Videos

The 4 Most Popular Types of Video

The 4 Most Popular Types of Video 1920 1080 Pam Jones

Currently most of the world is in lockdown because of the coronavirus.

And what I’m seeing is that many business are taking this lockdown time to think creatively about their digital marketing. I’ve certainly seen more video content on social media and am getting more inquiries about using video.

So if you’re thinking about using video content for your business but not sure which types of videos to make, then watch the rest of this video where I talk about  the four most popular types of videos to use in your business.

Full transcript below the video.

Currently most of the world is in lockdown because of the coronavirus.

And what I’m seeing is that many business are taking this lockdown time to think creatively about their digital marketing. I’ve certainly seen more video content on social media and am getting more inquiries about using video.

So if you’re thinking about using video content for your business but not sure which types of videos to make, then stay with me because in this video I’m going to talk about  the four most popular types of videos to use in your business.

1. Testimonial Videos

One of the things every business needs to be doing is collecting reviews and testimonials from its customers. Testimonials are really important because they build social proof, and social proof builds credibility of who you are and what your business does.

So how do you create testimonial videos?

Well, there are three options.

  1. The most popular way of collecting testimonials is when your customer writes one. You might ask them to do this through Google reviews, Facebook or by email. Take the best statements from 4 or 5 written testimonial and create an animated video to showcase the testimonials. Use your branding guidelines to style the video, and voila, you’ve got a testimonial video. Once you’ve created this template, reuse it every few months to share another five or six different testimonials.
  2. Ask your customers to record a short video on their phone. Give them maybe a few questions to guide the testimonial. Once you’ve collected the videos, create a montage of these videos into a longer video showing 3 or 4 testimonials. And you can also showcase the videos individually with some creative video editing.
  3. Get a testimonial video professionally filmed. Obviously in the current situation, that’s not going to be possible straightaway. But if you do decide to go down this road later, then bear in mind that this option is likely to cost the most. But you’ll get a really high quality testimonial video.

2. How To Videos

The next most popular type of video are how to videos. And did you know the most searched for term in Google is how to.

How to videos are really important because they demonstrate value about what you do to help  your audience understand your expertise or products.

My hairdresser does these really well by making videos about different hairstyles people can do at home. And how to look after your hair in between appointments. So think of the how to’s in your business, then go ahead and make some videos about them.

3. Product Demo Videos

These obviously are only relevant if you have a physical product that you sell. Product videos are really important because they build up trust.

People might need to know:

  • How to use a product safely.
  • How to use all of the product features or
  • How to get the best out of it generally.

So think about how product demo videos might work for your business.

4. Explainer Videos

Explainer videos are really important because they build authority about who you are, what you do, and what your business is about.

An explainer video might be a film from a team member explaining key products and services that you sell.

Or if you have products and services which people find difficult to understand, then think about using animated explainer videos.

Set some lockdown time aside and plan and make at least one of these for your organization.

If you found this helpful, then please consider sharing it to help others.


Need help with a video? Get in touch for informal chat – we’d love to hear from you and see if we can help.

 

 

How To Stay Visible With Video

How To Stay Visible With Video 1920 1080 Pam Jones
Now more than ever, video is playing a really important part in helping people to stay connected with their families. This video gives businesses video ideas to help them stay visible online during the pandemic and beyond.

Watch the video below or read the full transcript below.

Today starts the second week of self-isolation from the virus.

Over the last week, I’ve seen a lot of conversations online with SMEs, about why it’s crucial for businesses to be staying visible through this pandemic.

And it got me thinking about this from a video perspective. So in this video I wanted to give SMEs my  suggestions for staying visible online using video.

Because I think now more than ever, video is playing a really important part in helping people to stay connected with their families.

Friends. Colleagues. Customers and followers.

I’ve seen people use video who I personally know and a year ago they pretty much said that video was not for them.

Over the weekend I’ve seen a few musicians who like the rest of the world are isolated and sharing their music with their fans. Live, using video.

Schools are starting to deliver lessons online, and there’s loads more examples of people and businesses using video when previously they wouldn’t have given it a second thought.

This just tells me that there is a place for video for every business. And everyone.

