Are there any businesses nowadays that aren’t using video in some way, shape, or form to reach out to their clients and customers or stay connected with their employees? Probably not. Video seems to be the go-to medium. And it has so many applications that it’s truly not surprising.
Brighton West is a videographer. He works with professional coaches to create videos they can use to market what they do and spread their message – and it’s all done virtually – using webcams and smartphones. It only makes sense that he’s here to share what businesses need to know right now about using video. What kinds of tools or resources do people need in order to be doing videos? Right now, everyone is making a shift – and we’re making it together. And currently, people crave connection more than anything. Videos are really the only way we have to make this connection. I always used to recommend the Logitech C920 or C922 webcams. But they’re currently unavailable. And really, is the camera the important thing? No…you just need to get on camera. You just need to go for it. And you need to say, “Whatever happens, happens.” You might start to piece together equipment as you go along, but don’t let a lack of equipment stop you from making video happen. “Going on camera for the first time can be nerve-racking, but sometimes you just need to jump in with both feet and make it happen. Embrace the imperfect!” How important is it to show up on video, and what should you be saying? It’s definitely important that you are showing up on video right now. While Zoom burnout is a real thing, you still need to be using video to create a connection. Don’t worry about being super polished – just say what is authentic to you right now. We need to have relaxed conversations. You need people to feel like you’re a friendly voice – which is probably even more important than having amazing content. People really want to connect with people. And remember, it’s easier to be on camera all day long when it feels more natural. This may mean having a setup at home that allows you to see who you are talking with, along with seeing how you look at the moment. “When you’re doing a video, remember that the human connection you are trying to make outweighs being perfectly polished while speaking or presenting amazing content. People want to see you and FEEL you. If you stumble over your words or have tech issues, don’t worry. We’ve all had those things happen – and they make you very relatable.” How can you create that connection when you’re doing a video? When you’re on camera, you need to look into the camera lens for the other person to feel like you’re connecting with them. If you’re looking down at them on the screen, it looks like you’re not connecting. But if you can be that person who shows up and looks them in the eye – that’s so much better. The connection will be there. It can be exhausting to know where to look during a video conversation. Do I look at the person I’m talking with? Do I look at the green light? If you can create a setup that allows you to look at people in the eye – you’ll find that sense of connection improves drastically. Currently, I use a teleprompter app (which is typically used to scroll text in front of the screen) to project the image that’s in front of the camera. I can now easily see who I’m speaking with and myself – and it’s not weird or awkward. (This setup does require an external webcam.) If you don’t have a setup like this, you may find it easier to do a video on a cell phone. “Remember those in-person conversations we used to have regularly? And how you always looked someone in the eyes to show that you were engaged and listening? The same goes for video. Look the person in the eyes as much as possible – it will make them feel valued and connected.” 3 Action Steps
Be sure to connect with Brighton West at brighton@brightonwestvideo.com for a free 30-minute session with him. Please comment below. I would love to hear from you.
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Did you read the email subject line and think to yourself, “Taking Time to Celebrate Success??? It was just three weeks ago that I created my 2021 goals and put my action plan into place! There hasn’t been time for success yet!”And, while that may be true…the keyword is: YET!
Success IS coming. It may come tomorrow or in March or November – or whenever. But it is coming. And the great thing about success is that it leaves you hungry for more – because success feels good. (Yeah, let’s not understate it – it feels GREAT!) But before you check that goal off your list and move onto the next one – because that’s what successful people want to do – I want you to do something else. I want you to celebrate your success. I think it’s fair to say that a lot of us skip celebrating our successes. We’re busy moving onto the next project or landing a new client or getting ready for our next launch. And success gets shoved to the side as an “it can wait” task – if we even think about it at all. Inc.’s article “3 Reasons Celebrating Your Many Accomplishments Is Critical to Your Success” breaks down why celebration needs to be on your to-do list. I really like #3 – Your Celebrations Position You Correctly as a Winner and Attracts More Success. YES! Yes, it does! I think we’re often taught not to share the successes we have as it seems like bragging, but it’s not. It’s a necessary part of your business. And, in addition to the three reasons that Inc. gives you for celebrating, I believe that when you share your successes, you encourage others to do the same. And that’s beneficial for all of us! So, the next time you experience success – celebrate it! Find a way that’s appropriate for you – and celebrate the heck out of it! Maybe it’s kicking off of work a few hours early or popping that bottle of champagne you’ve been saving for a special occasion or bingeing that new Netflix documentary or putting a shiny star sticker next to that accomplished goal – but whatever it is – mark the moment! Because whether it’s something big or small that you accomplished – it deserves a little recognition! Please comment below. I would love to hear from you. This week is flying by! And I mean flying! But I’ve been checking things off of my to-do list and making strides towards this year’s goals – so I feel like it’s been an extremely productive week! And I hope it’s been the same for you!
