Student Showcase: An Imaginative Green Screen Technique
We have a very active private forum that comes with the membership to our monthly Screencast Video Coaching program.
One of our members, Naomi Skarzinski, was particularly active and creative over the last couple of weeks and shared a video with us to enjoy and critique. At the beginning she created a rather unusual green screen technique that our forum members really liked. By popular demand Naomi put together a follow up video explaining exactly how she did it. After you watch the video you can read the brief interview I did with Naomi where she shares how she added screencasting to her VA services and a couple of tips she gives clients who may just be starting to add video to their marketing and training.
Meet Naomi….
1. Naomi, tell me a little about your background and how you decided to add video/screencasting to your services.
I had been in the Executive/Administrative field for 25+ years when I finally decided I had enough of the corporate world and wanted to branch out on my own. I started Top Shelf VA Services in 2003. I have always had a bit of a creative streak and get the most enjoyment in my business when I am doing something that requires those skills. When video and screencasting became prevalent for business, it started creeping onto my radar screen. I jumped at the chance to learn as much about it as I could. I’ve slowly been incorporating these services into my business with my current clients and I’m looking forward to taking on more clients who need these types of services. The more creativity I have in my day, the happier I am. 
2. What has been your process for learning video production?
I purchased Camtasia but wasn’t really sure how to best use it. Then I stumbled upon Michelle and Lon’s Learn Camtasia program. The world of possibilities opened up for me. I also enjoy their coaching sessions, which I try to go to every couple of months, but definitely watch in the Learn Camtasia program archives. They have a wealth of knowledge. I did a lot of research and observation watching YouTube videos and some marketing training by others on how to use YouTube to its fullest potential. A lot of it has also been self-taught, trial, and error.
3. Any advice for clients who are just getting started adding video to their marketing?
I think there are two major misconceptions about adding video to marketing. The first one has been around for a long time. It’s if you build it they will come. That’s not true by a long shot. Adding video to your marketing is an extremely strong tool but it takes time and patience to do a quality video, add it to your marketing, and for it to get momentum. If you are going to learn how to do video/screencasting on your own, be prepared to put the time in to learn it, so what you produce is of higher quality. If you are going to pay to have a professional produce your videos/screencasts, then be willing to pay for the quality you expect for your business. Looking for the person who can do it the cheapest, more times than not, you will end up with cheap quality. As they say, a $5 haircut usually looks like a $5 haircut.
The second misconception is that you can put up a video and you’re done. The strongest businesses are built on relationships where people get to know whom you are and like what you have to offer. Once again, time and patience is required here. Be prepared to also offer quality backup to that marketing video with free downloads, free teleclasses or webinars, have a YouTube channel that provides great information; something, so people can get their toes wet and see what you have to offer. If what you offer free is quality, then they are more likely to buy from you. If what you have to offer is rife with typos and grammar errors, free software that doesn’t work, webinars that don’t offer valuable lessons, then it will be harder to market your product or service.
4. Best way to contact you?
People can contact me by completing the form on my site at http://topshelfva.com/top-shelf-va-services-contact/ or directly at naomi@topshelfva.com. I look forward to helping anyone who is in need of quality assistance for video/screencasting services and/or online business management services.
