Personal Development: The Foundation of Your Success in Music

   Personal development is the rock to the foundation of marketing your gift in music. Communication skills, how you deal with people, willing to study and improve skills are a big part of personal development. The Contemporary Christian Music industry refers to this issue as "Artist Development".

Further, increasing these communication    skills plays a crucial role.

   No miracle marketing wonders will    help    you until you invest the time to gain skills in dealing with other people.

For example, if you can interact with people and learn to understand their needs, interests, strengths, and goals,you will be far more successful in introducing them to what you have to offer with your music than someone who just tries to "sell themselves."

If you can work on understanding people and focusing on helping them first, you will go far in life whether it’s with your music or some other career.

To gain these personal development skills is as simple as turning off the television and opening your mind to incredible resources from books, to CD’s, DVD’s, Webinars, Conference calls, and even special seminars.

Here are some steps for you to begin as you learn how to enhance your skills with powerfulresources on personal development available today:

√ Read!

The resources in the form of books to read are unlimited. Of course, there’s no greater book on wisdom, strategy, business or ministry than the Bible.

Here are some others that are well worth recommending:

"How To Win Friends And Influence People" by Dale Carengie

"The Everyday Visionary" by Jesse Duplantis

"My Utmost For His Highest" by Oswald Chambers

"Spirit Driven Success" by Dani Johnson

That list could go on. For more ideas, check the Market Research page here.

√ Learn from the best!

Your level of income often reflects your level of personal development.

Learn from those who are already successful in the areas you want to excel. If it’s a Christian musician, check out some of the legends who’ve been at this industry for years and keep moving forward!

Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant, Steven Curtis Chapman, are just a few who come to mind who have been successful over a long period of time. They had tremendous skills. Not just musical talent, but also incredible relational skills.

When it comes to amazing talent coupled with being an entrepreneur, Bill Gaither is the "grand daddy" of them all.

Gaither founded the Gaither Music Company which performs the functions of record company, concert booking, television production, copyright management, retail store, recording studio and telemarketing for the Gaither empire. Gaither also runs a retail center called Gaither Family Resources.

Gaither, and his wife Gloria, have given back to the Contemporary Christian music industry in many ways. For one, they helped to prolong the careers of those who came before them. Mark Lowry, Sandi Patty, Carman, Steve Green, Amy Grant, are some of a long list of artists who either got their start or became popular while touring with the Gaithers.

√ Invest to gain skills

One of the best investments you could make, not only for your music career, but also personally would be to see Success Coach and trainer Dani Johnson. I can think of no greater coach when it comes to personal development.

I personally have attended two of her "First Steps To Success" Seminars that have had a tremendous impact on my personal development and helped improve my business.

I believe she is anointed and God has raised her up for such a time as this. The foundation of her teachings and principles are biblically based. In addition, you won’t hear anything from Dani that she hasn’t personally used or done herself. Her track record of wealth is well documented. Not to mention the hundreds of thousands she and her husband give yearly to powerful Christian ministries. Dani walks the talk!

Some of her clients not only include successful business people, but also producers, actors, artists, Christian musicians…and even a Rocket Scientist!

√ Be authentic. Be real. Be You.

Finally, you have to be yourself. This is so crucial. I can remember being a young 16-year-old when my mom dragged me to an Amy Grant concert. What captivated me and made me really listen to her music was how down to earth she was and honest.

I remember that concert evening when she had decided to play this song she had just written. She dug in on the piano and was singing her heart out with her hands all over the keyboard. Suddenly, in the middle of the most dramatic part of the tune, she froze. She couldn’t remember the words or the music! She looked out into the gasping audience, gave that endearing smile, and went on with the song picking up where she left off.

That’s Amy. She is the same whether she is in her kitchen cooking a meal or on stage singing to thousands.

This idea of being who you really are reminds me of something said on American Idol from one of the "stars" helping the aspiring contestants.

Kenny Rogers was explaining the key to being successful now, and for years to come, as his illustrious career has proven. He said there are three things to consider:

1)Who and what other people say and think you are.

2)Who you think and say you are.

3)Who you really ARE, regardless of what you or others think.

The closer you get those three together, the greater chance you have of being successful for a long time, he said.

