Which would you rather do?
Read a book or watch television?
Read a 57-page eBook or watch a 27-minute video training?
Read a short blog post or watch a short video?
(Let me know by leaving a comment at the end of this post, okay?)
We’re living in a visual, MTV, short attention span world where most people prefer to get both their information and their entertainment by watching and listening, rather than reading. Which is why more and more entrepreneurs are using video, as opposed to the written word, to communicate their message, connect with their audience, drive traffic to their website (via YouTube and other video posting sites), deliver virtual trainings and take over the world. Okay, maybe they aren’t taking over the world, but video seems to be taking over the Internet.
Which is why I’m delighted to share with you my interview with Bianca Filoteo of VideoForShyPeople.com. Bianca, who uses her experience as an actress and filmmaker to help shy and introverted people fall in love with video, collaborates with entrepreneurs to produce videos for their programs, products and websites. Starting today, August 20, 2012, she is offering a 30-day video challenge called Courage For The Camera to get entrepreneurs (especially the shy ones) to start making videos to use in their business.
Here’s our interview:
Nancy: On your website, you talk about how you’re on a mission to help entrepreneurs, especially shy ones, use video to tell their best business stories. How did you get started doing this kind of work?
Bianca: A few years ago, I was part of an online business forum, and I was trying to figure out what online business I should start. Since I was already an actor with experience in film-making, someone in the forum put two and two together and suggested I coach entrepreneurs on their on-camera presence. I explored this idea, and that’s when I created Video For Shy People. I initially started coaching entrepreneurs who were shy in front of the camera, but then I added my love of storytelling into the mix and offered clients other services, like developing video content ideas, video editing, and consulting.
Nancy: Why do you think it’s important for entrepreneurs to use video in their marketing or in their business?
Bianca: Video is a great tool to help you differentiate yourself from everyone else, especially from your competitors. It also increases your likeability and trust factors because it puts a face behind the words and adds a more human element. When you combine pictures, words and sounds into one, it has a unique and magical effect.
The best way to be in touch with your prospects is to be with them in-person, right? But that’s not always possible. Video is the next best thing. There’s that saying “Pictures are worth a thousand words but videos are worth millions.” And I totally agree.
Besides, writing emails and blog posts to nurture your relationship with your target market takes a lot of time. But if you add video into the mix, it can actually speed up that connection a bit faster.
Nancy: If someone recognizes the importance of video, but they feel incredibly awkward or uncomfortable in front of a camera, what tips can you give them?
Bianca: Practice is key. This is what I learned by being an actor. You can think that you’ll be fine, but what you really need to do is prepare. Practice speaking out loud and work on being more comfortable with the camera. And don’t worry about getting it right on first takes! This is rare, and it usually happens when you’ve had lots of practice and know your stuff.
Also, be yourself. Don’t try to emulate how other people act on camera. Focus on being you. If you’re awkward, embrace it. Speak how you would to a friend and put that on-camera. Looks aren’t as important as the ENERGY you have – that’s what the camera will pick up.
Nancy: Those are great tips! What do you find is the biggest challenge for entrepreneurs relative to using video in their marketing? And how do you help them move through that challenge?
Bianca: I think the biggest challenge is their fear of looking like a fool. They’re afraid their videos will be awful and they’ll be embarrassed. I help them move through this fear in two different ways.
One is mindset. I was terribly shy before I went through my actor training. But after doing a lot of work on my inner self, I got more comfortable with the camera. I work on the inner self with “shy” entrepreneurs.
The other way deals with the technical aspects of online video. I coach my clients through the video production process and make it less overwhelming and intimidating. I show them how to make great videos by working with what they’ve got.
Nancy: Can you give me an example of how what you do has helped someone get over their video shyness to create some viral-worthy videos?
Bianca: My very first client was someone who made his first video, posted it on YouTube and received a lot of negative comments on how he presented himself. He knew what he needed to work on, like his low energy, how he spoke in a monotone and the fact his voice was so low in volume that no one could really hear him.
I gave him a few exercises to work with over a few weeks time and suggested he practice these at least once a day for 15-20 minutes. To my surprise, he sent me a video message a week later with an update on how he was doing. The results were pretty amazing. He had such positive energy on the video, and his monotone was gone. You could also see his facial expressions, and you felt more connected to him as you watched. He also told me he felt much more comfortable and confident with the camera. I was so proud of the big leap he took!
Nancy: Wow, that IS quite a transformation. And a great example of how anyone can improve their on-camera presence.
One thing I’ve noticed is how many poorly shot, poorly produced “homemade” videos are out there on the Internet these days. Do you feel it’s important for entrepreneurs to rise above that kind of quality?
Bianca: I think it is, especially when we’ve reached the point where video becomes the norm. As entrepreneurs, we need to stand out from our competition, so if you can find a way to do that, do it.
Nancy: Is there a way to do that without spending a fortune? Or needing to become a video tech-head?
Bianca: You can certainly up the quality of your videos while on a budget. Just make sure you have enough light so we can see you clearly. Find a room where there’s enough natural light coming in. And make sure you have very little or no background noise so we can hear you loud and clear. Keep the content in your video concise. Plan out what you’re going to say beforehand, and very simple editing cuts will also increase the impact of your video.
Nancy: Since you’re being so generous with your advice and tips, let me ask you, what do you consider the 5 “must-do” tips for entrepreneurs who are interested in using videos to market their business?
Bianca: One, you don’t need expensive editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro. iMovie is great if you have a Mac, and Windows Movie Maker is free if you’re on a PC. You can also use the Youtube Editor for simple editing.
Two, spend time implementing a strategy. Plan out the content you’ll be creating beforehand.
Three, invest in a tripod. You want your video footage to be stable so avoid the “shaky cam” effect. It distracts your viewers from your message.
Four, if you plan on making videos for the long run, invest in an external mic or recorder. This will give you professional quality sound and will give your videos an edge over the other “homemade videos.”
Five, do a dress rehearsal before you start recording. Warm up. Stretch your muscles. This will help you present yourself on-camera. Also, you’ll cut down on the number of takes you do if you’re prepared and ready to present your material.
Nancy: You also have a 30-Day Challenge called “Courage for the Camera” that starts on Monday, August 20. Is this just for shy people or can anyone who is interested in creating videos take this challenge?
Anyone can take this challenge! Whether you’re shy or not, it still takes courage to create videos and there’s a lot to learn, no matter what level you come into the challenge with.
Nancy: Are you still acting?
Bianca: Yes, I am. I took a bit of a break a few months ago but I’ve gotten back to it. I’ve missed it too much and I find that I’m more inspired when I keep at it.
Nancy: This brings me to one last question. What do you love to do when you’re not helping entrepreneurs get over their video shyness or creating professional videos?
Yoga, reading a good book, watching movies or TV shows on Netflix, writing in my journal. I also started a whole-foods-based diet so I’m soaking up a lot of information on the foods we eat and learning how to make certain types of meals on my own. I’m not that great in the kitchen but I hope that one day I will be!
Nancy: Bianca, thank you for sharing your video tips and for offering entrepreneurs an affordable and less intimidating way to start making their own videos.
Bianca: You are so welcome! And thank you for inviting me to this interview.
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If you’ve always wanted to create online videos to market your business but haven’t done it yet… if you need a little nudge and some support to get started, join Bianca’s Courage For The Camera 30-Day Video Challenge. It’s free to participate. It starts on Monday August 20th, but you can sign up until August 31, 2012.
For more information on Bianca Filoteo and Video For Shy People, visit her website.