Contrary to what social media might tell you…being on camera is not a natural thing for 99.9% of the population. But if you’re running a business, showing up on camera is now an inevitable part of your job description. 

But this is good news for us small business owners and side hustlers. 

Because we are able to connect directly to our audiences and speak to them like a long-lost friend, we can catapult our businesses much quicker than in years prior…AND we can compete against brands with deep pockets. 

LET ME GIVE YOU AN EXAMPLE.

Akruti -a student of mine- has a thriving business in the puzzle & book space. She competes with brands like Melissa & Doug, Mattel & all the big ones you’ve heard of. 

How?

Because she shows up regularly on video conveying her mission for creating kids’ toys that have a cultural backstory. Toys that were absent for her as an Immigrant in America and not wanting to repeat that trend when she had kids.

She’s had celebrities organically post her toys to their accounts. 

If you go to her social, even though she’s a product-based brand, Akruti is predominant in her content. She shows up on stories. In Reels. Hosts lives. Has a Founder Story on her About Page.

It’s arguable that she would not be where she -this quickly – if she didn’t lean into video work. The space is just so competitive and to know her is to love her products. 

You can do the same thing for your business. 

So back to my TIP because Akruti did NOT start out being a video maven.

Here are a few for different video functions that might appeal to you (I’m leaving out trending sound reels because the goal is for you to speak on camera.) 

INSTAGRAM REELS TIP: Go on and ONLY share why you started your business.

• 1st 15 second slide: Introduce yourself and set up the other slides. I’m going to share with you today why I decided to leave corporate America/quit my job/change industries and INSERT THE NEW VENTURE. And even though it was terrifying…I knew I had to do INSERT THE THING. 
• 2nd 15 second slide: explain the problem you wanted to solve “I noticed THIS PAIN POINT, THIS PAIN POINT AND THIS PAIN POINT  was happening in INSERT YOUR INDUSTRY and I knew there was a better way.
• 3rd 15 second slide: The reason THESE PAIN POINTS made me so passionate is because of X, Y AND Z. (insert a bit of your personal experience or background to make a connection to your audience.)
• 4th 15-second slide: And even though this has been the most challenging experience, I know I am doing what I’m purposed to do… one tip I have for anyone nervous to start that biz you’ve always wanted to is X (insert something of value for your audience.)

INSTAGRAM FEED VIDEO:

Read out loud a testimonial. It’s a great way to showcase your expertise without you having to say it. Hold a letter in your hand for dramatic effect (and props are good to have in videos)! Or be in front of your computer and read out loud DMs. Someone sees you, hears your voice and it’s a good piece of content to keep on your feed for social proof. 

INSTAGRAM LIVE

Book a live with a client that you love. Or someone you are friends with that is also a badass in their own business. Pick a topic that makes sense for your audience and do a 20 min morning coffee chat. Having a conversation with someone you’re already comfortable with is a great way to dip your toe in the on-cam waters. 

DO THESE HELP!!?!? 

If you need help putting your founder story to video, ☝🏼🎥Apply today for the Fall Founder’s Fire cohort…we kick off mid-September and we write the business story of your dreams and bonus… you get to use my team of professional video editors to put your story into a piece of content you love and will most importantly be good for your biz. 

SAY WHAT!?!? 

💥You heard me right.

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