Camera Brave Show

Body language is one of the most valuable assets for establishing a confident presence. Whether you're on-camera, on-stage, or in-person networking, It all boils down to the way you carry yourself. Between 70 and 93% of communication is non-verbal, so that's pretty important! Start strong at the base and plant your feet. If your legs are crossed, uncross them to give you a stronger foundation. If you really need to keep still and are standing, squeeze one thigh (weird, but it will keep you still!)The next component is keeping your shoulders back, and fighting that reflex to “close in” on yourself. Keeping your shoulders back and chin up whether you're in a seated or standing position.Last, and the absolute most important is eye contact. If you're on-camera, this looks like staring directly into your camera, not your preview on Zoom, but your actual camera. If you're in-person, then it's looking at actual eyeballs. This shows that you're focused and paying attention.  

When we're talking about short format video, one of the most important aspects is developing a strong CTA. So I recommend building your content backwards. When you plan your content, start with the action you want your audience to take, then build your content around that.For high-quality and high-performing reels, your content should include these three components: Hook, Value, and CTA. To plan your content, start with your CTA (download my E-Book on confidence), then plan out the content (listing the 3 crucial keys of confidence), then write the short, clever “hook” to begin the video to get their attention (Confidence in 1, 2, 3).If you're looking for more info on how to build your content backwards, send me a DM on Instagram and I'd love to chat with you!

A little encouragement can go a long way in the world of business. The best thing you can do for yourself is to work on building your circle with a community of those that will uplift you. In the moments of wins and especially those moments of fails, having people to turn to can be the ultimate difference between throwing in the towel and pushing forward.Do you have a community that's showing up for you when motivation isn't. Do you have a coach that is helping to pull out of you the next steps for yourself?

What do film producers and entrepreneurs have in common? Listen in for how I ended up as a Producer on a Short Film set, the details of what that role entails, and how I use those skills in my business. Believe it or not, there are many components of being on a film-set that relate to business. Skills like leadership, communication and organization are paramount to both the Producer and the Entrepreneur.

Smiling is not going to help you feel confident in video, but here's a few things that will. Keep in mind that confidence is a result, it's an outcome. Confidence isn't something you have to have before you take action, it's a result of you believing you performed that action well.Once you create a pattern of performing at something well, your confidence will grow. Every single time you go Live on Facebook and engage with your audience, your confidence will grow in your capabilities of that action.Here are my three strategies to summon confidence on-camera…It all starts with one simple thing… preparation. It is my unshakable opinion that feeling prepared is the KEY to feeling confident. Body Language, this is the key to appearing confident.Your energy, this is the piece of you that will keep your audience coming back for more.The biggest misconception today is that you begin with confidence. That you must have confidence to succeed. Friend, this could not be further from the truth. You have every single thing that you need, don't let anyone tell you otherwise. I began speaking on-camera  long before I felt confident in doing so. Allow yourself to start and improve along the way.

I recently spoke at my first conference and learned some valuable lessons my first time professionally taking the stage.The most remarkable part of the experience was how similar the skillset I use to speak on camera was to the skillset I used to speak on a stage. Key skills like preparation, body language, and energy are all components that work virtually the same on stage as they do on  video. I am simultaneously reading Atomic Habits, where James Clear breaks down how every action we take inside of a habit feeds the information of how we identify ourselves. For example, every time you go to stretch and go on a run, those actions feed into your identity as a runner.What I didn't realize until very recently, was the power behind the consistency of creating content weekly, like this Podcast. For a full year I have cultivated the habit of confidently speaking in each podcast episode. Every time I did this, I subconsciously fed into the idea that I am a confident speaker.This new identity as a confident speaker followed me onto the stage and into the networking event that followed.The purpose of me sharing this revelation is to emphasize the fact that you do not need to wait until you are in the room to begin the skill that is Speaking Confidently. You can cultivate it from your living room, using the power of video. NOW is the time to get begin working on your craft, so that when the opportunities come, you trust yourself enough to say yes.

Time to check in with the stories we tell ourselves.  If thoughts like 'I don't Have Time' or 'I'm so stressed' are running wild in your mind and in your business, this episode is for you. Let's talk about that inner monologue that runs our thoughts all day. Mine was very recently "I don't have time." I went through a state of constantly wishing I had more time. I felt like I had no time to accomplish what needed to be done in my business. One week I had a very busy week, where I truly "had no time". I was in survival state, one day at a time, busy and hustling. Then that very busy week ended, but the story went on. I continued to believe that I was in survival mode. I continued to perpetuate the story "I have no time."As I continued to play into that narrative, I continued to make worse decisions. These decisions lead me to believe I had even less time on my calendar.So, how do you stop this story? How can you re-claim your narrative and get back in the driver's seat of your own story?The first action step is to know which story you are no longer going to allow to control you and have power over you. These emotions tend to latch onto each other, so simplify it and understand which of these is hurting you, and focus on that.The second step is identifying what steps you can make in order to give you more (blank). For me, the bank was time. To get more time in my schedule, I needed to release control of a few things.The third step is claiming what the new narrative for you will be.  What is your new story? Write it down, put it on a sticky note on your fridge. Say it to yourself multiple times a day, this is your new TRUTH! "I have as much time as I need" is my new narrative. That's my new story.Time for you to pick up the pen and re-write yours!

The number one question I get asked on social media is about equipment. Between research, cost, and overwhelm, buying equipment can be a downright stressful situation. Listen in for my advice on where to get started, how to upgrade, and a free guide with the links of all my favorite products!Quick PSA for anyone stalling... waiting until you have the perfect equipment is NOT a valid reason to postpone taking video. So often, we feel we have to have the 'perfect thing' to fit this exact season. Or that the perfect product will propel us to that next level transformation we've been waiting on. These are all false! Equipment is NOT the place to get stuck!!!I really believe you should begin making content and grow your equipment as you go. Start using what you've got, then upgrade along the way. However, I also believe you should continually make small upgrades so that you're constantly improving the quality of your content.Start by deciding on ONE area you can upgrade. Use this guide as your starting basis. These are products that I legitimately use. Every single one of these is Camera Brave approved! If you are looking for something more specific that you don't see on here, send me a message and let's chat.And don't forget to grab your Equipment Guide by Clicking Here.Happy filming, friends.

If you're in a season of hustle that's borderline chaos, this episode is for you. As I navigate myself through a busy season, I'm reminding you to monitor your limits. There becomes a point when hustle turns into neglect, and taking care of yourself becomes the only priority on your to do list. So take a deep breath, and listen in with me. This is a "Comfort Episode," and filming it put myself in a calm state, so I'm hoping receiving it will bring you peace amidst a busy time.

Social Media Expert Amber Weyrauch shares her experience with Instagram Reels and how they effect your overall social media analytics. She shares the valuable findings behind running a 30-days-of-reels campaign herself and gives us the REAL numbers from her own research. Listen in to understand how an account with under 10K followers was able to reach 110K non-followers and doubled her follow rate within ONE month of creating Reels. Amber runs a Virtual Assistant Agency called Socially Inspired Management, and states that if you have a desire to grow, you should find a way to make Reels work for your business. She also details her method for showing up consistently on social media, which I personally love. She reviews not needing to be perfect, but to instead set a pattern or a schedule that you can maintain.You can connect with Amber any of the following ways:www.sociallyinspiredmanagement.comInstagram / Facebook: @sociallyinspiredmanagementPodcast: The Inspired Biz

Today, I challenge you to audit your thoughts. What is that voice in your head saying to you all day long? Is that voice positive or negative? This episode is based off a quote my mom says all the time: "Positive Thoughts Make Positive Things Happen." It's a very simple concept that states:  what we focus on in life, grows. Does it mean you have to have a perfect life? No, but you do have to focus on the positivity in order to create more of it. Auditing this inner voice is a practice. It is an area that requires active maintenance.Let's reflect on those thoughts we have about ourselves. What do you think about yourself? Your business, your relationships? What do you think about your habits? Do you think you have a high self-esteem? Are you a hard-worker? The first step in this process is to spot any negative thoughts that aren't serving you any longer.Then we have to re-write those thoughts. Not just in public and on our social media, but even when you're talking to a close friend, or just thinking to yourself. Ever caught yourself down-playing your business as a "little business"? Ya, let's banish that thought right here and now.As you're re-framing these thoughts, speak to yourself with the kindness and grace you would use to speak to someone you admire and respect. We often say things to ourselves and about ourselves that we wouldn't dare say about someone we loved. Keep this in mind: you can't hold space for both. You cannot hold space to grow your business and constantly doubt yourself. You have to pick one. I picked creating a podcast over hating the sound of my own voice. With consistency and practice, I now do not mind the sound of my own voice. Heck, sometimes I think it sounds pretty nice.Positive thoughts make positive thigs happen. Let's turn your mind into a blossom of openness and positivity!

