RISE #20: 7 Ways Entrepreneurs Can Maximize Online Video

Building Your Business Through Online Video

Think of about this for a second, you can shoot video with an inexpensive camera and upload it for free online for the world to see. Read that again.

Pause.

I believe we have underestimated the power of what online video can do for your business.

It is no longer just about the cat on the skateboard or the Spielberg online production.

From citizen journalism to online shows, there is an opportunity for nearly every business. Now, I’m not saying there isn’t hard work involved, of course there is (especially promoting), but the tools have never been easier to use.

For example, yesterday and earlier today I was on the front page of CNN talking about the iPad with quotes and a video I made (I promise to do a video next week on how I pulled this off). I know, crazy. I’m not saying this as shameless plug of bragging stupidity, but as an example that great content can be cheap to produce and the best stuff (pun intended) will rise to the top.

Here is the CNN home page. See my crazy mug towards the bottom?

That being said, the goal of videos shouldn’t be viral. Instead, functional for your business whether the goal is to educate, inspire, sell, recruit, entertain, introduce and many other functions.

First you need your weaponry:

It really is as easy as 1,2,3,4,5:
- Camera (which can be as easy as Flip Camera or Kodak Zi8 or even an iPhone)
- The Internet + Distribution Method (such as Blip.TV and Youtube or a solution such as Widget Realm or Brightcove)
- An Idea
- Promotional Strategy
- Monetize

7 Ideas On How You Can Maximize Online Video For Your Business

1. Interviews: Thought-leaders, customers, related to your industry, adds fun and personality.

2. Tips & Tricks: Related to your business.

3. Behind-The-Scenes: How things are made, a look behind the curtain.

4. Product Demo/Screencast: Keeping it authentic and not PR or tech-speak. Walk through your produce with a screencast of your computer screen. We are experimenting with Screenflow soon and I’ll make sure to put up some screencasts.

5. Video Contest: If you have a tiny bit of a tech-savvy crowd, try a video submitting content like The Best Job In The World. Remember to choose a prize your audience will actually like (on that note, congrats to the winner of the Google Nexus One phone from our contest Sarah Bandy).

6. Introducing: Simple. Introduce yourself on your website and your company. Have other team members introduce themselves as well. Add some personality.

7. Facebook Q&A: It is so easy to shoot video on Facebook. Try springing discussions with friends and followers by adding video to your page. Ask a question and spring on delicious discussion.

Give it a shot. Try it out. Don’t over plan and see if you can make video work for you and your business.

Promotional Partner: Feedblitz

We use Feedblitz for our email blasts to subscribers and love it (you should subscribe by the way if you are loving or partially-loving RISE *wink*). It saves the time of having to write a separate newsletter and allows subscribers like you to CHOOSE how they want to receive the email (daily or weekly for example). Try it on us for free for 60 days with no obligations or ridiculousness.

Thanks To Our Local Presenting Sponsor Johnny Londoff Chevrolet

He believes in our mission and wants to help businesspeople like yourself – especially during tough times like we are in.  So if you tell him that you heard about his store through RISE- you will get SUPPLIER PRICING.  This deal is unbelievable – no negotiation is necessary.  All you have to do is pick the vehicle you want and the terms are pre-negotiated.  You will have a hard time finding a deal like this anywhere else.

Discussion:

Are you planning to use video in 2010? What are some of your favorite video tips, tricks and shortcuts?