Ask Mr Video

AskMrVideo Newsletter | January 26, 2010 | Volume 4, Issue 3

In this issue:

• Video of the Week
• Feature Article
• As Seen On
• Recommended Resources
• Video Gear Review
• Members Only
• About Mr Video

ProActive

That's my word for 2010. I want to be proactive in everything I do; Do things with purpose and not be reactionary. I also want to be more PROfessional in my business and more ACTIVE overall.

Make Things Happen - As a business owner, marketer, or entrepreneur, you can be behind the curve, you can be ahead of the curve OR you can bend a new curve. I'm extremely comfortable bending my own curve - ie blazing new trails - but that requires discipline, focus and a set goal. Often as entrepreneurs we can get distracted by the "next new thing" and run off on a tangent, one that doesn't add to your business goals. Here are 5 steps you can use to blaze new trails and insure you are adding to your overall business:

1) Make goals
2) Implement plans
3) Track outcomes
4) Review weekly
5) Adjust accordingly

I'd love to hear about your goals and how you are tracking them!

Perry Lawrence
Mr Video

VIDEO OF THE WEEK

Mr Video Says: "NewTube! YouTube has a brand new interface and clicking on the video here will enable the new interface and let you see it in all its glory. New features are all around so go now and explore!"

FEATURE ARTICLE

Text Vs Video

Most individuals if not all, are accustomed to reading text, in the form of print newspapers, websites, books and the list goes on. But did you know that video can attract a large audience as well? With the wave of new technology increasing on a daily basis, itâ€™s no wonder that more and more individuals are viewing videos as opposed to reading text.

In order to increase the views of your videos there are some useful tips to keep in mind. Below I will share a few with you. But first I want to be perfectly clear that video will in no shape or form replace text. Video is enticing and a connection with the viewer is formed but there are many forms of learners. Many will still be attracted to text, where others are attracted by music and then others to video. You can incorporate all three to make your videos rank higher then others and here is how:

1. Keep your videos short - the attention span of individuals is one that is short and in order to keep your audience motivated and interested it is best to keep your videos short but impactful. Much can be said in 3 minutes which is most likely the longest an individual will watch.

2. Incorporate text into your videos - Include a title page, perhaps some texts throughout the video along with credits at the end.

3. Use text and video - When sharing an article you may consider describing a product or service in print, adding a video for more information, then having a conclusion in print.

4. Make your videos entertaining - When making a video to promote a service, a product or for education purposes, it's important to make it entertaining. No one wants to watch a video that is boring, or reminds them of being in a boring lecture class. Remember to smile, and love what you are sharing; all this is evident in your face, your posture and your eyes.

5. Let's not forget music - Incorporating music into your videos will give your videos a more professional appearance. Be certain to not pick loud music that will distract from the message. Choosing soothing music or music that will complement your message will also keep your audience attracted to your videos and will actually listen to your message.

As you can tell there is no real competition between video and text. However, incorporating them both into your video is a creative way to entice your audience to come back and watch more.

Comment or ask a question about this article here.

AS SEEN ON...

RECOMMENDED RESOURCES

Got a video question or need a recommendation? Just Ask Mr Video here.

VIDEO GEAR REVIEW

I was going on a trip recently and I really didn't want to take my Libec TH-M20. I needed to carry with me a very lite load and also needed some solid support. While the M20 (replaced by the TH-650DV) is a nice and lite tripod (7 lbs), I wanted something even lighter and more portable. But it had to be solid!

I had been wanting to get a monopod with folding legs for a while. I opted for the Manfrotto 682B self-standing monopod.

I like this monopod very much. The legs take a minute to unscrew and replace back into the hollow leg where they are stored, but this is a minor inconvenience. I have never used a self-standing monopod that is this rock solid and extends to a very tall 67.7" (172 cm).

The collapsed length is 27.1" (60 cm) - kinda long. Ms. Video asked me if I was going to carry it on the plane since it would mean a larger suitcase to pack it in if not.

No dice.

This thing, while lite at 2.5 lbs, is a beast. It could easily double as a weapon. So plan on packing it in a duffel or large case.

Even though this is a solid piece of gear, NEVER leave your camera on this unattended.

Before my trip I tested the monopod out. Good thing I did. I forgot to get a head for it. Yes, you need to get something that will allow for panned, tilts and maybe even quick release. I weighed my options and settled on the Manfrotto 234 Swivel Tilt Monopod head. At 9.5 oz it was the lightest option and while it has no quick release, I like it just fine. My large HDV camera works on it as does my Flip Mino HD! My Nikon D40 works very nicely on it too.

If you are looking for a lite, sturdy, and flexible hands-free camera support system that travels well, I recommend looking at the 682B monopod with 234 head.

Website Strategy Session (weekly website strategies for folks like you) - This Week Amel Mehenaoui & Sherie Smith

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 a proud member of the Video Marketing Association and "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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