Are you allowing the need to be perfect stop you? What would happen if you let that idea go, and realized you had every component you need to create that next big thing, today?  Let me just remind you, B+ work is ok. Release yourself from the pressure that it has to be perfect. That it has to be A+ before it's launched. This episode is your permission to do that next thing, without getting it perfect.Why does it terrify us over-achievers to release B+ work into the world? That's a problem I've worked on heavily since becoming an entrepreneur. The honest-to-goodness truth is, as long as you're adding value to every single thing you create, then you are wasting no one's time. You can always refine and finesse as you go.When you keep waiting for permission, or validation, or someone else's approval, you are wasting your time. No one can come along and make these decisions for you in your business. A good coach can help you, but only on the things you tell them. What about those deep-rooted feelings of shame and fear that we don't vocalize?Is there an action or a decision that you are actively avoiding? I caught myself doing this for over a month. I knew I was avoiding something, I knew I had all the tools I needed, but I let myself push it off because "I was too busy." The truth is, what I was doing required a push. It forced me to dig deep. And in doing that I had to confront the fact that behind my excuse was a heaping pile of fear of failure.The truth is, I had every single component that I needed to create a B+ version and launch it out into the world. I was stalling and waiting for that A+ magic to fall in my lap. Let go of the idea of how it should look. Make it a reality using all the tools you have within arms reach. Use your network, phone a friend for help.Every minute you delay is time you are wasting. This is your permission, permission to be imperfect.

From  a Telly-Award winning show host, to beginning my journey as an entrepreneur, THIS is my story. I have a decade-long relationship with production and presenting on-camera. This is how my storytelling journey began, and how it's shaped me into the Podcast Host and Entrepreneur I am today.What you may not know about me is that the deep drive behind my love of video, is really a passion for storytelling. Empowering others to tell their own unique story is one of my fundamental missions at Camera Brave. I believe confidence is the first step in owning your story. And while it can be difficult to embrace that it's our turn to tell it (hello, how has it taken me 44 episodes to tell my own story?!), the truth is that it isn't about you. It's about the impact your story will have on someone else.  In this episode, I dive into how I first became an impactful storyteller. My first major project was creating a short film on American Sign Language (ASL) Poetry, which went on to air on a local PBS Station. Later in college, I had the opportunity to discover and tell the inspiring history of how my family journeyed from Cuba to America. Telling these stories lit a fire in me. I love all things video because it allows to to connect deeper. Stories have the impact to encourage, inspire and change lives. That's why I HAD to start my own Podcast. Not because I thought I was so amazing that people had to listen to my voice, but because I knew it would create a platform and opportunities to tell meaningful stories. So, friend, it's time to get comfortable with telling your own story. Don't let it take you 44 weeks to tell your story! It isn't about you, it's about the people you have the power to effect. Your strength, resilience, and achievements can inspire more people than you can imagine. Your. Story. Matters!

The biggest thing that I see holding people back from creating video is this idea of "waiting". Waiting until you have the right equipment, a larger audience, more time in your schedule, the list goes on.Friend, do not allow this lie to stop you. You have every single thing that you need to begin taking videos that have the power to create massive amounts of growth and success within your business. Are you waiting, or are you stalling? Waiting is a momentum crusher, do not allow it to keep you stuck for one more minute.Find the encouragement you need to take the next step forward in this episode!

Video Trends are a HUGE opportunity to get your business seen across platforms like Instagram and Tik Tok by an audience outside of your current followers. This is how you can approach trends authentically and use them to spread value.I occasionally hear a push-back regarding trends from my audience. And I think it all has to do with the way we define the word. When you think of "trend," what comes to mind? Is it a Tik Tok Dance trend, or an audio soundbite from The Office? If it's something that feels cringey or invaluable, of course you don't want to create it.When I think of "trend", I think of trending audio. This is audio that Instagram Reels are heavily promoting, due to a high number of users already creating content to that audio. And the amazing thing about trending audio: it comes in all shapes and sizes. It can be music that is soft and instrumental, upbeat and jazzy, or 80's pop. Music of all sorts of genre's will trend. Some of them will even not have vocals, making it perfect for you to voice over.Once you can see the potential in the concept of using trends and remove any negative thoughts you may have had initially, trends are nothing but potential to spread your video to a wider audience. Here are a few ideas for how you can begin to create trending videos without sacrificing an ounce of authenticity:Use Instrumental music and share your products or services.Structure your videos with a proper hook, CTA, and cover photo.Layer in alternative types of content, like a time-lapse of you during a coaching call.Add text on the screen with "5 tips for (fill in the blank).These are all ways to present value to your audience without having to hop on any trends that you don't love. I challenge you to give it a try by creating a reel to trending audio this week!

Welcome to Part 2 of Creating a Podcast! This episode will tell you ALL the things you need to Launch your Podcast out into the world. Make sure you grab my Free Podcast Launching Guide by clicking here: www.launch.camerabrave.com This episode breaks down the 7 steps you need to take when launching your own podcast. Grab the guide and follow along in the episode to hear all the pieces you need to get started.Feeling overwhelmed by the launching process? I hear you. I created this Podcast on my own, with no idea what I was doing or where to get started. I didn't do it perfect. But I am so glad I started before I had it all 'together.'Please do not let the overwhelm of getting started keep you from sharing your message. There are people out there who need to hear what you have to say. Send me a DM at Camera Brave on Facebook or Instagram and I'd love to help walk you through the process.  

If you're thinking about starting your own podcast, this 2 part-series will help you flush out your content and collect all of your assets. This episode is the reflective work that will give you a clear direction for your show, starting with building your pillars.This is a valuable exercise for any entrepreneur, even if you don't move forward in creating a Podcast.Here are the 4 questions to ask yourself to build your show pillars.#1. What is your Mission Statement?#2. What are the problems your audience has? What are their pain points?#3. How do you solve these problems for your audience with your products and services?#4. Who is your ideal audience?Use those answers to determine your expertise and create a list of pillars for your show. These don't have to be perfect. The goal is to create an outline for the direction you want your show to head. This exercise will also generate a list of content topics to get you started.Now, the most important question to ask yourself is question #5...#5. What are your current goals for your business?A podcast will help you build authority, solidify your voice and speaking capabilities and establish a know/like/trust factor with your audience. It is an excellent top-of-funnel marketing tool that can lead to relationships and lucrative opportunities. That being said, a podcast is not going to make you money. Maybe long-term, once you've established an audience and can bring on ads, but up front, there is no direct revenue from a podcast.There is still so much VALUE in getting started, as long as it aligns with the rest of the goals for your business.Stay tuned for next week's episode where I dive into the assets you'll need to collect when you start your podcast.

There are two key components that make up a good coach: the ability to encourage and the ability to push. I'm a natural 'cheerleader', I've always been good at encouraging others and emphasizing positivity. The skill I've had to acquire as a coach is the ability to push my clients. We'll call it 'Tough Love'. In Episode 39, I dive deeper into this concept of getting out of my comfort zone to push clients, not just encourage them.This episode was encouraged by a recent coaching call I had inside of my Coaching Group, The Camera Brave Club. It was on our monthly Q&A Call that I realized one of my clients on the call was stalling. She had created something truly amazing, but wasn't putting it out into the world. She had the courage to create the thing, but needed the push to publish it. I realized that I was the one who needed to guide her and push her. I couldn't just encourage what she'd created (which of course I did), but I needed to push her to that next step of publishing it.I had to tell someone that is relatively new to my coaching group to get out of their own way, put that date on the calendar, and start talking about it with their audience.To my clients that I've coached for some time, this isn't difficult for me to do. I can lay on the tough love when I see it's needed, because I know their goals and want to see them succeed. But for a newer client, I hesitated. This was our first Zoom call together, after all.One thing I realized, is that by staying quiet and simply encouraging her, I was doing a disservice to this woman. I wasn't honoring the time and money she'd invested in being in my group by just giving her a thumbs up. So while I was a little uncomfortable and nervous to be so direct, I had to push past it.And what happened? She responded incredibly to it. Why? Because she was seeking a coach! She wasn't seeking a cheerleader. She knew she needed a hand in getting to that next step and was ready to receive the advice I put her way.To my coaches, know that tough love is not only a part of the process, it's essential to the process! Own your expertise. Own that your advice is valuable. And do not allow yourself and your clients to stay small by coaching from a place of fear. Instead, coach from a place of leadership.

