RootBranch owned by Vonnya Pettigrew

Describe your business. Please list location, phone number, website.

Root Branch Productions is a national full-service media production company located in Baltimore, MD.  We produce commercials, promotional videos, documentaries and original programs for network.

What motivated you to open your own business?

Freedom!  As a writer and producer I wanted to experience creative freedom to produce content according to standards that I set.  At Root Branch our motto is making television that makes a difference.  And like most entrepreneurs, I wanted to experience financial freedom.  When you work for yourself, there is no salary cap!  You can always create an opportunity to grow and expand your business – take the limits off.

How did you develop your concept?

Root Branch Productions is named after my family’s property on Root Branch Road in Pineville, SC.  When I established my business I wanted to name it after something with purpose and meaning.  Root Branch Productions is family legacy.

How much capital did you need to get started? Did you use any creative funding sources?

I started my business with $2500.  I received a small business loan from the business program I had graduated from, Women Entrepreneurs of Baltimore.  In addition to the loan, I received many donations, contributions and in-kind services from the church, family and friends.

How do you market your business? Do you use any creative marketing strategies?

The first year of my business was marketed by way of word-of-mouth.  My very first paying client was an organization that one of my dear friend’s mother worked for – The American Association of College Teachers for Education (AACTE).  From there my business grew.  Today, I write tons of proposals and send lots of press releases, informing clients and potential clients of news and updates with Root Branch.

Are you or your business on Facebook? Twitter? Linked In? Please list.

Yes, Root Branch is on Facebook, Twitter and Linked-In.  We have a networking group on Facebook called The Root Branch Network with a little over 200 members made up of clients, actors, and crew members that have worked with Root Branch since our inception in 2006.

How do you manage employees if any?

All of my staff members are freelancers or consultants.  They are hired on a per project basis.  We maintain regular communications whether we are working on a project or not.  I support other projects they may be apart of outside of Root Branch.  We are really like a family.

What are some of your day to day struggles as a business owner?

The main day-to-day struggle is managing time.  As an entrepreneur, I wear many hats and there are many tasks and assignments that must be met and it is not always enough time in a day to get it all done.  I certainly work non-traditional hours outside of my day-to-day operations.  Additionally, generating new work and clients is an on-going struggle.  Without a backlog of work, you run the risk of hitting dry patches leading to tough economical months.

What brings you the most joy from your work?

Client satisfaction is the most rewarding feeling in the world!  Nothing brings me more joy than when we exceed our client’s expectations.  We have been blessed to have a track record that shows it.

How do you balance work life and family? Do your work demands affect your relationships?

Ironically, having the flexibility of an entrepreneur affords me the opportunity to serve as the primary caregiver for my sick and elderly mother – a flexibility that I would not otherwise have if I worked a 9-5 for someone else.  I don’t need to ask for time off.  If I need to take her to a doctor’s appointment I schedule my workday around it.  As far as clients are concerned, I’m in a meeting or in the field on production.

Would you like to offer a promotion to the readers? If so, please list.

Root Branch Productions is offering a limited-time-only special for Small Businesses :60 Second Promotional Videos for the low-low rate of $750.00.  Perfect enhancement for your company’s website!  YouTube and Television Broadcast Ready!

Reference Promo Code ShalenaDivaPromotion Ends 8/31/2010.

THE BRANCHES

Root Branch Kids:

Root Branch Kids (RBK) is an eight-week film and television production program offered on weekends to children in the sixth, seventh and eight grades. This program moves children from idle time watching television to actively creating it… hence our slogan Root Branch Kids: From Watching TV to Making TV!

Root Branch News:

Root Branch News is an online news media blogsite for entertainment, political and social networking news.  Root Branch Field Reporters bring exclusive coverage from backstage, behind closed doors and of course from the red carpet to its 2500 plus readers.  Root Branch News can be read online at rootbranchproductions.blogspot.com.

The Root Branch Network:

The Root Branch Network is a social networking group that communicates frequently online via Face Book and meet periodically via scheduled MeetUp. The Root Branch Network was established as a medium for industry professionals to connect, communicate and express their creativity.  Additionally, The Root Branch Network serves as a portal for actors to learn of casting opportunities and for crewmembers to learn of production opportunities. 

Lil’ V in Philly – Children’s Book Series:

Lil’ V is an urban “explorer,” a spirited and spunky eight-year old, who lives with her Mom, Dad and older Sister, in a comfortable three-level row house in North Philadelphia.  One day, she has the chance to walk home by herself for the first time. She uses her street smarts and the lessons learned from her loving parents to map out an exciting journey.  This debut adventure makes a great children’s book, the first in a twenty-part series of Lil’ V in Philly books for children, based on the adventures and lessons of the author, Vonnya Pettigrew’s childhood experiences.

Speak Easy – A Public Speaking Course for Beginners:

Speak Easy is a six-week public speaking course for beginners.  Students who complete this course will learn the fundamentals of writing, preparing and delivering a speech.  This beginner’s course is ideal for individuals seeking to conquer their fear of speaking in public.

© 2010, Shalena D.I.V.A. – Personal Branding| Content Marketing| Product Creation. All rights reserved.

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