Connect The Dots Podcast

Sometimes we're just too close to what we do. Sometimes we need someone else to bring to our attention when we're using jargon. Sometimes that happens to me.  This was one of those sometimes.  I had someone recently say "What are talking about when you say short form vs long form?" And it hit me:  I've been using language that most people don't understand.  So today's the day to clarify that. In this episode, I review the difference between short form videos and long form videos. I also share why I disagree with Google. And I make up my own term.  Follow my podcast or SUBSCRIBE on YouTube @VickiONeill To register for your strategy session, click this link:  https://www.vickioneill.com/strategy

Being new to creating video is no different than being new to starting your own business.  Well, maybe it's a little different.  Creating videos with YOU as the brand - or face of the business - means being vulnerable. That's hard for most of us.  And when we're vulnerable and not sure what or how to create a video mistakes are bound to happen.  The good news is - each is easily correctable! Here are the 3 mistakes I often see new video creators make. Listen to the episode to learn how to correct each one.  They don't look at the camera - they look at their reflection. They are monotone. They create one, long, continuous video (especially the long form videos) Do any of these sound (or look) familiar to you? If you are making any of these - or know someone who is - listen to or share this episode.  Even if you're experienced, #3 will be a good listen. For more video tips, content ideas, how-to's and information on creating videos for your business, SUBSCRIBE to my YouTube Channel. Use the new feature and se

What should you be tracking when it comes to video metrics? Host Vicki O'Neill breaks down the video metrics you need to track to increase brand awreness, engagement, conversions and sales. She also gives tips on how to increase each metric if you aren't achieving your video content goals. The link Vicki mentions to sign-up for the 90-minute strategy session is: https://www.vickioneill.com/strategy Share this podcast with someone who's creating videos and struggling with getting views, engagement, conversions and sales.  If you're new here and want more video content, tips, how-to's and inspiration for creating video content across multiple platforms, follow Vicki on YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok. 

Have you ever heard someone say "I don't even know where to start!" when it comes to creating videos for their business?  Maybe it's you who's been saying that.  If it's you or someone you know, this episode is the place to start.  In this episode I review 5 videos every business needs to attract and keep their ideal customers. I share 2 ideas for each of the 5 steps from know, like, trust and buy as well as handling objections.  These videos give you the 'hook' ideas which can also be title names. You can always refer to one of my finding topic ideas resources as well like what I shared in this video: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRQWdhuA/ The links mentioned in this video are: 90-Minute Video Strategy Session with Vicki O'Neill https://www.vickioneill.com/strategy Discover your Video Creator Archetype https://www.vickioneill.com/quiz Business Coach, Krista Mollion on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristamollion/ FOLLOW and SHARE!

A video strategy - whether you're just getting started with video or want to take your videos to the next level - requires planning. "If you find yourself reacting, you haven't invested enough time in planning." Planning starts with creating goals - SMART Goals. Smart goals are: specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound.  In this episode of Connect the Dots, I walk through an example of a generic video goal vs. a specific video goal.  If you want to create videos with a purpose, listen to this episode.  Schedule your 90-Minute Video Strategy session with Vicki O'Neill here: https://www.vickioneill.com/strategy

The biggest thing 59% of marketers say is missing from a higher ROI with their videos is a video strategy.  It's not surprising that video ROI is lackluster if no strategy is in place.  The key to any success - in business, sales or life - is having a plan or strategy that takes you from where you are to where you want to go.  The more detailed and more inclusive of all who are involved along the way encourages others to help you get to where you want to go.  A video marketing strategy isn't any different.  This week's podcast episode talks about the stats, what's needed, examples and next steps.  Be sure to subscribe or follow me wherever you listen to podcasts and if you want to follow along with the videos I'm creating now through the end of November 2022, subscribe to my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/vickioneill

Video continues to grow in importance from creating brand awareness to user generated content.  There isn't any other form of media that attracts, entices, engages and converts at the rate video does.  More businesses are realizing the power of video in attracting new clients, keeping existing clients and even existing clients attracting new clients.  Those business leaders who already use video in their marketing are already seeing the value and the ROI of video in their marketing content. The question now is do you?  Follow along with this podcast as I reveal more video strategies that will help you ramp up your video creation into the new year. Video should 'snap' into any existing marketing - you might just have to flip your perspective to see how it works.  I'll show you through this podcast, my videos on YouTube Shorts, Instagram Reels and TikTok.  Are you following me? If not, my profile is @vickioneill on YouTube and Instagram and it's @vickioneill4 on TikTok.  Don't be shy. When you connect, send me

