Brand and Sell Your Way to Higher Profits    hosted by Lavon Lewis and Victor Antonio

The Chocolate Chat Atlanta    hosted by Dianna Hicks and Swarthy Daisy

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Both Events were great opportunities to network and learn from great resources. I could go on and on about how great these events were with simple text but let’s hear it from the attendees. Your peers have spoken, more importantly they are visual with social proof. I encourage you to check out these speakers, events and workshops. Their audience has spoken through the power of authentic video testimonials.

To put it in Lehman’s Terms.

Effective event testimonials will provide that level trust and reputation for your events, brand and website.  Think about this, why not leverage your audience as event brand ambassadors, word of mouth, word of mouse, event evangelist, if your workshop or event is compelling there is a good chance it will be shared and commented on.  This is a major benefit for marketing and driving traffic to your events.

Social Selling TV is an interactive video training series on the topic of Social Selling with an emphasis on video customer engagement for today’s buyer using social media.

Let’s talk about social video selling. To be social there needs to be engagement and the use of Video is a great platform to be visible.

The Sales Process has evolved due to the internet and social media. If your using dated selling practices and not implementing social selling techniques, you are simply missing out on an opportunity to generate results. Your buyer or customer now researches your products and services online and evaluates information instantly from their peers via social media networks.

Social selling for pre sales and research is powerful way to identify opportunities and engage prospects in social networks. Today’s buying process has evolved and your customers have more control. The engagement process starts early. Your buyer expects immediate value, social proof, as a salesperson your company has to establish advanced online credibility to be more effective.

Establishing social proof, advanced credibility is done by having compelling and engaging content. How do you stand out against the competition? Is your online presence sufficient? Is your company website, blogs, social media profiles including LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and video Hosting Sites compelling for your target market customers.

Are you visible, using Video, now that is a great tool to leverage social proof and build credibility for your customers and prospects.

Stay tuned as I will go into more details on utilizing video for social proof during my video series ”Social Selling TV” on how to enhance your social selling process with video

Today I want to spotlight author Mark Schaefer latest book “Return On Influence: The Revolutionary Power of Klout, Social Scoring, and Influence Marketing” This a follow up to Mark’s book “Tao of Twitter”. I plan on doing a full video book review in more detail so stay tuned. This book is a great resource on the topic of social scoring and how to improve personal and online influence.

Quick Highlights and background of Return On Influence

• Mark interviews over 50 Experts
• More than a dozen case studies on Social and Marketing Influence
• Extensive research and explanation on leading social scoring companies
• Tips on how to evaluate and improve your own social online influence.
• And much more

Last week I was in Newton, MA to visit the headquarter of EveryScape.  After researching this company and meeting with them, I was enlightened about the influence and power of immersive advertising for local search.

EveryScape developed the technology that transforms 2D still photos and images into an engaging panoramic 3D experience that allows the viewer and consumer to walk around and explore the experience themselves.    The viewer is in control transforming a real world online presence in experiential marketing.

I am passionate about visual engagement and the concept that EveryScape has for promoting your business online is powerful.   When the consumer drives the online presentation, they are more likely to visit longer and will engaged further.

To put it in Lehman’s Terms

“Local search, real world experience and extended customer engagement with your online presence”

For more information on EveryScape visit their website or checkout AT&T’s advertising solutions as YP360.

http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-765879

http://youtu.be/jy7NdUvJFGQ

Last week, I started to evaluate my social media networks on the basis on connections and contact engagement.  Why are we connected? What is our network relationship?  In some cases we engage frequently other cases we are a simple contact name on a growing list.

The purpose of this Video Blog Post is to put a name with face using Video to simply reconnect again on LinkedIn.  I would love to hear more about you and your business.  Please feel free to reach out and contact me if you need any assistance with my network or want to engage in more dialogue.  Let’s take full advantage of our connection on linkedIn and collaborate.

Now to put it in Lehman’s Terms

1)       Thank You for Connecting

2)       Let’s Engage, Reconnect and Collaborate

3)       I value our LinkedIn Connection on all levels of engagement

Sagie “The Dog” is not a LinkedIn Connection but a loyal contact.  How are we connected?

We all know that word of mouth is an awesome form of advertising and video is the next best thing to being at there.  Imagine what the value of authentic video testimonials can do for marketing your event.  Video can create an experiential marketing element that is more convincing than simple text referrals.

Last month, I was fortunate to cover an event business concept called Hidden Treasures.  Hidden Treasures provides a unique shopping experience for people who want to look fabulous without spending a fortune.  Hidden Treasures events take place at consignment stores throughout the Atlanta area.  We got to capture this event live on video plus a special interview with the founder of Hidden Treasures Tee Copeland.

We can go on and on about how great the shopping experience is at a Hidden Treasure Event but why just read simple text.  It is much more efficient, compelling and engaging to watch the videos.

More on Hidden Treasures checkout this the following website www.hiddentreasures12.com

To Put it in Lehman’s Terms “Testimonial Group Videos are a great visual tool to promote and showcase your business events. Authentic Video Testimonials are a treasure; with video it won’t be hidden.

