Tuesday, March 29, 2011

What does your package look like?

My eight year old daughter came down for breakfast this morning in an incredibly sophisticated layering and accessorized look that told a story about her eye for fashion. I told her she looked terrific and commented on all of the specific details—the layering of her two shirts, the cute belt, the leggings. She said to me “it is important to think about what you look like mommy!”. This is her 8 (just turned) year old view. Perhaps informed by people around her or from watching her parents head of to work in suits every day.

I recently interviewed someone who came into my office for the interview but left her A game at home. The way she presented herself distracted me from her otherwise stellar resume, chock full of experience. I wondered, if this was the way she showed up for an interview, where would things go from here? Could I put her in front of a client? Could she convincingly lead a team of people? Her presentation said something about her confidence in herself and ultimately my confidence (or lack thereof) in her. Oh, and I would have loved to have seen a video bio of her in advance of the interview-- perhaps she may have given more thought to her presentation in that then in person? Hmmmm.

Personal presentation is important. Don’t let anyone tell you differently. Now, it sometimes gets confusing when we are trying to strike that balance between being real and looking overly polished or scripted, but, a professional, well put together presentation of self is critical in convincingly showcasing your whole package.

I spend 90% of my time out there presenting my company to investors and clients--a tough, unforgiving audience who are expecting big things from a CEO. I need to deliver on these expectations both in the way I present myself and in the content I am sharing. If I have great content but don’t present it and myself in a way that knocks their socks off, I won’t be memorable and I may lose an opportunity. In today’s market, the stakes are high and you need every tool in your toolkit to stand out. Make sure the packaging matches contents inside.

Monday, March 28, 2011

The game changing tool for job seekers

One of our favorite expressions is -- a videoBIO is not a video resume and there are a lot of reasons for this. A video bio at its core is a storytelling and connection tool-- a way to emphasize human traits, ability to communicate, enthusiasm, ideas and establish trust and authenticity. There are many ways to do this and it doesn't have to feel or look contrived or overly scripted. However, it does need to be thought through and leave the viewer with an overall professional impression of you and your abilities. Leave the details and skills for the resume and focus on making a great impression with the video. Marketing Profs recently published a great article authored by @williamarruda and @catharinefennel, yours truly! It talks about the video 'bio' as the game changing tool in job search. Worth a read.

Monday, March 21, 2011

5 Tips for Giving Your Best Performance on Video

For those of us who aren’t trained actors, or public speaking professionals, putting ourselves in front of the lens can seem like a somewhat daunting task. However, as video is quickly becoming the most effective communication tool out there, it is important to put those fears aside and allow yourself to shine!

Here are some tips to help put your mind at ease, and allow you to give your very best on-camera performance.

1) Know Who You’re Talking To.

Make sure you know your audience, who you’re trying to reach with your video. Imagine you’re speaking to them directly, rather than staring into the unresponsive lens of a camera. Have a natural conversation with your viewers in a way that’s appropriate to them.

2) Just Breathe.

Before you speak, take a deep breath, collect your thoughts and relax. Any time you start to feel frustrated or tongue-tied, just remember to breathe. A long, slow exhale will erase all negative tension.

3) Slow Down. Take Pause.

When most people are nervous, they have a tendency to speak too quickly. Try to slow down your pace and allow for natural pauses in between sentences or points. This gives your viewers time to reflect on and properly absorb everything you’ve said. This also gives you a moment to frame your next thought. And remember, when you finish your thought, maintain your eye contact (the camera, or the interviewer) and hold a moment’s pause before moving on.

4) Take the Pressure Off.

Remember, you are not speaking to a live audience. If you don’t say it right the first time, you can easily go back and do it over again. The beauty of video is that in the end viewers will have no idea how many takes it took you to get it right.

5) Dress For Success.

It is important to present yourself in a polished way that best represents your personal brand and your viewers’ expectations. It is also important to avoid wearing any clothing with busy patterns or reflective fabrics, as they can be very distracting. We want YOU to be the star, not your pinstripe jacket! Bright, solid colors are always a great choice. And when wearing jewelry, make sure it behaves. No noisy bangles, or jingly earrings.

If you are looking your best, you will feel that much more confident on camera! And the results will show!


Cheers!

Stephanie Kittell
videoBIO Producer

Friday, March 18, 2011

Video use case #73

Video is an amazing way to tell a story, evoke an emotion, paint a picture. It doesn't always have to include people to make an impact. Here is a great example of an author trailer that immediately sets the tone and stage for a great story http://www.videobio.com/m/videos/view/Gregor-Robinson-Book-Trailor , Providence Island by by Gregor Robinson.