On 15 August 2018, a variety of people who live, work and network in Camberwell (Camberwellians) gathered together to share their tips on The Business of Video with others at Barolo Trattoria, Level 1, 885 Burke Road, Camberwell.
The discussion began with a short presentation from Keith Rhodes. Here are their tips (paraphrased from notes by Sue Ellson).
Videos are a important part of business communication and reaching your target audience, clients, staff and people beyond your enterprise.
One business produced 250 videos in 2016, 600 in 2017 – had to strategise their theme, message and keep it fun and hip.
There are different types of videos – to sell, explain, help etc – just as you would hire a graphic designer to create a logo or a professional photographer to take a portrait or a mechanic to service your car.
A sales funnel moves a person from awareness to a sale. You can nurture leads and have client testimonials. How to for thought leaders.
Snippets are quick and easy. At the bottom of the funnel, need to convert to customers. Personalised video for tenders can be helpful.
Tutorials for next steps. Software companies can explain their products before purchase (and set up). Internal videos for recruitment. Team Building of staff achievements.
Rob Chiarolli – Business and Leadership Coach
Have video testimonials on my website and Keith was the interviewer, describing benefits from clients. In the future, professionally produced videos of 60-90 seconds to provide a precis of my services. Difference will be focusing on problem solving and be engaging – webinars and YouTube channel.
M McPhie – Commercial Finance Broker
Never done a video up until now but told should do one – Keith Rhodes suggested that a video of farm machinery that has been financed would be a good option.
Paul Thornhill – Marketing and Media for Small Business
Worst advice received was to buy a handycam and produce a favourite job recruitment video once a week. Within five weeks, the brand was almost ruined.
Conversely, for a renewable energy battery provider, organised a full production video with extra cameras, lighting, microphones, actors etc for $15,000.
Used video at an expo in Sydney in a small 6×3 stand, secured 367 qualified contacts from the expo, second highest out of all exhibitors – it was a well produced video on message, stops you looking small and helps you look substantive – high production can help, especially when the branding is on message and prepared beforehand.
Next plans, to use YouTube and Instagram and work with influencers, particularly with smaller brands. Keith Rhodes mentioned Four Corners ‘Beauty’s New Normal‘ Program on Monday.
Dan Ryan – Residential Lending Finance Broker specialising in helping first home buyers
Challenge is to do good videos for finance related topic. In future, could have client do the video showcasing the end result. Sometimes text can be better.
Sue Davis – English Pronunciation Specialist helping people speak English clearly when English is their second language
Currently receiving a quote for video production. Previously used a video production company that blurred out everything around my face – wasted hours in production and not able to use the footage – didn’t pay, but very disappointed.
Need to produce what the client wants. People need to see and hear my voice for these videos. Keith Rhodes mentioned that raw footage could have been fixed. Be more prescriptive in future.
Payal Jaryal – Arts Honours Graduate
Haven’t used video at university but did watch some video lectures
Luke Wang – Residential Property Manager
Video is an improvement for the industry and provides a very good driver for showcasing a property for sale via a video tour. For an agent, it is a very important introduction that provides movement and voice which helps more than a photo.
Andrew McLaren – Family Engagement Consultant
Encourage you to read the books by John Bradshaw. Personally tarted with live Facebook videos for a few minutes. More interested in the future in video testimonials.
Ingrid Pich – Fitness Trainer and Health Coach for 40+
Started with videos created myself – hard to believe that what I see in the mirror is not the same on camera. I have a message and need to get over myself and do it – videos are very effective.
Video shot in the garden has had over 500 views. Good reminder that you are there and know your subject. Lot of people want to listen.
Keith Rhodes mentioned that everyone hates seeing themselves as the voice inside our head is different to what others see and hear – just need to get used to it.
Heather Thorne – Cognitive Health Coach helping people reduce the risk of dementia
Talked about filming an upcoming seminar I am hosting. Keith Rhodes suggested to get good quality sound – a lapel microphone (Rode Mic) – sound quality increases or decreases exponentially with distance from the microphone 30 cm, 30 m – 100 times poorer.
Yi Ping Wang – Financial Planner and Tennis Coach
Have tried video but as English is not my first language, not sure that people would understand me.
There are different phone apps that can be used to help create videos. Could either make Chinese videos or gain client testimonials in the future. Keith Rhodes encouraged to be more expressive.
Sue Ellson – Independent LinkedIn Specialist, Camberwell Network and Newcomers Network Founder, Author of three books
Started when I was training in the 1980’s and was told to watch my training performance but didn’t want to – felt that the best assessment was whether or not the participants found the training helpful.
I also completed a training video in one take after completing the presentation many times in person. One regret, I didn’t get a copy. Then, when I launched my first website in 2001, had a professional video taken but noticed my eyes enlarging which was completely distracting – so perhaps I should have watched my videos in the past.
I believe it is important to create a YouTube Playlist to showcase all of the videos where I appear and to have a YouTube Channel as well.
In the future, want to do more video but need to choose what I want to do, and get professional advice to improve the production values and gain better gigs in the future.
Register for the next Camberwell Networkers event on the Third Wednesday of the Month between 5:30pm and 7:00pm here.