I bet when someone says to you, you need to do more videos and share your personal stuff on social media, you freak out and just want to curl up into a little ball and hide from the world.
I felt this too about five years ago. Social media was just starting to become a great place for small businesses to build and grow on and all I was getting told was to do videos and share my life story with the world. I'll be honest. It didn't fill me with joy. Despite being a children's entertainer with my other business, talking to a camera just felt silly and unnatural to me but give me a room full of 30 screaming children and I can take them all on! Being confident at being me took time, patience and lots of outtakes! But because I got over my fear, it changed my business around for the greater good. I was not only showing up more but my ideal customers were getting to know the real me, the way I spoke, the way I looked, my values and my family life. I became relatable, trustworthy and someone you won't forget in a hurry! Now with Facebook and Instagram wanting you to use videos even more to be seen, it is vital we build our confidence in this area but what would you say if I told you you didn't have to be talking to the camera to do it? In order to build up confidence at showing the real you in your business, we need to start slowly and test the water. It's not easy going live. What if they notice my spot that just appeared today? What if they notice my hair hasn't been washed in days? I must put make up on before I show up. What if I slur my words? You know what? With the greatest respect, no one cares! People are watching to hear what you have to say! They want to hear how you can help them, how your day has been, what you're working on....they are most certainly not looking at your spot unless you have pointed it out to them! So, here are some tips for building up your confidence at being you on social media to help your business: 1 - Start by filming silently - what I mean by this is film a work in progress or behind the scenes of your product making without even having to speak. With the beauty of video editing or even Instagram Stories, you can add music, mute it or if you are feeling up to it, commentate over the top. 2 - Get some professional head shots done - I hate being in front of the camera as I am not natural at it but after a good old photo session I definitely feel more confident and when you see your photos you can use them to show your gorgeous face in your marketing. 3 - Do a pre-recorded video - if filming yourself talking to camera puts the fear of God into you, DON'T GO LIVE! Don't feel it's something you have to do just because it gets the best results. Make sure you're ready. I remember filming my first video, camera angle under my chin so not very flattering and I talked utter nonsense. But I played it back, got over my flaws and re-recorded it until I was happy with one that I could put out to the world. 4 - Don't watch your videos back - I still don't play my pre-recorded videos back! We all hate the sound of our own voice! Although I do know I say 'um' ALOT!! So I would rather not pick out my flaws and just let the world enjoy what I have to say otherwise I would never put it out there. 5 - Content - I promise you that talking about yourself will get you more views! Don't feel you have to sell to be seen. Now, you don't have to talk about your whole life. But a bit about who you are, how you help your customers and what area you're in is a good start. Instagram stories is great for sharing what you're up to during the day (classic Costa meetings, rainy school runs, networking) and they are short and sweet so will help boost your confidence story by story. For ideas, just follow people you love and pick out the things you like about their videos and apply it to yours. 6 - Facebook Live - yes, your reach and views will be amazing if you go on Facebook Live so aim to work up to this. Don't spend the whole live hiding behind Hello's every time someone joins in. JUST. BE. YOU. Use the camera lens as a guide and pretend you're just talking to a friend in a cafe. Don't worry about stutters and stumbles. Laugh them off. It doesn't have to be scripted although sometimes notes in your hand will help. Do five minutes to start with then once a week double the time you're on. 7 - People buy into people - the more consistent you are at showing your face, the more follows and sales you will create. I am known for what I do because I don't stop talking about it. Don't be afraid that you may drive people mad, if they want to hear from you they'll watch you. Don't be afraid that you think you haven't got anything interesting to say, you have so much knowledge that your customers don't even realise they need to hear. With anything, the more you do the better you'll get and going live will come natural to you. I don't even think about it any more. Most recently, I showed up on a live video, red nose and covered in snot, talking through my nose and just being a dribbling mess, but you know what? No one cared because I was talking about something valuable to them! Mind you, five years ago I wouldn't have been seen dead doing that! Start off slowly and build things gradually and you'll be a pro at being you in your business in no time. Let me know when you feel you're ready to show the world who you are, I would love to come and support you! Want more tips and advice like this? Join my free Facebook group to learn how to market your business online. Jade x
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