THIS TYPE OF BACKDROP IS KILLING YOUR CREDIBILITY

People often ask me why I don´t recommend using generic backdrops (aka the ones you buy ready-made to hang on a wall or pole structure). You, know the fabric screen that are sold as video backdrops, but that are, in fact, only photography backdrops.

I think they can kill your brand, your credibility and they make you look lazy!

You see, one of the purposes of using a video backdrop is to make your videos recognisable in a saturated feed. To make you stand out from the crowd.

Your backdrop should be customised to you and your business.

Your message, your brand, your business, your personality…are not the same as another business owner´s message, brand, business, personality:

So why the flamingo would you use the same generic backdrop as somebody else?

The mere fact that you might be using what other people are using, for the exact same purpose, neutralises the purpose of making you stand out.

So why would you want to be faded out in the mass of live streamers that are using that same, uninspired backdrop?
It´s ridiculous!

Your backdrop is your most powerful visual branding tool when you are on screen!

Your video backdrop is the new “About Me” page !!!

You have spent time and money creating your brand and brand image, why would you toss it in the bin with a bad choice of a backdrop?

Your backdrop is your digital brand brought to life.

The wrong backdrop can seriously damage your credibility, and your authority.

Remember, people need to be able to see what you say you can help them with in your videos: Show the results you can help them get.

They need to trust that you can take them from A to B.
You need to show them the results they can get by working with you.
You need to be coherent with what you say.

This is the reason I created a proven system, that applies my years of experience designing commercial spaces and events, as an award winning designer, I have been able to create show stopping events and successful retail and commercial spaces for my clients, making them thousands of dollars, I now apply the same commercial, scenography and psychology principles to your backdrops so that your videos can become a powerful selling machine.

So, are you going to be a generic solution for your clients or a specific, exclusive, high-end  solution?
You decide.

If you want your videos to be your best selling tool, check this out. Limited time offer.

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.

Are you struggling to do videos?

Many people are struggling, especially shy people, I have a few tips that have definitely helped me, you are not alone. I am shy and a regular live streamer, how did I get here?

The other day, during a live stream (video below), I spoke about my struggles when going live and with video, in general. Some of the comments I got were very encouraging, viewers who had been following several of my live streams could not believe I had had such a hard time. That is only because I have recently become more confident during live streaming. As you can see in the video,it is still far from perfect, but I do try to keep up with comments and maintain eye contact (most of the time) and although I stumbled upon my words a few times, I actually enjoyed it.

If you are shy, you know the worst form of video is Live! I know, they are all scary but live…can be paralysing!

I remember when I kept telling myself, the more you do anything, the less scary it gets and the better you get at it- well, surely it has to be the same with live streaming.

I knew if I wanted to take my business online, there was no way I could avoid embracing video.

Not only that, one of my businesses is directly linked to video, hello? I create Video Backdrops for people who want to get their message out there amplified, optimised…feeling confident! I mean, my handle is @thebackdropstylist , that gives you an idea of how much I needed to do videos…

So here was I, helping other people do amazing videos, creating beautiful branded and supportive backdrops and I was too afraid of doing a video! Can you see the paradox?

Therefore, I was committed to overcome my fears. Which, I tell you have been (and still are) huge, ever since I remember. Just so you get an idea, if I ever saw a camera, I´d run away, that was always my reaction while growing up, and I tell you with a mum that enjoyed photography and video…that was hard! Just imagine how scared I was that I don´t even have a video of my wedding…and I only agreed to having a photographer because it wouldn´t have been fair on my husband or guests…but I had a really hard time with that too (my photo album is hidden away somewhere…).

So, I am not going to tell you it is easy. I am not going to tell you to do ten videos and then you will be a pro, no, it is a process, it takes a big effort and commitment, but: you can totally do it. Believe me.

It takes time, it takes commitment, it takes some tips and tools that will make it a bit easier and then, one day, you will realise that although you did get nervous, it was actually exciting. And you know then, that if only one day that excitement feels stronger than the panic, you will actually start enjoying it. Just think that if you are able to feel that, even if it is just once, there are chances you will be able to feel it more often, does it make sense?

Anyone else ever felt those “good nerves” that rush through your body and make something scary but fun at the same time?

