Ok my friends, I'm back to my old self, and off on another Technology and Marketing tangent! This is a three point post I think you'll really enjoy.
1) A New Widget 2) Technology and Marketing 3) Video And Your Blog!
This is the new YouTube Widget that allows you to host multiple Videos via a single player. I have chosen “Future Technology” as the feature for this Widget. Watch the videos in this YouTube Widget and discover a new and exciting world of technology, NOT for our future, it's here now! To access your own YouTube Video Widget, you must have a YouTube Account. Sign up, It's Free!
You can pull from any of their existing Videos, or you may upload and feature your own. This is a great tool for use in any business, especially in the Real Estate Industry. It works great on your personal or public Websites or Blogs. The Widget below is completely customizable. You can change the size, color, videos and more. Try the YouTube Widget, and be sure to watch these videos, they will blow you away! I promise, you won't be disappointed!
3 Steps to creating your own Widget: 1. Sign up using the link above and then login. 2. Click on "My Account" in the upper right hand corner. 3. Scroll down to "Create Custome Player" on the left hand side about half way down. Now just follow the instructions to customize your player! Lastly, paste the HTML code into your AR settings, and that's it!
Here are some thoughts to ponder regarding Video and your Blog:
Would you agree that some consumers like reading books, but others would rather watch the movie? If yes, then would you also agree that you could be missing a whole different type of audience by not providing some video education or information on your Blog? Some people are "Visual" and get a better grasp of the message when it's presented in a Movie format as opposed to text, graphics and pictures. Others would just rather read the book, and create their own images in their mind. So what makes your Blog any different?
Why are we not using more Video in Blogging and in Real Estate? It's simple. No one likes their own photo, none of us are satisfied with our recorded voice, so naturally, why would we ever want to be on, or consider Video? This is something you might want to take a serious look at and re-evaluate.
Text or Video? Let's take this post as the classic example. I could have written out all the information about these videos in my own words, and maybe got the message across, but let's be frank here, after seeing these videos, (be honest) which would have made more of an impact on you? My hand written perception of them, or the videos and the messages they revealed? Would you rather have read them, or watched them? Can you see where I'm going with this?
Now, think about your message and your audience, and what you're trying to say through your Blog. What will work for "YOUR" readers? Do they read the paper or watch the news? Do they read the book, or prefer the movie? What do "THEY" prefer? It might benefit you to know....
Youtube is the Largest Leading Warehouse and Library of Videos provided on the Internet. Some of the Videos there have been viewed by literally "millions" from all over the world! So then it must be true, consumers love Video too! I think it may be time for us to consider believing that being in front of the Video camera might not be such a bad thing! hmmm... :-)
All Content Copyright Protected © 2007 - Brad Andersohn 
Ha ha. I am the lucky one today. Usually, by the time I read your blog, and then venture though all (or the majority) of comments, I forget the post itself, so I have to go back, refresh, and then scroll and scroll and scroll to leave a message. And tonight I am the first (unless someone pushes submit button before me.
Anyway, terrific stuff. I will have it for tomorrow, as everyone is sleeping, and I am a bit afraid of opening something with a sound, and then I start frantically looking for the way to turn the sound off, and by the time I succeed, it may be too late, and I have someone telling me what they really think about me.
But tomorrow I will have all the fun with this one.
Thank you,
Wow Brad,
You never cease to amaze me............If I was an active real estate agent I would move to your neck of the woods so I could do business with you and somehow figure out a way to put money in your pocket and keep you happy............The info you are dispensing here is really outstanding Sir!!!
(I can never hit the notify me of new comment box on your posts or my inbox will be flooded when I wake up in the morning)
Hi Brad - ah, another of your awesome technology-sharing posts! This one actually sounds like something I can do myself! ;-)
Seriously, you do share some awesome tips and suggestions here, and I really appreciate them. I'll be checking this one out, as I know use of video is here and I need to get with the program.
Jon's comment above made me chuckle - been there done that myself!
