So many people are doing videos in front of the wrong backdrop.

This is terrible!

Honestly, I have lost count of how many videos I see using the wrong; a.k.a. harmful backdrop.

This is completely ruining their CREDIBILITY , AUTHORITY and, SALES.

Here´s why:

First of all, a backdrop is the area your viewers can see behind you when you are on screen. And, no, it is NOT one of those fabric screens people are using! That is one format only, but a backdrop can take many shapes and it should be completely personalised to your needs, your type of video and your surroundings. A non-invasive solution that will enhance your surroundings and double up as a video backdrop when required. If you would like to know what the problem is with those fabric screens you see around, watch this short video.

Now, you always have a backdrop whether you are aware of it or not…it is simply a physical fact.

Now, given that you always have a backdrop, why not make it do something for your videos?

I will explain how you can create a backdrop that actually helps you communicate better in this article, so read on.

A Video backdrop is a hugely powerful tool when used correctly, on the other hand, it can be hugely harming your brand and your message if you are not using it right.

The problem with not using an optimised backdrop (explained below) is that it will do more harm to your message and branding than anything else. *Optimised is the term I use to explain a Backdrop that Sells (my unique system that combines all the different elements a backdrop should have in order for it to become a powerful tool).

Your message , You and your Backdrop need to be perfectly cohesive to :

 

• Amplify your message.
• Build Trust and Credibility with your viewers.
• Sell your products or services.

An optimised backdrop should be able to do the following: (Watch this short video, if you prefer.)

• Be on brand , every time you are online, your viewers should know it is you and your business, a backdrop needs to be branded cohesively throughout all your online activities. And that doesn´t necessarily mean you just need one backdrop, there are ways you can brand different backdrops for different activities.

• Show your field of expertise.

• Make you look trustworthy in front of viewers. Only when what you say and what you show matches perfectly, will your audience trust you. And TRUST is key in being able to make SALES.

• Communicate and amplify your message. The wrong backdrop will break the communication process, leaving your audience confused.

• Tell your story, so you can build an emotional Connection with your viewers, which is vital in order to turn them into clients. Have you ever heard of the LIKE-KNOW-TRUST factor? An audience needs to like you first, get to know you and connect to you and trust you before they are even ready to spend money on you.I call this sequence ATTRACT – CONNECT – SELL; and each phase needs to be fully supported by the right backdrop.

• Make people STOP and WATCH your videos = Make your Videos STAND OUT (in a saturated feed); visual communication enters the brain before any other stimulus, it is the best and most effective way of making people stop scrolling and PAY ATTENTION to your videos.

• Reach your Ideal clients: a backdrop can make audience building hugely effective by attracting the right clients and repelling the wrong ones for your brand.

• SELL: my signature system “BACKDROPS THAT SELL” is the result of years of experience and research in commercial design, I now apply the same psychology and design principles to backdrops to ensure they will be a powerful tool in getting SALES effortlessly on video. When your backdrop shows all the right elements, in the right place, at the right time, it can become a “retail experience” for your viewers. If you want to learn exactly how to make your backdrop sell for you, join my new programme: VIDEOS that SELL.

Below is a graphic showing you what happens when you sue the wrong backdrop in your videos:

Your viewers will be confused, because you are not showing them the right VISUALS (backdrop). And confused people don´t buy!

Below is what happens, on the contrary when you are using an optimised backdrop (using the Backdrops that Sell System). Your viewers can immediately see a connection between what you say you can do for them and what you are showing them on video. They will become fans and clients!!

When your message and your backdrop are cohesive and fit perfectly, you deliver your message effectively, amplifying its reach and making it loud and clear. Your audience will understand it perfectly, they will trust you and you will have a raving tribe of fans and clients!

• Communicate your message on a visual level too…double power!
• Connect with your viewers, so they become fans.
• It is a great emotional trigger and connection building tool.
• You can use subtle visual CTA´s (calls to action=what you want your audience to do) in your videos.
• It can sell your expertise without being salesly or pushy.
• It will be able to show the results you help your clients get, thus building trust and showing your really are an authority in your niche.
• It will make your videos stand out from the competition, because you will be looking professional.
• Look professional,stand out from the competition, make sales! Get in on my new programme today where we tackle every single element you need to have in place in your videos.