Did you have a moment to read or watch Jennifer McGinley’s interview on “What Do Businesses Need to Know Right Now”? She’s a powerhouse when it comes to PR and has some great tips for everyone. It also got me thinking about a fantastic resource for DIY PR! (Yes, there are DIY opportunities for you to get yourself “out there” in the media and share your expertise!) One of the best ones is…HARO! Have you heard of it? HARO stands for “Help a Reporter Out” – and they bill themselves as the “most popular sourcing service in the English-speaking world, connecting journalists and bloggers with relevant expert sources to meet journalists’ demanding deadlines and enable brands to tell their stories.” HARO has over 75,000 reporters and bloggers who use their service to find experts just like you to pitch story ideas. It’s super simple to register (only takes about a minute), and then you will receive three emails each day, Monday through Friday at 5:35 a.m., 12:35 p.m., and 5:35 p.m. EST, with requests from reporters and media outlets worldwide. After that, all you need to do is scan the emails, and if you’re knowledgeable about any of the topics, answer the reporter directly through the anonymous @helpareporter.net email address provided at the beginning of the source request. (Please be sure to read all of the rules that HARO has set up for sources so that this continues to be a great resource for all of us!) And there you have it! DIY PR! I’d love to know if you’ve used HARO in the past, and how it worked for you? (If you’ve got a link to a story that came about via HARO – send me the link! It’s wonderful to see success stories!) And if you’re signing up today – please be sure to share when one of your pitches is accepted! Please comment below. I would love to hear from you. We are definitely reeling from all that is happening currently. People are experiencing pandemic fatigue, as well as Zoom fatigue. And communication can sometimes be tiring. But it’s absolutely crucial to stay ahead of the curve.
We’re now moving through the crisis. I always say have a plan “A” and a plan “B” and prepare. It’s like preparing an editorial calendar. You need to be asking yourself:
And then plan for that. Planning is so important for all organizations. If you were unable to plan for the crisis we’re currently in, I hope you’ve now learned something so that you can take your efforts and clearly communicate effectively moving forward. For public relations, that starts with internal communications. Everybody in your organization needs to know what’s going on at all times. Clear, consistent content and communication build a community. Every organization is a community unto itself. An organization needs to be clear on their who, what, where, when, why, how, purpose, and mission. Silos within organizations cause a breakdown, and when leadership is not effectively communicating, that’s where the breakdown comes in – and the fear. You won’t be productive in your leadership efforts, and your employees are going to be afraid and insecure. Giving them a plan of how you’re going to be moving forward provides reassurance. Compassion and empathy are also huge attributes of leaders that will rise above this pandemic and be seen in a positive light. “What are your internal business communications like? Are they effective? Do they make your employees feel valued and included? When you have effective internal communications, you will benefit from faster and more efficient response times during a crisis.”. What are people who are communicating successfully doing right now that makes them stand out? The successful leaders I see are transparent, honest, and tell their employees what the plan is. They want to take care of them and keep them safe. This is really important. The Y of Central Maryland is an excellent example. Their CEO has done a really beautiful job of sending out wonderful emails to the community and he’s grateful and thankful. He did a great town hall meeting, and his passion and warmth came right through the Zoom call. He has the characteristics of a solid leader. “Transparent communication is key at any time, but especially during a crisis. Yet, how does someone go about building that transparency? Ask yourself if you and your team:
Which of these things are you doing well? Where do you need to put in some work? When these things are happening, you have transparent communication in your business.” What is the benefit of having somebody dedicated to PR for an organization? I love the term “insourcing.” If your organization cannot hire an in-house PR staff, it’s best to hire an experienced consultant to help your organization rise above the competition. Without any PR, you risk lacking visibility, consistency, and credibility in your messaging. When organizations disappear from the public eye, you don’t assume the best. You assume the worst. “Not every business can afford to hire an in-house PR person, but there are consultants who work with smaller businesses every day. They can help you stay visible, consistent, and credible – and can be there to help you in a crisis. Do you have a PR person?” 3 Action Steps
Connect with Jennifer at https://jlmstrategiccommunications.com/ Please comment below. I would love to hear from you. This week we have been talking all about telling stories to create relationships, and then using systems to foster those relationships. When we do these things, we create strong connections with our clients and customers and engage in meaningful conversations in order to solve their problems and meet their needs.