Ann
Brad, you're right. That first video was amazing. I want a pc pen too!!!!
The widget is a really cool tool. I need to look into it.
But what are those ugly buttons at the bottom of your post?
Sunday I purchased a Cannon HG10 video camera. Now all I have to do is figure out how to use it.
I'm not thrilled with the video of home tours for web sites or blogs. I find them slow, distracting and I don't like sound coming out of my computer. I don't even have speakers connected.
But, I'm no fool. I know that I could get some Google juice from YouTube. I also have a web site of images and I can add video productions of house tours to that. A short video will present a house better than a series of photos. It will, not doubt, double my work load because I'll continue to use photos. Lots of folks don't have the bandwidth to enjoy the video and I rely on Internet advertising for relocating buyers.
So, I'm coming out of the cave, kicking and screaming, and I'll be adding video to my web advertising.
Now, I'll be looking at all of your blog posts.
Brad, I do think most people would rather see video's than hear about our books. Especially gen x and gen y.
I just ordered the video flip camera that Carnac recommended on Sunday. I can't wait and I will try it on a few houses and see how it goes. I know Google likes videos so whatever they like, I'm gonna try to give them.
I will go over and take a look, I guess we have to pick out our own video's to display.
Funny..we've had this type of feature for our videos since March 2007. Does this make us "back to the future"?
:)
Tony
You keep it coming and we love it. Now I'll get over to the site when I have a little more time to work on it. The facts on China and India are a little frightening.
Great Posting Brad,
Awesome informative post - I can't wait to use it!
Thanks
i have always wanted to get involved with you tube and post listing videos but have been a little scared of the technology. you have givin me a new outlook on the very valuable tool for my listings. thanks, trevor
Amazing!! I had no idea!?!? This future technology stuff is amazing, and it's not even in the future, because people like you already know about it!
How do you keep the You TUbe movie from constantly stopping and starting?! That drives me crazy, and I end up deleting so many, because I get frustrated with that.
Jeannette Kohlhaas
Great tip! Thanks, I have been tossing around the idea of shooting video with another agent here in our office GreatMinneapolis we do a lot of market research and analysis. So first off we'd like to shoot interview type videos on the start of the market, then we'd like to do some neighborhood and of course home tours. We are hung up on the best - inexpensive - production solution available. We'd need both inside, stationary, and mobile shooting capability. Do you have any suggestions in that arena?
Brad, you are amazing as always! Keeping us on the edge of technology!!!
Now... I just need to figure out how to record videos without being in them. :-)
Good post Brad.
Video Streaming to iPhone like devices is here and the future. The next thing is LIVE video streaming via WiFi networks. WiFi has MAJOR improvements needed, but it'll get there.
Gene Rodenberry of Star Trek fame made it happen with a vision to the future.
Cheers, Mr. C. KIM McGuire. N. Padre Island, TX. Sunshine today and in high 60's.
Brad,
If I post a YouTube widget to my blog, can I control what they watch? I have been to YouTube before and you jump from one thing to the next and God knows where you end up!
Home Loans in Charlotte
Ed and I are working on some video for our site. :)
Trouble is as he is an actor then things have to be just perfect!!!!!
Wow Brad,
You never cease to amaze me............If I was an active real estate agent I would move to your neck of the woods so I could do business with you and somehow figure out a way to put money in your pocket and keep you happy............The info you are dispensing here is really outstanding Sir!!!
(I can never hit the notify me of new comment box on your posts or my inbox will be flooded when I wake up in the morning)
Hey
GodI mean Bob - (LOL) thanks for poppin in, I'm honored and privileged to have the big "Kahuna" here!!I got a great deal for ya. You get your license active, pack up your bags, your family, and that beautiful new baby, and head on down here. I'll find you guys a home and an office here, and then I'll clone you so I have 20 more just like ya! hahaha!!!
Seriously, I sure appreciate your kind words and always hope to be an asset to my friends and members here in the rain! :-) Thanks
BobActiveBob! ~So cool! This is just what I've been looking for as a "how to".
