#NYCShopSmall — Interview with Chris and Matt from BacaMedia Group.
#NYCShopSmall is about giving those small businesses a voice, in a different and special way.
Chris and Matt from BacaMedia decided to go partner up after knowing each other for several years. Taking the area by storm, the Staten Island natives are both self-taught in their craft. BacaMedia helps local businesses grow to their fullest potential by exposing their unique side for all the world to see. Leaving their digital footprints, Chris and Matt set out to help business owners where they lack the most, digital and social media marketing.
We have another giveaway for you readers…details below!
#NYCShopSmall: How long have you been in business?
Chris: The past 3 months, I started playing around with the idea last year.
Matt: Between getting everything together, it’s been about a year. We’ve only been conducting business for the past 3 months.
#NYCSS: So getting it off the ground took about a year. Did you know the steps before you started taking them or learned as you went?
Chris: I actually learned everything on my own before I even asked Matt to be partners. For myself, it was all self-education. Hundreds of hours of YouTube videos and reading books.
Matt: We split the business 50/50. Everything with marketing and social media, Chris handles. Everything with filming and editing, I handle. I had a brief background in filming and creating content, it was never something I did full time, until now.
#NYCSS: What made you partner up? How did you two meet?
Matt: We’ve been co-workers for 7 years now. Over the years, Chris always said he wanted to start a marketing company. When he finally did it, he was like hey I need a film guy, would you be interested? I was like yeah I’d consider it. As time went on he got more and more serious about it.
“It was like alright, you’re passionate about this, I’m passionate about this, well become business partners.”
That’s kind of how it all happened.
Chris: My family was always involved in the pizza business so I’ve always been managed their locations. When I was around 21, they opened up shop in Pleasant Plains. Matt was there from the previous owner and we just knew each other from there.
“When I started this, I knew he was smart. His passion caught my eye and exceeded my expectations.”
He didn’t really know that much about video, he got in, did it, and the learning curve was very quick.
#NYCSS: Tell me in your words exactly what you do for other businesses.
Matt: We’ll walk into the business, sit with the owner and explain to them what digital marketing is.
“We’ll schedule a date and shoot a video showcasing the unique side of that business.”
So let’s say we’re doing a pizzeria that’s known for their grandma pies. We’ll make a video showing how they’re the best grandma pies in the area.
When I’m finished with the video, Chris will market it to the right people on Facebook, Instagram, and all social media sites to help increase sales for that business.
#NYCSS: Were you familiar with sales and making pitches or was that something you had to learn on the way as well?
Chris: We both had different backgrounds in sales, I was in sales for a major telephone company and also worked for a food distribution company which ironically serves pizzerias and Italian restaurants.
Matt: Chris and I both have experience in sales but in two totally different fields. I used to be a stockbroker for two years before I decided it just wasn’t for me.
We both have experience dealing with people and speaking with customers, just in two totally different worlds.
#NYCSS: So it wasn’t totally new to you, you just had to make it relevant to your business.
With your past in stock broking and sales for other companies, what really made you both say “okay, this isn’t for me and isn’t what I want to do”?
Chris: I always knew I wanted to work for myself.
“I always wanted to be in business that would benefit people; where I could make money and feel good doing it.”
That’s why I went all in on trying to work for myself.
#NYCSS: How did you get into Social Media Marketing?
Chris: I stumbled upon some videos on YouTube, started paying attention and was like “I might be able to do this”.
Matt: Staten Island is very behind on Social Media Marketing. Most businesses are not taking advantage of online marketing..
#NYCSS: I definitely agree!
Chris: It’s a low start up cost business and not a lot of people are doing it right. They think just putting up a picture or video, here and there, is good enough. The way we do things is a lot different and Matt can tell you all about that. He’s behind the message of the videos.
#NYCSS: So Matt, how did you get into video editing and creation?
Matt: One of my passions has always been to travel, film it, and really show people what it’s like to be in different parts of the world. When Chris asked me to partner up with him, it reminded me of that same passion. It’s very similar but instead of showing people things around the world, I can show customers what it’s like to buy a product or service from the business.
“It’s just painting a picture through video, and that’s always something I’ve always wanted to do. With this business, we get to do exactly that.”
We increased our first clients sales by 20% after just one month. We’ve literally had people come in and say, I saw this video on Facebook and I just had to try it; the pizza looked delicious. I was like wow and it really hit my heart. This is because of me and our efforts.
A — you’re helping the business, B — you’re stimulating the economy. On a global scale, it will ultimately fulfill my dream of traveling and filming businesses all over the world.
