Posts
Did you know that you could fill the Charlotte, NC Panthers Stadium over 12,000 times to equal the number of online videos viewed each month in the US alone.
With that said, I make a prediction that every organization will be using video, in some form, within the next five years. But why now, you ask? The world of digital has reduced the price of producing a video to around 10% of what it cost just 10 years ago. Said another way, there is now a 90% discount on video production!
We produce videos for organizations and then show them how to use it in multiple ways-Internet, DVD, CD, Mobile, etc.
What would the results be if you looked at five of your competitor's websites? I wonder how many of them are currently using video as part of their overall marketing campaign? Would you be willing to send me the results? I'd love to know!
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Monday, November 10, 2008
CAMERA CAPTURES NC RESTRAURANT AND LODGING ASSOC.
Episode XI (11) Studios Photographs Fundraising Event
Full-service video production and photography company, Episode XI Studios, LLC, located in Charlotte, NC photographs the North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association’s (NCRLA) annual fundraising event in Raleigh, NC.
The fundraising event took place on November 2, 2008, at the Angus Barn on, with the annual golf tournament on November 3, 2008, at the Prestonwood Golf Club; both are located in Raleigh, NC.
The NCRLA http://www.ncra.org/ is the voice of North Carolina's $17.5 billion restaurant and lodging industries, representing the interests of more than 16,000 businesses throughout the state. Member businesses employ 10 percent of North Carolina’s workforce, and are among the largest private employment sectors in the state.
Episode XI Studios, LLC is located in Charlotte, NC, and believes in going well beyond a camera and tripod, providing quality video production and photography for small to mid-sized companies. By utilizing camera cranes and dollies, clients receive a final product that is a Hollywood-style production.
# # #
If you would like more information, please contact Randy Davis at 704.998.3711, or visit the website Company Website
Full-service video production and photography company, Episode XI Studios, LLC, located in Charlotte, NC photographs the North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association’s (NCRLA) annual fundraising event in Raleigh, NC.
The fundraising event took place on November 2, 2008, at the Angus Barn on, with the annual golf tournament on November 3, 2008, at the Prestonwood Golf Club; both are located in Raleigh, NC.
The NCRLA http://www.ncra.org/ is the voice of North Carolina's $17.5 billion restaurant and lodging industries, representing the interests of more than 16,000 businesses throughout the state. Member businesses employ 10 percent of North Carolina’s workforce, and are among the largest private employment sectors in the state.
Episode XI Studios, LLC is located in Charlotte, NC, and believes in going well beyond a camera and tripod, providing quality video production and photography for small to mid-sized companies. By utilizing camera cranes and dollies, clients receive a final product that is a Hollywood-style production.
# # #
If you would like more information, please contact Randy Davis at 704.998.3711, or visit the website Company Website
Monday, September 29, 2008
VIDEO SHOWS 25-HOUR HABITAT BUILD IN 90 SECONDS
Episode XI (11) Studios Create Time-Lapse Video For 25th Anniversary
Full-service video production company, Episode XI Studios, LLC, located in Charlotte, NC teams up with Habitat for Humanity of Charlotte, to showcase a 25-hour home build, with the sponsor Bank of America and their volunteers.
Founded as a Christian Ministry, Habitat for Humanity of Charlotte works in partnership with God and people from all walks of life to develop community with people in need by building and renovating homes, so that people can live and grow into all that God intended.
The home build began at 6 a.m., with approximately 30 Bank of America volunteers moving walls into place, securing them to the slab, and connecting the top plate. By 4 p.m., the roof was on and siding installation had begun. Shortly thereafter, the video shows footage of a rainstorm that threatens to delay the 7 a.m. completion goal. Volunteers huddled on the porch waiting for the storm to pass to continue their work. Although the rain continued to fall on and off, the Habitat Charlotte staff and Bank of America volunteers persevered and the home was still ready for the dedication on time. The finished video may be seen at the following address: http://www.episodexistudios.com/images/Charlotte_Habitat/25th_anniversary.html
Episode XI Studios, LLC is located in Charlotte, NC, and believes in going well beyond a camera and tripod, providing quality video production for small to mid-sized companies. By utilizing camera cranes and dollies, clients receive a final product that is not just a video, but a Hollywood-style production.
# # #
If you would like more information, please contact Randy Davis at 704.998.3711, or visit the website at http://www.episodexistudios.com
Full-service video production company, Episode XI Studios, LLC, located in Charlotte, NC teams up with Habitat for Humanity of Charlotte, to showcase a 25-hour home build, with the sponsor Bank of America and their volunteers.
Founded as a Christian Ministry, Habitat for Humanity of Charlotte works in partnership with God and people from all walks of life to develop community with people in need by building and renovating homes, so that people can live and grow into all that God intended.
