How often do you see an attorney poking fun at himself? I guarantee it does not happen often. Most lawyers project a very stuffy and formal image. They do not want their prospective clients or colleagues to think they are anything less than professional.

I personally believe that you have to be yourself on video to show that you are genuine. I show you these video clips, not for you to emulate, but to show one facet of what I do to show people that my spoken words are not always perfect.

Remember, lawyers are not standup comedians, unless you are my good friend Bob Battle, a Fairfax DUI attorney who happens to be a professional standup comedian and a darn good lawyer to boot. Most lawyers tend to be reserved and wish to portray themselves as being 100% serious 100% of the time. That’s perfectly okay. I personally like to show a lighter side of me.

Find a way to show how unique you are on video that will set you apart from all of your colleagues. Remember when you were in grade school and your mother said to you “You are very special because of who you are?” Find that special something and use it when shooting attorney video.

(I created this video under cloudy skies. Click the play button to watch. Then change the setting to 720p on the bottom right of the video player. Your setting might read 240p or 360p or 480p. For best video resolution, change it to 720p to get crystal clear video).

You do realize I’m referring to shooting video outdoors, right?

This has nothing to do with shooting video indoors or in a studio.

The best day, according to video experts such as Harry Brockman, HBProductionGroup.com and Jim Folliard, Fairfaxvideostudio.com, is to shoot on a cloudy day. Why?

There is no direct sunlight to create harsh shadows. Clouds are perfect natural diffusers to spread light across evenly. When you create video in your office or in a studio, you typically use soft box lighting. The purpose is to spread out and create even lighting where there are no shadows anywhere.

For years, I thought that creating video outdoors under a cloudy sky was a terrible place to shoot video. I thought the video would look dark and give a gloomy feel to my videos. Once I learned how to use the manual settings on my camera, I recognized with the help of video wizard Harry Brockman, that shooting video on a cloudy day is the perfect way to shoot video outdoors.

Now remember, I’m not saying go outside and shoot on a rainy day. Instead, I’m saying that if you are going to be shooting video outdoors, understand all of the inherent challenges (including your neighbors cutting your lawn on Labor Day weekend while you are trying to shoot video) to shooting video outdoors and learning to take advantage of clouds in the sky.

NY Medical Malpractice Trial Lawyer, Gerry Oginski

I’m not talking about the domain for this blog, http://lawyersvideostudio.com. Instead, I’m talking about my medical malpractice domain http://www.oginski-law.com. That is the center of my online universe. It’s an established website with thousands of pages of content.

My gut reaction was “No way would I ever sell my main website.” I was  actually offended that someone would want to buy my personal domain.

Putting aside the ethical issues for a moment of having a non-lawyer own a lawyers web domain,  I began to ask myself, “Why would an entrepreneur want to buy a lawyer’s website?”

The answer is simple really. He wants to make money. He wants to monetize a site that is getting good traffic. He wants to benefit from somebody else’s knowledge, expertise and hard work. Plus, he’s willing to pay a good price for it too.

That prompted me to go into my analytics and look at my most recent statistics. I had not looked at my stats in a few weeks.  6,800 unique visitors this past month. Those are not “hits” or page views. These are people who came to my site and watched my videos, read my content, read the articles, free reports, blog posts and much more.

That number clearly pales in comparison to popular websites, news sites and video sharing sites. However, for a lawyer’s website, it’s actually pretty awesome. Especially in a field of law where we market to people who don’t necessarily need our services at this moment. I’m confident that the number of viewers next month will dramatically increase once again.

Getting back to the troublesome ethical issue of having a non-lawyer own a lawyer’s website, it brought me back to the old rule  in New York that says a non-lawyer cannot own any part of a law firm. my website is simply an extension of my law firm. Ethically, I do not believe a non-lawyer could own a lawyer’s website.

Having clarified that in my mind, I quickly began to think “How much would my website actually be worth and what inherent value doesn’t have?” The possibilities are endless.

Let me hear your thoughts about how you think someone could value your law firm website from both an economic standpoint and a goodwill standpoint. I’d love to hear what you have to say.  My reply to the offer to buy my domain: “Thanks, but no thanks.”

I was listening to marketing genius Dan Kennedy today and I was reminded of the fact that nobody appoints you as an expert in your field. There is no governing board that says at one point in your life “Okay, you are now considered an expert and therefore you can do whatever it is you do.”

