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InfoTech: Candid camera handy
1 Sep, 2008 By: Tyler Whitaker Landscape ManagementAre you tried of boring company meetings? Are corporate e-mails going unread? Efficient communication is the backbone of successful, growing organizations. But when traditional forms start to break down, consider using video to communicate with your employees and customers. What better way to get your point across than an up-close-and-personal video from you?
We live in the YouTube generation. Watching video on your computer is fast becoming a daily activity. Your employees are watching everything from Olympics reruns to fountains of Diet Coke powered by Mentos. Let's face it: Video makes even the most mundane events fun and captivating. So why not insert your corporate messages, announcements and training into this constant video stream?
Corporate video blogging is the latest method to grab the attention of both employees and customers. The good news is that producing videos is easier than ever. For most internal office videos, all you need is a webcam like the Live! Cam Optia AF from Creative or the QuickCam Pro 9000 from Logitech. With a webcam, you can send thank-you and follow-up videos to your top sales prospects.
Creating simple office video memos and announcements is also easy using either the free Windows Movie Maker or iMovie on the Mac. For more advanced internal corporate announcements and memos, these simple software packages guide you through each step of the process, from shooting and editing the video, to adding titles and credits.
For a more professional look and the ability to shoot video away from your desktop, you will want to upgrade to a digital video camera. They sky is the limit when considering video cameras, but you might consider something like Sony's Handycam HDR-SR12. With 120 GB of storage and a 3.2-in. touch screen, this camera will be perfect for shooting your next training session or job site. The higher the onboard memory, measured in gigabytes (GB), and video resolution, measured in megapixels, the better.
Spreading the word
Once you have finished editing the video, the next step is to distribute it to your employees and customers. The first rule to video distribution is: Do not send it as an e-mail attachment. Video is large. Sending it in e-mail just results in lengthy downloads and serious disruptions in e-mail productivity.
There are a number of sites like YouTube.com, Vimeo.com and Seesmic.com where you can upload your videos. The key is linking your corporate videos via your Web site, intranets and e-mail.
One of the best uses for video is for employee training, orientation and frequently asked questions. Using video in your business has never been easier. All you need is a camera, a computer and a free account with an online video sharing website, to capture improved productivity and communication.
— The author is a freelance technologist focusing in business automation. Contact him at 801/592-2810 or visit his blog at
www.tylerwhitaker.com.
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