Feeling that means you are on the right path, you are growing, thinking outside your own little head and who knows what exciting new chances await you on the other side?

Now, be prepared for ups and downs, more ups, obviously, don´t give up just yet… There will be set backs, some days will suck, other days you will feel like you pushed through and did a decent job, and some days you will even feel like you´ve got this and it is no longer a big deal. The latter start becoming a standard bit by bit, or should I say video by video.

I really want to point this out because it is NOT a progressive journey, at last in my case. It is a somewhat unfair road, that is, you feel start feeling more comfortable and confident and then, suddenly, you will have a “bad video day” , and you will feel as of you have taken a few steps back. Do not be discouraged by this, the following videos will be much better. You might have one or two “bad video days” but they will not mean you are not making progress, they are simply part of the journey. Embrace them, delete those videos if you feel they are really awful (I have never done so  because I think all my videos, no matter how bad some of them might be, may inspire someone), but you do have the option to delete too if that will make you feel better. Every single video you create is a lesson and takes you a step closer to feeling totally comfortable on screen. I know that day will come for me too…I just hope it is soon! Ha ha ha!

You can have bad video days just like you have bad hair days…

 

My humble advice is, keep going, practice is necessary and you will never do it as bad as you think, honestly. Those silences that seem like minutes to you, well, they are actually imperceptible to your viewers, that stumbling upon words…you will get over it and you can even joke about it to lessen the pressure. (I do that all the time).

People can relate to nerves, they can relate to struggles, they won´t think you are less of an expert because of your shyness, believe me, if anything, you will be able to inspire more people to give it a try.

Now, this is only a short list of things that I have found have helped me and are still helping me along the way.

1- Community: find yourself a supportive group of people that are going through the same struggle or that are ahead of you, so they can lead and help out. Be it for the support and be it for the responsibility not to let the others in the community down, you pull through and do it as best you can. It took me 5 months to do my very first #shareathon on Periscope , my only regret now is not jumping in before. I think it is the best way to overcome any fear, you just have to do it and that´s it. Sometimes “just do it” is the best therapy!

2- Start a support pod or even a practice group where you can get constructive feedback and you can support and find support at the same time. Start small, in an uplifting and constructive environment. A closed Facebook group is a good platform as you can actually test your live streaming.

3- Find your turning point. When I realised it is not about me, but about my message and what I can do for others, a heavy weight lifted off my shoulders.

4- Don´t be afraid to share your struggles. I used to think everything had to be perfect and I could not share my panic, when you share, you never know who you might be inspiring and encouraging to try it.

5- Be engaged, this is sometimes the hardest thing to remember at the beginning of your live videos. You are trying not to forget what you want to say and you completely forget to check the messages, to welcome people…it takes practice. Setting yourself triggers and reminders helps. I sometimes still think: Oh, if nobody joins my live stream, it will be more relaxing and I won´t have to answer, lol! I know, what is the point of going live but to reach people…? #shymindsthinkdifferently

6- Use a Live video Checklist , I personally highly recommend this one, it has helped me stay on track, stay focused and give a structure to my videos. You can get it here. I do get a small commission on this, but I only recommend it because it is what I always use. It is absolutely the best way of having a structure in your videos that will make you more confident and it will make them covert better. You will know exactly what to do , what to say and when.

6- Related to the point above: look straight into the screen, to the camera. Avoiding eye contact at all costs, I know, I have been there…doesn´t look good. It also takes practice, but once you do it, it´s there to stay. A trick for this is not to sit , or stand too far away from the camera. Sit or stand at a comfortable distance, where you have enough backdrop showing (it is there for a communication, branding and marketing purpose, more on that on another post) but a distance that allows you to read any incoming comments and that lets your viewers see your eyes. Eye contact (although not real on video) creates empathy, relatability and connection. And that is what you are looking for when you do a video. You are trying to connect to your audience, so make that connection.

7- Use an optimised Backdrop: a backdrop is a communication, branding and marketing tool, every video needs one (different types apply to each type of video) but for shy people, it is even more important as it has psychological effects on us.

It acts not only as a physical support, which it does, but as a psychological support too.

It is especially important for shy people to have a backup plan that they can rely on if words don´t come to us, if our mind goes blank…or if you get stuck on words…you need a very powerful backdrop to compensate for that. Note that you are actually not compensating for that but for your belief that that is happening, hope this makes sense.

