Starting Fresh: A Journey into Business, Videography, and Self-Growth
Hello, everyone! Welcome to “Ali’s Two Cents”, my new podcast where I share my opinions, experiences, and the occasional rant. I’m Ali Tousi, and this is my intro episode.
The Courage to Hit Record
As a videographer and photographer, I constantly encourage others to step out of their comfort zones and create content. Ironically, I’ve avoided putting myself in front of the camera—until now. After a pep talk from a friend, I finally took the plunge. It took days of preparation, re-organizing my space, and a fair share of procrastination. Yet, here I am.
My Path to Videography and Entrepreneurship
I arrived in Australia on June 11, 2023. Shortly after, I started working for a challenging employer. The experience taught me what not to do when running a business. After months of stress and frustration, I decided to go solo. It wasn’t easy. Starting a business in a new country meant learning everything from scratch: pricing, networking, taxes, and even bookkeeping. The challenge was daunting but rewarding.
Building connections without an established network was especially tough. I’ve learned that networking isn’t about selling to the people you meet—it’s about building relationships that lead to referrals and opportunities. Slowly but surely, I built my circle and gained momentum.
Passion and Corporate Work
What drew me to corporate videography is the variety. Every client has a unique story, and every shoot is an opportunity to learn something new. Whether it’s capturing the essence of a business or showcasing a product, I love being part of a process that helps others shine.
I’ve also explored passion projects, like car videos. My love for fast, loud cars lets me combine work and passion, which is one of the best perks of this field.
Lessons Learned and Looking Ahead
Creating content for my own business has been my biggest challenge yet. Despite encouraging others to “just do it,” I’ve struggled to follow my advice. This podcast is part of my resolution to change that.
My advice for aspiring creators and entrepreneurs: start small. Use what you have, even if it’s just a phone camera and natural light. Build your skills and audience until you’re ready to invest in professional help. The key is to start. You might fail, but you’ll learn. Ten years from now, you’ll thank yourself for taking that first step.
I’ll leave you with this thought: as Nike says, “Just do it.” You won’t regret trying, but you might regret not starting. Thank you for tuning in, and I hope you’ll stick around for more episodes filled with stories, tips, and maybe even some laughs. Until next time, live long and prosper!