Marketing is the lifeline to your business. Why would you want to cut it? The worst thing you can do during a recession is cut your marketing. This practice goes back decades. There's proof that when a business cuts marketing, the sales and customers decline.  If you need to make cost cuts in your business, make smaller cuts across the board. Give your business (and employees) the opportunity to thrive as much as possible during the downturns.  Video simplicity - it may seem like an oxymoron, but its really not.  Keep your holiday chaos out of the business this year. I'm inviting you to send me your videos to convert to content that you can use throughout the holidays and beyond.  How? Send me a DM on LinkedIn, TikTok or Instagram with the words VIDEO SIMPLICITY and we'll take it from there.  I'm in the business of making your work life simple.  I will save you you time, anxiety, frustration and reduce the chaos in your business.  Go to https://www.vickioneill.com/card and choose your method of communicating!

In this episode of Connect the Dots, Vicki O'Neill reviews the highlights from episode 127 - 150.  Topics range from what video marketing is and why it's important to TikTok being the new search engine to a guest interview with a local photographer and a SPECIAL 5-part SERIES with a storyteller (to review how storytelling works in marketing and the various components to make it work for you in your business).  The links mentioned in this episode: Discover your Video Creator Type: https://vickioneill.com/quiz Get Your Video Strategy Mapped for Holiday Sales and into Q1: https://vickioneill.com/strategy  Vicki on TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@vickioneill4 

You can plan, get everyone involved, set goals and still not have everything go as planned - including meeting the goals you set. In this final part of a 5-part SPECIAL series, Theresa Francomacaro and I review the marketing audit, evaluate why the results we anticipated didn't come to fruition and next steps for Why Story Works. All links mentioned in this episode as well as the other 4 are included in the show notes for this episode which is episode #150 of Connect the Dots at https://www.vickioneill.com/part5 Grab your spot for a 90-minute VIDEO MARKETING STRATEGY session and get your video in place before the holiday chaos, end of year craziness and New Year's resolutions are upon us.  By the end of this 90-minutes with me, you'll have a complete video marketing strategy that will give you topics, platforms, hooks and CTAs that will get you more visibility, conversion and the ultimate goal - SALES.  To secure a limited spot for yourself, apply at https://www.vickioneill.com/strategy

Vicki O'Neill collaborates with Theresa Francomacaro in this special 5-part series of Connect the Dots. Theresa is a Seattle, Washington-based Business Storyteller and Executive Coach. In this episode, Theresa reviews the 6 story arcs you can use in any story and how each one can be told to end a story as a success or a failure. The most common story arc we are all familiar with is the Cinderella story - or the winner, winner, chicken dinner (W) approach. Listen to hear more about this.   The other story arcs include: 1. Person in a Hole 2. Rags to Riches 3. Riches to Rags 4. Riches to Rags to Riches 5. Riches to Rags to Riches to Rags 6. Riches to Rags to Riches to Rags to Riches (Cinderella Story or the W for a win) The links mentioned can be found at: https://www.vickioneill.com/holygrail

In Part 3 of this 5-part series, Theresa dives into the 5 neurological responses to any good story. People needs stories to connect with other people and to build relationships. Theresa reviews how stories have "messy middles" which is what really connects us. It's the experience and how it all comes back to a circle. She demonstrates this with her 'messy middle' ball. Story prompts that remind us we need to bring the story nuggets to the surface. Having people who are in your corner – and the messy middle – is why it's so important to have people in your tribe, those who have your back and will be genuinely honest, but kind, with you and your work.  The people who you know, like and trust are those you are drawn to - and vice versa.  Be the magnet. Stories are what make us unique. Things to think about how you're unique: What do people say I do better than anyone else/ If I had a theme song, what would it be? What’s my methodology? All of the neurological responses can be using throughout marketing a

In this episode of Connect the Dots, I do a marketing audit of Theresa Francomacaro's website Why Story Works and her LinkedIn personal profile.  The intent is to identify opportunities to help her promote her services while moving closer to 3 of her business goals.  I share my screen as I review both digital assets. The Video may be better for clarification on details reviewed. You can access via YouTube here: https://youtu.be/1fOojlKmbUQ To discover your Video Creator Type:  https://www.vickioneill.com/quiz