Where is your Focus when you're taking video? How should you structure your mindset to deliver the most optimal content possible? The concept I teach is called a Message Mindset, and if you're not familiar with it, it will change your LIFE! Or, at least it will change the way you approach creating content. When you cultivate a Message Mindset, you focus 100% of your mental capacity on your content. You leave 0% capacity to worry how many times you said um. You have 0% capacity to worry about how many views your video will get or who's going to watch it. You are focused entirely and completely on the content you're delivering.The key to this process is by preparing content that is FULL of value. All good video starts with value. When you're just starting out, I recommend creating physical content outlines, with all the notes and pieces of value you are going to load inside your video.If this is an entirely new concept to you, then it's time to get back in touch with the value that you can offer. What are the processes and systems that you're an expert on? And yes, you are an expert. Sometimes we take for granted how much we know. Sometimes we are so immersed in our field that we forget we are speaking at a level 7 of jargon instead of at a level 3 (where your average audience is). It's time to reconnect with that value.One thing that can help you develop a message mindset is to remove yourself from the equation. If you are focused on feeling ill-equipped or not ready, then you are simply focused on the wrong things. What if you removed those feelings, and decided not to listen to them? Going one step deeper, think of it from the perspective of your audience. What value do you have that could change their life? What problems are they struggling with that you could easily solve for them? In what ways could you completely change their future if only you had the courage to speak up?Your content deserves to be heard through video. Your audience wants to hear you say the words and teach them the things. And through developing this message mindset, you can focus on fulfilling their needs with all the wonderful value inside of your wonderful mind.If you want to hear more about this concept, check out Episode 13 '5 Steps to a Message Mindset'.

Batching content simply means taking a bunch of photos and videos in one setting. When done right, it will MAXIMIZE your social media efforts and always keep your content bank full! Listen in for how to develop the best batch-creating system for your content.First, let me review some of the benefits of batch creating content....1. You only have to get camera-ready once! This is huge for me because if I'm not on-camera, I do not wear makeup. So I assign my content to days when I'm already camera-ready.2. You only have to set up for your video once. Hopefully your set up is just a few quick steps, but still. Once you have it out you can run down the line of creating content then put it all away.3. You get mentally in the zone of creating content. You become the content creator and get those bursts of inspiration. Your mind is already firing on all cylinders. So, how do you create the best batch-content creating process for your business? The first thing to do is build it as you go. Ignore the processes everyone else has, and begin building yours based off your actual content assets. For example, my assets are: the Podcast, monthly training videos inside of my private group, photos for social media, and recently- Instagram Reels. This list started with only the Podcast. That was the only piece of content I expected myself to deliver every single week. Then over time, it continued to build.When you build your content asset list as you go, you're able to learn your capacity. Some people create Reels for the month in one setting. Some hosts record 5 podcasts in a day. You have to decide where you are on that spectrum and allow yourself to add to your plate as you continue to create content.The next step for success is having your shot list ready so you know exactly what you're supposed to create. Do the preparation the day before, so that you're spending all the time you've set aside to create.So, where do you start? Start with picking one day of the week, and setting aside one hour to create your content.Mine is Thursday's at 10am, when's yours?

The value of video goes FAR beyond Instagram Reels. Being able to take video and show up confidently on-camera is a skill, and just like any skill, it's one you can monetize! This month inside of my coaching group, I am teaching a training on Zoom, and I realized that so many people may be stuck on the idea that video is only used for social media. The truth is, video has been a valuable tool for YEARS. Social Media and high-quality cellphones have just made creating and sharing videos more accessible than it's ever been. However, don't be fooled by thinking that's the only way to use video. Zoom is an excellent tool that can be used to monetize the videos you take. Here a few features I love about Zoom.The option to SEE the person you're talking to.The ability to record the content you take.The ability to share your screen when you're teaching.Being able to go Live through Zoom into a Facebook group (while still having the call recorded, so you can upload it anywhere and share it on any platform!)All of my Podcast episodes are recorded through Zoom. All of my trainings are recorded through Zoom. All of my coaching calls are recorded through Zoom. Inside my group, I record through Zoom and stream into Facebook Live, so it's easy for everyone to watch. (And no, this episode isn't sponsored, it's just a tool that I highly value).Here's how you can use those features to make money in your business...Recording video for a digital course. This way you have the ability to screen share, which is so helpful for educational-based courses. For example, I will show  things like equipment, editing examples, and how to stream from your Desktop, all of which couldn't be captured with a camera.Virtual Coaching Calls, which can be recorded and sent to your client after. The playback is SO helpful! They can go back and continue to gain value from the call. Also, you can go back and listen to any objections they had and capture their exact verbiage to help re-target your messaging.Building a membership or group coaching program. You can offer Live Q&A Calls for your members, which can be so valuable to people just getting started! Hosting challenges or virtual events where you stream the content into a Private Facebook Group and offer the recordings for those who couldn't watch live.Digital products that you can sell on your website, for your audience to purchase at any time.Friends, there are SO many opportunities for you that open up when you can be confident on-camera. Take the first step today by grabbing your checklist below!

If video feels like a massive hurdle that you don't know if you could ever overcome,  this episode is for you. I typically get two types of amazing entrepreneurs on the Camera Brave page:The first group has taken video a handful of times. They aren't brand new to it, but they do have a lot to learn and ideas to create.The second group has never taken video before. They feel 100 steps behind everyone and wonder if it's too late to try and get started. Let's take it one step deeper. These different people have completely different mindsets around the concept of creating video. Group one is indifferent. They are hungry to grow. They're most likely more willing to challenge themselves to learn new things.Group two is, quite frankly, terrified. They may feel anxiety around the idea of taking videos. They are afraid of showing up on camera for fear judgement. They question if they know enough about their industry.It is to those entrepreneurs that I want you to understand that you are NOT alone. Listen friend, the fact that you're listening to this podcast means you have the COURAGE to explore things outside of your comfort zone. You could do SO much with video and your business if you could just get over this hurdle. I have helped coach entrepreneurs out of this mindset and into the space to confidently take videos. Here are a few facts about being on-camera.You do not need to overcome all of your fears. You can do it afraid.You do not need to know the answer to every single question.You do not need to have spent 10,000 hours in your field to be considered an expert.What you do need to do is silence allll of those thoughts, and ask yourself: who needs me? Whose life can I change if I could finally take Zoom coaching calls? Who all could be impacted by the course idea I've been wanting to film for months?Becoming Camera Brave does not happen overnight. To get started, you have to believe that you have every single piece inside of you. That you are capable of overcoming all these fears that are stopping you. That you have the capability and responsibility to impact people.All that you need is the willingness to step outside of your comfort zone. Because, news flash, this does not require talent. Talking on-camera requires no natural-born talent. Just the ability to speak. Can you make it your craft and become skilled at it? Absolutely.But understand that this isn't effortless. Especially for me. I still trip over my words. I still worry if people are listening. I still feel nerves when I do Lives. I still take deep breaths before podcast episodes.People that appear Brave and Fearless on-camera can still be intimidated. They just have the willingness to dig deep. The difference is that push. The ability to do the thing that's tough because the reward is greater than that feeling.The possibilities of what you can create tomorrow are greater than the nerves you feel today. 

If you've ever been asked to be featured on someone's show, this episode is for you! This week I review how to respond if you've been approached by anyone to be interviewed on their show or podcast. Especially if you've felt like you don't know enough to be featured on their show.This episode is inspired by a recent interview I did where I felt completely unequipped to speak on the topic. This is how I reapproached the idea and went on to nail the interview! I also review 5 ways that you can best prepare for the interview! What no one tells you, is half of 'being good on-camera,' is preparation. When you're well-prepared, you're able to feel more confident because you know exactly what to expect!

If you feel like you don't 'fit in' with other videos you see on Social Media, this episode is for you. If you keep seeing a particular type of content every time you scroll, you may be thinking that this is the only type of content that gets views and these are the only accounts that can become successful through video.What it comes down to is identifying YOUR definition of success. The only definition of success that should matter is yours. Let that sink in. If your definition of success looks different than something you're capable of, or even something you don't want for yourself, it's time to redefine your definition. It's time for a healthy refresh. Your definition of success needs to be something you can attain, even when it comes to your content. If you've decided that successful video looks like something that's the opposite of you, then you've lost the game before you even tried to play. Allow your definition of success to be something you can and want to achieve. Now, maybe your definition of success doesn't fit in with what you're constantly bombarded with on social media. Maybe you keep seeing a particular 'type' of person every time you scroll, whether it's a particular age/ look/ hair style. And maybe you couldn't be further from that 'type' of person. I want you to challenge that thought. I want you to think of the people you enjoy following and find the outlier to that 'type' of person. Someone who stands out from the perfectly polished feeds and is a real-life wonderfully relatable mess. Then, go one level deeper. Find something those people have in common that isn't physical or appearance-based. Maybe it's that they're genuine. Maybe it's that they are always confident and are able to laugh at themselves. What qualities aside from just the physical stand-out? Those are the qualities that should be reflected in your definition of success. The truth is, there is ample room for content creators of all shapes and sizes. If you feel you don't see enough people that look like you on video, then you have an open opportunity to BE YOU on video! I know it's intimidating, but people will remember you for what makes you stand out. I know one of the most commonly associated things with me is my red hair. Hopefully, it's red hair and Camera Brave, or something about Video (that's my goal!). When we can appreciate and embrace our eccentricities, we show up on video in an entirely different light.

