3-2-1 ACTION
Read More: Putting on a YouTube Video...
"OMG, Ok, I can do this...ok, just breathe. 3,2,1 Act- No No NO..that's all wrong. I should have looked to my left,
blinked 5 times instead of 50 . I can't believe it- I didn't check my nose before I pushed record!
Oh NOOOOO. Upload complete....aaaaaahhhhhhh!
Does this sound familiar? If it hasn't happened to you, don't you worry that it just may happen sooner than later?
In all honesty it has happened to me. Not THAT scenario, but definitely one I wish I could have done better.
Everyone in the networking world is being bombarded on how to brand themselves. What we see from the pro's is exactly that-the PRO'S.
Everyone starts somewhere. Even the Pro's. The only difference between you and them is time, experience and an HONEST opinion.
The problem with an honest opinion:
1. We don't like them
2. We may be embarrassed
3. We are still figuring out what to say
4. We don't have anyone to tell us
5. We plain ol' don't listen
I have personally only done 2 video's. One was to my friends, because I was encouraged by 1 guru group to start making videos. Send out "hello, here I am video's", etc. The other was a " get organized " video. OMG-do I wish I could take it back? Yes- In a heartbeat!
So, about 2 weeks ago, I wanted to post another video. I felt it was time to do another one and get comfortable with this venue of marketing. Now mind you, My day really wasn't the most cheeriest. I came downstairs and said to my Husband, "Hey, will you take a film of me?!" He kindly looked at me and said.
"Honey you look absolutely beautiful to ME, but today is definetly not a day for you to record. What you feel, will come out in your voice, and will be difficult to help other's. Please listen to me"
With that, I did. Gave him a hug, and THANKED him for his HONESTY. He had to be brave enough to tell me that, and I had to show enough humility to acquiesce to his suggestion.
Most of us are scared to PRACTICE in front of our mates, our <standing in the same room> friend, and our family members. It is only when you can actually practice with someone who will be honest and be patient, that you actually become more comfortable with this type of marketing.
I remember one specific time that I was "practicing" how to ask someone if I could buy their home ( this was in my real estate investing years ). The guide suggested that I practice a specific series of questions, until I felt comfortable with just about any answer I received.
Here was the problem: How would I practice to get "used to an answer" if I didn't talk to a "REAL" person?
So, I practiced in the mirror for a few days. Then I decided to ask my father for some help. I asked him to be my "pretend missing home owner". My father agreed. I did it. I gave him the presentation- all of 30 seconds. To my surprise, my father said, "Hey, if you can do all that, then you can buy my ol' house". I told him that I could, and that he would have finances within the month. I made my first deal in Real Estate...and I wasn't even TRYING! That event led to a very successful investment business.
So, don't be afraid to "PRACTICE" with the people closest to you. It could be a work mate, family member or friend. Ask them to watch you, and help you sort through the words that might sound cluttered or jumbled. Then ask them to take the video for you. They will really be amazed at the courage you are endeavoring to display as you help other's build an incredible business.
You may decide that writing is more comfortable than shooting the film. In the mean time, I will keep practicing with my husband until I look and sound like a pro!
Well, to your success!
Ciao! 
~ME~
or send an email to: youwin@michaela-ellis.com
Views: 1,753 | 
Comments: 27 
About the Author: Michaela Ellis
Member Since: 03/27/2010
Company: Network Mentor
Industry: Business Opportunities
Primary Web Site: http://michaela-ellis.com
Great Info
I think that we should get "ourselves" out of the way and just do it! :D
Great Job
And haven't we all been there. Good points, now I feel like I can go make a video. Thanks, Les
Great Advice Michaela
Thank you for your article Michaela, you gave me alot of Great ideas on what to think about when doing a video to Brand Myself.
I Appreciate It !
I have seen a few...
lately, and I know that some us are scared. It is going to be ok! We don't have to rush into doing any one thing.Just get good at the thing you do the best. If you are deciding to really "be all in", it doesn't matter if you master it today, tomorrow or next week. Eventually, you will be the master at the craft.
Well written life experience!
Adorable and very refreshing. I love the personal touch, real life experience. Thanks for the encouragement.
It is so much fun!
Michaela - I really enjoyed this post! It brought a smile to my face.
Great Advice, Michaela
Excellent information on the process of beginning something new. We have to be patient with ourselves.
laughing too...
it made me smile too , when i thought about how silly I must have looked...and yet my husband was ever so patient. I am so glad I "allow" him to be honest with me! LOL
Your wonderful story...
...has given even camera-shy me the feeling that I can do video marketing too! If your writing skills are any indication... your videos will be awesome! Thank you for sharing your story ;-)
Videos got me Jones
I can find every reason in the book not to do a video Micheala! Your post shows me one of my clear weaknesses, and I thank you for re pointing that out to me!
we all do..
find every reason not to do what we are not good at...that is why Michael Jordan practiced day and night and Kobe shot with his left hand over and over again...just to perfect the weakness.
;-) Making them, clearly, the master over the weakness.
Practice makes perfect : )
Practice makes perfect : )
Good Stuff!
