Here’s another installment in the series Video THAT Much Better. Let’s talk audio. Specifically, camera mic audio. Have you ever watched videos where the person talking seems further away than the video shows or the vocal quality is not rich enough? That’s because they ARE standing further away from their camera and depending on the camera mic. You can pick them out instantly, can’t you? It’s a deadringer, telltale sign of an amateur. It is so easy these days to get an inexpensive wired lapel mic and plug it into either your camera (like the Kodak Zi8) or your computer to record. Now it may take a bit of editing to sync it to your video, but if you start both recordings at the same time, and don’t shut either one off until you’re finished recording, it can be very easily done.

Because there are so many people that don’t bother with an external mic, instead depending on the camera’s mic, that if you use an external mic, your videos will stand out from the crowd, and sound OH so professional!

If you shoot a lot of video at your desk, or in your office, how about a change of scenery? Shooting video outdoors can be a great change of pace, more engaging and give you better lighting. Watch out for loud noises, like your neighbor’s weed whacker, or passing traffic. Pay attention to the background. Remember how we watch out for busy backgrounds indoors? Well, watch out for literally busy background when outdoors, like highway traffic or children playing at recess. Now, of course, there can be circumstances where these backgrounds can be appropriate, but if you’re just doing short, instructional-style videos, I wouldn’t recommend it. Watch out for anything that may distract the viewer from paying attention to you. And, finally, don’t forget that external mic!

Next month I am giving a presentation to the Cincinnati Area Board of Realtors and they had me create a promotional video for it. So here it is.

Here, too, is the description I submitted for the workshop.

Perhaps nowhere as in Real Estate is a business so dependent on relationship. And video is the best way to begin and grow that relationship. People LOVE video! Last year, 86% of the US online population viewed video content. That’s 178 million; compared to “only” 150 million in 2008. The average online viewer consumed 187 videos in December of 2009, up 95% from December 2008. Videos are 50 times more likely to receive an organic first page ranking than traditional text pages. Unlike traditional media, video has the ultimate ROI value because it can be created once, and used forever.

Come to the Video for Fun and Profit workshop at the CABR on June 16 at 10am-12pm. This workshop will show you how to create your own videos, how and where to post them. We will also have an interactive panel of users of these and other technologies. Come learn more about these simple to use tools and how they can make a significant impact on your marketing success.

If you can relate to these agents, you need to come to this workshop!

Unfortunately, unless you’re already involved with CABR, this is not open to the public. HOWEVER…I am starting a list of people who are interested in learning how to use video to promote their business. If that is you, please comment below, send me an email, Twitter me (@editVDO), or leave a post on my Facebook Fan page.

Well, I hate to completely jump on the bandwagon of setting goals, but we are in that season. I don’t set resolutions, but I do take a look at different areas of my life and evaluate what’s working, what’s not, where do I want to go, and what do I need to do to get there. This is especially true about my business. My business had terrific growth in 2009, and as that success grows, so does my confidence that I can reach higher goals. I see the possibilities and know they are truly possible and not just lofty.

This year, more than ever before, I’m looking what I accomplished in 2009, where do I need to improve, and what do I want 2010 to look like. And I’ve actually SET goals this year. Concrete goals. Not just “I’d-like-my-business-to-grow-this-year” kind of goals. “I want to do xx this year, which means I need  to make $xx this year.” I can put my hands around that. It gives me direction and helps me stay focused on those goals.

So as you may be evaluating 2009, in the arena of marketing your business, are you happy with your efforts? Did they get you what you wanted? Are you tired of doing the same things and getting the same results? Are you ready to try something new? Even if all the answers to these questions are yes, let’s try something new anyway.

If you’ve never used video to promote your business, there’s no better time than now. With the continuing exponential popularity and growth of video, there has never been a better time.

Reasons You Need Video

1. It’s there 24/7. When you can’t be. Imagine hiring someone to promote your business all day every day. No bathroom breaks. No meal breaks. No sleeping. It’s there when you can’t be. Why not take advantage of every tool possible to market your business? Salvage some of those hours that you’re just sleeping anyway.
2. Consistent message. Now imagine that message being delivered 24/7 is the same message every time. You don’t have to worry if you forgot something one of those times or perhaps even missed a point entirely. Can you say that about a sales staff? Video will give your same message every time.
3. It’s Personal. Human nature just likes connection. And video gives you connection. Video is literally you, talking to them. People can see you, read your body language, get to know, like and trust you.
4. Google Love. Now connect all this power to the power of Google and Youtube, and you’re set.

If you’re open to new possibilities, new markets, and new growth for your business, give me a call now. Let’s get video working for you!

Eventcasting is another new media term that most people are not familiar with. It is simply streaming video from an event live over the internet. The uses for this technology are endless.

Eventcasting is another tool to help you grow your business. Broadcasting your events is a great way to market your business. It can draw people to your event, allow people who cannot attend to view the event, and open your business up to new customers.

If you’re familiar with podcasting, it is much like that except it takes place at an event and “covers” the event much like a radio station would. Eventcasting does allow 2-way communication. Fans, or attendees, can interact with each other as well as the broadcaster themselves, which is the way to build a community.

For private events such as a conference, staff or sales meeting, where people from all over the country (or the world) need to come together for a common purpose, eventcasting can save travel costs for attendees who may have to come a great distance. One can incorporate certain other technologies, such as Skype, for even greater flexibility.

These eventcasts can even be recorded for later viewing. Whether you wish to “broadcast” an entire event, or just show highlights, or you wish to offer an eventcast (at a lower cost) as an alternative to physically attending an event, this medium can be a cost-effective, flexible tool to meet your needs. Any event your company holds on a regular basis is a prime candidate for eventcasting.

Here’s an example of an eventcast Don and I facilitate every month for New Media Cincinnati:

VS Productions will be eventcasting the Loveland Business Expo. on October 28, 2009. We invite you to come to the Expo (admission is free) and check out what we’re doing. Of course, the eventcast will also be streamed live at AllAroundLoveland.com. You’re welcome to check it out there and talk to Don about how to put eventcasting to work for you.