Mia de Rauch Founder of Flipswitch

Who are you and what business did you start?

I am Mia de Rauch and I started Flipswitch – we are content creators, specialising in video production.

What’s your backstory and how did you come up with the idea?

I started in TV production with work experience when I was 16 and have never really left. My career has seen me working on a lot of different TV productions, before deciding to create my first feature film at 22 years old. (Stupid) That was a big jump into building my own productions.

After recovering from a major health issue and burn out from that film, I worked on documentaries and features – some my own, others as crew. Before going fully into my own business. My partner at the time and I started a video production company to tell family stories, it was a great concept but a tough sell. We also began creating online content – Youtube was getting bigger, and having a video on your website was becoming the norm.

I’ve been through a lot of business transformations since then, now landing happily into founder of Flipswitch. We are really passionate about being creative, and making content that our clients love.
The team is fantastic! We are constantly collaborating and growing as a company.

Describe the process of launching the business.

Flipswitch was built quickly – after a divorce and inevitable closing of the old business. So the beginning was a really big rush of activity. It took another 6 months before I could sit down, assess and properly launch the business publicly. I couldn’t have done it without the amazing support of my close friends and family. Who really made sure my health and emotions were cared for, while I discovered the Why and the How behind the business.

Since launch, what has worked to attract and retain customers?

My motto has always been about being open creatively and in my communication. This has really worked to continue building the business. There are so many brilliant and creative videographers out there, and businesses will go towards the creatives that have the style that they like. So along with creating a great end product for the client, I also like to show how we work in a collaborative way with people. Since we start with a strategy side, I’ve also made sure to be realistic across my own social media – I can’t push clients to create videos if we don’t! I think that level of openness has really worked well to attract and retain customers.

How are you doing today and what does the future look like?

Well, this past two years have not been fun. It’s been so up and down being in and out of lockdown. Early Covid we were very busy however it did significantly drop when it was realised how long this would go on. While we are based regionally a lot of our clients are based in Melbourne, so that has also affected us. However, we are riding the wave and business is getting very busy again. I am feeling positive about the business and looking forward to growth – though this time, I am giving myself some leeway and we will take our time to grow in the direction that feels good for us and the brand.

Through starting the business, have you learned anything particularly helpful or advantageous?

I’ve learnt a lot running a business. The lack of stability and consistency can have a huge affect on stress and mental health, so you do need to have a lot of faith in yourself and your idea. You are pouring a lot of yourself into this, and it’s not a short term financial plan.

What I’ve also learned is the power in finding the happy medium between giving the client everything and your own values and worth. You want to give your clients the best, but it should not be at the detriment of yourself. There is nothing wrong with saying NO, if a client or brief is not aligned with your brand or is the type of job that you think will be great for the business in the future.

What platform/tools do you use for your business?

We use platforms like ‘Monday’ for our daily tasks, job lists and internal communications.
Xero for accounting – with the help of my book keeper

What have been the most influential books, podcasts, or other resources?

Mark Manson – The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck
Mike Michaelowitz – The Pumpkin Plan

As well as resources such as Skillshare. That has a number of amazing people to help you grow your own knowledge.

Advice for other entrepreneurs who want to get started or are just starting out?

Everybody who goes in to business has a different journey. Do not compare yourself to others. Set achievable goals and don’t be hard on yourself if they take a little longer to reach than you wanted.

Where can we go to learn more?

flipswitchmedia.com.au