Are you using video for growing your rent roll?

Do you record videos, post them on Youtube, Facebook, Instagram, and send them out to your database?

Well, if you’re anything like me, you might have moments of insecurity about doing videos.

I mean, you gotta get the right angle.

Am I right, ladies?

And what about how weird your voice sounds on camera?

Surely I don’t sound like that in real life?

What about using a script?

But won’t that sound rehearsed and, well, “scripted”?

Or should you be “off the cuff” and just say whatever comes to mind?

But what if I ramble?

And don’t get me started about Live videos!

Seriously, how are you supposed to go Live, when you can’t even get a pre-recorded video right?

Then there’s the tech and equipment…

What camera do I use?

Can I use my phone?

Do I need a microphone?

How do I edit the video when it’s finished?

Should I type up captions to go with the video?

I know, there’s a lot to think about, and a whole bunch of insecurities come up when we talk about doing videos in business.

So I want to share a few tips and tricks on how to go from TERRIBLE with video to TOTALLY okay with it.

But first, I want to share a secret with you….

I’ve always felt pretty insecure being in front of the camera.

And if I’m honest, it’s for two reasons.

The first reason (and I feel a bit uncomfortable saying this to you) is my body….

I’m curvy…

And while I mostly love my body…

After all, it’s the place I live!

But I don’t always like the way it looks on video camera.

In fact, quite often in the past (and even now) I’ve looked at videos of me and my head says….

Look at my double chin!!!!!

The second reason is my voice…

I have a pretty high pitched feminine voice…

Especially when I’m nervous and talking a bit too fast…

Which is, like Every. Single. Video.

So, when you combine my insecurities about my body and my voice…

I’m not exactly natural on video.

Wanna see what I mean?

Here’s one of the first videos I ever filmed in my current business:

Click here to watch my “cringe-worthy” video – please don’t judge me, I still feel uncomfortable about this video!

And if you want to see a more recent video, click here to watch a more recent video .

But with some practice, some techniques and some simple tools, I’ve become TOTALLY okay with being in front of the camera.

I say “okay” on purpose.

I’m not a video natural, and I know I still have a long way to go, but I acknowledge that I’ve come a long way already, too.

Here are my 3 top tips for going from TERRIBLE with video to being TOTALLY okay with it.

Tip 1

Practice, practice, practice.

Yup, sorry, this probably isn’t an exciting tip.

You’ve just gotta practice HEAPS!

So, there are three things in particular I do to get more practice in front of video.

These are:

1. Filming little personal videos. So, when I go somewhere on the weekend with my hubby, I’ll film stuff that we’re doing.  I don’t share this stuff with you on my blog, obviously, but it gives me practice.
2. Bonjoro This allows me to record quick little video messages for my clients and potential clients.  They’re off the cuff, candid, recorded on my phone and I’ll record ten or more in a row and email them off to my contacts.  Brilliant way to practice off the cuff videos!  Plus a great way to impress your clients!
3. Batch Video Filming. About twice a year, I spend a full day or two filming the videos that are going to appear on my website.  This achieves two things for me.

Firstly, it means that I only have to do my hair and make up (ready for filming) once or twice a year.  It allows me to set up my office as a “filming set” only once or twice a year (yes, I have to rearrange my office for filming).

Secondly, I actually get better, the more videos I film in a row.  So my first video for the day is more “stiff and scripted” but my last for the day is pretty relaxed and real.

Tip 2

Just start somewhere.

Stop using excuses to delay your start.

Please just start somewhere.

If you don’t have a fancy camera?  Use your phone.

Don’t have a ring light?  Face the window.

Nowhere fancy to film?  Find a nice place in a local park.

No editing software?  Do it all in one take and don’t edit it!

We all have excuses for delaying our start.

You can make excuses, or you can make a difference in the world.

It’s really your choice.

Tip 3

Stop comparing yourself to people who are at a different stage to you.

It’s great to have role models.

In fact, one of my role models, especially in video, is Marie Forleo

Now, if I compared my own videos to hers, I’d just have to give up totally!

But if I compare myself to her back when she was first starting out with video, I’m okay!

Marie Forleo used to use a webcam in her kitchen for film her earlier videos!

Phew, that makes me feel better!

In an ideal world, you wouldn’t compare yourself to anyone at all.

But if you’re gonna compare, make sure you’re comparing apples with apples!

Now, if you want to know about the equipment you need for filming videos….               

Here are some equipment tips you might want to use yourself.

Which Camera?

I’ve used a digital SLR camera in the past…

But I’ve actually gone back to using my smart phone for filming again.

My Oppo phone has a 16 megapixel front facing (selfie) camera, and it’s crystal clear.

If you want to use a separate camera, Google “Vlogging Camera” and you’ll find a bunch of recommendations from low to high end in terms of pricing.

So feel free to use your smart phone for filming.  That’s totally okay.

What about a microphone?

If you’re filming somewhere quiet, inside, you may not even need a microphone.

But if you do want a microphone, check out a simple Rode Microphone like this one for less than $100.

Do I need a tripod?

Maybe.

If you have somewhere you can rest your camera while you film, you probably don’t need a tripod.

But if you don’t have somewhere like that…

Get a tripod.

My tripod looks like this one from Officeworks (less than $20) and I have an extra little attachment for my smartphone to fit onto the tripod.

I need lights, right?

Not if you have a good window.

The sun is the best light, so use it when you can.

If you want to add some lighting for your videos, look for a ring light or a soft box.  Jump on eBay to find these.  You can spend $40 to $500 for lights.

But remember that you don’t have to.  A window works well.

What about a background?

Use a plain wall.

Or a lovely park in your neighborhood..

Or your living room at home.

Or sitting at your desk in your office.

Have a play with different backgrounds and find something at home or in your office that works for you and your style.

Best editing software?

Often you can use some free video editing software, like Movie Maker (for PC) or iMovie (for Mac).  I personally use Camtasia for video editing, but in all honesty, Joanna, my assistant, does all the editing of my videos these days.

Now, one last tip….

Should you sit or stand for your videos?

It depends.

Try a quick video each way.

Notice if you wiggle, rock or shift from one foot to another when you’re standing.

That can be really distracting.

So, if you do move heaps on your feet, and you think it’s distracting, just sit down.

For me personally, I do tend to shift from foot to foot, so that’s why I sit down for my videos.

If you need ideas for growing your rent roll, be sure to register for my upcoming Masterclass: 5 Ways To Grow Your Rent Roll.

If you haven’t seen my last blog titled How To Stay Motivated In Business be sure to check that out next!