Your energy is the second most important thing about your video (right behind your content). This episode details what I mean by 'energy' and my experience in having to build it as a professional Spokesperson. Is caffeine a short-cut to creating energy? Can it make you better on-camera?Before I dive into that, let me re-define what I mean when I say your Energy. It all boils down to what people see and feel when they come to your page.Think of a content creator, coach, motivational speaker, or friend you love to watch on video. When their name pops up on your feed, what do you expect to see? What do you expect to feel? Do you know you're going to laugh, or learn, or feel inspired? Your expectations are set by what you've seen from their content in the past. And you're anticipating to feel what you've felt from watching their content in the past.Because that's the energy they've put onto their page.  It's the energy you expect to see.Why is energy important? I am a FIRM believer that people come to your page because of the content (which we want to be gold), but I believe people stay on your page because of you. Because they like you. If something deep inside them didn't connect with you and your message, they wouldn't stay on your page.  They come for the content, they stay for you. They stay because of the energy you put into your content. Whether you are aware of it or not, you put out a specific energy. And you have the power to control that energy and make it as authentic to you as possible.Now, let's talk about caffeine. My advice is to take video as you are regularly. If that means you have coffee in the morning, then have your coffee in the morning. If you regularly don't consume caffeine, then don't consume it just because you want energy on-camera.  I am not glorifying caffeine or saying it's healthy,  but as someone who regularly drinks coffee, here are some of the ways it effects my delivery. Caffeine will often make me talk faster, animate more, and add longevity to my ability to talk. But friends, it won't make up for a tough day. It won't alleviate the heaviness you may be carrying with you on-video. It can provide you with a pep, but the rest, is up to you.I do not think it makes you any better, I think you're already amazing and enough. In the end, do what makes you feel like you're putting your best foot forward.Caffeine is no where near a replacement for the capability to cultivate and control your energy when you're on-camera. This is a skill that comes with time. It's taken me years to cultivate. But it's all in the journey! Don't be afraid to grow in front of your audience. Because as long as you continue to pour into your content and make that gold, you have enough to take amazing video.

Getting on the right platform is crucial to how you show up on-camera. If you enjoy posting to a particular place, then you're going to bring that passion with you to your videos and content.There are two major things to consider when deciding where you want to post. The first is, where do you actually enjoy being. It's also important to note where you don't want to be, and avoid those platforms in the beginning.For example, my journey with Tik Tok. I have been HEAVILY avoiding getting on this platform. From way before I started Camera Brave, I had no desire to be on Tik Tok. To date, it is the sixth Social Media platform I've gotten on. And I truly only made myself turn to it so that I could help coach the women inside of my monthly coaching group, The Camera Brave Club.And I am so glad I did, because I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed the editing ease of the platform, which brings me to my second point...Be open minded about where you're willing to grow on. There is a possibility that the opinion you have could be drastically altered. That you could end up learning things and enjoying things you never thought of before.Keep these things in mind as you continue to grow into your goals in 2022!

Your "video set up" simply means the way your equipment and space is set up to record videos. The goal here is to do as little work as possible before you push that record button!On a recent call inside my monthly coaching group, the topic of video set up's was brought up. I was asked to share my setup with my coaching group, which I had never thought of doing before. Because my set up is just not fancy! It's my desk with a ring light and basic equipment. But, it made me realize something. I was holding onto this misconception that a setup should look "fancy." And that is absolutely not true.Then, I realized there were lots of misconceptions people had about their set up. So let me break it down for you and tell you exactly what your setup does and doesn't need to be. Here are the two rules you should follow for your video setup:(1) Your set up should be simple and easy to maintain. Just a few quick steps and you're ready to take video. For me, I set up my background and turn on my ring light. It takes under a minute and I'm ready to roll.(2) If possible, try to have your set up match your brand. Or, at least not contradict your brand. For example, when I looked for backgrounds, there were so many wooden "rustic" looking room dividers. I thought they were SO cute! But, the Camera Brave brand is not rustic... it's bright and clean and fun. So, while my space isn't perfectly-branded colors, it still matches and doesn't contradict my brand.Here are some of the misconceptions that I've seen and that you may be holding on to...You don't need an entire room or perfectly decorated area behind you. You can record up against a blank wall (as long as it isn't white!) You don't need fancy or expensive equipment. And you don't need to be a trained videographer or experienced editor to take stunning videos.The honest-to-goodness truth friends... is that video is only as hard as you make it. There is no barrier to entry in 2022. We all have phones, and most likely, there is nothing physically stopping you from adding something to you Instagram stories (except maybe not knowing how to take a story).90% of the roadblocks stopping people from taking video are mental. 10% of the problems are actual technical complications.  And honestly, the only way you get to the 'technical difficulty' phase is by trying to take video.That's why I have a monthly coaching group, not an eBook! Because so much of it is needing help to get started, getting questions answered, feeling encouraged and inspired, and having someone to guide you along the way.Is the Camera Brave Club for you? Only if you're ready to change. Only if you're willing to trust that the next step for you is taking video. You don't have to feel ready, you don't have to have the perfect set up, but you do need to be ready to make a commitment that you're gonna try. If that's you, this Club has the help, knowledge, encouragement, monthly trainings, and community you need, and I'd LOVE to see you inside! 

It's very tempting in the beginning to work 24-7 on your business. Evenings, weekends, holidays, they can all blur together. Maybe you think you have to work constantly to be successful. Should you create boundaries when you're just getting started on your business?As I started to grow, I realized the major flaw in working all the time. My schedule was complete chaos. And once I brought on an assistant, it shed light upon how my chaos was affecting my business. If you've found yourself thinking "I don't need boundaries yet, I'm still getting started. The structure will come in time", I want you to ask yourself something. What is one word that will describe your current schedule? For me, it was chaos.Our brains crave structure and routine. Growing up in the school system, we went through our days based on timing and ringing bells to keep us on-time. Something changes when you have complete control over your own schedule. Total autonomy. It takes time to understand how to best use this time so that you can run your business and NOT let your business run you.If you feel behind, ill-prepared, or like you're flying by the seat of your pants, I promise that there is a better way. There is a way for you to build structure and routine and honest-to-goodness there's a way to enjoy having a business with boundaries.Think about your favorite restaurant. What if you didn't know their hours? What if they opened when the owner had free time and late on the evenings? It would be really stinkin' tough to give them your returned business. Businesses have hours of operation. Businesses have days they're closed. How is yours any different? Why shouldn't you add this structure to your schedule?I am not pretending to have this all worked out AT ALL! But, I very much have pivoted from this 'working constantly whenever I can' entrepreneur to a business with hours of operation. And I hope I can convince you to do the same!Here are the three things that have seriously helped me define and maintain these boundaries.#1. Set up systems and assign your days. W-O-W has this changed the way I operate. I took the flexibility out of my schedule when it came to doing the podcast. Podcast episodes happen on Thursday's. It's in my calendar. Assigning this day has allowed me to plan, show up consistently, and reclaim the driver's seat of my show.#2 Assign times when you'll say "yes" and "no" to work. My "no" days are weekends and any scheduled time off. Does that sound incredibly basic? Listen, it took me MONTHS to be able to realize the value of reinforcing this rule! That mentality of being willing to not take of weekends and have holidays, well, that's not me. I accept that and I love that I take the time I need. That is how I have created structure. It may take me longer to build, but I am building the business that serves my life.#3 View your boundaries as helpful, not as restrictive. Don't feel that they're a prison that tells you the only time you're allowed to work. These boundaries are freeing! They free you from the obligations of working on weekends. They allow you to have dinner with your family.If you feel your schedule is out of control, then I want you to stop and ask yourself "How can I feel in control?" Because you don't have to feel behind. And just because you don't have a system now doesn't mean you can't create one in the future.

