This is so long overdue, folks. First, it took me forever to actually get a video camera (yes, that’s an Amazon affiliate link) that’s easy to use. I love the camera- it is easy to use. And it’s got an external audio miniplug, which is just dreamy.
Then, I got shy- what in the heck do I talk about on video? I’ve been writing for decades, and I feel really comfortable expressing myself in writing. But, video? Brave, new, un-edited world.
I had just had lunch with my buddy, David Billings, aka Mr. Sparky Firepants. He is a top-notch designer (he’s worked at Nickelodeon among other places), big-hearted, and for the moment his family lives with a bunch of Alpacas. You should hire him now before his rates go up, or he becomes an Alpaca farmer full-time.
At lunch he asked me a question about what makes the difference between someone who makes it, and someone who doesn’t. Here’s about a minute and a half of my thoughts on that.
There’s more to it than that, but hey, it’s a start. So, you like? More video? I’m resisting the urge to apologize for the bad lighting, and all the other imperfections that I’m seeing…
16 Responses
Keep it up Mark, I love the idea and just the simplicity of it. I really love that it was on your bike. Only problem I had was hearing you over the wind, a cheap external mike w/wind sock would help.
You inspired me to do the same, I just got a Zi8 for the same purpose.
Thanks again.
.-= Bill Weaver’s lastest post: The Second Immutable Law: create true believers =-.
Love the wisdom.
And seeing the nostrils of a guru.
Right on, Bill- and thanks for the advice about the windsock thingamadoodle.
And Michael, I was so glad there was no upward-pointing lighting. Then I really wouldn’t have posted it.
Hi Mark,
I loved the video! Loved being able to see you and hear you talk. Loved that you filmed yourself riding your bike. And loved that even though it was simple, easy, relaxed, your wisdom still poses the question: How engaged are you in your business?
More, please! 🙂
Love, Hiro
.-= Hiro Boga’s lastest post: Sunday Poem #14: Buddhist Chronicles 4 =-.
Thanks, everyone, for your patience in my slow response. Kinda on a modified vacation schedule over here. Spent little time in the office yesterday, and all day today took the kids out.
But here I’m back again and loving the support here.
@Hiro- Thank you! It was quite an experiment.
@Michael- Yes, I totally get it. Thank you for your support! I had to do something in the moment to get started or it would never have happened. Start with what I got, and improve from there. 🙂
@Mark- I know, I wanted the Zi8 for interviews and for me. Y’know, I think there may be a tripod in your future…
@Amy- Thank you! I love the faux fur windsock- I’m inspired! And you should definitely take the leap. For me, the key was just getting the tools within easy access. Once I had the camera, it was just a matter of time. I have the link for the Zi8 up above in the post (hint hint)
@Michael M- Glad you like the way I’m unfolding. Sometimes it feels more like unravelling, but, hey, it’s all good.
I could take the whole “desires” thing deeper, but I’ll just leave it right there for now. 😉
@Molly, my very amazing wonderful friend. Thank you! It was just one of those in-the-moment inspirations. Turn the camera on, keep biking, start talking. It could have easily been an intimate interview with just my nostrils and my left eye, while I muttered about wishing I ordered the soup for lunch instead.
Thankfully, it turned out kinda okay. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have shared it.
I love you all. If you have a first attempt vid, let me know, I wanna see.
I definitely want to encourage the video. The sound on this one was so distracting I couldn’t watch it, and I see you’ve already acknowledged that.
Video is a great way for you to connect with your audience. A good way to do that is to make it like a real conversation. When you’re having a real conversation with someone, you’re looking at them at eye-level and you’re usually sitting. Sometimes we stand and converse or we walk and talk, but then the scenery becomes distracting to the message.
Body language (hard to do on a bike), vocal tone, and eye contact make it personal and intimate, and there’s a lot of power there; video does that well.
Keep going! 🙂
Good to see you posted this. I just got a Zi8 and it’s great for quick interviews. So far I am always the one behind the camera…
.-= Mark’s lastest post: Twitter Goddess @mmangen =-.
Hi Mark,
Congrats on your first video! It has a rather modernist feel to it with the neat lighting effect that happens as you pass under the telephone wires. I, too, have wondered about adding video posts to my blog and have not done so for the same reason as you “what would I talk about?”
Glad to see you took the leap; gives me the courage to give it a try. Of course, I have to borrow or buy a video camera first 🙂
Oh, I found this video on YouTube on how to make an expensive wind sock (velcro and faux fur) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PpECH4K5eow&feature=related
Look forward to more.
-Amy
.-= Amy Crawley’s lastest post: Winter Solstice & a Snow Storm =-.
Hi Mark & All,
Although I have been enjoying your posts for a couple of months, this is my first attempt to share via your blog.
I am a big fan of trusting the universal source energy (that already knows what we want even before if comes to light in our consciousness) to deliver into form the fulfillment of our desires. World is constantly tempting us to “DO” when often the answer (and best strategy) is to “ALLOW”. I love running my business with this foundation strategy and I’m convinced through experience that this always works.
Keep sharing. You are an instrument of wisdom unfolding.
Michael – Cape Save – Massachusetts (& beyond)
Mark, this is so fun. On a bike! While the sound was distracting, the idea is so fun that I think it was worth it. What a brave and intimate first go.
Thank you for reminding me that I don’t have to know all the answers before I jump in front of the camera. I’ve been missing the sense of connection I have when I share videos with folks.
You go, my friend.
.-= Molly Gordon’s lastest post: How to find a marketing method that works for you =-.
I’m finally catching up on blog reading after the holiday, and was happily surprised to see you’ve entered the video world. (Apparently Oregon now has a law requiring the wearing of helmets during the use of video cameras, so we don’t get to see your Sufi hair.)
I think the windy background fits in perfectly with your persona — we’re allowed to add in our own wisdom on the parts we can’t make out, thereby building knowledge on our own. You slyly force us to connect with our inner audio technician to form the oneness of MP3.
All that was missing was somebody like me yelling at you from a large truck as it forced you off the road…
.-= Dick Carlson’s lastest post: How To Edit Your Own Copy =-.
@Dick- Didn’t you see me swinging my kryptonite lock at three people with combustion engines who thought they were badder than me?
mark….. i really loved this video….. so fun and unpretentious and a little mysterious…… i also think it is good for your business (it makes me for one want to run and grab my camera and just-make-something! instead of waiting until its perfect) a place to start is so important….. its hard to get leverage if you never put the lever to the ground. thanks for being a role model!
krista
p.s. i also love that you give the viewer a “real” view into your world……. a snippet as you ride home – also a good business lesson…… like doing remembrance when you can’t sleep at night……..
Yay! Thank you, Krista! I love it that the imperfections were so compelling in that way. And yes- go grab and just make something! Let me know about it- I want to see.
Yay Mark!!! Walking the walk. Riding the bike!
.-= Judy Murdoch’s lastest post: When You
Riding the bike- that’s what we do, eh? Thanks!