After I saw this, I just couldn't resist doing a post about it.

Brian - I think you're right.  But, public speaking is only different in that it can't be played back over and over again.  I think the same nerves get trampled on, but with video, there's just something that people experience that's like no other experience. 

I used to duck away, cover my face, run to another room when I saw a video camera coming, and that's when I was just a child.  When I discovered Mr Scribbles Blog here on AR, and saw this video, it reminded me of those days. :-)

Don - strange and true.  I have noticed that when I take photos of groups of people standing together, then show them the photo, the first person they look at is always themselves. If they like how they look, the photo is great!  If not, I hear,"Can we take another one?"  Then someone else will say, "No, I like that one!" 

This is so familiar to all of us, now it's time to break it down, find out why, and try to provide some answers to help us get over "ourselves" and this picture and video phobia that haunts so many.

Public speaking is different, at least for me. It doesn't bother me either. We never see ourselves public speaking, so it is different.  We are more critical of ourselves when we know we'll be captured on tape.

Missy - nice talking to you yesterday. After I saw this video, I liked the link at the end Mr Scribble included about "How To Overcome ANY Fear"  It may be helpful to others, I hope so too.  :-)  Did you see his original post?  The ScribblerBlog

Cindy - it's funny how many of us are in some type of "sales" in this business, we can sell ourselves on flyers, websites and Blogs, even public speaking, but to do it on video seems difficult for many.  It's such a humbling experience. The question is why?  People want to know about you, they want your knowledge and experience.  They want to buy, they just don't want to be sold. I like how Mr Scribble laid this out, focusing on the results, and not the fear or the effort.

I can't see that anyone extolling their virtues like a used car saleman in our industry would be of any use either. Agreed.  Remember, you don't always have to "SELL" using video.

Bill - very funny!!  You're the third person who thought I was Mr Scribble.  I wish I could pull something like that off! lol~  I saw Mr Scribbles post yesterday on his Blog and thought it would be great to share.  He's new here and already has 10 comments on his first post.  :-))

Larry - I couldn't agree with you more completely, but don't thank me, thank Mr Scribble.  He and his friends made me realize that the fear most people have of video just makes them prisoners of their own mind. I really liked the link he put at the end on "How To Overcome Any Fear!"  Keep pressing onward forward my friend.

I do like the idea of video, but for me personally, I find I don't click on that many videos for fear of ending up in a time sink....I don't know how long I'll be there watching the video and if you start, you're quite likely to finish. So from a consumer perspective, I just am very selective with what I watch.

Ron - excellent point, the nice thing is that you DON'T HAVE to watch the whole thing if you choose. Just like a Blog post, many don't read the whole thing either. I have to admit, I don't watch too many videos that are over 2-3 minutes myself, unless they provide information that I need or can learn from. Thanks for the comment, I appreciate your honesty.

Jeff - I get it!  I liked how Mr Scribble (not me) put it into the simplest terms, focus on the results and not the effort.  No body cares as much as you do about your photo or how you look and sound on video.  I think we do tend to be prisoners of ourselves. 

I'm just trying to help people step out of that fear, just like their first Listing Presentation.  You just keep getting better if you keep doing it. You look and sound great for video Jeff!! Everyone has it in them.  I think you should listen to Mr. Scribble's friends, like the jeep and just get comfortable with it.  It just takes some practice.:-) 

Jeremy - I'm glad you enjoyed this and even saw the humor in Mr Scribbles Video.  Are you telling me you know how to create these videos?  I'd love to know how to use a webcam to do these.  I think it's great!!  Have you seen Mr Scribble's Blog?  I think he's a new member here, I'll email him and see how he does these....  I'm Looking forward to your ActiveRain Video posts.  :-)

Jer -BTW, I'll have to get permission from Mr Scribble if we are going to Feature his Video on AR :-) I already took a chance on posting it here on my Blog, he hasn't returned my email yet. He's Probably still learning the ropes here in the rain.  ;-))

Marti - that's so true, we are our own worst critics.  No body cares as much as we do and that goes for ANYTHING we do. It's just funny yet weird what happens to us when that RED LIGHT goes on. It's time to find out what really happens inside, evaluate it, ad the conquer it!  It the only way to get past that all important step to moving forward and seeing the benefits video can bring to us and our business.

