Fax machines will never catch on, especially since the person at the other end needs one as well.

Social media is a waste of time! Nobody is going to increase their sales with a bookmark or a Tweet.

Facebook … that is just a site for college kids who should be studying.

This is why I have dedicated the posts over the last couple of months almost exclusively to explaining the value proposition of video email.

Posts from the Past Couple of Months

Video Email: It Is a Matter of Trust

When it comes to business, trust is the most valuable currency in the world. Video email is a quick and easy way to put a face to the name, which creates trust and builds rapport. In this post, we cover the basis of why video email creates trust and how it differs from web video (e.g. a video on YouTube).

The 5 Keys to Success with Video Email

I have worked with hundreds of people from many different walks of life, who work in a surprising variety of industries. These five keys are the product of hundreds of hours of research and personal testing. By mastering the keys, you will put yourself on the fast track to success with video email.

3 Types of Video Email Message: Personalized, Evergreen, and Automated

Learn about the three different types of video email message that you can use in your marketing and daily communications: personalized, evergreen and automated. Evergreen and automated video emails can save a great deal of time, while still maintaining the personal touch. A great example of an evergreen video email is a response to a FAQ.

Choosing the Right Equipment for Your Video Emails

With so many video options on the market, it is difficult and time-consuming to know which video equipment to choose. So I have created a six-minute screencast to make things really easy for you. I deal with webcams, camcorders, lights and more. In addition, I cover from the bare essentials all the way up to a mini-studio.

Software Updates & New Features

Video Email Templates: A Fresh New Look and Feel

We have updated three of our video email templates. The new design has a larger background image, so the video email templates display well on both low and high-resolution screens (small and large monitors). We have also improved the way exit links work, to drive more focus to your calls-to-action.

“Hotspots” Launched: Perfect for Qualifying Leads and Interest Level

This is the data you need, to focus on your most qualified leads. Video analytics isn’t just about number of views. Frankly, numbers alone can be very misleading. What you need to know is how many people watched your video and where people started to x-out (lose interest in the content). This is why we created ”Hotspots”: a heatmap view of how people watch your videos.

P.S.

The larger our audience becomes, the more time we can invest in creating content. So feel free to make liberal use of the floating share buttons to the left of each post.

The world isn’t going to slow down. In fact, the rate at which information is currently expanding is exponential. Some futurists predict that in a few years we will no longer be able to keep up. However, if you think of yourself a gyroscope, and you become truly centered, the faster the world moves around you and the more stable you will become. ¹

The Newsletter

We’ve been climbing up Google’s results for our search terms this month, and also made some significant changes to our video email software and website. Plus, I have found some more awesome and thought provoking TED Talks.

This Month’s Posts

Video Email Software: Systems Updates and New Features for July 2011

Since we launched in mid 2008, our video email software has come a long way. This latest batch of improvements is focused on usability (we streamlined the use of a couple of key features), but we have also implemented the foundation for some major changes in the near future. To find out what we have got brewing, read this post.

The Most Important Piece of Software That We Use

In the modern world, the tools may not make the person, but they do play a major role in how far they can go and how quickly they can get there. In this post, you can learn about the most powerful tool in our toolbox. This one tool alone enables us to run jiveSYSTEMS with small team at a very high output.

Seth Priebatsch – The Game Layer On Top of The World

The game layer is an integral part of the rapidly approaching future. In this talk, Seth Prebatsch shows us how different aspects of games take hold of our attention and can influence massive amounts of people; we just have to lay the framework first. What game will you build to support the growth of your business?

Dan Pink – The Surprising Science of Motivation

This is one of my favorite TED Talks. Career analyst Dan Pink examines the puzzle of motivation, starting with a fact that social scientists know but most managers don’t: Traditional rewards aren’t always as effective as we think. Listen for illuminating stories — and maybe, a way forward.

Up 15 Positions in the Search Results for “Video Email”

There have been many opinions circulating about the benefits of SEO post-Panda. Some internet marketers have even been saying Panda is the death of SEO. From my perspective, the people that have been hit the hardest are Black Hat SEOs. Google is giving less precedent to low quality backlinks and more weight has been given to Traffic and Social Media.

The Google Panda Update: What Does it Mean?

Rand of SEOMoz is a world authority on white hat search engine marketing (SEO). In this video, he gives you a bird’s eye view of the recent changes that Google has made to their search algorithm. If you want to rank high in the organic search results, you need to watch this video. This is the most informative video on SEO that I have ever come across!

The Recent Changes to Our Blog Navigation and Setup

In this post, I talk about the changes I have made to our blog and how they will improve our rank in the search engines and the overall user experience. Blogs are the new newspapers and magazines. In my opinion, a blog is an one of the essential parts of building a successful business.

Compilation of Our Free Resources

This post is a compilation of information and links to the free resources that we have put together to benefit the internet marketing community (small business owners and entrepreneurs). Our free resources are packed full of insight that will enable you to take your business to the next level.
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Footnotes

One of the major advantages we have is the velocity at which we can go from idea to actuality. While the corporations are still waiting for their next board meeting to put forward a proposal, we can pump out informative and timely content.

