Blog (18)
One of the best things about being a producer of All About Business is the variety of stories that we cover. In my short time at All About Business, I've had the chance to tell the story of an entrepreneur who has changed the face of social media, an artist with one of the coolest work/live spaces that you could ever dream up, and a St. Genevieve distillery that's finding it's niche in the competitive spirits world.
Our latest episode gave us the chance to tell the stories of our favorite shoots. This AAB special edition was produced by Kelly Behr, the newest member of our team. She asked each of our crew members to tell the stories BEHIND the shoots and then she was able to weave our stories with our favorite pieces.
Here’s my story BEHIND the show… I was happy to see a new member of the team bring a fresh perspective to the show. Kelly's work inspired me to produce my next AAB story in a new way. I am thankful to work with such a strong team of producers in a lively workplace. How do the people that you work with inspire you?
On a daily basis, we are out in the St. Louis community talking to business owners, shooting video, writing, editing, posting, selling, you name it. When we talk about or promote our own business, we say that we will “tell your business story.” One of the biggest challenges we find is that a lot of small business owners don’t necessarily know what that story is.
As content producers, we practice shaping words, pictures, and sounds into stories every day. That is our business. But most owners don’t have the time to do that. I came across this great article today that outlines how a brand story can be shaped – and also demonstrates the steps it takes to shape it.
Like anything else, practice is key to shaping a strong story. Any good content producer will walk a client through the steps outlined in the article, or similar ones, and find that compelling throughline or story that makes your business unique.
The same goes for making marketing videos. It isn't about which company has the biggest marketing budget. It's about figuring out how to tell your business story in a unique way that will make people want to reach out to you to learn more. A great marketing video should visually engage your audience and show them firsthand how your products or services can help them out.
A common question for business owners, and one I myself ask on a regular basis, is the decision to go into your given field. How did you decide to become a transport consultant, a CPA, a fudge maker, a farmer? In honor of Valentine's Day I'm going to share with you a tender story of a woman and a video business. This is a true story. This is my story.
In my twenties I was an actress. Out of all of the possibilities I found interesting (writer, botanist, equine therapist, etc.) acting seemed like the best fit. Every acting job allows you to try on a different persona, and with that persona, a different career. As I found that what I liked best about acting was the research into the character's background story I started looking into other careers that were more focused on the research. I became a producer - the one who does the research and turns that research into a story and presents that story to an audience. I loved it from the start - the challenge of finding the next topic, crafting the next story, and finding the best way to deliver that story to the next audience. And in looking for stories I found that they are all around, and that every business owner has their own unique story to tell, and that their own passion and love of their business affirmed my own love for my business and gave me the drive to tell that story in the best way I know how.
Every day we meet business owners, entreprenuers, and executives who love their businesses and whose passion translates into a great customer experience. And every week we show the St. Louis region the stories of those businesses, and of the customers who also love them, and we rejoice when we learn that by featuring that business, more customers have found them.
Sharing your story and your passion can be the most effective sales tool in your kit. What I love about video is that it brings that story to life in a visual and engaging way. Love your own business and want a video to spread the love? Call me anytime, baby.
13 Ways to Market Your Business in 2013
Written by Amanda Aschinger, Executive Producer, All About Business
Happy Holidays from All About Business!
Now that your gift shopping is done, the presents unwrapped and put away, regifted, or, if your family's like mine, strewn about the house in a state of mid-play, it's finally time for that fine annual tradition- shopping for yourself! As you try on those 70% off sweaters and browse the discounted TVs, don't forget to pick a little something up for that entity that is so important in your life, your business.
Shaping Stories
Written by Amanda Aschinger, Executive Producer, All About Business
As Executive Producer of All About Business, I play a part in helping to shape the stories that we tell on TV. One of our popular segment types (for excellent reason) is the Ask The Experts. Whether broadcast on TV, used as part of your website, hosted on YouTube, played at a presentation or as part of a presentation, included in an e-newsletter, posted on Social Media, or distributed in any other way you can possibly imagine, an expert tips video is a great way to:
10 Questions to Ask Before Selecting a Local St. Louis Business Directory
Written by All About Business Team
Not all businesses can afford a marketing budget the size of Macy's or Nordstrom. Even if you don't have excessive cash to spend on advertising your company, diversifying how you market will help you generate a larger number of leads. This of course, translates to more sales.
3 Reasons to Add Video to your St. Louis Marketing Plan
Written by All About Business Team
What if the best way to improve your marketing plan was also the simplest? Some businesses rely strictly on traditional advertising methods rather than adapting to a rapidly changing environment. Companies that include a video on their website, though, increase the chances of a front-page Google result by 53 times. Also, according to Internet Retailer, visitors of a website who view product videos are 85% more likely to buy the product. This data clearly illustrates how a marketing plan that includes interactive video allows you to reach more prospective customers and drives them to take action. Below, we highlight the three major reasons St. Louis businesses integrate video into their marketing plans.
From Webcams to Studios: Video Marketing 101
Written by All About Business Team
Have you seen a Hardee's commercial lately? If so, you have probably noticed the famous hamburger chain's video marketing efforts that unabashedly focus on indulgence. While other fast-food companies count calories, Hardee's piles on the bacon and smothers it in cheese. By doing this, Hardee's separates itself from other fast-food chains, attracting a niche market of indulgence eaters and appealing to our senses through their well-produced videos. This new image has saved Hardee's from becoming just another fast-food restaurant, rebranding it as a safe haven from those jumping on the calorie counting bandwagon.
Media Production: The One Expense You Should NOT Cut During a Recession
Written by All About Business Team
If you want to increase market share, generate greater profits, and maximize ROI for your business, then listen up! Companies that advertise during a recession experience 256% higher sales than those who don't, according to Jamie Turner, The 60 Second Marketer. Why? During hard times, businesses often cut advertising first, doing themselves a major disservice.