But what about when it works? What happens when you experience an unexpected surge in demand? Yes, I’m talking about what happens if you find yourself so busy that you are on the brink of feeling overwhelmed – or perhaps you’re already there. The first thing you need to do is look at what could be causing that surge:
These things are not all good or all bad, but they can happen unexpectedly – and then you’re left asking, “What do I do now? How do I handle this sudden influx of business?” Here’s what I say: The best time to handle the unexpected is before it happens. WHAT? Handle the unexpected before it happens? YES! Because you CAN do it! When you envision what you want for your business, take time to look at what is on the horizon and then ask, “What could get in the way?” and “What will I do when this happens?” Because MOST unexpected things can be planned for – even if we don’t know the specifics. When it comes to an unexpected surge in business, you need to have four things in place. You need:
When you have these four things in place for your business, you’ll be able to handle that surge and grow your business – no matter what unexpected reason brought it your way. Of course, there are still a few things you need to watch out for:
It can be easy to succumb to these pitfalls when you’re busy – but if it happens:
There are very few of us who wouldn’t want a surge in business, but preparation is what will make the difference between handling it well – or it becoming a complete disaster. So, if you’re thinking to yourself, “Bring on that business surge! I’ve got those four things in place, and I’m ready to go!” – FANTASTIC! And if you’re thinking, “Well, I’ve got a few things I need to tighten up to be prepared,” – that’s also FANTASTIC! Being able to see the strengths and weaknesses of your business is a skill to be commended. (And now you know what you need to do!) Because remember: “In life, the only thing that you can expect is the unexpected; the only surprise is a day that has none.” (Yes, that quote is from Joan Rivers – who knew that she was not only funny but incredibly smart, too?!) Please comment below. I would love to hear from you. Last week, at the Battle Board workshop, it was SOOOO exciting to see people putting together plans with action steps that are going to serve them well this year.
And it was even more exciting to see the glint in their eye as they realized that hitting the FINANCIAL GOALS they set for themselves CAN HAPPEN. Of course, it doesn’t happen without hard work and effort, but that was one dedicated group – and I know when I check in with them that they will be making some serious progress. The workshop got me thinking about this week’s interview with Joey Held. (Did you catch it? If not, I encourage you to check it out here.) Joey was talking about storytelling as a way to build a relationship with your clients and customers. And Joey’s storytelling ties in perfectly to the strategies people created at the Battle Board workshop. When we bring storytelling and strategy together, we develop a dynamic technique to weave relationships into the sales process so that we can leverage our expertise and experience. Now you might be asking yourself, “How can this be done?” First, set that goal for your business. When you do, you will:
Next, create a clear, documented process for communicating your story in a way that connects to your ideal prospects’ needs. How do you do this? With the Productive Profit System, you’ll have everything you need to help you systemize your profits and relationships without burning out – and isn’t that what you really want? I can’t wait to share this system with you because I truly believe in it. It’s the system I use. It’s the system that so many of my clients use to help them meet their goals – and it is my joy to share it here with you now (no strings attached). You’ll receive a video and map which will explain the Productive Profit System that generates an additional $11,000/monthly with 11-12 hours of work per week and 30 hours of initial set up. (And that’s completely manageable, right? No burnout! No 18-hour days! No missed family time!) If you’re ready to make 2021 a great year financially and have a high-ticket offering that you’re ready to bring to your clients and customers, then the Productive Profit System is for you! Please comment below. I would love to hear from you. If you think that storytelling is only for authors or writers, you’re wrong. Storytelling can be used to promote your brand and your business, which is why the topic is so important for business owners. And Joey Held is the perfect person to discuss what businesses need to know right now about storytelling.
