You Can Do Video for Your Business:

You Can Do Video for Your Business:

People say, "But, Frank, you do video as part of your business. Why would you tell folks to do it themselves?" Simple: Because they can ... BUT BUT BUT!!!!, only if they do it the right way. I see so many laptop vlogs that make me nauseous. If you're going to do it:

1. Use a mic, not the one on the webcam or the laptop. They suck badly. (TV picture gone, sound works = you still hang in; TV picture good, no sound = you don't watch. Get it?) Certain Kodak Playsport models have a jack for an external mic, or use one on your laptop. What to get: Audio-Technica ATR3350 Omnidirectional Condenser Lavalier Microphone, around $25. (Link to Adorama: http://bit.ly/nclGEF ).
2. Use a light, not the laptop of flourescents; the laptop makes you look blue and flourescents make you look green. If you're looking in the camera, there should be a light somewhere near it that's really soft. Wear glasses? Watch for glare. A light above you - not good. Don't have a window or strong light behind you or it'll look like an interviewee with identity concealment issues.
3. Keep it to three minutes or less. Don't ramble - have an outline or script and stick to it.
4. Invest in Adobe Premier Elements or something similar and learn to use it. Put a logo or title or something at the front along with a title that tells a bit about what you're talking about.

There are MANY more tips, but keep these in mind. Sure, I'm here to help if you need it (like getting started, formatting, ideas and learning how to do these things the right way), but don't be afraid to try.