Video for Business Growth (V4BG) is excited to share news that our parent company is formalizing a long-used comment, creating an official tagline.

For decades, Kevin Graham’s primary skills have been driving new conversation with business and technical leadership within many of the world’s largest organizations. Enterprise sales of next-generation technology is a challenging and highly competitive market. 

Creating value based on technology requires a deep understanding of the capabilities AND a strong sense of business value, market factors and client mandates. First on the technology side, as Einstein once said: “If you can’t explain something simply, you don’t understand it well enough.” Kevin Graham doesn’t just understand technology, he loves it. 

Second on the business side, it’s all about BUSINESS BENEFIT. Technology is only as valuable as the benefits it can provide to the business. The translation of technology talk to business talk is truly a rare skill and something that Kevin Graham has refined over more than three decades of professional selling to large enterprises – all from within market-leading brands.

Pick any year, and you’ll find that Kevin Graham was selling next generation technology by turning tech talk into Biz Talk. Here’s a peak at just some of those years:

1992      Windows 3.11, Digital jukeboxes, Token Ring and more
1996      Battle for O/S ends, but not before being honored as Olympic Torchbearer
1998      US Robotics 56K and 3COM ethernet innovations for LAN/WAN
1999      Driving the DOT COM model with a new division to more than $1B in less than 18 months
2004     Data Quality with marketing / operational impacts
2006     High speed imaging and process automation, digitizing at the edge
2009     Grinding as a fledging entrepreneur developing better presentation skills
2013      Qualitative analytics with then industry-leading IBM Watson – awarded Worldwide ROTY
2016      Quantitative analytics with then industry-leading SAS Institute
2018      Grinding as a fledging entrepreneur developing video skills
2019      First-of-a-kind Autonomous Database from innovator Oracle America
2021      Advanced Analytics capabilities from best-in-class Teradata Corporation 

Many years included President’s Club qualifications; Kevin Graham achieved President’s Club in four Fortune 500 companies. The combination of next-generation capabilities, market-leading brands and the ultra-competitive marketplace provides Kevin Graham the best-possible background for his evangelical endeavors toward technology expression.

Working with business and technical executives to invest in future states required Kevin Graham to develop a keen understanding of business value, based on technical understanding. He’s forever grateful to the thousands of incredibly talented engineers and true subject matter experts that empowered his sales success.

One fundamental element of Kevin Graham’s success has been training. He has consistently invested more than ten hours every week of his career… studying sales methodologies, researching the competition, and becoming conversant in technical details. It’s not just sharpening the saw; it’s also constantly investing in new tools and adjusting to shifts in the marketplace.  

Turning Tech Talk into Biz Talk is the tagline in which we seek trademark status. It’s distinctive, accurate and compelling. 

We look forward to positive news from United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) soon.

Thank you for your support of the Video for Business Growth (V4BG) brand.

Video is a powerful medium that has a growing reach given the macro trends across remote workers, live streaming and the ‘orders of magnitude’ better marketing results and return-on-investment (ROI).

But don’t take my word for it, let’s hear what the experts have to say:

On video advertising changes, theSpotX 2021 Global Trends Report for Video Advertising finds:

• More rapid development of the post-cable ecosystem

• OTT and CTV growth accelerating (Over The Top video and Connected TV)

• Increased application of targeting data for audience precision, among other things.

Flying V Group highlights in their 17 Video Marketing Statistics to Help Build Your Strategy In 2021

• Percentage of businesses using video for marketing up nearly 30% as 4 out of 5 use video

• Message retention with video is nearly ten times higher versus viewer reading material

• Smartphone-based video consumption continues to double yearly, among other things.

B2C Author Jared Atchison highlights several key statistics:

• 90% of consumers on social media watch video

• Nearly 20% of bloggers are publishing video

• 52% video retention rate far exceeds other mediums

Cardinal Digital Marketing’s Alex Membrillo comments on video marketing trends:

• Rising popularity of webinars

• Search engines increasing emphasis on video

• More live streaming and video content going multi-channel

These insights clearly show that consumers want video, that businesses recognize the expanding possibilities and that regardless of your business size, you should be embracing Video for Business Growth. V4BG produces video outcomes that empower business growth. Located in Orange County, we offer full service video production, placement and promotion.

Learn more at www.V4BG.com.

