The Introvert's Guide to Mastering Video for Business Growth (or how to show up on video when you hate seeing your own face)
I tell my clients to do this all the time, but...
I've been avoiding using video for my own lead generation for literally years. I'm not a natural extrovert and it's felt far too awkward and vulnerable to step out from my comfort zone. I'd rather be hiding away doing client work or behind the scenes in my business than front and centre on someone's LinkedIn feed.
But, here's the rub - to really connect with your audience on social media these days, they need to see more than your carefully-crafted prose. And while having some on-brand photography is a useful business asset, especially when you're the face of the brand, nothing beats video when it comes to building connection quickly.
If you're anything like me you'll have been using one or more of these excuses not to show your face in your business:
no idea what to say / where to sit / what to wear
too dishevelled / bad hair day / don't look like other people you see posting video to LinkedIn
too busy / not a priority / would rather do basically anything else
Which are all nonsense, as you know.
It's all about authenticity and standing out on the socials, and if you want leads to flow into your business showing your face is important. People ultimately buy services from the people they identify with, trust and who they feel understand their challenges. Which means if you want them to connect with you, you need to show up.
In the last month I've had a word with myself (big girl pants, missed opportunities, tell my clients to do this etc) and started recording. And if I can do it, you can too.
Let's get you started with my 4 top filming tips:
Talk about what you know best. Start with this super-simple formula: call out your customer's challenge > give an example of your experience tackling that challenge > spell out your offer relating to that challenge-tackling > give an action for the viewer to take (book a call, click a link etc).
If you're nervous, script everything. When I ad-lib to camera, I quickly spiral into complete gibberish, so everything has to be scripted. If you're the same, it's far easier to learn a script than expect off-the-cuff genius. Give yourself plenty of time to record so you can do 26 takes if you need to - I promise that once you record a few videos the process will speed up considerably.
Bulk record your videos. Just like written content creation, when the inspiration flows, try to get as much done as possible and plan them into your posting schedule in advance. Change tops and/or locations between videos for some variety.
Look like yourself. This game-changing iPhone function changed my relationship with video. Once you've recorded, go into edit and click on the reverse button (two arrows above two triangles) and it will flip your video so you look like you, not a mirror image of you. Small but effective.
Here's your challenge for this week - record one video using the formula I've laid out above and tag me when you post it. I'd love to see what you come up with!