Power of Video

“The Richard Smith Team”
22503 Katy Freeway Suite 28, Katy TX, 77450
Phone: (281)994-4240 Fax: (281)840-6881 C/O: Richard Smith

Harness the Easy and Profitable Power of Web Video!
Wow, recently Scott Hudspeth, Chad Bates and I had a great Q &A with everyone on the
subject of...the power of Internet video!
And, believe me, web video is powerful, whether you're on Facebook, YouTube or your own
site!
Why? Because video allows you to offer valuable content and build great relationships! Unlike
any other medium, video gives people the opportunity to see you, know you, and, most
importantly, like you!
And, we all know that likeability is the key to success; everyone wants to do business with
individuals whom they like and trust.
So, why would you not ever seize this opportunity with both hands?!
"But what's the key to a good video, Richard?" that's what I hear you asking now. "And how
easy is it?"
Let's answer those questions in turn.
What's the Key to a Great Video?
Actually, there are two keys! First, be yourself. That's all! It's what people expect. So, don't worry
that you don't have movie star looks like Brad Pitt or Anjelina Jolie! All viewers care about is that
you have something of interest and value to them.
Second, show passion for what you're doing on the video. For example, assume you love
cooking and want share a tip on the subject. You can transition from that into something like,
"Now, here are the ingredients you need for a great loan."
Or, maybe you're a baseball fanatic and want to share news about the pros or a local team.
Again, you can tie it into a theme of "Circle the bases with this loan," etc.
Believe me, viewers love the personal touch as long as it doesn't run on too long and relates to
something that's useful to them.
Videos can be a lot of fun, and they are incredibly effective! How can I make that statement?
Well, in last December alone, 33 billion - billion! - videos were watched on the Internet!
22503 Katy Freeway #27 ♦ Katy, TX 77450
Ph: 281-994-4240 ♦ Fax: 281-804-6881


So, where to start online with videos? Well, my personal favorite is Facebook because
everybody - and I mean, everybody - is on this social media site!
It's very easy to post videos there, and I'll talk about that in a moment. But, remember,
Facebook is a social site! That means you can't slap people in the face with plugs for your
business. They'll simply "hide" you from view.
A strategy to follow is this: build relationships on Facebook by providing such items as
Wednesday tips and other advice. Then, provide a link to a blog where you have great content.
And that's the place where you sell visitors on your services!
I tell you, Facebook (and similar sites) can be a cash register for you as long as you get out
there now and post those videos!
How Easy Is It to Create Videos?
Oh boy, is it easy to make a video these days! You know what the biggest problem usually is?
You! That is, many people want to get the right camera and the right microphone and the right
this and that. Don't fall into that trap! Just get out there and do it!
And there are plenty of places to help you make videos. Many of us use Viddler.com
(http://www.viddler.com/).
It allows you to record videos straight from your webcam, upload them, and post them wherever
you want!
To sign up, go to http://www.viddler.com/signup/). Click on "Choose an Account That's Right for
You" Sign up for "Personal." It's free! All you have to do is enter your information to get an
account and a password.
Now, you do have to buy a webcam, but, don't worry, they're pretty inexpensive - $30-40.
When you get that camera, put it on top of your webcam so you're looking into it at eye level.
And make sure it is at eye level! You definitely don't want the camera looking up at you from the
desk because it makes it seems as if you're talking down to the audience from a superior
position. Plus, it looks, well, kind of creepy!

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If you're worried about losing your place or stumbling over words or having to memorize any
content, don't! You can have the script scrolling on your computer screen, and all you have to
do is read it. In fact, you can get a free teleprompter at Budurl.com (http://budurl.com/prompter
or http://www.cueprompter.com/ !
However, I would recommend that you use bullet points and not read your script word for word
because that makes you seem too stiff and formal. Instead, simply talk into the camera as if you
were speaking with a friend!
To begin with, start with a talking head shot in your office or elsewhere. All you'll have to do is
follow directions similar to these: Click on "Video." You can then select the quality of the
recording (low, medium, or high). You'll get the prompt will then ask, "Is it okay to turn on your
camera?", and then you click on "Record" That's all there is to it!
I recommend that you keep your video to approximately two minutes or less.
Now, remember, that your video should do three things for your viewers:
•
•
•

State a problem they want solved.
Provide a solution for that problem.
Make a call to action!

