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This weekend, I had the opportunity to speak at the Minnesota Bloggers Conference for the 4th time. After speaking with the organizers, Jen Jamar and Mykl Roventine about past sessions and what I've already covered, I was asked to cover the new-ish topic of live video platforms. Immediately I was stoked, not just because I'm a periscope addict, and facebook live fan - but, because I've reaped some awesome benefits myself from these cool platforms. New friends, press opportunities, and worldwide perspective to name a few. It's REALLY fun to talk about something that you're genuinely happy to help others see the value in. 

Obviously since the presentation was an hour long, condensing it into a short blog is a bit challenging - but, after a quick scan on the twitter feed...it seems like these were the points that resonated the most with people who attended my session: 

LIVE VIDEO: KICK BUTT AND STAND OUT

photo by: Laura @1Girl2Cities 

photo by: Laura @1Girl2Cities 

 

1.  YOU HAVE PERMISSION TO TRY

If you're able to have a conversation with someone, believe me...you're able to use live video. The more you do it, the better you'll get, really - it's not like you expected to be a proficient conversationalist when you were a baby...so, cut yourself some slack when it comes to perfectionism of live video. Start by talking about something you absolutely know like the back of your hand. 

2. FEAR IS REAL

This was a biggie. There was no shortage of comments/questions about being afraid. What if nobody watches? What if too many people watch? What if I'm trolled? What if I stutter? What if I'm boring? Know this: you aren't alone. Everyone is terrified the first time they do something. 

3. CUE CARDS ARE YOUR FRIEND

Now, I'm not talking about writing down your entire thought process/idea/pitch, but...if you know you have three main points you want to make - write them down in a big bold font and tape the printed sign to your wall so you can just glimpse at it and have a rock solid idea of where you're going next. 

4. TOPIC IDEAS

We had a great brainstorming session with my attendees. Some of the ideas for using facebook live and other video platforms were:  behind-the-scenes tours, demo-ing a product, explaining a process, answering the FAQ's on your website, and interviewing someone your followers are interested in. We talk about repurposing existing content in video for a LOT in my other workshops, because it's ready made content - but, people learn/consume content differently than they did just a few years ago. Why not adapt to the audience? 

5. WATCH COMMENTS

The point of live video...is to talk back to people and have a conversation. All too often people get on, and treat live video, exactly like produced video - a pitch, talking straight at camera. Not cool. Ask your viewers who is in the room, and what they want to learn. If your audience is global, make sure to ask where people are from, to gain insightful context behind their questions. 

6. YOU'RE NOT DONE WHEN YOU FINISH BROADCASTING

Maximize that content, folks. Write a blog post about it! You can save your facebook live video, then upload it elsewhere - creating new content. Or, if you did have your topics broken down, feel free to edit each topic separately and upload mini videos as micro content. Ask collaborators to share it, if their audience is interested in the topic, and offer to go live on facebook or another platform with other folks to help extend audience and get the word out, about whatever you're passionate about. 

7. PASSION IS CONTAGIOUS

Do you think chewbacca mom thought she'd make almost a half of a million dollars, after putting on a chewbacca mask on facebook live? Whatever you love, someone else also loves it. Give it a try, go live, answer questions, and start creating! 

chewbacca mom wins! 

chewbacca mom wins! 


Obviously I covered a lot more tactical things over the course of an hour such as using natural light, the concept of having weekly office hours, analytics, etc... but the points above are the biggies people were tweeting about. Sam gave a review here as well! 

(warning: sales pitch, yo) As always, if you'd like to host a workshop for your staff, your clients, or a weekly "teach me" session with your employees - I really do love doing what I do, and making complicated things, seem simple. I 100% understand that not everyone has the budget to hire a 6 time Emmy winner to produce/direct their videos, but - I'm also available for consulting, and love to teach these skills...because price point should NOT be what gets in your way of using creativity to make something kickass. I feel lucky to love every moment of every day when I do this kind of work. Thanks for reading, and making it possible to continue to my dream job. Y'all are the best rainbow pukers out there.


Let me know if you have questions! Happy creating, everyone. 

Erica

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