Building relationships of value with the people I want to serve (you) is all part of doing good business.

 
In order to do that, I will strive to create an experience where you feel as if I’m having you enter my tiny office or living room, and feels like the steaming hot cup of coffee was made only for you. And then send you on your way with a warm feeling that is good for us both.

I would do this for my “real” neighbors. In fact, I’d even serve some little plate of yummy food without concern over who’s going to pay for it.

I mention this because video is a great way to create relationships. People will bond with you faster with video than without. It’s a fact.
 

DISCLAIMER: I’m Not A Video Marketing Expert (and neither are you)

 
First, let me tell you that I am no video marketing expert. I don’t even feel comfortable on video. I have little experience. I don’t have fancy software. I haven’t made a tremendous amount of videos. I don’t have a plethora of knowledge about YouTube. I’m not technically advanced or capable of many technical things at all, actually.

But with the way I’m proposing you approach video marketing, you don’t have to be. And you can still get great results.

From what I’ve seen, and the material I’ve studied, IF you DO want to get good with video marketing to the extent that it drives profits for your business, you’ll have to go deep, deep, deep. These days, getting lots of traffic, leads and sales via the video medium will require a lot of your time. There’s a learning curve, and it’s only getting more competitive.

So where does that leave people like me and you who aren’t and likely won’t be video marketing experts?
 

How To Use Video Effectively Even If You’re Not A Video Marketing Expert

 
I’m not choosing to go deep, deep, deep with video, but I don’t want to completely abandon video altogether. I think there is a lot of value in using video. A lot! In particular, for building those valued relationships I spoke of in the first paragraph.

The way I’ve determined to make video go a LONG way when you’re not diving down 20,000 leagues under the sea, or studying from the latest video marketing guru course that you payed $500 for, or spending all day long cracking the YouTube code, is to make all your videos personal.

Here’s what I mean when I say “Make all your videos personal.” I’ll give you a personal example.

Before I give you an example, let me tell you what personal IS NOT.

• Making generic “9 Ways To Find Your Unique Selling Proposition” talking head videos won’t do it.
• Creating video tutorials that explain “How To Optimize Your Google Plus Profile” isn’t going to cut it either.
• Doing low quality “rinse and repeat” videos to game the search engines won’t make the grade either.

I’m not saying there isn’t any value in doing above. There might be a time and there certainly might be place for it. I just don’t feel it’s best for building relationships.

Keep in mind that once you build enough relationships, you might actually have people who regularly tune into your content. That’s when you might consider making more of the aforementioned videos if you see there’s a need for it.
 

Quick Example To Demonstrate My Point

 
I joined a group called Brave New Year by Chris Brogan. There are some really great people in that community. I will be active with this group. My intention is to share the value we all bring to the table. I want to have those people into my dining room. I want them to know who I am. So what do I do?

I made a video message JUST FOR THEM.

When I did, I found that I received a few optins to my newsletter from the members. I got comments on the video. Some other people even followed suite and made a video too. I was recognized, appreciated and as a result, I’ve made an initial impression. I’ve added to my presence.

This took a total of 30 minutes, and I’m positive the more I do these short videos, I can shave that down to 20. There’s nothing technical or difficult with making these videos. Simply point and shoot.

I’m going to do this for several other individuals that I want to meet and be noticed by. Likewise, there are other groups I will seek to participate in and I’ll use this personalized video as part of my strategy.
 

So Here’s The Big Take-Away For How To Use Video Effectively …

 
…even if you’re not a video marketing expert.

Make all your videos this year for just one person, or one group of people.

That’s all. Nothing fancy.

I think that’s how to use video effectively in 2013. One way to keep up a video routine, and have it make an impact, is to make video for specific groups of people, or just one person.

What do you think? Have you tried it? Did it work? Leave your comments below. If you like this post, subscribe to my newsletter, and you’ll get this kind of thing regularly. Join the email list here.