The home build began at 6 a.m., with approximately 30 Bank of America volunteers moving walls into place, securing them to the slab, and connecting the top plate. By 4 p.m., the roof was on and siding installation had begun. Shortly thereafter, the video shows footage of a rainstorm that threatens to delay the 7 a.m. completion goal. Volunteers huddled on the porch waiting for the storm to pass to continue their work. Although the rain continued to fall on and off, the Habitat Charlotte staff and Bank of America volunteers persevered and the home was still ready for the dedication on time. The finished video may be seen at the following address: http://www.episodexistudios.com/images/Charlotte_Habitat/25th_anniversary.html
Episode XI Studios, LLC is located in Charlotte, NC, and believes in going well beyond a camera and tripod, providing quality video production for small to mid-sized companies. By utilizing camera cranes and dollies, clients receive a final product that is not just a video, but a Hollywood-style production.
# # #
If you would like more information, please contact Randy Davis at 704.998.3711, or visit the website at http://www.episodexistudios.com
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Hugh McCall and The Dash
Episode XI Studios was recently contracted to produce the 25th anniversary video for Habitat for Humanity, and during the production, something extremely profound was noticed-Hugh McColl. It was no surprise to see Hugh McColl on site, because Bank of America has been an instrumental sponsor of Habitat for Humanity since its inception, 25 years ago. The surprise came when Hugh McColl drives up in his 1980-something pickup, sporting decals of the United States Marine Corp and Habitat for Humanity, on the sides and back of the truck. Why would someone so successful, with so much money and power (even as a retired Bank executive) drive such a weathered truck and help build a home for someone he doesn’t know? Because, Hugh McColl understands the meaning of “the dash”.
A close business associate and still closer friend once told me that “life if about the dash”. He goes on to explain that on your grave will bare a birth date and a death date, and the dash that separates the two represents your life. No one ever says on his/her deathbed, “I wish I would have be more successful, with more money and power”. As a Hospice volunteer, I have heard many times, “I wish I would have spent more time…”.
I wanted to share this story, because I feel that there is a lesson here that each of us should learn from. Live life with no regrets. Helps others when you can. Reach out to your neighbor and to your neighbor’s neighbor. Mr. McCall is carrying out the duties of every man and woman…to help those in need.
http://www.episodexistudios.com
A close business associate and still closer friend once told me that “life if about the dash”. He goes on to explain that on your grave will bare a birth date and a death date, and the dash that separates the two represents your life. No one ever says on his/her deathbed, “I wish I would have be more successful, with more money and power”. As a Hospice volunteer, I have heard many times, “I wish I would have spent more time…”.
I wanted to share this story, because I feel that there is a lesson here that each of us should learn from. Live life with no regrets. Helps others when you can. Reach out to your neighbor and to your neighbor’s neighbor. Mr. McCall is carrying out the duties of every man and woman…to help those in need.
http://www.episodexistudios.com
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Extreme Home Makeover Charlotte
While shooting the "behind the scenes" for the participating builder of the Charlotte episode of Extreme Makeover Home Edition, I was forced to leave all the high-tech gadgets in the studio and break out the old fashioned, hard-wired mics.
Episode XI Studios Website
Email address
With numerous full equipped camera crews, using any wireless UHF microphones could cause interference with the ABC crews, so using hard-wired mics was essential. No knowing the availability of hard-wired equipment, I chose to use the only thing that I knew-an inexpensive, single Lav mic, bought from Best Buy.
Shooting interviews with more than one person has been tricky, so if is a better way, I would be very interested in learning more.
Episode XI Studios Website
Email address
Thursday, July 17, 2008
The Powerful Method of Video Marketing
In this day and age of "how to make money online" there are so many different strategies that are talked about when it comes to this very popular topic. This article takes a look at a very powerful method of internet marketing that is seemingly getting more and more popular everyday.
The method that I am referring to is video marketing. Video marketing is when videos are used to market a business or product. As simple as this may seem, a lot of internet marketers do not understand the power of this marketing phenomenon. Many do not use this form of marketing and are missing out on a boat load of potential earnings.
Here are some reasons why as an internet marketer you should add video marketing to your marketing arsenal.
Great Exposure - Using video to market your business will naturally get your business's name out there.
Attract A Different Type Of Customer - What I mean by this is that there are a lot of people out there that do not respond to text ads, instead they would prefer more of a visual sales pitch like a video to get their buying juices going.
Generate Traffic For Your Site - Videos can easily bring more visitors to your site. Having videos on the net will get your business name out there as well as your business's site address.
Increase Sales - This goes hand and hand with generating traffic for your site. The visitors to your site generated by your video will mostly be visitors that are interested in whatever you have to offer, which will lead to more sales.
Create Joint Ventures - Not only can video marketing attract new customers, it can attract potential business partners and more lucrative opportunities.
