Tag Archives: business

9 Simple Ways to Create a Business Video that Rocks

by Debra Kasowski

Do you want to create a video for your teleclass, blog post, or book launch? Do you want to create your own YouTube TV show? Many small business owners back away from the very thought as they think it costs big money to create video that is compelling and increases their web presence. Professional videos have their place; you may not have it in your budget yet.

I learned a simple yet less expensive way to get quality video that can maximize your exposure on line and attract more customers.

One of biggest lessons I learned during trial and error is that you need to –KEEP IT SIMPLE!

Remember why you have decided to use the video platform. Was it to create that visual connection with your audience? Was it to demonstrate how your product or service works? Was it to capture a testimonial from someone you did business with? If you said yes, let’s keep going! One should know how to sell a business as well in case of a crisis.

You can often use what you have as smartphone technology has advanced to help capture clear high quality images.

  1. Equipment – I use my iPhone attached to a Belkin adapter that sits on a tripod. It works great to keep my video stabilized. There are many hand held flip camcorders that you can use to shoot your video.
  2. Create a script – There is nothing worse than going blank in front of a camera. The great news is you are in control of the camera and you can retake as many times as you need too. Use a queue card, flip chart paper, or create a teleprompter with your laptop to help you remember what you want to say. Don’t forget practice makes perfect.
  3. Deliver Content Worth Sharing – You want to create content that is compelling that inspires, educates, or entertains. Your video should be anywhere between 2-15 minutes in length. People are busy and time is a commodity so pack in 3-5 tips and techniques that provide value.
  4. Good Lighting – Good lighting is essential to creating a good video. Do not shoot your video with a window behind you as it creates shadow and darkness. Shoot where you can get lots a natural light.
  5. Great sound quality – Shoot your video away from extra distractions and lots of background noise. People running through your background or making peace signs can distract your viewers from concentrating on your message. An external microphone can be helpful but not always necessary. Speak loud and clear.
  6. Make Up and Clothing – Wear colours that flatter you and you feel good in. Avoid prints as they tend to move and shift on screen. Apply a bit more makeup that you normally do on film. Use powder to touch up any shine on the forehead, nose, or chin.
  7. Let the good times roll! You can add music to the introduction or the end of your videos for an add effect. Background music is good but make sure that it does not overpower your voice and message.
  8. Add Text – Emphasize key points by using text when editing your video. Not everyone learns the same way so text helps those who learn from reading. iMovie has an easy editing software.
  9. Call to Action – End your video with a call to action! What do you want people to do after watching your video? Share it will others. Comment. Go to your website.

Video is one of the most powerful tools on the internet today. It increases your Google ranking and exposure to potential clients. It helps build a connections and relationships and especially the know, like, and trust factor.

Empower yourself by keeping things simple and getting your message out into the world.

Debra Kasowski is a transformational speaker, author, and success coach Debra Kasowski is best-selling co-author of GPS Your Best Life: Charting Your Destination and Getting There in Style and her latest solo authored book The Entrepreneurial Mom’s Guide to Growing a Business, Raising a Family, and Creating a Life You Love was just released. Get your Free Mp3 Download of the 7 Resolutionary Breakthroughs to Profit and Prosper by Taking Charge of Your Business and Your Life when you sign up for her ezine https://www.themillionairewoman.com



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Swimming Against the Tide

By Gail Z. Martin

When I was at the beach a few weeks ago, I had the chance to take my chair out into the surf and watch the waves come in around me.  I love to feel the water swell up over my feet and legs, and watch it glimmer in the sun as it rushes back out.

As I watched the sun make patterns in the surf, I noticed the small silver fish who were swept in with the water.  I love to see these little minnows swirl around my ankles when I walk in the surf, but I noticed that they were doing something curious.

They were struggling mightily against the tide.  Not only where they fighting the entire power of the ocean, but the tide was struggling to save their lives.  The fish only knew to swim onward, but “onward” would have mean beaching themselves in the sun to die.  And I realized that I know a lot of business owners like those fish.

How many people do you know who are committed to moving “onward” but who aren’t really paying attention to what would happen if they arrived at their supposed destination?

I know people who want to be famous, or who want to build a national franchise, or who want to land a huge national contract.  There’s nothing wrong with those dreams, but it’s important to understand where your version of “onward” is taking you.  Like the minnows, you might succeed in fighting the tide only to end up beached in the sun.

Here are some things to ask yourself, to avoid ending up like those minnows:

  • Why do I want this?  (Is it to impress other people, or for a valid business reason)
  • How will my life have to change to make this happen?  What might be the stress points or ramifications of those changes?
  • Can my support structure handle the stress?  (Your marriage, your family, your employees, and others to who depend on you.)
  • Have I laid a foundation sturdy enough to support  the level of success I’m seeking?  (Many people achieve their goal only to lose what they’ve gained because they didn’t lay a proper foundation capable of sustaining the activities required to maintain success.)
  • What will it take to strengthen my personal and professional support structures to lay a solid foundation for the success I seek?  What can I begin doing immediately to start to make that happen?  How long will it take to achieve?
  • When I achieve my goal, what then?
  • At what point will I be satisfied?  (Warning—if you really believe that “too much is not enough”, you are headed for trouble.  Dream big, but know when you’ve reached a point of sustainability that permits both personal and professional satisfaction.

We Americans love the rebels that swim against the tide.  But before you invest enormous energy in fighting the power of the tides pulling on you, take a few moments to make sure that you’re headed for a healthy destination.  Let go of the compulsion to move “onward” for the sake of moving, and chart your own course and speed.

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