THANKS.
Brad,
Leave it to you to find this stuff. It is good to be back and reading your blog once again. don't worry though, I don't think I'll catch you this time.
Now Have a Blessed Day,
John Occhi, Hemet REALTOR®
Mission Grove Realty
Great post! Video is in for sure! I think you make a very good point however, you have to know who is reading your blog. I think a good balance of the two can be very good! Thanksfor the tips on the widget, that will come in very handy!
Very cool, Brad. Always on the cusp of new technology, you are. Thanks for another informative post.
Brian Wilson, Zolve.com
Hi Brad - ah, another of your awesome technology-sharing posts! This one actually sounds like something I can do myself! ;-)
Seriously, you do share some awesome tips and suggestions here, and I really appreciate them. I'll be checking this one out, as I know use of video is here and I need to get with the program.
Jon's comment above made me chuckle - been there done that myself!
Ann - Jon laid out some GREAT humor on a couple levels as the first comment! I'm still laughing, I did it at work today. I forgot to hit the mute on my laptop and a sound file broke the silence of a meeting! ooops! LOL! Thanks for your comment, sorry for the delayed response. Last 2 nights were busy, no time to blog! :-)
Maggie - let Santa know you want the computer pen and if you've been nice, he mat drop one down your chimney! LOL! I hope you checked out the other videos, if you liked the first one, they just keep getting better. Make sure you check them all out! :-) Now what ugly buttons are you referring to? There is a subscribe me and an add as assoc. button, but those are the only two. LMk! ;-)
Lenn - thanks for sharing your insight and wit in your comment! You are such a "hammer" of knowledge and personality! I love your comments on my posts! I know it sounds like I'm trying to use flattery to get something here, but I just had to tell you that! (Big Smile)
I understand that bandwidth is a huge issue with video and many of the multi media, flash, and Java sites and blogs. The future will only get faster and the next generations will be the cause. We do need to stay in or in front of the wave to enjoy the ride. I really just wanted to get people thinking here about the two types of marketing that have worked on people for centuries.
Just today, I asked a couple this question, "who likes to read the book and who would rather watch the movie?" The wife said book, and the husband said movie! The point being, they both spent the money!! We need both!! :-)
Missy - once you get your camera, shoot some video of you, or an interview with someone, or just the kids if you like. Then upload your video to your youtube account. Then you can use your videos, or the youtube videos. You could even mix and match!
I suggest you only upload and use your Videos so you get all that Google juice and love. I will be doing some video editing and mixes to share with the group at a later date. I'll do a rough draft, and then an edited version so you and others can compare! I think it will help a lot of members here. :-)
Brad, yeah, those two! ROFL. As if you need any more exposure.
I've been real good. I hope Santa got wind of it.
This is a question not necessarily related to this post. How do you link the Add as Associate, and Subscribe to Blog link into your Blog?
Great info on this post
Krista - you'll love it, and it could generate you more business depending on what videos you show
Cynthia - wasn't that video crazy? The facts are the facts, so I will try to keep abreast of all the new tech stuff.
Linda - your clients who would rather watch movies than read books will totally love it.
Vincent - let me know how it works out for ya. It's great to use video for certain things...testimonials are great!
Trevor - don't be afraid of video, Google loves video and the SEO is something that never hurts you. :-)
Jeannette - there must be an autostart that is forcing your player to start. It works like any player, you have to click on the play button for it to start, and the stop to stop. If you have more than one, they will keep playing in order until you press the stop key. At least in this widget. Let me know if you need any help with it.
Diane - you better start working on that stack! LOL! You might want to move this one up toward the top of the pile.
Al - I think right now, a combination of video and text is what works for many! I like both personally. I prefer video if it's a long story or message.