The method that I am referring to is video marketing. Video marketing is when videos are used to market a business or product. As simple as this may seem, a lot of internet marketers do not understand the power of this marketing phenomenon. Many do not use this form of marketing and are missing out on a boat load of potential earnings.
Here are some reasons why as an internet marketer you should add video marketing to your marketing arsenal.
Great Exposure - Using video to market your business will naturally get your business's name out there.
Attract A Different Type Of Customer - What I mean by this is that there are a lot of people out there that do not respond to text ads, instead they would prefer more of a visual sales pitch like a video to get their buying juices going.
Generate Traffic For Your Site - Videos can easily bring more visitors to your site. Having videos on the net will get your business name out there as well as your business's site address.
Increase Sales - This goes hand and hand with generating traffic for your site. The visitors to your site generated by your video will mostly be visitors that are interested in whatever you have to offer, which will lead to more sales.
Create Joint Ventures - Not only can video marketing attract new customers, it can attract potential business partners and more lucrative opportunities.
Earl Stringer & Rachel Bishop, Internet Marketing Entrepreneurs & Success Team. Discover How to Make Money Online Easy and Fast for less then the price of a value meal at http://www.2dollars2success.com Check Out The Top Five Money-Making Programs Online at PlatinumReviewers, visit the website at http://www.platinumreviewers.com |
The Power Of Using Video In Your Real Estate Business
There is no question regarding the power of using video to not only promote your product but also yourself in the Real Estate market. As attention spans get shorter and shorter online - you need to be as compelling as possible via the most entertaining medium. There is a reason people would rather watch the movie that read the book.
Here is an excerpt from an interview with Morgan Brown a Marketing Director with Turnhere.
“How can real estate professionals use video in their marketing?
With such a large percentage of home owners starting their search for property online, using video in online listings is the first thing that comes to mind. Pictures are nice and descriptions are helpful, but there is no substitute to video for giving a user a firsthand experience of the property with a well-done video home tour. In addition to using video to highlight listings it can also be used to showcase neighborhood attributes and provide a profile of your business and team.
For example if you are a Realtor in the East Bay of California you can use video to highlight the quaint neighborhood of Rockridge and its beloved walking streets lined with local restaurants and shops. This content is ‘evergreen’ and helps people evaluating your listings get a true sense of the surrounding area.
Is appropriate for every listing?
I can’t think of a listing where it isn’t appropriate. Even properties that don’t have the most curb appeal can benefit from a video by capturing the attention of just the right buyer. Listings that are moving fast already and perhaps properties that rely less on online research for sales are exceptions to that statement.
Videos too expensive for most Realtors, right?
Professional video production is totally affordable for nearly all marketing budgets. Compared to traditional marketing channels it’s a bargain. It’s much cheaper than print materials, flyers, radio, TV, outdoor (bench and billboard) and other marketing vehicles.
What makes a good web video?
I think there is a big misconception out there that it is easy to make a good video. The fact is making good video that is compelling, authentic and relevant to the viewer is difficult. To wit, of the millions of videos watched on YouTube each day the average view time is less than 10 seconds. This is a direct result of most video not meeting the needs of the viewer.
When the viewer gives you permission to talk to them by clicking play you have to deliver, and deliver right away. To make good video for the Web (which is much different than traditional broadcast video advertising i.e. a :30 second TV spot) it needs to focus on three key things: authenticity, delivering a compelling message, production quality which makes it enjoyable to watch and drives action.
Bottom line is that web viewers have near-infinite choice for their attention and are typically skeptical. This means that your message has to be compelling, relevant and real. Over-produced sales pitches or videos that don’t meet the viewer needs are big turn-offs online.
What are some ways you can leverage the video content you create?
The nice part about video is that it’s a highly portable piece of content so you should look to get it out on the Web to get as many eyeballs to it as possible. Using a smart distribution strategy can put you in front of the right people at the right time. Whether it’s putting your video up on YouTube, Facebook, Active Rain or making it shareable via email and embeddable in a widget the idea is to get your video out there to where the viewers are.
Can you give us some examples of some of your favorite videos on the web? (Not those kind of videos…)
My favorite videos are ones that are compelling and interesting. They take a piece of everyday life and show it to you in a different way. I love to see the stuff that you don’t get every day in mainstream media. Show me the true character of a city by doing a tour of all the BBQ joints in town or show me the kitchen of the hotel that cranks out 1,000 four-star meals a day. Give me a clip of the author talking about why they wrote their new book. One of my favorite videos is the author David McCollough talking about how Washington escaped from the Red Coats at the site of the Brooklyn bridge - amazing insight that I would never get. I also love the videos of Mentos and Diet Coke so it goes both ways. Videos that give me a unique, authentic perspective on life are the ones that I love.”
Here is an excerpt from an interview with Morgan Brown a Marketing Director with Turnhere.
“How can real estate professionals use video in their marketing?