The Newsletter

We have been making some major upgrades here at jiveSYSTEMS, as usual. This month we launched some new features in our video email software, made some tweaks to our website, and published 6 new blog posts.

This Month’s Posts

Simon Sinek – How Great Leaders and Organizations Inspire Action

I regularly sift through the lectures on TED because the speakers are always inspiring. In this TED Talk, Simon Sinek reveals his astounding discovery: he has codified why companies succeed when others with even greater resources fail. I have watched this video over 7 times already. The information is gold, so I grabbed the video and published it here for you.

Video Email Software: System Updates and New Features for June 2011

We’re always working diligently to improve our video email software and training: system updates, new features, new training videos, and more. This post includes a 5 minute video walkthrough of our recent system updates and new features from our resident propellerhead, Reed.

How to Use Video in Emails: Overview

In this post, I reveal the underlying mechanics of what makes video emails so powerful. The post includes a visual graph from the Weiss-McGrath retention study that we use in our Concept2Profit webinar. If you want to know why video email is the fastest way to generate more sales, read this post.

4 Reasons You Shouldn’t Compress Video for Email

After updating our keyword research this month, I was surprised to see how many people are Googling “compress video for email”. In this post I explain the 4 main reasons that you shouldn’t compress video for email. This post is not a sales pitch, I promise, it’s just the facts laid out so you can make an informed decision about how to leverage video email in your marketing.

Gamestorming: Free Ways to Generate 100 New Members

I believe that visual communication is an essential skill in the age we’re in. There’s simply too much information due to the exponential growth of technology to capture in plain text alone. This post is a window into how we’re leveraging visual thinking to generate and prioritize ideas. This exercise comes right out of the book “Gamestorming” by Dave Gray, the founder of XPLANE.

TheVideoBoss 2.0 is Live! (Ramblings About High Ticket Courses)

I don’t promote very many high ticket courses from the “Frank Kern Internet Marketing Mafia” (FKIMM, as I call them), mainly because I feel they are overpriced, promising you the world and only giving you a small piece of it. In this post, you can find out my opinion on TheVideoBoss course and discover some lower cost alternatives.

Technology is evolving at an ever increasing pace, why try and keep up? We believe it is much simpler and easier to carve out a niche and excel within it. Nowadays, if you are not an expert, you are a nobody. Our niche here at jiveSYSTEMS is video email marketing. What is yours?

Let’s Look at This Month’s Posts

Snapshot of your Video Email in the Notification Message

If you are on our emailing list, over the past few months you will have noticed that we stopped using email icons and switched to video start slides (what we are now calling “snapshots”). This upgrade has yielded a noticeable improvement in click-throughs when sending to cold leads.

7 Core Features of jiveSYSTEMS (The Secret Sauce Revealed)

There are always a core set of features that represent the backbone of a piece of software – in this post I’ll tell you about the core features of our video email marketing software.

TrafficGrab: Systematic Traffic Grabbing Strategy

TrafficGrab is a “Systematic Traffic Grabbing Strategy” that will teach you how to get traffic by dominating the search results and content distribution channels — REALLY REALLY FAST!!! You can learn more about the course in the post.

Putting Myself on the Chopping Block (Shock, Horror, Imposter)

I just redid my video email tips that we use in our prospect and member education sequences. As part of the process, I reviewed the video email tips that I recorded 10 months ago. This post might as well be called, “Shock, Horror, Imposter!”

Is Video Email the Next Step in the Evolution of Communication?

In my opinion, video email represents communication coming almost full circle. It’s the next logical tool for us to use to communicate with each other. This post will take you on a journey into how our methods of communication have evolved.

In this newsletter, you can catch up on the past month’s happenings. We have been making some major improvements to our video email marketing software and training. In our blog, we have made some font and styling changes to improve the readability of the content. Plus, I have written 5 new blog posts that are packed full of cutting-edge online marketing information that will help you grow your business.

Spotlight

Blogging Strategy: Post to Page Relationship and Conversion

This is a technical post for business people who want to understand the difference between a post and a page in a blog. The relationship is simple in concept, and at times mind-boggling to implement. I created this video as a follow-up to one of my most popular posts to date, “5 Major Reasons You Should Start a Blog”. I covered the “why” in that post, and as I am sure you have already figured out from the title, I am going to go over the “how” in this video.

How to Create the Perfect Customer Lifecycle

You can’t find content like this in most paid coaching programs, let alone for free without opting into a list. The content of this post is truly groundbreaking because it is the first time the concept of Lifetime Customer Value (LCV) has been explained in 60 minutes. To put that into perspective, people can spend years, even decades, and still not grasp the concept of LCV.

My Video Log

I officially started my video log using a Posterous blog, TubeMogul video distribution services, and a Logitech C910 webcam. The modern term is a “vlog”, but I don’t like the way it sounds. I am going to be creating a video log entry almost everyday. In my second video log entry, I explain the system I use and give you a PDF of the workflow of I use.

