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Do I Really Need A Web Video?

Well, if you are reading this, you have already sensed that video is an important phenomenon on the Internet. But, has anyone explained the reason to you? Good…because this is the real reason.

Video is becoming critical on the Internet for four main reasons:

1. Video versus static text or even a graphic is ten times more effective in communicating just about anything except maybe the current status of a rock.

2. Video tells a story that the creator controls and has entertainment impact.

3. Most everyone on the planet grew up with television (video) in their lives and are now accustomed to it. In fact, most people would curl up and die without it.

4. Many of us are too lazy to read and would rather be spoon fed.

Now, for those of us in the media business, all of these reasons are wonderful because it opens the door to more business for us. It is also good for you as a non-media type because you are investing the time to understand the phenomenon and will soon take advantage of it as well (do it!). But with this great opportunity that is increasing every day, comes a challenge:

Does Advertising Really Work?

Let me give you a political answer to this question. Yes...and no.

There are five considerations when planning to advertise. These come from my book "Say What?" and I call them the FIVE KNOWS.

Briefly, you must consider:

1. Your target or who you want to communicate to.
2. What you want to communicate as a simple, single concept.
3. How long you have to get the message across.
4. The vehicle of communication and its drawbacks.
5. Your budget (time, energy, consumables, etc.)

Is Knowing How To Read Body Language Like Having X-Ray Vision?

One of the questions I get asked a lot as a communications consultant is how to read another person's body language. Of course, this is a natural interest because we think that a quick course in "BL" will give us super powers - kind of like having X-Ray vision.

If you recall, Superman had a problem seeing through lead - his X-Ray vision was blocked. As mere mortals, we have an even greater impediment to our use of body language reading. And that is ... the complexity of everyone's body! Let me explain.

Why Not Be Unique?

I have lost track of the number of times people have asked me the "U" question. We are often discussing how to improve their business performance and I search for "So, why should someone do business with you?" This can bring a somewhat startled look but then the person starts to search inside for what they have to offer that might be special. More often than not, that uniqueness I am asking for is not very unique especially if there is insurance or real estate involved. But the point here is that EVERYONE can be unique.

The Value of Value

I hate to admit (especially as a broadcast/media) consultant but one of my all-time favorite TV sitcoms was "Green Acres" (circa late 1960s). OK...sure...roll your eyes and do a few tsk...tsk's and feel superior. I don't care. For those of you too young or sophisticated to have ever seen the show, here is the setting in a capsule: High-dollar New York lawyer Oliver Wendell Douglass (Eddie Albert) from the big city always wanted to own a farm, he buys one in Hooterville (nowhere, USA) and drags his highly sophisticated wife Lisa (Eva Gabor) to live in the country. Oliver is not too swift at farm buying and buys a run-down one with a broken tractor and one cow on soil that earthworms are embarrassed to inhabit.