Your backdrop should tell your story and show your expertise.

It has the power of maximising your message, make you look professional, confident and trustworthy. Talk about a Super power!

Get your own bespoke optimised backdrop here.

An optimised backdrop is one that:

• Makes you recognizable and stand out in a crowded feed.
• Shows your expertise.
• Brands all your videos and online presence.
• Tells your story.
• Shows your field of business.
• Reflects your style, both personal and business.
• Includes psychological marketing triggers.
• Makes you more confident.
• Serves as a social media marketing tool.
• Attracts your ideal client.
• Lets you connect with your audience through the right signals.
• MAXIMISES YOUR MESSAGE AND REACH.

It can even save you from awkward moments if it is optimised (all backdrops should be, by the way). It needs to have appropriate triggers, reminders and backup props (if you would like to learn what these are, simply comment below and I will create more posts on this topic).

I hope these tips serve you well, please let me know if they do. I would love to hear your struggles on video, so I can address them in future posts.

If you are still not sure that Live streaming is for you, this Masterclass by livestream queen Katya Varbanova might make things clear for you. Watch it here.

So, you are ready to go live on your Facebook page.

You are still feeling a bit nervous and insecure, although you really need this to work for your business.

Others seem to be doing it fine, so why can´t you?

You sit there, open the app, press that button and suddenly you feel the weight of the heaviest rock you can imagine.

Will anybody turn up?

Will they ask questions?

Will I know how to answer them professionally?

Oh, dear, my whole reputation is at stake, if I mess this video up, I am done, it will mean the end of my dream of becoming my own successful, self sufficient business owner I have envisioned.

Oh, gosh, no, I can´t possibly go live!

I am not ready!

I will cancel, anyway, nobody expects me to go live, I have no audience!

Oh no, but the longer it takes me to do videos, the longer I will have to wait to get my message out there.

And the longer it will be to get clients!

Oh but, if I don´t get clients, I will have to abandon my dream of being an entrepreneur! And I will have to go back to my boring job!

Oh, I couldn´t take that again. Especially when I left and I told everyone I was going to make it big.

What if some of my ex colleagues are watching?

Oh, no, I couldn´t handle that. Not today. it´s not a good time, My hair a mess…oh, but …

What if I do go live and show them that I am bloody good at my craft

Oh but, if I make it big, I will get haters, and I don´t want that. I want them to love me.

But…if I don´t ever go live, they won´t be able to get to know me, so they won´t be able to love anyway.

Oh, dear, what shall I do?

Someone…please, help!

Can you relate to this?

I bet you can.

No matter how many times you have tried to put yourself out there, a little bit (or a lot) of fear comes crawling right back at you!

It´s so sleazy, sometimes you won´t even feel it coming, but boom! Press that go live button and you get all the symptoms…again and again.

So I have decided to help you overcome those fears, insecurities and self-doubts. Because I was you, I still am!

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The other day, during a #shareathon I spoke about my struggles when going live and with video, in general. But obviously, worst form of video for a shy person is Live! (You can watch that video below)

I remember when I kept telling myself, the more you do anything, the less scary it gets and the better you get at it, well surely it has to be the same with live streaming.

I knew if I wanted to take my business online, there was no way I could avoid embracing video.

You see…my business is related to Video, hello? Video Backdrops!

 

So here was I, helping other people do amazing videos, creating beautiful branded and supportive backdrops and I was too afraid of doing a video! Can you see the paradox?

Therefore, I was committed to overcome my fears. Which, I tell you have been (and still are) huge, ever since I remember. Just so you get an idea, I saw a camera and I ran away, that was always my reaction while growing up, and I tell you with a mum that enjoyed photography and video…that was hard, lol! Just imagine how scared I was that I don´t even have a video of my wedding…and I only agreed to having a photographer because it wouldn´t have been fair on my husband or guests…but I had a really hard time with that too (my photo album must be hidden away somewhere…).

So, I am not going to tell you it is easy. I am not going to tell you to do 10 videos and then you will be a pro, no, it is a process, it takes an effort and commitment, but you can totally do it. Believe me.

It takes time, it takes commitment, it takes some tips and tools that will make it a bit easier and then, one day, you will realise that although you did get nervous, it was actually exciting.