Last Week’s Free Strategy Sessions

I did 9 free strategy sessions last week. I will be sending an email and offering more soon. My goal is to pinpoint the changes that will have the most impact on your business.  In less than 45mins, I can pull anyone through a process I developed that will illuminate the best course of action. I send each person a two-question survey after the call.  Question #1 – How did I help?  Question #2 – Can I publicize this feedback?   Here is some of the feedback I received:

You helped me in energizing my email and website marketing (not to mention me). Now, how do I get this “Two Question Survey” for use in my business, huh?
–Bob Burnard

I was helped by:#1-Your clarifying for me not to worry about the % of non responders which is less than 25%. Focus on 80/20 rule. #2-Your recommendation to follow-up with a phone call on specific feedback, as a small sample (survey) using an automated approach was not statistically valid.
–Nathan Chitty

You did an excellent job of explaining fundamental internet marketing principles, how they apply to my own situation and most importantly, how to move my www.3drender.co.uk website up to the next level!
–Tim Barret

Will, Through your help I am getting more focused on using the power of video to attract and retain clients into our business. I’m already starting to see some real ROI in your system and from your coaching.
--Tammy De Leeuw

You made me realize I was procrastinating, never ready to pull the trigger. Now I am just going for it. Let the chips lay where they fall.
–Wayne Isaksen

Tremendously. I’ve known that the social layer was missing, but had no idea about the game layer. After following a variety of “internet gurus” for more than two years, the only thing I accomplished was to become confused. You cut right through that confusion and helped my focus on what’s most important. I’m looking forward to more discussions and meetings. Thanks a TON!
–Anthony Manganiello

You are the man! Thank you for your time and energy. The software has always been amazing- but the coaching helps actually implement and use its full potential.
–Brian White

3 Other Posts that You Should Check Out

Email Marketing: Plain Text vs HTML

From what I have seen, the studies and testimony that promote the efficacy of plain text emails are usually from email blasters, not inbound marketers. Of course, plain text emails are going to outperform HTML emails when sent to an unqualified list.

4 Steps to Guarantee an Effective Video Email Message

Nowadays, anybody can create a video and put it online. However, unless that video is driving revenue, it is useless. Making an effective video email does not need be a long, intensive process, contrary to popular belief. There are 4 steps we have identified to easily get a video recorded that will drive business.

jiveSYSTEMS vs Wistia: Two Online Video Platforms Go Head-to-Head

On the surface, jiveSYSTEMS and Wistia appear to be very similar services. However, when you delve deeper the differences become apparent. I must disclose that we are good friends with the Wistia team. This post is the product of several instant message conversations between myself and Adam Zais from Wistia. I use jiveSYSTEMS for video email and Wisita for videos that I embed into web pages.

First, I need to have a quick rant about my strategy session with Frank Kern’s office.

Strategy Session with Frank Kern’s Office

I just finished a strategy session with a gentleman from Frank Kern’s office.  I didn’t even know Frank Kern had an office, let alone a staff.  Part of me still feels like it was a scam, but the conversation and information provided was all spot-on.  Plus, the call was one-on-one.  Either way, I learned a lot and am very thankful for the insight that was provided.

The Goal of the Strategy Session

The goal of the call was to get me to purchase a course on how to sell big ticket coaching and training info, and the person I was speaking with took a genuine interest in my business.  I did not buy the course and the person did not pressure me to do so.  The sales process used was very efficient and effective – very straight forward, actually.

Underneath the hood there was definitely a seasoned sales process, so well-tested and applied that it was barely noticeable: intro, learn about my roadblocks, summarize my roadblocks back to me, explain the opportunity that I am missing, provide awesome insight, breakdown a process to smash my roadblocks, upcoming course looking for decisive people, you might be a good fit, price, big discount for buying now articulated beautifully.  In 60 minutes this guy went from a stranger to a 41% closing ratio on a $8,000 8 week coaching program on how to sell big ticket items.  I know his conversion ratio because I asked him straight up and he gave me a straight answer.

My Biggest Takeaway from the Call

One of my biggest takeaways was a fresh and more focused perspective on the content I create.  He did a little research on me before the call and was shocked that I am giving away my 51 page Rocket2Profit eBook for free.  When he asked me why I am doing so on the call, my response was “because I want to.”  I have questioned my decision before, as the eBook cost me a pretty penny to produce and I did invest a great deal of time writing it (as did my colleague Lou).  I could have sold the eBook for $297 or more, but I chose not to because I wanted to break the mold and provide massive value at no cost.  Lou, being the good person that he is, backed my decision.  A small but growing group of infomarketers are doing the same thing: “opting to give great quality no-pitchy content away for free or for a very low cost.  This concept can be traced to nurture marketing principles, and likens itself to the methods of tending crops: there is a time to water, a season to grow, another to prune, and then the harvest.

Now is not the time to harvest, now is the time to help people survive so they can thrive when the season changes!  Plus, thanks to an evolution in the way the internet works (mainly social media) it is possible to stack ‘em high and sell them low.  Before social media, SEO’s were dominating the search engines.  They still are, but thanks to social media, good news and information can travel fast, thus evening the playing field a little between the black hat SEO practitioners and a genuine marketer.  Affiliate relationships still play a major factor in sales, and the big list networks are like a mafia, but one can tap into the effect of making a difference in their prospects and customers lives and asking them to tell people about it.

