Well, I know I’m not the only one who is petrified of putting themselves ‘out there’ on youtube! Well at least I hope I’m not the only one. So how did I take the great leap (and yes it was a HUGH leap) and what was holding me back.
Well the second question is easy to answer, fear is definitely what was holding me back from making my first online video. Certainly a fear of many things! Firstly, I think fear of negative criticism and just simple negativity! I think in truth no-one wants to suffer from other people being negative and criticizing them especially when they are a newbie. Secondly fear of failure. The question is- what if I declare myself to the world and then I am a dismal failure, everyone will know! It was a giant step and leap of faith for me to make the the very first video.
What made me finally get my act together and finally do it. Well the same answer as question two – fear of failure! If I don’t do it I am bound to fail, heck all the gurus are using video marketing, so therefore I need to be. I was also very nervous about putting myself ‘out there’ in the form of my own personal blog, but hey so far it’s been a pretty good experience. So how bad can Youtube be?
I know the first video isn’t going to rock the world and certainly isn’t a masterpiece by any stretch, but hey I have done it, it’s out there! Hopefully I can only improve from the first effort and not get worse If you are also struggling, the only advice I can give is listen to the gurus and just act and take the plunge, surely it couldn’t be any worse than mine…lol
Some of the things that made it slightly easier for me was:
- Watching Maria Andros over and over and over again, I keep telling myself I wasn’t procrastinating, but rather I was learning…lol
- I shot the video in a situation that I felt relaxed. For me it was around my horses, they give me a feeling of being relaxed and I am very comfortable around them. For you it may be with family members, so your kids or at the beach, out shopping or whatever it takes to make you feel relaxed!
- I didn’t put any pressure on myself to make a epic masterpiece. I was just happy to get something achieved that showed a little about myself, I know I can improve at a later date and learn from my first go.
- I decided that I was just going to have a go and do it regardless of the outcome.
- I didn’t do to many takes. I found that after a certain time I actually got worse and become more critical of myself and more nervous. So I decided to choose the best take I had a run with that. I can always go back at a later date and have another go!
- Don’t be overly hard on yourself, sure analyze things, but it takes time to achieve perfection. We can’t all become gurus overnight.
So…..here is the link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-w1YHbOYldo
Please leave a comment, but be nice, it’s been a terrifying experience!:)
Cheers & Good Luck
Mel
Rob Canyon
Rod Macbeth
David Walker
Gene
Richard Darby
Brad
Huddson Lee
Peter Davies
Roger
Dave Whittle
Hi Melanie,
Firstly what a great first video, and I’m not just saying that to make you feel good, I honestly thought you came across very well, and if you were nervous I didn’t pick up on it. It just goes to show what you can achieve by going out & taking action.
I’ve not done my first video yet, so I have some questions if you don’t mind:
Did you remember all you anted to say off the top of your head, or did you have something to read it from?
What editing software did you use to get your website text at the end of the video.
Thanks,
Paul.
Very nice video, Mel. Of course I’m apt to say that about anything with horses in it.
But, seriously, real nice job.
Also enjoyed your post on why and how you made it. Good tips for all of us, especially on doing it in an atmoshere that relaxes you.
Cheers,
Rod
Great video for first time thanks for leaving your comment on my blog.I will be following your career online. mike parker(mjp)
Hi Paul,
Thanks for the nice comments.
As far as what to say in the video, I watched and took notes from the bonus training call with Maria Andros and tried to follow her steps. I then wrote a basic script of what I wanted to say and then read over it a few times. I find if I write things down it really helps me to remember them. In each take, what I said every time was slightly different. I watched each take back and tried to improve on what I was saying and took a few more notes. I also rehearsed once or twice. I didn’t actually read from anything. It all felt very silly…lol
David My husband is going to make a big blackboard up for me, that we can stick next to the camera and write bullet points on for the next few videos. I’ll let you know how it goes.
In total I only did 4 takes, as I started to get more self conscious after that point and decided to pick the best and run with it!:) Hope that helps.