And you know then, that if only one day that excitement feels stronger than the panic, you will actually start enjoying it. Just think that if you are able to feel that, even if it is just once, there are chances you will be able to feel it more often, does it make sense?

There will be set backs, some days will suck, other days you will feel like you pushed through and did a decent job, other days you will even feel like you´ve got this.

My humble advice is, keep going, practice is necessary and you will never actually be doing it as bad as you think, honestly. Those silences that seem like minutes are imperceptible, that stumbling upon words…you will get over it and you can even joke about it to lessen the pressure. Note: I still haven´t been able to master that, but I will one day!

People can relate to nerves, they can relate to struggles, they won´t think you are less professional because of your shyness, believe me, if anything, you will be able to inspire more people to give it a try.

You will be able to inspire more people to try live streaming despite their shyness.
Click To Tweet

Now, this is only a short list of things that I have found have helped me and are still helping me along the way:

• Community: find yourself a supportive group of people that are going through the same struggle or that are ahead of you, so they can lead and help out. I have found the #peri10k Mastermind to be such community. Both for the support and  for the responsibility not to let the others in the community down, you pull through and do it as best you can. It took me 5 months to do my very first #shareathon , my only regret now is not jumping in before. I think it is the best way to overcome any fear, you just have to do it and that´s it. Sometimes “just do it” is the best therapy!

• Start a support pod or even a practice group where you can get constructive feedback and you can support and find support at the same time. Start small, in a supportive and constructive environment. A closed facebook group is a good platform as you can actually test your live streaming. You are very welcome to join my Facebook group and find the support you need.

• Find your turning point. When I realised it is not about me, but about my message and what I can do for others, a heavy weight got off my shoulders. I realised my message is much more important than me feeling awkward on camera.

I realised my message is much more important than me feeling awkward on camera.
Click To Tweet

• Don´t be afraid to share your struggles. I used to think everything had to be perfect and I could not share my panic, when you share, you never know who you might be inspiring and encouraging.

• Be engaged, this is sometimes the hardest, especially at the beginning. You are trying not to forget what you want to say and you completely forget to check the messages, to welcome people…it takes practice. I have done complete scopes without replying t any comments…trying not to do it any more. Setting yourself triggers and reminders helps. Here is when having a supportive office or space (wherever you do videos) is so crucial and helpful.

• Related to the point above: look straight into the screen, to the camera. Avoiding eye contact at all costs, I know, I have been there…doesn´t look good. It also takes practice, but once you do it, it´s there to stay. A trick for this is not to sit , or stand too far away from the camera. Sit or stand at a comfortable distance, where you have enough backdrop showing (it is there for a communication, branding and marketing purpose, more on that on another post) but a distance that allows you to read any incoming comments and that lets your viewers see your eyes. Eye contact (although not real) creates empathy, relatability and connection. And that is what you are looking for when you do a video.

• Use a Backdrop: a backdrop is a communication, branding and marketing tool, every video needs one (different types apply to each type of video) but for shy people, it is even more important as it has psychological effects on us.

It acts not only as a physical support, which it does, but as a psychological support too.

 It is especially important for shy people to have a backup plan that they can rely on if words don´t come to us, if our mind goes blank…or if you get stuck on words…you need a very powerful backdrop to compensate for that. Note that you are actually not compensating for that but for your belief that that is happening, hope this makes sense.

Your backdrop should tell your story and show your expertise. It has the power of maximising your message, make you look professional, confident and trustworthy. Talk about a Super power! It can even save you from awkward moments if it is optimised (all backdrops should be, take the test), well styles and you set up triggers, reminders and conversation starters.

I hope these tips serve you well, please let me know if they do. Comment below or PM on Facebook. I love hearing from you.

If you feel you need help with your Backdrop, you might want to start with this. It is a first step towards a fully optimised backdrop, great if you are just starting out or if your budget is a bit tight.

If, however, you are ready for the full In-a-box backdrop design, go here.

I just did my second Periscope broadcast…and I made the silliest mistake with…MY BACKDROP!

To see if you can spot my silly mistake, watch this short video below (I also share tips on motivating yourself, by the way):

Watch this 10 minute video.

Did you spot it? Comment below and let me know. I know, right? I should know better, I teach this stuff! (insert red faced emoji here!)