Therefore, for any video, show your passion ("Here's something cool for you!) while you offer
solutions for any problem your viewers are facing ("Here's how I'm going to help you."). Then,
make that call to action!
Once you've completed your video, click on "Save," and it's done!
And, remember, once you've got a few "talking head" videos done, take your camera outside
and shoot in front of interesting sites (homes, etc.) to provide your viewers with variety.
What Do You Do with Your Video Once It's Done?
Post it on Facebook (and other sites)! On Facebook, it has to be shorter than 20 minutes and
can take anywhere from 1 to 20 minutes to upload, depending on the size of the video, Internet
traffic, etc.
The site will provide directions on how to upload your video. Basically, all you'll have to do is go
to your Profile, click on Video, and upload for free!
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Also, copy the URL link for your video into emails you send to your database! It'll take you a
minute or so at most. And, again, it's free!
By the way, never send the video as an attachment! Video attachments are often a source of
viruses, and the last thing you want to do is be perceived as that source.
In effect, put video links on your website, blogs, fliers, emails, anyplace you can think of! You
want a "Yes" or a "No" out of everyone, and you want to make money with the "Yesses!"
Okay, as I mentioned earlier, we held a great Q and A session, so below I've listed the
questions and the answers we provided.
Session Questions and Answers
What If Someone Doesn't Like My video? What Do I Do?
Don't worry about it! You'll get a few rejections. It's simply the nature of the business. Look for
the Yesses, not the No's!
Do You Recommend Putting Video on Your Regular Facebook Page or Fan Page?
I put my videos on my regular Facebook page. Again, show your passion, offer a useful tip and
link it to a theme.
For example, you might use something like this: "Recently, I cooked fish in a microwave and
had a stinky smell left over. To get rid that smell, I put a bowl of vinegar into the microwave and,
bam, it was gone. Now if you find your credit is 'stinky,' I've got an equally good solution.
Contact me now at....!"
Shouldn't I Find Someone More Photogenic Than I Am?
No! As I stated earlier, it's not what you look like; it's who you are. If you're a nice person, it'll
come out on the video!
So, don't worry about your appearance; just do it! Don't try to be somebody else! Let viewers get
to know you.
Can You Use the Camera on the Computer?

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Yes. Just remember the guidelines I mentioned earlier. Don't have the camera looking up at
you. Make sure it's at eye level. I simply put books under my laptop to get it to eye level.
How Many People Can You Send the Videos Out To?
As many as you want! Whoever's in your database! Remember to avoid the #1 most expensive
mistake - not using your database!
What Camera Do You Recommend?
There are many good ones out there. I use a Logitech camera because it comes with a stand,
and I can place it behind my laptop. It only cost $69. But, if you're budget-challenged, go get a
$20 one!
I Noticed Scott Can Insert Headshots, etc. into Videos and Other Fancy Things. How
Does He Do That?
Scott uses Adobe Premiere Elements. You don't need this program starting out, but we use it
when we want to edit a video that we've recorded with an "outboard" camera. It allows you to
cut, edit, etc.
Scott uploads his video into Elements and records a screen using Goview.com. He can then
insert it into a video and produce it as one show.
There's a lot of fancy and expensive equipment out there that you don't need to spend the
money on it.
Camtasia is probably the most well known. It's a $300 piece of software that allows you to
record your screens the same as GoView. It's useful if you're recording your screen a lot
(showing people how to do the 2-1 buy down, etc.) or if you find yourself answering questions
over and over again. It makes you look like a professional.
But, you can use GoView.com, etc. just as effectively and at lower cost.
For example, a realtor can stand in front of a house and do his or her Wednesday tips, and then
insert them where they'll have the most impact. Of course, loan officers and realtors can work
together to record these productions.
Richard, Did You Buy a URL?
Ph: 281-994-4240 ♦ Fax: 281-804-6881


No. Here's why: once you have 25 fans, Facebook gives you a page free with your name (as
long as it's available).
To do this, go to facebook.com/username. It'll pop up with a screen and give you some
suggestions if you don't have a name. You can only choose one; you can't change it, so be
careful when you do it.
Does Loading These Videos onto Your Website Help Your Placement?
Definitely, yes! Google loves videos. More important, it lets your database get to know you!
Do You Upload Videos to Mortgage Web Success or Do You Have Them Do It?
If I can get someone else to do it, I definitely choose that option. Mortgage Web Success does it
all for me.
Are You Posting the Real Estate or Borrower Videos on Facebook?
Yes, I have a fan page for Real Estate agents and a regular one for borrowers on my family
page.
Should I Buy Those Banner Ads You Can Get Through Large ISP?
No, don't buy banner ads. They're not effective for our purposes. Instead, spend your time
building relationships with other real estate professionals in your area and do videos with them.
Have them send the videos out to their database. Unlike banner ads, videos cost you nothing!
Do You Need a Converter If You Have a Flipcam?
It depends on the type of phone and the format you're using. If you need to convert to Flash,
Budurl offers a free download converter.
I Have Access to a List of Professionals. Should I Send Videos to Them?
Yes, definitely! Again, send videos to everyone you know.
What Kinds of Problems and Solutions Should We Present on Our Videos?
A great method is to simply ask your customers. Use surveymonkey.com
(http://www.surveymonkey.com/ ). It's free!
Ph: 281-994-4240 ♦ Fax: 281-804-6881


