To film or not to film?

Creation of your visual brand is a powerful marketing step.  That’s a given.  But what if you are trying to reach executives?  Don’t they prefer charts, figures, whitepaper and written statistics to video?

Truth is, executives are just like the rest of us.   A recent study by Forbes  (Forbes Insights) shows that while it is true that younger execs have a higher preference for video, even their senior counterparts are turning to visual medium more often.

75% of executives surveyed said they watch work-related videos on business-related websites at least weekly; and 52% watch work-related videos on YouTube at least weekly.

So they are watching, but are they reacting to video?  Yes.  Overall, 65% have visited a vendor’s website after watching a video. Younger executives, however, may be more fully engaged with this type of media, and appear more likely to make a purchase, call a vendor, or respond to an ad.

Video has a social appeal that written word is lacking.  The same sense of connection that we get from a conversation with someone in the same room is duplicated when they are looking at us through a camera lens.  We have a sense of knowing that person, and being connected with them.  That’s why I say that nothing builds recognition and credibility faster than visual media.

Executives may love their facts and figures, but they react with the same primitive instincts that we all have when it comes to preferring a face and movement with a message as compare to written word.  Facts and figures can accompany your video pitch, or communication either embedded in the video or alongside. Read more ...

The question I am asked most often has to do with fear management; what do I suggest for “stage fright”?  Whether you are speaking to a live audience or into a camera, the same trepidation may surface.

For each person, the source may be different, so a blanket answer is not a guaranteed benefit  to anyone. There are a few ideas, though, that I have discovered can help to ease anxiety in most people.

1.      Fear is good.  It shows that you care about what you are doing!  Realize that the twisted feeling in your stomach and shaking knees are signs of a very primitive part of your design, stemming all the way back to the “flight or fight” reactions of our ancient ancestors.  The original purpose was for good:  to save us from harm.  What I suggest is to recognize that part of you that is the fear (even name it), then thank it for being there, but you are fine and it may take a back seat now, thank you!

2.      Next, take your focus OUT, not in.  It’s about them, not you.  If you know your message and your purpose, then you know exactly what you need to accomplish for your audience and set to it!  Know that you are there to solve a major problem for them. No matter if they are right in front of you, or on the other end of your broadcast.  Realize, that if your thoughts are with them and what you bring to that audience, your thought s cannot be in your head, fighting with your fears.  It is impossible.

3.      Recognize that even the pros and superstars have a bit of that butterfly in the tummy reaction. 

“A little bit of stage fright. Then I’m ready.” --- Faith Hill Read more ...

Three Reasons to Stop Procrastinating and Go for It!

Republican politician Newt Gingrich is known to tell a story about a lion and a field mouse; a lion can use his hunting skills to easily capture a field mouse with ease any time he desires, but at the end of the day, no matter how many mice he’s gotten, he will still be starving.

What Newt’s story means:  sometimes despite the risk and the work needed, it’s worth our time to go for the antelope.

Are you still chasing your mice, playing it safe and finding convenient reasons to wait to chase your antelope? Are you starving to make the impact you are born to make?

What wall of your comfort zone will you need to bust through in order to leap to the next higher level of your life?

It could be that you need to reach beyond your current circle of influence by connecting with those that play one or two levels up from where you are right now.  Or, it might be that you need to step up your visibility and create a more public image to draw a larger following of your own.  Most likely you need both.  We all do.

While nothing is more powerful than a face-to-face meeting with those whom you want to influence or collaborate with, it is sometimes impossible to find the time, or the access in the case of a high-ranking personality, to arrange an in-person meeting.

The solution is video and visual media.

Putting yourself and your service, product or company in a pitch video can be the door opener to sponsors or investors and sharing your knowledge by informative videos in the form of tips, FAQs, and how-to’s in your field of expertise.  Even stepping out as a guest expert on TV, will get you recognized as an expert and a leader in your field. Read more ...

Did you know that recent research proves 55 percent of our communication is physiological?  This means that even though we utter the exact words we intend, our bodies can be shortchanging our message… This is especially costly when it occurs during the money conversation with a potential customer.

I recently sat in a group of amazing women entrepreneurs; all were brilliant and had plenty of experience, yet every one of them showed some stress when presenting the price they charged for their service or product. Every one! I know women can sometimes have a weakness this area. One of the many theories is that some women perceive asking for their established fee as “pushy” or masculine.

Today, I am not going to focus on the why but rather the more immediate and important how self-sabotage can happen. This will expose the ways to avoid the potential problem and help you to collect your worth every time! Read more ...

While Valentine’s Day focuses primarily on romantic love, I would like to invite you to escape the frenzy of your local greeting card store, which at this time is probably looking as chaotic as the once-yearly shoe sale at Barneys, and widen the lens through which we see “love” this month.

 After all, if you are reading this, you are most likely in “work” mode, and business is on your mind so what can this drippy topic do for your bottom line?

Unless you own a dating service or are a relationship coach, romantic love may not be related to financial increase for you, but in a broader sense of the word, L-O-V-E can be a significant asset to the building of a much-adored personal brand, which is, of course, the foundation of a successful business.

A persona that elicits adoration, attention and interest from others owns the ability to influence.  We need only look at some “media darlings” to see this. What is a media darling?  It is a well-recognized person that interviewers and audiences love to hear speak.  They are sought after for interviews and are often featured on magazines and TV shows.  If you are seeking to bring attention to yourself or your business through media, video or public speaking in anyway, learning from media darlings is as easy as, well, L-O-V-E.

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Inspiration from the Golden Globes

 Hollywood’s A-listers are lucky to have designers that cut specifically for them.  Did you see Claire Daines at the Golden Globes in her gorgeous hot pink dress sewn with perfection for her by Calvin Klein? 