Up until now, I have struggled to categorize my content, putting it into the all encompassing bucket of “online marketing”.  The issue is that I don’t just cover online marketing, and the category is to broad to explain the value proposition (I don’t feel the category does my content justice).  What I learned on the call is that I provided information on “Cutting-Edge Business Development Strategies and Modern Marketing Systems.”  Alleluia!  I have been looking for those words for months now.  It just goes to show the power of having a mastermind group.  Everyone needs perspective, and perspective is definitely a success accelerator!

Spotlight

How to Turn a Video Email into a Marketing Tool

A video email by itself is a great way to communicate effectively, but if that video email doesn’t have a call to action that’s easy to follow (meaning: they don’t have to type the URL into a search engine to find what you’re talking about, rather there is an easy clickable link to the right of your video email message), then your audience is less likely to take action.

jiveSYSTEMS members can create multiple sets of exit links to be used in combination with their videos, through the user interface (no coding required).  In this post, we created a screencast to show you how easy it is to create exit links for your video emails using jiveSYSTEMS.

Integrate Infusionsoft with GoToWebinar Using InfusionCore WebinarSync

You can now integrate Infusionsoft with GoToWebinar using InfusionCore WebinarSync.  An Infusionsoft web form can now be configured to auto-submit the GoToWebinar registration form.  As an Infusionsoft user, all I need to do is send a post to HTTP server with the GoToWebinar ID, which is as simple as adding a tag to a web form (it is in the same drop-down menu).

My Webinar Series

I am doing a webinar series all year.  The events are free to attend.  I explain “cutting-edge business development strategies and modern marketing systems” on the presentations.  My goal is to do a new webinar each week.  I am working towards my goal: right now I am averaging one webinar each month.  I could hit my target of one webinar each week, but I do not want to sacrifice the quality of the content or dilute the experience.  I invest a great deal of time fine tuning the presentation to enhance learning by using quality visuals, repetition, sequencing, and more.

The events last around 45 minutes and I open them up for 15 minutes of Q&A at the end.

Blog Posts You May Have Missed

Better and Faster Encoding for Your Video Emails

Our system was always fast, but with the launch of the tri-transcode feature (creating 3 video files for each video email you upload or record so your video will stream on iPad, iPhone, Blackberry, and Android devices) our system got bogged down.  So, we ported our encoding to a new system that is much faster (it can encode 3 files in less time than our old system took to encode 1).  For those of you who are watching closely, the system also provides additional settings which enable us to improve the video quality.  We are not working on adding HD resolution to our system, even though HD is more valuable from a marketing perspective.  Instead, compatibility via the tri-transcode and a universal player were our first goals.  This is because someone must first be able to see your video email on whatever computer or device they are using before they care whether it is HD or not.  HD also carries with it a large file size that has issues streaming on slower internet connections and mobile devices (meaning: it is overrated).

Video Marketing Strategy: ‘Broadcasting’ and ‘Narrowcasting’ — Apples and Oranges: You Decide?

One perspective is that these two ideas are simply different.  The other perspective is that marketers should leverage both strategies.  Broadcasting one’s video aims to generate greater awareness.  Narrowcasting aims to generate action.

Can a small business combine the two strategies effectively?  In this post, I explain the major differences between the two approaches and offer perspective on whether or not they can be combined.

This post is a must-read if you are using or intend to use use video email and/or web video to promote your business.  An understanding of these two buckets can shape a marketing campaign and improve the results ten-fold.  Based on your budget and time restrictions, you may need to choose just one approach.

One Bag to Carry Everything (Camcorder, Laptop, and Clothes), Yet Small Enough to Use as a Carry-On

Being a utilitarian at heart, I love it when I can buy one thing and have it serve multiple purposes (e.g. my blue jeans and black t-shirt are suitable for almost every occasion; our Infusionsoft handles everything from email marketing to order processing and beyond).  I started this post looking for a backpack to carry my laptop and clothes, along the way I discovered that bags were available that will carry my camcorder and tripod also, and that they were better quality.  Bonus!

Find Out How Joe “The Inn Keeper” is Using Video Email Marketing

This post is a direct cut and paste from a three-email thread that transpired between Joe “The Inn Keeper” and one of his contacts.  Joe was kind enough to share the thread with us.  The links in the email messages are live!  This thread is a great example of how you can leverage video email to add a layer of depth to enhance a text based email communication.  For the record, I have visited New Orleans, I stayed in Joe’s Bed & Breakfast, and it is beautiful!

Closing Thoughts

Many wonderful people have emailed me with questions, taking me up on the offer I present in every email that I send, and I have done my best to provide them with answers.  I have been receiving lots great feedback, so I know I am providing valuable assistance:

Thank you very much!  I’m glad I asked before I made the investment.
–Steve Baker

Thanks for the webinar yesterday. I enjoyed it and learned a lot.
–Dan Conrad

Will, all I can say is “Just Excellent”! Excellent in all aspects: I believe in the talk:  “Engage, Inform, and Inspire”. I have participated in many, many webinars, and yours is the first to walk the talk.
–Paul Gothier

To date, I have published over 200 blog posts and have answered more than 400 questions via email or blog comments.  If I didn’t write blog posts and answer questions, I might be considered obsessive because I spend over 20 hours per week sifting through online marketing news and information and testing new tools.  It is a full-time job to keep up with the times.