If Mr. Scribble gives his consent, I'd love to see if we can feature this on one of the daily AR Video feeds. Still waiting to hear back from him. :-)

Hey Brad...Great video. I still am not sure that I would be comfortable in front of the camera...I am my own worst critic :-) But made me think.... Thanks for sharing. I just started following you on twitter @PCRealtor I am flagging you for a feature.

Kristi - thanks, we are all our own worst critics trust me!  Thanks for the Flag, but Mr Scribble gets all the credit for this one. Practice wit a camera in front of a mirror, and watch the video at the end of Mr Scribbles clip, that stuff really does work.  :-)

Brad, Some really good advice. I just wish I could put my daughter in front of the camera. for her school presentations she has always chosen to do a video clip. Children can teach us a few things now and then.

Mana - you should interview her and have her tell why Mom isthe best one for the job! :-) Maybe she can give all of us some techniques on how to be comfortable in front of the video camera. We can learn a lot from our kids.  Check out the video at the end of Mr Scribbles clip, there's a link on "Ho to overcome any fear."  :-)

Hi Brad! This is pretty cute! I don't know how I would look on video now. I did some commercials back in the 80's and when I look at them now...I look stupid!

Lizette - you would do great with video.  You have experience, knowledge, and information that people would love to know about you, your area, your community, events etc.  The only thing that happens after 20 years is YOU GET BETTER! :-) Don't take my word for it, RE Scribble says it too. 

Kevin - I think you're exactly right, it's easy for some, difficult for others, but with practice, and using some of the tips in his video and the link at the end, many may find it easier to take on the challenge of being on video.  I know that when I did a video of my wife, after a couple days, she said she felt more comfortable being on film and relaxing in front of the camera.

AJ - thanks for the words of encouragement, but all I did was the post.  Give Mr RE Scribble the credit for being a great producer.  I think this was his first post! ;-)

I HATE being on video. I'm like the big, kinda dumb, purple guy who just doesn't know what the heck to say. Luckily, I've been able to avoid it at all costs for a number of years! Have managed to do the same with photographs too!

Hi Jennifer - the question is why do you hate being on video. You're not big and dumb with nothing to say.  You are the Pro, The Expert, The experienced one with great information, and you need to share that with others.  It's time to get past the phobia and that negative self talk, and start doing some video.  Follow some of the simple steps in Mr. Scribbles video and just see if it helps at all. 

Overcome is the keyword, just overcome. :-)

Barbara - glad you got something out of this one.  I'll be watching to see if Mr Scribble does any other helpful posts to share with us here.  I just checked out his profile/blog and this is the only one he has posted.  :-)

Matt - Mr Scribble does a pretty good job on video, you can tell he's not real nervous, he's obviously practiced, and he's passionate about what he has to share and say.  I think he felt sorry for some of his friends and just wanted to help them get over the fear... a legend???  Maybe!!  :-))

Terry - practice practice practice, and like everything else you practice, you can only get better and better and better.  I know you'd be great at video, but you'll never believe that until you do it, and let others help you build that confidence by giving you all that love and support WE ALL need!  :-)

Brad - what a funny video! Mr. Scribbles is kinda hot! LOL Scared of video still. You've talked to me..you know I sound like a frog!

Linda - that's just wrong!  I don't think hitting on Mr Scribble will help you overcome any fear you may have. lol~ But watching the video at the end of his may make a big difference.  Did you see his link to the Video "How To Overcome Any Fear?"  It really a pretty good video, but you're right, the guys no where near as hot as Mr Scribble. 

BTW - Frog? You are kidding right?  You sound great! Remember, even if you did think you sound like that, behind every frog is a Prince/Princess!!  :-)

Jer - a couple of his friends are kinda funny and even made me laugh after I watched them a couple times.

Brad - Oh My Gosh, your video was soooo hilarious. I was captivated the whole time. Love it :) By the way - I just got my Flip Video Camera in the mail. Can't wait to start using it.

