Video Bliss

I got a new toy/tool a couple of weeks ago, a Flip video camera. Have you seen one? They are literally smaller than an iphone, with great optics and only a couple of easy-to-understand buttons to push. A gloriously sunny NW spring day gave me an easy excuse to head out of the office to try out this new camcorder. My mission - to visit some of our advertisers in the hope of securing some impromptu testimonials.

My first stop was at Earthenworks Gallery in La Connor, WA. Earthenworks carries an amazing collection of Northwest art and also that fabulously painted fun and functional Sticks furniture - a piece of which I vow to own some day. Cynthia Hoskins, the gallery owner gave a wonderful video testimonial. Unfortunately, it was my first try with the camera and my video taping skills were inept. I only discovered this, however, when I downloaded the video to my computer to find out that you can't really turn the camera vertical like a digital camera. Gives me an excuse to go back and drool over a little more of Cynthia's art.

Next stop was at Childhood Bliss, the classical "I wish all my grandchildren were granddaughters" store. I can never escape without buying something for my sole granddaughter (of six grandchildren), and this time was no exception - the perfect fairy princess dress for her upcoming birthday. It just so happened that Julie, the owner, was in and graciously (no bribes involved) gave me my first, keep-able video testimonial for Destination Maps (our Washington Brand). She did it on the first take, and what you see here is completely unedited because I haven't figured out how to edit them yet. The video quality on my computer is as crisp and clear as can be, but it's grainy on blogger - must be them, can't be me! I'll need to play around with it more to understand how to get better quality - but you get the idea.

Moral of the story, multimedia is powerful and a video testimonial is much more compelling than words on paper. Everyone has clients who crow about how great we/you are - because we are! So, get one of these little pocket recorders (less than $200), get those testimonials on tape and don't hesitate to let your happy clients help to do the selling for you. That will make you happy too.