If you've ever posted a video that didn't get the engagement you were hoping for- this episode is for you! There is so much MORE value to a video than the number of views it receives.The views don't equal the value! Meaning, do not allow the reach of your content to determine the worth of your content. Listen friend, I get it. When you post a video that you thought would do well and doesn't, it's easy to feel discouraged. I feel this especially when I create Instagram Reels. There seems to be no way for me to tell which will sky rocket and do amazing and which will perform just 'ok.'But here's the thing: if I wasn't willing to create content that just did 'ok', I'd never be able to create content that did amazing.As content creators and story tellers, we accept the risk that not all of our content is going to perform amazing. But in order for any of the content to do well, you have to create and you have to share it with the world. And when that means not that much of the world actually got to see your video, that's just part of the process.One thing that is more important than the numbers is the skill that you are learning and practicing. Every single video you take is practice. Sometimes we have off days, sometimes the algorithm is rooting against us. But you still created something. You still got those reps in of trying. And that is SO important! Think about all amazing athletes, they have to practice endlessly. They have to fall down. They have to fail and face injury and loss. Your video journey is no different. Practicing is essential to your growth.The next thing to focus on is that you're building brand recognition. Even if only your small audience saw it, at least they saw you! They are still important, and they are learning more and more about what you do and what you offer. They are learning to associate you with something. My 'something' is video. So even if people don't know exactly what I do and what I offer, they know I do 'something about video.' And that brand recognition is worth building!Another crucial factor when you create content is that you're creating content for your FUTURE audience! Think about the last time you stumbled upon a page you liked, have you ever gone over to a page and binged a ton of their videos? Well, when you keep adding to your content library, you're giving your audience a place to do just that.Also, keep in mind, so much of this is about perspective. While my 462 views on my Reel wasn't a great number, think about if 462 people walked through my front door and watched me take that video. That's an overwhelming amount of engagements and interaction! So, while it isn't the 2k views that my account has gotten in the past, it is still a valuable number.Of course we want our videos to reach as many people as possible, but the views aren't everything. There is value in what you're creating, even when they don't sky rocket. And you never know when that next video could be 'the one' to go viral. So keep your head up and keep creating content. You've got this!

When it comes to burnout, there are two things I think that really hold us back. The first is not always being able to tell when we're approaching a burn out. The second is re-integrating yourself back into work once you've taken a few days off from a burn out.This episode details a recent burnout I had. I was rapidly approaching one and not realizing how close I was, until Monday hit and I woke up completely and totally fried. Sound familiar?What we talk about constantly in entrepreneur culture is hustle, grind, productivity,  and bettering ourselves / our business. What is not often talked about is rest, taking time, and recharging what is so rapidly depleted in the hustle. Sometimes, the only way to move forward, is to first hit the pause button. As I am reintegrating myself back into being a productive version of 'me', I am struggling with the battle between: 'Do I really feel better?" and "I can't afford to not  feel better."My battle this morning was, after taking the week off, do I go and Kickbox? Getting up and going was hard. But what would have been even harder would have been letting myself skip it, regretting that decision, feeling lazy, and leading into a pattern of letting myself "off the hook" throughout the rest of the day.When you're in a season of hustle, turned into a need to rest and recharge, what's next? There is no "ultimate guide to recovering from your crash and burn."Here are my biggest takeaways from my most recent experience with burnout, I hope they're helpful to you!First: You are the only one that can predict and prevent your own burnout. While you may have people that love you and care for you, they can't always see everything going on in your current situation. Only you can. Second: Acknowledge the current season you are in and be ok with doing "good enough" work for right now.Third: You will get through this season, trust that you will pull yourself out of it. That you will always be able to tread water and keep yourself from drowning.You're amazing, friend.

If you've ever considered starting your own podcast, this episode is for YOU! Now that I've hit 500 downloads and 25 episodes, I am reflecting on Podcast Myths and what you really need to start your own show.I was guilty of believing some of these myths before becoming a Podcast Host. I didn't start this show with any guarantee that people would listen, or even like it. I didn't start with a large audience. I didn't wait until I had the perfect studio, a functioning blog, or even a system. All I had was my fundamental message, and the passion to share it!I decided to create this Podcast for two main reasons. The first is that I've always found podcasts so helpful as an entrepreneur. Can we be real for a minute? Being a solo entrepreneur is a tough and lonely road. In my beginning pivotal months, listening to podcasts from well-developed business leaders is what kept me from quitting before I began. The second reason is that Industry Leader Amy Porterfield released an episode reflecting on what she wished she started in the beginning of her business. One of these things was a platform to create content on consistently every single week. She said she watched her peers that had done this grow faster than her. And that really resonated with me. So, at only a few months into creating Camera Brave, I decided to launch the Camera Brave Show. Now, here are all of the thoughts that almost kept me from starting. Do any of them sound familiar?I have to wait until I have a bigger audience.No one will listen.I don't know enough about this to have a Podcast on it.What would I even talk about?Could I actually conduct a good interview?I literally don't know the first thing about Podcasts and where to start.I don't know exactly what equipment I'd need.Listen friend, every single one of those are a LIE! I disproved all of them to myself. And if they are holding you back from building your podcast, listen here. There are only two things you truly need if you want to start a Podcast... You need to commit to creating a piece of content every single week in the beginning. A high-quality microphone.That is it. The rest you can figure out on your own. The rest you can Google. The rest you are resourceful enough to piece together.If you've considered starting your own Podcast, I want you to truly ask yourself: what are you waiting for? Because if you're allowing one of those myths above to have power over you, I need you to call it for what it is: a lie. You do know enough. People will listen. Your audience will grow. And I promise you, at no point in time will you ever regret starting it.

Let's talk about Goals vs New Years Resolutions. I am a HUGE advocate of goal-setting, and I absolutely do not believe in setting New Years Resolutions. In this episode I break down why I prefer goals and my best tips for creating them.Here are the main reasons I prefer goals to New Year Resolutions:#1- There is nothing magical about January 1st. While I do think it's an excellent time to set goals, I believe you can refresh your goals and pivot them to accompany you during any season of life you're currently in.#2- Goals stem from a strong 'why'. Why do we create New Year's Resolutions? Because it's a new year. What about when that season ends, and the year slowly passes into it's next season. If you've associated what you want to achieve with the new year, then you will outgrow that resolution with that season. When you set goals hold a deeper meaning to you, they become strong enough to out-live seasons and changes.#3- They're more likely to be adapted instead of abandoned. We learn to allow goals to change and be flexible with our lives. Where as with resolutions, we have already associated the idea of abandoning them. We know the statistics that they're almost all abandoned as early as January, and that fact remains looming in our head.#4- We approach setting goals different than we approach creating New Years Resolutions. Often times when we approach goals, we break them down into action steps. When we approach a resolution, we often think of some massive life change that we must jump into head-on. That being said, here are some of my tips for those of you wanting to set goals this season!The end of the year is a perfect time to reflect on this past year and look at the year ahead. I always set myself up for an intentional January by  doing the leg work in December. This is a season of cheer, family, and gratitude, and I find it's a great time to slow down.Write down your goals in a place you can easily find. The point here is two-fold: you commit more when you put pen to paper, but also, you get to reflect on your exact words.  There is power in rediscovering the wisdom within words you've written and can connect to.Break down your goals into action steps, and add them to your calendar! This is the only way the goal becomes a plan. Otherwise it remains an idea. The bigger the goal, the more crucial it is to break it down into measurable steps and outcomes.Check in with your goals often. Allow them to change as your life changes and make sure they suit your current needs. The best goals are tied to the strongest "why's". So if you current season changes, make sure you pivot your goals so they remain in alignment.

Wanting to spread Holiday Cheer this season but don't know where to start? I've got you covered! This episode gives you 5 different content ideas you can use over the holidays.Why should you be creating content this time of year? Because our brains are constantly looking for fun ideas, gifts, and sparkly lights. Listen in to get ideas for your videos.Video Idea #1: Show your product! If you have a product to sell, I hope you're highlighting its amazing features through video. And not just showing your products, but show them in a way that will check the box your audience is looking for. Try grouping your items into categories like 'Gifts for Him',  'Stocking Stuffers,' or 'Gifts for Teachers' to attract your audiences attention.Video Idea #2: Unbox what you're already purchasing. We love to watch unboxing videos. So if you have new equipment or product flooding your doorstep this time of year, share it with your audience. This is the time of year to get creative, because we're all looking for gift ideas. If I were ever going to demo the makeup I use to get camera-ready, it would be during the holidays.Video Idea #3: Display your décor or seasonal packaging materials. This can be as simple as doing a Live in front of your Christmas Tree. Spreading joy and cheer doesn't have to be anything massive or creative, just showing a decorated space in your home can spread holiday magic. Or, if you offer seasonal packaging and materials, show it to your audience.Video Idea #4: Share your goals and upcoming product launches. This is the time of year when us goal-setters really start to get our wheels turning. Reflect on this past year or share what your goals are for next year. This also a great way to start seed planting for any future products or services you're going to release in 2022!Video Idea #5: Incorporate your personal life. Sharing the details of your life and family can be an excellent way for your audience to feel like they know you. Stick to your own personal boundaries of course, but if you're comfortable sharing something, now is the season to do so. Even if it's a picture of your cat or just the name of your spouse, allow your audience a glimpse into your life.I hope you enjoy these! Try one or all of them this holiday season.