With such a large percentage of home owners starting their search for property online, using video in online listings is the first thing that comes to mind. Pictures are nice and descriptions are helpful, but there is no substitute to video for giving a user a firsthand experience of the property with a well-done video home tour. In addition to using video to highlight listings it can also be used to showcase neighborhood attributes and provide a profile of your business and team.
For example if you are a Realtor in the East Bay of California you can use video to highlight the quaint neighborhood of Rockridge and its beloved walking streets lined with local restaurants and shops. This content is ‘evergreen’ and helps people evaluating your listings get a true sense of the surrounding area.
Is appropriate for every listing?
I can’t think of a listing where it isn’t appropriate. Even properties that don’t have the most curb appeal can benefit from a video by capturing the attention of just the right buyer. Listings that are moving fast already and perhaps properties that rely less on online research for sales are exceptions to that statement.
Videos too expensive for most Realtors, right?
Professional video production is totally affordable for nearly all marketing budgets. Compared to traditional marketing channels it’s a bargain. It’s much cheaper than print materials, flyers, radio, TV, outdoor (bench and billboard) and other marketing vehicles.
What makes a good web video?
I think there is a big misconception out there that it is easy to make a good video. The fact is making good video that is compelling, authentic and relevant to the viewer is difficult. To wit, of the millions of videos watched on YouTube each day the average view time is less than 10 seconds. This is a direct result of most video not meeting the needs of the viewer.
When the viewer gives you permission to talk to them by clicking play you have to deliver, and deliver right away. To make good video for the Web (which is much different than traditional broadcast video advertising i.e. a :30 second TV spot) it needs to focus on three key things: authenticity, delivering a compelling message, production quality which makes it enjoyable to watch and drives action.
Bottom line is that web viewers have near-infinite choice for their attention and are typically skeptical. This means that your message has to be compelling, relevant and real. Over-produced sales pitches or videos that don’t meet the viewer needs are big turn-offs online.
What are some ways you can leverage the video content you create?
The nice part about video is that it’s a highly portable piece of content so you should look to get it out on the Web to get as many eyeballs to it as possible. Using a smart distribution strategy can put you in front of the right people at the right time. Whether it’s putting your video up on YouTube, Facebook, Active Rain or making it shareable via email and embeddable in a widget the idea is to get your video out there to where the viewers are.
Can you give us some examples of some of your favorite videos on the web? (Not those kind of videos…)
My favorite videos are ones that are compelling and interesting. They take a piece of everyday life and show it to you in a different way. I love to see the stuff that you don’t get every day in mainstream media. Show me the true character of a city by doing a tour of all the BBQ joints in town or show me the kitchen of the hotel that cranks out 1,000 four-star meals a day. Give me a clip of the author talking about why they wrote their new book. One of my favorite videos is the author David McCollough talking about how Washington escaped from the Red Coats at the site of the Brooklyn bridge - amazing insight that I would never get. I also love the videos of Mentos and Diet Coke so it goes both ways. Videos that give me a unique, authentic perspective on life are the ones that I love.”
9 Keys to Using Online Video to Increase Your Nonprofit Marketing Impact
Online video is big and getting bigger. So much so that it's rapidly changing the communications landscape. And we have some great models to work from.
Here's the proof, drawn from a recent ComScore study:
There's so much nonprofit video out there on YouTube, DoGooderTV and organizational Web sites. Here's how distribution breaks out:
So online video is big. But what's the best way to put online video to work to strengthen your nonprofit marketing?
Here are some critical guidelines for jumping into online video:
© 2002-2008 Nancy E. Schwartz. All rights reserved.
Online Video is Getting Bigger – Fast
Here's the proof, drawn from a recent ComScore study:
- Over 133 million Americans watched online video in July 2007 – or 74% of US internet users.
- They watched more than 9 billion videos, 27% of them on Google sites including YouTube.
There's so much nonprofit video out there on YouTube, DoGooderTV and organizational Web sites. Here's how distribution breaks out:
- YouTube captures 40% of the current market – This most popular video hosting site receives 50,000 video uploads and streams some 50 million videos to about 6 million viewers daily.
- MySpace, a social networking site, accounts for another 25%.
- The remainder consists of major Internet players like Google, MSN, Yahoo and AOL, and niche venues like the nonprofit-focused DoGooderTV, each of which capture a fraction of the overall market. My guess is that audiences for these niche players will grow fast and furious.
So online video is big. But what's the best way to put online video to work to strengthen your nonprofit marketing?
Pros Share Online Video Guidelines for Nonprofit Marketers
Here are some critical guidelines for jumping into online video:
- Online video is an expectation, not an option, for online audiences 25 and youngerHigher ed marketing guru Bob Johnson suggests that online video is an expectation for most 30-and-under nonprofit audiences (definitely for prospective college students).
- Keep videos short and sweet – 30 seconds to two minutes max Video length is a classic case of less is more, advises Alia McKee of Sea Change Strategies Direct. Obviously, a good edit is crucial.