Why is storytelling so important? Think about how many products and services are out there now. With so many different options available, your business needs to be relatable, transparent and inspiring to get people interested in your product or service. No longer can you just start shouting, “Hey! Look at me! Look at this!” You want to find a connection with your clients and customers. And for the most part, that connection can be built by sharing your story, sharing how you got to where you are now, how you started your own business, and the things that you’ve seen along the way. You need to show you are relatable to your clients and customers. For instance, you’re listening to a presentation and the speaker tells you a story of sipping a margarita on top of the Empire State Building. He’s there with multiple billionaires and tells you what a great time they had laughing and eating caviar – and what happens? You immediately disconnect from them. It’s just not relatable. But let’s pretend you have a computer repair shop, and while your life story may not be relatable to your customers, you can share stories from your business. For instance, someone who came into your shop with a malfunctioning computer and they had no idea what they were doing. They were panicking. They were sobbing – and you helped them with the situation. Most people can relate to a story like that – and you and your business create a connection. “How are you currently communicating with your clients and customers? Emails? Blogs? Social Media? Have you made storytelling a part of your marketing plan? Forbes Magazine says that storytelling needs to be a priority in marketing for three reasons:
If you’re constantly going for the “sell, sell, sell” approach, you may find it’s not working for you anymore – and it’s time to make a change.” What should you look for when honing your message or trying to share it through storytelling? Storytelling should aim to either inspire, educate, entertain – or all three. When you tell a story that has one or more of these as the goal, it will keep you from rambling and help you to advance your brand message. Remember, you want to be relatable. This is a huge aspect of brand storytelling. Customers have options for almost any type of business or product they are seeking. Nowadays, they’re going to look for the one that appeals to them the most. Storytelling can lead them to you. It’s not strictly about price these days, but also connection. “Have you ever had a new client or customer tell you about themselves, and then ask you to tell them a bit about you? They probably weren’t doing that as a way of making small talk – even if it seemed that way. They were looking to see if you were relatable, if there was a synergy – because being relatable builds the relationship. And business is about relationships. Storytelling is just another way for you to have a conversation with your customers – and develop that relationship.” How can businesses use podcasts to share their story and help promote their products and services? Doing a podcast is really not that different from writing an article – you just have a platform where you can go more in-depth and share more. Podcasts allow you to go into the details. If you have a podcast with guests, you can start a really nice conversation – especially if the host asks good follow-up questions that help to steer the conversation in a way that allows for stories to be shared. Also, hearing a voice helps to develop rapport. “Storytelling doesn’t just have to be about the written word. Podcasts are a great way to share your story. If you’re thinking about starting a podcast, take a look at this article that Podcast Insights shared: How to Start a Podcast: A Complete Step-by-Step Tutorial.” 3 Action Steps
Be sure to connect with Joey Held on LinkedIn or sign up for his newsletter. Please comment below. I would love to hear from you. The only word that’s coming to my mind right now is: WOW! (And this is really an understatement!)
This week we had our Battle Board Workshop – and it was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! It was a half day of people pouring their hearts and souls into business plans that are really going to work for them! I warned everyone that they needed to come ready to work because we were going to maximize the 4 ½ hours we had together – and everyone brought their A game! (Really A+!) Do you mind if I share a few of my favorite moments?
Just the name “Battle Boards” implies ACTION – but to see these boards come to life! I’m brought back to: WOW! (I know… you would think there’s a better word – but I can’t think of it right now.) I truly hope you have your plans ready for 2021 – because with a plan in place now – you’ll be ready to conquer this year and make it your best! Please comment below. I would love to hear from you. I am so thankful to welcome in all the possibilities of 2021!
While we tackled each of these things head-on – because what choice did we really have – I also think it’s fair to say that we’re excited for 2021 and forging a new way. And even though we’re only a few days into the New Year, I have high hopes that this is going to be a good one! With vaccines rolling out to our frontline workers and those most vulnerable, it brings a sense of hope that things can return to a more normal way of life for us soon. Because… selfishly I’d like to be able to do a few of the things I missed in 2020 including traveling to see my family, colleagues, clients and friends. One of the things that I really missed in 2020 – and it may seem silly or even a bit trivial after the year we had – but I missed retreats. I missed those times away where you can recharge your battery – whether it be personally or professionally. I needed it (you probably did, too) and yet accessing it was impossible while also quarantining. There’s something so invigorating about a few days away – spent with likeminded people – and then coming home feeling like you can take on the world! And 2020 just didn’t allow for it. But I’m hopeful that 2021 will. Retreats are more than just a glorified business vacation. Bringing your team together for a few days outside of the office can do so much for you and for them. You may find that:
2020 didn’t allow for a lot of these things – because we were always holding our breath, waiting for the next shoe to drop. But let’s hope that 2021 does! I know I’m looking forward to going back to The Rookwood Inn for a retreat with my mindset coach, Sensei Victoria Whitfield. (Yes, even coaches have coaches – because I see the value in coaching just like you do!) And of course, there will be a Momentum Activators Program here – because this place is… magical. The setting (located in Lenox, Massachusetts in the Berkshires) is out of this world, and Amy (the most fabulous proprietor) makes this a world-class experience from start to finish. (With spa services and a delicious breakfast – you may feel like you never want to go home! And yes, rest and relaxation is definitely a part of a good retreat!) She has made accommodations to ensure a safe experience for everyone. I just looked at my calendar to see when I’m booked to go here – and it’s not soon enough! If you have the ability this year, book a retreat for you and your team. Enjoy the time together reflecting on the past and looking forward to the future. It will be money well-spent. Please comment below. I would love to hear from you. If you are in business with someone you live with, Amy Lindner-Lesser, proprietor of the Rookwood Inn, Justice of the Peace and the Co-Founder’s Coach shares how to work with those you love.