Have you noticed how much work-related video you’ve been watching lately?

Last year, Vidyard published it’s Video in Business Benchmark Report which reveals the latest trends… and yes… B2B video content is doubling in quantity… and short form video is taking off at exponentially higher rates.

According to the author: “Video is clearly no longer just for “big brands” either. For the first time, smaller businesses – particularly those in high-tech markets – are now producing as much, if not more, video content than their larger counterparts.”

Some of the key findings highlighted in the study include:

The creation of video in business is exploding.
Businesses have published 377 total videos on average and are adding 33 new videos per month (up 83% over previous year); video libraries are expected to double in size within 12 months.

Video is faster.
75% of all videos published were under 2 minutes in length, compared to only 56% in the previous year.

Video usage on non-traditional channels on the rise.
There has been an increase in the use of video on distribution channels such as email marketing, landing pages and sales teams.

The use of video analytics is becoming more prevalent.
Those using intermediate or advanced analytics and viewer engagement data to measure performance were 2x as likely to report that returns on their video investments are improving.

The study is available online at these links:
Video Benchmark Report Projects B2B Video Content to Double Within 12 Months

2018 Video in Business Benchmark Report

Video for Business Growth offers full-service video production, placement and promotion.

Learn more at www.V4BG.com

Last year, we produced and published more than 500 videos, and I still get nervous about being on video... so I can imagine how terrifying it may be for others.

Five Reasons Not to Fear Video:

1. Pre-production planning and scripting - we work together in advance to iron out the message.

2. Fun on-location, on-set and on-camera - we bring great energy so the shoot is fun... and it's not live, so double takes are fine.

3. Have purpose - understanding your objective fuels your passion and story.

4. Be authentic - it's not about perfection. As the legendary Jim Cathcart says: "It's not about you, it's not about your target market, it's not even about your content; it's about what your content can do for your market."

5. Work with professionals - it's important to understand that when you work with V4BG, we're going to make you look good.

Video can be intimidating… but it doesn’t have to be uncomfortable.

At Video for Business Growth, we understand how to make it a fun and enjoyable experience… and how to make you look good.

Contact us online at V4BG.com. We provide full service production, placement and promotion.

Video Types

Are you wondering which types of video would be good to grow your business?

The type of video you should promote should be aligned to your business objectives. For instance, are you trying to drive brand awareness, convert new prospects to buy, help current customers get more value from their investment, or perhaps you just want to build brand loyalty.

Let’s look at few examples:

Explainer videos - these are great at doing just that - explaining. The trick is to do it simply, and in a compelling manner that adds story or somehow touches the art. Remember Einstein’s wise words: “If you can’t explain something simply, you don’t understand it well enough.”

Product feature videos - these do not require high production costs, as it really is about the product… but just like in sales, people doing buy features, PEOPLE BUY BENEFITS… so be sure you’re product feature videos feature the benefits, too.

How To Videos - this is a classic approach. Look, people love video - but they don’t love commercials. So instead of creating endless commercials, create high value content that educates, informs and empowers your target market. Answer their common questions with video and you’ll end up on the end of their search results, provide them great value… and guess who they’ll think of when they decide they need your product or service?

Customer Testimonials - Why every website or email campaign does not contain a link to customer testimonials is beyond my understanding. People love stories and your raving fan customers would love to know that you care enough about them to include them in your video promotions. Hello! This is virtually free advertising that sells the sizzle!

There are endless types of videos that you can use for business growth! The infographic is courtesy of VidYard, and they’ve literally studied hundreds of thousands of videos.

Video for Business Growth is headquartered in Orange County, California. We work with all types of companies to produce low-cost, high-value video content that drives business growth… full-service video production, placement and promotion.

Contact Video for Business Growth at 888.402.1117, kg@V4BG.com, online at www.V4BG.com and @Video4BG.

#marketing #business #technology #sales #digitalmarketing #video #advertising #youtube #interview #california

Your sales resources are precious and sales productivity can be dramatically impacted by avoiding redundancy, confusion and inconsistencies in your sales process.

Redundancy. Do your sellers often have to cover the same ground repeatedly with prospects. It may only seem like a few minutes, but if your sales team has to cover the same material over and over again with prospects, that is a lot of wasted energy. Video can solve that by providing a repeatable refrain that liberates your sellers to focus on more important activities.