Three Keys To Ministry Marketing Video Success

Looking for ministry marketing success?

You have to consider using a online video marketing strategy to really impact your online promotion.

When you consider the fact that 60% of traffic on the internet is related to video, you can easily understand how video plays an integral part in ANY marketing venture online, whether it be ministry marketing or business promotion.

Here are three simple keys to consider.

Key #1: Look Into The Camera

This concept involves making sure the viewers feel and  know that you are talking to them…person to person. So look into the camera and not at yourself on the computer or camera screen!

So how do you make sure you get this connection?

This is how. No matter the size of the camera lense, even if it’s that tiny green dot on a laptop, look at that point and not yourself! As you look into that lense, imagine your best friend or someone you like to talk to on the other side and laser your focus in on that target talking naturally.

I worked at KXLY-TV in Spokane, Washington a number of years ago in the sports department. They had a sports anchor that was popular through out that part of the state and came across as everyone’s friend.

When I’d go on sporting events with him and the crew, I watched him closely every
time he was on camera. No matter how chaotic it was behind him at a basketball or
football game, when that camera’s red light was on, he was on! He’d have his warm
smile and look right into that lense talking naturally as if he was just talking to you!
I eventually focused on all the anchors and noticed the EXACT same thing. Whether
they were in the studio or at a live event, they always looked deep into the camera
lense as they read their scripts or gave the weather.

Key #2: Over Production Of A Video

Not everyone makes this mistake, but I figure it’s worth mentioning especially if you are
really getting into the post production of your video.

The mistake made here is when you over produce, use too many special effects, make your transitions wacky each time you cut to a new scene or thought.

Nothing will drive a viewer away faster than seeing you enthralled with all the little special effects your I-Movie or Windows editing software provides. So, keep it simple. Your transitions need to be more natural fades than cubes or 3D effects. It’s ok to open the video with say, a 3D effect of a door or window, but keep the inside of the video to simple fades or dissolves.

Remember, you want your viewer to be focused on what your are saying not in your
special effects or hyper production.

Key #3:  Incorrect Lighting

This is a basic and obvious fact that they need to be able to see you in the video, and
not wonder who is that speaking out of that shadow! Don’t fret about thinking you have
to buy a major light set either.

Anyone can use the “three point lighting technique. This is a standard method used in
video or photography. The system forms the basis for the best lighting.

This technique uses three lights called the key light, the fill light, and the back light. Granted it’s best to use all three but you can get some decent lighting just with two.

The <em>key</em> light is on the person in the video. This light is usually the strongest and has the most influence on the look of your scene. Place it to one side of the subject so that this side is well lit and the other side has some shadow.

The <em>fill </em>light is a softer light that fills in the shadows on the other side. To make this light softer, you could move the light farther away and set it as
more of a flood light than key.

And the <em>back</em> light is just that, lighting the back of the person giving definition and subtle highlights around the subject’s outlines. The back light also separates the person being shot from the background and provides a three-dimensional look.

The great thing is often you can use your own lights in the house, open a window shade, and get the right lighting balance to suffice for a good solid picture. I personally find my husband’s construction work lights (bought at Lowe’s)  with a few desks lights work great to get proper lighting. I always want to let in as much natural light as possible by opening any blinds or drapes.

I also try to shoot in my home where my husband has put awesome flood type bright lights above like in my kitchen in Georgia!

The point here is to adequately light your area and not feel like you have to be a Hollywood
lighting pro.

One other note on this that is not related to lighting but is important has to do with is in the picture in the  background. Don’t have a messy bed or desk behind you. Look behind you and make it presentable. Try not to have a lamp or tree (if you are shooting outside) come out from your head.

To get all 9 ministry marketing success video keys and the video series "7 Online Video Marketing Secrets", click here for instant access!

 Video Ministry Marketing And Business Promotion: 9 Reasons Why No One Is Watching

With the rise of videos being watched online today, any ministry marketing or business promotion plan online must consider video.

The good thing is it is not as difficult as what you may believe. Below are golden nuggets of basic truths concerning online video for ministry marketing or business strategies online.

Online video marketing is becoming the best method to reach a business or ministry marketing target audience. The power of video and its effect online can be seen everywhere, especially if you spend any time on the internet.

