When I launched my 30 day challenge of posting daily one minute video tips, the response was amazing! People from all over the world, from different backgrounds and walks of life are creating these bite sized pieces of inspiration and valuable tips to help improve the lives of others. Some of the videos are professional looking, and some very raw but all of them have been incredibly inspiring.
For many entrepreneurs it’s the first time they’re being seen. Perhaps their communication has been from the comfort of being behind a computer screen. When I began to see fear setting in for some, I could empathize with how full of anxiety one can get when doing something new for the first time. That anxiety can double when you’re carrying around baggage from what you perceive are past “failures.” Then top it off with having absolutely no clue or experience in what you’re about to do it, it’s no wonder many remain paralyzed unable to get themselves or their message out there to the world.
As I continued to see people posting about wanting to share their message but struggled with fear about what other people might think, who might actually see the videos, to how they look and sounded, I decided to make a video of my own that was very vulnerable. Not only am I talking about something that is uncomfortable for me, but I didn’t use any filters, do my hair, or put on makeup. I wanted to show my followers and the people in my challenge that it’s OK to show up exactly how you are and be your authentic self. I knew making the video and sharing what I did was more important than what image I might portray or how the lightening looks.
That video ended inspiring dozens of other people to put themselves out there as well. This same video that is posted on my Facebook has already received over 5.6k views in two days, far more than any other video I’ve ever posted. I’ve received countless messages as well as new clients from it. The thing is the old image of what a successful person in business should look like has drastically changed. The rise of new thought leadership has inspired entrepreneurs everywhere that being authentic is more powerful and in turn ends up being much more profitable.
When we’re about to try something new that is uncomfortable it’s not unusual for excuses to flood in as to why it can’t be done. Excuses like, you don’t know how to record on your phone, you’re completely booked, you just started a cleanse, or you don’t know how to upload it. The truth is, it’s like saying you can’t take walk because you don’t know how to tie your shoes. You could choose to tuck your laces in or take them out all together. You could choose to learn how to tie your shoes. You could ask someone else to tie your shoes for you. You could also just take your shoes off and go for the walk anyway.
If you’re in the business of helping others than getting your message out there is more important than the discomfort you feel around doing it. We’re on this planet to help and serve others, you can’t do that by keeping knowledge, expertise and gifts to yourself.
I encourage you to give this a try, you’ll be surprised how easy and fun it actually is. You don’t have to do it alone, you can join our challenge or just start sharing one minute video tips on your own. By doing so not only are you giving value and inspiring others but it’s also good for boosting your presence on social media. YouTube is more likely to show your videos as suggested videos because you’re always publishing fresh new content.
You can even take it one step further and upload these videos directly to your Facebook page as right now Facebook is giving preference to videos uploaded directly. Ads run on videos uploaded directly are often significantly cheaper than running non video ads. I’ve been seeing conversions for pennies.
If you’re still unsure, check out some of these great videos posted by others and have comfort in knowing you’re not alone! If you want to join the challenge you can do so by clicking here.
Quick tip for filming with your phone: Hold your phone landscape to avoid the black bars down the side when you upload it to youtube.
I’ll be sharing more of the inspirational tips with you as the challenge continues. If you enjoy these videos be sure to like and comment to show your support for those starting the journey of putting themselves out there!
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Originally published at www.huffingtonpost.com on September 24, 2015.
Originally published at medium.com