Start Where You Are to Create Successful Video

by Donna Johnson

Don’t Be Discouraged If Everything Is Not Picture Perfect

Last week, Leesa Barnes, a guest on Indie Business Radio, posted suggestions at her blog to help readers produce video on a budget. She encouraged people not to be afraid of video and told them how to use an inexpensive Flip camera to create videos to post to blogs, websites, Myspace pages, etc.

Larry Lawfer, one of the commenters and the owner of Your Storys, a professional videography company, criticized Leesa. He said that, while a Flip camera is nice for "down low social media communications, using one for anything professional or corporate locks you into this low level presentation of your work."

There’s No Such Thing As "Locked In"

I respectfully disagree with Larry. First of all, no one is "locked in" to anything these days. My first blog was pretty lousy. You might say it was even "down low."

So was the first business I ever started (lasted about 2 weeks), my very first batch of handmade soap (smelled like ammonia), the first (and only) retail store I ever opened (I got robbed), my first direct examination of a witness in open court (the judge actually prompted me with questions to help me out), my first time having a corporate logo designed (it was amateurish and hard to read) and my first attempt at an online newsletter (no pictures, mixed up links and bad layout).

In each case, I didn’t have a clue what I was doing when I first started, but I gave it my all and I learned a lot. Have I been "locked in" to those first dismal attempts at making something out of nothing? Nope. I found a place to start and with boots shaking, I put myself out there.

And that’s what each of us must do. We’ll all start at different places, but start somewhere we must. In his comment, Larry also said, "If you shoot something with a consumer camera, then you forever have low level quality. This is not good."

There’s No Such Thing As "Forever Low Quality"

Wrong again, Larry. If you have a relevant message for an audience of people who are interested in it, then you are not forever stuck with low quality. Maybe a particular video is forever low quality, but then so are the Beatles first recordings. That does not mean that the content is not worth enjoying and sharing with other like-minded people who can benefit from it.

In a perfect world, everyone would have access to professional equipment, consultants, designers, programmers and videographers. Heck! I’m married to a professional videographer, which sure makes it easy for me to tell everyone else that their Flip cam videos are "forever low quality."

What a low quality comment that would be for me to make.

Start Where You Are

You’re an Indie Business owner. You have a nice website, maybe even a blog or two. You offer quality products and services, and you know that you will need to add video to your marketing repertoire at some point. Should you hide your light under a bushel because you can’t afford to hire a professional or purchase fancy equipment to make your first video? Of course not!

Just do the best you can with what you have. Buy a video camera that you can afford and practice using it. Get started today sharing whatever your message is with the customers and supporters who will cheer you on, back you up and exchange their credit card numbers for your valuable products and services.

Chuck the nay-sayers, even the experienced and professional ones.

We don’t succeed because of how much we have. Instead, we succeed because of what we do with what we have.

What do you think?

Do you think you have to come out of the gates with fabulous video to get started? Or fabulous anything else for that matter? Do you agree with me that, if we all waited for perfect before we got started, we’d never get anywhere?

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posted on June 23, 2008 ·

Facebook comments:

http://www.barcelonabathandbody.com/ Rachel/Barcelona Bath & Bo

Hi dM,
I agree with you. You can have super-high standards like Larry and let that hold you back from putting anything out there (ask me how I know) OR you can look around you at all of your competitors who have the nerve to put something out there and see who’s making more profit.
I can understand Larry’s viewpoint completely. He’s justifying his profession (much in the way that you might advise hiring an attorney or I might advise hiring a marketing professional–all good ideas no doubt for those who have the means). Certainly I can see the value in hiring a professional to film a once in a lifetime event that you’ll never get the opportunity to re-shoot, but you’ll always have the opportunity to upgrade your marketing materials IF you are able to get your business up and running with cash flowing in. Bootstrapping 101, right?
http://www.barcelonabathandbody.com Rachel/Barcelona Bath & Body