She also recommends that online video should complement – not replace – other communications channels. - Know your audiencesThis is definitely one of the ten commandments of online video production. You craft your messages and graphics to your audiences. Don't forget to do the same with your video.
The imagery, soundtrack and text you select must appeal to your target demographic. Video is more "in your face" than text or graphics so if you strike out, you strike out big. - Make sure your video is more than moving, talking delivery of traditional content. Bob Johnson warns against oh-so-deadly talking heads and other staged approaches. Use video to show, not to tell – that's the beauty of the medium.
- Tap that funny boneMost online videos that succeed in high pass-along rates (and viral distribution is a key strategy to increase views), usually include some humor or satire, say the experts at Online Video Services.
Remember how Hillary Clinton grabbed attention when she spoofed the widely-viewed "Sopranos" finale on to motivate participation in her campaign song contest. Not only was she covered everywyere, she was credited with a seldom-seen-before sense of humor.
But be careful in being funny. Humor is delicate. and the right timing and broad appeal have to be spot on. Testing humor is a good idea; a bomb can be fatal. - Don't forget the call to actionIt's great to build awareness and support but you're stopping short if you don't include a clickable call to action at the close of your video. This Greenpeace video offers engaged viewers the opportunity to act with a simple click at the very moment they're processing this very powerful video. Grab 'em when they're hot.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BY7875_rv1s - Work it: Put your online video to work in multiple versions and venuesForget the stand-alone gala dinner video that never again sees the light of day. Your organization should milk your video productions for all they're worth.
Your videos, in some form or another, can be projected in your org's waiting room, at a gala and during programs, as well as distributed online via video sites, your own site,and your blog and e-news. The possibilities are nearly endless, suggests See3's Michael Hoffman. - Budget $1,000 per minute of finished content for a professionally-shot and edited videoThe OVS experts feel strongly that quality counts, cautioning that you get what you pay for. OVS estimates the cost for a professional video shoot, including editing, at $1K for each minute of on-demand finished content. Live Webcasts are much more costly.
Another firm – Charity Docs – produces online on-demand (e.g. not live) videos for a flat fee of $2,500.
© 2002-2008 Nancy E. Schwartz. All rights reserved.
Video E-mail Marketing Strategy
ending links to video e-mails has several advantages over attaching videos directly to e-mails. Social networks are changing the face of marketing and video e-mails.
Video e-mail marketing provides the ability to embed videos in e-mails or provide a link to a video file. Providing a link to a video file is the best option. This avoids the problem of sending video messages as attachments, which sometimes have difficulty getting through.
Social networks are changing the face of marketing and how businesses contact their customers. E-newsletters are still good for providing information; however video e-mails using social networks is becoming the newest venue for providing quick short information to potential and current customers.
There are more disadvantages to attaching videos to e-mails than there are advantages, such as:
Sending links to video e-mails means more people are more likely to see the intended message, especially if the video is 3 minutes long or less. Some people may watch a video up to 5 minutes; however videos longer than 5 minutes are not generally watched.
This length of time was determined by researching some of the most viewed videos on social networks and averaging the length of these videos. This corresponds to the known factor of the short attention span of typical Internet users today. Short easy to view videos are generally receiving the most hits on the Internet. If the topics are really interesting, then viewers may stay a little longer.
The most popular social networks which allow people to post videos include:
These social networks have advantages for using a link for video e-mails:
Using videos for marketing products and services has several advantages. This is because busy people multitask and it gets difficult if they need to read articles or new information. With a video e-mail they can be scanning their papers and watching the video at the same time. Of course this means the video must be catchy to grab their full attention.
Business uses of video e-mail software include:
Video e-mails are becoming a popular method of sending direct marketing information to potential and current customers over the Internet. Using social networks allows any business to send links to marketing videos.
As with any e-mail marketing campaign, the business needs to comply with the Can Spam Act of 2003 and only send video e-mails to current customers and others who have opted-in to receive e-mails from the business.
Video e-mail marketing provides the ability to embed videos in e-mails or provide a link to a video file. Providing a link to a video file is the best option. This avoids the problem of sending video messages as attachments, which sometimes have difficulty getting through.
Social networks are changing the face of marketing and how businesses contact their customers. E-newsletters are still good for providing information; however video e-mails using social networks is becoming the newest venue for providing quick short information to potential and current customers.
Disadvantages of Video E-mail Attachments
There are more disadvantages to attaching videos to e-mails than there are advantages, such as:
- Video attachments are typically too large for most people to receive.
- Most people will not open attachments to avoid the possibility of infecting their computer with a virus.
- Many businesses block their employees' ability to receive e-mail video attachments.
Video E-mail Links
Sending links to video e-mails means more people are more likely to see the intended message, especially if the video is 3 minutes long or less. Some people may watch a video up to 5 minutes; however videos longer than 5 minutes are not generally watched.