Five habits of digital leadership your personal STAMP

• Simple: Success is the result of simplication and focus
• True: be to true to your passion
• Act: nothing happens without action – take the first step
• Map: goals and visions are needed to get where you want to be
• People: success doesn’t happen alone

My favorite principle of the five digital habits of digital leadership is the  People section but each principle is key for success and influence in today’s world.

My review for Amazon.com

Erik Qualman hits another homerun with his latest book “Digital Leader” 5 Simple Keys to Success and Influence. This is his follow up book to his bestselling book Socialnomics. True to form this book is loaded with relevant case studies, facts and events that outline business practices today.

We all have an online presence which will stay with us our entire life and beyond. Why not inspire others with leadership providing an online legacy. This is our Digital Stamp. Qualman outlines five keys to success in leadership. Qualman cites several examples across multiple industries. He also provides several inspirational and motivational quotes on the topics of leadership.

The book is a tremendous resource, providing key points and takeaways after each section on the five habits of being a digital leader. If you are looking to improve your online leadership performance or interested in learning how society has changed with the impact of technology in the digital age this is a must read. As Qualman states Digital Leaders are made not born. Great Read Great Resource Book!

 http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-723438

My first iReport assignment and New Year’s Resolution become an iReporter and meet and engage several iReporters in the online community.

I am new to iReport but very passionate about news and citizen journalism-styled videos. This was my first assignment.

Details of the assignment.

• Tell us your name, where you live, and why you iReport.
• Keep videos under 30 seconds.
• Feel free to get as creative as you’d like!

http://www.visualcv.com/douglaslehman

I am big fan of VisualCV but effective December 30, 2011 their online portfolio resume service is going away. I know there are a few options for online portfolio services out there but I will miss the look and usability of Visual CV.  I open to suggestions on new online services.   Let me know  your thoughts.

http://www.visualcv.com/www/about_us/closing.html Visual CV Cease Operations.

Back in May 2011, I did a video book review for Erik Qualman’s Book Socialnomics. I enjoy spotlighting books and leveraging the power of social video for reviews. I have done number video book reviews and now I am honored to be a part of McGraw-Hill Insider Program.

PROMOTIONAL VIDEOS For Digital Leader

I just received my first book today and I will be one of the first to read a copy of Erik Qualman’s upcoming book Digital Leader: 5 Simple Keys to Success and Influence. A full video review is coming soon. I have to read the book first.

I am very excited about this Insider Program and look forward reviewing more upcoming books. Stay tuned for reviews on Amazon.com and my website.

The Power of Video Group Testimonials

Earlier this month, I attended a special conference that was organized by Andrea Amir of Smart Money Chicks. The Confernece was called Worth It! The Money Conference for Women .The goal of the conference is to provide reliable Money Management, Investing, Career, Entrepreneur, Savings, Credit and Retirement Planning Strategies for women of all ages, economic backgrounds, and levels of financial knowledge. The Conference was designed to address the unique challenges women face in a safe and fun environment.

My task was to film the keynote speaker Karen Lee, Author of “It’s Just Money, So Why Does It Cause So Many Problems?” Karen’s presentation was excellent, engaging and informative.

After filming Karen, I decided to capture some testimonial videos . The conference was a huge success so I thought I would share the group testimonial video. Video testimonials are a great way to showcase your business or events.

To Put it in Lehman’s Terms “Testimonial Group Videos are a great visual tool to promote your events work. Worth It! The Money Conference for Women was a hit. It was worth attending.

Ready for a great week in Atlanta. I hope to see you at Digital Atlanta 2011. So many people so many great events taking place, it’s impossible to meet everyone. I decided to produce a short video clip to reach out to everyone at Digital Atlanta and say hello and let’s connect. Nothing beats a face to face meeting but video is next best thing to being there.

To put it in Lehman’s Terms, using the power of social video engagement to say Hi.

I am also looking forward to filming testimonial videos for the session on “Using Global Digital Technology to Stimulate America”

I will be in attendence filming and working testimonial videos.  A post video recap will take place as well.

The primary focus of the “Using Global Digital Technology to Stimulate America” Panel Discussion is to identify ways Entrepreneurs can develop international business relationships using digital technology that can be translated into a positive means of economic development for the United States, create jobs and promote stabilization.

Stimulate America INC is a non-profit dedicated to providing resources, education and solutions to aid against the economic challenges plaguing American Citizens. Giving hope by providing answers is our business.

Video Spolight Hustle University

Today I want to spotlight HOTEP and his organization “Hustle University. I had the
opportunity to hear him speak in September at an event hosted by The Omen
Agency. The Event was titled “Get Social! Social Media – Self
Publishing – Filmmaking. The speakers and topics consisted of the following.

Self-Publishing and Marketing presented by Hotep

Independent Filmmaking in the Web and Beyond by Donnie Leapheart

Social Media Trends and Tactics by Selah Abrams and Amani Channel

It was a great event and free to the public. I really enjoyed the presenters and the host “Omen Agency” did an excellent job. Always good to catch up with Black Nicholoson of The Omen Agency.