So if you’re a SME and feeling isolated. Maybe you’re not sure what to do next for your business. Or your business has been affected, then my advice to you is to start using video today to stay visible online.

Video is the ultimate visual medium. People love video and the engagement you’ll get from your videos will absolutely help to make you feel better. And more importantly it means you’re doing something proactively for your business.

So here are a few ideas to help you use video in your business during this uncertain time.

1. Make Vlogs

First, start making video blogs. Now one of the main reasons people don’t make video blogs  is that they don’t like the way they look or sound in video. Networking and client meetings will happening differently now. Many of these are taking place with some kind of video conferencing tool. So use those video meetings to get used to seeing and hearing yourself in a video environment. Then get the confidence to go and make some videos. I’ve got lots of other videos on my website to help you get started with vlogging so do check them out.

When you do start making videos, tell customers how you’ve been affected with the pandemic.

How will you be changing your business during this period?

How will you or can you continue to support them?

Will you be working less or more hours? I’m sure they’d love to hear from you and see how the business and you are doing.

2. Create a video brochure

Another idea is to create a video brochure of your products and services. You can do this using video software like Powtoon or Animoto and using your existing photos or graphics which form part of your brochure. Most video software has a free 30 day trial. Use that free trial to learn the software and make a brochure. Share it in all the usual ways to remind people of what you do and what your products and services are. Do this regularly to keep reminding people you’re still open for business.

3. Make live social videos

Next, make some live social videos which are just about your journey during this pandemic. Where are you working from? How are you finding it? What are you missing most about the world? This can be a great way of just getting some general discussion and support about what’s happening. And that in itself can help to build some interesting relationships.

So I hope that’s given you some ideas on how to stay visible online with video. Remember, these ideas will work now AND when all this is over. So you’re really just starting your journey towards making more videos for the future whilst you have the time.

If you have any questions or comments, then please get in touch in all the usual ways. I’d really love to help answer any questions and get you started using video.

 

Essential Vlogging Equipment

Essential Vlogging Equipment 560 315 Pam Jones

Recently I’ve been asked one particular question  quite a few times which is: What’s essential vlogging equipment do you need to film video blogs, particularly if you’re just starting to vlog?

It’s a great question.

So I’m going to answer it in this video and tell you about 4 essential pieces of equipment you need to film your video blogs. And why you need them.

Watch the video below or read the full transcript below the video.

Before I tell you what vlogging equipment you need, let me point out that I’m not here to recommend specific makes and models of equipment. Simply because there are so many out there. New products come on the market all time. And it all depends on your budget and what other equipment you already have.

1.Camera

So the first one is pretty obvious. Yep you need a camera to film your videos. If you’re starting out, you don’t need fancy, heavy, expensive cameras. Your smart phone will do the job perfectly. In fact it’s what I use to film my vlogs on – I have an iphone 6 – so it’s few years old but it does the job pretty well. And smart phone models are always improving their camera technology. So stick to filming on your smart phone.

2. Tripod

Next get a tripod. You don’t need to balance your phone on a book or shelf. Just invest in a tripod. It will hold your smart phone and means you can present hands free. Then you can use your hands to express yourself or show something else in the video – like a product you want to talk about.

You can stand back from the equipment and focus on delivering your message.

I don’t know about you but I personally find it distracting when there’s too much shaky footage so using tripod means stable footage.

There are lots of tripods on the market. And again it depends what size device you have. You might want to try an extendable tripod which has an smart phone mount. You can then position your device at different heights so gives you that flexibility. This one was about £25 and I’ve had this for a few years now.

3. Microphone

Next, you need a microphone for your smart phone to give better sound quality. When you’re filming you’ll be standing back from the camera so a mic will be able to pick up your voice up from a distance.

You can get mics that plug into your phone like mine does.

Or there are blue tooth mics out there which you can clip on. Again lots to choose from so see what suits your budget and your device.

4. Light

The final thing you need to film a video is lighting.

Now I do have a ring light. I bought this last year before we moved house because our old house was quite dark. It was about £99. And these come in different sizes. There are desktop versions and larger ones like this one. The benefit of this is that it’s a tripod and light in one so does two jobs.

But if you didn’t want to buy something like this or buy separate lights, then you can get good lighting for FREE.