When your message and your backdrop are cohesive and fit perfectly, you deliver your message effectively, amplifying its reach and making it loud and clear. Your audience will understand it perfectly, they will trust you and you will have a raving tribe of fans and clients!

If you are serious about growing your business through Video, my new programme will make the process seamless and easy. Every single element you need to make your videos SELL for you. Learn more and apply here.

You have 8 seconds to get someone´s attention before they decide to listen to you or not.

A gold fish has a 9 second attention span, yes, more than humans!

So, How are you going to use those 8 seconds?

Research carried out over the last few years state that human attention span has decreased from 12 seconds before the year 2000 to just 8 due to the overload of information our brain is constantly bombarded with.

I have to disagree with this, at least on Social Media, our attention span is reduced to merely 4-5 seconds. You can test this yourself. Scroll down any facebook wall:

How long do you spend on each post?

What makes you stop and pay more attention?

Live streams are beginning to be boring, there is no novelty anymore, since everyone is doing them-look, even I am!

And remember also people usually have their audio off, o they cannot listen to your great message at the beginning, they are just seeing you.

I know very well what makes me want to stop and watch or read something.

There are two situations:

1- You know the person already and you know what type of content they put out. If you already, and notice I am saying already, know them and have the certainty they give value or they make you giggle, you might be willing to pay more attention.

However,

2- If you don´t know the person, you have no idea whether they give value or not, whether they are amusing or not, whether that live streaming will be useful or just a waste of time…

In my case it is clear, if I don´t see anything in their backdrop* that makes me think they have something interesting to offer, I will scroll down. I won´t even give them 8 seconds. And it is not just me, we all do it.

Remember we are VISUAL beings, so you need to give your viewers a VISUAL STIMULUS or they will leave you…

So what can you do if you only have 8 seconds to captivate your audience? Take into account their audio might be turned down also…

Options: paint your hair green…

It´s an option, but that is not even original any more…

How can you make sure they´ll want to stay on longer, turn their audio up and actually watch you?

Here is where having a well designed backdrop comes in.

What is a backdrop*?

It s the area behind and around you that people see when you are on screen.

Your backdrop has the ability of enhancing or breaking your message.

It cannot do everything for you , you will still need to have a good message, your expertise but it can help A LOT!

So this is what you can do today.

Decide on a spot you will use for you next live stream. Add one element that represents your business and place it somewhere where your audience can see it.

Tell me how it goes.

Watch the facebook live I did on this topic:

You can join the facebook group I mention in the video here.

Would you like to learn how to do this correctly?

I have a course that is perfect for anyone doing videos, online courses and live streams.

In just 3 weeks , you will learn all the power of a backdrop,

How to use it as a marketing tool,

How to use it as a branding tool

And how to create it

With one-on-one help

In a fun way, easy, step by step instructions.

You can totally fit it into a busy schedule.

Get it right from the start. Your backdrop is the most powerful marketing, branding and communication tool you can use in your online presence. Start paying attention to it.

Are you working towards making video your #1 marketing tool? (By the way you should, video is going to be huge over the next few years).

Does your online image speak to your audience while making you stand out as an expert in your field?

Does your video backdrop enhance your message?

Does your backdrop show the level of excellence you have reached in your field?

If you are using Facebook live, video, online courses, skype or zoom calls in your business, you need to be using your backdrop as a branding, marketing and communication tool.

But first of all… what is a BACKDROP?

A backdrop is the space behind you and around you that your viewers can see in your videos.
It should enhance your message and show your expertise.
It is a very powerful communication, marketing and branding tool!

Are you showing your viewers a polished , professional backdrop that enhances your message and tells your story?

Or will they leave your broadcast feeling confused because your message doesn´t match your setting?

Too often I see videos where the message is excellent, the broadcaster really knows their topic, however, they are in the wrong setting, the colours, the feel, the style does NOTHING for their message, quite on the contrary, it is actually diluting the message:

Your backdrop can make or break your message.

If you want to be seen as an expert, a valuable professional, you must start paying attention to your backdrop.

You have worked hard to get to where you are in business, now you need to make sure your backdrop is up to your high standards too.

A branded backdrop will make it easy to get your audience´s attention and enhance your message, amplifying it to reach a bigger audience.

Start looking professional, your business and YOU deserve it.

With my IN A BOX design service, you will be getting expert advice and solutions to all your backdrop needs, not only that, you will be feeling more confident, inspired and productive in your office as a BONUS!

