Good morning and happy Wednesday. I am Michelle Quaid, those of you who are new to me, welcome to like coffee top. This is a show I live stream every Wednesday at 11 o'clock Pacific time. And if you are new to me welcome. I am a visibility coach, author, motivational speaker and I do have a degree in pharmacy. And I am the founder of Elevate life coaching. And those of you who are inside my group and you're watching this live, be sure to
drop me a ha. Let's see. That's what color do I feel like today today, that's cool with a purple heart. If you are inside my group and you're watching this live, please drop me a purple heart and be sure if you're planning to comment on it, which I hope that you do. You won't give access to stream yard. So you will see up in the caption here that stream yard needs your permission to show off your name. And this is a visibility
lounge. So that's get yourself visible by just clicking that link and get stream yard your permission to show off your name. And when I do the call out this way you'll be visible for everybody. Now go ahead and do me a favor and type live if you're watching this live, or give me a hashtag replay if you want watching this as a replay. Now, I don't know about you, but I was just talking to my guest Amanda this morning that the weather has been kind of crazy.
But if you notice on your calendar, the Easter Eastern Sunday is coming up this weekend. Now those of you who don't have this, you might be thinking, Well, what does Easter bunny has to do with the eggs? I mean, Bunny doesn't lay eggs. So what's up with bunny hiding the eggs? So if you know the answer, I would love to hear from you. And if you can drop that in common with me. And let me know where did that all come from the Easter Bunny and eggs like who
the hell think of that? Now, don't get me wiki pedia answer because I know that we will get a PDF version of this. Now joining me today is someone that I have connected earlier in the year. I believe it's actually last year. And I love and adore Amanda because I follow her out. So first of all, I follow her on social media. And I love the fact that she incorporate visual into her visibility media strategy. And let's face it, there's been a lot of changes on
social media lately. And I truly believe that in order to get your business visible, you need to incorporate a number of different strategy to capture the heart of your audience. So here's Amanda. Amanda golf is the owner and head visual ninja
with silver key media. She specializes in helping business owners unstuff your brand story and tell the story visually through images and video and then brings that to the table her experience as an actor, director, filmmaker, designer and 13 years in marketing. Amanda strongly believes in the power of collaboration to make things happen and brings bring
to the table her experience. So ladies and gentlemen, if you're watching this on LinkedIn Gentleman, please join me with a warm welcome my guest Amanda Hello. Hello. Oh, are you used to be here?
Yes, thank you. That was a lovely welcome and introduction. I'm so excited to be here.
I been following you on social media and when I when I first connected with you, I remember going on to your website which is So silver silver key media.com. And I noticed that there's a lot of picture. And I believe that picture says 1000 words, like, there's a lot of us who's out there, you know, we're really looking for the picture. It's easy, it's fast. And if your picture can capture my heart, I have more interest in wanting to
read more about it. So I would love to hear how did you get into the industry?
Yeah, so really, I have had a camera in my hands. Since I was fairly small. I grew up in as really blessed that my parents were really supportive of the creative arts, I was a dancer, and I was in theater as well. So kind of visual storytelling has always been kind of part of my life. But I loved photography, because you know, capturing that moment in
time. And you know, that love of photography, when I was in middle school in high school led to videography, and filmmaking, so my friends, and I would just make strange, short film things. And, you know, do strange and fun photo sessions. And I went to school, I actually got a degree in broadcast communications in theater. And in that, I got exposed to kind of the journalistic and marketing side of the whole industry. And I graduated, we actually moved, we were in
Denver at the time we moved. We were originally from the Pacific Northwest. So we moved back out to the Pacific Northwest. And we're in Vancouver, Washington. So just above Portland, Oregon, and I didn't have any connections in the film industry or the TV industry. So I went to work in Marketing, and worked for small, I've worked for several small businesses across the board in different
industries. So everywhere from real estate, concert promotion, I worked for a medical company that did whole body donation. That's a whole interesting topic in itself. And I always was bringing that visual storytelling, and kind of got a chance to grow up with social media, because social media was a baby when I first started, and it's grown fast, you know. So it's, it's really grown in the last, you know, 1520 years, and that visual storytelling has
been an asset. So it's, it's kind of taking both loves of my world and being able to blend them together has been really cool.
