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Developing Your Own Video Strategy

Following on the heels of our latest Lunch and Learn event, I wanted to share some of the thoughts and discussion points discussed therein. We must first recognize that video is here – like it has never been before. Having said that, video is most certainly not a new technology. In fact, many organizations have been utilizing some sort of video within their walls for decades now. So what’s different, and why now?

 

I argue that the proliferation of video enabled consumer devices will spawn a mass adoption of video related technologies in our personal lives.  Think about it, if you had to run to an “email machine” every time you wanted to send an email, you probably wouldn’t use it as much. Proliferation and availability are intrinsically linked user adoption. This inevitably will translate into our professional careers à la instant messaging or social media (facebook, twitter).

 

 

Ok, so video is here, your user base is primed for its use, what does this mean for you? First and foremost, companies must begin developing a strategy and providing the technology base to host video services. Without doing so, corporate video content  will most certainly make its way to internet based services that most certainly don’t have your corporations best interests at heart. I previously have used a few examples from YouTube of internal sales meetings and holiday parties. With a few keyword searches, I’m sure you could find many of the same.

 

Secondly, video isn’t something you can just get a quote for and subsequently buy. Video has an incredibly wide definition which forces us to plan for which use cases we are to tackle first, communicate that effectively, and then execute. A solution to provide point to point room based video will quickly spawn questions on how that can be connected to external parties or bridge multiple parties into the same conference. Each of these requires different technology investments and the last thing you want to do is tell your CEO that he can’t do something shortly after writing a big check!

 

Finally, you have to be able to provide this solution and compete will services that are provided on the internet free of charge. Now that’s a challenge!

Business Video–Not Just for Teleconferencing

In the past, business video was mostly another way to say “teleconferencing.”  If that was not the case, business video meant purchasing expensive equipment that was difficult to use. Furthermore, this equipment then manufactured a product that was difficult to market. However, in the age of YouTube, this is no longer the case.  If you have access to a computer and a smartphone, you can now produce video that can be streamed across the world to your present and future customers.

Here are some ways that  companies are using video for their business.

RECRUITING

In the recruiting process, companies need to promote more than just a list of qualifications and requirements to their prospective employees.  Companies also need a way to present their company culture, in addition to finding a way to stand out from the competition.

One company that has embraced video for recruitment is Sodexo, “a global leader in integrated food and facilities management.”  They have a YouTube channel, SodexoCareers, dedicated to showing why you should work for their company.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xLJ8tOIFQqI&feature=player_profilepage

While business video can be used for recruiting, it can also be used for when an employee leaves.  Recently, Snagajob, “the world’s only company totally devoted to fulfilling the dreams of hourly workers and those who employ them,” made a video to say “goodbye” to one of their longest tenured employees. This video was featured on their YouTube channel.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aRWm5_AX6Cc&feature=player_profilepage

SPEAK DIRECTLY TO YOUR CUSTOMERS

Have you ever wanted to literally speak to your customers?  With business video, you can.

Joyner Fine Properties is a “premiere real estate company in the Greater Richmond, VA area.”  Utilizing the video blogs on their YouTube channel, Joyner President Bill White can talk directly to his customers about the current real estate market.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HVGZj8NBrh8&feature=player_profilepage

SHOWCASE OTHER TALENTS

Yes, TBL Networks is an award winning technology solutions provider, but our employees have other talents that they want to share with the world.

At the conclusion of a recent Ask Harley Twitter session, Harley Stagner, lead VMware engineer and VCDX, and Mr. TBL, the masked spirit of TBL Networks, wanted an opportunity to demonstrate their musical abilities.

With the help of a laptop, webcam and Cisco Show and Share, we were able to provide a live broadcast of a Guitar Hero performance that will be remembered for the ages.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32WzkPyDSCM&feature=player_profilepage

With business video, you are no longer limited to teleconferencing, but only limited by what you don’t want to do.

July TBL Lunch & Learn – Business Video: Not Just for Teleconferencing

Join us for lunch to learn more about how business video is no longer just for teleconferencing, but becoming an integral part of day-to-day operations. In fact, your employees are already using it!  TBL’s Patrick Tredway will lead the discussion and allow you the chance to ask questions.  PLUS, NO POWERPOINT PRESENTATION!

Click here to attend our July Lunch & Learn

Dates/Locations:

Virginia Beach, VA – July 20th – Ruth’s Chris
Richmond, VA – July 21st– Hondo’s

Topics:

  • What is video going to do to my network?
  • Why video has historically NOT been successful.
  • Examples of how companies are embracing video.
  • How video can provide your company a competitive advantage.

Who should attend:
Anyone interested in business video and how it affects your IT infrastructure. 

Save your spot! Register now!

About Patrick:

Patrick Tredway is TBL’s Collaboration Practice Lead and Account Engineer. He is a CCIE Voice certified engineer and has been working with Cisco Unified Communications since 2002. In addition, Patrick is a co-owner of TBL Networks and a fully licensed pilot .

About TBL Networks:

TBL Networks, 2010 Cisco Collaboration Partner of the Year and certified VMware Enterprise Solutions Provider partner, provides our customers a wide range of advanced technology solutions, with a focus on Unified Communications, Virtualization and Storage.