All you need to do is FACE the window and use natural daylight.

Position your tripod in front of the window so you’re facing the window – as long as the sun is not coming through it. And to be honest the last few videos I’ve made have all been filmed using natural daylight by just facing the window.

And that’s all the vlogging equipment you need– camera, mic, tripod, lighting. And you’re ready for action.

So hope that was helpful.

Get in touch if you have any questions.

Until next time – happy vlogging.


To learn more about how to use video in your business, check our online course for video tips, ideas and examples.

7 Vlogging Mistakes To Avoid

7 Vlogging Mistakes To Avoid 560 315 Pam Jones

So if you’ve decided to start making video blogs. Then great. BUT.

Before you hit the record button, watch the video below to learn about the  7 mistakes people make when vlogging. And what you should do to avoid them.

You can also read the full transcript below the video.

Vlogging mistake number 1: Looking at the screen NOT the lens

Assuming that you’ll be recording your video on your smart phone. It’s very tempting to look at yourself on the screen because that’s bigger than then lens on your smart phone.

The lens is a dot of thing on your phone and that’s where you should be looking and focusing your eye. Not the screen.

Obviously if you’re showing viewers a product or something then you might look at it intermittently like this to direct their attention to the product. But whenever you look back up again – look at the lens so you connect with your audience.

Vlogging mistake number 2: There’s no performance

Vlogging is a form presenting and when you’re presenting you have to put some energy into it. You could deliver in a monotone, non expressive way. But what effect do you think that’s going to have on people watching.

Remember, you’re trying to engage people not bore them to sleep.

  • So stand up.
  • Be expressive.
  • Project your voice.
  • Emphasise key words and perform for the camera.
  • Show your energy. Your personality and let that shine through in your presentation.

Vlogging mistake number 3: Poor light or sound

What’s the point of making a video if no-one can see or hear you well?

Your face will be the star of your show so:

  • Pay attention to the lighting situation. Check there’s isn’t a lightbulb over your head because this creates odd lighting over your head and behind you. You don’t need fancy lighting equipment– just face a window and use natural daylight. Or make sure you position yourself in a place where light is working for you not against you.
  • Your voice is delivering the message so you need to be heard properly. Invest in good microphone that will give you better sound quality than the inbuilt mic on your phone.

Vlogging mistake number 4: Not telling people what the video is about

When I watch a vlog I want to know what it’s about straight away. I can then decide if I should keep watching. So use the tell, tell, tell rule.

  1. At the start of the video, tell people what you’re going to tell them.
  2. Then tell them – which is the main part of your message.
  3. Then at the end, tell them what you’ve told them.

This is a golden rule for all types of presenting so use it in your videos.

Vlogging mistake number 5: Low (or high) camera angles

Pay attention to the camera angle. I’ve seen some videos where people are sat at their desk and have positioned the camera at too low or high angle.

So you end up maybe seeing too far up their nose or they’re neck is too high up.

Your lens should be at eye level so check this before you start recording. Because, people want to see your face and not up your nose.

Vlogging Mistake number 6: Not smiling

A smile goes a long way to connect with your audience.

Again I’ve seen quite a few videos where the person hasn’t smiled even once.

So make a mental note and consciously remember to smile in your video a few times.

  • At the start when you introduce yourself
  • A couple of times throughout
  • And at the end of your message.

You want to look like you’re enjoying the video process– so bring out that smile. It’s how you would greet people in real life – and it’s important to transfer that warmth with a smile in your video.

And finally vlogging mistake number 7: Waffling on

Oh and then there are the wafflers.

People usually do this when they haven’t planned what they want to say thoroughly enough.

They get a quick idea, it’s in their head and then they get just press the record button start talking.

I’m sorry but a thought in your head does not equal a planned message and that’s when you’re likely to waffle on. We’re all strapped for time, so plan your message, get to the point and don’t waffle on endlessly.

So that’s it. My 7 mistakes of vlogging to avoid.

Hope that was helpful. If you liked this video, then consider sharing it to help others. And if this video helped you, then let me know in the comments below.


To learn more about how to use video in your business, check our online course for video tips, ideas and examples.

