Video and Social Media Marketing Tips for Shy Entrepreneurs

When it comes to creating video and using social media to promote your business you don’t have to be a media power house from the start, you just have to start. Watch my 1st in front of the camera video above. I was nervous, my voice was very soft it was less than 60 seconds and it took me about a year to get the courage to finally do that!

I’ve always considered myself to be more of a typer than a talker, so I totally understand my fellow entrepreneurs who feel just like these two ladies who graciously shared their stories with me:

“I am reading your ebook. I have a quick question. I notice that some people have videos on their website. I don’t like doing videos. Are there any media alternatives?” –D.

“I have not shown my face for my business. My business is moving slowly, but it seems like its missing something. I want to make an intro video, but I’m kind of shy and I’m scared it might do harm to my business. I started wearing wigs because at age 25 my hair started to fall out and I always had thick hair. So wigs became my thing and I always got complements on who did your hair. So I wanted to get in the business to help other women feel confident and to show them how to style their wigs… If you could give me some advice or steer me in the right direction I would appreciate it.” -K

Have you ever read my post about “Successful Business Lessons I Learned from Lisa Price”, creator of Carol’s Daughter? As I mentioned in that article, building a business is a process and we all have to start from somewhere.

Baby Steps into Video and Social Media for Shy Entrepreneurs

1. If audio or video really isn’t your thing, consider the alternative solution of becoming a Key Influencer; someone who shares insightful within their niche. Find videos by other people within your topic of interest that reflect how you want to help others and start sharing those videos on you blog. Some people find it hard to find what they are looking for, so you can become a Key Influencer by being the middle woman and creating connections for them.

Eventually you want to let your voice be heard through some form of media, but you can start off by letting your opinions be heard through the media you believe matters most.

2. They say you have to crawl before you walk. Online I took that to mean it’s okay to do audio before you get into video. If you are nervous about getting in front of the camera, start by sharing your views with your voice. Review my how-tos on creating your own podcast and adding audio to your blog, if you need extra help in that department.

3. The next thing you can do is transition into video by combining photos with your audio and turning that into a video. There are so many great web tools you can use like Windows Movie Maker or animoto.com. It’s OK if you don’t want to get directly in front of the camera, we all have to start from somewhere.

Being social and interacting with people online isn’t just about media. I was shy I didn’t want to do cameras, but as I transitioned from blogging more online and talking more I got comfortable with just putting my thoughts out there and then eventually I was ready to put myself out there via video too.

Consistently sharing who you are and what you do is important, so here are 3 things that know will definitely help you work on your visibility online and ease your way into video marketing.

1. Listen to my increase your visibility and sales course (first audio replay below). I talk about different things that you can do to share your story online and start to build relationships with potential customers.
2. Video Marketing Made Simple, watch this video in which I walk you through the process of how I got started. And simple things you can do to begin creating videos online.
3. Getting Customers Back For More, in this audio replay post I talk about how  promoting online isn’t just about new people. Using thee techniques I mention in the audio, you can begin to build a stronger client base for return sales and even referrals.

Play Audio Below
Increase Your Visibility and Sales: Part 1 of 4 Part Teleclass Series

As a SistaSense Circle Member you get a complimentary download of this audio series, plus members get a new digital download each month!

How She Does It?
As I share these recommendations with you, I wanted to spot light one NC Women Entrepreneur in my circle who I’ve watched build her business online and recently work her way up to video marketing. I remember when she didn’t want to be in front of the camera, so watching this video really solidifies to me that we all have to work with the marketing that works for us. and as you try new things your comfort level will change.

Promotional Video for Blue Soda Cake Bakery

PLUS MAJOR MARKETING TIP FOR SHY ENTREPRENEURS

While I was at a Women’s Empowerment Event here in NC I had the chance to hear Tyra Banks speak (recap here) about business and entrepreneurship. One of the ladies in the audience asked for advice on marketing her business. To that question Tyra replied, “You have to find someone with a bigger voice than you, who can share your business with others.” She then said, “Let’s start this now. Go tell my assistant what your business is and I will tweet it out for you today.”

In the midst of writing this post, I was also responding to a marketing question from the creator of BlueSodaCake. As someone who specialized in desserts I recommend two local event planners that she should make connections with. These ladies are always hosting events and looking for caterers, so it’s a smart idea to befriend them and get on their short list of must have vendors.

Over time I learned how to market myself, but as a shy entrepreneur promoting your is challenging. Prioritize making connections with the right people who can either use your services regularly, share your business with their circle, or refer customers to you on a regular basis.

Here are some great words of wisdom from one of the sistas in my Power Circle on Making Masterful Connections:

“If you are shy and introverted like myself, attending and networking at a big conference may be nerve-racking. I don’t have a magic formula to help you get over that (not yet) but what I can say is that the more events of this nature I go to the easier it gets. Sometimes you just have to put yourself out there. (continue reading)” – Art Deal

Networking is a big part of meeting the right people and making masterful connections. As a matter of fact I got my first taste of BlueSodaCake at a Black Enterprise Conference and once I found out she was a local entrepreneur, she was among the first women to attend my first SistaSense Social Meetup here in NC.

I work with quite a few shy entrepreneurs and I’ve found that one of the ways they’ve overcome their ‘shyness’ is to work with me and some of the other fabulous women in my circle. Watching us get out there, do video and share our opinions often times inspires them to do the same (another great example here).

These things may take a little time to build up momentum, but you have to do them to create a following for yourself and before you know it people around you will be motivated to share your views and your business too!