I have to thank all of my friends, family, and colleagues who helped Team Rico and Jordan raise more than $3,000.00 for the March of Dimes.
My wife and I did it in about two weeks, and we actually questioned if we would reach our $2,500.00 goal.
How did we do it? We didn’t stop asking people to give. I shared our story on the Atlanta Daybook this week:
If you haven’t considered using social media to raise money for a charity or non-profit, organization, you may be missing out on an effective method to quickly raise thousands of dollars.
Before sharing this experience let me explain that I’m by no means a fund-raising expert, and only have a limited amount of experience doing it, but in just over two weeks my wife and I exceeded our goal of raising $2,500.00 for the March of Dimes’ annual March for Babies.
A little about Me:
Raised in East Palo Alto, California
Studied broadcast communications and/or Mass Comm. at the College of San Mateo (A.A.), University of Florida (B.S.), University of South Florida (M.A.)
News Veteran
Lived in Atlanta since 2006.
Currently work at Public Broadcasting Atlanta – LensonAtlanta
What you’ll learn today: Web video basics, video and brand building, social media strategies
Why Web Video?
Accessible (no gatekeepers)
More Affordable
Compelling
Communicate in your voice
People like to watch
Engaging
R.O.I. (Return On Influence) Statistics
U.S. Internet Watched 28.1 billion videos in February
1. Google 11.9 billion videos, 42.5% of all videos viewed online
2. Hulu 912.5 million videos, or 3.2 percent of all online videos viewed.
3. Microsoft 623 million (2.2 percent)
4. Yahoo! Sites with 455 million (1.6 percent)
5. Turner Network with 318 million (1.1 percent)
Why don’t you have an online video presence?
Experiment: I searched YouTube – How to write a press release
Critique: Suggestions?
Basic Video Tutorial
Video empowers you to visually communicate with clients, your network + share news, inside information, tips, and niche content.
Goal: Create content that adds value to your audience
Think of the appeal: basic needs, humor, sex, safety etc.
What kind of video series? Vlog? Newsy? Episodic?
What kind of equipment?
Can you do it yourself?
Though the investment may be minimal for DIY videos, you’ll need to dedicate time to learning the craft.
Cameras: Web cam, pocket cam (Kodak Zi8 Pocket Video Camera (Black)“), camcorder, prosumer camera
Software: iMovie, Windows Movie Maker (free), Pinnacle/Final Cut Exress, Final Cut Pro, Adobe Premier
Work flow: Edit (add music, graphics, logos)? Upload raw (quick but less branding)
Compress & Upload/Distribute: squared5.com, tubemogul
Building your Brand with Video
Getting Noticed
Vlog regularly
Share – Share- Share
Create a YouTube channel, and upload your content across the web (Vimeo, Revver, Metacafe, Blip.tv)
Use tags and keywords that accurately reflects your video content
Embed the videos on your blog
Use live video to create a show (Ustream, Livestream, JustinTV
Mobile Video – Use smartphone and apps to share/content online
Create a FB fan page and add/upload your content
Link to videos in your e-newsletter
Add a link to your video in your e-mail signature
Link and comment on other videos and/blogs that share your area of specialty
Be creative, entertaining, and different, but be yourself
Most online video communities have social features built in
Twitter: Search for keywords and questions related to your topic and create a video answer (LinkedIN)
When you interview others, send them a link
Social media is about engaging in conversations, adding value, and finding a niche. When people find a compelling video they may want to share it.
There is no formula for creating a viral video, but humor, babies, pets, and sex appeal helps.
Tuesday is your last chance to register to hear award-winning video producer, and specialist in traditional and convergence/new media, Amani Channel, speak on “Branding Your Business with Video: Understanding YouTube and Other Media Posting.” You don’t want to miss this key dialogue!
Want to know how getting smart about video can help you boost your business? From flip-cams to full productions now is the time to increase your skills in the world of video branding. Reach new audiences, personalize your output and get ready to grow grow grow! Join us for the IABC | Atlanta Independent Communicators Roundtable (ICR) Special Interest Group on Wednesday, April 21, 2010. Register now! LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS EVENT
Four years ago right about at this time, my family was going through a life changing experience. I can only wish and pray that no one will experience what we did on this day in 2006.
I started filming our pregnancy shortly after I learned that my wife was pregnant with twins, but just twenty weeks into it, she delivered.
For some reason people hear 20 weeks and think she miscarried. Not hardly. Our babies were tiny, but alive and their hearts were beating for an oh so short moment.
I don’t want people to feel sorry for us, or sad, but encouraged to do something to help other families by supporting the March of Dimes.
I feel like a broken record because I’ve been talking about this for more than a week now, but we see the results. We’ve raised $1,200.00 for Team Rico and Jordan.
So, if you’re just finding this site or reading this blog for the first time, understand that this is the realest story I’ve ever told.
It’s something you won’t see on the news or TV unless it involves some celebrity, but stories like this must be told, not sold.
Thank you to all who have donated to the March of Dimes on behalf of my sons Rico & Jordan. We’re raising $2,500.00 dollars this year and we’re well on our way!
Friday It is 4/16, Foursquare Day! Could there be a better day to jump on the Foursquare bandwagon? All around the globe people are using their smartphones to play the location-based social game that lets people check-in to places throughout their travels.
It’s a chance to experiment with social media marketing for businesses that are participating because many are offering discounts to people who check-in.
This whole thing was started by a Tampa eye doctor, and the idea kind of blew up. If you’re just learning about Foursquare, it’s a social media game that allows you to tell others about the businesses or venues you frequent.
You get points, can leave tips for other visitors, and even become the Mayor of a place. There is the potential for viral promotions because a tweet can be sent out to your Twitter network which tells everyone where you are. You can also see where your Foursquare friends are or have been, and if 50 or more people check-in at one time they earn a “swarm” badge.
For my Atlanta peeps, visit this link to learn about the discounts, and deals that are available by participating businesses. You can also visit www.4sqday.com to learn more about the Foursquare holiday. BTW the Twitter hashtag is #4sqday or #4sqatl (in Atlanta).
“), camcorder, prosumer camera
