Put your face out there
Most people on this planet we call Earth like to watch events unfold. That is why we are easily drawn to gossip, telenovelas, sports etc. It’s no wonder that actors have become so popular. I mean think about it, what exactly do actors do that makes them so popular? You know, it’s kind of funny how actors can simply pretend to be a character, and suddenly people adore them. Doesn’t really make much sense, does it? But hey, that’s the world we live in. It just goes to show how crucial it is to give a face to a character. And that’s exactly what I want to chat about today.
The Power of Video
It used to be a rare and expensive endeavour to be in a video back in the era before smartphones, but things have changed now. Literally, anyone can take a phone, create a video and share it with the whole world in an instant! This unleashes a whole new world of creativity and discovery for many.
Videos have the power to influence humans in a way that words alone may not be able to. I remember watching some of my favourite movies of all time like “Pursuit of Happyness” and “3 Idiots” and noticed how even after the movie I kept thinking about some of the concepts communicated in the movie.
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I watched 3 Idiots in my early 20s, I remember it was late in the night and I was just about to put off the TV and get to bed when the movie started. I said “Let me see if this is a mind-boggling movie” and just wanted to watch the intro but ended up watching the entire two-and-a-half-hour movie.
Thankfully the next day was Saturday. But I stayed up to watch it because it was communicating something I was currently contemplating in my little head. The movie expressed my exact sentiments, “Follow excellence, and success will chase you, pants down!” It’s funny how I still remember this statement after over a decade. That’s the power of storytelling through video.
But even though so much power has been placed in our mobile phones, I realized that most business owners I speak to do not want to take a video of themselves talking about their businesses. The reasons are the same, “I don’t have a professional camera.”, “I’m not extroverted”, “I don’t know what to say”, “I’m not beautiful enough”, or “I’m shy”. It’s like having the ability to imprint your business in the minds of your potential customers but refusing to do so because of your own personal (selfish) reasons.
Let me tell you a secret, your first video is going to be terrible, your voice is going to sound strange to you, and you may not feel 100% comfortable releasing this to the world but all I can say is do it. Because the benefits far outweigh the fears that you are thinking about. Just to inspire you, go ahead and watch the first video I ever released;
This was in 2020 just months after the lockdown. I was so insecure about the video that I had to do it with one of my students at the time. But this first one gave me more ideas and now I’ve gained about 50,000 views on the channel. It’s not much in Youtube terms but this is just to give you an idea of what 50,000 people in one place look like.
Imagine the number of people I could have reached if I had started in 2018 when I first thought about making videos.
Youtube is also the world’s second-largest search engine so it is worth it to put your content on Youtube. I believe that there’s a lot more content that can and should be produced by Africans. Don’t hold back. Watch a basic video on how to shoot a quality video, set up your phone and start shooting. You will get better and your audience and reach will grow over time.
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Be like an Actor
In today’s business landscape, putting a face to your brand is crucial. It humanizes the business, builds trust, and creates a personal connection with customers. By showcasing the people behind your company and engaging directly with your audience, you can establish authenticity and stand out in a digital age where faceless interactions are common.
Actors are indeed incredibly brave individuals who step in front of the camera, bearing their imperfect selves to the world. It’s no small feat, considering the potential for both praise and ridicule that comes with it. Interestingly, it’s the fear of facing criticism and negative judgment that often makes people shy away from being on camera. We tend to prefer staying behind the scenes, avoiding the spotlight.
It’s a natural instinct to protect ourselves from potential embarrassment or vulnerability. But hey, let’s not forget that taking risks can also lead to great rewards, like recognition, admiration, and personal growth. It’s all about finding that balance between embracing our imperfections and having the courage to showcase our true selves to the world.
When we delve deeper into the reasons why people often shy away from being behind the camera, we can indeed find elements of self-centeredness and insecurity. It’s a fascinating observation that humans tend to enjoy watching and judging others, yet when it comes to being the ones watched and judged, we often feel uncomfortable. It’s a paradox of all sorts. Perhaps it stems from our innate desire to control our self-presentation and protect our image.
It’s true that watching ourselves in a video can be a bit unnerving for many people. It brings us face-to-face with our own flaws and vulnerabilities, which can be challenging to confront. It’s important to acknowledge that these feelings are common and understandable.
What should you video?
When you’re passionate about your business, the possibilities for sharing your knowledge and expertise are endless. You can dive into insightful topics, provide how-to guides, explore subjects in-depth, add a touch of humour, debunk common myths, offer valuable teachings, conduct engaging interviews, provide reviews—the list goes on and on! The key is to leverage your passion to create content that resonates with your audience.
While it’s true that you can start sharing without showing your face, embracing your own presence on camera can make a significant difference. It adds a personal touch and helps establish a stronger connection with your audience. Sure, there might be a few cringe-worthy moments along the way, but the benefits far outweigh the challenges.
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By putting your face to your business, you become the authentic spokesperson, showcasing your expertise, enthusiasm, and unique personality. It helps build trust and credibility with your audience, making you more relatable and approachable. And remember, everyone has those cringe moments—it’s all part of the learning process and growth.
So, don’t be afraid to get started now! Tap into your passion, share your insights, and let your knowledge shine. Embrace the power of video, and you’ll discover that you have a wealth of valuable information to offer. The benefits of connecting with your audience on a deeper level and establishing yourself as an authority in your field are worth the initial challenges. Take that leap, and you’ll be amazed at the positive impact it can have on your business.
Hope this will help you get off your behind, pick a topic and start shooting. Let me know in the comments if you have any videos you would like to share. I’ll make time to watch and maybe comment.
