Written by: Chris Murray, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
I am a somewhat dyslexic video enthusiast and creator who has decided to write for an online internet publication; the world truly is going insane. This decision, on the other hand, has got logic to it.
My first reason for becoming an executive writer for Brainz magazine was to face my fear of public writing. It will take me a long time to write this article, but if I am to show other people how to face their fears of being in front of a camera, I should at least try to get some idea of what it feels like to have a media phobia. Besides, the young man who interviewed me about this executive writer opportunity said I could incorporate video into my articles. That was comforting. And there lies the reason for this article. We cannot solely rely on one media format to spread and share our business messages.
On the 30th June 2021, the head of Instagram, Adam Mossier, said,
"Instagram is no longer a photo-sharing app."
He went on to iterate that the company (Instagram) is looking to lean into entertainment and video after seeing the success of competitors like TikTok and YouTube.
For me, this is another clear indication that we must have a variety of tools in our toolbox when it comes to marketing and promoting ourselves and our businesses online. And this was my second reason for wanting to write.
LET'S START TALKING ABOUT VIDEO
We're all aware of the enormous advantages that await us if we do online video correctly. Look around at the mega-successful entrepreneurs who have already achieved this to some extent. So, how do we get the guts to stand in front of the camera and share our life stories and problem-solving strategies in order to attract our ideal clients?
IT'S ALL ABOUT KNOW, LIKE AND TRUST
I'm not sure about you, but these days, if I'm going to conduct business with someone, I first want to know what they are like as a person. I'd like to see and hear their passion for what they do, as well as evidence of their accomplishments. So here's my first piece of advice: before going on camera, remember that your goal is to connect with people on a more meaningful and intimate level. Your potential clients may wonder, "Do I like this person?" So make your efforts a pleasurable reflection of who you are. Many individuals can do what you do, but no one can do it like you, which is where your personality wrapper comes in to package your services and deliver them online. People care more about how you can help them improve their lives and solve their problems rather than how you appear or sound. The issue is how do you attract your ideal clients in the first place. It is your obligation as an entrepreneur to show up, attract, and engage your audience when they need you. Video is the perfect tool to do that.
"But Chris, I'd much rather eat a plate full of wet cardboard drowned in hot pepper sauce than do a video."
"Chris, you have no idea what you are talking about, writing loads of text is king online."
"Chris I want to do online video but I get anxiety attacks just thinking about it."
Speaking in front of a camera online is a form of public speaking and yes, we know that this exercise is feared more than death by a lot of people. From my 10 years of experience, I have found that the best thing for someone who is this petrified of being in front of their camera is for them to join with other like-minded people in a focus group. People wanting to achieve the same goals working together in a group under the right guidance can encourage group members to grow. Seeing others make small steps forward can set the tone for others to keenly follow. The best thing of all is that no one in the group is judging anyone else in the group.
I have seen this in action because I have developed my own private Facebook group where business-minded people can explore the art of creating personalised videos privately for business purposes. There is always a two-pronged approach to coaching someone to adopt more video.
(1) Helping them to achieve the right mindset to get in front of their camera.
(2) Helping them to develop the confidence to perform like a top social media influencer online.
If I, a slightly dyslexic video artist, can add writing to my toolset, I'm confident you'll reconsider your objections to video.
Feel free to join my private Facebook group and raise your game with video on social media. All you need is your smartphone.
Chris Murray, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Chris Murray is an award-winning video editor and producer with over 10 years of experience in media production for business, sports, and the entertainment sector. Chris has worked with people like Ricky Gervais, former BBC Dragons Den Investor Piers Linney, UK Channel 4, The FA, and many more top UK businesses including Hard Rock Cafe and the UK B2B Marketing Expo.
