Therapist Thoughts

As you know from my previous posts, I encourage you to share your expertise. It may be in the form of a traditional blog or a podcast. However, another way to get your message out there is through a video blog. Vlogs, as they are referred to on the internet, are increasingly popular, especially with the explosion of YouTube.

The great thing about your content is that you are adding to the health and well being of our society, versus some of the useless, meaningless information that can be found. You can be proud that what you do is making a difference and having impact.

For example, Norm Quantz, co-founder of IMAGEFaceToFace.com and a relationship expert, decided that writing a weekly blog was just not his style. After brainstorming for a while, it was decided that it was his face to face conversations that held the most impact. So his video blog was launched. At www.NormQuantz.com you can see his numerous videos on topics ranging from relationships to information for other therapists. Norm has really found his groove.

You may ask, “How do you go about creating a video blog?” Well I recommend that you take some time to brainstorm some topics related to your area of specialty that you think the general public would like to be educated on. I recommend starting with a list of at least 10. You will want to keep them short, 2-5 minutes is great. Then if it works for you, you can do what Norm does, turn the video camera on (mounted to a tripod) and sit down in front of it and start talking. Remember you can always get the videos edited. Whether you learn to do it yourself or hire someone to do some quick editing, it will be worth it. It allows you to get into it and forget that the camera is there. Norm has his assistant in the room while he is recording and he talks to her. It is like he is in the middle of a conversation that just happens to be recorded. It helps him keep it natural.

If you are a bit nervous, then maybe use a point form outline of what you would like to say. Just remember to look at the camera and not your notes. It may take a few tries, but take your time. You want it to be naturally you.

You may also consider doing an interview, or being interviewed about a topic. Some find it easier to talk about something, if they are prompted with a question. Have a friend, family member or colleague ask a question and record your answer. Remember you can edit.

Once the video is edited you can upload it to your YouTube account, post it on your blog, or both. I recommend posting it on your blog a few weeks before you add it to YouTube. That way the search engines have a chance to make note that they found it on your site first before it is seen on YouTube.

Another way you can record your video is using the ‘Video Email’ feature in your FaceToFaceGlobal.com conference room. Under Tools and Features click on Video Email and create a short 2 minute video, using your webcam and your mic. Once you are done, you would just log into your Operator account and quickly customize the look of your video, then let the system create a link you can use anywhere. You can email it out to your list of friends and colleagues or you can post the link in your blog. Norm uses this method to distribute his Therapist to Therapist column in the monthly “The Effective Therapist” newsletter here at IMAGEFaceToFace.com

However you choose to do it, see it as just another way to get your message out there. Video allows for a real connection between you and your viewer.

Warmly,
Tammy Morales