The Power of Masters

I am involved in a few mastermind* groups and am going to attend one in Fort Worth, Texas this week. Mastermind groups can look many different ways and each can function differently, but the main goal is to work together toward a definitive purpose. I'm excited on a number of levels but I am especially excited about being in the company of people who are action takers and masters of their businesses. I'm going to listen to people who are expert marketers, social media mavens, product developers and a host of niche business owners. And, if you have been selling anything, you know the we are all marketers - or need to become marketers. That is our common theme.

I've been doing video for over 20 years and in advertising for most of those 20 years. I have been in mastermind groups of one form or another for all of those 20 years. I am constantly shown how much I DON'T know. It's impossible to know everything and very easy to get caught up in the latest fad or craze or follow the "Next Guru." Masterminding with a group of like-minded individuals helps me:

1) Learn what's working
2) Learn what pitfalls to avoid
3) Be held accountable
4) Stay focused
5) Help others

If you have the opportunity to be in a group like this, I recommend joining or starting one. Not only is there a great deal of learning but the friendships that develop can be life long.


Perry Lawrence
Mr Video

*The concept of Mastermind comes from Napoleon Hill's classic, "Think And Grow Rich."
"No two minds ever come together without thereby creating a third, invisible intangible force, which may be likened to a third mind [the master mind]."
 

VIDEO OF THE WEEK

Mr Video Says: The videos at EGO TV (egotvonline.com) are billed as "CNBC Meets MTV" with a "how to succeed twist."

I like this video because it shows how you can dress up a so-so interview to be a powerful presentation by adding some still images and a compelling soundtrack. Great info too from Restaurateur Mike Malin.

FEATURE ARTICLE

Cut to the Chase!

Ever watch a video and click off after a few seconds? Ever wonder "what were they thinking doing an HOUR long video?" Well the phrase "Cut to the Chase" pops up into my head when watching some videos these days. (No not yours, other people's videos ;-)

The phrase dates back to 1929 novel "Hollywood Girls." Many early silent films had long romantic storylines that ended in chase scenes. So...

Girl kisses boy. [Cut To Chase Scene].

The phrase wasn't used figuratively as we do today until 1944. That year an article quoted actress Helen Deutsch as having the motto: "When in doubt, cut to the chase." In other words - get to the point.

That's great advice for anyone. With today's short attention span, instant access and always on media, it is essential advice. I'm not saying make short videos only, but longer videos need to be compelling.

What I am saying is that your intro, your preamble, and your lesson need to be compelling enough for people to continue to watch. Make sure you give enough preamble (background) to get people on the same page or mind set then Cut To The Chase!

Here are some tips to help you when creating your videos:

1) Short intro graphic. If you are doing a series of videos, make sure your intro is short - once I've seen it I don't really want to watch it for 30 seconds each and every time. A short 5-10 second intro is plenty.

2) Music. Music can help drive your video and keep the momentum up. If you feel like that video is lagging or needs more energy, try adding some suitable music throughout.

3) Jump right in. I always advocate stating who you are and/or using a lower third to let people know who they are watching. But keep it short and get to the meat of your point as soon as possible.

4) Add variety. Add some interesting graphics, camera angles or cutaways to illustrate your point.

5) Leave me wanting more. Unless you are going to do only one video in your lifetime, keep it short, intrigue me and get me wanting more.

Keeping your videos succinct and getting to the point will help keep people involved and prevent them from yelling CUT TO THE CHASE!
 

AS SEEN ON...

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ABOUT MR VIDEO

Perry has been in video production for over 20 years and has produced, shot, and/or edited videos for companies like Merck, Maxwell House, Nickelodeon, P&G, Ogilvy & Mather, IBM, and many others. Perry is also the "Go To" video expert for the top names in internet marketing such as Yanik Silver, Carrie Wilkerson, Barry Dunlop, Ryan Lee, Dean Hunt, and many others.

Perry has taken the steps used by professionals and distilled them down to an easy to use formula that guarantees better videos, each and every time.

As "Mr Video," Perry has quickly become the definitive resource for helping business owners and marketers strategically leverage the power of video.
 

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