Video rocks – so why aren’t you using it yet?

People love to watch other people. That is why YouTube is so popular.

If you don’t nt know how to use a video camera, or edit video, or have the dollars to buy expensive software, let alone take the time to learn how to use it.

What if you could start recording videos and you didn’t have to go through all that other stuff?

qik is the answer

The video you see here was taken in less than 5 minutes using my iPad. If you have a smartphone or tablet with a video camera, you can use this app.

qik is fast, easy and free!

You can upload your video directly from your device to YouTube, Facebook, or Twitter. It is so easy.

How to Get Started with qik

1. Go to the qik website, http://qik.com/
2. Download the app and install it on your smart device
3. Write out a short outline for your video.
4. Cover your main talking points.
5. Comb your hair
6. Check the lighting
7. Go somewhere where you have good acoustics
8. Turn off any devices that could buzz or ring during your recording session
9. Put on some lip balm
10. Open the qik app
11. Record
12. Watch your video before you upload it.
13. Add a title
14. Upload to your choice or sites: Facebook, YouTube, Twitter (you can link your qik account to your accounts at any of these social media sites.)
15. You can even send a link to your video via email

That’s it. Simple, fast, and free.

What more could a marketer ask for?

 

I nearly incinerated my kitchen the other evening. I was tired and hungry. I had one more task to complete before I stopped working for the night. I thought I would save a bit of time and heat up some soup while I worked.

DANGER!!! DANGER!!! DANGER!!!

I am famous around my house for blackening pots and pans due to my ability to get focused on my work, while the kitchen goes up in smoke. I have burned beets (a very nasty smell), blackened brand new pans, killed tea kettles by melting them, guess you would say I have a black thumb when it comes to cooking. Most of the time this is not an issue, as my husband is the cook in the family. So when I occasionally go into the cooking mode, I need to be sure I use a timer with a very loud alarm to wake me from my reverie and interrupt my concentration so I redirect my attention to the kitchen, the fire under the food and avert any potential disasters.

When I focus on a task, without distractions, my brain is fully engaged and works faster than when my attention is split.I can get more done, when I work in sequence, instead of trying to do too much simultaneously.

Give the uni-tasking method a try. I think you will enjoy what you are doing, be in the moment and have less likelihood of repeating my flammable mishaps.

Safety studies have shown that when we talk on the phone at the same time, our brains are 35% less efficient. That loss of attention could prove fatal to you or others.

Put down the phone, yes, even if you are using a headset or speaker, when you are driving. Focus on what you are doing there, and elsewhere in your life. You’ll have less stress, get more done, and enjoy the journey.You’ll be more productive.

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Have you every been stuck in “Perfection Paralysis”? Have you missed out on opportunities by waiting until everything was perfect?

What if you knew your were perfect right now? How would you act? What would be different for you?

Weight the value of your effort and investment in an idea or project against what you expect to harvest to be. ROI, return on investment takes into account the ingredients that go into the pie and the final product.

Looking at actions as an investment may change the way you evaluate and spend your resources.

Please subscribe to my blog. It’s free and you’ll find more tips to help you cultivate your clients and grow your profits.

 

Let your perfection shine. You are perfect as you are. You know enough, you are enough, and you are perfect.

Next time you have a good idea, test it using the Lean Start-Up model. Invest the smallest amount of resources to test your idea. If it sticks with your audience, you can make it better. If not, move on, revise your idea, knowing that you have what it takes to succeed.

You should subscribe to my blog and to my YouTube Channel. You know you want to. Just do it now.

 

April in Northern California brings uncertain weather. Showers, sun, heat, wind, heavy rain. The garden is begging for attention. Established plants are braving the swing in temperatures. They can do that because they are well established. They have a strong infrastructure to support them. Their roots know the earth where they are living. They have adapted. Their ability to thrive where they are has given them a secure spot at the table.

But what about those fresh, tender, small plants you purchased at the nursery in hopes of freshening up your garden with spots of color? These young plants have fragile root systems. They need time and care to adjust to a new environment. Most will need a higher level of attention and care until they have established themselves in their new garden home.

