In the dynamic world of freelance photography and videography, every assignment presents an opportunity to innovate and deliver exceptional value to clients. I’m constantly seeking creative strategies to elevate my services and provide clients more than they expect. One such strategy that has proven immensely beneficial is the concept of piggyback assignments.

Imagine this scenario: I’m halfway across the globe on an international assignment for a department within an organization. Rather than confining myself to the confines of that one project, I seize the opportunity to reach out to other departments within the same organization. The goal? I aim to offer my services while I’m already in town, maximizing efficiency and value for the client.

The rationale behind piggyback assignments is simple yet compelling. Since the cost of international travel has already been incurred, extending my stay to capture additional content for another department comes at a significantly reduced rate for the client. It’s a win-win situation – the client gains extra value for their investment while I optimize my time and resources.

However, despite the potential benefits, I’ve encountered resistance from organizations hesitant to embrace this approach. Budget constraints and rigid planning often stand in the way, with many managers focused solely on their departmental goals and budgets. Yet, organizations can unlock a world of possibilities by breaking down these barriers and adopting a more collaborative mindset.

So, how can we overcome these barriers and harness the full potential of piggyback assignments? Here are some key strategies to consider:

Highlight Cost Efficiency: Emphasize the cost-saving aspect of piggyback assignments. By leveraging existing travel expenses, clients can access additional content at a fraction of the cost compared to a separate assignment.

Showcase Added Value: Illustrate the extra value that piggyback assignments can bring. Whether it’s capturing supplementary footage, conducting cross-departmental interviews, or documenting multiple facets of the organization, piggybacking allows clients to maximize their content output without breaking the bank.

Emphasize Collaboration Opportunities: Encourage clients to think beyond their departmental silos. Organizations can foster collaboration, knowledge sharing, and cohesive brand identity by coordinating coverage across various teams or initiatives.

Flexibility is Key: Highlight the flexibility inherent in piggyback assignments. Piggybacking offers a tailored solution to fit the client’s requirements, whether extending the stay on the front or back end of the primary assignment or adjusting the scope to accommodate additional content needs.

By embracing the concept of piggyback assignments, clients can optimize their resources and foster synergy and connectivity across different areas of their organization. It’s time to break free from the constraints of traditional budgeting and embrace the boundless possibilities of collaborative storytelling. Together, we can build bridges, capture moments, and unlock the full potential of every assignment. Join me on this journey, and let’s make every project an opportunity for innovation and collaboration.