Video is a great communications medium because it allows companies to get information to clients, but it can also do something better than that.  It can stir emotion.

Marketing guru Seth Godin recently blogged that data crowds faith.  That it distracts marketers from their real mission… creating an emotional connection.

I couldn’t agree more.  While it’s possible to pack a video with facts and figures, it really isn’t the most effective use of the platform.  A little bit of information goes a long way in video, and the focus should really be on creating a “sense” about a business or product.

It’s all about good solid storytelling.  You want clients finishing the video “feeling” confident about your company.

–Tony Gnau

Scott Brown won the Massachusetts Senate seat using solid campaigning… in-person… and online.  All you have to do is take one look at his web site (brownforussenate.com), and you know this guy had a solid team behind him… guiding him down the right cyber path.

And prominently posted right at the top of his web site… a YouTube video introducing him.  Now, it’s not the best produced video I’ve seen, but it definitely gives you a sense about him.  In the last three days, it’s received more than 127,000 hits!

Introducing yourself… your business… via video… works.

–Tony Gnau

Scott Brown’s stunning Senate election win in Massachusetts last night has in many ways been credited to his use of Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.  He posted videos across all these platforms… giving voters a chance to meet and get to know a virtual unknown.

It worked for Barack Obama.  It worked for Scott Brown.  Behold the power of video!

Is your business next?

–Tony Gnau

The new year has begun and we’re committing to content.  Last year T60 launched its Video Marketing Newsletter, and it’s going to be a big part of 2010.

This is NOT a monthly sales pitch.  We want to help businesses better understand how video can work for them, so we’ve assembled a great team to teach everyone… T60’s clients. 

The newsletter content has case studies demonstrating how our clients are using their videos, and trust me, they’re pretty creative.  Reading their stories might be just what you need to jump-start your own marketing campaign, or at the very least, offer some fresh ideas.

We’re already working on the February newsletter, so get signed up and we’ll deliver it to you when it hits.

https://www.t60productions.com/Newsletter_Signup.html

–Tony Gnau

I’m looking forward to a shoot for Walgreens this afternoon.  It’s our second for the pharmacy giant. 

While T60 is a full-service video production boutique, we also have clients who only have some basic video needs.  In this case, Walgreens just needs some video shot at one of its stores.  The company has production people in-house, but too much work to get done today so T60 is here to help pick up the slack.

Shoot a little video… do a short edit… all in a day’s work.  Oh yeah, I can’t forget to pick up toothpaste while I’m there.

–Tony Gnau

Wow!  Is it January 31st already?  It’s been a good but challenging year at T60, and we’re full of optimism for 2010.

We’ve been doing a lot of thinking about the economy and its impact on all businesses, so we’ve been working on some plans to help our clients market themselves on declining budgets.  One thing’s for sure, “T60” will soon take on new meaning in the new year.

Stay tuned… we’ll reveal more in January!

–Tony Gnau

I love storytelling.  It’s my passion.  As a young TV news reporter, I watched stories by as many talented journalists as possible.  They were a huge influence on me and every Christmas there’s one story I always watch for continued inspiration.

It was produced by photojournalist Brad Houston, formerly of KUSA in Denver.  The story won every award you can imagine, and when you watch you’ll know why.

So on this Christmas Eve, I share it with you.  All my best to you and your family this holiday season.

http://homepage.mac.com/bradtv/iMovieTheater9.html

–Tony Gnau

YouTube is introducing a new service that targets media outlets, but it could help just about any business.

It’s called YouTube Direct.  The idea is you can embed a YouTube uploading device into your web site.  That will then allow a company to “request, review, and re-broadcast user-submitted videos.”

Companies can ask satisfied clients to submit their own videos on how they’re using the product or service.  It’s like turning customers into a virtual marketing department.

Who knows what they’ll come up with!?  Regardless, the company will only have to use the videos they like, and it could be a great way to supplement the videos they’re producing themselves.  As a matter of fact, the business could even incorporate the client video into the company’s professionally produced videos.

There’s a lot of opportunities here.

http://www.youtube.com/direct

I saw a fun story today by one of my favorite reporters (see the link below) and it got me thinking.  Every company has characters who work there, and company leaders should really make an effort to harness their stories.

People are fun, engaging, outgoing and they can be great salespeople… even if they’re not salespeople.  When we like the people we deal with, we want to buy more, and video provides a great vehicle to allow customers to get to know the people behind the products and services a company provides.

Imagine a whole series of videos featuring employees… not the company.  Maybe each story starts with what they do at the company, but they transition to something fun about that person.

Now that would be an innovative marketing strategy!  Find the Sue Johnson at your company and introduce her to your customers!

Watch Sue Johnson’s story: http://www.kare11.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=831826

–Tony Gnau