How To Vlog Confidently: 5 Tips

How To Vlog Confidently: 5 Tips 560 315 Pam Jones

I’ve come across quite a lot people who’ve made a video blog and then played it back and thought it was just awful. So they ditched the video and never bothered to do anything with it.

Many of us don’t like getting in the front of the camera for many reasons.

We might not like to way we sound or look.

So how can you get confident in front of the camera and make vlogs that you want to share?

Watch my latest video for some ideas.

You can also read the full transcript below the video.

Hi everyone – it’s Pam. It’s been a while since my last video. So this is for my first video of 2020.

And today I wanted to share some tips about how to get confident with making video blogs.

I’ve come across quite a lot people who’ve made a video blog and then played it back and thought it was just awful. So they ditched the video and never bothered to do anything with it.

Many of us don’t like getting in the front of the camera for many reasons. We might not like to way we sound or look, or perhaps the video doesn’t look professional enough.

Video is one of THE most effective ways to get your message out there. And video blogging is the quickest and easiest way to use video.
So how can you get confident in front of the camera and make vlogs that you want to share?

Here are my 5 tips to help you.

1. Plan your message

Don’t just press record and start talking. You’ll um and ahh causing you to lose your thought pattern. Then you’ll end up waffling about something else. As a result, you’ll find a vlog that is unclear. You’ll disengage (and maybe bore) rather than engage your audience.
So before you press the record button, plan what you want to say by writing it down on a blank piece of paper. It might a list of points that will prompt you. Or you may want to write down every word as your video script – which is what I do.

2. Rehearse

Once you’ve planned what you want to say, read it out aloud. You’ll be able to hear how your audience will it hear. As you read it out aloud ask yourself these questions:

How does the message sound?
Are you comfortable saying everything?
Are sentences short and punchy?

3. Pick the right setting

My third tip 3 is all about the right setting. At first it’s a good idea to choose the same location to record your video blogs. It might be:

  • Your home office
  • A well-lit part of your house
  • A meeting room in an office

Somewhere familiar, that has got good light and you feel comfortable. If you choose a different location for every vlog, then you’re likely to feel uneasy and this unease will come across in your vlogs. In time as your confidence grows, then you can get more creative with different locations. But at first, keep the setting familiar.

4. Practice makes perfect

If you only make one vlog every six months, then you’ll never build up your confidence. So make some ad hoc videos with family and friends that you don’t publish. Talk about everyday things with other people or on your own. Videos that give you the practice you need. Use these practice videos to get comfortable seeing yourself and hearing yourself in videos. When you’re ready to start vlogging properly, then you’re camera ready. Remember, practice makes perfect.

5. Dress for the part

Another sure way to get confident in front of the camera is to wear something that you love. Something which makes you feel confident. Have you combed your hair? If you’re female, then perhaps put on a bit of lippy to give your face some colour. I could probably do another video on this. But the point I want to make is that if you feel confident through what you’re wearing and how you look, then you’ll present confidently.

So take these tips can get vlogging. It’s actually quite fun when you get going and it’s a great way to get in front of your audiences.

Happy vlogging everyone and I’ll see you again soon.

 


To learn more about how to use video in your business, check our online course for video tips, ideas and examples.

Make Video Essential In Your Business

Make Video Essential In Your Business 560 315 Pam Jones

My washing machine died. RIP. But what has this got to do with videos? Watch the full story to find out and say a goodbye to my washing machine. You can also read the full transcript below the video.

Hi everyone. It’s been a few weeks since my last video because of summer.

We’ve been holiday, Catching up with friends and family and enjoying the weather. Over the summer, our washing machine broke.

I think you’ll agree that they’re an essential gadget for every home.

It was bit of pain. There is a local launderette, but it was a hassle taking the washing there, waiting for a washing machine to be free and making sure I had the right coins to slot into the machine.

I could have hand washed my clothes.  But it’s not the 19th century, and whose got the time to do that right?

It’s quicker, and  saves me time to have my washing machine at home. And it’s more effective than hand washing. For me, a washing machine is an essential item for every home.

Now let me talk about, electricity, the power source for every electronic device and gadget in our homes and at work.