Bill - it's all about sharing here, this one is good "all the way to the bank"!!! :-)
Ben - I have some information that you might find very valuable and certainly useful. If you're truly interested in knowing more about this, call or email me and we can talk. I work with some folks in that arena who have been very successful building and growing that segment of business. Numbers and contact info is on my profile page. :-)
Irina - you need to be in the video! It's no different than your clients meeting you in person. Try it, and I will prove to you that no one sees you in the video the way you see yourself. Don't be brainwashed into believing any of that foolish jibberish that everyone thinks about video. Look at Broker B and the stuff he does. Ask him how and why he does that? 98 out of 100 fear or don't want to be on video! Why? I say be in the 2% and reap the rewards. Just practice, know your content, be polished, and have fun. Your videos would ROCK!
Mr. McGuire - I agree, always room for WiFi improvement, it will get there, time moves faster now days with all the technology stuff out there. Soon, WiFi will actually be old and slow compared to what's coming next!
(Crystal Clear Blue Skies, 61 Degrees in Fairfield, CA today) :-)
Wayne - if you like my technology stuff, you should see what I can do with your marketing and your Title and Escrow! :-)
Brad, I think I have officially become a Brad Andersohn Technology Geek. The first functional thing I did this morning, after preparing the requisite pot of coffee, was to check if there was anything new on your blog. You never disappoint. This is GREAT! People definitely retain visual more than words and the UTube Widget appears to be the perfect venue to put my toe in that water! But, oh man, I have to add this my Brad Andersohn Homework Pile!
Wendy - OK! It's Official! LOL! You and Catherine were a huge inspiration in me doing this post. Glad you liked the other project I shared with you yesterday, I think it is the way to go for consumer education on topics we are discussing. This is just a delivery tool, there are others, but we'll get to that "all in good time". Got your email, I'll be calling ya soon... :-)
Jay - go for it my friend! You'll love it!
Lisa - if you're excited, I'm excited! :-)
Ed - YES! You are in total control of what viewers watch when using this or any of the YouTube widgets. When you are at the YouTube website watching videos, you have no control of what video will come up next. That is exactly why I recommend this widget for your Blog. As long as you stay on my post here, you will only see the videos I selected for you to see, which I did choose from YouTube. I have other videos I have posted there, but these are the one's I chose for this post! Great comment and excellent point.
Ryan - my techy friend, your clients who like video will love this on your Blog or Website. The videos I added in this widget hopefully prove that point. Thanks for commenting my friend!
Sharon - you are the BOMB! I'd be happy to help you out any way I can. (hold your hand) I did go back and add instructions on how to add this widget, but doing the video, that's a bit different. If you want to see a sample of what I did as a test for some clients, you can check it out here. Thanks Sharon, it's always great to see and hear from you.
Donna - always here for ya! :-)
Anne - he's not just an actor, he's an artist and a perfectionist! I get it! I am too! Let us know when you have something up or posted we can check out. Thanks Ann.
Michael - True that, but speed and computers is getting better all the time. Soon, technology will find a way to get around speed limitations and new formats and platforms will allow for even greater and faster multi-media. The world's a changing even as I type and as you read this comment! That's how fast it really is! :-)
Bob - members here have suggested you and I meet! I removed the "snap" bubble thingy because I wiggle my mouse too much when I read, and it kept covering up my text! Let's do coffee sometime... :-)
Ann - glad this was something useful for you. I had to add the "how-to" after I realized it wasn't there! LOL!
Robert - it exists, it's exciting, have fun with it! Hope you find the way to convert it to business for you like others are or have!
I've been reading your posts for awhile, and I am implementing as fast as I can. You are a wonderful resource, thanks for the great information- and like Ann said- If I can get the how to blog to go along with this, I'm good to go!
Alecia - I ent back into the post and added it under the widget. Let me know if you need additional help with it!
John - it's great to have you back here! How have you been? How is your wife doing? How is your market down there? You must be busy, I haven't seen you for a while. Hope you had a good Holiday!! Thanks for stopping in to say hi. :-)
BTW - I hope you catch up to me and even pass me! If I am the motivation for you to do better and more, than that's a good thing right? Take care my friend!