If you're waiting for reassurance- this episode is for you. When it comes to business, we find ourselves thinking things like "If only I knew this would work out", "If only I could know this would be a success."The truth is that, like so many other things in life, there is no way to have certainty in how the future will unfold. We face massive decisions, like buying a house or starting a marriage, and we understand that there is no guarantee for how those experiences may turn out. But when it comes to business, we find ourselves waiting for this deep intuition of 'knowing' before we feel the courage to launch something.Friend, there is no 100% Guarantee in business. But there are still so many other reasons to move forward.I want you to think back to something that you truly excelled at. Whether it was being a great student in college or running a marathon, think back to a time in your life that you excelled. And please, oh please, do not say 'I can't think of anything I've excelled at.' I mean, really, give yourself some credit. What is something people always tell you that you excel at?Now think of what it took to get there. Was a natural-given talent? Most likely, it was more than that. Most likely, it took hard work, determination, and resourcefulness to get to that level of accomplishment.Now, how can those same traits that live within you be used to tackle your next goal in business? How can you use that same process, target it towards your next launch, and know that your hard work will be rewarded.This is the exact process I did utilized during my course launch. I thought back to when I was in college, and how hard I worked and how much effort and determination I put into my studies. I put that same level of hard work into my launch. And I realized that no matter how hard college got, I didn't quit. So no matter how hard the launch got, I couldn't quit.Sometimes in business, all we can do is our absolute best.If you're an entrepreneur, then you've already chosen the need to create and build something as greater than the need for a guarantee. And let's be honest, job security isn't exactly blossoming in the year 2021...So remember that there is no reassurance. You are 100% guaranteed to never receive a 100% guarantee in your business. No one that went before us had a guarantee, and no one that comes after us will.

Behind all the dancing and pointing, is there value in Instagram Reels? The short answer is Yes. In this episode, I break down the real value in creating Instagram Reels (and no, you don't have to point or dance to take advantage of this value!)To start off, let's review exactly what Instagram Reels are. They are short-format videos that are either 15, 30, or 60 seconds long. Often times they are much shorter. They can be made to a library of music and sound clips that Instagram houses right on the app. You're able to easily record your videos, trim them together, then add text right on top.As far as Video Editing Software goes... Instagram does an EXCELLENT job of having a user-friendly way to edit content! They have totally streamlined the process of combining video clips, music, audio, text, and even graphics. If you've struggled with creating a Reel and disagree, hear me out... In school, I studied software's like Adobe Premiere Pro and Final Cut Pro. The learning curve is steep, the programs are costly, and there's no way you can edit from your phone. So compared to that, yes, Instagram has done a great job of giving you just the essentials to edit. It is after all a Social Media platform, not a Video Editing Software.What are the Pro's of Instagram Reels:Editing and creating video is so simple (once you know how).You can add filters to products to make them quite literally sparkle.Access to a full library of music and soundbites.Easy to add and time text on your video.They're short, consumable content which our brains love.Instagram is heavily promoting them, so your views can rack up even with a small following.And the biggest Pro of them all: creating short videos is becoming an absolute must on social media. This is a skill and habit you need to add to your arsenal if you haven't yet. Learning how to create videos like this is not a waste of time.The Con's of Instagram Reels:You can't download your videos with the audio.The number of views does not equal the number of followers.Here are my tips for creating Instagram Reels. First of all, DO THEM! Really, give them a try if you haven't yet. When you make them, give your audience a mixture of education and entertainment in your reels. Use a Call to Action at the end to try to convert those views into follows. Make sure to flood your short video with value! And, if you can, show them something they don't see on a daily basis. Use your own unique spin on already trending audio and your views will soar!So while they may seem tedious, and you may refuse to point or dance, there is undeniable value in learning the skill of creating short-format video. PLUS Instagram is still rewarding you for playing along by making sure your video reached people outside of your audience.Building confidence on camera and being Camera Brave can start small. Like a 7 second video small. I challenge you to create one. Who knows, you may find out you even enjoy it!If this all sounds great, yet you have no idea HOW to take a Reel, head over to camerabraveclub.com . The Camera Brave Club is where all of my step-by-step, non-techy trainings live, where you can get your questions answered, and where you can receive feedback on the content you create. Join the club by clicking the link above. 

Do you have a system for getting ready before you start your video, aka becoming "camera-ready"? If not, this is how you can create one, and why you absolutely should! What in the world is camera-ready? Camera-ready is the physical preparation of "getting ready" before you take a video.This is completely separate from focusing your mind and preparing your content, this is strictly talking about the physical getting ready process.  This does not mean doing your makeup or wearing a freshly pressed blazer. It is simply about creating a system that you can use, repeat, and simplify!Why is it important? Simply put, you want to feel good when you're on camera! So ask yourself: "What makes me feel good?" Feeling good helps us feel more confident. And when you're intentionally putting your best foot forward, that shows up on video!It also comes down to setting your expectations and having realistic standards for how you want to show up on camera.You set the standard for what people will expect when they go to your page.You don't have to be anything other than who you are! You don't have to feel like you're being a 'fancy entrepreneur' when you take video, you can just be the entrepreneur and person that you are.Here's the way you can make your own system to become 'camera-ready.'The first step is to define your "must-have" guidelines for when you show up on camera. What things are super important to you? For me, it's mascara, lip color, and not wearing a graphic t-shirt. That system takes me approximately 60 seconds to complete. It's not fancy because it doesn't need to be. It's me because it needs to be. It's efficient and it allows me to feel like I'm putting my best foot forward.The second step is to define your "nice to have" guidelines, these are extra things you might want to add to your getting ready process, but they're not deal-breakers if they don't get done. For example, I'd like to blow dry my hair and have pretty, defined curls. Will I create content even when my hair is a frizzy mess? Yes. But, if I can plan in advance to brush and blow-dry my hair the night before, I feel even better about presenting myself on camera.The last step is to determine how much time you have. I spend a little longer getting ready to create a podcast episode compared to my 60-second process for stories and lives.As you continue taking videos, you may develop a different process depending on what platforms and style of content you're taking. No system is better than another. You do not have to wear a blazer or makeup when you take videos. Being natural and wearing a t-shirt is just fine. One is not better than the other, they are just different. Really and truly, you can come as you for your content. And let that be the standard that you set, which your audience will learn to expect from you.

Why is it SO hard to start something new? It all comes down to how we label the world around us and how we've labeled ourselves. Let's break it down.We all have our own individual perspectives and outlooks that shape the way we see the world. This perspective leads us to create labels, which we then attach meaning to. We label everything around us in our own unique way and associate different meanings with different words.If I say 'think of a pet', what comes to mind? For me, it's my dogs. For you, maybe it's a cat or a bird. It's the same word, and neither way you or I define it is right or wrong, but it's important to understand that you've associated that word with something personal from your life. That same word will hold a different meaning based on our own unique experiences.This can become a problem of sorts when we're trying to start something new. Because the thing is, whatever we are trying to become is something we've already attached a label to.  And what is so crucial to changing is (1) recognizing that existing label and (2) understanding what you already associate with that label.My personal example starts when I first decided to teach Video Marketing and become a coach. The word 'coach' was something I really struggled to call myself, simply because I had only ever known one particular type of coach for years: an athletic coach.My boyfriend is a swim coach, everyone calls him coach, it's his occupation: he's a coach. So for years, the idea of a coach to me was a man, specifically him, standing on a pool deck in a giant sunhat creating workouts and managing athletes.That couldn't be further from what I was trying to do! I was trying to build a business online to teach entrepreneurs how to get confident on-camera and take videos. For the first several months of being in business, I called myself a 'strategist', because the label of a coach felt so distant from me and what I was trying to accomplish. This all came down to my own personal perspective and associations I already unknowingly had with that word.To become a coach, I had to re-associate that word for myself. It took months for me to broaden my sights and recognize there's a whole wide world of coaches out there, not just the kind on a pool deck. The next thing that keeps us stuck when we're trying to start something new is not knowing where to start. So, let me give you two ways you can start on your next new and exciting thing today.Find someone that's doing what you want to do successfully, and get as close to them as possible! Get on their email list, listen to their content, find them on social media. Absorb their likeness and examine what they've built to prove to yourself that it is possible.Get into a group of people in a similar space you're in to help pull you forward. In a group setting, you'll have some people ahead of you and others that just started today. It allows you to progress, receive feedback, and see that even if you don't have anyone in your immediate circle, there are people going through the same thing as you.Do not underestimate the power of encouragement.Do not underestimate the power of a good coach or mentor.Do not underestimate the power of having a peer going through what you are.Embrace these new beginnings. I'm rooting for you.