Without it, many things would not work. Life would pretty much come to a stop. We could use batteries, or candles but only in certain situations. And think most of you would agree that electricity is absolutely essential. Like a washing machine. Electricity is more effective and quicker at doing its job.

I know what you’re thinking –  why on earth is Pam talking about washing machines and electricity?

Well, think about your business. Think about all the things you’d need to tell your customers, prospects, followers about your business. Your products and services.

How you work. Clients you work with. There’s so much you need to get across. For all these reasons, I think video is essential for every business. Just like a washing machine and electricity.

Yes, you can use brochures, websites and other methods to promote your services and communicate what you do.

But video, like electricity and a washing machine is quicker and more effective at telling people what you do.

You might be struggling to get your message across.

You may need a more creative way to showcase how you can help people.

You may need to explain your processes or showcase your past work.

So my message to you today is, if you’re not using video in your business, then you need to start. There are lots of different ways you can use this video. Make video part of your overall digital marketing strategy and get your messages across easily. Like a washing machine, make it an essential way to connect, educate and engage with your audience.

I’d love to know how you’re using video in your business, so drop a comment below.

And If you’d like to find out how to use video in your business, then get in touch…happy to chat anytime and help shape your ideas.

Until next time, have a great week.

To learn more about how to use video in your business, check our online course for video tips, ideas and examples.

Bespoke vs Template Videos

Bespoke vs Template Videos 560 315 Pam Jones

Did you know there are two ways to make videos. Templated or bespoke. But how do you decide which approach to take for your videos? Watch the video to find or read the script below the video.

It’s a bit like buying the perfect dress if you ladies out there. Or a business suit for you dapper gents. Do you buy off the peg in a design that others may also have bought? Or do you have one designed and tailor made especially for you and your body shape in the fabric of your choice. In the colour you want. A dress or suit which NO-ONE else has.
In the same way, you can make videos off the shelf using a templated approach. Or you can have a video made for your business. For a specific message in a video design that NO-OTHER business has created. Something unique for your business.

So how do I decide when to make a bespoke video and when to use a templated design?
For me, there are three main factors which help me decide bespoke vs templated.

The first is how much movement there needs to be in the video.

Second, how technical is the message?

Third, what’s the budget?

For example, a training or education business might want to use animated videos to explain difficult topics to help their students understand a particular subject. In this case the images will need bespoke movement to help explain the subject either through a story or problem solving approach. A voiceover script will be carefully written to support the images and animation.

I use a range of video software to make animated videos.

Some software tools give a range of templates to use to help make those videos.
The software will come with a variety of images and graphics that you can use. And here’s the important bit – most of the animation in a templated approach will be basic. Characters do simple movements like waving or cheering. However, if I wanted the character to kick a ball, or squat, then that’s a bespoke movement. The video effects in these software tools are limited too – they’re still pack a punch but limited.

So in the case of the training videos…a templated approach won’t work. I’ll need to make a bespoke set of images which I can then animate in any way I want.

On the other hand, a business which wants an animated video for marketing campaign – will usually have a shorter message which they need to create with simpler images and moving text. In this case, a templated video approach is fine to use. It will be quicker to make and more cost effective.

Making a bespoke video takes longer. There’s more work involved. More design. More animation. More video effects. And this is all made in higher end video production software. And for that reason, a bespoke video needs more budget.

So hope that’s helped to explain whether you choose off the peg or bespoke for your videos.

There are lots of ways to make animated videos, so if you’re thinking about one for your business, then get in touch. I can always help with ideas and get your thoughts off the ground. I’ll see you soon.

To learn more about how to use video in your business, check our online course for video tips, ideas and examples.

Videos Help People to Buy

Videos Help People to Buy 560 315 Pam Jones

Here’s real evidence of how videos help people to buy. Watch the video or read the full story below the video.

Today I want to share a story about a weekend break that we’re looking to book in July. There’s a couple of teacher training days at school, so we’ve decided to take a long weekend and head off down south to the coast.

I had a look at TripAdvisor,

I entered our criteria of the kind of place we’d like to stay. The search results gave a list of three hotels. From there, I then went to the website of the first hotel listed and within about three minutes, I decided that this was the place for us.