This length of time was determined by researching some of the most viewed videos on social networks and averaging the length of these videos. This corresponds to the known factor of the short attention span of typical Internet users today. Short easy to view videos are generally receiving the most hits on the Internet. If the topics are really interesting, then viewers may stay a little longer.
Social Networks and Videos
The most popular social networks which allow people to post videos include:
- YouTube
- MySpace
- Bebo
- Flickr
These social networks have advantages for using a link for video e-mails:
- Controlled Groups – the person posting the video for their e-mail can control group members
- Privacy Controls – again the person posting the video can limit access
Marketing Applications of Video E-mails
Using videos for marketing products and services has several advantages. This is because busy people multitask and it gets difficult if they need to read articles or new information. With a video e-mail they can be scanning their papers and watching the video at the same time. Of course this means the video must be catchy to grab their full attention.
Business uses of video e-mail software include:
- Announcements of new products
- Announcements of special promotions and limited offers
- Announcements of newly acquired business ventures to potential and current customers
- Human Relations position announcements
- Announcements of employee promotions that are in direct contact with customers
- Personal congratulation messages to customers
- And many more options
Video e-mails are becoming a popular method of sending direct marketing information to potential and current customers over the Internet. Using social networks allows any business to send links to marketing videos.
As with any e-mail marketing campaign, the business needs to comply with the Can Spam Act of 2003 and only send video e-mails to current customers and others who have opted-in to receive e-mails from the business.
The copyright of the article Video E-mail Marketing Strategy in Marketing/PR is owned by David R. Wetzel. Permission to republish Video E-mail Marketing Strategy must be granted by the author in writing.
Charlotte Video Update
We recently had the pleasure of meeting Joe Murtagh at a Visit Charlotte function. Joe has been connecting audiences to their dreams and helping them promote their businesses for over 35 years as a keynote speaker, author of 9 books and Business Journal columnist. The DreamSpeaker is an expert in these areas and has created a complete learning system on each topic. He has published over 200 columns on these subjects.
Fall Nail Driver Open Golf TournamentHome Builders Association
Episode XI Studios is sponsoring a hole at the Golf Tournament for the Home Builders Association on October 2nd. We are planning to take pictures of the golf teams as they pass through our area and distribute them after the event. The tournament typically brings in around 220 players and is being held at the Skybrook Golf Club in Huntersville, NC. If you are interested in getting more information, please call the HBA at 704-376-8524.
Fall Nail Driver Open Golf TournamentHome Builders Association
Episode XI Studios is sponsoring a hole at the Golf Tournament for the Home Builders Association on October 2nd. We are planning to take pictures of the golf teams as they pass through our area and distribute them after the event. The tournament typically brings in around 220 players and is being held at the Skybrook Golf Club in Huntersville, NC. If you are interested in getting more information, please call the HBA at 704-376-8524.
Bed & Bike Inn-Just Relax
Episode XI Studios recently completed a video project for the Bed & Bike Inn in Gold Hill, North Carolina. We learned that there was yet another place in North Carolina that we had overlooked, and it is now our mission to educate Charlotteans about what is right here in our own backyards. If you have been looking for a weekend getaway that's not really far away, this is a perfect spot.
The Inn has accommodations to suit every taste, from those who want to enjoy the rustic atmosphere of the log house, to the more modern and updated Grove House, or rough it in the cabin.
Only an hour from Charlotte, the Bed & Bike Inn is close to more entertainment options than we ever knew about. We highly recommend visiting Historic Gold Hill and enjoying a meal at Miss Ruby's Restaurant (yummm).
Uwharrie Tours, owned and operated by the Inn's owners, offers winery tours, moonlight kayaking, antique shopping tours, pottery tours, and much more.
We thought that the best part of the Inn was the quiet surroundings and the opportunity to just relax on the hammock and take a nap (when we weren't shooting the video, of course). Speaking of the video... click here if you're interested in seeing the finished product.
Video
The Inn has accommodations to suit every taste, from those who want to enjoy the rustic atmosphere of the log house, to the more modern and updated Grove House, or rough it in the cabin.
Only an hour from Charlotte, the Bed & Bike Inn is close to more entertainment options than we ever knew about. We highly recommend visiting Historic Gold Hill and enjoying a meal at Miss Ruby's Restaurant (yummm).
Uwharrie Tours, owned and operated by the Inn's owners, offers winery tours, moonlight kayaking, antique shopping tours, pottery tours, and much more.
We thought that the best part of the Inn was the quiet surroundings and the opportunity to just relax on the hammock and take a nap (when we weren't shooting the video, of course). Speaking of the video... click here if you're interested in seeing the finished product.
Video
Why Video is the Right Choice for your website, your lobby, your tradeshow booth, etc.
