Share yourself or your event with the world with streaming video.
That old “Can’t teach an old dog new tricks” business? Sorry, but I’m not buying it. I’ve been on the leading edge of more trends than I can remember -even those who I didn’t like for one reason or other (usually having to do with watching one of my hard-earned skills become obsolete because of new technology).
At any rate, I was invited to reveal some of my Marketing Mojo techniques to a small group in Madison, Wisconsin recently, and their budget didn’t preclude paying me a speakers fee, let alone covering even a portion of the normal travel expenses from hither to thither. Or maybe it’s really thither to yon, I’m not certain. I’m usually pretty good about trying to combine speaking or performance gigs in order to save everyone some money, but we just couldn’t make it happen this time around.
“Use The Force, Doc.”
I decided to do my presentation to the Madisonites using an online streaming video service developed by my friend Philip Ly. iDoStream was originally set up by Phil and his partner to allow couples to have their weddings streamed live to absentee guests and relatives anywhere in the world via the Internet, but it’s rapidly evolved into more than just beaming out bridal events. As we demonstrated last night, it’s great for any type of live event -all I needed was a camera (even a webcam will do), a small chunk of program code and a reliable connection …and we were good to go. Two-way conversation between guests via a chat window built into the viewer, full audio, appropriate graphics, and a digital copy of the event available for later viewing.
Clicque HD Webcam -Cool!
This is the second or third event I’ve done using Philip’s service and of course, it gets a little smoother every time. I was able to go from a desktop presentation (captured in rather primitive style by pointing my camcorder at a laptop screen)…but the live streaming more than makes up for a little disorientation when it’s time to move the camera and aim it at the speaker. There are some webcam enhancement programs I could probably use to make my presentation a little easier to broadcast and time permitting, I’ll give them a look-see before the next live event.
Another nice feature about Philip’s service is the ability for all viewers (and the originating person, as well) to chat in real-time during the event. And the web page can also be customized with your company logo and other information.
Repurpose…And Profit!
And best of all, the entire program is recorded, so you can download the event to your iPod or ‘puter for viewing after broadcast. Philip’s company also provides on-demand access for 30 days after the broadcast. For me, that’s a great feature because I can download the video file, edit out any of the inevitable places where I must pause to cough, sip some tea or or shush the dog, and actually come up with a little video (or series of same) that I can use elsewhere to inform, motivate or sell.
If you’re still trying to connect with your customers on a regular basis and burning through your budget by flying or driving from one place to another in order to do so, I encourage you to at least take a look at what’s available from people like Philip. Granted, a projected presentation is hardly ever as good as being there in person, but until hologram projection is a reality -this is the next best thing, and at a price we all can afford.
And consider all the possibilities! Sales meetings, staff meetings, roundtable discussions, court depositions, town hall meetings, church sermons, engagement proposals, Bar Mitzvahs… As Phil says, “You are only limited by your imagination.”