From YouTube sensations to antics caught with a smart phone camera, a video online can easily catch our attention and go viral. To see just how popular watching videos is look at the latest statistics from a leader in measuring the digital world, Comscore.com:

"U.S. Internet users watched 30.3 billion videos in April 2010, with Google Sites ranking as the top video property with 13.1 billion videos, representing 43.2 percent of all videos viewed online. YouTube accounted for the vast majority of videos viewed at the property."

You may have tried to taken advantage of all those eyes watching videos for your business, service, or ministry marketing venture. You invested in the time, maybe even a video camera, and got the nerve up to start shooting videos to sell your service, a book, a product, or something related to your ministry.

So what is happening? No one is watching your videos? Why?

These 9 common mistakes are just a few of the problems people make when creating their video. You can learn how to avoid them and take steps for the solution of having more people watching your videos!

Who knows? You may gain an audience that can’t wait for your next video release!

Reason #1: Biggest Mistake In Video Ministry Marketing or Business Promotional

This is one of the most common mistakes people make when creating a video and it is real simple. It has to do with the motive. Instead of sharing valuable content, the person tries to sell the viewer on his/her product or service.

It can happen real easily. You may think of that American Express bill, or see a pile of bills that need to be paid. Inside you think, "I have GOT to sell something to pay that…" So you turn the camera on and the next thing you are doing is sounding like a salesperson. No one enjoys a video that is pushy and full of sales hype, let alone coming from someone they don’t know.

So to solve problem, focus on sharing, sharing, and more sharing of valuable information in the field you are an expert. Share a tip, or your knowledge on that subject. The marketplace pays for value and your value is your skill or knowledge. As you share content that can help someone, you start to gain the trust of a viewer. As you continue this process of giving away valuable information, it can set you up to where you don’t have to sell a viewer at all.
They realize you know what your are talking about concerning your subject. You have given valuable content away.

So to buy something from you, well, that must really be something of value because you offer so much information for free!

Reason #2: Poor Audio In Video

This is a simple mistake with drastic results where no one will give your video the time of day. It’s amazing to note that a viewer is more likely to put up with poor production or video quality than audio! If they can’t hear you well, they will skip on to another video quick!

The best way to get good audio in your video is to invest in a separate microphone and plug it into the camera. Using the mic that’s built into the camera can give you an echo sound or you’ll pick up too much room noise.

Now if you have a Flip camera or one of the smaller cameras where you have to use the built in mic, then you will have to get close to the camera…as close as you can and still be in the picture. Make sure there is no outside noise and the room is quiet. I know my dog always seems to want to bark when I shoot without my mic.

When it comes to these smaller cameras, I prefer the Kodak Zi8. It has a built in port for my mic. I love it! You can find an inexpensive mic on Amazon and have much better quality of sound to ensure your viewer can hear your message and continue to watch your video!!!

Reason # 3: You Are Not Authentic Or Real

This mistake is real simple to avoid. Be real!

If you are trying to copy someone you’ll come across as fake. You have to put aside your fears and ego, step up to the mic, look into the camera and be YOU!

The closer you can get to who PEOPLE think you are; who YOU think you are; and WHO YOU REALLY are….The more authentic you come across the camera.

I have some favorites that I enjoy watching on videos or on television. One of the reasons why I enjoy watching them, besides the fact they give great value in their content, is because of how real they come across on their videos.
Dani Johnson, Amy Grant, Jesse Duplantis, Paula White, and Stephen Pierce are a few people from different backgrounds and professions that I enjoy watching videos!

Reason #4: You Have NOT Set Up A YouTube Channel

This reason may seem too obvious for some of you. But there are countless people who fail to do this simple step of setting up their YouTube channel. When you consider that 60% of the content online is video, and that YouTube dominates other video sites, it’s like a no brainer. You have to take advantage of this gigantic video site.

The popularity of Google’s video-sharing site YouTube is also increasing massively. The latest statistics from Comscore.com (leader in measuring the digital world) shows that the month of May, YouTube had as many as 14.6 billion videos being watched by the site’s users–this figure marking an all time high for this video site. In addition, YouTube accounts for 43.1 percent of all videos viewed online. An average of 186 videos per viewer in the US alone.