As far as editing, well I’m pretty spoilt in that department, my husband did it for me. He uses a mac and imovie ‘09. When I told him you asked he immediately volunteered to edit peoples videos for them to help out. What a champion, feel free to take him up on the offer! As soon as he figures out the easiest way to get them here I will post in the forum!
Rod, A fellow horse lover, do you own any? If so what breeds? Would love to know. The chestnut is a well trained QH who had laminitis (hence being at the knackery), her feet are now about 98% percent and she is the one of the best horses we have ever owned. She has safely taught my husband to ride, without being a total plodder and also given him a love of horses as well. Andy is retired Standardbred (ex-harness racer) who won his owners over $200 000. Fortunately he was given to me before actually making it to the knackery and is turning into the most stunning moving and easy to train riding horse. Eventually I want to be competing on the gorgeous boy. I could chat all day about these lovely forgiving creatures! Would love to hear about your experiences.
Keep in touch
Cheers
Mel
Hey Mel
You came across wonderfully. Very poised, relaxed and articulate. Great content on your blog but great content in your replys. Shows what kind of a person you are, very caring. ( as if a person who saves Horses can be anything but caring) You doing a wonderful job. Keep up the good work
Glenn
Hi Glenn,
Thanks for the kind words and encouragement, it makes it so much easier to move forward with the next steps.
Cheers Mel
Hi Melanie,
Well done. You looked like a natural. You should do some commercials. Just wished one of the horses would have said something…lol
Steve
Hi Steve,
Thanks for the kind words. I’ll see if I can teach the horses a few silly tricks for the next video, not sure how though, they are pretty docile…lol
Cheers
Mel
Hi Mel,
Unfortunately I’m a city boy with no access, or funds for, to horses. I have a love for all animals but horses have always been my favourite. I was fortunate in that my mother is from a farming family and I spent my summers on the farm with relatives. One cousin was into horses and I spent as much time as I could with them.
The skills of a QH always impressed me and if I had to choose a favourite they would be it. Both sound lovely and it’s so awesome what you’ve done and are doing for them.
Cheers,
Rod
Hey Mel
Don’t mind if I call you that …do you ?
Thanks for dropping by my place..!!
Hey Mel you’ve got no worries doing video … you’ve a natural …
When are you going to get it on your blog ..??
And hey that’s a pretty dam good cause you’ve got going too.!!
( Be careful the horses don’t steal the show !!)
Speak soon.
Malcolm.t.
Melanie,
You are a born natural movie star… Last I remember, there’s a few other
Australian’s trying to make it into the big times like you…
Russel Crowe and a few others I think… lol
Maria Andros is very cool, like you say… Can’t wait to meet her and
last I heard she’s Canadian.
Cool number 2.
Save those horses… Are you kidding me… DOG FOOD.
cheers,
Rob
Mel
Great work on the video, I’m yet to attempt my video yet as haven’t had the chance but will definately be doing so for the contest.
I think the key is to just give it a go as you say and worry about it afterwards, with each video should come new found confidence building on the experience.
I’m looking forward to watching Maria’s piece as I have concentrated on the core modules thus far, but am sure I will need to keep referencing back to it!
Keep up the good work
Tom
Hi Mel,
That’s a great video! I can’t believe you only shot four takes!
I ended up shooting take after take when producing mine, mostly because I kept forgetting what to say. It would make for a great, expletive filled out-take video but I have consigned it to the virtual dustbin forever!
Your video was good now, just imagine how amazing you are going to be in front of the camera in six months time?
David
Hey David, I actually got more nervous after about the fourth time…lol
Malcolm, I will get the video on my site, great suggestion, I was wondering if I should or not.
Rod, You can come to Aus any time you want and have a play with my horses.
Hey Melaine,
That’s a super job you did!! It’s only your 1st video so don’t worry about anything, you’re doing just fine. Practice makes perfect!!
Your horses are so tame and I’m glad to know that You’ve rescued them. I’m a volunteer at Animal Welfare League and I know that rescued animals are usually very tame when you give them a good environment to live in.
If i travel to MEL next time I’d love to pat your horses.
Huddson
Howdy Mel,
Just thought I’d shoot over and have a look at what you’ve got.
