PT007 – What Equipment Do You Need

Before you start recording your video's, you'll need to buy a camera, webcam, some editing software and a microphone.

Your video's don't have to be perfect, they just need to be you talking in front of the camera with mistakes, um's, err's, pauses etc. Just be yourself.

I've tried to use High Definition in the past but ran into some issues with editing the files and the sizes of the files. If you need any help or advice about recording your video's or what equipment to buy, then please let me know and post a comment at the bottom of this post. I'll reply to you as soon as I can.

The camera I use is a SONY Handycam which is a pretty good camera although isn't perfect for me because it doesn't have a port for an external microphone. Sometimes the sound is fairly quiet and I have to use Camtasia Studio editing software to increase the volume of my voice, when can distort a little.

When you're looking for a Camcorder, ideally you want one that supports an external microphone. I would also go for a Hard Disk Drive rather than external, but then again, that's my preference.

The benefit of a Camcorder is that you can move it around, you can go outside and take it to meetings, events and on holiday

Another option is a WebCam – There are many different choices for webcam's and it's best to either take a look at Amazon.com or go to your local PC Store to decide which is the best for you to buy. You can usually pick up a good enough one for well under $50.

FlipCam's are gaining popularity and are a cross between a webcam and a camcorder. Here is some great information from Jim Kukral about his set up and using the flipcam. The benefits for the FlipCam is that they are portable, cheap and produce good quality video.

I also use my MacBook Pro laptop, the isight in built camera and a piece of software for when I'm recording video's I need to use an autocue for. (Most of my video's are done on the spot, but there are sometimes I need to know exactly what I'm going to say)

You can find out more about this package here: http://www.poynter.org/column.asp?id=2&aid=141773

By creating videos of yourself talking to the camera, you’re able to build up trust with your prospects quicker and easier than ever before. Aim to build relationships with your viewers by offering quality information, tutorials, and tips. You then want to drive the person who has just watched your video to your blog to continue building up the relationship. The ultimate aim is to get them on your autoresponder list where you can send follow up emails and continue to build that relationship.

Action Steps –

1. Buy a camcorder, webcam or a flipcam – Jim Kukral talks about a Flip Cam here…
2. Watch Al's video at: http://www.poynter.org/column.asp?id=2&aid=141773 to learn about how he records his videos.
3. Sign up for the free service at www.Tubemogul.com
4. Create video accounts with all the video sites within in Tubemogul.
5. Write a rough outline of what you’re going to talk about in the video so you don’t get lost and start stuttering half way through.
6. Be Yourself
7. Go to www.cueprompter.com (This is optional, but you can create a free autocue script which you can read from as you are recording your video)
8. Position your camera in front of your monitor so it looks like you are talking to the camera, when actually you are looking at your autocue.
9. Record your video with your webcam or flipcam.
10. Upload your video to tubemogul.com which will in turn submit your video to 10 other video sharing sites.
11. Log in to each of the video sharing sites and put your website link in the description of your video. Especially Youtube.com
12. Go to www.SocialMarker.com and bookmark several of your videos. (Optional, but powerful and I'll talk more about social bookmarking in a future tutorial.