The web is expanding rapidly and quality information is hard to find.  The cause for this is, shockingly enough, the way the search engines work.  Quality, unbiased content is hard to find because it usually doesn’t rank high in the search engines.  The content that ranks high is usually from sources with a vested interest in selling you something.  These sites pay SEO’s to generate backlinks to their pages which are designed to get you to buy something.  Pareto’s principle applies: 80% of the sites that rank well are compromised, 20% are quality sources of information.  Even social media is compromised.  To find good quality content, leverage those you trust and your extended network.  Question people that have thousands of twitter followers without good reason (e.g. they are a celebrity) and companies that appear on page 1 of the search results for popular keywords.  Look for people and companies that are middle of the road for information that is real.  The more polish something has, the more likely there is a vested interest is behind it.

This Month’s Highlights

• New Website Launched – We have redesigned our website, adding our latest success stories and a 4 minute video that explains what we do.  You can check it out by visiting our homepage.
• Video Emails Now Play on Blackberry Devices – While I haven’t pulled the stats, I would bet that we are among a very small number web video companies, let alone video email companies, that support BlackBerry devices (we added iPhones and iPads several weeks ago).
• Video Editing Services Available – Do you need some basic video editing done or a promo video created?  Have our good friend Stephen help you out.
• AskFlywheel Launched – Whether you are a member or not, Flywheel (our CEO/Founder) wants to help you navigate the online marketing landscape.  In an unheard of move, he is dedicating a portion of every day to the answering of your questions for free.  All you have to do is email askflywheel@jivesystems.com. [It may take a few days or even weeks to get a response, but you will get one.]

This Month’s Posts

What Does jiveSYSTEMS Do?

If you have been wondering what we do here at jiveSYSTEMS… this post has your answers.

[rocket2profit] Blueprinting Your Company for Success

In this short video, Lou and I talk about some powerful principles of marketing and driver analysis.  We also talk about the relationship between both topics.  Marketing will drive your financial performance, but you have to be able to measure your business performance.

[rocket2profit] Deriving More Revenue From Your List Without Burning It

Let’s talk about your list.  Our strategy is rooted in anticipating your prospect’s and customer’s needs.

The Gap Between Email and CRM: Online Task Managers

I am currently tracking over 200 different online solutions whose ideas vary greatly.  Find out about the different types of online task managers by reading this post.

The Ultimate Whiteboard: Melamine, Porcelain, or Ceramicsteel?

If you have a whiteboard, you are more than familiar with ghosting.  Even with cleaning agents it can take a few passes to get a melamine surface clean, and most of the whiteboards in circulation have a melamine surface.  I have found a whiteboard surface that doesn’t ghost.

[success story] Philippe Le Baron’s Video Email and Web Video Marketing Success Story

Philippe says “What I love about jiveSYSTEMS is the fact that, first of all, they are marketing people who have created a product so that is how they designed the product – with the sales process in mind”

Zoom Q3HD is Here! (awesome flip-style camcorder)

The little known Q3 now has an HD version.  In my opinion the Q3HD is the best flip-style camcorder on the market.  It’s portable, affordable, and really easy to use.

Closing Thoughts

We have two choices: allow the systems we design (our workflows) to manage us, or we can properly take control of them.  Leveraging apps to connect and manage systems is a fantastic way to do more in less time.  An issue can arise due to the density of the tasks being performed (for example, the chain of events that can unfold from a simple mouse click).  To reduce this strain, map your workflows out clearly on paper or use software like SmartDraw and Visio.  The best way I have found to design and map workflows is to use swim lanes in Visio.  I believe a critical part of doing business is mapping our workflows.  That way they can be analyzed and improved with ease.

Who are you more likely to trust?

I don’t know about you, what I do know is that I am going with the guy on the right (the person that I can see).  Using video email and web video to promote and grow your business is easy and affordable.  At jiveSYSTEMS we are willing to give you the software, support, and training free for 30 days.  All we ask is that you give us a credit card, so we know that you are serious.  We can have you up and running in two shakes of a lamb’s tail, and our knowledgeable staff will assist you every step of the way.

Highlights

• We launched a new section in the jiveSYSTEMS Blog called The Vault.  If you are following our Tweets, or mine, you probably already knew.  To launch the section, I published a comprehensive article, How to Publish Video to the Web.
• I officially launched the Rocket2Profit eBook.  I teamed up with a good friend of mine Lou (whom I have dubbed Lou “The Linebacker” Eyermann) to blend tried and true enterprise level management principles with modern marketing strategies.  Lou and I have had our feet in both side of the pond: Lou specializes in management and leadership, and I focus on online marketing management and marketing.