Hi dM,
I agree with you. You can have super-high standards like Larry and let that hold you back from putting anything out there (ask me how I know) OR you can look around you at all of your competitors who have the nerve to put something out there and see who’s making more profit.
I can understand Larry’s viewpoint completely. He’s justifying his profession (much in the way that you might advise hiring an attorney or I might advise hiring a marketing professional–all good ideas no doubt for those who have the means). Certainly I can see the value in hiring a professional to film a once in a lifetime event that you’ll never get the opportunity to re-shoot, but you’ll always have the opportunity to upgrade your marketing materials IF you are able to get your business up and running with cash flowing in. Bootstrapping 101, right?
http://www.gcdspa.com/ Emily Caswell

YES, YES, YES! You simply MUST start with what you have and move forward. People are hobbled by this perceived need to do everything perfectly from day one, and this is just not realistic.
My experience with creating video clips for the web is that resolution only needs to be as good as the output device used to view it. By the time you compress your fancy video down to web-compatible size and format, you’ve lost so much that almost any consumer video camera would give a similar result. And don’t forget that technology is always changing: why lock yourself into an expensive camera purchase when you can get twice the camera for half the price a year or two from now?
This “forever” business is hooey! The web is a dynamic medium and it is almost expected that content will be replaced routinely. As your abilities evolve and you build new skills, the quality of your product will improve. It’s a work in progress, and you’re right: you have to start somewhere!
http://www.gcdspa.com Emily Caswell

YES, YES, YES! You simply MUST start with what you have and move forward. People are hobbled by this perceived need to do everything perfectly from day one, and this is just not realistic.
My experience with creating video clips for the web is that resolution only needs to be as good as the output device used to view it. By the time you compress your fancy video down to web-compatible size and format, you’ve lost so much that almost any consumer video camera would give a similar result. And don’t forget that technology is always changing: why lock yourself into an expensive camera purchase when you can get twice the camera for half the price a year or two from now?
This “forever” business is hooey! The web is a dynamic medium and it is almost expected that content will be replaced routinely. As your abilities evolve and you build new skills, the quality of your product will improve. It’s a work in progress, and you’re right: you have to start somewhere!
http://www.leesabarnes.com/ Leesa Barnes

I’m so glad you posted this. The whole goal of my post was to encourage the indie business person to just get started. I was happy to see that the majority of responses to my post were feelings of relief that the small business owner didn’t need to be perfect with their video podcasts.
My first 6 podcast episodes were crappy. I didn’t realize how crappy it was until I continued podcasting and upgraded my recording equipment. One of these days, I’ll post them on my blog for all to hear.
Now, if I let audio quality stop me, I wouldn’t have written a book on the topic, built a business on podcasting or met amazing people like you Donna Maria. In other words, if I let the fear of criticism stop me, I wouldn’t have continued with podcasting.
So, stop the analysis paralysis and just get it done already. Whatever “it” is
http://www.leesabarnes.com Leesa Barnes

I’m so glad you posted this. The whole goal of my post was to encourage the indie business person to just get started. I was happy to see that the majority of responses to my post were feelings of relief that the small business owner didn’t need to be perfect with their video podcasts.
My first 6 podcast episodes were crappy. I didn’t realize how crappy it was until I continued podcasting and upgraded my recording equipment. One of these days, I’ll post them on my blog for all to hear.
Now, if I let audio quality stop me, I wouldn’t have written a book on the topic, built a business on podcasting or met amazing people like you Donna Maria. In other words, if I let the fear of criticism stop me, I wouldn’t have continued with podcasting.
So, stop the analysis paralysis and just get it done already. Whatever “it” is
http://www.thegoldengoatllc.com/ Pam Keller

I totally agree. My first website was a sorry excuse. Now, I think I am doing much better. My first product packaging attempts were horrific, and I keep the photos to remind me how far I have come. I am still improving, and never stop trying to get better, but if I waited for perfection, I would never get anywhere. My first photos were horrible, but I am learning how to use lightboxes and angles, and my photos are looking better. I used to let imperfection paralyze me, but I realized that something is better than nothing. It is a good thing that I started with a fantastic product, because that has gotten me where I am today. Thanks for the encouragement. It is right on!!
http://www.thegoldengoatllc.com Pam Keller

