Do you have someone in your life who inspires you with their drive and determination to start or run their own business? Do you want to encourage them and show that you believe in their dreams as much as they do but need some ideas?I have a few items I pulled together that will show that you not only support your entrepreneur but that you understand what is on trend for 2017.
Trend: Live Straming Video
For the past couple years, we have seen a surge in live streaming with tools like
Periscope,
Meerkat (already closed down), blab (already closed down),
YouTube Live and others. But when Facebook announced they were entering the live streaming game (opened to everyone in early 2016), I knew it would change how we used this tool.The term “Live Stream” may sound intimidating, like streaming a large sporting event or a concert, but actually, it is simply a term that means bringing a video message to an audience as it’s happening. Pre-recorded video is still great to use in marketing, but when you can go “live,” it allows your audience to join in and ask questions or comment as you are streaming. This is a wonderful way to announce new products or services, answer questions that people have about your business or bring helpful tips to your audience in a more conversational way.The trend to beam into people’s newsfeed with a short video message still has some trying to figure out exactly how to use it, but for those who live out on the edge, ready to try new tools that allow them to get closer to their customers, it’s powerful. We will see this only explode further in 2017, as more brave these new live streaming waters. You don’t need a lot of equipment to get started. Here is a list of low-cost tools to get any entrepreneur shouting, LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION!”(As an Amazon Prime member, you can have these items to your doorstep in 2-3 days, so you still have time!)
CLIP-ON LAVALIER MIC
Get it from Amzaon here! You can spend a lot of money on microphones for podcasting and video work, but the reality is, you don’t have to. Most laptops, computers, and smartphones have built-in microphones that will do a fairly decent job for live streaming, but what I like about this clip-on lavalier with a 20-foot cord, is you can sit back or stand a little further away and still be able to hear. This mic will still pick up background noises so if you are at a conference or trying to shoot video while outside, this won’t be a good option, but for sitting in your office recording, it works great, and for under $20, you can’t beat it.You can spend a lot of money on microphones for podcasting and video work, but the reality is, you don’t have to. Most laptops, computers, and smartphones have built-in microphones that will do a fairly decent job for live streaming, but what I like about this clip-on lavalier with a 20-foot cord, is you can sit back or stand a little further away and still be able to hear. This mic will still pick up background noises so if you are at a conference or trying to shoot video while outside, this won’t be a good option, but for sitting in your office recording, it works great, and for under $20, you can’t beat it.
CLIP ON LIGHTING
Get it from Amzaon here! One issue many people have is recording in a room that is not well lit. Either they have a window right behind them, causing a dark silhouette when they turn on the camera, or they don’t have enough lighting altogether and the video is just dark. While a couple of small desk lamps can do wonders for boosting your lighting, this “selfie ring” is a much better option. Because it clips on (like a chip clip), you can attach it to a laptop or phone with ease. I also love that this little light is rechargeable (no batteries needed).
IOGRAPHER PHONE CRADLE
Get it from Amzaon here! While most “selfie-sticks” have a clamp that holds your phone, they are usually held in portrait mode and if they come with a tripod, it is almost always a very flimsy one that sits on a desk or table top. The iOgrapher allows you to connect your phone in any position to a full-sized tripod, add lights, additional lenses, and more. You need to order one that fits your exact phone model because of how the camera area fits in the cradle.
TRIPOD
Get it from Amzaon here! Whether you are needing to snap some photos or create a video, having a steady hand with a camera will avoid the Blair Witch Project style filming. A good tripod will collapse and sit on a counter, desktop or table, and extend to hold your phone or camera at eye level when you are standing up. There is a universal screw that sits atop most tripods and that will attach to your iOrgrapher or other phone cradles.So, whether you are wanting to show your love and support to an entrepreneur in your life, or perhaps YOU are the entrepreneur and you want to set yourself up for 2016 to rock that business, these four tools will get you started off right!Happy Holidays and be sure to share with us a link to check out your videos or podcasts.