Today I want to showcase Hotep but plan on discussing the other presentations in more detail.

I’ve been fortunate to hear Amani and Selah speak before and they always bring great information on strategies and tips in the social media world.

I am currently watching the webseries called Osiris by Donnie Leapheart (PyramidPictures.com). I found Donnie’s presentation to be very enlightening and informative on flimmaking and the use webisodes in today’s entertaiment market.

Today’s Sportlight is Hotep and Hustle University.

Hotep has an event taking place Saturday November 5 at Georgia World Congress Center
“Hustle University Authors and Speakers Academy. More information about Hustle University and this event can be at www.hustleuniversity.org

I am in the process of doing series of book reviews on Hotep and Hustle University. Currently reading “Hustle While You Work Using Your 9-5 To Jumpstart Your 5-9″.

Click Here!

As many of you know,  I am very passionate about video engagement and sports.  I am an avid sports fan and play kickball on the weekends in Atlanta.  With a simple flip camera,  I took footage of my kickball squad and produced a webisode for Social Selling TV.

Using my green screen, I made an attempt to film our GREEN Shirts on the green screen.  The final result was my shirt turned blue.  The simple rule is not to wear any clothes with the color you wish to hide. For example, if you have a green screen background, do not wear green duh!  I was fortunate that my shirt wasn’t partially erased, invisable or distorted.. I actually like the blue color shirt..

Checkout our last espisode of Social Selling TV Spotlighting  my awesome kickball team “I’m Kick James Pitch”  More sports entertainment videos to come with the special return of the One Man Hype Machine in Lehman’s Terms.

SOCIAL SELLING TV SPOTLIGHING MY KICKBALL SQUAD FALL SEASON 2011

Today I want to showcase The EZ Video Guy aka Randy Barnes. Randy does a great job showcasing video engagement tips and one the best storytelling video promoters out there. I was lucky enough to be mentioned in one his video tip clips below.

7 Web Video Tips From 7 Web Video Pros

Great Job Randy. Checkout his videos on Youtube, Facebook and his websites rbarnes.com and The EZ Video Guy.

Thanks again Randy.  It was great to be mentioned with some of the best video trainers and talent out there like  Desiree Peeples, Amani Channel,  Lou Bartone,  John Lawson “ColderIce”, Mike Mueller. To put it in Lehman’s Terms, Randy does an awesome job putting together a true GROUP SOCIAL VIDEO CLIP. This video clip was truly authentic none of the experts rehearsed their tips, one take one shot, seven spontaneous tips real people, real talk video.

Randy was also kind enough to provide me feedback on my own welcome video clip using the power of video response. Watch the video and stay tuned to the end for a creative special tip.

We have a new look for Social Selling TV.  Watch our new promotional introduction videos below.  Let us be your brand ambassador showcasing your story your way. Conceptualize, visualize and recognize the power of customer engagement for social selling.

Here is Stephanie’s Video with her viewers feedback.  I am glad that I made the video directors cut.  I look forward to more episodes on Tweetheart TV.

There are a number of reasons for doing web video.

To put in Lehman’s Terms there a number of reasons for doing web video.
Video engages you customers instantly, brings your brands to life.
Effective web Video emotionally connects you with your audience building trust and credibility.

Video adds a personal element to your message, delivering more clarity, eliminating speculation and interpretation.

Video shows what viewers and prospects what they need to know thus expediting the sales cycle faster.

Video placement on your website increases stickiness by more than 40%
Video improves search engine optimization (SEO)

44% of universal search results on Google feature Video

Video increases the chance of front –page Google results by 53% With Proper optimization, (Forrester Research}

The number one reason customer don’t buy online is they desire to see an item in person, using video to showcase your products and services is a powerful solution

Hey we are visual learners we like to see things

Effective Web Video can drive more traffic, attract and retain customers, increase visibility (SEO) that will engage your audience and close business.

Fact is People buy from people, video provides that human element. With web video you now have the option to personally connect with customers on your website. Web Video integration is now the standard for profitable business websites

So how do you make a video response? How can you leverage this powerful action in social video engagement? It is easy to do a video response in YouTube. Doing a video response is simple and outlined on this link. Making a video Response

To make a video response click on all comments listed below the video. A hyperlink will appear on the right side of the comments box “Create a Video Response”. The next step is choosing a video, either from your existing videos or uploading a new video.

Stephanie recently asked her viewers to submit a video answering the question what do you want to see on the upcoming Tweetheart TV episodes?  Stephanie is leveraging the power of video engagement to the fullest.  I am big fan of Stephanie’s work and decided to do my own video request using the YouTube Video Response Tool.  I am looking forward to future episodes of Tweetheart TV.  Checkout Stephanie’s show on YouTube and her website she is one to watch and emulate.

Lehman’s Terms of Business is getting a new look. We are in the process of launching a Facebook Business Page. More posts, videos and tips to come. Watch the animation video below for more details. Thank you!