Most lawyers struggle and strive for years before achieving “expert” status. Why is that? You don’t wake up one morning and suddenly are presented with a certificate that says “Congratulations Mr. Jones, you are now an expert in your field of law.”

What does this have to do with creating video to market your practice? Absolutely everything. You don’t have to wait around for years waiting for someone to anoint you as an expert in your field. In fact, as long as you are confident and know what you are doing, you have the expertise necessary to achieve results. That’s all your client is looking for. You don’t need the approval of your colleagues and competitors before you can tell the world that you have information they need to know.

Really smart attorneys recognize that by educating, they inform their viewers about information they need to know. By educating, you are sending a message that you know this information, and you have experience with this area of law. The consumer who is searching for an attorney does not need to see how many professional degrees you have in order to immediately understand that you have a clear grasp, knowledge and understanding of a specific area of law in which you practice.

The reality is that viewers don’t care who you are. Instead all they care about is how you can help solve their problem. Really smart lawyers who understand this concept use the methods I teach in my Total Online Video Success program to stand out from the crowd. They don’t wait to be appointed as an expert in their field.

If you would like a fancy certificate that qualifies you as having sufficient knowledge and information to provide to your potential clients online, then give me a call. I can arrange to give you one!
_________________

Listen to what one really smart attorney had to say about my Total Online Video Success program. It’s well worth your time.

Lawyers Video Studio New Online Newsletter Dec 10'

Learn how really smart attorneys use online video to stand out from the crowd. Learn what happened when an attorney lost all of his content right before we started shooting video. Find out how many videos Gerry Oginski created to market his practice this year alone. See a photo of Gerry’s new secret weapon he uses at every video shoot.

Click the photo for an immediate download!

Actual message I received from Flickr

You think you own it, right? In theory, you do. However, when you attempt to host your videos with the video sharing sites you may be shocked to learn that they have total control over what is done with your videos.

They control where those videos are placed on their website. They control what advertisements, if any, will overlay your video. They determine what quality your video will be played back at. They determine how much of your description will be shown to a viewer. They determine how many other similar videos will also appear next to yours while yours is being watched.

Because you allow a free video service to host your videos, you give up virtually all of your rights to have control over what happens to your video.

Here’s a perfect example that you can see in the photograph at the top of this post.

I went to upload a video and Flickr decided that they were going to block my video because there was “too much activity” in my account. This is not activity where I’m transferring money from a money market account to a checking account and have six transfers available each month. This is not some law that says I can only upload “X” number of videos each day or month. This is an arbitrary decision by a video sharing site to limit the number of videos in any given account. It’s all about video storage and hosting and the fact that it’s free.

If you try and find out how many videos they consider to be too many, I guarantee that you’ll waste tremendous amounts of time getting nowhere. Don’t bother reading the terms of service again since they are intentionally vague. However, make no mistake that they control all aspects of the videos on their site.

Exactly how many videos did I upload that prompted this nasty message from Flickr? Let’s see. I uploaded one video on Friday. One on Sunday. I  tried to upload another video on Tuesday. What I got was this lovely message saying “Hey buddy, slow down. You’re putting too much content on our video sharing site.”

What does this mean for you? It means you better make sure that in addition to uploading your videos to various video sharing sites that you always host your videos privately so you have total control over them.

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog!

Guest blog post today by Marc C. Blaine, Esq.

As most readers may know, Linkedin.com is a very popular business and professional networking site on the web.  In fact, most people use it to stay in touch with their professional contacts; some people use it to promote their businesses; some people use it to network for new jobs, and business related opportunities.  However, as more and more people continue to use Linkedin.com, what can you do to make your profile page stand out from the rest of the pack using the networking site?  If you are currently using Linkedin.com, what if you could add your video to your Linkedin.com profile?   What if you could use any video that promotes your business, or helps the public understand what you offer, and how you can help them?  Well, I recently found a way to do this through using Google Presentation Application in conjunction with Linkedin.com.   The ability to add video to your Linkedin.com profile has only recently become possible so not many people know about this.

For those of you who already have video on your website, and you have uploaded your video to the video sharing sites, uploading video to your Linkedin.com profile is a more creative way to show your contacts who you are, and what you can offer since most of the people on Linkedin.com do not have video on their profiles.  You already invested time and money in your videos so you should maximize their use whenever you can; besides it is free, and helps you stand out to showcase your practice or trade. As everyone knows, each day more and more potential clients and business opportunities are searching Linkedin.com profiles.  In fact, recent statistics have shown steady growth of the use of Linkedin.com world-wide in 2010; some statistics suggest the growth is comparable to what Twitter is doing in growth.  Also, using Linkedin.com is another great way of obtaining “back links” back to your website for those of you concerned about Search Engine Optimization (SEO).  This idea is yet another reason to invest in video if you have not already done so.