Did you know that?

• Branding your broadcasts will make it easier to find your tribe.
• You can easily solve many branding needs just by styling your backdrop, I will show you how.
• Your brand will instantly become cohesive, powerful and stylish.
• Your videos will become  immediately recognisable in a crowded and saturated feed.
• You will be seen as an expert.
• You will provide the proof of your success as your setting represents your business.
• All your online communication (video, livestreams, skype or zoom meetings, courses, ads) will be branded, looking professional and stylish and visually appealing.

This is what Emily B. had to say after working with me:

“ THANK YOU Melanie!! My eyes are open to new and wonderful things I can add into my backdrop.  I would highly recommend working with her to anyone who wants to skyrocket their brand and image through the way they design their space”.

Disclaimer: I must advise: there is a likely chance that during our time together, you will turn into a styling addict! It has happened before…

So, if you want to get your backdrop looking professional, while making it part of your office space, let me help you.

My IN A BOX design service is perfect for you if:

-You already have an online presence but you feel your office space and backdrop is not at that same level of excellence as your work.

-You are doing or want to do videos, live streams or any other type of online communication (courses, webinars, etc).

-You need to get your message out in a bigger way, people need your product or service, you owe it to them.

-You are done with playing small in the visibility field and you are ready to shine online.

-You are a successful entrepreneur or business owner and you need to prove it in your videos.

-You see other big names out there with beautiful video sets and you want one of your own too!

-You want to start feeling inspired, confident and focused in your workspace.

-You ant a bigger audience to trust you immediately.

-You want to bring your branding to your videos but you just can´t figure out how.

-You need a solution to your video backdrop pronto!

I will design the Perfect Backdrop for you and your business.

This is a bespoke service, you will get a 100% tailored design that will match your style and personality, that will enhance your expertise and show your field of expertise.

How it works:

1- Initial consultation.

Via email zoom or skype where we will get clear on your needs, style and budget.

2- Assessment and design.

I will then assess your space and I will start working on your bespoke design. I will find every detail you need to include in your backdrop and will take care of everything. At this point, you just sit back and relax!

Note that in our Initial consultation, we will establish your budget for props.*

3- Delivery

I will get everything ready, I will put it all in a beautiful box and…voila you will soon have it at your doorstep. I have thought of every little detail to make your experience unforgettable…

4-Walk-through styling session

We will meet again via zoom or skype, you will unbox your props (if you have´t done so before, which I don´t think has ever happened!) and I will walk you through each and every prop to tell you exactly where to place it and how to style it.

Once everything is perfect, you will have your own branded, stylish, stunning backdrop and it will be your time to shine online!

*No props or materials are included in the price. We will set that budget beforehand, in the initial consultation. Every case is different , we need to take into account your needs, budget and area to style, so establishing a one size fits all is not possible, however, as a guideline, boxes start at $150 + shipping.

**Please allow about 2 weeks for completion of design and report. (2 weeks from initial consultation). Shipping time  not included.

Book this service. An appointment calendar will be sent to you once payment is cleared.

*This service is highly demanded, so please bear this in mind when booking.

Here’s The Situation:

You have been stuck in the 5-figure level for too long and no matter what you do,

you still can´t open the next door...

What is holding you back from breaking that income level?

Why can´t you seem to be able to grow past a certain figure?

Have you lost motivation?

Do you need to feel the excitement of a challenge you know you can conquer?

If you have tried everything to break past that 5 figure income level and nothing is working, I have good news for you:

Optimise your surroundings and you will be optimising your business and your life.

An Optimised Workspace ensures you can be in the RIGHT MOOD at the RIGHT TIME so that every minute spent on your business is productive and enjoyable and therefore you can work smarter and have more time for the things that matter to you.

So, let me ask you this:

What is the mood

your business

needs you

to be in right now?

The reason why you do what you do is very likely to have more freedom (in every sense); to be able to spend time with your loved ones and to enjoy life more.

When you are working from the wrong workspace, your productivity is negatively impacted, your focus is lost often, you feel stuck and you unable to find answers and solutions to your problems and your motivation is low most of the time.

What is holding you back?

You know how to run a business, you have taken yours to the 5-6 figure level, you have systems in place but somehow, you cannot break that glass ceiling, you keep bumping into the same income level…you are starting to feel unmotivated because there are no more challenges for you to grow…

Your surroundings have a direct impact on your performance. You cannot possibly evolve if your surroundings are not upgraded to match your next level.

