18/06/2024

Always a pleasure Stan!

DM me if you want to have an experience like Stan.

13/06/2024

When you know you have a big fundraising event coming up, why not showcase that energy? Great way to follow up and use for next year's event as well (and collect some more donations)

YWCA Tri County area is a great example of that.

07/06/2024

We have a lot of clients with important missions but I think Mary's might be one of the most important ones. We just showcased our latest PSA with them earlier in the week.

DM me if you want to have an experience and share your mission.