This Month’s Posts

Understanding HD Webcams: Logitech Pro C910 / FV TouchCam N1

Learn the pros and cons of going high definition (HD).  Logitech is definitely a leader in the market, and the TouchCam has a unique angle that may benefit you.  In this post you will discover the facts about HD shooting and using HD footage.

Discover How to Make Killer Video with a Flip Style Camcorder

I have taken this course myself.  As a member of Web Video University it was included as part of my monthly membership.  In less than one hour he will teach you everything you need to know to create great quality video with a flip style camcorder for a one-time payment of $49.

How To Create Systems That Run Your Business For You

People refer to this topic as factory/system thinking in the corporate world.  The information is only just starting to trickle down into the small business environment.  This post is my reveals my particular flavor of system thinking.

Team News

Flywheel’s Studio

I have just finished building a studio in my dining room, of all places.  Basically, that means I have hijacked the dining room, bought a few lights, and painted a wall with flat paint.

A studio gives me the choice of recording a video within the jiveSYSTEMS software or using my camcorder.  Our software automatically encodes the video, creates a webpage, and allows me to add links the page for my call-to-action.  I can literally record and email/embed a video within minutes (just like the one Teeny made above).  So, you may be asking, “Why would you ever use anything else?”  I am beginning to ask myself that same question.  In truth, even though it takes me about 4hrs to film, edited, render, and publish a 5 minute video using my studio, sometimes the ROI warrants that investment (e.g. a longer duration video that requires editing, slides, transitions, etc).

Closing Thoughts

Taking your business to the next level is about doing the right things consistently.  Video email and web video is one of those things.

Since our approach to teaching people and businesses how to leverage our video email and web video marketing software is heavily focused around training and support, we have added a Member Ambassador to our team of video coaches.  Also, due to the rising popularity of the iPad, iPhone, and android phones, we have been working diligently to have our encoders and player automatically support them.  We are performing the final tests of the new jiveSYSTEMS software and will be rolling it our to our members in the coming weeks.

Highlights

• New Tutorial – Learn how to integrate jiveSYSTEMS with your email marketing program
• New Webinar – Concept to Profit 4.0 is now available on demand

Summary of Popular Posts

3 Building Blocks of Success with Video

Understanding why you fail is just as important as knowing why you succeed. This is why Flywheel did an investigation on why some of our members sign up, never use it, and then leave.  What he discovered was very interesting.

Firefox and Chrome – the Death of Internet Explorer

Do you know how to browse the web quickly and safely?  This post from the Propellerhead reveals the flaws of Internet Explorer.  It doesn’t stop there; in this post you will also learn about the two alternatives to Internet Explorer and how to use them.  For those of you who haven’t made the switch yet, this post is for you!

Other posts

In Flywheel’s business blog you can learn a simple system to manage people. You will also find a resource that contains a formula for doubling your sales.

Closing Thoughts

If you haven’t already, get the low down on Flywheel’s new program Rocket2Profit.

Time, energy and imagination are the key to lasting success, not a big marketing budget.  If you want to learn how to make your company memorable and generate buzz around your products and services on a shoestring budget, keep reading!

The feedback we’ve been receiving has helped us hone in on the specific elements that will help you Rocket2Profit.  This is the fitting name of my new project that will help you do just that: Rocket2Profit!  Learn more about Rocket2Profit.

Summary of Popular Posts

Inside-look at Our New Member Tutorial #1

This is the first video a new member in our video email and web video marketing coaching program receives.  The video goes over the overall theory and application behind implementing video email and web video in your business.

The Hierarchy of Computers

Our resident propellerhead, Reed, has written another uber useful post.  This one is a crash course in understanding all the different types of computers from desktop to smartphone.

Other Posts

In my business jounral, I published my cliff notes from John Carlton’s Express Copywriting Course.  And in my personal blog, I made a post with a video that is uplifting and inspiring.

Team News

We are saying goodbye to Level Juan, our level 1 jiveSYSTEMS Video Coach, who just so happens to be named Juan.  He is going into the Army to be a 19D Cavalry Scout with a 40 option. This job means he’ll be going out with a small team of snipers and scouting for them.  The 40 option means that he will have the opportunity to go straight into Ranger School to be an Army Ranger.  We are sad to see him go, but happy that he is on the way to fulfilling personal life goals and dreams.  We welcome your positive thoughts and good wishes for Juan.  Please feel free to leave a comment for Juan at the bottom of this page.

We are welcoming two new team members, Tiny and Jim Gribble.

Tiny, aka Keith Pottinger, is our new Level 1 video coach in training.  He has a strong background in computers and video production.  Tiny can actually build a computer from the ground upward and he is a magician at fixing them when something goes wrong.  We stole Keith from EA Sports where he was a lead computer game tester.  Needless to say, we keep a vigilant eye on Tiny to ensure he doesn’t have World of Warcraft open in the background.

Software Updates

We upgraded our web-based flash encoder and the quality now competes with that of our desktop software.  In the background we’re well underway with mapping out the new user interface for our software, along with the transition to full H.264 encoding and streaming.

