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:

 

How do you get your video to be the one everyone wants to see?

 

The quick answer is that you probably can’t so please don’t remove your clothes or come up with some dopey idea to ride an irritated German Shepherd into a mall fountain.  These things probably already have been done and won’t get you any more business.  What you want to do is create a professional, well-shot video that tells your story.  Does not hard sell and is representative of who you are.  Use the tried and true five that I always teach:

 

WHO – WHAT – WHERE – WHEN – WHY

 

Start with these.  Answer each one about your proposed video – they will help you understand you target and how to package the project.  Then,  script out your video before you worry about equipment or sets or even how to upload it.  Spend the time and map it out from the top and you will have no problems later.

 

I cover all of this in my presentations  and we take folks from panting to get something on video BECAUSE EVERYONE ELSE IS THERE!!! to realizing that, once it goes on line, you will need to live with it so do it well.

 

So, take a step back and plan.  Then plan some more and then refine.  Think of your video as a fine glass of wine that must first grow from a seed, be nurtured, cultivated, and then gently coaxed into its final form.  Then you may actually have something the rest of us will spend our time watching.

 

GOOD LUCK!

Gene Vasconi