Clients are like tender plants

When you begin working with a new client, treat them as you would a transplanted seedling. Give them attention, nurture them. Protect them as they grow roots and you both become acclimatized to each other.

As your relationship grows, provide a structure for growing, support them. Feed them regularly. Be sure the light, water and temperature are just right for healthy growth. Add to the mix when needed. Keep your relationship free of weeds. Amend the environment with your time and attention.

Regular Care Required

Treat your clients with care. Give them regular attention and the food they need to thrive. Be a responsible gardener. With regular care, your clients will be as happy and as healthy as the plants in your garden.

 

I posted my new business portrait on this site and other locations on the web. I was so pleased with my portrait, the photo session and my relationship with the photographer, Erin Hayes, Erin Hayes Photography, that I posted a recommendation for her on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter. I got lots of positive comments on the portrait, which translates into lots of eyeballs who viewed my recommendation of Erin.

I shared my testimonial with the members of my business group, Sonoma Success Partners. My friends, family, and business contacts, read or heard my testimonial for Erin. In a few minutes, I had shared my positive experience with hundreds of people I know and through them, with thousands more. The people who commented on my portrait and recommendations, multiplied my message exponentially.

The power of social media

• sharing what you know
• sharing what you like
• sharing what makes you mad
• sharing what inspires you

It was easy to do. It took me a few minutes to compose my message and a few more to post it. Then the magic of sharing took over.

Want an easy way to promote your business?

Leverage testimonials from your clients by asking for them on social networking sites.

Ask for written testimonials that specify a service or challenge you helped to resolve.

Ask your clients to record a video or audio testimonial for you. You can upload videos to YouTube, embed them on your web site or blog posts. You can embed or link to audio files.

Give and Receive Testimonials

I got busy giving and and requesting testimonials. LinkedIn lets you review recommendations before they are posted. It also prompts you to give a recommendation when you received one. Reciprocity at its best.

Get them in writing. Then you can pepper your web site with endorsements from happy clients. The credibility of paid advertising has dropped to an all time low of 14% believability versus our faith in word-0f-mouth comments. Real people, real words, real solutions, translate into rapport and trust.

In a previous post, I commented on what is known as “The Oprah Effect” or the “Tim Ferris Effect.” Getting connected to someone who is famous, has a committed and engaged following, can turn your visibility super-nova bright. I worked for a graphic designer who was also an avid golfer. He invented “Loud-Mouth Golf,” fun and funny golf attire and accessories for golfers with a sense of humor and style. His strategy for promotion, give the pants to famous golfers who then endorsed them. He leveraged his way into a larger circle of buyers and fans. I visited his web site today and there is now world-wide distribution of his products. Not bad for a grass roots company with marketing smarts. This strategy works because humans take on the style, habits, attire and behavior of our heros, and people we like. It shows we belong.

What’s your next step?

See where you have a strong presence already and look at how you can increase your visibility through recommendations and testimonials. Here are some sites you might want to add to your list of cyber addresses. Most are free to join. Building your google juice depends on who knows you. Testimonials and recommendations are a proven way to expand your circle of influence and your profits.

 Sites That Make It Easy to Capture Testimonials and Reviews

• LinkedIn
• Manta
• Yelp!
• YouTube
• MerchantCircle
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Google
• Google Maps
• Bing
• Local.com
• JudysBook.com
• AngiesList.com
• TripAdvisor.com
• OpenTable.com
• BBB.org
• Google+
• Google Places
• Yext.com
• Yahoo! Local Listings
• Citysearch
• foursquare
• ziplocal
• likelist

Testimonials are better than ice cream. Especially when they are shared.

 

If you want to stay well and be productive, take some tips from Deborah Myers, Health at Your Fingertips. Deborah is a healer who uses light, gentle touch, accupressure, Jin Shin Jystu and Theta healing to keep my energy in balance and in flow. Watch as she demonstrates some of the simple things you can do yourself to feel better fast.