Yes, me, “The Backdrop Stylist”…and I must admit, the perfectionist in me did have quick thought of deleting the broadcast but I immediately thought again and decided not to, why?

Because it has been such a stretch, such an effort to actually be able to jump in a #shareathon (to know what that is, go here peri10k) that I want to keep every scope as a reminder of the process and of my evolution.

Because every facebook live and every scope is a reminder of where I started from and where I want to get.

For those of you who are not shy, this may not resonate at all, but anyone struggling with getting more visibility, anyone who finds video out of their comfort zone will definitely recognise these symptoms: nerves, cold sweat, stumbling on words, mind going blank…all these things happen before and during a broadcast.

You hit that Go live button and all you can think of is of running away and never coming back!

I know, if it is that awful, why do you keep trying? You need to keep reading to find out…

My mission has always been to make people happier by creating beautiful surroundings where they can feel inspired, relaxed and happy. I want to Inspire people to be aware of their environment. In 2015 my Power Word © was precisely Inspire.

Your surroundings affect your life and work.

Through my years designing and styling homes and workspaces, I know for a fact that you can create any mood by styling your space a certain way.

You can improve your concentration, your motivation, your productivity, focus and well-being. Isn´t that a good enough reason(s) to leave my shyness behind and try this video thing?

If your mission has nothing to do with reaching and impacting more people, and your service isn´t mostly visual , you probably don´t need video. You might find writing to be your preferred way of communicating or anything else that doesn´t involve video. However, in my case, creating beautiful workspaces and especially video backdrops (!) does require me to show what I preach.

I did my first You Tube video back in November 2015. It was a tutorial on how to create a centrepiece. I knew in my mind exactly what I wanted to create when I first started my School of Style as part of The Perfect Backdrop — I wanted to inspire as many people as possible to create beauty around themselves in order to feel happier.

That video was actually not that bad, except for the fact that I started in daylight and it was getting dark by the time I finished. It was way too long, I went into a lot of detail and I had to cut it into three parts.

But the nerves and fear I experienced were so awful, I just wasn´t able to do another video till December 2016! That was over a year after.

That meant that my plan to impact and reach as many people as possible was halted for a whole year. I did write and do other things and I really enjoyed my offline workshops and projects but the reason behind The Perfect Backdrop was to help people worldwide, not just locally. My fear had put a stop to that worldwide reach and impact…till I realised something.

The fact that

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My mission is bigger than my shyness.
Click To Tweet

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By keeping my expertise off camera , I was not allowing people to learn how they could improve their surroundings, I was keeping the power of improving their lives and businesses to myself.

So, every time I think of doing a video, I remember my mission. It is not a magic pill but it does give me the push I need to try again. And if I feel like postponing it, I think of the people I might not be helping through not doing it.

See? This is why jumping on the #Shareathon meant so much for me, it meant if I can go live in front of x people, sharing a specific time slot with amazing speakers, having to introduce them and interact with viewers while delivering valuable information…well, I can do it all on video.

Even if it were just one person that I inspired, it would be worth doing.

Now, to anyone struggling on camera, I am still far from being a natural on screen but I can assure you, you can do this. If I can, anyone can.

As I mentioned before, for those of you who have no mental blocks stopping you and freezing you when you go live, this article will mean nothing but if you have ever felt the fear of doing a video, if you are still panicking when you hit that Go live button, the advice I would give you is:

The more you try, the less fear you feel. The less fear, the better you communicate. The better you communicate, the more people you inspire.

I have not reached the point yet where I can feel totally happy with my videos, I still stumble upon my words at times but the evolution has been amazing (in the way I feel at least).

So, I won´t say it is easy, you will feel the fear, but it diminishes bit by bit and you know what? Two weeks ago I noticed it was the first time I was actually enjoying a broadcast! It felt so different. I though, ok so this is the excitement people feel when they go live! There had to be a benefit (apart from exposure and visibility) or people wouldn´t be doing it.I could describe it as “good nerves”, they felt tickly but nice.

Since that day, since that one broadcast in which, in spite of the nerves, I had fun, I know for sure that someday soon I will look forward to going live. I might even have a blast!