In order to get your video on your Linkedin.com profile, you will have to add Google Presentation Application to your profile by clicking on your “add an application” button on your profile.  However, to make it even easier for you, reelsocialmedia.com has done a great video on how to do it step-by-step, and it is available for free on youtube.com.  Just search “How To Add, Embed Video on Linkedin” when you log onto www.youtube.com.  It is easy to follow and should get you rolling in minutes!  If you have any questions, or need to contact me I can be reached at mark@blanelaw.com.  I wish everyone much success with this creative way to display their business videos on Linkedin.com, and I would like to thank attorney Gerry Oginski at www.lawyersvideostudio.com for allowing me to post this guest blog.

About Mark C. Blane, Esq.

The Law Offices of Mark C. Blane, APC
Golden Eagle Plaza
525 B Street, 15th Floor
San Diego, CA 92101
Tel:  (619) 858-4772
Fax:  (619) 946-7835
E-mail:  Mark@BlaneLaw.com
Web Site:  BlaneLaw.com
Follow me on Twitter:  twitter.com/blanelaw

I am always looking on the web for video production companies that offer good value for your money.

I came upon Martindale-Hubbel’s video service and thought you’d want to know what they charge for creating video. Then you can compare it to what I offer and ask yourself which has a better value.

To create a 1 minute video, they charge $3,000. Yes, you read that correctly. A one-minute video. $3,000. Don’t believe me? Click here to see for yourself.

What do I offer?

With my Total Online Video Solution for Attorneys, we make video simple, fun and profitable.

Here’s how I do it.

I PLAN YOUR CONTENT

First, I conduct a personal strategy session with you. During that time I formulate a plan for producing your video content that draws on my 21 years as a medical malpractice trial attorney in addition to my expertise as a nationally recognized expert on Attorney Video Marketing and online video producer.

WE SHOOT YOUR VIDEO

My video crew will then shoot your video content based on our Strategy Session using hi-definition video equipment, professional lighting and microphone, acquiring enough content to make 33 video clips, 2-3 minutes in length each! Yes, you read that correctly. I said “33” video clips. Not 1 or 2 or 5 or even 7, but 33 whopping video clips. Most other video companies want you to create video between 45 seconds to 2 minutes- not us.

Once you’re done creating your video, you’re done! Now, sit back, relax and wait for the videos.

WE DO THE REST

What exactly is “The Rest?” I’m glad you asked, because this is where our unique 10 STEP PROCESS provides much more value than any other Attorney Video Marketing Solution gives you for your money.

THE REST

STEP 1- We start by creating a personalized, custom HD video channel, in essence, your own Branded YouTube for you or your Firm. This allows you to display all your videos in one central location. When viewers want to watch more of your videos, they don’t have to leave your video channel. All your videos are contained right there.

STEP 2- We then integrate your video channel right into your existing website so it looks and feels like it’s part of it.

STEP 3- My Post-Production Specialists professionally edit each of your videos using the latest HD editing software, with each video branded with graphics, intro and tag, with music intro and exit. We also balance audio levels and color correct if needed.

STEP 4- We then encode to the latest specifications and upload your videos directly to your video channel which will become the showcase of your website.

STEP 5- We upload your videos to all the major video sharing sites for mass distribution.

Is that all?

No. That’s just half of the story!

WE GIVE YOU YOUR OWN VIDEO EQUIPMENT AND TEACH YOU TO USE IT LIKE A PRO!

STEP 6- We give you the brand-new HD video equipment we just used to shoot your videos AND we teach you how to use it!

No other video company does this.

We give you a top-of-the line hi-def video camera, soft-box lighting, wireless lavalier microphone and tripod.

Why would we do this? Simple.

So you can create multiple videos any time of day or night. So you can be in the forefront of the online legal world any time there’s breaking news. So you don’t have to wait for a video crew to get to you to shoot your video. Being on the cusp of current legal events and commenting on them will make you stand out. The more videos you create, the better your chances of having your videos watched. That’s the goal, isn’t it? To make your phone ring?

My goal is to make it so simple and easy  for you to create video.