Your success depends hugely on how you feel and perform in your workspace.

Your focus, motivation and productivity require a very specific set of triggers in your workspace.

What´s more, your needs have outgrown, you cannot stay stuck in the same old environment and expect new performance in your work.

Over the last 2 years I’ve noticed that people are not aware of how fundamental their surroundings are to build a solid business.

Working from the wrong environment is making you to underperform, it is keeping you stuck and it is not allowing you to perform at you highest potential.

I am not just saying this out of nowhere, for the las 12 years, I have been designing high performing spaces for high achievers and high-end clients.

I have researched and tested what triggers keep them motivated, focused and inspired.

I have used commercial design principles, Emotional Intelligence and seller psychology to enhance their workspace so that it becomes a container for success.

I have brought all that research and experience into the Optimising Workspace System. It is the only 360º office design solution that  takes into consideration your emotional, psychological , lifestyle, spatial and aesthetic needs.

It is a bespoke solution catered to your needs and surroundings.

Being a business owner is no easy ride, the emotional rollercoaster you are on, requires a balancing and supportive environment in which you can feel safe, recharged, resilient and motivated.

If you are tired of feeling stuck, if you are done with trying different trainings and coaches that have disappointed you, now is the time to get those foundations reinforced.

Because, here is the thing, the environment that got you to 5 figures, won´t get you to the next income level.

Your surroundings need to be inspirational as well as aspirational, otherwise, you will remain stuck.

Your surroundings are keeping you stuck.

Are you ready to break past that outdated environment?

The Optimised Workspace System is a complete One on one solution that’s designed to help business owners:

• Who need to perform at their highest potential
• Who have big goals and aspirations
• Who are already making, at least 5-figures but somehow feel stuck at that level.
• Business owners who don´t care for a DIY course because they are past the testing phase
• Business owners who want a proven, done for you service that will finally help them break that income level

If you are ready to transform the way you feel in your business. Book your Consultation call.

If you want to be able to use your space as a powerful high performing tool.

If you are tired of invasive solutions every time you need to do videos, an Optimised Workspace can double up as a Video Studio and an unlimited source of inspiration and images for your social media posts. A space that can double up as a Video studio, with an Optimised Video Backdrop that will make your videos stand out.

A fully bespoke solution that will give you a beautiful, high performing space from which to work from and work around your needs.

The whole design process is a beautiful journey that will help you learn exactly what triggers your motivation, what keeps you on track, what enables you to work at your highest potential, the Optimising Workspace System is nothing like any other design service you have tried or heard of, this is about going deep into your the needs as a business owner, getting clear on your aspirations, identifying what keeps you going (we are all different and respond to different type of triggers) and, once we have that emotional aspect defines, we will dive deep into what style and functionality you need to make that space, not just beautiful, high-end looking, but also highly functional in an aesthetical way. A space that will fit seamlessly into your lifestyle and personal needs.

Let me unleash the full power of your space to turn it into a complete beautiful Optimised Solution for you and your business. Book your Initial Consultation.

 

The Perfect Office Design Package is a fast and complete option for you to create the perfect environment for your brand and business.

It is a completely bespoke service, tailor-made to accommodate all your needs and vision.

To learn how this 1:1 service works, please book your Initial Consultation.

These are just some of the BENEFITS of having The Perfect Office:

• You will have a bespoke designed space that will make you feel productive, inspired, creative and focused in your business.
• You will have a supportive environment that helps you reach your next level of excellence.
• You will be able to do your live streams, videos, calls in a professional and stylish looking backdrop and setting, thus establishing trust with your clients and customers, being able to enhance your expertise and show up as the successful individual you are.
• You will portray a highly qualified image.
• You will have a branded space that communicates your message whenever you broadcast or appear online.
• You will have an efficiently designed work space that will trigger your motivation and will ensure your well-being.
• You will have resources to make sure your mood matches the task you need to do.
• Your mood and performance will improve considerably.
• Your focus will be much better.
• Your daily tasks will become less overwhelming.
• You will learn all the tips and techniques you need to create a productive environment.
• You will learn how to change your mood by tweaking your space.
• You will be able to use your space in multiple ways, even as a branding tool and social media marketing tool, so you will save a ton of time and money! You will be able to use your beautifully branded new office in all your social media posts!