Think about it. In 3 minutes I decided to book. But Why? Why did I make my decision so quickly? Well, let me tell you. I made the decision so quickly because there on the homepage of the website was a lovely video. It was the top button I clicked. The video took me through the hotel’s facilities, the surrounding area, what was included and lots more. There was some lovely footage of the inside of the rooms, reception area, swimming pool . Just a lovely video. Nobody spoke in the video, but it was just lovely footage, captured with a little bit of text, a little bit of humor in there. I got to see and feel the experience within about three minutes. That video made me feel like I was already there. And I wanted to go there.

That just shows me how powerful video is, and that’s supported by the fact, this particular fact that you see on the screen now, indicates 90% of people make a buying decision based upon video content. 90%. That’s really high. And the proof was in the pudding today because the hotel’s video I watched made me buy. I’ve booked 3 nights away already.

So my question to you is have you got a video on your website? On the home page, right up at the top which gets people watching and thinking about buying from you? No? think about including it. Your video could be of your projects, your services, how you work, about the team. It could be a whole bunch of things.

So, have a think about what the most effective way would be to promote what your business does with video which gets people to buy.  do with video.

If you want to have a chat with some idea, get in touch. Always happy to do that. But until next time, I’ll see you soon.

To learn more about how to use video in your business, check our online course for video tips, ideas and examples.

Why Use Video In Your Business?

Why Use Video In Your Business? 560 315 Pam Jones

We’re moving home. In this video I tell you about all the things I had to do to sell our home. And from this lesson it got me thinking about video is so important in business. Watch the full story or read the script below.

We’ve just put our house up for sale. We’ve been here for 16 years and it’s definitely time for a change.

To help us get on the move I’ve been decluttering. Getting rid of things we no longer want, need or use. The house has had a spring clean. Freshening up bed linen. Buying scented candles. There are flowers in new vases to brighten up fireplaces, shelves and worktops. New spring flowers have been planted in the garden. There’s even luxury hand soap in the bathroom.

But why have I done of all this?

Well I’m selling my most valuable asset. My home.

So I want to give the right first impression to potential Buyers. Give them a welcoming feel Help them visualise a new home for them. Make an impact with our home. Make our home stand out from the other homes on the housing market.

And this effort is in my opinion is absolutely necessary. I had to do a few special things. Invest in a few more things to spruce up the place. I had to take look at our home with a fresh pair of eyes.

And it’s the same with our businesses. We need look at it with fresh eyes refularly. And see what we can invest to make the right first impression. Help our business and out. Make our messages more effective.

So how can we do that? With video. There are lots of ways that video can help you achieve these things. To create the best impression. Wow your prospoects. Educate customers, followers and everyone. All of this means you stand out and eventually grow your business.

In fact there are lots of evidence which indicates how powerful video is for business like this one here.

So have a think today how you could be using video. If you’re not using video. Then I have only one question for you today. Why not?

Don’t get left behind. Join the video era now.

To learn more about how to use video in your business, check our online course for video tips, ideas and examples.

How To Write A Video Script

How To Write A Video Script 560 315 Pam Jones

Watch this video or read the story below the video for my top tip in how to write a video script effectively.

 

I often get asked how I write a video script. And to answer this question, I thought I’d tell you about a project I’m currently working on, developing some animated explainer videos for an educational organisation.

The animation videos will help to explain difficult maths topics. And for projects like this I usually get some existing material to work from. It’s a really good start. It gives me background knowledge on the topic and helps me understand what people need to learn. But; there are two main challenges in using existing material for a video script.

The first is that sometimes in existing material there’s too much detail. And that’s because the material was originally written for the eye to read and this can be difficult to convert into a script which an audience will be listening to.

The second challenge with using existing material might be that there is not enough detail or the right detail. And that might mean going back to the client, and asking questions like:

  • What is the story here?
  • What are we trying to teach people in this video?
  • What is the key learning point?
  • What is the current material not doing that the video could do really effectively?

You don’t want repeat everything, your existing materiel is already covering. Instead you want to be able to use the power of video, to approach the topic from a slightly different angle.

Whether there’s too much material or not enough details, the video script writing process involves editing existing material, simplifying the words, and some times writing new material, like a story or scenario.