“I’m somebody who’s gone through all kinds of life transitions. I’m a parent of two adult children, a grandma with 1 more on the way, and a widow. I was a caregiver for my mother and stepfather for the last five years of their lives. I’ve had lots of business experience and personal experience. I’ve run the Inn now for almost 21 years on my own. My husband passed away two and a half years after buying me in, which was something I never expected to be facing. Either single set, single parenting or owning a business and operating it on my own.” You have hit just about every life transition and life experience that one could have, and yet still so upbeat and still so ready to share and help others. Recently, you’ve turned that energy and attention to a new adventure, I would say, but certainly not new to you. And that is, as the Co-Founders coach, and in this program, you are helping couples who are in business together. This is so relevant right now, with so many folks at home, they’re operating their business, there used to be some time when they could escape from all of this joint venturing that they’re doing. But now there’s no space. What would you say to the business owners that are running a business together, living together, loving together, raising a family together and suddenly, there’s no space in the house, there’s no space in the office? “With all of us being stuck at home, or privileged to be at home, people who never work together, are now working together because they’re sharing space. What I found in our first two years of owning the Inn, where we lived here and work together, was that it was really important to have very clearly defined roles. Each of us found what our strengths were, what we would agree to do and what we would let the other person do. This ensured that we didn’t have arguments about whose responsibility it was.” Co-founders, are intentionally in business together. But now that we’re all home, we’re de facto in business together. My husband is working upstairs and he has a paid nine to five job and I’m running my business downstairs, the kids are doing school, just outside of my office door. We’re all in this situation. Defining those roles really clearly is essential. “And clearly delineated spaces, so that you’re not pushing each other out of the way. Make sure you’re not in a corner in the dining room or the kitchen, where everybody is walking through. For those of us used to having an office to go to where we don’t have the interruptions of our children or our spouse, it’s a new game. Find ways to separate. Whether it’s when things get sort of heated, or a decision needs to be made, or somebody’s emotions get out of hand; it’s important to be able to separate physically. You could leave the room, work in a different space, or go out and take a walk. Or it could be running errands. Shopping is one of my least favorite things. But doing it was a way for me to get out and get away from business and have to think about something else. You don’t have to do your business all the time. You can have your own space, you can meet with your customers separately. Having clearly defined spaces and breaks and time are an extension of clearly defined roles.” Is there some missing piece? Something that businesses can be doing that they’re not right now that might help their situation. “For some businesses, it’s not terribly hard to pivot, that there may be ways to take things online. But for many of us, I know I struggled for the first few weeks asking, “How do I take an “Inn experience” where people come get away from the stress and relax?” I could take it anywhere else. So, I developed packages to bring our experience home with you. And those are available online. I think is so important is to find other businesses, either in the same field that you’re in, or maybe even in a completely different field, and collaborate. For me, it is an interview series that I’ll be starting. I’m doing interviews with a lot of the cultural venues, the museums, the theater groups, and the like here. I ask them to tell us where their facility or their venue and give us a secret, something nobody else might know. I am using this as a way to remind our guests that there are still things here when it’s time for them to be able to travel, and it keeps all of us in the forefront. We’ve talked about selling each other’s products on online stores or when we re-open to be able to sell and gift shops. I have been working with more coaches and talking about collaborating by offering retreats here at Inn. We can make the plans for when the environment opens up again.” This is a fantastic time for relationship building. 3 Action Steps
Be sure to connect with Amy Lindler-Lesser on LinkedIn or Facebook. Please comment below. I would love to hear from you. |
AuthorBeing an entrepreneur and business owner is hard! Once you have your business up and running it's not uncommon to hit a few snags: scalability, staff retention, launching growth projects, getting enough sleep! Archives
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