I was just gonna say something dopey like “DOH! Seeing as you have Bart Simpson up there in your post and my last name IS Simpson. But I decided against it since I gave everyone a bit of a bake on the forum about leaving crappy comments like “good work. Visit my blog.”
But I do these things with good intentions to help people – even though some don’t quite seem to realise that and get rather uppity about it all. I do actually know what I am talking about – MOST of the time. LOL!
I have to say that maybe I have made a very GOOD point because most of the comments here are very specific and helpful and ADD to your blog and the reputation and sincerity of the commenters too. So, well done everybody!
I see you have the permalinks sorted out now too – that was a neat trick huh?
Anyway, your blog is looking nice and beefy and relevant. Ain’t it great when everybody plays ball nicely?
Gary Simpson
TEMPLE
Hey Huddson, Very cool that you volunteer at the Animal Welfare League! Yes they are lovely horses and you are more than welcome to come and meet them!
THanks for the support with the video as well.
Cheers
Mel
Hi Melanie
The video was really great..ignore the fact it was your first time we would hjave never known.The reasons you give for wanting to succeed are awesome…much better than a
“i can make you rich ” message.
You can use this platform to start a charity if thats the driving force ( i suppose yourself and David have looked into that)
Again well done Maria will have to watch her back!!
speak soon
richard
Hi Melanie, as you will see from the comment that I left on your YouTube account, I am completely charmed by your video. And as you also now by now, I have recognised your achievement on my own blog.
It’s interesting: you recognised what was going on for you and as you say, you took as much pressure off yourself as possible by shooting in an environment that you felt at home in, surrounded with familiar things that you love. And that, I am guessing, is what cracked things open for you because you were able to be yourself, speak freely and let your own personality shine through.
And THAT is what hooks people.
I’m hooked !
Brilliant
Roger
Hey Melanie have you been practicing great video and so sincere
to be honest being outside with those horses was a great idea and using your creativity , well there is no stopping you now
i take my hat off to you ,your blogs taking real shape
well done mick
To all the wonderful Alex Jeffreys students,
I just want to say a big sincere thank you for all you sincere and thoughtful comments. I expected to learn a lot in Alex’s coaching course, but I never expected to become a member of such a amazing and supportive community.
So thanks a heap!
Cheers
Mel
Hi Melanie,
I’ve just watched your video and would like to say very well done. Its an excellent first video and as you become more comfortable witht he camera they will just get better.
Look forward to the next one.
Regards
Andy
Hi Melanie,
It’s easy right ?.
once you do it, next time it is much more comfortable.
I just thought I would stop by and take a look, and say hi.
keep on going you wiil get there soon.
talk soon.
to your success,
Rich Cardarelli
Hi Mel,
Fantastic video and including the horses gave an insight into your own character.
Good Work
John
Hey Mel,
Great job on the video. I have yet to put myself before the camera, I prefer to stay behind and demonstrate things. I guess I’m afraid I’ll break the lens if I get in front. You seem to be a natural. Thanks for stopping by my blog and pointing out that Youtube dropped my last video. I re uploaded it and it is processing now. Hopefully if you go back to check it it will be running. I will also follow up on your suggestion to contact Matthew Wolfe regarding the other graphic.
Can’t wait for your next video..BTW (for the benefit of Mr. Simpson) Good video, great blog, I couldn’t agree with you more…
Gene
Hi Mel, Great video and I think we all know what you went through, but you’ve taken a very important step.
Your blog is great love the header.
All the best
Jim, Harry and the Ironing Board (you’ll have to visit my blog to find the answer)
Hi Melanie,
Great job on your first video. I haven’t done mine yet, it’s been a rough couple of weeks with my day job so I’m running pretty far behind. Great advice though! I need to make sure that I’m not too critical of myself, over analyze it and not spend too much time doing the first one. With each video I’ll just get better, right?
Hi Mel
I am one of Alexs new students and loving every minute. Just reading your posts about your successes makes me know how well I can do…(by the way congrats on new edition!! If I read correctly!! That really is life changing!!LOL)
I hope you are still doing well and your online enterprise is contiually growing.
Regards
Nick
http://www.workfromhomeideas-nickstentiford.com