 Unfortunately, most of us do not fall into the category of red carpet goddess (THIS week!), but with a little help from some designer experts, it is possible to apply some savvy Hollywood style tips to a wardrobe-retrofit, so that you have a closet that is ready to showcase you at any time!

  Why is this important to your media trainer? Because when ABC, CBS or another media outlet needs you, you sometimes can have only hours to get camera-ready.  There’s no time to run to the mall! For example: I had a client that received a call from the Today Show. They had her on camera within 90 minutes of the initial phone call!

 Having a go-to camera-ready area of your closet is crucial preparation for media exposure.  That’s why I dedicated a chapter to wardrobe in my latest training DVD, and I feel fortunate to have talented designers available to consult with my clients.

It’s that important.

My designer friends have given me 5 Hollywood Designer Tips to share with you:

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 Five Foods to avoid now and any time you need to be “on”!

There is a lot of focus on food and drink during this season… we are shown how to make it, how to serve it and how to make “healthy” versions of our favorites.  Holiday foods are traditional, comforting and all-out yummy.   They are hard to resist, but if you are presenting or speaking on camera, the holiday foods could sabotage your performance!  Even if they are the “healthy” version.

Whether you are full speed with Holiday networking at parties or taking it easy this season, the following foods are ones that I have on a “caution list” for my clients if they are preparing for an appearance on-camera or public speaking…  So, you may want to keep this list for the New Year!

• Dairy: cheeses and other milk products can produce mucus which can present itself as the need to clear your throat and weaken your voice.

• Fat:  Fried or high-fat foods like pizza, hamburgers, or fries can leave you feeling sluggish.  Since good energy is so important to your on-camera presence, why make it difficult to get yours up?    PLUS, they can cause bloating, and that just doesn’t help you to feel attractive. A better meal before you go on camera or make a presentation:  lean protein and veggies.  A chicken salad or even cottage cheese and crudités will serve you well.

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Why your words may be working against you in your video script

One of the main causes of discomfort for many entrepreneurs when they attempt a promotional video is the words they are trying to say.

Most often entrepreneurs and experts will come to their video shoot with a script derived from copy on their website.  I totally get it; working so hard to get that copy right it has to be just what you need to say, so why not just cut and paste it for a video script, right?

WRONG!

Even the best copy from a website or written advertisement is designed to be READ not said aloud.  It’s nearly impossible to seem authentic and natural when using copy designed to be read.

Need an example?  Try reading both of these paragraphs aloud taking care to sound as natural as possible.

1. Designed to be read:

Nothing feels better than a great fitting jacket. Virtually unlimited in terms of COLORS, PATTERNS & CONSTRUCTION. Included among them are two-ply EGYPTIAN COTTONS in SOLIDS, CHECKS & PLAIDS. Royal Oxfords (my personal favorite, wrinkle resilient & durable)…. YOU’LL LOVE OUR SHIRTS!

2. Better for speaking:

Nothing feels better than a great fitting jacket. Our selection is virtually unlimited in colors and patterns, and we design for your body!  A few of our fantastic styles come in two-ply Egyptian cottons  in solids, checks and plaids, and, my personal favorite… Royal Oxfords. They need less ironing and last forever!  YOU’LL LOVE OUR SHIRTS!

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Three things to consider before major media exposure

As I sip my morning coffee and view last night’s election results, I’m evaluating the power of the media once again; I’m contemplating if a small tweak here and there in the candidates’ media presence could have changed the outcome. I find myself reflecting to a conversation just a few days ago with a former White House speechwriter:

Troy Senik was a member of the Bush Administration and the youngest presidential speechwriter to date. What I recall most from the evening that I sat with him is his explanation of how political campaigns can be forced to respond slowly to attacks in the media.

The subject of dirty political commercials was raised to Troy, and then a very specific question about one smear that seemed easy enough to rebut.  “Why,” the question was posed with disbelief and a bit of frustration, “doesn’t she just explain her situation and stop this madness?” 

His answer gives surprising insight into the logistics of a political campaign: A rebuttal can be formed quickly, but then it must pass through about 90 people on the team before it might actually surface in the media.  With the crazed schedule of a political campaign, quite often the people who must approve the rebuttal that could save the candidates reputation cannot be reached.  It’s as sadly simple as that.

So, if that politician referred to in the question had the opportunity to “explain her situation,” could it have changed the outcome of the election?  There’s a very good chance. But timing is everything.

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Why you have what you need right now to be a great communicator

The genuine relief and emotionon the faces of the rescued Chilean miners and their families was priceless.  I was moved to tears as they thanked the men that had brought them to the surface after 69 days underground.

The power of a moment like that is unforgettable, and the visceral reaction that it can evoke is a reminder of the powerful connection that we humans share.  It is this connection that is the conduit for excellent communicators.  Authenticity will always draw us in more than honed skills or practiced rhetoric.

For example,just the other night, my friend shared the incredible experience of hearing Mother Theresa speak at a Presidential Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C. years ago.  Picture at this meeting the leaders from churches and representatives of organizations from around the world.  Of course, our President and First Lady (at this time it was President Clinton) are there seated at the dais as Mother Theresa speaks:

She captures this room of hundreds of people--not with her gestures or oratory skills but her simplicity of purpose and genuine emotion.  Her love for the children and passion for her work magnetize this audience some of who have been listening to political speeches nearly on a daily basis for decades.

Soft-spoken and humbly dressed, Mother Theresa is considered one of the most captivating keynote speakers in the history of those Presidential Prayer Breakfasts.

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