Ever watch a video of someone and love how animated they are? You find yourself thinking "they have so much energy!" Here's the thing: you set the tone for your energy when you take videos. You can intentionally channel and deliver with that similar energy in your own authentic way. When we watch videos, a lot of time we equal energy to emphasis. Meaning if someone is talking with a lot of EMPHASIS (like that), we think "they have great energy". Versus when we watch a video where someone is mumbling or talking lower pitch.  Why is this important? The truth is that a low-energy video isn't going to keep your audience's attention like a high-energy video. We have so much content we consume daily, and once we get a little bored or start to check out, we continue scrolling!You have the power to change the energy you transmit to your audience. Back in Episode 5, I talked about how energy is like an old-school radio. To tune that radio, you'd dial it in, then the frequency you choose is that station that's transmitted to you, the listener. The same goes for video. First, you have to tune it in! You have to find that energy level or "radio station" first. Only then can that level of energy be transmitted through your camera and to your audience. When it comes to energy levels, we're all different. In reality, we differ daily. You don start all of your days with the same level of energy, and that goes the same for being on-camera. However, there are steps you can follow to be intentional about setting your energy before you push that record button. The first step is to determine where you lie on the 'Energy Spectrum' by default. What in the what? All I mean by that is to answer this question: Are you typically high energy or low energy naturally? I am high-energy naturally. I don't have a problem expressing myself through my voice or face. If you talked with me in person, you would see how animated and expressive I am, and that means that I come across on-camera with high energy.Once you determine where you're at naturally, decide where you want to be on-camera. When you watch back video of yourself, do you wish you had more expression and animation, or less? When I first started watching myself back, I realized I needed to slow it down a little.Now that you know where you are naturally and where you want to be for your videos, it's time to warm up! This is the crucial step so many people miss, when you intentionally dial-in that old-school radio. You have to let your oven pre-heat before you can start cooking (too many analogies?)Give yourself the time and space to start talking, warming up, and being intentional with exactly where you want your energy to be during your video. Warm-up time looks different for everyone. For me, it looks like me sitting in my living room and talking about my content out loud. This is a habit I developed early on in my spokesperson days and had remained the best way for me to iron out my content.Where you bring confidence, energy will follow.

Are you stuck? Let me remind you that by not taking an action, you are committing to the action of staying still. When you're not making the decision to move forward, you're making the decision to stay stuck...Many times we don't realize the trickiness behind inaction. We may decide not to think about the fact that we are intentionally not moving forward. We think "well, I'm not moving in reverse" and diminish the progress we've already made by not seeing it through to the end. We are simply not taking action, not moving forward, and not progressing. And in that lack of momentum lies the issue: not taking an action is just as much of an action as if you were taking that next step. What are you stalling in? Is it creating a course, launching a podcast, building a program? Whether you intentionally realize it or not, by not actively moving forward, you are staying stuck.Use this episode as the push you need to move forward. Use it as the permission you're seeking to not be perfect. Use it as the validation that what you've built is good enough to be put into the world. Because what you have to say is important.  There is serious danger in letting go of your momentum and letting your ideas remain unpublished. When you sit on your ideas, they don't have the power to change the world. Take those ideas and create something with them. Turn those ideas into a thing: whether it's a program, course, podcast, or YouTube series. Don't sit on those brilliant ideas, be brave enough to turn them into something amazing. Because only when you create something does it have the power to change lives. Here are my suggestions for getting back into action...First, rediscover your passion for your mission, and your conviction in your message. Really reflect on that word for a moment: conviction. Conviction is when you feel it unwaveringly sure of your message, deep in your bones. Conviction is an unshakable truth that your message is powerful and has to be released into the world.With that conviction, determine a topic that you feel knowledgeable about. something that you're familiar with that you could talk about all day. Something you're super passionate about. Mine is taking video and the power of storytelling. What's yours?

This topic stems from a statement we've all heard at one point in our lives: "you're a natural". While this is a compliment, there is a major flaw in this statement. When you say someone is a 'natural', you're mistaking a learned skill for natural talent. Here's why this is a problem... (1) When you focus on the effortless outcome, you don't acknowledge the intense effort that goes into the process.  (2) When you forget to recognize the hard work, it can lead you feeling discouraged to start from where you are currently.When you're looking at someone's effortless outcome, you can't see their story of struggle, you can't see their progress, you just see that moment. My friend, please don't only see that outcome and think that they were born with a gift. In reality, that 'gift' probably took them years of refinement and work, and the truth is that they're just further evolved in the process. The truth is, being on-camera is a skill I've learned, not a talent I was born with. My hair is naturally red; my camera presence was intentionally built. What scares me when people call me (or anyone) "a natural" is that they aren't recognizing how long it took me to get here. I have spent HOURS receiving criticism on my delivery, refining my mannerisms, practicing my inflection and so much more. I spent years building my confidence as a professional spokesperson to be able to jump on video, be authentically me, and talk about a topic. Feel inspired when you watch someone do something that appears effortless but do not mistake their outcome with their efforts. It takes SO much effort to appear effortless. Feel encouraged to start where you are now. Be willing to accept where you are on your journey. We are all starting from different places. Embrace your story and your journey, it's what makes you stand out!

What's the secret behind every perfectly curated video? A series of small steps (or hacks) that the person on-camera has intentionally built so their video looks and sounds amazing. The good news is you totally can, and should, mimic these steps for your own video use. There are more obvious techniques that I've been teaching since day one, but there are also smaller, nuanced techniques that I've recently picked up on that have become completely fundamental to my video creation process.In listening to this episode, I hope you (1) feel encouraged to try some of the tips for yourself and (2) remember that the "perfection" you see in videos is really the culmination of curated steps someone intentionally took. Often times when we see a video, we're seeing the best side of everything. My voice sounds crisp and clear because I invested in a microphone. My lighting looks bright and even because I'm using a specific setting on my ring light. It's all calculated and formatted to show you the best of me! Remember friends- video is a journey, not a destination.I hope you enjoy these tips and decide to implement a few in your Video Marketing Strategy!

As an entrepreneur, it's easy to prioritize a zillion things before ourselves. We put "me" on the back-burner. Buried behind invoices, running our business, creating content, the list goes on. Let me remind you of the crucial flaw in this mistake. Your business depends on you. Read that again. Your business depends on Y-O-U. If you're not ok, how can your business be ok? If you're not growing, how do you expect your business to grow? I was recently in a car accident, and it gave me two things: neck pain and perspective. First hand, I watched how my business completely halted. I physically couldn't look at a computer screen without my head exploding. I couldn't do any admin work, I couldn't create content. I was devastated. It became painfully obvious to me that until I was up-and-running, my business wasn't up-and-running. So things like going to the chiropractor became a fundamental part of me being able to run my body, therefore run my business. But first I had to prioritize myself.  I had to take a step back and pour time and money into my recovery, which brings us to today's topic: investing! When it comes to investing there are two main resources we have: time and money.  Let's talk about the key difference in spending versus investing. The things that are going to make a fundamental difference in you and your business are things without instant gratification. They are often intangible. They are the things that require commitment, belief, and persistence. Things like education, coaching, mentorships, and courses.This brings me to how Camera Brave plays a role in this equation...You may have heard me talk about my 6-week course, Camera Brave Academy. If you're listening to this at the time it's released, then enrollment is open N-O-W! Run, don't walk-because it will only be open for a few short days.This course is an investment of your time and money. And if you're ready to commit to it for the 6 weeks, you will come out with the tools you need to stand out online and grow your business using the most powerful free resource of 2021.... video. Go over to www.CameraBraveAcademy to equip yourself with the skills you need to make engaging and powerful video content just in time for the holidays! If you're catching this episode after the September 2021 release, then make sure you add yourself to the waitlist so you can be notified for the next time it opens! I believe for the maximum results, having a live launch is the best solution. This way the course happens in real-time, where you can ask questions and receive answers as you work through the program. Not to mention the private community of entrepreneurs going through the same exact thing you are!Regardless of if Camera Brave Academy is for you, use this episode as a reminder to prioritize yourself! Let's normalize conversations regarding our mental and physical health as entrepreneurs because it's truly all connected. YOU matter!!