How long do you want to wait to reach your next income level?

Let´s get on a call and I will be able to assess your situation.

The experience will change the way you work forever!

What does this package include?

• 1:1 guidance, help and walk through.
• Initial assessment and  research.
• Bespoke design of your work space and  video backdrop.
• Branding through style package included: how to use your space as a branding tool in your social media.
• Detailed instructions for setting up and styling. Walk through session via Zoom, where I will guide you as show you exactly where to place each item. Outsourcing service available too.
• Detailed list of materials, accessories within your budget and where to purchase them (or in-a-box-delivery).

BOOK your Initial Consultation call.

No matter the size of your home , here´s how to make it look roomy and spacious.

Read my full article on Thrive Global.

Your surroundings are
a key factor
in establishing trust with
your clients/audience.

How can you use your surroundings to establish trust with your customers and your audience?

I reckon you will agree that trust is one of the pillars on which the customer-business relationship stands. Once you get this right, your efforts to market yourself and your business become so much easier.

Your audience will become loyal , and don´t we all yearn for a loyal audience?

Everything seems to be revolving lately around alignment, every post, every coach, they all recommend us to be in alignment as the only way to have a meaningful and successful business.

Well, TRUST is exactly what alignment represents.

Social media audiences are not newbies any more, they don´t buy the fake life that some public figures were trying to sell. People are savvy, they immediately know whether you are living the life you preach about or whether it is just another sly marketing tactic. They can “smell” a put-on personality and a fake lifestyle.

As serious entrepreneurs who are in this because we have mission and because we want to make an impact as well as a living, trust becomes a must, a non-negotiable feature we need to strive for.

The most successful entrepreneurs and I am not just speaking about numbers here, but those with the most loyal followings have achieved that loyalty because they come across as trustworthy, you can clearly see that their life matches their speech, their speech is in alignment with their life and business.

However, it is not an easy trait to communicate, or is it?

You must be thinking, but surely it takes months, even years to build trust, you must prove time and time again that you are the real deal, right?
Well…although time will reinforce the trust you are able to establish with your customers and your colleagues, there is one thing you can start doing today that will help you communicate and build that trust!

I am going to give you a key piece in order to ultimately build trust with your audience. It will immediately make you appear more trustworthy, it goes without saying you should be honing your message and really living your message every day.

---

Your surroundings are a key factor in establishing trust with your clients.
Click To Tweet

---

As we have learnt in previous weeks, (you can read previous posts in our BLOG), your space and your backdrop are a very powerful communication and marketing tool. When they are not in alignment with your message, you won´t come across as professional, trustworthy and you won´t be able to be seen as an expert.

Let me put it simply:

What you say you can do for your clients and what they see in your surroundings matches, it is cohesive, it speaks the same language, expresses the same message, in the same style and voice.

What you say and what they see, fits perfectly.

When you are in alignment with your business, you transmit trust. Every piece fits in, there is no deceitful feeling about what you say or do.

On the contrary when what you say and what your audience perceives or sees clashes, when it does not “sound and look” the same, your audience is confused. They do not trust that you can actually deliver what you say you can deliver in a way that will benefit them.

To give you an example: a website designer who states they can create a sleek, clean looking, easy to navigate, up to date website that will attract high end clients for your business but who happens to work from a messy, shabby space…well, you would have a difficult time trusting that they can really deliver what they say.

However, if their workspace is clean, tidy, sleek…then you can definitely picture them delivering the perfect website.

So what can you do to start building trust with your audience? Here is an easy test you can do:

Look at your surroundings;

-Do they show your expertise?
-Do they match your level of knowledge?

-Do they communicate your unique way of doing business?

-Do they reflect your success and your clients´s successes?

-Are they able to attract your ideal client?

If you cannot decide for yourself, you can do this simple test:
Without giving any information about what you do, post a picture of your space and ask these questions:
– What do you think the person who works in this space does?
– What would you say is their expertise?
– What would you say is their level of success?
– Would you say they are a well-established business?
– Would you trust them to do business with?

In order for this exercise to work, avoid saying this picture has any relation to your business. A good way of testing this is to post in a group where they don´t know who you are, maybe a group where you have been quiet, or you just joined.

Would you like to let your surroundings speak for you in front of your clients/audience?

Download my FREE CHECKLIST and get all the elements you need in place to create The Perfect Office.