Jessica - can't wait to see your videos with your new Flip camera. You'll have a blast with it, and it's a great way to practice doing video of yourself too.  You'll love it.  Glad you liked Mr Scribbl video, his Blog is new and his profile here on AR needs some help.  I sent him an email offering him some assistance, no response from him yet. I noticed he got 10 comments on his first post though.  What a great AR welcome, I hope he does more of these for us.

Jeff Dennis - I've had a couple people tell me that. That's funny, I guess he could sound like me a little if I tried to talk in a high voice.  haha!!  Great advice my friend, "Preparation, Practice and Presence" and being in the moment and being yourself is really the key. Thanks Jeff, looking forward to your video when you return from Europe.  You better start Blogging some stuff here, someone needs to show us how to "Get Er Done!" :-)

Teri - you need to make the time, you'd probably get picked up by Hollywood from your first Video post.  You don't have time not to. :-)

Brad, where is Mr. Scribble's profile page? I wanna show him some love! And yes, if I can get a hold of a webcam, I know how to impersonate mr. Scribbles!

Jer - his links are above in this post. Please show him some love, that's why I did this post of his video. I think he's a newbie here. Be careful impersonating Mr Scribble, I think he knows Lenn Harley and that might be illegal unless you get his written consent, not too sure of that, shoot I plagiarized his video, I could probably get in more trouble than you!  LOL!~  :-))

Again Wow, another great post! I was laughing because it is so true! I was just doing research on you so that I could write a nice comment. Note to self: MUST LEARN HOW TO DO VIDEO

Aida - he and his friend kinda bring it on home ya think? haha!  Thanks for checkin me out and adding me to your associates, I saw Mr Scribble got a few adds out of this too.  Love helping other members, I really do.  Also appreciate your comment on my associates page, that was very nice.  I researched you too, and of course you made the A list on my associates as well.  :-)

Jeremy, I saw that.  Went by his blog to see if he had any new comments, and there you were.  Thanks for helping to welcome new members and "penciling" it into your schedule.  He's a pretty cool guy to have as a hero! :-))

Gail - I understand, know that you're not alone. Mr Scribbles has many friends who go thru the same thing, but if you noticed, you didn't laugh or make fun of him or any of his friends, in fact you probably never even thought twice and in some cases may even have thought they were kinda cute!  The point is, nobody cares as much as you do.  A little practice and a little confidence goes a long way. 

Watch the video link at the end of Mr Scribbles Video on how to overcome that fear and feeling you get when a video camera enters the room. I promise that in time, you WILL get over that feeling the only YOU FEEL. 

Funny, but everyone has that trigger go off inside when there's a camera, but somehow they learned to get over it, and they do it so well, we can't even tell who they are anymore unless they tell us.  I dare you to undelete that video and post it.  I'll get you a gift if you do. A very worth while gift, and I have Mr Scribbles permission to help, he'll even pitch in for the gift! 

Now go post that video!!  :-)

This video is not being used to make fun of, or point fingers at any  members or guests, it's merely to prove that we all have something weird that happens to us when that record button goes ON, it's just defining what that is, and overcoming it.  I hope Mr Scribble and his friends will help YOU do that.  :-)

It's really not as bad as it seems. It's mostly in our own minds that we perceive it to be such a difficult and uncomfortable challenge.  We are too self concious and too critical of ourselves. 

If everyone went through life as though there were a camera recording them 24/7, can you imagine what the world would be like then? Now there's a thought!  :-)

Duane - I didn't know you were Pres of the Grand Rapids HBA, and at such a young age. That's awesome!  Sorry the vid wasn't working for ya, I just checked it on IE and FF and it seems to be ok now.  Hope it works, I think you'll like what Mr Scribble and his friends have to say.  Many have thought he was me, disguising my voice, but we both know better than that....I checked out Mr Scribbles profile and he looks legit to me.  :-)

Jan - glad you enjoyed Mr Scribble and his link at the end, I think it's helping many of us breakdown the true reasons most people fear video, it's all in our head!  You're never to late to stop by the Active Brad Blog, and you're always welcomed. :-)

I usually have to do a few takes to loosen up, but I always end up please with the results. But I just don't stop until I'm happy with what I've recorded =)

Lisa - great point, an excellent advice.  I find myself doing multiple takes as well.  Every once in a while I'll get it on the first go around, but rarely.  Thanks for sharing those words of wisdom here, many will benefit from that.

