Debra Kasowski

The Naked Truth About Video Creation for Business Blogs and Websites

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Did you know that over 4 billion hours of video are watched on YouTube every month? Did you know that there are over 800 million unique users visiting YouTube every month? According to YouTube statistics, 72 hours of video are uploaded to You Tube every minute. Now you are probably wondering how do you get you video to stand out from the crowd? Video camera operatorDid you know that video also increases your ranking on Google?

Video is a powerful way to communicate your message. There are several things you can do position yourself in the marketplace without breaking the bank.

1. Authenticity – Be yourself, unless you are putting on a drama play or comedy skit – just be you! You are representing your brand. What do you want people to know about you and your business?

2. Discover the “why” before you  achieve results. Develop a clear picture of what you would like your blog content or video to do. Is there a call to action? Do you want them to like or share the video or content?

3. Don’t aim for viral, aim for good compelling content that is educates, entertains, or inspires. The more you try and create something that you want to go viral, the more and more it may look like an American Funniest Video contest. Let the epidemic or viral campaign occur naturally.

4. All video does not have to be professionally done. Take heart my fellow small business owners. There are flip cams, iPads, and iPhones that can capture good quality video. Place on a tripod and voila! You can create your own studio right where you are at. I suggest that you may want to hire a professional to create your welcome video for your home page but for your blog you can use amateur video. I know many people who use the webcam on their computers.

5.  Good lighting is a must. Try to video where you can capture as much natural light if possible but be aware of too much light or areas that may cast shadows on your face. Do some test drives to ensure your lighting is good as some may cast yellow or green skin pigmentation due to the lighting. You may even consider a green or blue screen with extra lighting (Worklights work great!)

6.  Frame your scene. Are you looking for a close-up, 3/4 shot or showing some background? Ensure that you are capturing what you reference unless you are the main focal point. Position yourself just off centre so the eye is draw to you.

7. Eliminate background noise or distractions. Even though smartphones have a fairly decent microphone, you will still want to speak up unless you are quite close. Music and background noise can deter from your message. You may shift your attention to the distractions and break eye contact with the people you are speaking to. This action can lead to distrust unless your viewer knows what is distracting you.

8. Be prepared. Before you capture the video, you want to have a good idea of the message that you want to get across. Think of 3-5 bullet point type message you would like to convey. Tell a story and share a lesson learned. You may script your information but share it like a natural conversation otherwise people may think that you do not know what you are talking about.

9. Smile, Camera, Action! – of course, have fun! Let your personality shine. I cannot tell you how many times I have retaken videos until I am feeling relaxed and letting my personality come through. It is about taking inspired action and just going for it! It is much easier than you think.

You can upload directly to You Tube or edit it with photos, trailers, music, and text. Play around with the editing process – it can be a lot of fun. Your skillset will develop over time or you can always hire it out!

I would love to hear your video creation tips!!!

If you like this post, please share it! If you want to use this in your blog or newsletter, please contact me at Debra@themillionairewoman.com

8 Lessons I Learned from Seeing Oprah LIVE!

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DSC00378Whether she is walking onto her Oprah Show or walking on stage, Oprah has a presence of no other person I know. I am grateful for seeing in her Calgary LIVE. They announced she was coming to Edmonton a month after I already had my tickets. All I knew is that I needed to be there. Oprah is a living legend that has inspired and changed the world by being true to herself. She has navigated the obstacles that have come her way – a role model of resilience!

My children were also excited to see and hear her. My son had tears at the end saying that he was inspired by her and that he knows that he will achieve his dream of being a professional golfer because “Whatever follows “I am” will find you.” from Pastor Joel Osteen. I learned many years ago in Jack Canfield’s book, The Success Principles, that it is important to share this inspiration and encoouragement with your children as they will aspire to become more. I love to involve my children in what my passions are. They end up being my greatest cheerleaders.

I wanted to share her most profound messages from that night: OPRAH QUOTES

“Your competition is within you. You set the bar.”

How many times have you been distracted by checking out what others are doing or devaluing your own accomplichments and journey? The competition you have is between your ears. Challenge yourself. Strive for your personal best. Set your OWN (pun intended) expectations of yourself. If is unfair to measure yourself to another person’s standards.

“Education is the door to freedom.”

DSC00352I have always believed this. Growing up my parents would say, “Education is never a waste.” You may change your path or take classes or courses that you think you may never use but you learn information, discipline, and even most importantly more about what you like and dislike. You get closer and closer to who you are meant to be.

“You become what you believe.”

There is so much power in the words we use as they affect our thoughts, actions, and behavior. Believe in yourself.

“Everyone wants to know they are seen, heard, and that they matter.”

We all want to know that we bring value to the world. This is secret to creating long last relationships in business and life. Be fully present and engaged with the people you interact with. They will remember that you took the time and made them feel that they were the only person in the room.