For example, let's say that one particular part of your customer onboarding process or product features require explaining over and over again. Rather than torture your sellers to become robotic in their presentation, simply create a video for that element and allow them to share it appropriately. You'll find that your customers appreciate it as much as your sellers.

Confusion. Are there aspects of your business where you find your own team members are regularly confused? Many organizations experience this challenge and confusion can affect the simplest of concepts. Perhaps variants of the truth arose at some point in the past and you cannot seem to shake the myths. Video can be used to solve the confusion.

Rely on video to state the matter clearly, concisely and without confusion. Why exasperate the problem by allowing confusion to remain. Clear the air and keep the air clear.

Inconsistencies. If we ask ten of your employee the same question, will we get eleven different responses? Those inconsistencies may cost you money, delay your selling process and generate frustration with your prospects and your own employees.

Be consistent in your message by creating a video that cements the right way... whether it be explaining a new process or covering the fundamentals. Consistency is important and inconsistencies cost you time, money and valuable clarity.

It's been nearly six years since the book Video Marketing for Dummies was published, and it was one of the first to proclaim that redundancy, confusion and inconsistencies are prime candidates for video projects.

Let video empower your sales teams for greater productivity... by giving them reliable video links to share with customers on the journey. Your sellers prefer to be more productive with their time and video can remove redundancies, confusion and inconsistencies... and results will follow.

FIVE AWESOME VIDEO BOOKS
Modern social and mobile dynamics create an insatiable appetite for video… and just about anyone can use video for business growth.

Whether you're new to video or have deep experience, here’s a list of books that can empower your video success.

1. How to Shoot Video that Doesn’t Suck by Steve Stockman
Updated in 2017 and originally published in 2011, this classic offers practical advice that supports the title’ promise: How to Shoot Video that Doesn’t Suck. Think like a Director, prepare like a professional, setting the stage and shooting special projects… these chapters each empower insight and good approaches to video success. Steve is straight-up in his perspective that “Video is a second language and most of us are illiterate. Virtually everyone understands video, but very few speak video. Author Steve Stockman provides empowering insight.

2. In the Blink of an Eye by Walter Murch
Originally published in 1995, this classic offers a philosophical look at post-production and the magic of video editing. Updated in 2001 specifically for digital editing, Author Walter Murch's deep experience on tier one projects ensures the book's credibility. The Author explains why cuts work as that’s how humans visualize their worlds. We cut! Ie, Look at the door in the room and then look at another object… you see virtually nothing in-between because “In the Blink of An Eye” is how you edited your own reality, You likely blinked between the two objects. In effect, cutting on your own.

3. Cinematic Storytelling by Jennifer Van Sijll
Published all the back in 2005, this gem of a coffee table book shares the 100 most powerful film conventions every filmmaker must know. From framing and composition to virtually every other aspect of filmmaking (camera lens, camera positions, music, sound effects, camera motion, lighting, color, props, wardrobe, locations and more). Easy to read, well-illustrated with two pages devoted to each convention revealed, this book will empower better filmmaking but also will give you great appreciation of many movies you’ve already seen… as guess what? That’s exactly where she’s gets her material. Regardless of your profession; if you enjoy movies, you will appreciate this cherished work.

4. Making a Good Script Great by Linda Seger
Ernest Hemingway once remarked that “the first draft of anything is (crap).” That’s one of the reasons this book is so compelling… because it focuses on the working and reworking of an idea. The book journeys through the entire process from initial concept through final rewrite… while providing insight toward making your material stronger, tighter and commercially viable.

5. Ty Ford Audio & Video Book by Ty Ford
As a developing video professional, I’m fully convinced that the audio is what makes the video. Sure, good lighting, dialogue and story are important; but nothing compares to killer-audio. And if your audio stinks in your video, no one will enjoy it. Get audio done right by referencing this great piece, which serves as a field guide. Practical and fairly exhaustive, this little gem will ensure you come away with the (audio) goods.

Pick up one of these today and be better for it tomorrow.

This article was written by Kevin Graham.

Got Video for Business Growth?
www.videoforbusinessgrowth.com
www.video4businessgrowth.com?
www.v4bg.com

@Video4BG

Kevin Graham is KGWOW.

Do you ever notice that some of your customers just don't seem to be the right fit for your business? Personal bias aside, many of your customers may be outliers of your preferred target market..... and you probably already know this.

