November 2008

Dear Reader,

Welcome to the first issue of our monthly newsletter. It's designed to introduce you to the wonderful world of video production and how your organisation can benefit from our professional touch.

In this edition, we're looking at online videos – a novel form of communication that's becoming easier to achieve with less technical know-how. But beware the DIY approach. It could backfire on you, and we'll explain why.

We're also focusing on tips to help you achieve a great outcome from your video by preparing your message properly. It will save you time, and you'll come across as sincere and confident.

We'd like to know what you think of this issue, so please email me at info@oceanwake.co.uk. Or if you have queries or topics you'd like us to cover in future issues, just let me know! I look forward to hearing from you.

Best wishes.

Gill

Thinking of doing some DIY?

Adding an online video to your website is a great idea. A study in the Harvard Business Review found that we retain 20% of what we hear, 30% of what we read, but a massive 70% of what we hear and see. And recently the Wall Street Journal reported that SMEs can benefit from a well-produced online video clip as it can quickly engage visitors by providing the human face of a business. It encourages visitors to go into your site, find out more and make a purchase.

Online videos are becoming more popular as they're a great way to bring your personality to your customers and staff. So it might be tempting to think about having a go yourself. After all, webcams are cheap and many PCs now have them built in.

Try turning on your webcam and speaking a few words. What do you think of the result? Maybe you look and sound great, but maybe you feel self-conscious, you're aware that your posture isn't good and you're not looking your best today. And what is that in the background?

So we say – don't DIY. It will look and sound amateurish and that's something you want to avoid at all costs. Even someone who's very experienced in front of a camera can stumble over their words, struggle over the awkward pause, and the – um – verbal tick. More tellingly, it could have the opposite effect on your business and ultimately your bottom line.

On the other hand, a professionally-produced video will really sell you to your potential customers. You'll come across as a confident, articulate enthusiast, an expert in your field, and someone who cares about their staff and customers.

To see a great example of how a professional video can add to your website click here.

I can’t go on video because … I don’t know what to say

If this is the case, here are some ideas to help you.

Start with the outcome. What do you want people to take away from your video?
How are you going to achieve this outcome? Jot down random thoughts and see what connections you can make
Once you have a coherent message, put the key points on small cards where you can see them so that you can be sure you don't forget the most important part
Practise delivering your message – whether it's to your partner, the cat or to your reflection in the mirror. This will help you slow down, breathe more easily and project your own personality in a way that's persuasive and attractive.

Everyone can go on video. Try out these tips and see how you get on.

News and Reviews

Later in the year, we're launching a new service – I-Catcher – a really effective way of bringing more visitors to your website, and most importantly, turning them into customers. We'll make you a one minute online video clip which you can use on your website and in many other ways. Our next I-Catcher day is on the 10th December at a recording studio in Windsor. We are taking bookings right now. Just click here to reserve your place.

At Oceanwake we specialise in making you relaxed even before you get in front of the camera. We work with Sarah McCloughry, the Confident Voice Coach, who'll help explore your video persona and what you want to portray.

If you'd like to know more about getting you and your business to stand out from the crowd, please drop me an email or phone me on 07751 622482. And if you'd like to see what Sarah does, go to her website at www.anrah.co.uk.