#NYCSS: Did you always know how to edit videos or you learned along the way with editing and angles, lighting,etc.?
Matt: I’ve always been into computers. Whether it’s Photoshop, making music, shooting videos. Once we started filming, I started learning more and more.
We just bought more lighting equipment, we’re going to get a new camera and eventually a drone to get even better shots. We’re getting better equipment and learning more and more. Learning new tricks about targeting on Facebook, things like that.
Chris: When I first started running ads, I didn’t even know how to upload the videos. I knew a little about computers but never really messed with them. When I got into this I learned everything quickly. I never cared for marketing or social media but I saw a business opportunity and it’s something that I enjoy doing. It’s helping businesses make money while making money for myself, at the same time.
#NYCSS: I completely understand!
I know you started a few months ago, but where do you see yourselves and the business within the next year?
Chris: I can definitely see an office, a few employees, and a bunch of clients somewhere in the near future.
#NYCSS: Would you say your first major goal you’ve accomplished was to get the business off the ground and actually start producing/servicing other businesses?
Chris: Yeah, we’re doing that right now. We have to wait at least another month before statistics are in and then we’ll be worth a price. Right now what we’re worth is based on speculation, once we can show what we can do, then we’re worth a price that we can actually ask for.
#NYCSS: What advice would you give someone starting or thinking about starting their own business in the same area?
Chris: I would say it to any business — just do it. You can’t half ass it.
“If you want to start your own business, if you want to work around your passion, you have to go all in.”
You can’t second guess yourself, either you do it or you don’t. Make that leap of faith.
Matt: People like to think they don’t have time, but they do.
You have to crack the whip on yourself, you just gotta do it.
Chris: Getting in shape is the exact same discipline as owning your own business. No one is going to tell you to do it or don’t do it. It’s only you.
#NYCSS: Was there any point when you thought to yourself, this is impossible, we’re never going to be able to do this? Was there anything that you’ve told yourself to push through to get to this point?
Chris: Oh yeah, I’ve said it at least a hundred times over this past year. Even before I asked Matt to be my partner, I was so insecure about what people would think. Should I do it, do I really have the skills to do this, blah blah blah.
“All that insecurity, I just knocked it out of my own head and told myself, if I’m going to make a mistake then I’ll learn.”
#NYCSS: Did you just shrug it off and say, people are going to think what they want no matter what?
Chris: When I first started saying we were going to start the business, no one believed me in the beginning. So when you go after it and people saw what we did, no one is doubting us anymore. They know that we know what we’re doing.
#NYCSS: You put your money where your mouth is and you silenced the noise.
Chris: Some people start and don’t care about the noise, that wasn’t me. Matt doesn’t care, he’ll do a business pitch in front of 50 strangers while people are walking their dogs in the park. So, in that sense, he rubbed off on me a lot.
#NYCSS: That’s definitely good to have in a partner because I feel like you feed off of that energy and ask yourself, yeah why did I give a shit so much?
Matt: I think that’s why Chris and I make such great partners. We have the same thoughts about being our own boss but see others thinking the complete opposite.
When I share what we do, a lot of people make comments about it not working. They don’t even know what it could be doing for their business, but are already waving it off.
#NYCSS: Yeah I feel like a lot of people are going to look back and think, why didn’t I do it, no one even cares now.
So, what was the first thing you bought for the business after you got your first client?
Matt: A camera stabilizer, it helps produce less shaky videos and it makes a big difference. They’re a little pricey but totally worth it especially if you’re looking to shoot professional video.
#NYCSS: Is there a bad investment that you’ve made?
Chris: I don’t think so. When we both want to do something, we look at the pros and cons and decide from there. We’re pretty good with not just jumping into things.
#NYCSS: What’s something that you both want to do within the next year that you’ve never done before?
Matt: I think we both have the same goal and that’s to land a very large ongoing contract. If we form into the agency that we want, we can work with anyone.
The only thing we can hope for right now is to eventually have an office and employees.
#NYCSS: Is there anything you’ve had to convince clients to do that they didn’t want to do?
Matt: I think it’s more of explaining the benefits of video marketing and how it works. A lot of old school owners don’t know the world of social media so we explain about how it works for businesses. It’s more about informing them of the realities of social media and how far it’s come.
“It’s very real for marketing businesses and turning into an authentic way to communicate. People lose their people skills but it’s becoming a real way of life.”
A lot of owners don’t see how valuable and powerful it is. It gets their message across quicker through social media rather than handing out flyers or something, and they just aren’t in that state of mind. That’s where Chris and I try to explain and paint the picture of what their business could be like if they were doing what we can do for them.