The video is just under 11 minutes. I recorded Deborah’s presentation at a meeting of our referral group, Sonoma Success Partners.

I practice her “Daily Clean Your House Flow” energy flow each day. It is a great way to start and end the day, and if I need a boost during the day too.

For clear thinking and well being, Health at Your Fingertips is a great resource for entrepreneurs and larger businesses too. Deborah teaches workshops for individuals, health care professionals and can customize a program for your group or business.

I give HAYFT two thumbs up!

 

Want your next workshop to sell out?

Act like a rock star.

If you have ever tried to get tickets to your favorite band, you may have been astonished to find that all the seats were sold in just a few minutes. When well-known performers, like the Rolling Stones announce a new show, they are able to sell out scheduled performances in just a few minutes.

What’s their secret?

They have a huge fan base. When the word goes out, their fans already know them, like them, and are tuned in to consume their music and their life events.

How To Get Similar Results

You can stimulate the same kind of response for your products and services when you take these steps:

Build Your Fan base

If you have a blog you may have subscribers. But it is a common mistake that people can’t find out how to subscribe to your blog. You need to make it easy for people to subscribe to your blog. Where you place your subscribe button or form can make a huge difference in how many people take action and sign up.

If you have a Facebook page for yourself or your business, do you have have satisfied customers and supporters who like you on Facebook? Are you inviting people to “like” your page? What content are you providing to keep them engaged?

Perhaps you belong to online forums or groups. You might be posting questions or answering questions on LinkedIn.

You could upload videos, share slides, create podcasts or video casts, create a customized channel on YouTube, well, these are just a few of the social media opportunities out there. All of these channels have one thing in common, they are great places to engage in a conversation. Conversations are an exchange of ideas and through them, people connect. Connecting is just 1st step.

Grow your fan base

How can you have an ongoing relationship with your fans? You need to interact regularly. A small group of active fans is far more valuable than a big list where there is little loyalty, commitment or engagement. You need to nurture your relationships in cyberspace as well as those off line. Consistency, such as publishing new content on a regular, predictable basis can help people invest in you and build their trust in you as an expert and resource.

Capture Contact Information

Interruptive marketing (like paid commercials on radio or broadcast television, telemarketing calls) are perceived as annoying because they take you out of the experience of enjoying the story or music you were experiencing. Permission-based marketing is the new model for growing your business. It means that people who like what you have to offer, knowledge, services, or products, have given you permission to be in contact with them. On Facebook, we like people or their pages, on Twitter, we follow them, on YouTube, it is possible to subscribe a channel or to become a friend. I think you’re getting the idea. In each of these cases, there is an easy way for people to indicate that they want more of what they just consumed. There is a convenient way for them to opt in (join) your list.

Give It Away and They Will Come

Your opt in box should be prominently featured on your website. To incentivize people to opt in, you may offer something for free that is of value in exchange for their contact information. We have all willingly given our business cards away for a chance to win something valuable. The same idea works on line when you offer a free report or sample of your services in exchange for your visitors’ contact information.

“The Tim Ferris Effect”

I read a great post today on the forbes.com blog. It was about how to have a successful book launch. The author is a friend of Tim Ferriss (The 4 Hour Work Week, The 4 Hour Body). His book launch as tracked on Amazon was hugely successful because he posted as a guest on Tim’s blog. He went from being listed as 1,295 to an Amazon Best Seller at #45 on the day he posted to Tim’s blog. If you know someone with a very focused and loyal set of followers, you might consider strategies for getting to be mentioned on their blog or offering to create a “guest” post. The big guys do this all the time. When someone in the “Guerilla Marketing” stable publishes, they cross promote themselves on each others web site and email lists.

Start now to build your list and get growing!

btw – If you would like to create an action plan for building your list, see my special offer.