Chad - I agree, a combination of both could never hurt. In fact, I don't think you should have one without the other! Great comment and point! Thanks! :-)
Brian - I can tell by your comment that you actually watched the videos. They really are the best part of this post. Thanks for doing that and then for taking the time to comment, sure appreciate that! :-)
B&C - thanks, you are so faithful to my Blog and posts. I appreciate that more than you know!
Fran - you never drag when I pull you!! LOL! You are very willing to be pulled into the tech rev, or you wouldn't comment here! Thanks Fran! :-)
Frank - thanks! After 20 years in this industry, it's not a matter of finding the time, it's a matter of deciding what to share! :-O Time is only limited by my typing skills! LOL! :-)
I will add that we are not all actors and actresses. Some people can't write a blog, I have tried both video and pod casting, and concluded that writing andd photos are best for me.
UnKnown - you are right, we are not all actors or even writers, the question is what does you audience like? Do you think that some might read or some might watch, or some might not do either, or some might do both? I'm just saying that I don't think anyone should limit themselves to one way and only one way. Of course it's a matter of preference and choice at the end of day! :-)
Brian - thanks and a high 5 to ya! :-)
Rob - great talking to you on the phone, thanks for the call, that really meant more to me than you know! :-)
I look forward to talking with you again soon, you are a class act and I appreciate your support and friendship!
BTW Rob - I did start writing this all out when I realized how much time I'd save by sharing the videos, and the impact they and the message in this post would have.
Hey Brad! Thanks for the fascinating low-down on blogging yesterday! Not only are you a wealth of knowledge, but you're a pretty nice person! I have to say your family and professional values will take you far in life. You gave both my hubby Steve and I some fantastic ideas for future projects. First American ROCKS! Welcome to my World-Diana
Diana - The pleasure was ALL mine! Thank for letting me wear out my welcome! LOL! I guess when you go that many years without seeing ol friends and customers, it just happens that time passes quicker! I enjoyed meeting with you both and my door and line are always open to you. Don't ever hesitate to give me a call or shoot me an email. Anytime, and for any reason! You guys are the BEST!! It's great to be a part of your world!
Eleanor - when you setup your widget at Youtube.com, you can select ONLY the videos you wish to show. Youtube allows you to create folders and then only show individual videos, or a folder selection. Just categorize all the different videos you like, or have created, place them in that folder, and you're good to go. You'll love it!
Don't forget that when you see a video on youtube that you like, you have to click on the "Add To Favorites" graphic underneath the video. This places it in your library, then allows you to move it to any folder later. I hope this answers your question. If not, do let me know! :-)
This is a question not necessarily related to this post. How do you link the Add as Associate, and Subscribe to Blog link into your Blog?
Jeremiah - sorry for the delay getting back to these comments and questions...
To add any graphic to a post, you simply use the graphic import tool above that looks like a tree sticking out of the grass! Import your graphic or subscribe me or whatever you want to use, then add the link by using the little graphic above that looks like a chain. The only thing you'll have to determine prior to all that is what your subscribe URL is, and what the URL to add you as an associate is. Hope this helps! LMK B-)
Hopefully I'll see you next time I pop by the office!
Brad - I have yet to add video to my blog or website. I am not afraid of setting up the technology as much as I am afraid that I can't keep it tasteful. A lot of the video platforms are pretty tacky and I guess they turn me off.
BTW - You don't have to reply, I commented on your ActiveLink post ;-)
Brad- Honestly, I am in the process of shopping for a video camera for this reason. My only concern is being sure to get a quality camera that will produce quality video with spending $100,000! :)
Of course, I have seen videos on YouTube where the quality is awful!! In those cases, I would rather read the text! Any suggestions?
Hey Brad - I am in the same predicament as Rick - could you post or email the list of cameras. I want to use this to provide training to a team of Realtors around the country.
