Thursday
18Feb2010
How To Make a Simple "References" Video
Thursday, February 18, 2010 at 9:59AM - even if you don't have a camera!
Remember how in the old days we used to write in our cover letters: "References available upon request"?
No need to do that. I am sure you've seen testimonials for products and services on many sites, especially if you ever bought any information products.
I have created a "testimonials" video like that for myself and in spite of the fact that it is rather simplistic, a lot of potential employers or anybody who "checks me out" likes it. Many of my friends asked me how I did it. That is why I thought I'd just share it with everybody who wants to know.
References and testimonials are extremely effective. Persuasion experts call it a third-party validation.
A short References Video works its "magic" on (at least!) three occassions:
- when somebody asks for references, it is very impressive to send a link to a video like that; in a note you can include contact information for the people in the video
- it is great to place that video on your blog, website, LinkedIn profile, on Facebook and even link to it your Twitter Account
- an "unexpected" bonus - it is an instant Self-Esteem Booster! Watch/listen to it every time you need a little boost in your own self-esteem, every time someone says "No" to you. Just play it, listen to it with your eyes closed and you'd feel energized and ready to spring into action in just 2 minutes, because the people that are praising you in the video emotionally reconnect you to your victorious days!
I strongly encourage all my friends to make that simple video.
First, if you are not sure what I am talking about, watch my Über-Simple version:
Here's how I did it.
1. I called a few people that knew me professionally - my former bossess, business partners, clients or people that I took professional development courses with. In other words, somebody who "saw me in action". I asked them if they'd be willing to leave me a short reference on the phone.
2. I have a Voice over IP phone that saves messages in an mp3 format, which makes is easy to download and work with. If you don't, no worries. Just open a trial account at http://www.audioacrobat.com/ and ask your people to call the Audioacrobat's number you get and leave you a message there.
3. Get the pictures of the people giving you references. Before you ask for a picture, see if you could get it on their website, or on Facebook account, or just do a Google image search. If all that fails, then ask them to email you a picture of themselves and how they'd prefer to be called in your References video.
4. This step could also be accomplished in a video editing software, but I prefer to use an audio editing software and create my audio file first. If you don't have an audio editing software, download a wonderful FREE software from this site: http://audacity.sourceforge.net/ Assemble all of your recordings, and trim them, leaving only the pieces that have the most punch in them, high-energy pieces. Once you trim out everything that doesn't add value, save your audio References file. Try to keep it under 90 seconds.
5. After you have edited your audio file and collected all photos, you are ready to make a video. Most likely, your computer has a free software installed. If you are on a PC, find Windows Movie Maker, or Google it and download a free version. Make your video! Match the pictures with the voice, add transitions.
6. Upload your video to your YouTube Channel, embed it in your website, blog, LinkedIn profile AND Google Profile.
7. Send a link to it to the people who have contributed their references - with a Gigantic Thank You! They'd be very proud of you and happy to have contributed.
Now, do it!
(send me the link to it when done)
I appreciate your comments and suggestions.
Larisa