January 2014 - Don Schindler

Month: January 2014 (page 1 of 2)

How do you set up a YouTube Channel for your farm or business?

YouTube is the 2nd Largest Search Engine

While I go into the benefits of setting up a channel and posting videos in “What can YouTube do for your Farm or Business?”, I’ll repeat the main topics here.

Videos can:

bring people closer to the real thing.
see how the farm runs.
help you get found in a sea of information out there
make a big impact without costing you a lot of money

But now we have to see how this YouTube thing works. Let’s get to it.

1. Creating an Account on Google

Let’s get started by creating an account. Google owns YouTube so you will need to set up a Google account first at google.com. If you already have a Google account, you’re ahead of the game.

2. Uploading a Photo

Once all your account information is filled out, it’s time to upload your photo or take it with a webcam.

Choose a picture where people will be able to identify your face clearly. This picture will be used for all of your Google accounts.

3. Sign into Youtube.com

Now that your account is set up you need to switch over to YouTube and sign in.

You will be asked to re-enter your password to the account you just created on Google.

4. Select your Topics

What do you like? A list of topic and subtopics will pop to help get you started with videos you might enjoy watching. These topics will not make or break your suggested videos so you can skip this step if you like.

Once you start searching for videos YouTube will suggest similar videos for you on its own.

5. Select My Channel and Create Your Channel Name

In the upper right hand corner click the drop down menu and click My Channel.

You will be asked if you would like to use your Google account name or if you would like to create a name for your YouTube Channel.

If you have a blog or brand name, it would be helpful to keep your channel name the same instead of your personal name. Once you have decided what to name your channel you will want to fill in some useful information for your future viewers.

YouTube provides a helpful checklist to get you started.

Fill in the about section with a description of your channel, links (blog, website, etc.) and other channels you would like to feature. When you choose a picture for your channel art pick something that represents the theme of your channel.

6. Select your Account Settings

After you go through your checklist you will want to read through your settings.

You want viewers to find your videos and channel with ease, so set your YouTube settings accordingly.

When you are done with your account settings take a look through the features on your Dashboard.

Channel settings are as important as your account settings.

The video manager and analytics will come into play once you upload a video.

7. Upload a Video

There are multiple places to upload your first video from your main page, but they all work the same way.

After your initial upload, you will only have the main option next to your search bar.

Once you are at the uploading screen, you will have the option to upload, use a webcam, create a slideshow video using photos on your computer, record a Google + Hangout (a topic for another day) and make edits to the video you are uploading.

Select a file or record your video.

If you selected a file, you will need to wait for it to upload, but while you wait fill in all your video information.

After your video uploads choose your thumbnail and if your video needs stabilization. You will only receive this option if your video is shaky.

8. View Your Video

You can now view your video, but if you opted for stabilization this is not the final video. You will have an orange banner across your screen with the remaining time on stabilization. If the stabilization distorts your video you can delete it and upload it again.

Below your video you will find all of your videos information displayed, info and settings tab, and postproduction tabs (captions, enhancements, annotations, etc.). If you are happy with the way everything looks, let’s take a look at your analytics.

9. Analytics

Right now you won’t have any analytics, but this is where you will be able to view how well your videos are doing.

You can view anything from your most current metrics from last week to a lifetime (every video you posted) of videos. It is important to see how well your content is performing in order to find out what content your audience likes or does not like.

You can even see how long someone watched your video. If your posting 5-minute videos but your audience only tunes in for 2 minutes, you now know to make shorter videos. Well that’s the basics.

Let me know in the comments below if you have any questions or need something explained in more detail.

What Can YouTube Do For Your Farm or Business?

January 20, 2014 / Don Schindler / 6 Comments

Peterson Bros. are famous for music parody videos

So what’s the second largest search engine in the world?

Where do people go when they need a “How To”?

When you see a video on Facebook, what platform is probably hosting that video?

When you do a Google search for anything, if there’s a video there where’s it coming from?

You guessed it. YouTube.

More than 1 billion people worldwide use YouTube each month on their computer and mobile device. YouTube is in 61 countries and languages, allowing you to view stories from around the globe.

And you don’t have to be a videographer to post a video to YouTube all you need is a camera (or your phone) and some time.

So how can YouTube benefit you and your farm?

It brings people closer to the real thing.

