SkillCasting

I attended the New Landings weekly meeting back on August 11th because the topic was Blogging for Career Success by Deb Sturgess. It was a great discussion. Elizabeth Allen from MarketSmartz.com validated it even more during her discussion on The Code for Free Agents last weekend.

The bottom line is that we need to put ourselves out there. We have to increase our “Social Credit Score” and I believe, video is a great way to do that.

In this video I explain why we need to incorporate video, how to do it, and then where to share your videos. I know this is just scratching the surface, but it’s a start.

[View iPhone version]

You don’t have to use a video of yourself though. You could start just by doing some online presentations. And if there is just one book you must get on presenting, it should be Slide:ology by Nancy Duarte [Affiliate link from Amazon]. This is truly the first step in improving your physical and online presentations. However, I think if you combine these concepts with an actual video of yourself demonstrating your passion, your enthusiasm, and your subject matter expertise, you’ll go a lot further.

Either way, it’s a start.

Do me a favor though. Embed and share this video with friends that you know are looking; it may really help them. Let me know what questions you have on making videos or sharing your knowledge; I’ll help where I can. And finally, join my email list so I can make you aware of future videos I do on this subject.

If you’re looking for a job these days, and I know so many people are, video is a great way to showcase yourself and the value you bring to the table. Good luck.

I’ve been asked how I make some of my videos where I’m walking or moving around. When I’m not using a tripod for a rock solid video, I’m using the xShot camera extender. I learned about this tool from Steve Garfield in his book Get Seen.

It’s a great way to create videos when you’re by yourself because you can hold the camera out in front without extending your entire arm. This is a great tool for creating how-to videos or even interviews in the field. You can make your videos more natural and more conversational because you’re just walking & talking.

[View iPhone version]

When you use the xShot, try to hold it as steady as possible. And take a couple of practice videos so you know how to frame yourself. Unless you’re using a video camera with a flip out LCD screen, you can’t see yourself. This makes it hard to know how you’re framing yourself. If you’re not careful, you can cut the top of your head off. It just takes a little practice so you know where the camera lens should be pointing.

The xShot is a great addition to your tool kit.

I think the iPhone 4 is a great device because it makes it so easy to create compelling content right in the field. I still find it amazing that you can shoot and edit video right on the device. But how’s the audio?

It’s no secret I like the Kodak Zi8 because it has a mic-in jack. This allows you to capture great video AND audio when using an external microphone. I’ve tried plugging my current Audio Technica mics into my iPhone but haven’t had much luck getting them to work with it. I did have a couple of other mics in my office and thought I would try these while recording video.

The first mic is the Griffen SmartTalk Headphone Adapter. This is really designed as a lapel mic when using your headphones while making calls. But you can also use it as an external microphone while shooting your videos.

The second is the VeriCorder Mini-Mic. This is a small, directional microphone you can plug into your iPhone. I think it provides a pretty good gain to the audio too.

Watch and listen to the video below. Tell me which microphone you prefer. Either way, I think the iPhone 4 sets the bar for in the field video creation.

[View iPhone version]