My recommendation is find yourself a support group where you can start doing videos bit by bit, shorter ones at the beginning until you start feeling comfortable. A safe environment where you can feel protected, supported and encouraged. On Periscope you can choose your audience, set it to only you and test a few times to become more used to the platform and to get more at ease.

Then, make a commitment (I find that making it public helps with pulling through) of going live or creating a pre-recorded video at least once a week.

You will find that the more you do, the less nervous you will get . And then suddenly, one day, you will realise that you are enjoying yourself-I promise!

If you would like to practice in a safe environment, you are very welcome to use my group as a training platform. I understand what you are going through and I will be able to help and support you.

Another thing that will make you feel more confident in your videos is having a Perfect Backdrop, it provides a supportive environment, it gives you plenty of conversation starters, it makes you look more trustworthy ad professional (among other benefits), so if you would like The Perfect Backdrop for your videos, get in touch and we will chat.

I cannot begin to tell you the difference it makes in your confidence!

The reason behind The Perfect Backdrop is to help you shine in your videos, to make you show up confidently and for people to trust you. And it works, this is not one fancy marketing tactic, it really and truly works.

Let me help you become more confident on video, let´s chat.

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.

Did you know that your Backdrop can have Superpowers when styled properly?

Today, you are going to learn what you can do to infuse your space and backdrops with your personality, your style and a taste of what you do.

I will be giving you all the facts (for the scientist in you) about WHY you should be paying attention to your backdrop.

THE POWER OF A BACKDROP

What you show and say on camera speaks to your viewers on two different and complementary levels.
Both are fundamental to get your WHOLE MESSAGE across.
Only master one? And you are left limping.
Master both and you have the most powerful communication tool at your disposal.

I like to call these levels:

-Level 1 communication power
-Level 2 communication power

Here´s what each level does, that is, the power that each level has:

1- Level 1 communication power:

What you say, your message, your knowledge, that´s the focal way of communication going on at that moment.
It consists of:
-Your words
-Your voice
-Your tone
-Your speech
This level triggers the audio threshold in your viewer.

2- Level 2 communication power:

What your viewers see when they listen to your message.
It consists of:
-Your setting
-Your backdrop
-Your colour palette
-Your lighting
-Your props
-The set-up of those props
-Your personal image
This triggers the visual and emotional threshold in your viewer.

Your surroundings are the perfect complement to make or break that message.
The right setting that adds to what you are saying, gives you double the impact!

And the huge power of visuals is that they can trigger both the sight and the emotion, it is a two-for-one effect!

Can you see how very important and powerful this is?

Level 1 + Level 2 = Total communication

You can communicate on two levels, at the same time!!!

So here is an easy and fun task that will help you better understand this concept. It will make you aware of things around you and it will probably (I cannot be held responsible) turn you into a decor freak (it has happened before).

Look around your home or office, or even go out to decor stores. Keep your eyes wide open and try to:

Find objects that reflect who you are and your business:

-Look for objects in your business colours

-Objects that represent your field of business (an abacus for a business strategist or an accountant, some nice perfume bottles for a cosmetics consultant, food ingredients or cooking tools for a culinary blogger, a nice picture in your business colour…)

– Objects that represent your personality and likes. What makes you special and unique? Do you love music, show it! Do you love fairy tales, show it! Do you love dogs, show it! Do you love wine, show it…but don´t overdo this one! Lol!
– Objects that show where you acquired your expertise or your background, for instance books, a souvenir from Tibet (if you are a yoga or meditation teacher who went there to live with the monks and grow as an instructor), a product you created (creams, make up, jewellery, cakes, a painting…).

We are trying to get your “level 2 communication power” ready!

For example, on one of my shelves, I have a Vogue Magazine issue because my Cleopatra choker was featured in it- it shows my work and achievement. Besides being an interior designer and stylist, I am a jewellery designer.
On another shelf, I have interior design books, that show part of my training, I also have jewellery books and wedding books as they all reflect what I do.

The list could go on and on about things you can find, just give it a try, it is a fun way of starting to create your Perfect Backdrop.

Show me what you come up with.
Have a lovely and stylish day!

Melanie x

Copyright Melanie Falvey 2016. All rights reserved. No sharing is allowed without crediting the author.

If you would like to learn how to create The Prefect Backdrop for your videos, enroll in our Course.