BNI Minnesota & N. Wisconsin Blog

If you hate to write and it’s keeping you from blogging, then I have good news for you!  Have a “video blog”.

A web video isn’t a mulitmillion Hollywood project. It’s not going to be “perfect”, and if you wait for perfection, the world will pass you by!

Basically, a blog video is like a blog post your write.  It’s you sharing some information with your readers and connecting with  them in a sincere, honest way. Here’s my top 5 tips for your blog video:

1. Have a script and practice it a couple of times before recording. You want to sound energized and competent while still showing your humanness of “ahhs”, etc.

2. Check the background where you’ll be recording. Remove any stacks of papers, clutter, etc. I would recommend having a couple items in the background that are “personal” and help people learn a little more about you as a person. For instance, if you have a pet you love, have a photo of them on the desk or table behind you.

3. Have the camera capture your face straight on.  Have you ever seen the videos or photos of people where the camera has been angled from below the head and is aimed upward?  No one looks good with a double chin!

4. Engage your audience with a story they can relate to.  If you are using visuals (like a white board to share something), have yourself in the video, too. “Condition” them to hear your voice, see your face, and provide valuable, helpful information. This increases credibility and name/information retention. You want them to remember YOU when they think of the product or service you provide.

5. Be enthusiastic. Smile. And have fun! 

Blogging can be an essential tool in attracting and finding the people who want, need, and are willing to buy what you offer. Someone is going to go online and find and connect with a person who offers what you do… Help them find you!

I taught two classes at Get Connected 09 in St. Pete’s Beach, FL. One class was on blogging, the other on LinkedIn and Facebook. Each class was 45 minutes in length, so I prepared accordingly.

I knew that 45 minutes wasn’t enough time to share much more than a few basics, so I wrote a Social Media Reference eManual that provided more information on all three topics and offered it for $10 per copy if the person ordered and paid before 3/1/09.

At the end of my blogging class on Saturday, I took a minute to explain the ebook and ask for their orders (they were handed a sheet describing the contents and an order form when they walked into the room).  Half the people in the room purchased the ebook.

On Sunday, I taught a few basics about LinkedIn and Facebook and how to position yourself for profitability. Believe me, the time I had for these too “hot” topics went very fast! I wanted to make sure that all of those attending received value, so I didn’t take time to explain the merits of my Social Media Reference eManual and ask them to buy. Each person was handed the content description and order form at the door, just like the day before. However, only 4 ebooks were purchased.

What was the difference?  It was in the “ask”.

If you want to increase your sales, share with others the value of what you offer and then ASK them to buy!  Imagine what this one simple concept could mean to your bottom line!