So what’s the big deal? Not what she said in her voice mail, but what she didn’t say. Importantly, it’s what I heard in between what she was saying that was amazing.

It sounded almost like background noise. Listening carefully, I noticed something familiar about what was being said in the background. Then I heard my name. I realized she was calling me while watching one of my educational videos.

How cool is that? She liked what I was telling her in my video and decided to call to ask questions. That fact confirms what I teach attorneys about how video can be used to convert online viewers into callers.

Ideally, you want your viewers to click on your video, watch it fully and then call you to ask questions. It’s really cool when they call while watching your video.

Want to learn what will convert your online viewers into callers? Come join me in the only video coaching group for lawyers anywhere in the country.

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Canon T2i dSLR camera

If you’ve been following my blog posts, you know I use a Canon Vixia HF S10 to shoot my own videos. Great camera, excellent quality and it does everything it’s supposed to do.

I recently sold my Sony digital camera to a great trial attorney in Virginia (thanks Sandra!) and needed to upgrade. I took the plunge and bought a Canon T2i dSLR. It takes 18 megapixel photos, has a 3″ viewing screen and also takes hi-definition video. I justified my purchase by convincing myself that I could use it to shoot my videos that I make to market my own practice. Oy, what a production.

You may have also seen a recent blog post I did while I was on vacation, testing out my new camera. Yes, I took 938 photos and 35 videos. It was awesome. (Just try color correcting and cropping 938 photos- it’s enough to make you bleary eyed for weeks). Anyway, I recently shot 2 videos about medical malpractice. The videos were about 4 minutes long.

I spent a really long time playing with the settings. Why? Because this is not a ‘point-and-shoot’ camera. It’s not a ‘press the red record button’ and start talking.

First, it has no flip out monitor. That means you can’t tell exactly whether you’re in the frame or not when shooting your own video. That means you have to repeatedly go back and forth to see if where you were standing is good. I could have hooked up a separate TV monitor, but didn’t want to go that route. I wanted to see how easy/difficult it would be without it. Also, the camera doesn’t come with a remote control to press record or stop. Aggh. That means I press record, then walk to where I’ll be taping.

Wait…there’s more. Remember how cool your autofocus function is on your video camera? No matter where you stand, your camera will automatically bring you into focus? Not so with my shiny new dSLR. Why not? Because it’s not a point and shoot camera. You must pre-focus, either manually or by autofocus and press the shutter down half-way.

“But wait!” you scream. “How can I focus on myself, if I have to pre-focus the camera and stand next to the camera to do that?” you ask. A great question! One that perplexed me for some time; especially since I was shooting the video on my own and there was nobody to stand behind the camera and press the shutter half-way. Needless to say, that required a creative solution that I’ll save for my video coaching group (which you are invited to join).

When I played back the videos I was stunned. Amazed. In awe. The quality was magnificent. The depth of field was wild to see on a consumer level video camera. Depth of field is where one object is in focus and everything behind it is blurred. You can often tell the difference between a soap opera, where everything is in focus compared to a feature film where people are often in focus but the background is blurred.

Stay tuned for the herculean effort needed to now get those videos off the camera and into my non-linear video editing software; also known as Final Cut Express.

Final point. If the technical stuff bores you, as I’m sure this will for some attorneys reading this, why trouble yourself figuring out how to do this stuff yourself? Stop wasting your time struggling with getting the video off your camera. Stop trying to get those edits and transitions just right. Don’t worry about how to do lower third graphics with fly-in effects. Have you really gotten those compression settings just right? Do your videos look anamorphic?

Take a breather and pick up the phone to schedule a phone conference with me. 516-487-8207. Go back to doing what you do best; practicing law. Let me take the burden off you. I make creating video fun, simple and easy. Stop struggling and wasting hours of your day. Give me a call. I guarantee it will be eye-opening and refreshing when you realize you don’t need to do this yourself.

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Gerry Oginski's Total Online Video Solution

I was asked this question recently by an attorney who was considering hiring me to create his video. He lived in a large college town and was considering hiring some college students who were learning about video and TV production. He asked a good question: “Can’t I just go to these people and have them shoot my video?”

The answer is, “Of course you could.”

They may know how to create quality video and post it online, but those folks are not experienced trial attorneys. They don’t know what an online viewer is looking for when searching for a lawyer. They won’t know who your ideal client is. If your video producer doesn’t know who your ideal client is and what types of legal problems they have, how can they help you create great content that will compel an online viewer to pick up the phone and call you?

