We all want to be more successful. But how?

Recently I was asked this on Twitter: 

Knowing how to answer this starts with one question:

How do you define success?

Every editor will have a different definition. It may be:

• Editing full-time

• Making enough to provide for your family

• Traveling exciting places

• Working with national brands

• Telling amazing stories

• Trying new things

• Flexible schedule

• Location agnostic

• Making six-figures a year

You may be working full-time and paying your bills while editing corporate training videos. That might sound like a stable dream job to one editor, but suffocating to another. 

Keep digging until you know what "success" means, tangibly.

Once you have that destination in mind, just like with any road trip you can ask questions about how to get there:

• Do you have the skills needed for that type of work?

• Is your process capable of achieving that? 

• Will those clients find you an enjoyable creative partner?

• Have you worked in that field before?

• Have you built relationships in that sphere? 

All of these elements come into play when trying to be successful. 

Relationships are the key

You may notice that four out of those five are in your control. Only you can increase your skills, define your process, develop your attitude, and pick projects that give you experience. 

It’s relationships where people often hit a speed bump. 

Perhaps you’re not in a location where people do the work you want. Or maybe you are in a great place, but don’t know anyone. 

Regardless of your situation, the answer is the same: introduce yourself. 

Today’s internet has made connecting with people who normally would be far out of our normal sphere.

I live in Colorado (not exactly a media hub), but I’ve messaged with Academy Award-winning editors; had zoom calls with people in Prague, Chicago, and New York; and emailed with executive producers all over the US. 

It all starts with introducing myself, and it continues with staying in touch. 

If you’re like me, the idea of talking with strangers might make you queasy. Most of us got into editing because we like being a dark room for hours on end.

But to be more successful, to grow our work and reach the destination we want, it takes relationships with other people. 

Be bold and introduce yourself

So while you focus on leveling up as an editor, start introducing yourself. Ask an editor for a 15-minute Zoom call—or coffee if you're in the same town. Send a DM on Twitter. Find someone’s email and say thanks for making a great video. 

If the person doesn't respond, or responds but it's blunt, respect that, thank them for their time, and move on. Forced relationships rarely grow good fruit.

Keep introducing yourself until you find people who are open and willing to connect. Make a list and be intentional to stay in touch.

It's not a ticket to overnight editing success, but it's planting seeds. And good seeds in good soil always reap a harvest.

Helpful Links

Want the simple process I use to introduce myself? Check out this thread.

A website I binge-read to be a better freelancer: We Are Indy.

I’m writing An Editor’s Guide to Flat Rates, and you can read it for free as I go.

That's a wrap

How are you reaching your definition of success? I’d love to hear about it.

Keep cutting,

- Jesse