How to Increase Profits Effortlessly with Video

If they haven’t already asked you, they will soon. More and more attorneys are recognizing the benefits of having a videographer at depositions, and they’re looking to court reporters to provide that for them.

Some reporters are nervous about this. How do you find a videographer that will make you look good? Will he interfere with your job? Will it make extra work for you?

If you’ve already worked with a professional legal videographer, you know that they actually make your life easier, not harder. Even better, providing your clients with video on a regular basis can make you more money for very little effort.

“Do You Want Video with That Deposition?”

Fast-food chains have made a fortune by “upsizing” their customers with fries and sodas. You can also increase your profits by asking your clients if they need video for their case. Video is most commonly used at depositions, but it’s also helpful for preparing a witness, showing a jury a day-in-the-life and for other kinds of evidence. Once you find a reliable, professional video company, all you have to do is make a phone call and you’ve just put more money in your pocket. Absolutely nothing else is required of you except to include the video services on your invoice.

The lawyers who need video services are already your customers and most videographers work through court reporters—not with the lawyers directly. That means you have the opportunity to provide an additional service, mark it up and keep the profit. Typically, videographers discount their hourly rate by 15% or more to motivate reporters to hire them. If the attorneys order copies of the video on VHS or CD, you can mark up those costs as well.

If you haven’t already started, here are four additional reasons it’s in your best interest to begin promoting video services to your clients:

1) Better Service for Your Clients

Your clients may not have thought of it, but by saying, “Would you like a videographer for this deposition?” you’re offering more service, which makes their lives easier.

2) More Jobs

The better the service, the more lawyers keep coming back to you. The next time your client has a deposition that requires video, he’ll remember that you provide it and you’ll move to the top of the list of reporters to call for the job.

3) A Quality Audio Tape

A reputable video company will provide the court reporter with an audio tape of the deposition. This high-quality tape is recorded with each participant wearing a separate microphone so that every nuance is captured. In cases where the witness is soft-spoken, you can even listen to the deposition in real time through headphones and turn up the volume.

4) More Respect

Most lawyers treat reporters respectfully, but occasionally tempers flare and a client will get nasty—unless there’s a videographer present. Something about knowing that every word and gesture is being captured on video keeps people on their best behavior. It’s just human nature. The end result is that when there’s a camera there, you’re treated civilly every time.

How to Choose a Videographer

John Doyle has taped over 300 depositions and is the owner of Legal Video, Etc. in Southern California. You can reach him by email at johnmdoyle@mindspring.com or by phone at:

714-392-2542.