Comments on: Personal Branding: Why and How I Use Video

By: Bret L. Simmons

Bret L. Simmons — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 22:07:49 +0000

Your blog is looking great, Tanveer!

I am feeling the drawbacks of video for sure. I know that people want information in a format they can quickly scan and video is NOT suited for that. So it is a complex issue for me. On one hand, I do want to be sensitive to how my audience consumes information, and on the other hand I also want to resist that. I’m not sure I like being scanned, to be honest with you.

Love your tip about being comfortable in front of the camera. I think folks should do whatever works for them. I personally don’t practice because I am a very impromptu speaker. But I do record as many takes as necessary to get it right. Most of the time I can do it in one or two takes, but one of my videos took my 45 minutes to make – just could not get it right.

Thanks! Bret

By: Tanveer Naseer

Tanveer Naseer — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 21:44:04 +0000

Bret, the hesitation that you mentioned right from the start is one that I struggle with as well – of sitting there sharing my thoughts or ideas into a camera. I think you’re right that there is an increasing value to be put on adding video content to your site. Certainly, it’s a great way to help build connections between you and your audience since they don’t have to attempt to interpret your mood in your piece (eg, sarcasm, empathy, aloofness, etc).

I think this in some ways is a question of what best serves your content, what is the ideal way for your audience to obtain and digest the message you want to impart. In some cases, a video blog would definitely serve you well; others, though, perhaps the written word is the way to go (I’ve had a few of my pieces quoted on other sites; doubt that would have happened if it was a video blog).

I’ve recently added two video blogs to my site, one on-camera and one voice-over and one thing I’ve learned in doing that is that it’s a good idea to just practice with getting comfortable being in front of a camera – of speaking to an audience – before you sit down to try and share your idea or story. That way, one major hurdle of video blogging, of being comfortable in front of a camera, won’t be as much a distraction from you sharing your story.

By: Bret L. Simmons

Bret L. Simmons — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:16:41 +0000

I appreciate the feedback, Nitin. One of the main messages I want to get out about both blogging and video is to be authentic, be yourself. Anyone can do this, and everyone should, and the standard is NOT perfection. Thanks! Bret

By: Nitin Kohli

Nitin Kohli — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 15:33:16 +0000

I love that video. One great thing about video is also that its just so real. Having known you for about 3 years and then comparing that content on video…..there is literally no gap. Great stuff.

By: Bret L. Simmons

Bret L. Simmons — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 17:53:40 +0000

Concur, do what you are most comfortable with, Shane. But when you get comfortable, push the limits and try something new. Stay fresh, stay out in front. The haircut is fine – look at mine! Thanks! Bret

By: Shane Gorman

Shane Gorman — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 16:52:52 +0000

Bret…I have seen several of your videos and looked at several of Rebecca’s as well and I agree that video content seems more effective for certain topics. I guess striking a balance between written and video just depends on what I am most comfortable with and how best to deliver the message. For sure, I will need a better haircut. Shane

By: Bret L. Simmons

Bret L. Simmons — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:04:30 +0000

This is great input, Chris! I’ve struggled with some of the points you raise. I know a lot of people want to skan/skim, but I have to tell you honestly, I’m not sure I want to be scanned and skimmed! There is just no way to digest the ocean of information available to us, but we can slow down and thoughtfully consider fewer things. The responsibility is on the maker of the video to provide concise and valuable content. Get to the point, get in and get out is what I try to do with video. I too hate to spend even 5 minutes watching a video and get to the end and think “that’s it?”. Thanks for becoming part of this conversation! Bret

By: Chris L

Chris L — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 08:02:15 +0000

I often get frustrated at video content. It is more difficult to scan/skim…especially if there was a point in the middle of the video you would like to re-visit at some point.

Current state of technology also means video isn’t really as searchable as text if people are looking for specific content later.

There is certainly stuff that lends itself to video. Demonstrations of tasks for example are often easier to show than to write about.

And certainly, if you feel more comfortable with video than with writing…go for it.

I think that a lot of people use video when it doesn’t add anything and makes some things worse.

Hope that didn’t come off too critical. Love your work.