This week we take a break from our regularly scheduled encouragement episodes and dig a little deeper. This episode is all about uncovering your fears. Wait! Before you scroll past this, think about this one question: is my potential greater than my fear?I promise, there's a reason why I'm asking you to keep dig deep here. When we have fears, our instinct is to bury them deep into a corner of our minds. We lock them away and try not to think about them. In reality, doing so only gives them more strength to grow.When we can take those fears and bring them into the light, we are removing their power! The first step is to ask yourself: "What am I afraid of?"The key to answering this question is to dig deep. Sometimes we have 'surface-level fears' that we hear in our head all the time. For example "I'm afraid my mind will go blank during a Live" could be the thought that keeps you from trying Facebook Lives. In reality, there are deeper fears that perpetuate this thought. Fears that we lock into that corner of our minds. When you're asking yourself this question, get to the deeper 'root fear' (not nearly as fun as rootbeer, I know).If you find yourself thinking  "I'm afraid my mind will go blank during a Live," your root fear could be you're afraid there isn't enough value in what you have to say. Oof. I know. This is tough work. But listen, this is groundbreaking self-development work here. This exercise will bring light to things that are crippling your ability to move forward. And only in recognizing them can you begin to work past them. For years, my 'root fear' was that I was afraid to be seen. I was afraid of my family, friends, and peers seeing the work I was creating. This fear was controlling the way I felt about my content, and it took me years to even recognize my behavior and put a label on my fear! Only once I uncovered that could I begin to work past it and build something so much bigger than that fear (hence, Camera Brave).The second question to ask yourself: "What is holding me back?" In my example above, my concern over what my peers would think about me kept me stuck. And I was the only one that could decide to let that go. I was the only one that could decide that my potential for what was possible was bigger than my fears of being criticized.Think about what you're afraid of. Think about what's holding you back. Then ask yourself if that's greater than your potential. Is it worth holding you back?This is CHALLENGING work!! I applaud you for making it this far. If you're brave enough to ask yourself these questions, please be brave enough to answer them. It's hard. It feels vulnerable and scary. But the only way to overcome it is to recognize it. I promise you, the realization I made above completely changed my life. Not overnight, but over time.

Dedicating 100% of your brainpower to delivering content sounds easy enough. But in reality, it takes intentional focus to ignore that inner "what if" monologue stampeding through our minds. Your brain just needs to PIVOT! That's where a Message Mindset comes into play.When you can focus all of your energy on your messaging, you make that pivotal mental shift that will lead to actual video content! Instead of trying to work through all of those "what if" thoughts and self-doubt, you just need to minimize them.The keyword here is focus. While you're on-camera, you need to dedicate every single thought to revolve around one thing: What is my message? That is a Message Mindset. When you focus 100% of your energy on your messaging!Here are 5 Steps to cultivating a Message Mindset...Step 1: Reignite the passion you have for what you do.If you're in business for yourself, then you have a fierce dedication for whatever field you're in. Set aside some intentional time to rediscover that fire in your soul. This is what will keep those "what if" thoughts from de-railing you!Step 2: Plan your Content and pack it full of value.Now take that fire from Step 1 and make a tangible plan. Create a Content Outline that will keep your video content focused and brilliant. I recommend creating a new one for every video you record.Step 3:  Tailor your content to one person.When you present your content on-camera, talk like you're speaking to just one person. Whether that's your ideal Avatar or a client you've had, this helps you remain specific and focused.Step 4: Ask your audience what they want to hear.This can be as simple as posting the question "What questions do you guys have" or "What sort of topic would you like me to dive into" on social media! This allows you to get into their heads while delivering content they're already hungry for.Step 5: Keep exploring what you know and learning more.'You know more than you think you do' is something my business coach says all the time. And I truly believe it! Keep diving into the topics you're passionate about, and never stop growing and learning more.

Try to go on social media without video popping up... you can't! Video is everywhere you turn, and in this episode, we unpack why.First of all, our brains love video. We process visual content faster than we do text. Like, a lot faster. According to a study done by 3M, our brains process visual content 60,000 times faster than text!Not only that, but we are also more likely to comprehend and retain visual information. So not only are you captivating your audience's attention FASTER, but you're also giving them a greater chance to remember the content you're putting before them.Whatever field you are currently in, take a look at what sort of content others around you are posting. If they're posting mostly photos, then you have the perfect opportunity to stand out by beginning video. If they're posting mostly video, then you should also be posting video to stand out. Also, take a look at what leaders in your industry are doing. I guarantee you they are using video in some format.If you think video will take too much time and effort to begin creating, I have a quick exercise for you. Take into account the amount of time you're spending creating images or infographics for your social media. Doing what you know is always a quicker process than starting something new, but once you start, you will pick it up fast! And once you have a process down, you won't be spending more time pouring into your marketing strategy, you'll instead be supplementing the content you're already creating with video, which is going to stimulate the brains of your audience way faster!

I was recently recording a webinar and was abruptly interrupted by my Alexa device telling me it was time to start the weekend (no, seriously). It completely derailed my train of thought and made for a 'blooper moment.'Watching the playback made me laugh. I found the moment so incredibly relatable, it was a very 'Marissa' moment. It was also an example of how to get back on topic when you are inevitably distracted by your devices shouting at you. I am proud to announce, I left the moment in the webinar.In this world of digital perfection, we crave relatability and connection with each other! That trend of "Instagram versus Reality" highlights the true problem: we are seeing only the best of everyone, and forgetting that there is another side to their lives that we're missing altogether. In this episode, I dive into the value of creating content that doesn't fit within that 'perfect' category. Not only is it relatable, but it's you! I talk a lot about authenticity, and I know so many of you struggle with incorporating your personality on-camera.Bloopers are an excellent way to add your personality to your videos! This is also a lesson I teach in Camera Brave Academy, these little moments are a great sneak peek into your life and your beautiful mind.I don't know about you, but I will pick watching relatable content over perfect content, every day of the week!

While video itself is important, remember that it is also just the product you're creating. You're also doing something much deeper and more impactful every time you push record: developing the skill of presenting yourself. I refer to this as "the process".In this episode, we break down how useful the process of creating and presenting your content truly is, as well as 5 alternative areas of your life it can make a huge impact on.If you are stuck on critiquing your own videos (or yourself), listen in to this episode! Even if you have a less-than-great video, you are still building up the skill of self-presentation, which is SO valuable in today's society. Focusing on the process allows you to assign more meaning to things like going Live or taking videos. It allows you to think of them not as self-contained files, but instead as a practice of self-presentation. Just like building strength at the gym, this skill will follow you to other areas of your life outside the weight room!

Yep, you read that right. In this episode, we're talking about how you can use this method of "faking it" to build your own confidence and still remain authentic!To be clear, you aren't really "faking" anything, you are still remaining completely authentic to yourself and your message. Instead, this method shows you how to project confidence during videos, even if you don't feel it.Why is this important? Because some of you are on the brink of finally starting your Youtube series, and your list of content ideas is so long that you can't afford to wait any longer. For some of you, the time is now. This method of projecting confidence on-camera will get you where you need to go, you just have to be willing to give it a try.Friends... to get good, you have to get started.I review 3 strategies to projecting your confidence, and the best part is two of them can be put on auto-pilot completely!

If you've caught yourself saying that phrase, this episode is for you! Today I dive into a comment I recently had on the Camera Brave page where someone stated they "hate hate HATE being on- camera".Let's talk about this! Do you truly hate being on-camera? Or, could you possibly be mislabeling your discomfort and giving more power than it truly has? We explore this crucial distinction and help you decide exactly where you stand. One of the starting steps to eliminating our mental blocks is to first recognize them, and that includes deciding exactly how we label them.

This is the exact method I designed to build my confidence on-camera. In this strategy, you focus on being prepared, not perfect. This is how I get past the butterflies and work through my over-thinking brain to deliver content on-camera. The only thing you need to bring to the table is passion!Listen in on how this method allows you to focus 100% on your content, and 0% on your outcome. What does that mean? You don't have to be ready and you don't have to be perfect. But you do have to have a message.STOP waiting for the perfect time and get started on your video journey now! We are all storytellers, and no one is going to tell your story as good as you can.

This system is one I've built over years of working as a professional spokesperson. It's the method that allows me to take external feedback and self-assess my work.Why is that important? So that you can G-R-O-W! Your video journey is just that; a journey. It is not a destination. Being able to evaluate your content will only move your forward, and this is how you can do so without having your feelings hurt.In this episode I break down my process: every time I'm on-camera I view it as a performance. I practice delivering my message and the best parts of myself to my audience as if it is a presentation. This buffer allows me to critique 'my performance' on video without critiquing 'myself'.