#NYCSS: What technology innovation would you say has made the most impact on your lives?
Chris: iPhone
Matt: iPhone and Mac, the programs I use to edit the videos are for Mac.
#NYCSS: Is there a current project you’re working on that you’re excited about?
Chris: We’re currently working with a local gym and are very excited about it.
#NYCSS: That’s the one you posted on your Instagram right? (see the post here)
Chris & Matt: Yes! We’re doing two ads, one for the gym brand itself and one for an instructor. They’re already getting new customers from that first ad, which is awesome because it’s only been up for a couple of weeks. We’re going back to record the instructor and her class to put that up as well.
#NYCSS: If you could pick up a new skill instantly, what would it be?
Chris: Stay up for 24 hours straight and get better at marketing.
Matt: If I could take on another skill, it would be to get better at video editing to take the business to the next level.
#NYCSS: What’s the most interesting thing you’ve read, heard, or seen this week?
Matt: I just posted a quote on Snapchat…
#NYCSS: I have some fun questions for you both.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Chris: I like to go to the gym.
Matt: I go to the gym, hike and kayak in the summer, and snowboard in the winter. I’m very outdoorsy.
#NYCSS: Very cool!
If you guys were a new addition to the crayon box, what color would you be and why?
Chris: Green because my eyes are green and I just think I’m special.
Matt: I’d probably be blue. It’s a nice color and if you mix blue with yellow, that’s green so you can be two colors.
#NYCSS: You’re really working your way around that. I’ve never had anyone answer with three colors before haha.
What is your favorite place in the world, for both of you?
Matt: I haven’t really done enough traveling to answer that question. My favorite place might not be the same after seeing somewhere else.
Chris: Same for me.
#NYCSS: Okay, I respect that!
What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done?
Matt: I’ve gone skydiving twice, scuba dived in trenches, which was very fun. Last summer I did an extremely dangerous hike and rock climbed with no equipment, no margin for error there.
Chris: I can’t even try to top that! The craziest thing I’ve ever done was swim with dolphins.
#NYCSS: I mean, it’s hard to compete with all of that!
Which four individuals, living or dead, would you like to eat dinner with the most?
Matt: Albert Einstein, Morgan Freeman, and the other two I’d really have to think about.
Chris: Gary Vaynerchuk…
Matt: I knew you’d say that.
Chris: Yeah, you knew that. My favorite rapper, Fabolous, an ancestor of mine, and maybe a president.
#NYCSS: I have some would-you-rather questions for the last set.
Would you rather be 10 minutes late or 20 minutes early?
Matt: 20 minutes early.
Chris: 10 minutes late. I’d want to be early but I’d end up being late instead.
#NYCSS: At least you know your truth!
Would you rather never have to work again or never have to sleep again?
Both: Never have to work. It would get boring staying up 24 hours a day.
#NYCSS: Would you rather know the history of every object you touch or be able to talk to animals?
Both (same time): Talk to animals.
#NYCSS: Are you learning more about each other with each question? I feel like you’re similar in a lot of ways.
Chris: Yeah I think there’s a few things I didn’t know about Matt.
Matt: Probably things we would’ve never known if it wasn’t for these kinds of questions, not things you hear every day. I like it.
#NYCSS: Would you rather have a completely automated home or self driving car?
Chris: Automated home, I like to drive.
Matt: Same for me.
#NYCSS: Would you rather have free Wi-Fi wherever you went or be able to drink unlimited coffee at any coffee shop?
Chris: Coffee
Matt: Wi-Fi
#NYCSS: Would you rather live in a house with see-through walls in the city or the same see-through house in the middle of a forest, far from civilization?
Both: Middle of the forest.
#NYCSS: Would you rather have a flying carpet or a car that could drive underwater?
Chris: Car, I wanna see some sharks!
Matt: Car that could drive underwater, you could see so many things, but a flying carpet you could travel anywhere for free.
Chris: Yeah but you can’t travel on a carpet, what if it rains? You’re screwed.
Matt: I’ll stick with the flying carpet.
#NYCSS: I love the thought process you’re going through with these questions. Maybe you can Face-time each other and get the best of both worlds haha.
Would you rather wake up in the middle of an unknown desert or wake up in a rowboat on an unknown body of water?
Both: Body of water.
#NYCSS: Would you rather travel the world for a year, all expenses paid, or have $50,000 to spend on anything you want?
Chris: Travelling the world for a year would cost more than $50,000, so travel the world all expenses paid.
Matt: Yeah, agreed.