Closing Thoughts

Business is only as difficult as you make it out to be.  Ask the right questions to the right people at the right time, and you will be amazed at how simple business becomes.

I asked almost everyone I met, and we also did a competition for our members to find me and ask the question, “What is the biggest roadblock you face when growing your business?”  Almost everyone responded, “Educating our prospects and clients, along w/ long-term nurture marketing campaigns.”  In the coming weeks, I am going to create a series of posts that will answer this question.
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Summary of Popular Posts

For those of you who have been tracking our blog closely, you will have noticed the post rate has dropped significantly this month.  It is not because I am spending less time creating content that will help you grow your business, I am actually spending more!  The reason is this: I am shooting for 1 exceptionally useful blog post per week now, instead of as many as I can cram in.

Let’s take a look at this past months posts:

How to Leverage Executive Summaries to Learn More in Less Time

This post is arguably one of the best I have ever written, and one of the most useful.  It has been several weeks in the making because I researched and tested summaries from several different services.  Applied knowledge is one of the major keys to success, and executive summaries allow you to acquire knowledge at an astounding rate.  If you want to learn more in less time, read this post.

Q3 Zoom: Finally, a Camcorder with Awesome Audio Quality

Since writing this post, I have started calling the Q3 Zoom the “Flip Killer.”  This is because I haven’t touched my Flip Video camcorder, since purchasing the Q3.  This camcorder is a must have for anyone who wants to leverage web video.

TimeDriver: The Ultimate Appointment Scheduling Tool

If you don’t have an executive assistant, or simply want to put your assistant’s time to better use, TimeDriver is going to become your best friend.  Using this web-based service, you can put your appointment scheduling on auto-pilot.

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Team News

Myself and Reed are eagerly awaiting the launch of the iPad.  I don’t even own a Mac, and I want one, as I am growing tired of lugging my laptop around and my G1 mobile phone is simply too small for web surfing.

Paul is still booked back-to-back w/ integration and strategy sessions, this is all due to TimeDriver’s awesome automated scheduling ability.  Also, I have launched a new personal website concept, which represents a completely new way to build a personal page.
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Software Updates

We are working a major system upgrade, to support mobile phones.  This first step is upgrading our players to support H.264 and then transcoding all the existing videos.   Our ultimate goal is to have a mobile app for every phone that has a camera.  Instead of prettying up the system, we are going to be tackling mobile phone support head on w/ complete focus.  A bonus of using H.264 is that, as a result, we will support HD recording devices.
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Closing Thoughts

There is no magic button or secret strategy that will make your website make money.  Further more, a long-term prospect nurturing campaign does not guarantee sales.  If you are looking to grow your business, the best way is to do it is 1 step at a time.  Start by eliminating as much work as you can w/o breaking anything that currently works, then streamline and automate as much of the remaining load as possible.  Once you have done this, you are ready to adopt an assiduous and almost obsessive focus on your prospects and customers needs.  I believe the foundation of success is a CRM system that can manage all our your marketing and billing in one solution.  We use Infusionsoft to manage jiveSYSTEMS, I am also affiliated w/ Infusionsoft and a Certified Marketing Automation Coach (CMAC) on their system.  If you do not have a CRM or are not happy w/ the capabilities of your current system, watch the Infusionsoft demo, it is well worth giving your contact information for.  They really are an all-in-one solution!

We are welcoming a new author to the blog, Propellerhead.  In addition to the posts I write on business and marketing, you will now be getting detailed articles on how to keep your computer in tip-top shape and other computer and software and hardware related subjects.  The Propellerhead author team is headed up by Reed LaFerriere, one of our video coaches.  His first 2 posts are invaluable resources for anyone who has used a computer and isn’t a total tech-head.

Desktop Psychology: Declutter your Desktop, Unclutter Your Mind

A clean desktop keeps your computer running fast, it also keeps you running fast!  Step-by-step, this post will guide you through the tasks you need to perform to create a clean desktop.

Essential Computer Maintenance Tools

If you recently got a new computer, or maybe have an old one that isn’t running as fast as it should – this post is for you.  In this post you will learn how to perform regular maintenance on your computer.

Side note: Just in case you were wondering, the pose Reed is doing is called “Le Tigre”.

In Other News

We are welcoming another video coach to the team.  We call him Level Juan.  This is because his name is Juan and he is currently a “Level 1″ video coach.  It doesn’t seem that funny in writing, but it sure has been giving us a lot of laughs around the office.

Here is a Rundown of the Most Popular Posts I have recently Published [and some of my personal favorites]

Big Monitors Improve Productivity: The Facts

If you are working on a monitor smaller than 19 inches, you need to buy a bigger monitor; I recommend using a 24 inch one.  Everything I write about is from first-hand experience, as I learn, test and then write a blog post about it.  Since upgrading to a bigger monitor, I not only feel better, I can work faster – much faster.

How to Increase Your ROI Without Spending a Dime

Jim Cecil has been teaching me to understand DISC and personality profiling, so I can relate better to other people.  I noticed the difference immediately.  This post goes over the basics of what I have learned and applied so far.