YourHome411@comcast.net
Eliud - I use the Panasonic DMC- FZ7 with the LUMIX 12X Optical ZOOM lens. It works perfect for Photos and Video. Depends on your budget, but the best place to find cameras and accessories in online at B&H Photo and Video. Their prices can't be beat and they are a warehouse just packed with the best really cool stuff. Hope this helps, let me know!
This camera ran between 150.00 and 200.00 when I bought online at B&H. Here's a couple shots I just took with it! :-)
So Brad - will this camera do videos that I could post online for training, blogging, and home shows?
Thanks for the heads up on this because I was going to buy a camara (for photos only) any way for a trip I am taking to Israel in January 2008. So I could knock out two purchase goals in one.
Great....
Eliud -
Heres a sample video I did with it just last week. I did some editing, but yes, it takes great video. I think
you'll be pleased with the selection of cameras they have at B&H. I have shot many a video and pictures with this camera. All my localism photos were taken with it as well. Same as all my youtube videos. :-)
Brad -
You did a better sales job then B&H. There online chat specialist were not "specialists". Your link above answered my main concerns.
So OK, I like the camera, now the next step is the editing program. What do you recommend? I want to do something similar to your sample video above.
Great....
Eliud -
I use a software called Pinnacle Studio version 10. There are many choices available on the web and in the stores, it's really a matter of preference. I like that I can splice, edit, adjust, frame, add text and effects, use overlays, enhance photos and videos, add music and audio files and tons more. Getting the photos and the video caught on tape is one challenge, producing something people want to watch is another. I'm working on a project write now that should be posted very soon. Hope you'll check it out! :-)
Keep me posted on your project. I think this is a great way to get the information out to more people because of the creative and personal touch video adds to the message.
Hi Brad,
I always bookmark your great posts :-) Especially since I have been working on my AR profile lately.
Thank you for telling us about this great youtube widget.. I think it is awesome. I have several videos on youtube that I want to show on AR.
I have a question though, hopefully you can help me with this. Can we post our youtube videos on our profiles? I only see youtube videos in blogs, but when I tried to put it on my profile, it doesnt work. Any idea why?
Brad - I have two media files that have been given to me from a 30 minute TV show I did a last month. One of them is a Window Media 192 MB and the other is a Quick Time Media 107 MB. Could at least one of these be posted on my profile or blog or are both too big?
Brad, that is good to know - I will talk to my web server about increasing my server space so that I could upload it for all web mediums - posts, blogs, and other web feeds.
Oh, by the way, I found out you are connected with some of my LinkedIn network so an invitation has been sent.
Brad, that is good to know - I will talk to my web server about increasing my server space so that I could upload it for all web mediums - posts, blogs, and other web feeds.
Oh, by the way, I found out you are connected with some of my LinkedIn network so an invitation has been sent.
OK, I increased my web server and downloaded the 30 minute wmv file.
It is on the following link - Homeowneship Conference on The Real Estate Connection TV
So now, how do I put it on the profile similiar with a TV like graphic?
Hey Brad- thanks for your good wishes. This project has propelled me into a real estate career that has a promissing future. I want to use the video technology to share my information with others around the country. As a matter of fact, I expect over 200 attendees to tomorrows event. And that is down in numbers because of the holiday season.
I am looking forward to host about 2 events a month between January - April 2008 in the Delaware Valley. But eventually, I want to work with Realtors around the country. So I would like to have the video edited so that I could make it a generic video.
We could talk about this after the holidays because I may need your help.
Brad- the event started at 9 am, but around 8:30 there were only 3 families at the conference, by 8:45 about 15 - BAM the at 9 am - a avalanche of people strolled into the hotel, then with all the late comers we had standing room only.
For the holiday season, I was surprised I got this turn out, with only one week to Christmas. But since the loan product is so attractive families came from as far as New York (2 hours drive).
So thanks for your wishes and now I am getting ready to expand around the country. And I must do it with video online.
Great catch Brad! Please continue to share your knowledge :) I look forward to future posts!!