I had the incredible opportunity to sit down with Coach Dennis “Shoden San” Abad, one of the Philippines’ most successful video marketing freelancers Philippines. His journey from documentary filmmaker to high-ticket video ads specialist is nothing short of inspiring, and the insights he shared during our interview are pure gold for anyone looking to build a thriving freelance career.
The Documentary Roots That Sparked a Marketing Revolution
Dennis’s story begins in the world of documentary filmmaking. He was working on climate change documentaries during the devastating Yolanda disaster when he had a life-changing realization. “I wanted my videos to have lasting impact beyond just completing projects,” he shared with me. This moment of clarity led him to dive deep into video marketing, recognizing that strategic storytelling and distribution could extend the life and effectiveness of content far beyond its initial release.
What struck me most about Dennis’s early journey was his commitment to creating meaningful impact. As a video marketing freelancer in the Philippines, he understood that the real value wasn’t just in producing beautiful content – it was in creating videos that drive real business results.
Breaking Into High-Ticket Video Marketing
Around 2017-2018, Dennis made his transition into online freelancing. This wasn’t just a career change; it was a complete transformation of how he approached video creation. He began collaborating with top Filipino marketers like Coach Jon Orana and John Pagulayan, and the results speak for themselves.
“We generated millions of pesos in revenue through carefully crafted video ads and funnels,” Dennis told me during our interview. In fact, his video ads contributed to a staggering 3-million-peso revenue in just one week for the Freelance Movement Tribe. These numbers aren’t just impressive – they demonstrate the incredible potential that exists for skilled video marketing freelancers in the Philippines.
The Mindset Shift That Changes Everything
One of the most valuable lessons Dennis shared was about pricing and mindset. Too many Filipino video freelancers undervalue their work, charging low hourly rates without emphasizing the ROI their videos generate. “The key is shifting from hourly rates to value-based pricing,” he emphasized.
This mindset shift is crucial for any video marketing freelancer in the Philippines who wants to build a sustainable, profitable business. Dennis’s success proves that when you focus on delivering measurable value rather than just completing tasks, clients are willing to pay premium rates.
Overcoming the Feast-or-Famine Cycle
During our conversation, Dennis was refreshingly honest about the challenges he faced. Like many freelancers, he struggled with inconsistent income due to irregular client flow. His solution? Develop a habit of constant prospecting.
“Talk to new potential clients weekly,” he advised. This consistent approach to business development ensures steady projects and helps avoid those dreaded income gaps that can make or break a freelance career. For video marketing freelancers in the Philippines, this advice is particularly valuable given the competitive nature of the market.
The Power of Strategic Networking
What really impressed me about Dennis’s approach was his emphasis on networking beyond just clients. He actively connects with adjacent professionals like Facebook ads specialists, creating partnerships that benefit everyone involved.
“These collaborations allow freelancers to share projects and reduce pressure,” he explained. This strategy not only helps manage workload but also creates opportunities for bigger, more lucrative projects. It’s a smart approach that more video marketing freelancers should consider.
The “Shoden” Brand: Personal Branding Done Right
I had to ask about the nickname “Shoden” – it’s such a unique personal brand. Dennis shared how he uses this distinctive identity and his playful incorporation of Japanese language as an icebreaker. This personal branding approach helps him build rapport quickly, making initial connections warmer and more memorable.
For video marketing freelancers in the Philippines, this demonstrates the power of authentic personal branding. In a crowded market, having a unique identity can be the difference between getting noticed and getting lost in the noise.
The Skill Combination Strategy
Dennis’s advice for aspiring freelancers was particularly insightful: combine technical video skills with strong communication and storytelling capabilities. This multi-skill approach differentiates freelancers from competitors and allows them to command higher rates.
“It’s like being a craftsman who becomes a master by combining craftsmanship with effective communication,” he explained. This resonates strongly with me because it highlights how video marketing freelancers can elevate their services beyond just technical execution.
Starting Focused: The One-Market Approach
For beginners, Dennis recommends focusing on one specific market rather than trying to serve everyone. His advice to do thorough outreach (at least 300 connections) within that chosen market helps freelancers deeply understand client needs and build credibility.
This focused approach is particularly relevant for video marketing freelancers in the Philippines who might be tempted to cast a wide net. Dennis’s success shows that depth often trumps breadth when building a freelance business.
The Mentorship Advantage
One point Dennis made that really stuck with me was about the value of mentorship. While some freelancers prefer DIY learning through YouTube, he argues that having a mentor drastically improves efficiency and results by shortcutting trial and error.
“This is particularly important for skills like negotiation, where mistakes can lead to undervaluing services or losing clients,” he noted. For video marketing freelancers in the Philippines, this insight could save both time and money in the long run.
Looking Forward: Building Community and Legacy
What I found most inspiring about Dennis was his commitment to giving back. His involvement in the Freelance Movement Tribe and plans to revive a videography school highlight his dedication to uplifting Filipino freelancers.
“Building communities and sharing knowledge creates a ripple effect,” he told me. This vision of helping more creatives achieve premium rates and better career outcomes is exactly what the Philippine freelance community needs.
Key Takeaways for Aspiring Video Marketing Freelancers Philippines
My conversation with Dennis left me with several key insights for anyone looking to succeed as a video marketing freelancer in the Philippines:
- Focus on value over hours – Price based on results, not time spent
- Maintain consistent prospecting – Never stop building your pipeline
- Network strategically – Build relationships with complementary professionals
- Develop a unique personal brand – Stand out in a crowded market
- Combine technical and soft skills – Communication matters as much as technical ability
- Start focused – Master one market before expanding
- Invest in mentorship – Learn from others’ experiences to avoid costly mistakes
Dennis “Shoden San” Abad’s journey from documentary filmmaker to high-ticket video marketing expert proves that with the right mindset, skills, and approach, Filipino freelancers can compete at the highest levels. His story isn’t just inspiring – it’s a roadmap for anyone serious about building a successful video marketing freelance business in the Philippines.
Ready to take your video marketing freelance career to the next level? Connect with like-minded professionals and learn from experts like Dennis through communities like the Freelance Movement Tribe. Your journey to premium rates and sustainable success starts with taking that first step.