It’s more than just a photograph and text. Seeing a calf walk for the first time is definitely different than just reading about it. Especially if you don’t think you have the words to describe that kind of joyful experience. Brenda Hastings, The Dairy Mom, gives a farm tour in just five minutes.

They can “see” how you keep milk safe.

Your “how we keep milk safe” video can show the great lengths you go to make your product. Or maybe you want to show how the cows are cared for or give your audience insights on a new farming technique you learned.

It’s another great way to be found (and help control your digital profile).

For instance Dairy Carrie has done a great job of using her brand name across all her platforms. She is easy to find on YouTube and all of her videos give insight to her as a brand personality while still getting the message across that she loves dairy.

One of her top videos received over 73,000 views and was under 2 minutes long.

You don’t need a big budget to make a big impact.

You can show the fun side of farming with music and graphics like the Peterson Brothers. With humor and parody, they are getting across a message to a younger generation (that really like the 1-3 minute format) and build that relationship. It’s all about trust and if they can see you, hear you and laugh with you, you’ve got a good chance of earning that trust with them.

Your audience is out there waiting to see what it’s like to live on your farm – why don’t you show them?

My Top 7 Top Marketing and Business Books from 2013

January 13, 2014 / Don Schindler / 0 Comments

People are always asking me what kind of books I read (usually right after presentations) and I try and rattle off the ones I can remember in the moment.

So this post is mainly for me so I can remember which books I recently read and loved – then I can just direct people to the post so they can easily buy them.

I’ve also got a saying on my desk – I ripped it a long time ago and changed it slightly to meet my needs but it goes like this.

Learn From Everyone
Follow No One
Watch For Patterns
Work Harder Than Everybody

These books helped me learn. They also preach about “not following”, which to me means, don’t copy people. They gave me insights into the patterns and a lot of these guys work extremely hard.

The Age of Context

The Age of Context – Robert Scoble, Shel Israel

Great book on what’s coming next. Robert is also the guy you see all the time with Google Glass on. I’ve got my own but can’t seem to engage with it as much as he does.

Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook

Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook – Gary Vaynerchuk

Gary’s new book is great because of all the examples he gives. He takes the time to point out what works and what doesn’t in social media. Quick read. And I’m really into boxing right now so I love the metaphor.

Youtility

Youtitlity – Jay Baer

Jay’s a good friend but I would still recommend Youtility even if he wasn’t. Marketing is changing dramatically and if you provide someone a benefit with your marketing it can last a long, long time. Great examples – it’s about help, not hype. I’m a firm believer in that type of communication.

Hierarchy of Contagiousness

Zarrella’s Hierarchy of Contagiousness – The Science, Design and Engineering of Contagious Ideas – Dan Zarrella

Many people think that storytelling is strictly an art form. That there is no way to break it down so people can who don’t naturally get it can produce it. In Dan’s book, he breaks it down so normal people can produce great stories. It’s a very quick read as well.

The Story Factor

The Story Factor – Annette Simmons

I’ve been using Annette’s book for years – even since a boss made me read it back in my agency days. It’s really shows the depth at how stories can be recalled and how to produce them. Well worth the time.

Trust Me, I’m Lying

The funny thing about Ryan’s book is that I think most people know they are being manipulated and they just don’t care. But Ryan does and he breaks down how the system works. It’s so fascinating yet frustrating to be in this marketing industry. I also love that he doesn’t really have answers on how to fix it.

Growth Hackers

Another great book from Ryan on how marketing is done in the tech world and how traditional marketers might learn from it. Good stuff.

So what have been your favorite business / marketing books of 2013?

Five Simple Steps on How to Set Up a Linkedin Profile

January 7, 2014 / Don Schindler / 5 Comments

Connect with me on Linkedin

Originally,I put together six reasons why I believe you should in using Linkedin.

This is a business social network
Farmers are missing from Linkedin
Your network can benefit your family, friends and the industry
Your rolodex will automatically be updated
It becomes a strong part of your digital profile
Meet new people via groups and interest

You can check it out the post here (why you should be using linkedin) but now it’s time to get started using Linkedin. Things that you will need to prepare before you go over to Linkedin.