I totally agree. My first website was a sorry excuse. Now, I think I am doing much better. My first product packaging attempts were horrific, and I keep the photos to remind me how far I have come. I am still improving, and never stop trying to get better, but if I waited for perfection, I would never get anywhere. My first photos were horrible, but I am learning how to use lightboxes and angles, and my photos are looking better. I used to let imperfection paralyze me, but I realized that something is better than nothing. It is a good thing that I started with a fantastic product, because that has gotten me where I am today. Thanks for the encouragement. It is right on!!
http://www.homespagoddess.com/ Denise

Wow, I can’t believe you posted this! I just finished creating and posting a free online seminar on how to take digital photos and videos. It’s here:
http://www.youtube.com/user/TheHSG
It’s just the tips I’ve learned along the way, including how to build a light box. I sent the link for it to everyone that signed up for advertising info from me.
It’s not “professional”, but it can help someone get started. And that’s what counts, right?
I wish more Indies would embrace technology beyond the regular web. You can’t just put up a website, it’s not enough anymore, people want more! I get so many emails about the etailers that are in my commercials, it’s insane.
But guess what? Most of the questions and requests from information come after the commercials have been in my vids for a few weeks! You have to get your products in front of people on a regular basis. And if you post cool videos about your products that people have to visit your site to see on a regular basis…
My first vids were bad; but 88 vids later they are much better. My first podcasts were bad too; 173 shows later I’ve got it down to a science. I started in both cases with what I had and upgraded when needed.
I’m glad you do mention videos and blogs and podcasts here, I just wish more Indies would take action and produce content.
There are ways to produce great content on a budget (or no budget), I do it all the time:)
I will say I’m no fan of the Flip, it is just okay and the audio is awful. Besides, if you buy the display models at stores, you can get a great camera for about the cost of a Flip! That’s how I got mine, it was supposed to be $250 but I paid $140 because it didn’t have a box!
http://www.homespagoddess.com Denise

Wow, I can’t believe you posted this! I just finished creating and posting a free online seminar on how to take digital photos and videos. It’s here:
http://www.youtube.com/user/TheHSG
It’s just the tips I’ve learned along the way, including how to build a light box. I sent the link for it to everyone that signed up for advertising info from me.
It’s not “professional”, but it can help someone get started. And that’s what counts, right?
I wish more Indies would embrace technology beyond the regular web. You can’t just put up a website, it’s not enough anymore, people want more! I get so many emails about the etailers that are in my commercials, it’s insane.
But guess what? Most of the questions and requests from information come after the commercials have been in my vids for a few weeks! You have to get your products in front of people on a regular basis. And if you post cool videos about your products that people have to visit your site to see on a regular basis…
My first vids were bad; but 88 vids later they are much better. My first podcasts were bad too; 173 shows later I’ve got it down to a science. I started in both cases with what I had and upgraded when needed.
I’m glad you do mention videos and blogs and podcasts here, I just wish more Indies would take action and produce content.
There are ways to produce great content on a budget (or no budget), I do it all the time:)
I will say I’m no fan of the Flip, it is just okay and the audio is awful. Besides, if you buy the display models at stores, you can get a great camera for about the cost of a Flip! That’s how I got mine, it was supposed to be $250 but I paid $140 because it didn’t have a box!
http://profile.typekey.com/shakti_oils/ Gina Rafkind, VedaSun

Great post dM! You do have to start where you are and do the best you can. Plus, if we didn’t we’d lose all those experiences that help us grow into who we really are and that helps us figure out what it is exactly that we want to do. All those experiences, which some people call mistakes, all make up who we are.
Thanks,
Gina
http://profile.typekey.com/shakti_oils/ Gina Rafkind, VedaSun

Great post dM! You do have to start where you are and do the best you can. Plus, if we didn’t we’d lose all those experiences that help us grow into who we really are and that helps us figure out what it is exactly that we want to do. All those experiences, which some people call mistakes, all make up who we are.
Thanks,
Gina
http://www.sisterinc.com/ Audrey

This was a great post. I agree with everyone here that you must start where you are and grow. Most small businesses don’t have a production budget so starting small is ideal. Larry is a production professional and I understand where he is coming from, but he needs to under the small grow business. I have some videos up on You Tube now that good and some are bad, but I love this whole video thing so I am perfecting my craft and using video to expand my business.
Just wanted to put my two cents in.
Audrey
http://www.sisterinc.com Audrey

