Running a solo business can often feel like juggling flaming swords on a tightrope – you’re the marketer, the admin, the creative, the customer service team, and the strategist all rolled into one. It’s a lot. But you’re not the only kind of one-person powerhouse out there.
Tiny production crews – the kind that produce documentaries, travel content, indie films, and YouTube videos with just a handful of people – operate with similar constraints.
They don’t have the luxury of massive budgets or huge teams. And yet, they often produce incredibly polished, professional work.
Their success comes down to mindset, strategy, and using the right tools. Here’s what solo entrepreneurs can take from their playbook.
Use Tools that Stretch Your Capabilities
Production crews can’t afford to lug around everything from a full-scale studio. So they rely on compact, versatile gear that lets one person do the job of many. The same approach can help entrepreneurs get more done with less.
Take a gimbal, for example. In the content world, a gimbal allows a solo shooter to capture smooth, cinematic footage without needing a separate camera operator. It’s a small tool that instantly makes output look more professional – no crew required.
Whether it’s video production, scheduling, analytics, or editing, investing in tools that reduce friction is key. Your tech should work like an extra pair of hands, not just something that clutters your desktop.
Work from a Shot List, Not a Mood
Tiny crews don’t wing it. They know what they need to capture, and they go in with a plan. If they’re filming a five-minute segment, they’ve already mapped out the key shots before hitting record.
This same level of intention can streamline your marketing and content creation. Instead of sitting down to “just post something,” start with a list: What message are you trying to get across this week? What outcome do you want from this landing page? What specific shots do you need for your promo video?
Having a clear plan saves time, reduces indecision, and leads to more cohesive work.
Batch Work Like Your Sanity Depends on It
Tiny crews know it’s inefficient to reset gear and lighting for every new scene. So they batch film everything they can in one go – same location, same setup, multiple scenes. It’s about working smarter, not harder.
As a solo entrepreneur, batch production should be your best friend. Write several newsletters in one session. Schedule a week of social posts in one sitting. Record multiple videos while you’re set up and in the zone.
Don’t Overcomplicate the Edit
Post-production is where projects go to die – not just in film, but in business too. The temptation to endlessly tweak, perfect, and polish can drain your momentum.
Tiny crews know that “done” is better than “flawless.” They keep edits simple and focus on storytelling and clarity. They don’t get lost in transitions or color grading unless it’s necessary for the story.
When writing copy, designing emails, or editing videos, aim to get the essentials right. Clarity over complexity. Speed over perfection. You can always improve later – but only if you actually publish.
Focus on What the Audience Cares About
A good production crew doesn’t waste time on fancy equipment if the story isn’t compelling. They know the viewer isn’t thinking about lighting angles – they’re thinking about how it makes them feel.
The same goes for your business. Your audience doesn’t care about your software stack, your back-end systems, or how many hours you spent on a Canva graphic. They care about the result you help them get.
Keep your messaging audience-focused. Speak to their needs, not your features. Tell stories that connect, not ones that impress.
Think Like a Creator, Move Like a Pro
If you’re running a business solo, you already wear a dozen hats. But that doesn’t mean you have to do everything the hard way.
Adopting the mindset of a tiny production crew – using better tools, working with intention, staying efficient, and focusing on your audience – can help you produce higher-quality work with less stress.
You’re not just a business owner. You’re a producer of your own brand. And you’ve got what it takes to make something great.
Lynn Martelli is an editor at Readability. She received her MFA in Creative Writing from Antioch University and has worked as an editor for over 10 years. Lynn has edited a wide variety of books, including fiction, non-fiction, memoirs, and more. In her free time, Lynn enjoys reading, writing, and spending time with her family and friends.
