Make the Virtual Video Pitch Easy!

How hard is that? A very simple question, with a very simple answer. Not at all. I'm talking about an introduction video for your website. I just completed my own, and can help you get one too. I've posted my intro video on YouTube and on every page of my website in the upper left corner.

At the very least, something like this gives your website visitors a good idea of who you are and what you sell. You can't make your elevator pitch in person to the dozens of people who find their way to your website - so do it virtually. Not through boring text and a plain photo. Make your compelling pitch on video. It builds trust, or at the least, familiarity.

I've posted the video again below just to give you an idea. A simple video introduction like this will run you only $149 with Calcagno Media, and I can get you the final video within 24 hours. Stop postponing the video pitch and just do it already. If you even make one new relationship because if it, then you've just regained your investment.

Recognizing the Meaning of Memorial Day

Every year the latest movie sequel blockbuster, a camping or hiking trip usually mark Memorial Day weekend. Yes, it's nice to have a three-day weekend to enjoy explosions on the big screen or the beautiful scenery around us, but let's also take a moment to remember why we get this special weekend.

Let's teach our kids about the day, honor our veterans, and take a few moments to reflect on those thousands of people who gave their lives for our freedoms. My grandpa John served in Korea when he was drafted and my late uncle Nick volunteered to be a marine a few years later. I'm proud of their service and proud to live in this amazing country.

That's why in honor of Memorial Day, Calcagno Media is offering a 20% discount on all services to active duty military and veterans. We thank them for their proud service, and remember all those who made the ultimate sacrifice defending our country. This special runs for the next two weeks.

On Display at the Expo

Come one, come all! Tonight I'll set up shop at the Gresham Chamber of Commerce's Spring Expo. Yes... I will be handing out Snickers, and free advice too! Come chat with me about social media marketing strategies, how to utilize video on a budget, and come talk search engine optimization. I guarantee it's a lot more fun that you think it is! I'm really excited for my first official event as a new member of the Chamber.

I'll have my HD video gear on display so you can see exactly what pro-grade equipment I'm using in my productions. I'll also be featuring a short presentation on how to target your customers at every stage of their experience with your brand, using video. The whole event is a nice, casual chance to meet and get a feel for all my products and services.

There will also be dozens more small business owners on display for you to check out. Support local and get involved with the community by hanging out with all of us tonight, from 4:30 to 7 p.m. at St. Henry's (346 NW First Street) in downtown Gresham!

If you absolutely can't spare the few minutes to drop in, check out the flyer to the right of the page that I'll be handing out in person. (click on the image for a large, printable PDF file). Sorry, no virtual Snickers tho ;)

For your convince, I've added a little map of tonight's event below, in case you've never been over to St. Henry's. I hope you can make it and see all of the new exciting business that is starting in Gresham this spring!

The Difference? It’s All About Smarts

While small business owners have more options than ever when it comes to choosing how to make a video, the most important part is making sure that video is seen by the right people. Some production companies will charge you for an expensive video and then cut anchor and take off before your video has any positive effect whatsoever. Here are a few tips from smartblogs.com:

No one is going to magically stumble across a video that no one put any effort into planning and producing — much less watch and share it. … The most important thing about a video for a brand is the “post-play interaction.” What the viewer clicks on after they watch the video is crucial. … Don’t forget about distribution and promotion. We tend to think that “viral” means free. Not the case. Videos take time to catch fire, and if you want them to make their way around the Web, you have to remember to do more than just tagging and posting to social networks.

These are all important tips to remember when trying to gain traction for your video. Other things to remember come from within the content of the video itself. You want to present a real genuine message – not some talking head and prescripted fake ad copy. Consumers are smart and if you treat them like idiots, they won’t be kind. Don’t shout in an empty room, speak eloquently in front of a crowd that’s all-ears. That what video can do for your brand or business.

That's a wrap!

Sorry to have a bit of a delay in the blog, but I've been hard at work perfecting our latest production: Ride With GPS. As I first talked about in this blog post, I've been working with the very sweet GPS route tracking service for cyclists on a brand new profile video for their website

I think it came together quite nicely and met the client's expectations and vision, as they mentioned themselves in a blog post on their website. I wanted to create something that not only showed off the basic tools and functionality of the service, but also showed off the motivation behind why cyclists do what they do: the beauty and nature of going on a long ride.

Take a look for yourself, and let me know what you think in the comments!