“Follow the threads of your experiences to figure out what you are here to come to do.”

Reflect on the moments that have brought you to where you are today. How have you been prepared along the way to be where you are today? There are clues and events that have led you on yoru path.

“You honour your calling when you do what you came here to do.”

When you go after what it is you want in life, you honour a higher power – God or Source or whatever you believe to be true. I like to describe this as that burning desrie to succeed at what you have your heart set on. I know I am here to serve others in a big way through writing, speakign, and coaching. I am here to help others finding meaning and passion in their life through my messages.

“God does not require your belief, he requires you to experience. You are breathing  right?”

Your life is an experience. Choose to live fully and honour the truth that lies within you.

“Your real job is to know your calling.”

Discover your purpose and you calling and you will be a light in the world. When you act in accordance to what you know to be true, life is not work it is there to be enjoyed.

Although this may be considered a one in a lifetime experience, I look forwad to one day meeting her in person. I grew up watching and learning from this phenomenal woman. I aspire to “be the change in the world.” I will remember this night forever.

What is your favorite Oprah quote? Who inspires you?

One Thing You Must Do to Get the Results You Want

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“You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing which you think you cannot do.”

– Eleanor Roosevelt

Courtesy Imagery Majestic/Freedigitalphotos.net
Courtesy Imagery Majestic/Freedigitalphotos.net

This quote by Eleanor Roosevelt speaks volumes to how we can create the results that we want in life. There are many things we tell ourselves we cannot do or we may procrastinate and avoid them at all costs. Everything has a cost or payoff. Many people avoid conflict because it is uncomfortable. Yes, it is uncomfortable but it can be done respectfully and with dignity. For some the payoff, may be seeking comfort in food, avoiding change, or even taking action. Your results will disappoint you if you do not face what you fear.

I have learned as uncomfortable as it may be this is the environment where your greatest growth often appears. This is the perfect opportunity to STRETCH out of your comfort zone and STEP into your potential. You will start to make more immediate decisions because you are clear on what you will and will not accept as the results that you want for yourself. You will be able to shift your perspective and gain a better understanding of the results you had been getting and what it takes to get the results you truly want. You will know how to prepare for uncertainty with calmness. You will ultimately stand up more often for what you believe in.

You will change your mindset about challenges and start seeing them as opportunities for growth and change. You will open doors for new opportunities. Take time to look at what is working and what is not working. What is one thing you need to do to get what you want? Are you prepared to do it? Will you regret not taking the action to get it?

What is the ONE thing you know that would change your life?

If you like this post, please share it. You will also love my YouTube channel – Debra Kasowski.

3 Must Haves to Have on Your Website

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Courtesy Stockimages/freedigitalphotos.net
Courtesy Stockimages/freedigitalphotos.net

In the digital world in which we live, it is very rare to find someone with a business without some form of online presence like a website. If you do not have one, may I suggest your consider starting one. There are many websites and hosting programs that could get you started in a couple hours. One of the easy ways to get a site up and running is by starting a blog either through Word press which I recommend or Blogger. There are others like Tumblr, Typepad, or Live Journal but I am not as familiar with them.

Now if you are looking to have an impact in the marketplace, there are are a few must have items. Think about the way people learn information. Some learn visual and some by audio – why not use both? You may not agree with all the suggestions but I have noticed these suggestions to be great must haves for your site to get noticed and remembered.

  1. Welcome Video – Let people get to know about you and your business  What do you do? What do you want them to do when they get to your site? Why should they take a look around? Do you have a call to action so they can join your list to receive more valuable information from you? Some people will watch the video and some will read what is written. The video allows for a one on one connection. They get to know you – it creates the first impression.
  2. Contact Information – Remember people do not always come to your site from the “Home Page” or what I like to call the “front door”. Do you have a physical location? How can they contact you?
  3. Call to Action – How do you get them to come back to your website? How do you let them know that you are here to give VALUE and OFFER them an opportunity to continue a connection with you well beyond a meeting or sale? Can they follow you on social media? What will you give the visitor for sharing their information with you that is of value?

These must haves will help you stand out from the crowd.  I am not sure if you noticed some keywords in business in regards to the must-haves. They have to do with nurturing relationships, educating, and providing value.   Inspiration is always an added bonus! Create a connection that lasts beyond a handshake, smile, or meeting. Be memorable and people will come back for more.

What do you think must be on a website to make you come back for more?

Are You Pushing Your Potential to Be and Become More?

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There are times in our lives where we are being and becoming in our lives yet many people are not living up to their potential. Pehaps they have not set expectations for themselves for the results they wish to achieve. Consider eliminating some of the distractions. Learn, grow, and develop by reading a good book, attending a seminar or conference, or hiring a coach. Push yourself to be the person you ARE meant to be.