That’s the problem that I see with the majority of attorney video online today. The quality of the actual video is fine. That’s not the problem. It’s the content that is sorely lacking. You are hiring a video producer to help guide you to create not just good content, but great content that will get you noticed online.

Do you really think that college kid who’s a whiz with uploading videos to YouTube will know what you can and can’t say in your video? Will he (or she) know how to enter the conversation going on in the minds of your viewer? If they have no experience as an attorney, how can they possibly figure out what you should be talking about that will convert online viewers into callers?

Sure they can copy other attorneys online and use formats that they think is right. But that’s the same yellow pages mentality that attorneys have used for many years. “If my competitor is doing it, and he’s spending money, then he must be doing something right.” Wrong.

You need to stand out from the crowd. You need to be different and stay within the ethical boundaries of your state’s rules. Can your college kid do that? Will the video producer you hire be able to do that?

I’m different, and it shows.

I am the only veteran medical malpractice trial lawyer who is also an experienced video producer. I am the only trial lawyer who is actively helping other lawyers get onto video to market themselves in the best way possible; using video. My program, The Total Online Video Solution for Lawyers is the only program in the country where we make it simple, easy and fun to create six months worth of video content in one day. Nobody else does this.

I know what online viewers are looking for. I get calls and emails every day from people who have watched my videos and ask for more information. I’m different, and it shows.

Come join me on this great video journey. I want to help you and show you that it can work for you.

Call me at 516-487-8207 or send me an email, Gerry@lawyersvideostudio.com

I welcome your call.

______________

Fairfax Virginia Personal Injury Lawyer, Ben Glass, says, “Gerry Oginski is the master of online video. He’s done more videos than any lawyer out there. The big edge that Gerry has over his competition is that his videos allow consumers to get to ‘know’ him before they even pick up the phone. His use of video on his website and his video blog is amazing.” Ben Glass, Esq., BenGlassLaw.com, Fairfax, Virginia, 703-591-9829

Mark Merenda

Mark Merenda, CEO of SmartMarketing for attorneys says “My clients love the fact that he’s a lawyer and not just some wedding photographer with a video camera.” Gerry’s videos are great! Aside from turning out technically superb pictures, he understands the legal marketing field, the right questions to ask, and the concerns attorneys have about their professional image. I highly recommend Gerry’s services to any lawyer who wants to create an instant bond with potential clients. Mark Merenda, CEO SmartMarketingNow.com Naples, Florida 239-403-7755

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog!

Gerry

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Why does attorney video do so well online and convert online viewers into callers?

For the very specific reason that people with legal problems go online to get information. When they search for information about their problem, you have an opportunity to educate them about their problem. You have the chance to enter the conversation going on in their mind with a video. You can’t do that with traditional forms of attorney advertising.

To learn more about how you can benefit from creating educational attorney video, explore my blog here, and my Total Online Video Solution for Lawyers.

_____________

Here’s a really nice comment from Alex Valencia, marketing director of We Do Web Content.  Here’s what he had to say after hearing me speak at Ben Glass’ Great Legal Marketing super conference in Virginia in June 2010…

“You are super passionate about what you do…You stole the show! I felt inspired after hearing you talk.”

Alex Valencia

“Gerry,

You made video seem fun and simple. It’s a way to laugh at yourself and allow for others to see you as a person and not just a company. Your success gave us the push we needed to take action.

After listening to your presentation, we began outlining topics for our company’s videos and immediately created a YouTube page. Like you, we understand the value of content. We also understand that by educating our potential clients you can more easily win their trust and hopefully their business. Nowadays content is your sales person and you’ve got to be out there. Videos can be the next big thing to meeting in person. Thanks so much!”

Alex Valencia

Director of Sales

We Do Web Content

Fort Lauderdale, FL

O. 954-617-2148

C. 954.648.0565

E. alex@wedowebcontent.com

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Don’t get me wrong. I like listening to boring CLE lectures as much as the next attorney. I’m required to rack up a certain number of CLE credits each year, just like you.  I like having the same speakers talk about the same trial tactics seminars I’ve been listening to for more than 21 years. Don’t get me wrong…I’ve learned a lot from these attorneys. I’ve also gone to ‘marketing’ seminars put on by the bar associations with these same personal injury and medical malpractice lawyers. I honestly can say that I have not learned much there. I wish someone had instead directed me to Dan Kennedy and Bill Glazer (direct response marketers that teach other people how improve their bottom line).