 

The first thing I learned about video is not to take myself too seriously. It is a great medium and I love it. I admit it. I am somewhat of a ham in front of the camera, on stage, well, anyplace I have an audience. Growing up, I was painfully shy. I learned to get over my shyness (fear of rejection) by acting. If I could be someone else, then it didn’t matter if people did or didn’t like me. It wasn’t me they were connecting with, it was my character.

Fear of Rejection isn’t Fatal and it doesn’t have to be a life sentence

But what about showing up as myself, not as someone else? I can still remember being in front of my speech class in junior high. I thought everyone could see me trembling, knees knocking together in fear. It was a revelation that no one but me knew I was nervous. I learned to take my fear and re-channel  it into excitement about my message. Shifting my focus from myself to the people in the audience who chose to come and see me and doing my best to deliver an entertaining and educational experience.

I am not suggesting that this reframing was instantaneous. It was a gradual process for me. I come from a family of shy people. I didn’t have outgoing role models in my immediate family. I craved connection, so I had to get over my fear.

When I saw this video, it made me laugh.

It is a hoot and it also makes some good points about why people enjoy video.

Video is a great tool for marketing

Video content is growing at an exponential rate. YouTube, Vimeo, iTunes are probably the best know channels for online video. There is video email too. Face it, video is an important communication tool. Just yesterday I was introduced to a new product via a demonstration video. As access to tools like smart phones and tablets with video capture has expanded, so too has the number of new content creators. I use a variety of video capture tools, from the easy ones like iMovie to the big guns in the Adobe Production Premium Suite (Adobe Premiere, After Effects and Encore).

But what if you are self-conscious, shy or don’t like how you look, or are afraid to speak in public? What then? There are many ways to “skin a cat.” I had the help of a mentor. I sought out ways to challenge myself and as I got out into the work world, I met amazing people like Susan RoAne, author of several great books on networking, and my good friend, Joan Gale Frank. Joan created “Instant Guts” an audio program that gives step-by-step inspiration and practical exercises to help overcome fear and turn it into action. It is fun, funny and it works.

Become a Top Cat

Action Steps

1. Prepare some talking points to open a conversation
2. Rehearse what you intend to say in a relaxed setting
3. Join a networking group where you have an opportunity to speak on a regular basis
4. Join a group like Toastmasters where you learn to think on your feet
5. Don’t expect perfection
6. Be authentic, it is more valuable than being perfect
7. Focus on your audience

 Storyboards

As you saw in the cat video, storyboards help you prepare and organize the information you intend to share. Here is link to a great free resource for storyboard forms. Did you know, Walt Disney is the father of storyboarding? Cinematographers have used storyboards to map out their films. You can use it for creating a visual map for your live presentations and for your next great video production.

 What I learned from Cats

I still have days when I am more introvert than extrovert. Lucky for me, I have an in-house relaxation coach, my cat Simba. He has his priorities straight: eat, sleep, get hugs and love every day. And he is never camera-shy.

 

I attended a presentation by Kurt Shaver’s at the Bay Area Consultants Network. His topic: ” Get LinkedIn to Sales”.

That’s Kurt to your left. Why is he smiling? He knows the secrets of making LinkedIn work to find customers. Below are a few things I learned from Kurt.

Improve Your Profile

He gave great tips on how to make it easier for people to find you on LinkedIn, the first step if they are going to hire you.

• Use a great photo – a headshot that fills the space, is flattering, and that shows you as the professional you are
• Use keywords to describe yourself and what you do (that’s what people are searching on)
• You can reorder the sections of your profile by dragging and dropping
• Make sure your summary is keyword  rich and describes your accomplishments
• Ask for recommendations

Making changes to Your Profile

I spent about a half an hour and made some significantI changes to my profile .

I  moved sections around and I added a video clip to my profile.I have more updates planned.

See the results on my LinkedIn Profile

Want More Sales?

Kurt teaches how to get more clients using LinkedIn. Find out more here. He has a series of online workshops coming up in August. I give him two thumbs up.

Watch this short clip (49 sec) of Kurt to get a sample of his high energy and high impact training style.