The "wrong" customers tend to be more problematic that your other customers - the ones that seem to be a perfect fit.

The wrong customers, if you'll allow me to use that term, just don't as aligned to your brand's strengths and therefor, for whatever reasons, they make it more difficult for you to serve them successfully.

Whether you buy-in to the proposition that a customer may be wrong or not, maybe you'll agree with me that you would be better off if more of your customers were like so-and-so. You know, your favorite customer! Wouldn't you like to attract more of this customer-type than the wrong customer type?

Video attracts the right type of prospects and customers. Why? Because it's authentic.

Video allows you to share your story in your way and allows your audience to connect with you and your message. Your desired prospects and customers will embrace your business and offerings but they'll connect with you and your brand. And, the customers that are wrong for your business will likely never connect with your video message anyway.

Voila! Problem solved. Imagine how great your like will be if you had customers that were the right fit for your business, not the plethora of outliers you may be herding today.

Video can help you attract the right clientele, because video is authentic.

Got Video for Business Growth?
www.videoforbusinessgrowth.com
www.video4businessgrowth.com
www.v4bg.com

@Video4BG

KGWOW

Friends and Colleagues,

If you're in So Cal, check out Video for Business Growth Orange County and Video for Business Growth Los Angeles Meetups.

The Orange County group, despite little-to-no promotion, has grown to 125 members in three months... both groups are designed as peer learning forums - to attract passionate professionals across the full spectrum of video production, placement and promotion.

Local business leaders are also welcome to attend.

The FEB meetings included green screen shooting and other experiential elements in a presentation called: Live from Paris, or Wherever You Wish with Green Screen."

The MARCH meeting, OC on MON 3.19 and LA on WED 3.21, will feature "SHOW ME VIDEO SUCCESS," an insightful look at how three distinct companies embrace video marketing for business success.

Meetings take place in a professional environment with parking validation and free bottled water.

You can see photos and discover more about the group's members online:

We hope you can join the group locally, as there are no current plans for event broadcast.

Check out Video for Business Growth Orange County and Los Angeles Meetups at www.meetup.com.

These forums are hosted by Kevin Graham, President of Video for Business Growth and offer collaboration for related professionals to take their work to the next level.

Kevin also discovers great talent at these events... to work on client projects.

Got Video for Business Growth?
www.videoforbusinessgrowth.com
www.video4businessgrowth.com
www.v4bg.com

@Video4BG

KGWOW

Ten Simple Steps to VIDEO SUCCESS...

1. Understand that simple does NOT mean easy. These steps may be straightforward but high-value rarely comes easily in life.
2. Know. Know. Know. Know your product. Know your customer. Know your competition. This understanding shapes your distinction.
3. Examine your ecosystem. You’ll be surprised by the many areas you’ll be able to positively impact with video for business growth.
4. Leverage your strengths. Draw upon your vast resources… such as your unique environment, brand assets, access to customers and so much more.
5. Outline your framework. Craft some simple guidelines for folks to follow: dos, don'ts, direction on types of content, sources and maybe even a Content Plan.
6. Develop video content. Generating new content isn’t just about shooting video, as pre-production planning empowers scripting and video production success.
7. Film and create. The holy grail of video success: video production, as Content is King. Aim for authentic, passionate, purposeful and deliver well-lit video with killer audio.
8. Properly place. Seemingly simple, this step requires diligence and execution; optimize the metadata and other digital standards for proper-placement so that seekers find you.
9. Promote with Precision. It’s one thing for seekers to find you, but it’s a whole ‘nother world when you proactively promote with precision.
10. Measure, rinse, repeat. Continuing engaging with high-value content. The good news is that video becomes easier and more repeatable.

Ten Simple Steps to VIDEO SUCCESS was written by Kevin ‘KG’ Graham. 

KG serves as President of Video for Business Growth, which offers full service video production, placement and promotion.

You can learn more about Video for Business Growth online at
www.videoforbusinessgrowth.com
www.video4businessgrowth.com
www.v4bg.com

Kevin Graham is KGWOW. Check out the KGWOW Family of Brands…
KGWOW… remarkable video for business growth
KGNOW… insightful, non-political news stories
KGPOW… sizzling reviews that pop, pop, pop
KGHOW… modern empowerment in seconds
KGBOW… spiritual content for love and aspiration