Hello! That is an average of 186 videos per viewer JUST in the United States!

So set your channel up, load your videos with keywords and be found where the video viewing eyes are!

Reason #5: You Tend To Ramble

I know when I start shooting a video I tend to make the mistake of wanting to get a bunch of different thoughts into one video. Next thing you know, I am rambling and the video is longer than 2 minutes.

Not good for a successful ministry marketing or business promotional video plan!

So try this method to avoid this mistake. Focus on ONE thought per video. One of the easiest ways to do this is to set yourself up for it by saying something like this as you shoot your video:

"In this video, I am going to tell you how to avoid rambling in your video…."

So, in the rest of this short video will only explain what you just said in your own opening line. You are not going to talk about any other idea, just this one thought. It’s like I’m doing here in this article. I am not going to write about audio or lighting….JUST how to focus on ONE thought per video.

Reason #6: No Call To Action In Your Video

This can be a critical error in a video. You may have the greatest information, the latest advice on a subject, but you don’t tell the viewer how or where they can go to find more about your subject or you!

What is a call to action?

A call to action is a single, focused command to your viewer or prospect. So train yourself to end your video with a simple statement including your domain name where they can get more information like the kind they are hearing and viewing in your video.

As you establish that you do have something of value to offer, and you are the best source to deliver it, you want them to take the next step.

I think it’s best to emphasize this with your domain name shadowing in your video in the bottom right or middle of each shot. For a viewer to take a certain action, you have to literally tell them and show them if you can, what they need to do to lead them to your opt-in or squeeze page.

If you can have video that shows them at the same time you are telling them all the better. For example, I offer a free online video marketing course. As I tell them all they have to do is go to " http://www.videoministryhelp.com " and submit their primary e-mail address", I am at the same time showing them the page and zooming in on the opt-in box.

The call to action is one of the most important keys in any kind of ministry marketing or business promotion, but especially in video!

Reason #7: Looking At Themselves Instead Of Into The Camera

This is a key for viewers to really feel like you are talking to them, and not just enjoying looking at yourself in the camera or computer screen. So how do you make sure you get this connection?

No matter the size of the camera lense, even if it’s that tiny green dot on a laptop, look at that point and not yourself!

As you look into that lense, imagine your best friend or someone you like to talk to and laser your focus in on that target talking naturally.

I worked at KXLY-TV in Spokane, Washington a number of years ago in the sports department. They had a sports anchor that was popular through out that part of the state and came across as everyone’s friend. When I’d go on sporting events with him and the crew, I watched him closely every time he was on camera. No matter how chaotic it was behind him at a basketball or football game, when that camera’s red light was on, he was on! He’d have his warm smile and look right into that camera talking naturally as if he was just talking to you!

I eventually focused on all the anchors and noticed the EXACT same thing. Whether they were in the studio or at a live event, they always looked deep into the camera lense as they read their scripts, or gave the weather, speaking as if it was just you and them.

Reason #8: Over Production Of A Video

Not everyone makes this mistake, but I figure it’s worth mentioning, especially if you are really getting into the post production of your video. The mistake made here is when you over produce, use too many special effects, make your transitions wacky each time you cut to a new scene or thought.

Nothing will drive a viewer away faster than seeing you enthralled with all the little special effects your I-Movie or Windows editing software provides.

So, keep it simple. Your transitions need to be more natural fades than cubes or 3D effects.

It’s ok to open the video with say, a 3D effect of a door or window, but keep the inside of the video to simple fades or dissolves.

Remember, you want your viewer to be focused on what your are saying, not in your special effects or hyper production.

Reason #9: Incorrect Lighting

This is a basic and obvious fact that they need to be able to see you in the video, and not wonder who is that speaking out of that shadow! Don’t fret about thinking you have to buy a major light set either.

Anyone can use the "three point lighting technique. This is a standard method used in video or photography. The system forms the basis for the best lighting. This technique uses three lights called the key light, the fill light, and the back light.

Granted it’s best to use all three but you can get some decent lighting just with two.

The key light is on the person in the video. This light is usually the strongest and has the most influence on the look of your scene. Place it to one side of the subject so that this side is well lit and the other side has some shadow.

The fill light is a softer light that fills in the shadows on the other side. To make this light softer, you could move the light farther away and set it as more of a flood light than key.