Writing a video script, particularly for educational content does require skill. And remember for all video scripts, don’t write for the eye to read. Instead, write the video script for the ear to hear as if you’re speaking to someone right there in front of you.

So that’s just a brief tip into my video script writing process. If you have any questions, drop them in the comments below.

To learn more about how to use video in your business, check our online course for video tips, ideas and examples.

why are videos so effective

Why Are Videos So Effective? YouTube Rescued Me

Why Are Videos So Effective? YouTube Rescued Me 525 360 Pam Jones

Watch this video or read the story below the video which demonstrates why videos are so effective.In this situation – YouTube rescued me in an hour of need.

Here’s the story.

Recently YouTube rescued me. Let me tell you how.

It was half term and my daughter and I had a long drive to Yorkshire to visit family.

Halfway through the journey it was clear that something was wrong with the car.

It started to vibrate. The vibration got stronger and stronger over about an hour. I finally decided that we had to stop and get help.
Of course, I started to get worried. By this time we’d been in the car for 5 hours. I was getting tired. My daughter was bored and we both just wanted to get to Yorkshire. We were only about 40 miles away.

I came off the motorway and called the AA breakdown service.

As you know when your car breaks down, you usually have to wait for some time.

It was staring to get dark. And when I came off the motorway the nearest road I could stop and wait on was on a quiet and slightly deserted lane.

So now I’m getting even more worried. I explain to my daughter was happening. And gradually she’s starts to ask lots of questions as 5 year olds do.
The longer we wait, the more worried I start to feel. I didn’t want her to start to worry either – because that would add to the stress of the situation. So I need to give her something to do and not let my worry show.

So I decided to give her my phone so she can watch the YouTube app for kids. Immediately she starts to watch.

By keeping her occupied with YouTube, she was quiet and calm. She didn’t keep asking me questions. That kept me calm and focused to keep an eye out for the AA man. Eventually when The AA arrived I was able to speak to the mechanic without my daughter interrupting me. Again YouTube helped keep the situation calm. Our car got fixed and we made it to Yorkshire safely.

So you can see YouTube rescued me. It rescued us in an hour of need.

It just goes to show how effective videos are. They do so many things – they connect you to the wider world, Videos keep your audience engaged. Videos educate, sell and can communicate your message more effectively than other formats.

So my closing thought to you is – is it time you used video in your business?

There are lots of ways to use video. And you never know who you might connect with.

Your video might give you a new enquiry. It might make it easier for someone to understand what you do. Or you never know, it might even rescue someone whilst they’re waiting for an appointment or a breakdown service.

If want to have a chat about using videos in your business, then get in touch.


To learn more about how to use video in your business, check our online course for video tips, ideas and examples.

A Confession

A Confession 1188 712 Pam Jones

In this video I have a confession to share with you. It was written in the stars and it’s about how I can help you. 

Hi everyone it’s Pam.

This week I have a confession to make.

Don’t judge me. But everyday I like to check my horoscopes.

And…I confess that I read my horoscope on at least three different sites.

Last week, when I checked it, this is what it said. Word for word.

The term ‘creative type’ doesn’t even begin to do you justice. You are more of an ‘incredibly productive super generative creative type.’
You take every bit of raw material the world throws at you — paints, paper, digital tools, happiness, pastels, sadness, tragedy, comedy, mud, clay, rock — and you make it sing.

I couldn’t believe how accurately this horoscope was describing me.

At home, I recently revamped the garden so had my hands full of mud and slate chippings. Just like the horoscope mentioned.

As a mum, I’m creative with my daughter’s school work. I make up songs for her about breakfast, eating cake and a whole host of things.

If I ever see you in person I will sing the “chocolate hoop song for you”. All of this includes comedy, paper, paint, and happiness. Just like the horoscope said.

And finally, at work, I’m always creating.

Designing elearning.

Writing video scripts. Making video storyboards and elearning storyboards.

Choosing soundtracks. Scoping out graphics and coming up with new ideas to reach and engage with my clients. All using digital tools. Just like the horoscope said.

So if you have some raw content which you need to inject with some creativity. Then get in touch because I’m Pam. The ‘incredibly productive super generative creative Type. Let me make your raw content sing for you.


To learn more about how to use video in your business, check our online course for video tips, ideas and examples.

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