The Problem Box: A Way to Keep Yourself and Others Focused

This is my first proper blog post with a video.  If you remember watching Thom’s Video, I definitely had to beat my inner critic to publish it.  I use a problem box to solve problems efficiently and effectively.  In this post I explain how and why I use problem boxes, and how a problem box can help you.

My Rig: Connecting the Dots, Overcoming Camera Anxiety, Roadmap to Acquiring Customers Online, The Serendipity Engine, 6 Steps to Make Any Business Grow and Prosper, and 8 Steps to Communicating Effectively on Camera.

Thanks for reading our newsletter.  If you have any feedback, comments or questions, please leave them on the related blog posts, and we will do my best to make the adjustment or answer your question.  We are here to help, whether you are a jiveSYSTEMS member or simply a patron of our blog.  We have been very fortunate to learn how to navigate the digital domain, and we want to share our knowledge with as many small businesses as possible so they can make the transition and/or improve their current operation.

For general feedback, please email welisten@jivesystems.com

Blog Posts – Here is the snapshot

Who We Are and What We Do

This post started out as a memo to our team.  We have evolved so much and so quickly due to our very agile approach to business that I wanted to clarify to our team exactly where we were at.  We then realized that our prospects and members might want to read the memo as well.  Since we practice full transparency, it just made sense to publish the memo to the blog for you to read as well, if you so choose.

Using Video in Your Tweet

Why not? Social media is all about building relationships.  People want to know who you are, and a great way to tell them is to show them.  This post tells you how to put links to videos in your tweets.  For those of you who are not currently using web video, it also covers the equipment you would need.

Imagine Leadership | By XPLANE & Nitin Nohria

Forget about the rat race for a minute.  In fact, forget about it forever.  Take a moment to contemplate your contribution to the world.  Success is guaranteed when you are doing something you really love.  Everyone at jiveSYSTEMS, including myself, will attest to this fact.  The 6 minute video presentation in this post will inspire you.

A Niffty Little SEO Tweak is to NoFollow Outbound Links

If you have a blog or manage your own website, you will find this tweak especially useful.   If someone else does the work for you, scan and then forward this post to them.

TweetMeMe and Facebook Share (WordPress Plugins)

Same as above.

Weekly Reviews

Okay, so let’s talk about the [weekly reviews].  I write these to crystallize what I learn each week or so.  I have a thirst for knowledge and therefore, quite literally, plow through content.  To keep track of what I am learning, I write a weekly review [this makes it easy for me to reference and source content at a future date]. I don’t actually write them every week—as you may know, I don’t do well with schedules, I prefer to go with the flow [and it works well for me].  My weekly reviews are a sort of data download for permanent storage and easy recall, so I can study the next batch of stuff.  I don’t think of myself as a guru, far from it actually, and I am not trying to win you over to my way of thinking–I author content because it’s what I love to do!  I just genuinely hope that my content and the jiveSYSTEMS Blog in general helps people connect with the joy of living their passion.

Here is a quick-study of the 3 [weekly reviews] I have made since the last newsletter:

October 19th

I talk about some of the books I have read: using the web to build trust and influence, the art of the start, and the magic of lean.  There is also some information about the best music to work to.  I also cover the new FTC rules and regulations that affect businesses that use testimonials.

October 28th

This one covers the books Found Money, Freakonomics, and Six Thinking Hats.  I also go over Steven Covey’s 4 quadrants.

November 11th

I found a gem of a book about Selling to the V.P of No.  I also did a breakdown of how I structure my world which was inspired by Covey’s 4 quadrants from last week’s review, and my belief that success and happiness and found and lost in habits.  At the bottom of the post, I placed a very touching story of two brothers I met, who are walking around the world together spreading the message of micro-peace.

So, there you have it: the quick study on what’s moving and shaking in the jiveSYSTEMS Blog.

Make it a great week!

Here is a snapshot of the best posts that you might of missed:

“Rich Media Presentations – Effective? You Be the Judge!
This post is one of the most detailed I have written thus far.  It’s packed full quality information including technical tips.

My Networking Strategy – It Works!
If you are attend networking meetings like I do [sometimes], this post will elucidate my personal strategy to follow-up with the connections I make.

5 Major Reasons You Should Start Blogging
A blog is the foundation for your online presence. This is because it is the only place you can create and sustain a conversation.  If you have been wondering why so many people are blogging, maybe you should read this post.

Website Grader – Do You Want to Know Your Website Score?
Website Grader is an awesome tool that gives you very constructive feedback on how you can improve you website.  I don’t just recommend tools willy-nilly; we have been using WebsiteGrader for several months now.  It’s saved our bacon on more than one occasion.

TweetAdder: Tweet, Automate!
Okay, so everyone and their Uncle has a Twitter account nowadays; it’s the in-thing!  However, Tweeting to friends and Tweeting for business are 2 totally separate kettles of fish.  This post will not tell you how to make money from Twitter, I am still trying to figure that one out myself.  However, it will tell you how to get a metric ton of followers on auto-pilot.

So, there you have it: the quick study on what’s moving and shaking in the jiveSYSTEMS Blog.

Have a great week folks!