Television (TV) has taught us one thing-people would rather watch than read. Studies show that people retain:
10% of what they read
20% of what they hear
50% of what they see and hear
A video on your website, in your lobby, or in a satellite office is better than a television commercial, because it is delivered at precisely the right moment when you have your viewers attention. Video emotionally engages your viewer in a power way. It creates a lasting impression, long after the credits roll.
A recent study compiled by Dynamic Logic in 2004 showed that a single exposure to an online video increased Brand Awareness by 10 percentage points, while 10 exposures to an ad banner only raised awareness by 6%.
Just 10 years ago, it would have cost a small fortune to have a custom video production of your product or service-but not anymore. As you know, electronics are becoming more affordable, and that is good news for you. Episode XI Studios is committed to bringing a cinema-style video approach to your product/service that will allow you to compete with companies much larger. You wont believe how affordable it is for:
Scriptwriting
3-D Storyboarding
Videographer
Sound Engineer
10 hours of filming using
Camera crane (for smooth vertical shots)
Dolly (for smooth horizontal shots)
Intros and Titles
Professional voiceover talent
Custom Motion Graphics
Edited into Hollywood quality production
Formatted for: Web, DVD, Tradeshow viewing
Prices start at $2,500 and payments plans are available.
One last thought: www.mbreleases.wordpress.com reports in its Online Video Advertising Effectiveness Study: of the 80% of viewers that have watched a video ad online, 52% have taken some sort of action. The report also stated: of consumers who made a purchase in the last month, 48% said the Internet drove initial awareness, 57% said they learned more using the Internet, 55% used the Internet to decide where to buy, and 56% made the final purchase decision using the Internet.
Networking Tips for 2008
It amazes me how little we (business owners) know about effective and efficient networking. I would like to offer my opinion on the subject and invite your feedback. I consider myself fairly well connected, with affiliations in numerous chambers, Masonic organizations, and The Good Fellows Club. I believe that networking is one of the very best ways of building relationships. Did you hear what I said? I said building relationships, not building business. If you go into networking thinking that you are building your business through those actions, you're wrong.
Ask anyone who has been in a successful business for many years, and most will agree that relationships are what build empires. Chances are that the person whom you met at last night's function will probably not do business with you; but if you take the time to get to know that person, do your best to help them with their needs, it will come back to you exponentially.
The old saying is do unto others as you would have them do unto you. I have a better solution and it says: do unto others as they would have you do unto them. The manner in which you like to be talked to, dealt with, and behaved toward is probably very different than those that you may be working with. Get to know each person in your network and genuinely build that relationship.
Five tips that I have learned:
1) Try very hard to remember those in your network. If someone introduces himself or herself to me more than twice, I take them out of my database, and because I do not exist to them, they don't exist to me!
2) Never look beyond the person that you are speaking with to greet someone else. You may as well have told that person that they weren't as important to you as the person behind them.
3) Never interrupt a conversation that someone is having. Remain just outside the circle and wait for an invitation.
4) Never, never, never give your business card to anyone that doesn't ask for it. Nobody cares about you, your product, or service until they ask.
5) Networking is the purpose of getting to know someone that you don't already know. If you know the person next to you fairly well, move on to someone you don't. If you stay in your click you aren't helping yourself or anyone else.
6) Offer to be the expert networker. If someone new comes to the group and you know someone else who may be a good contact for them, make the introduction.
Whatever your spiritual or religious preference, they all say the same thing-Help your fellow man/women. There is a reason that we should help each other, and helping each other is part of our purpose. The more you help other people get what they want, the more people will help you get what you want. It is one of the Universal truths. On the other hand, by believing in, and only working for the Me syndrome, your network will quickly see through your facade and within four years, you will be out of business and looking to that same network to help, but no help will be there.
In closing, build your network with the understanding that you are making life-long connections. Understand the need to keep in touch with those in your network and offer your help when needed. Be grateful that you are helping someone else obtain their goals, and they in turn will be grateful to help you obtain yours.
Ask anyone who has been in a successful business for many years, and most will agree that relationships are what build empires. Chances are that the person whom you met at last night's function will probably not do business with you; but if you take the time to get to know that person, do your best to help them with their needs, it will come back to you exponentially.
The old saying is do unto others as you would have them do unto you. I have a better solution and it says: do unto others as they would have you do unto them. The manner in which you like to be talked to, dealt with, and behaved toward is probably very different than those that you may be working with. Get to know each person in your network and genuinely build that relationship.
Five tips that I have learned:
1) Try very hard to remember those in your network. If someone introduces himself or herself to me more than twice, I take them out of my database, and because I do not exist to them, they don't exist to me!
2) Never look beyond the person that you are speaking with to greet someone else. You may as well have told that person that they weren't as important to you as the person behind them.
3) Never interrupt a conversation that someone is having. Remain just outside the circle and wait for an invitation.