And the back light is just that, lighting the back of the person giving definition and subtle highlights around the subject’s outlines. The back light also separates the person being shot from the background and provides a three-dimensional look.

The great thing is often you can use your own lights in the house, open a window, and get the right lighting balance to suffice for a good solid picture.

I personally find my husband’s "Home Depot" work lights, with a few desks lights, work great to get proper lighting. I always want to let in as much natural light as possible by opening any blinds or drapes.

The point here is to adequately light your area and not feel like you have to be a Hollywood lighting pro.

One other note on this that is not related to lighting as much as what is in the background.

Don’t have a messy bed or desk behind you. Look behind you and make it presentable. Try not to have a lamp or tree (if you are shooting outside) come out from your head.

Conclusion:

I truly believe anyone can create and produce a video for a ministry marketing or business promotional plan online. It is a great way to really connect with your target audience so they can come to know you and understand what product or service you have that they may need.

Avoiding these 9 simple mistakes will give you a greater chance to connect with your viewers and get more of your videos watched.

For more information and for a FREE video series on how easy it is to get started, click here for "7 Online Video Ministry And Business Promotion Tips."

Online Ministry Marketing With Video: 1 Key To Success

With the rise of videos being watched online today, any ministry marketing or ministry promotion plan online must consider video.

The good thing is it is not as difficult as what you may believe. Ministry Marketing Productions released a special report: "9 Reasons No One Is Watching Your Videos And How You Can Avoid These Mistakes" recently that contains golden nuggets of basic truths concerning online video marketing. Here is one essential key to success with any online video marketing campaign:

I know when I start shooting a video I tend to make the mistake of wanting to get a bunch of different thoughts into one video. Next thing you know, I am rambling and the video is longer than 2 minutes.

Not good if you want to have a successful online ministry marketing plan.

So do this to avoid this mistake. Focus on ONE thought per video. One of the easiest ways to do this is to set yourself up for it by saying something like this:

“In this video, I am going to tell you how to avoid rambling in your  video….”

So the rest of this short video will only explain what you just said in your own opening line. You are not going to talk about any other idea, just this one thought.  I am not going to write or talk about audio or lighting….JUST how to focus on ONE thought per video.

To learn more about how easy it is to begin a online ministry marketing strategy, click here to receive instant access to the free video series, "7 Online Video Ministry Tips."

Online Video Ministry Tip: Basic Instructions

This online video ministry tip contains a basic instruction every person in ministry marketing or promotion should know when it comes to video.

And that is…you need to have a YouTube channel.

This reason may seem too obvious for some of you. But there are countless people who fail to do this simple step of setting up their YouTube channel.

When you consider that 60% of the content online is video, and that YouTube dominates other video sites, it’s like, a no brainer. You have to take advantage of this gigantic video site.

The popularity of Google’s video-sharing site YouTube is also increasing massively. The latest (June 2010) statistics from "9 Reasons Why No One Is Watching Your Videos"

Comscore.com (leader in measuring the digital world) shows that the month of May YouTube had as many as 14.6 billion videos being watched by the site’s users–this figure marking an all time high for this video site.

In addition, YouTube accounts for 43.1 percent of all videos viewed online. An average of 186 videos per viewer in the US alone.

Hello! So set your channel up, load your videos with keywords and be found where the video viewing eyes are!

For the "7 Online Video Ministry Tips Series", which is free, click here.

Ministry Marketing: Be Authentic In Your Videos

This is ministry marketing video tip number three in how to gain more viewers to your videos.

This mistake is real simple to avoid. Be real!

You have to be yourself and shine in the giftings God has given you.

If you are trying to copy someone or be like a "televangelist", you’ll come across as fake.

If you are not funny, don’t try to be a comedian!!!

You also ave to put aside your fears and ego, step up to the mic, look into the camera and be YOU!

The closer you can get to who PEOPLE think you are; who YOU think you are ; and WHO YOU REALLY are….The more authentic you come across the camera.

I have some favorites that I enjoy watching on videos or on
television. One of the reasons why I enjoy watching them,
besides the fact they give great value in their content, is because
of how real they come across on their videos.

