Ever uttered the phrase, “I just hate the way I look on camera?”

You’re not alone. Many people report appearing on film is one of the last things they want to do. Ever. 

Heck, even famous movie stars don’t want to watch themselves on film. I completely get it, and you’re 100-percent allowed to feel this way. 

But here’s the thing: it’s projected that adding video to your content strategy is the easiest, most effective way to get attention with your business online.

And if you want to get truly psychological, it can help bolster your customer’s internal “familiarity principle.” Meaning, people are more likely to buy and engage with brands and people they know. Or feel like they know.

You want to be familiar with your customers. Familiarity equals relationships. Relationships equals being able to know and anticipate the needs of your guests and/or consumers. More anticipation of needs means more offerings. Which means more sales. 

See how easy it is?

Besides, getting into your potential customer’s social streams or emails with a friendly, encouraging message or an exciting behind-the-scenes tour of how you make your business run is, quite frankly, what your customers already expect from you in the digital age.

In short: if you want your business to succeed in 2020 and beyond, you need video. Here are a few tips to help you break past fear and get started:

1. Remember: you’re not terrible on camera

You just haven’t had enough practice. We’re all terrible and uncomfortable at things we don’t do often. This isn’t something that has to be permanent. You have an opportunity to learn and grow here, if you allow yourself to.

2. Be yourself

A lot of people think they have to be some sort of rocket scientist to do well on video. You don’t! First, there’s the magic of editing, so take the pressure to speak coherently on the fist try off your shoulders right now.

The world wants to hear from you. Not who you think you should be. So wear, act, and talk just like you would if a camera wasn’t on you. You’re not performing. You’re just having a simple conversation with your audience.

3. Treat yourself to something a little bit extra before the day of your shoot

Does a mani-pedi make you feel more put together? Need to touch up your roots? Want a fresh coat of lipstick or a new outfit? It’s time to make like Tom Haverford and “Treat Yo Self!” Having an extra polish and shine outside your regular routine will make you feel fresh and confident! If you know you look your best it will do wonders for your mental state going in for your shoot.

4. Rehearse what you’re going to say - even if it makes you feel silly 

Hopefully, the videographer you’ve hired has a pre-interview as a part of their on-boarding process. But even still, take a moment to reflect on what you want to say and what your intention is as a result of starting video for your business. 

I sometimes do this in the car or even in the shower. That way if there’s a pause or I start to panic, I have something that my mind can fall back on in the heat of the moment.

And if you write something down, talk it out. Make sure what you’ve written sounds natural and like you when it’s spoken out loud.

5. Remember, you can always start over 

This isn’t a live broadcast recording and it isn’t going straight to television. You can say, “Hold on, I’m not quite happy with the way I just said that,” and rephrase it. It’s digital content, it’s not etching in stone. It’s a flexible and fun process. Lean into it! Experiment with a few words or key phrasing. 

Anything, I repeat, anything can be fixed on the editing room floor. You got this. Take a breath and start again.

6. Trust your videographer

This is a big one. The reason why you hired a professional is because you want someone to make you look your absolute best. Your videographer is trained to shoot from the best angles and to use the best lighting. Let go of your image and trust the experts. 

I’ve helped coach dozens of people through news interviews – even some pretty intensive national broadcast network interviews – and I’m not afraid to tell someone when their tie is crooked or they have spinach in their teeth.

At the same time, if there’s something you’re self conscious about, let your videographer know. Everyone has a side they feel is their best angle. Communicate it with your video team. They want what’s best for you, too. 

7. Be fully engaged in the process

Go all in. This is you you we’re talking about be awesome. You have the opportunity to have a lot of fun, make a few new friends, create great content for your business all in one. Don’t judge it or overthink the shoot. Just let it be and have some fun.

8. Remember: no one is going to watch this video like you will

This is key to creating and watching a video in its final form: no one will critique you on video as harshly as you will.

Said another way, no one is going to notice your laugh lines. Or the way you wrinkle your nose when you talk. Or think that you’re stupid. Or any of that silly mess. 

They’ll see the whole picture and won’t zero in on your perceived flaws.

 
9. Never say “never”

Let’s rewrite the mindset, shall we? If we tell ourselves that we could never possibly do something, then we simply won’t do it. The fact of the matter is when we say “never” we create a mental roadblock that is super hard to overcome. 

It’s time to rise up and explore what fresh and consistent video content can do for your business.