4) Never, never, never give your business card to anyone that doesn't ask for it. Nobody cares about you, your product, or service until they ask.
5) Networking is the purpose of getting to know someone that you don't already know. If you know the person next to you fairly well, move on to someone you don't. If you stay in your click you aren't helping yourself or anyone else.
6) Offer to be the expert networker. If someone new comes to the group and you know someone else who may be a good contact for them, make the introduction.
Whatever your spiritual or religious preference, they all say the same thing-Help your fellow man/women. There is a reason that we should help each other, and helping each other is part of our purpose. The more you help other people get what they want, the more people will help you get what you want. It is one of the Universal truths. On the other hand, by believing in, and only working for the Me syndrome, your network will quickly see through your facade and within four years, you will be out of business and looking to that same network to help, but no help will be there.
In closing, build your network with the understanding that you are making life-long connections. Understand the need to keep in touch with those in your network and offer your help when needed. Be grateful that you are helping someone else obtain their goals, and they in turn will be grateful to help you obtain yours.
2008 Olympic Games
As time approaches the beginning of the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, media reports quickly escalate, boasting of China’s preparation. How true are those reports?
During my 32 trips to China over the last several years, I have firsthand knowledge of just what the Chinese government Olympic preparation actually involves. In Beijing’s historic Qianmen, where Olympic marathon runners will pass, stand old grey-brick storefronts, however Olympic participants will not see the current Qianmen district, but a modern updated one. The old storefronts are being replaced by two and three-story commercial buildings,housing brands such as Prada, Rolex, and Starbucks. The surrounding property is prepared to build pricier residences, hotels, and high-end restaurants.The problem is, before now the property was home to 10,000 Chinese families.The government is now in the process of moving those families to make wayfor this highly visible Olympic background.
Sun Yunyu, 55 told reporters that she was forced out of her home and watched as police and security officials took furniture. Her home now stands half demolished, and her stone decorated door destroyed (Decorating in stone, theChinese people display the year in which they acquired their home).Receiving $100 per square foot for their homes, Sun and most of the othershave moved to cheaper properties.
Another method that the Chinese government uses to beautify the Olympic background is building “privacy” walls along some of the highways, blockingmost of the view to nearby neighborhoods. I say most because visible justover the wall are perfectly constructed and maintained rooftops. One mightsay that, based on this view, the Chinese people live in very comfortablemodern homes. However, the rooftops are only a façade. A look over the wallshows that the rooftops are just that-rooftops. Built on a wooden structure,the rooftops are meant to hide how the Chinese people really live.
Now, don’t misunderstand me, some of the Chinese people do live in nicehomes, apartments, and bungalows. Factually, some of the wealthiest peoplein the world live in Hong Kong, now Chinese owned. Most, however, livewithin four concrete walls, without air-conditioning or heat.
During my 32 trips to China over the last several years, I have firsthand knowledge of just what the Chinese government Olympic preparation actually involves. In Beijing’s historic Qianmen, where Olympic marathon runners will pass, stand old grey-brick storefronts, however Olympic participants will not see the current Qianmen district, but a modern updated one. The old storefronts are being replaced by two and three-story commercial buildings,housing brands such as Prada, Rolex, and Starbucks. The surrounding property is prepared to build pricier residences, hotels, and high-end restaurants.The problem is, before now the property was home to 10,000 Chinese families.The government is now in the process of moving those families to make wayfor this highly visible Olympic background.
Sun Yunyu, 55 told reporters that she was forced out of her home and watched as police and security officials took furniture. Her home now stands half demolished, and her stone decorated door destroyed (Decorating in stone, theChinese people display the year in which they acquired their home).Receiving $100 per square foot for their homes, Sun and most of the othershave moved to cheaper properties.
Another method that the Chinese government uses to beautify the Olympic background is building “privacy” walls along some of the highways, blockingmost of the view to nearby neighborhoods. I say most because visible justover the wall are perfectly constructed and maintained rooftops. One mightsay that, based on this view, the Chinese people live in very comfortablemodern homes. However, the rooftops are only a façade. A look over the wallshows that the rooftops are just that-rooftops. Built on a wooden structure,the rooftops are meant to hide how the Chinese people really live.
Now, don’t misunderstand me, some of the Chinese people do live in nicehomes, apartments, and bungalows. Factually, some of the wealthiest peoplein the world live in Hong Kong, now Chinese owned. Most, however, livewithin four concrete walls, without air-conditioning or heat.
Video Has Taken Over The Web
Ad-serving technologies are more sophisticated, while broadband penetration is at a near-saturation level. Over 25 percent of consumers said they regularly watch video online, and the top video aggregators disseminate millions of streams every day.
No wonder over a quarter of advertisers and marketers already use online video to market their products and services.
Would you be interested in learning how Episode XI Studios can help you? Would you, along with others, like to come to a question and answer session and discuss increased revenue through the use of video? Call today!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