You can send out one of their surveys and ask, "What's your biggest problem in real estate
today?" Then, offer solutions to the problems you receive. If the problem is selling housing, then
the solution is SellersUnfairdvantage.com. If it's buying houses, then perhaps it's a craigslist
strategy.
Beyond that, do your research! Read the newspapers, search the web, talk to others etc. Find
out information about credit issues, foreclosures, short sales, etc. Heck, nobody's ever run out
of problems to solve!
Remember: If you don't have a solution for somebody's problem, you don't have a business!
Use our strategies!
Can We Add Video to Our Home Page Using the eProperties System?
No, but you can put videos inside your virtual tour. To the left of the virtual tour, you'll notice a
button labeled "Watch video." Click on that, follow the instructions, and you can put whatever
you want inside it.
What Program Software Do You Use to Send Out Bulk Email?
I use marketinganimalemail.com. You can send out a million emails with this program.
Disclosure: I have an affiliate agreement with this service.
Can You Upload a PowerPoint Presentation Into a Video?
Yes. Use the service I mentioned earlier, GoView.com, or a similar one like Box.net, etc.
Richard, What Service Do You Recommend for Sending Out Emails?
If you have thousands of emails to send, use marketinganimalemail.com if you have thousands.
If you have your own list, use services like Mortgagequest.com or Followmyclients.com. They
allow you to "set and forget" so you can focus on your main business. You can get a $1 trial at
Followmyclients.com.
Do You Need Headphones for Video Recordings?
No.
When You Work with a Referral Partner, Do You Send Out the Videos for Their Email List
or Have Them Send out the Videos Themselves?
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I strongly recommend that the partner send out the videos for two reasons. One, it's their list.
And, two, the message will be coming from a trusted friend, rather than a stranger, and we all
know trust is everything in our business!
Can You Embed Videos in an Email?
It's easier to simply put a link in the email. Remember, as I said earlier, videos carry viruses. As
a matter of fact, don't open Facebook videos attached to emails. Log in to Facebook first.
Now, if you want search engine optimization (SEO), use YouTube. However, remember,
YouTube will put your competitor right next to you. That's why I don't use it. Plus, you're simply
not as likely to find home buyers on YouTube.
My Real Estate Brokerage Is Reluctant to Do Videos Because They Feel the Logo Won't
Be On It. What Do I Do?
Heck, hundreds of agents are doing videos on the web, and a lot of them simply put their logo at
the end along with the contact information. This shouldn't be any problem.
What Is Your One Best Video Strategy to Get More Real Estate Agents to Use Unfair
Advantage?
Scotty and I use videos to get agents to come to webinars. Once you start providing content,
then they become fans. However, remember, that one video won't do it. It takes several of them.
Think of it as continuous education that eventually pays off.
What's the Easiest Way to Do a Listing Presentation for Out-of-Towners?
Use SellersUnfairadvantage.com. We've already done a presentation for you. Plus, you can do
your own presentation if you want, using GoView.com. It's all free!
Do You Need to Include Opt-Out Links for Emailed Videos?
Use the Opt-Out link only for bulk emails. Followmyclients.com has an automatic opt-out link. If
you're sending out to your list, you don't really need one.
How Do We Upload Videos to Webinaragogo?
Go to Webinaranimals.com. Put in your password and then look for training videos on
GoView.com. They'll show you how to do it.
Ph: 281-994-4240 ♦ Fax: 281-804-6881


Summary
I'll be blunt: If you're not doing videos, you're not riding the Internet gravy train!
So, hop on board! Get out there and do videos now!
Work your Fan page in Facebook. Make comments. Ask questions. If you're doing something
that's working, post it on the Fan page to let people know what you're doing
Think of it as a large Mastermind group. We need to stick together in this industry and help each
other out.
So, go to Viddler.com or Facebook or any other site you like and start making those videos
now! It's so simple and easy. There's absolutely no reason not to do it!
See you on Facebook and elsewhere on the Internet!

Ph: 281-994-4240 ♦ Fax: 281-804-6881

Power of Video

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