This was a great post. I agree with everyone here that you must start where you are and grow. Most small businesses don’t have a production budget so starting small is ideal. Larry is a production professional and I understand where he is coming from, but he needs to under the small grow business. I have some videos up on You Tube now that good and some are bad, but I love this whole video thing so I am perfecting my craft and using video to expand my business.
Just wanted to put my two cents in.
Audrey
http://www.yourstorys.com/ Larry Lawfer

Just found this post and noticed you are quoting me incorrectly. I guess that is the way it is on the web. Thank you for spelling my name correctly and linking back to my website.
Now to the point. Good is better than bad, whether you are writing, videoing, recording, whatever, good is better than bad. Why not start with the best you can. Why not hold yourself to the highest standards. You know people will be judging you and your content. I write this not to justify my profession, but to share some common sense. Would you eat at a bad restaurant? I am not being silly here. People will not watch something that is not good, the won’t listen to bad audio, they won’t wade through bad technique even if it is good content by your standards. There will be a vetting out process through the next year. If you want an audience to stay use the best technique you can. It is that simple.
Yes it does cost to have better equipment, but it will cost more to buy inferior equipment, or not use a tripod, or record using a poor mic held too far from the subject and loose your audience. Instead of arguing this point, use common sense. Always do the best you can, that is as simple as my message can be.

http://www.indiebusinessblog.com Donna Maria Coles Johnson

Larry: I love your message of doing the best you can. My words in quotations were taken directly from what I read. I’m sorry if my context was not an exact match to yours. Always doing the best we can sometimes means using substandard equipment until we can inch our way forward to using the best. Some people have that to start with. They may not start out on par, but they get their through sheer grit, and this starts with just being in the game. Bad quality video stinks. But so many people learn from making bad videos, and as they learn, they become better. Those are the people who I love to check in on after a year and see how they have improved and their businesses have grown. Often times, it all started because they were willing to stick their necks out, work with what little they had, improve a little at a time, and make something happen. Thanks for sharing from your wealth of experience and expertise!

http://www.yourstorys.com Larry Lawfer

Just found this post and noticed you are quoting me incorrectly. I guess that is the way it is on the web. Thank you for spelling my name correctly and linking back to my website.
Now to the point. Good is better than bad, whether you are writing, videoing, recording, whatever, good is better than bad. Why not start with the best you can. Why not hold yourself to the highest standards. You know people will be judging you and your content. I write this not to justify my profession, but to share some common sense. Would you eat at a bad restaurant? I am not being silly here. People will not watch something that is not good, the won’t listen to bad audio, they won’t wade through bad technique even if it is good content by your standards. There will be a vetting out process through the next year. If you want an audience to stay use the best technique you can. It is that simple.
Yes it does cost to have better equipment, but it will cost more to buy inferior equipment, or not use a tripod, or record using a poor mic held too far from the subject and loose your audience. Instead of arguing this point, use common sense. Always do the best you can, that is as simple as my message can be.
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The Fragrant Muse

I know this was posted two years ago, but is as relevant for me today as if you the ink were still wet!

I am ready to put my toes in the video world with online tutorials and after creating the YouTube Channel, began looking for the perfect high end camera. HA! Talk about making yourself crazy. I decided to focus more on the content of the video and allow myself the the knowledge that as my understanding of video technology matures, so will my choice of equipment!

What fun it will be one day to look back on my early videos and see how I’ve grown!

http://www.indiebusinessblog.com Donna Maria Coles Johnson

Hi there! Yes, most of my posts are timeless pieces of advice that are relevant long after I share them. Thanks for noticing that! I’m so glad you are focusing more on content. While a video must be aesthetically pleasing with good audio sound, it doesn’t have to be “broadcast network” ready in order to serve its purpose. If you wait until you understand video technology perfectly to start using video, you’ll be so far behind the curve that, once you get started, you’ll be on other people’s dust. This is the error I see so many Indies making now.

I’m glad you are not getting stuck there! And I love your attitude of seeing it has a growth process, because that’s precisely what it is. Small business ownership is the most amazing personal development and achievement tool in the world. Use it not only to make a profit, but to become a better person so you are equipped to do good for your whole life. I love that you share this approach, and I look forward to seeing your videos!

Let me know how I can help!