Over the last year, as I began to fine-tuned my total online video solution for attorneys, I wanted to get the word out to fellow attorneys who could benefit from video marketing that was making my phone ring. I have lectured to attorneys at the New York City Bar Association in Manhattan about medical malpractice law. I have created CLE approved lectures both in person and on video, discussing medical malpractice in New York. I have also been invited back to lecture on the same topic. In fact, I am lecturing to attorneys this month, July 15, 2010, at the NYC Bar Association about medical malpractice law. Thinking that I could offer attorneys useful information about video marketing, I approached the New York City Bar Association and the NYS Trial Lawyers Association.

Each has a committee that vets topics deemed worthy. That’s understandable. They don’t want their attorneys to be inundated and bored to death with topics they can’t use or relate to. Also, they have to be able to offer CLE credit to their members and there are various requirements needed to justify approving CLE credits. Also understandable.

When I suggested that I present a seminar about video marketing for attorneys and have other legal marketing experts talk to attorneys about how to market their practice, the response was eye-opening. The NYC Bar was quite clear. They said they do not want a seminar where attorneys or marketers are pitching or selling their services to their members. Not even if the material was educational and informational only. “Hmmm,” I thought. Rejected. Ok. Maybe the NYS trial lawyers would have a different take on it.

I was wrong. The seminar topics were selected two years in advance and they didn’t see a need for topics on attorney marketing. However, they did offer an alternative. They said I could become a preferred vendor and appear outside each of the seminars in order to promote my service. “No thanks,” I replied.

I finally realized that the bar associations didn’t want to run marketing seminars since they could not justify giving CLE credit. That’s understandable. I finally realized that attorneys who want to learn about my services and how they can benefit from video marketing can learn tons of useful stuff from my online webinars, live seminars, video blog articles, my video coaching group for attorneys (the only video coaching group for lawyers in the country) and my Total Online Video Solution for Attorneys. Oh yes, they can also contact any one of the attorneys who have used my services and ask them personally what they thought.

You can be sure that the next time you hear me speak about video marketing for attorneys at a seminar, that my content has never been given to any bar association for CLE credit. What’s more important to you? Accumulating CLE credits or learning how to improve your bottom line and convert online viewers into callers?

The decision, as always, is yours. Choose wisely.

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog!

Gerry

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-You Can't Find This Newspaper Anywhere But Here-

Do you know what the Ken Burns effect is? If you’re a photo buff, you will. It’s where your photo editing program magically takes a still photo and creates movement to make it appear as if it’s a moving image. It’s really cool to see during a slide show. Ok, now you know what a Ken Burns effect is, but what is the John Burns effect?

I’m glad you asked. It’s when a really smart attorney recognizes that the only person to create video for him is a veteran trial lawyer who’s also an experienced video producer. The John Burns effect is where a lawyer realizes that it’s so important to create video with a producer who ‘gets it’ that he (or she) is willing to fly across the entire country just to create their educational video. That’s the John Burns effect.

To give you an idea of who John Burns is, here’s a photo of him in the Lawyers Video Studio creating tons of useful content.

Attorney John Burns

We’re shooting video with a green chroma-key background. You can see the video camera and wireless microphone sitting on a tripod. Notice the lights all around him? Illumination is the key.

Once you recognize that your video producer is the key to creating compelling content, you too will understand the John Burns effect.

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog.

Gerry

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Wanted-lawyer video success story for interview

May the best lawyer win.

Gerry

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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

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The answer is, a really smart personal injury trial lawyer who recognizes how important it is to have a trial lawyer as your video producer.

John Burns was an airline pilot flying wide-bodied jets before he decided to become a personal injury trial lawyer in Southern California. When he decided to create educational video to market his law practice he recognized that there were no video production companies that had a trial lawyer who he could connect with, that understood the type of law he practiced. Until he found me.

He found what I offered so compelling that rather than have him shoot video with a videographer that I personally trained, he decided to fly across the entire country and come to my office so I could direct and produce his videos. Talk about an ego boost! What he learned during our video shoot confirmed his belief that it was vitally important to have a trial lawyer as his video producer. In a few weeks, you’re going to hear John, in his own words on video, describe why he flew cross-country to shoot video with me in the Lawyers Video Studio here on Long Island.

During one of John’s videos he mentioned an area of law that I felt needed to be changed. I stopped him and he corrected the important point he was making. He immediately told me that if this was being done with a regular videographer, there was no way this important nuance would have been picked up, and would likely have been misinterpreted by someone listening to it.

We shot over 40 video clips in one day. A long and very productive day. Congratulations to John Burns and watch for previews of his videos and behind the scenes photos- one of which is posted here.

If you’re interested in the only video coaching group for lawyers in the country, then click here to learn more. If you want to start creating compelling video that will convert online viewers into callers, like John did today, I encourage you to click here to learn more.

Gerry

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