Why Internet Video is Important in All Areas of Sales & How to Create a Production Studio For Under $5,000

I’m not sure I’m a real trend watcher, but an article in the NY Times this Sunday got me thinking even more about how the internet is changing marketing–and it’s all good news as long as you’re tuned in.  

In the article, the point was made that the television screen still shines. And that HULU (you might have seen their Superbowl ad) is a joint venture between NBC and FOX. Hmmm. Strange bedfellows, you might think.

Not so quickly though. 

You see, they know something that every sales organization on the planet should know–and do something about. TV sells. And it’s coming to the internet in such a big way that you can leverage it. 

Now, for some fledgling businesses, $5000 sounds like a lot. And if it’s sounds that way, then STOP READING NOW. This is not for you. (In fact, there might be a reason you’re struggling–because you’re doing nothing different now than you were 10 years ago. But I’ll assume it’s the economy.)

But for you open-minded sorts, hear me out. Create a production studio in an extra room in your office. From there you can do the following:

1. Video and Audio podcasts, where you will interview industry subject matter experts. That way you can be become the ‘educational brand’ of your industry. (By the way, a great strategy for ANY business).

2. Video samples of your product working/demonstrations. Set up a schedule. Do your own short commercials (instead of paying $5000/minute for broadcast commercials). People get a better sense of your products/services by “seeing” them rather than by reading thousands of words of text about them. 

3. Video testimonials from happy customers who tell the prospect how they have changed their business as a result of your solution. (No one is better equipped to sell someone new than a current buyer).

4. Video (or audio) of your sales team telling a little about themselves and how they work. (Most websites don’t even have pictures of their business team on their website. Yet, they carry the banner of, “My people are my greatest asset!!”). Do they really think that? No. 

5. Video articles from white papers you’re doing to bring sophistication to your market. 

6. Video Tutorials, where you educate your prospects/clients as to the new technologies or new ways to solve old problems. 

At any rate, need I go further? No.

You should have your own TV Channel that can broadcast your message to your clients and your prospect, when you want, how you want the way you want. 

By the way, you’re wondering how $5000 can buy you that?

1. Camera $500 (no high def)

2. Wireless mics ($200 each–you’ll need two)

3. Mixer for multiple mics-$100

4. Lights (probably most important–$1000)

5. Mini set, (have a designer come in and build a miniature set)-$1000)

6. PC. But you already have that

7. Video production software (Sony Vegas-$100)

8. Person to produce. (High school interns can do that all day long).

Come on now. Stretch your minds. Recognize how you can be the media.