From Camera to Client Strategy: How Sharon Sobel Evolved with the Industry

📌 Episode Summary: In this episode of Mastering Business Skills, we sit down with Sharon Sobel—founder of Picture This Video—to explore how she transformed her passion for video production into a sustainable business that has evolved alongside changing technology and client needs.

With over two decades of experience in educational and nonprofit media, Sharon shares how she transitioned from cable television and school system production to launching a thriving freelance business that now focuses on livestreaming, video podcast production, and marketing strategy.

Whether you're starting a creative business, growing a podcast, or figuring out pricing and pivots, Sharon's journey offers lessons in adaptability, self-awareness, and the power of taking strategic risks.

🧠 Topics Covered:

• How Sharon went from public access TV to business ownership

• Learning pricing and value the hard way (and how she improved it)

• Supporting podcasters with livestreams, branding, and monetization

• The difference between skill and business acumen—and how she built both

• How her husband turned podcasting into a full-time career with sponsors

• The importance of local resources (SCORE, SBDCs, chambers, etc.)

• Building process documentation for livestream events

• Why consistency trumps quantity when podcasting

💬 Quotes to Remember:

“The video skills are great—but if you’re running a business, you have to learn how to run the business too.” — Sharon Sobel

“I didn’t know how to price until I was the one processing invoices. Watching what others charged taught me more than a course ever could.” — Sharon Sobel

“You don’t have to be everywhere at once. You need to show up consistently—even if that’s once a month.” — Sharon Sobel

“We named it Picture This Video—but in five years, I could see us calling it Picture This Radio and merging the video and podcast sides of the business.” — Sharon Sobel

📣 Who This Episode Is For:

• Creative entrepreneurs navigating business growth

• Podcasters looking to improve production quality or monetize

• Freelancers unsure how to set rates or scale services

• Anyone debating a leap from employment to self-employment

• Service providers considering a niche pivot or rebrand

👋 Connect with Sharon Sobel: 🔗 Website: Picture This Video 🔗 LinkedIn: Sharon Sobel

📌 Want more behind-the-scenes conversations with inspiring entrepreneurs? Be sure to follow or subscribe, and if you loved this episode, leave us a review!