Are you procrastinating on video creation because you fear every little detail needs to be perfect before you can record the MUCH-needed video that’s haunting your daily to-do list? Let’s be honest with ourselves…
You know video is important. You know you want to get your message out to more people and make more sales. Yet something stops you every time you consider recording a video.
The TRUTH is…
Your video does not have to be perfect. Read that again. Your video does not have to be perfect.
I’d much rather you take stronger action and knock out a handful of video tips for YouTube than agonize to make the perfect single video.
Too many people are delaying their success and income because they have developed a misconception about perfection.
When it comes to creating awesomely effective videos, I have 5 tips that will build your confidence and set you on a better path:
- Your lighting needs to be great. This is a biggie. When I set up my camera and backdrop to record a video, I do a 3-second video of myself on camera, then play it back to make sure everything looks good and like I want it to. If it doesn’t, I make adjustments and try again.
- Your sound needs to be clear and strong. This is also a biggie. When you do your lighting test (above), also say something to test your audio. I always make sure to project my voice, speak loudly, and enunciate. If you sound like you’re in a tunnel (lol!), it’s time to look into a lavalier microphone. (This is the one I use.)
- Don’t read your script. When I am watching a video and I can clearly see your eyes moving and reading your script, I stop listening to you… So all that time you’ve spent carefully crafting your message was for nothing. I follow your eyes moving back and forth and notice your movements more than your words. My suggestion is to always speak from the heart and mind. No one knows your message better than you, so even if you miss a point, I won’t have a clue as the listener. I want to see your authenticity come across. Then I won’t notice if you trip on your words once or if you have a small strand of hair out of place. I focus on your energy and message. THAT’S how you sell.
- Tell people what to do next. Don’t ever end a video without telling the listener what to do next. Not only would that feel like an awkward ending, but then no one will take action with you (which is the point of doing the video in the first place). You can invite the listener to comment on the video content, tell their network about your video through social media, go to your site, opt-in for more juicy tips, etc. Give them one clear, focused next action step and your results will be increased for sure.
- Create the video for one person only. If you have video jitters, it’s because you’re thinking about millions of people potentially seeing it. That’s enough to freak anyone out! When I record a video, I imagine that I am only recording this video for ONE person. Picture your mom or favorite client or best friend if you need to – whatever works for you. It’s best practice to find ways to reduce your overwhelm and take stronger action. This is a great way to have a solid video, stay conversational, and let your best self shine through.
Now, the million-dollar question is….. who is going to take this message to heart and get over their fears to record a video?
“Amber, your encouragement to use video and not worry about it being perfect gave me the nudge I needed to Just Do It! While I don’t have a huge following yet, I do have viewers, and it’s already having an impact on my website visits. Thanks!”
– Wendy Nolin, Author, Executive Coach
If Wendy can – so can YOU! 🙂
I’m challenging you to put your nerves aside and make that video! Then, come back and comment below to tell me how it went. I’d love to hear from you!
xoxo,
Amber Vilhauer