Stories connect people whether its in business or in our personal lives. When Theresa Francomacaro and I connected, it was during Covid in 2020 and we were both working from home. We were introduced through a mutual LinkedIn contact and formed a quick bond. Through the trials and tribulations of how life and business changed during Covid, the emotional roller coaster of being forced to pivot your business from 90% in-person activities to 100% online requires an expansion of your close knit network. That's where I come in. Theresa and I talk about how Rapport Opens the Door to connections, expanding opportunities and business ventures. And, yes, she shares stories (quite a few really good ones, too!) If you want someone in your corner who will help you craft and tell your unique stories, listen to this episode. Theresa also has a special offer for listeners and viewers of this series. All links mentioned are in the show notes which you can access here: https://www.vickioneill.com/rapport Be sure to subscribe o

We've all heard it. "We gotta cut somewhere!" "We need to hit our margins. Cut marketing!" "Marketing's just an expense anyway. If we need to cut somewhere, let's cut marketing." Do any of these sound familiar?  Even if you haven't been the one making the decision, you've likely heard someone else say this.  And what happened during the recession and AFTER the recession? I haven't heard or read any positive stories about 'Hey Company ABC cut their marketing budget and hit record breaking sales numbers during the recession!" Have you?  If you have, please share it with me. I need to a new perspective on this constant cookie cutter response anyway. Anyway....this week is a short episode so go ahead and click play, enjoy and if we aren't connected on LinkedIn, let's change that - and start a debate or conversation on this topic.  https://www.linkedin.com/in/vickioneill

Have you been wondering why you should be on TikTok?  Afterall, there are so many people talking about it - but you just don't "get" what the big deal is.  Isn't it just a bunch of teenagers dancing and lip syncing?  No, not it's not.  There are professional, serious and non-dancing creators on TikTok, too. Those are the people I work with :)  And the number of professional creators continues to rise!  The question now is:  are you going to be the first in your industry to start creating videos on TikTok - and attract prospects away from your competitors?  The decision is yours! I'm here when you're ready to take that first step.  I share TikTok stats and reasons why and how you should be creating videos on TikTok (I mean, who can't create a 6 second video - even off camera?!) If you want to follow me and see how I'm doing it - on and off camera - and learn tips and tricks with how to use TikTok (and Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts), here are my links to follow me: https://www.tiktok.com/@vickioneill4 htt

Do you ever sit and wonder what your next post should be about or the title of your video or next podcast episode?  I've been there! And it's daunting to sit there and spin your wheels on all the ideas you have floating around your mind.  The 5 resources I review in episode #143 of Connect the Dots will help you connect the dots between your marketing and sales more effectively (and faster!).  People like relevance and creativity - these resources accomplish both AND in abundance.  The 5 resources shared are: 1. Google Incognito 2. Magazine covers 3. Answer the Public 4. Social media (platform research, trends and hashtags) 5. Portent Idea Generator Like, share and leave a review!

Even if you haven't started creating videos, listen to this episode to see the faux pas to avoid as you start your video marketing journey.  Whether you're in the US and in a recession or in a different country that's forecasting a recession (in 2022 or 2023), it's important to have your video marketing plan in place - as well as your back up plan.  In this week's episode of Connect the Dots, I review 3 common faux pas B2B companies make with video marketing - and how to avoid them (or course correct). The link mentioned can be accessed here:   https://www.vickioneill.com/quiz Leave a comment and share with someone who needs to hear this. 

The recession is officially upon us - the US has experienced two concurrent quarters of a negative GDP which is how we can officially say we're in a recession.  Most people go gloomy and have bad thoughts about a recession then start reacting - cutting marketing, cutting employees and indirectly cutting customers. No one talks about what you might consider - or do - before cutting, cutting and more cutting.  Instead, consider re-evaluting your business from a high level. Ask yourself:  what can I do to ride the wave of this recession so I can come out the other side better AND ahead of my competition?  In this episode of Connect the Dots, I review 3 things you can do right now and take steps toward keeping your business thriving even during a recession. Let's connect on LinkedIn if we aren't already:   https://www.linkedin.com/in/vickioneill/

The human eye can process 36,000 visual messages per hour.  It makes sense that this processing is so high and leads to why our attention spans are so short - and getting shorter. Video is the #1 form of media that the majority of people today prefer when looking for answers, solutions or to learn something new.  In this episode of Connect the Dots, Episode #140, I review 5 reasons why businesses need to use video marketing.  The other episode I mention is Episode #129 - What is Video Marketing and Why is it Important.  The link to register for the Confidence on Camera 90-Minute Workshop on 8/2/22 is here: https://www.vickioneill.com/videoworkshop Subscribe on your favorite platform. New episodes are released every Tuesday!