This is one of those things that I needed to read today. None of us start as gurus or professionals - Thanks!
Great Post
I know that video marketing is one of my weaknesses and this articles just proves to me that I am not alone. I remember doing my hello and welcome video which is my first video of myself marketing and I was with my niece. It took about 7 or 8 takes before I felt comfortable just saying hello and welcome on my facebook page."20 seconds" Although, it is not the best, I got out of my comfort zone and posted it and said hello. My niece and I were laughing a few times while trying to shoot video, it was fun, yes, I was nervous, yes, but in order to be a leader you have to get out of your comfort zone and do video marketing. Video marketing is 600 times more effective than all other strategies except PPC. and I agree, practice makes perfect. Great article and value
Exactly
You don't have to get it right...
You just have to get it going!
Excellent Advise
Video can be hard... those of us who tend towards being "perfectionistic" can have an especially tough time.
The key is to DO IT ... when I was starting out, my wife watched me & gave me some great tips on little things I could do to improve them. After about 3 days.. my videos had improved a lot. Practice is definitely where it's at. Rather than try and make a "good video" - work to make lots of videos (good or bad) because it's that practice that'll get you to where you want to be. Here's a another little tip...
You can also stitch some short takes together to form your video, and separate the takes with screenshot transitions that highlight a point. That can really make things EASIER because then you don't have to do a sustained session where you're talking for several minutes and are feeling more under pressure to "get everything right." An example of this is the first video that appears on this page:
http://www.sponsormore.com/coaching.html
I found it MUCH easier to do "that one" than the second video that appears on the same page. To get that second video even "acceptable," was much tougher and required lots of "do-overs."
The more videos you make, the easier it gets. And because videos are such a powerful way to market, it really is worth the effort. As Vikki's mentioned earlier: ultimately just get "yourself" out of the way and just do it! Then, once you have your video done, instead of just loading it up to youtube, use tubemogul.com to get them SEEN by MORE people...
_______________________________________________ Discover The Insider Strategies To Sponsoring Serious Builders Into YOUR MLM Opportunity: http://www.mlmsponsoringtips.com -----------------------------------------
Good Advice
This couldn't have come at a better time. I just recieved my Flip Video in the mail on Saturday and am looking at it as I write, wondering what to do first. I am nervous but know I have to get with the "program". Thanks
Wow, Michaela you've helped
Wow, Michaela you've helped inspire many people with this article. That is why we are here. To build relationships and help people to become what they were meant to be.
But I'm not photogenic
I guess I'm still in my own way. I have some videos I need to do so I guess I'm going to have to move on this one. Thanks for the post.
BRILLIANT
@ Mark Weiser
Your comment grabbed my attention; at first, simply because it was long, then because it had a link in it.
So I thought "hmmm, I want to see how this guy/girl managed to add value with a link".
When I finished reading, I told myself "that was brilliant - I wish I could weave in a lead capture page into a comment like that!"
Then of course, I saw it was you, Mark, and said no wonder.
Pleasure to see your name in the comment section.
And not to take the thunder away from the article author - great topic, many newbies need to hear that!
Best,
Ana Hoffman/10 Tips to Customize YouTuve Embed Code Options
I Agree!
@Ana, you hit it on the button. Thank you for the feedback. It helps to discern what the needs of marketers are...We all learn from each other, and that is why posting, commenting, and mentoring is so important.
Thank you for the compliments to all!
~Smooches
http://michaela-ellis.com
Good Points
Never thought of practicing in front of someone before good tip. Thanks for sharing.
Steve Shoemaker
Thanks Micaela!
Such a great post and so true, some of us have photophobia! I hate being in front of a camera, much less a VIDEO camera! But in this business, I have decided as Vikki pointed out to get out of my own way, and have done at least a few now, and it sure does get easier! Practice makes perfect! (or at least close enough for people to get to know the real you!)
Great post again, thanks!
Great Tip!
That was great video tips! I've done a little video in my office and it tricky like your technic thanks have Agreat Day!
Thanks, I'm Sharing This
Hey Michaela,
Just wanted to say thanks for sharing this. One of my business partners has been struggling with working up enough courage to shoot a video because they are a perfectionist. I'm sending them your article and offering to help them practice.
Thanks again!
Getting comfortable with video
Great and very honest! This could help, I had those same fright issues. I joined a challenge on facebook. It was no one that I knew before but it was a whole group of people doing the same thing, dipping their toes into the new media of video marketing. I can honestly say it was the best thing I did, my first one was definitely without a doubt, bad! But I kept at it, and I feel pretty good about them now. Its about being yourself more than anything. I don't consider myself a pro, by the way :)
check out my profile you can tell me what you think, I always like feedback! lacromar@youtube.com
Lynda Cromar
Ever since I been on line I did Video
And I never asked anyones opinion at the time I had no one. When I finely got an unsolicited opinion it was Negative. I have learned that I just have to keep making them and after about 10000 hours of Video making I will be better at it. You got to test them. You can only test them by putting them out there.
You will get better. I am now after 200 videos finely getting some Really Great Clients. It does not happen over night! Smooches!