John - that really sucks, I guess you won't be buying anything from me eh? haha.  Oh well. I'm not really selling anything, just trying to help others overcome the anxiety attacks and fear of video.  I'll let Mr Scribble know you're very disappointed with the video and the inability to finish watching it, the best part really is at the end!  I'll fire him and his video in the morning!  lol~  :-)))

Seriously though, try this link, maybe you'll have better luck going direct to his video console on AR.  Let me know if this works any better for you.  I haven't had anyone else have issues with this one.  TRY THIS LINK

Bryan - it is kinda funny, till you're in front of a camera that's not self inflicted, then something very wierd happens and most people can't explain it or why.  Video, a very powerful yet strange phenomenon in the world and in us as humans. :-)

John - just curious, when I saw your comment on Jeff Dowlers post, it left me a bit confused, you said,

"Good ideas on how to augment your marketing with video. What I really like is that you provide several media types -- vFlyer, blog, RES, video -- which makes your content available to a wider audience of potential investors."

06/03/2008 11:11 PM by John Novak - REALTOR®, Las Vegas and Henderson, NV (Keller Williams Realty The Marketplace)

In the comment above on this post you said, "Video has some advantages, but text and images are still far ahead for delivering content across wide audiences."

So is it video or text and images?  I agree with your comment to Jeff. I think having a combination of tools and technology (that works of course lol~) is the key to touching the widest markets.  I respect and value your opinion and I may have misunderstood your comment here, if so, I apologize. :-) Thanks John.

Brad, I just revisited and it's up and running, to clever. Yes, I was the youngest Pres (1989), youngest life director of the MAHB and 2nd youngest life director of NAHB. They got me involved at an early age. Think I may have missed a board meeting and ended up on the executive board, won't let that happen again. Thereby, no hair. LOL

Hey Duane - glad it worked for ya, so is that why you use a logo here and not a photo? Is it the hair?  You know we all love ya just the same!!  Darn those executive boards anyway!! lol~  :-))

Duane - too funny! yes I do.  :-))))  haha! 

Thanks Jeremy, I do have your number just in case. 

There's a rumor that Mr Scribble wants to interview Blogging Bertha, I saw it on his Blog comments. That should be interesting and fun. lol~

Tracy - you will ROCK THE WORLD!!!  Looking forward to your video blogging extraodinare!  :-))))

Jer - I hope it works out for him.  :-)

Joe - funny you should mention that, really!  Could there be something more to this than meets the eye? Literally? lol~  Thanks for the comment and compelling thought...  :-))

So whatever that thing is that goes off inside us, we just have to learn to shut it down. I like the orange juice and squeezing the hands idea at the end of the video.  Never know what works till you try it.  :-)

Mary Anne - that was cute!  I guess everyone has their own way of dealing with video, I just set my camera on top of a note that looks like a $1,000,000 dollar bill.  :-))

Jeremy - I was just over at Mr Scribbles blog and just noticed he hasn't posted anything new since your last comment on his post!  Did you scare him away?  I know he's big on facebook and myspace, his linkedIn profile is top 10 and his Twitter has 36,000 followers, I hope we haven't upset him!  lol~  I say start posting video my friend, recipes were great, Real Estate will be even better.  Looking forward to your posts!  :-)

Jer - have a great time in Texas, we can talk cameras when you get back.  :-)

Kathy - there's only 2 things you need to know about video.

1. Pick up the phone

2. Call me!

That's all there is to it.  I'll make sure you get on the right host with the least amount of effort while producing the type of video's you like and also what your clients want to see.  There are plenty of posts and Blogs that will get you exactly what you're looking for.  Just remember #1 and #2, the rest is easy.  :-)

Kathy - it's easy, I DON'T SLEEP!  lol~  :-)  Thanks!!