When a new decision comes down, just turn on your camera to talk about it. When a popular drug is taken off the market, you’ll be one of the first to comment on it. Want to comment on an article, blog post or a particular type of case? Just turn on your equipment and start talking. After you’ve done 5 or more video clips, send us the memory card in the mail and we do all the rest!

This way you get the benefit of having 33 videos shot professionally and you also get the benefit of creating more video on your own schedule, any time you like.

STEP 7- You send us your memory card in our prepaid FedEX Envelope and once again my Post-Production Specialists professionally edit your video clips just like before, so each of your videos maintains a consistent and professional look and feel.

WE CRITIQUE YOUR VIDEO BEFORE UPLOADING

STEP 8- Before your own videos are finalized and uploaded, I personally review and critique each one. Where else can you get this personal interaction with one of the best known and well-recognized attorney video guru’s? Nowhere else.

STEP 9- We upload your brand-new videos to your video channel that we created for you.

STEP 10- We upload your brand-new videos to the major video sharing sites and optimize those videos with relevant keywords and descriptions to make them attractive for the video search engines.

Is that all? No. What’s next?

Just like on a shampoo bottle: “Wash, rinse & repeat.”

“Shoot more video, send us your memory card & repeat.”

Does it work?

You bet it does. I’M LIVING PROOF AND HERE’S WHY-

Video forms a bond and trust with your viewer. Video differentiates you from everyone else. Video establishes you as an expert without you ever having to say you’re an expert.

There is no other online video solution for attorneys that is created by a trial lawyer whose entire goal is to help other attorneys get onto video. There is no one offering a program like this at any price and certainly no video producer with over 300 videos online and almost 300,000 combined views.

WE’RE DIFFERENT and that’s really good.

Being different means that we stand out. Being different means that we offer more value for your marketing dollars. Being different means we help you stand out from the crowd and get noticed. That’s the goal, isn’t it? To be noticed; To create content that your viewer wants, that compels them to pick up the phone to ask you for more information.

To see what a smart investment our total online video solution is, I encourage you to call me now at 516-487-8207 or send me an email to: gerry@lawyersvideostudio.com. I welcome your call.

Creating video will be the best return on investment you can make, and I’m living proof of that.

To your success!

Gerry

There are some lawyers who still don’t get it. They still think the yellow pages is relevant today. There are other lawyers who don’t blink to pay $50,000 for a TV marketing campaign. There are still some lawyers who think Craigslist is a great way to market themselves and their legal services.

All of the traditional forms of  attorney advertising are becoming less and less relevant today, especially since most people go online to get information;  free information.

Cisco, one of the biggest Internet companies in the world responsible for making the Internet work, predicts that within the next 3-4 years video will be the dominant source of information online. The statistics that they actually cite is that 91% of all content online by the year 2014 will be video-based. I’ve seen statistics and comments by people from Google, Yahoo and other leading Internet companies agree that the future of everything online is video-based.

Knowing this, the question is “What can you do with this information?”  If you knew that the stock market would go up or down in a particular year you would have the ability to make sound investment choices (putting aside any issue of insider market trading). Here you have better information, coming from the top Internet companies in the world. All the articles, seminars and blog posts that these companies put out, all point to the direction of video being the dominant way in which people will receive information online in the coming years. Undoubtedly, there will be some people who still rely on text to get their message out. There’s nothing wrong with that.

However, if you are still in the stone ages and keep insisting that your static website is going to convert more viewers into callers compared to lawyers who have video on their website and the video sharing sites, you are sorely mistaken. Your goal, as an attorney who is looking for new clients, would be well advised to get onto video today and tomorrow and the next day.

Video helps you create a bond with your viewer, establishes trust and shows the online world that you are friendly and approachable. Remember, people do business with people. They don’t do business with faceless corporations. It’s okay if you don’t think video is for you, but please remember my words three or four years from now. You don’t want to kick yourself for not creating the best method of communication online, in the most cost-effective manner possible.

For more information about how you can get onto video in a simple, easy and fun way, I urge you to explore my total online video solution for attorneys here.  To learn the mindset of the viewer and how to create compelling content I encourage you to join my video coaching group for lawyers here. It’s the perfect solution for attorneys who are creating video on their own as well as with a video production company.

In this month’s ABA Law Practice journal magazine, the featured article is written by yours truly.
The theme of this month’s magazine is SMART MARKETING: IDEAS YOU CAN USE TO GET YOUR FIRM BACK IN THE GAME. Take a look and tell me what you think about the article.

Click here to read the article.