Pitch Yourself! — Why video messages are so powerful.

Our social connections are reduced dramatically during the Covid-19 pandemic. But thanks to technology and social media we are still able to communicate and hold meetings. However, getting to know new people naturally and build up a healthy relationship became harder.

During 2020, I found out a very effective method to boost the natural trust required to start new relationships online. This method is helpful specifically for sales people — or anyone else who wants to stand out, when connecting with new (or current) people.

The method is simply creating personalised (YouTube)video messages to reach out to people. I used this technique for getting interview partners for my Master thesis — total success. I sent out 50 videos, the response rate was 98% with positive feedback.

But why is it so effective?

4 reasons why video message is so powerful

1. Powerful first impression. Video is a very powerful medium — if not THE best — to make a remarkable first impression online to someone new. The receiver gets a glimpse of who you are, how you look like, how you speak, a bit of your personality, some of your energy.
2. Pitch your idea. With a short video you can catch the attention for your ideas in a joyful way. You can state why this person should receive your video message. Show what’s in it for them.
3. Show appreciation. By putting effort in creating a personalised video for someone shows appreciation and acknowledgement for this person. If it is someone new, the reply rate is phenomenally high. If it is someone you know, you can restart or boost the relationship.
4. Unique action. Finally, video is one of the most exciting and joyful way to contact someone. It makes you unique and your message special. A video gives you many possibilities to express yourself.

The 3 use cases in my POV

1. If you want to apply for a job, video is one of the most creative medium to do so. It might sound like a no-brainer, but still so few people do that, this method will amaze most of the companies you apply for.
2. Video is a very good medium to reach out to people asking for a favour or doing sales. I know — ‘video sales’ sounds really unsexy, but it is just a tool and very much depends on how you use it.
3. If you become part of a new (digital) group, you can use video to introduce yourself and present your values and purpose to the group.

Here is an example on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ouCUXriRprE

8 steps to create your own video message

1. Don’t overthink it!
   There is no perfect video and there is nothing (really) to screw up. A video format already shows good intentions.
2. Be authentic!
   Talk as if you are introducing yourself in person. Just tell them naturally what you want.
3. Have a clear structure!
   Example: Hook (problem statement), introduction, reason, value, call-to-action.
4. Be concise!
   The video should not exceed 2 min. Everyone’s time is valuable and not to be wasted. Get to the main point quickly: why would your recipient want to connect with you? Don’t explain anything complex.
5. Keep the technical stuff simple!
   The camera in your smartphone is in most cases sufficient. If possible, plug in an external microphone — sound quality is important, because you transfer your content via audio. Isolate yourself from background noises. If available use a Tripod for a steady picture. Record your video in a bright surrounding. You need to be seen well in the video.
   I use iMovie to do some editing (captions, background music, cuts etc.), but that’s optional.
6. Be entertaining!
   Use background music (loyalty-free music on YouTube available), interesting cuts, ask interesting questions, etc. Just be creative! (easier said than done)
7. Use YouTube!
   A YouTube-Channel is free and easy to set up. Upload your video here and create a link to your video. Set it as an unlisted video, so that it is only accessible via link (and not public). Don’t ever send the video as a file, because it occupies data space and looks suspicious for the recipient, when receiving a video file.
8. Reason reap results!
   Now, your video is on YouTube. Send the link to you recipient with a great text message, e.g. via E-Mail or Social Media. State a clear reason of your approach, but let the video-link speak for itself!
   Example: “For my studies, I would like to conduct an interview with you. Here is my personal YouTube-video message for you: [link]” — This will get their attention.
   Focus on what you want! State a clear call-to-action.
   Again: Be concise! Don’t exceed 3 text lines! The German “DREIZEILER”

If you want to know more about my experiences with video messages, please feel free to approach me. Any (constructive) feedback would be helpful to improve my content!

Thanks a lot and have fun sending out amazing video messages!

Tyson