Some Stories We’ve Told Recently

 

The UBC Faculty of Education commissioned a series of profiles on some of their fabulous Alumni.

We love imagine1day! Great people working within a new paradigm of how organizations deliver foreign aid.

Our friends at Briers Gift & Decor commissioned a series of profiles of their vendors and artisans, like jewelry maker Justine Brooks.

 

The West 4th Ave. B.I.A. had us profile a few of the shopkeepers & personalities in Vancouver’s West 4th shopping district.

Speaker, author, and pro climber Majka Burhardt introduced us to some of the people she met writing her book ‘Coffee Story: Ethiopia.’

The BUILDEX conference asked us to meet some of the attendees and exhibitors at their 2012 event.

 

 

Please visit our Vimeo page to find more excellent examples of the authentic tone that defines our work.

Thanks!

How to Be Charming

Go Off Script

 

(Click the photo to watch the video)

You can spend weeks translating your brand identity into a script that will successfully deliver your desired message. You can rehearse and organize locations, contributors, and activities, and it all may go exactly according to plan. But inevitably, the most charming moments —the ones that delight the viewer and endear them to your message—will be the unplanned, offhand, serendipitous ones.

No matter how it happens, it’s critical to show the viewer who you really are as your unguarded self. It can be a tough place to go if you’re not used to being vulnerable on camera. It may mean that you will need to deliver your entire polished script and every canned statement you have prepared, in order to get it out of your system, before you can set it aside and be yourself.

During Karen’s shoot, nothing turned out more authentically than our diversion to check out the giant aluminum water droplet at Vanier Park. It certainly wasn’t planned or scripted, but it brought out the artist in this local jewelry designer, and showed her endearing playful side. It’s better to let go than to hang on to some preconceived notion of what the end result should be.

29 Aug 2012 / 0 Comments in Artisan, Authenticity, Tremendousby

How to Be the Coolest Kid in School

Be yourself

 

(Click the photo to watch the video)

Viewers know false. They know when someone is speaking from the heart and when they are reciting a script. It’s innate for us to weed for sincerity. Speaking and acting from the heart are truly the most effective ways to create connections with viewers, and indeed with every business prospect.

One of the most passionate people I have met on-camera yet is Justin. The level of commitment that he has to his job and to his charges is extraordinary, and I wish I could fit more examples into the video. If every teacher—or professional of any kind—were this passionate about their work, their respective organizations would be dramatically different places.

Maybe most impressive however—and in the spirit of a blog that intends to illustrate how to make great video content and how to come across on camera in the most flattering and effective way possible—is how matter-of-fact Justin is about his (extraordinary) vocational performance. He honestly couldn’t imagine doing his job in any other way, and that’s why he comes off so great in this video.

(It also doesn’t hurt that he’s the coolest teacher around, but isn’t that just a result of being comfortable in your own skin? And isn’t that a synonym for speaking and acting from the heart?)

22 Aug 2012 / 0 Comments in Authenticity, Education, Tremendousby

Tell Your Story and Turn Browsers into Clients

What are the ingredients for a great client relationship? All of them can be initiated with authentic, story-based video content:

Affinity is the feeling of liking and being liked

Initial brand awareness is a critical moment. People will assess very quickly whether they ought to learn more about you and what you offer.

We look to create with you a Foundation Video that very quickly establishes who you are, what problems you solve, and why you are passionate about your work. We make you look good and we show your value. (The key here, as with any relationship, is authenticity. This is not an advertisement.)

Think of the Foundation Video as a virtual handshake, something to put on your home page that encourages browsers to dig a little deeper.

Having Expectations Met is the feeling of being in good hands

When browsers start showing an interest, reward them. Demonstrate that you know what you’re talking about, and give them something useful.

In this ‘Interest & Consideration’ phase, we look to create an Expertise Video where we offer free information in the area that is your specialty: if you who were looking to hire someone in this field, what would be valuable for you to know?

The Expertise video is a demonstration of competence and care, as well as a whetting of the appetite for what you can do for them. At every stage, we call the viewer to engage a little further.

Trust is the feeling that one's best interests are being taken to heart

You’re a real person with a successful track record. Here we demonstrate that by illustrating real-world problems you’ve solved, by visiting some of your satisfied clients.

Where testimonials often feel put-upon, a Case Study Video feels authentic because it features real interaction. The real you comes out when you’re having an actual conversation with another person.

What obstacles have you helped people overcome? Tell us the story about a particular situation you helped someone negotiate. Let’s see the results of your work and the way it makes your clients feel.

Conversion is the expression of the first three

At this stage, real-world salesmanship has likely taken over. You have been able to turn this interested online browser into a viable prospect.

In specific cases, you may want to create a laser-targeted Call To Action video, whether it be to encourage participation in a promotion, to sign up for a free newsletter, or to just press this button right here below the video.

In these cases, what people want to hear is what you (as the expert) think they ought to do, and why.

Loyalty is the feeling of knowing who to hire next time and who to recommend

You know the old adage. It’s much easier to maintain an existing client than to find a new one. You want to remain top-of-mind among your clientele.

By creating a Video Series, you build your authority. You remind people of your vision, your passion, your expertise. You offer fresh, consistent, useful content to your adoring public ;)

This is how to build a brand.

Building a relationship means you’re sharing elements of yourself at every stage. You’re telling a story about how and why you help people. We take a documentary storytelling approach to presenting your business at its authentic, valuable best.

We don’t do artifice. We design video content that goes to work establishing the key elements for conversion & loyalty by creating an online advocate (a virtual you) whose job is to turn browsers into real prospects by initiating new relationships, around the clock and with minimal effort.

 

Please Get in Touch

Having a dynamic online presence is a must for every savvy professional. Authentic, accessible, brand-driven video content will help you turn online browsers into viable prospects for your business.

Send an email to Michael, and let’s put your online self to work!

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