Video Workshops
Have you wondered how competitors seem to have an endless supply of videos to keep their prospective customers engaged? And how some people are able to present their business so confidently? Are you struggling for ideas?

You will be guided through all this, so that you will be able to have great videos in the future, and i54newmedia will edit your work so that you will have a finished product to upload to your website, YouTube, smartphone or tablet shortly afterwards.

This enjoyable and productive workshop shouldn’t be missed as the experience should give you enough information to produce better videos yourself, or commission the best possible outcomes from a professional firm.

Do you have photos languishing on your computer? When Kelly Swallow had to provide X Factor winners One Direction a patchwork  sofa for their 'Up All Night Tour' she was literally up all night meeting the deadline.
Luckily photos were taken of the process and i54newmedia were able to turn them into a slide-show video quicker than you can say Jack Robinson. Now Kelly can promote her Patchwork Chairs alongside the group's nationwide tour.

Of course, it has billions of users, its owned by Google, so bung up a video for your business, (or get a 10 year old to do it for you) = instant success. Well no, we all know that can’t be true. So here are some of the mistakes people make with YouTube.
Firstly they don’t produce a sufficiently high quality film in the first place. Unless you are selling pop music or something way out, then hand held phones and camcorders just won’t do. We see wobble, out of focus shots, inept sound and incorrectly framed captions. YouTube has HD, so your video must be shot in HD also. Need I mention scripting? You get my drift.

What is true is that businesses can’t afford not to be on YouTube, but it has to be done properly. It is rather like the difference between your personal Facebook page with all those jokey family pics and games, and your professional Business Facebook. Ask yourself this question, would you have a second rate website, poor graphics or printed media? People often spend thousands on their website and then put up a homemade video. 
The second mistake is to just upload the video and do nothing else, and worse put it on their website as it is. For a business which has any regard for its image, just like their social media, there needs to be a YouTube channel set up properly branded and, particularly useful, you will find excellent stats come with it. Although simple to do, often this is overlooked. 
The third mistake is to upload it to the website where it will appear just as it is, the next similar videos from other YouTubers  all showing at the end. 
Finally, it needs to be promoted; the Channel needs to attract subscribers and requires as much work as any other social media. 

Far from perfect, our Channel (i54media) gives some idea of where I am going on this. http://bit.ly/p8SBds

I thought other followers of Purpledognet might find it interesting to know what it’s like to be the business of the day on July 5th 2011. Perhaps you thought I was some kind of social media expert who ‘knew the ropes’ or even had a special App for this. Well, no, I am not an expert, nor do I have an App for this (although it wouldn’t surprise me if someone came up with one soon). I am truly a small business creative whose first priority is to interpret people’s business and turn it into an effective film. 
How did I get on the shortlist? Apart from being alerted to Purpledognet at an early stage and faithfully RT-ing and sending messages of encouragement, I have no idea. I am left with the impression that this must be genuine opportunity freely available to all and a brilliant concept. All that is required is a bit of hard work and an open attitude to getting to know other businesses and to engage with them. I always understood this to be the underlying principle of making social media work for you. And work it has for me. 
Before lunch I had over 60 new Followers. The total for my Purpledog business of the day was 93 Followers, 90% of whom are quality contacts. These kind people were not automated links, they often as not have sent sincere good wishes and I am have responded as best as I can the same day. I feel that I have made a pile of new friends! Now my ‘glory day’ is over I will use my increased follower power to boost the links for others too. 
If asked what advice to give a prospective Purpledog business of the day, I would say, if you are planning a very special offer on your website, then this is the time to launch it. Also it is an opportunity to point out your presence on Facebook and LinkedIn or other platform. The skills I have to offer are elsewhere on this website and I would encourage you to put your toe in the water with film for your business and you will get every kind of support all the way. Meanwhile continue to support Purpledognet and you will make many new friends.

Spent a delightful evening filming the charming Sylvia Anderson in conversation at the RAF Museum on Saturday. Great audience reaction to the real Lady Penelope who has lost none of her panache. Many were surprised at the length and breadth of her career which followed as a top media executive but her lilting astute responses and the Thunderbirds and other extracts stole the show.

Ms. Sylvia
Anderson fields a Q & A session from the fans.