Dani Johnson, Amy Grant, and Stephen Pierce are a few
people from different backgrounds and professions that I enjoy
watching videos!

When it comes to preachers, I love Jesse Duplantis and Joyce Meyer. They are authentic and still get their message across to their viewers.

To get the complete free video series, "7 Online Video Ministry Tips", click here!

Firebrand Video Ministry: Faith That Supercedes Circumstances

Introducing Firebrand Video Ministry: God and Coffee. This is the video ministry of Firebrand Ministry with Pastor Dave Croft.

Our faith supercedes our circumstances.

Faith is the substance of things "HOPED FOR", the "Evidence" of things not seen.

Whatsoever things you ask for when you pray, believe when you pray, & you shall have them.

Mark11:24

I believe Lord Jesus!

Thank you Lord Jesus for allowing us to share in Your Inheritance-Amen

Hebrews 11:1 NKJV

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

For more on Firebrand Ministry, check the video ministry page by clicking here.

If you would like to learn how to have your own video ministry and how simple it is to get started, click here for the FREE series "7 Online Video Ministry Tips".

  Online Video Marketing Mistake: No Call To Action

This can be a critical error in any online video marketing strategy. You may have the greatest information, the latest advice on a subject, but you don’t tell the viewer how or where they can go to find more about your subject or you!

What is a call to action?

A call to action is a single, focused command to your viewer or prospect.

So train yourself to end your video with a simple statement including your domain name where they can get more information like the kind they are hearing and viewing in your video.

 As you establish that you do have something of value to offer and you are the best source to deliver it, you want them to take the next step.

I think it’s best to emphasize this with your domain name shadowing your video in the bottom right or middle of each shot.

For a viewer to take a certain action, you have to literally tell them and show them if you can, what they need to do to lead them to your opt-in or squeeze page.

If you can have video that shows them at the same time you are telling them all the better. For example, I offer a free online video marketing course. As I tell them all they have to do is go to “www.videomarkethelp.com” and submit their primary e-mail address”, I am at the same time showing them the page and zooming in on the opt-in box.

The call to action is one of the most important keys in any kind of marketing and promotion, but especially in video.

To learn how easy it is to get started with your own online video marketing click here for "7 Online Video Marketing Secrets!"

Online Video Market Mistake: Why No One Is Watching Your Videos

This online video market mistake might be one of the reasons no one is watching your videos!

I know when I start shooting a video I tend to make this mistake of wanting to get a bunch of different thoughts into one video. Next thing you know, I am rambling and the video is longer than 2 minutes.

Not good. A definite video market mistake.

So do this to avoid this error. Focus on ONE thought per video. One of the easiest ways to do this is to set yourself up for it by saying something like this:

“In this video, I am going to tell you how to avoid rambling in your video….”

So the rest of this short video will only explain what you just said in your own opening line.. You are not going to talk about any other idea, just this one thought. It’s like I’m doing here. I am not going to write about audio or lighting….JUST how to focus on ONE thought per video.

If you can master this one simple step, you are on your way to more people watching and enjoying your videos!

To get the free video series on how easy it is to begin online video marketing check out:

Click here to discover 7 Online Video Marketing Secrets!

Video Market Help: Simple Reason Why No One Is Watching

Looking for video market help? Check out 1 of 9 mistakes to avoid!

This is one of 9 reasons why no one is watcing your videos and how you can avoid this online video marketing mistake.

This reason may seem too obvious for some of you. But there are countless people who fail to do this simple step of setting up their YouTube channel.

When you consider that 60% of the content online is video, and that YouTube dominates other video sites, it’s like a no brainer. You have to take advantage of this gigantic video site.

The popularity of Google’s video-sharing site YouTube is also increasing massively. The latest (June 2010) statistics from Comscore.com (leader in measuring the digital world) shows that the month of May YouTube had as many as 14.6 billion videos being watched by the site’s users–this figure marking an all time high for this video site.

In addition, YouTube accounts for 43.1 percent of all videos viewed online. An average of 186 videos per viewer in the US alone.

Hello! So set your channel up, load your videos with keywords and be found where the video viewing eyes are!

To discover how easy it is to begin with video marketing and to get a complete free series on video market help click below!

Click here: "Discover 7 Online Video Marketing Secrets"