Résumé – do you still have that document lying around?
A good photo or headshot – this doesn’t have to be entirely professional. I use one that draws on one of my hobbies (my motorcycle) and people love it.
Any certifications or classes you’ve taken outside of normal education

1. Head over to Linkedin.com

You’ll have to enter your name, email address, and a password. Try using an email address you use with colleagues. With your permission, LinkedIn will access contacts from that account and find them for you on LinkedIn. You don’t have to do this right away if you don’t want to – they will keep asking you.

2. Create a profile by adding your name, title and company

Remember that all of this is visible to search engines. Some people add their certifications like RD to their name, etc… Linkedin will send you a confirmation email link to verify you are who you say you are via the email you gave them.

3. Click through the email confirmation link

Once you click through, Linkedin will use your email contacts to find colleagues from your past and present job positions. Simply check the boxes next to their name and they will be invited to connect to your profile.

It will also encourage you to invite others to linkedin as well to help build your network. You can skip this step if you want.

4. Select the basic account

You probably won’t need the upgrade – this is more for people are starting companies or trying to sell through their network.

5. Adding your résumé

Linkedin is going to use simple fill-ins to get your profile in place. This is where your résumé will help you out with dates and companies.

They will start with your experience.

Followed by Education, your Photo, Skills & Expertise and Details.

This will take some time but remember a lot of this stuff you only have to do once and then it’s on the web forever.

The more information you can add the better it will look and more chances that someone will find you and network with you.

Be clear and concise but don’t be boring or use vague terms – industry terms can be fine but will limit your chances to be found. In future blog posts, I’ll show you how to use search and groups to network more effectively as well as adding a company page for your farm.

Did I miss anything on your profile? Is there anything you would like to see me add?

Here’s what mine looks like below. You can connect to me at http://linkedin.com/in/donschindler

Six Reasons on Why You Should be Using Linkedin for Yourself and Your Farm

January 6, 2014 / Don Schindler / 2 Comments

Linkedin Chocolates courtesy of Nan Palmero

With over 259 million members and growing at rate of two new members per second, Linkedin is the premier business social network and there are many reasons that I believe it is in your best interest to set up a profile and get a company page for your farm and/or business. If you want to link up with me, here’s my Linkedin Profile.

1. This social network is all about business

Most complaints I get about social networking is that most of the content seems silly like on Facebook (I don’t care what my high school classmate is doing right now) or on Twitter (I don’t care what you had for lunch or that Justin Beiber said).

Linkedin is mostly straight business talk – current headlines are issues effecting the economy or an article about how to retain employees.

2. Where are all the farmers?

There is a serious lack of farmers on Linkedin. Many thought leaders and business influencers are talking back and forth on the network but not with farmers. If you want to join their conversations, Linkedin is a great place to do it.

3. Your network can benefit your family, friends and the industry

You have your personal network of business associates but I’ll bet that no one besides yourself really knows who those people are. If you connect with them on Linkedin, you might open the door to someone you know to connect. For example: Linkedin is a great place for people to search for jobs. Maybe your son or daughter is looking to work at a business and has no idea that you know people that work there. But if you were connected in Linkedin, they would know for sure and would be able to work through you to get connected to the right people in that business.

4. Your rolodex will automatically be updated

Don’t you hate it when you go to find someone’s number off a business card and that number is no good anymore? If you connect with them on Linkedin, then they update their profile information and you can always be connected with them.

5. It becomes a strong part of your digital profile

When it comes to someone searching for your name or farm, you want the good stuff about you to show up first. When you set up a profile for yourself and your farm/business page, there’s a good chance it will pop up on the first page of your search results. This is a good way to control what people see when they look for you.

6. Meet people you don’t know via groups and interest

Sometimes you get busy doing work and don’t have the time to meet new business acquaintances – Linkedin is a great place to meet legitimate business people with likeminded interests. You can do this through joining groups and being a part of their conversations. You can even tailor your news settings and Linkedin will send you business news set up strictly to your tastes.

For example, you could connect to local chefs, foodies, registered dietitians, food industry researchers, Ag equipment providers, bankers, etc…

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to grow your influence and strengthen your business connections for the benefit of your business and your family. With my next post, I’ve gone through the step by step instructions on how to set up your Linkedin profile and company page.

Are there any reasons that you joined Linkedin that I missed? Let me know and I’ll add them.

Don Schindler

Executive Reputation Coach & Digital Marketer

Month: January 2014 (page 1 of 2)

Sign up and you’ll receive an email every time I post!

Please connect with me

Most Popular Posts

Most Recent Posts

Archives