So it sounds like marketing is something that were you just stomped on by apps. So I'm curious, though, because the visual, the visual storytelling, it came up a couple of times, what is the visual storytelling? Yeah,
so how I define visual storytelling, and it's one of the things actually I work with my clients on is, everyone has a story, there's a story to your business, there's a story to a product or a campaign, there's a story and a message. And so of course, we can write that down. And we can refine that. By however, there is a visual representation that you can translate that visually, and it actually captures people attention so much more quickly, then they'll stop and actually
read. And we're in that turn at this point where that's what's going to capture people's attention is that that image that video those graphics, then they stop and pay attention. And so visual storytelling is a way of taking that message and you say how can I best represent the color the text, that if you're using like a graphic with, you know, a small amount of text? What can I do in the video that would, you know, embody or represent the message. And so to me, that's what visual
storytelling really is. And there's a lot of psychology behind it in some ways. But really, it's just figuring out the authentic way to capture that. That message and that story.
Yeah, I you know, again, I truly believe that a picture says 1000 words and I think my my, one of my hidden talents that I didn't realize I had walking into the coaching industry is that I had, I had a background in art, I knew how to paint. I know how to photography. So I brought all of that, you know, be the skills I have learned in the past into this industry without knowing that this would be a crucial, crucial skills who had good hard
skills who have. So let's talk about a little bit about the trend that's happening right now. Because I'm paying attention to what's going on on social media on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, right? Instagram Rios, and all these video type of platform as, as the social media platform going into using more of a video format. How do you how do you suppose that someone who's new brand new to the industry might be able to use the basic seal
that they have already? And like really get their visibility going?
Absolutely. And that's a great question. Because a lot of people they fear video, that's the first thing that like, I don't know how to do it, or I don't want to do it. And while I understand, it is a mindset thing. And I often tell people, like get over it, you've
got to do it. However, for someone who's just starting out, and maybe isn't want to step in front of the camera directly just yet, or they don't want to do a live, there are several ways that you can utilize your phone, because they have amazing cameras in them now that you can utilize that and capture video of your day capture video of a product or or maybe your process. And you don't even really have to, you know, you
don't have to speak. So that's where I tell people to start first is something like that you can, most phones smartphones have a time lapse or hyperlapse. So if you have something that's a process, you know, yes, you might have to invest in a phone holder and a tripod, because you need to set that up and some good lighting. It's not that expensive anymore, thank goodness, or just use natural light. And, you know, show that process. And you would be really surprised how fascinated your
audience is by that process. You think it's boring, or it's just basic, but it's behind the scenes. Like for example, I have a friend who owns a costume shop here in my town, and she changes her window out every month, or sometimes twice a month, depending on the holidays and such. So she I said, Oh my gosh, you're missing now I said, I gave her I was like lent her stuff. I'm like capture this and see what happens. And so she set
it up. And she had so many hits and comments on just as background behind the scenes time lapse of her changing outer window because people were like, Oh my gosh, that's so awesome. That's so interesting. So that's
one way. And another way is if you have a program, like Canva, or something like that, that's another way you can create small videos and edit within a fairly easy user friendly program to create something that you can add a little music to whether you've recorded the video of you just chatting a little bit or giving a message. And then of course, ultimately going live, it's it. It does feed the
algorithm live. That helps feed the algorithm, whether it's live on Facebook, live on YouTube, whatever it is, it's it's going to feed the algorithm and it's going to bring you more visibility because you're giving the platform what it wants.
Yeah, you're using a lot of feature that's already implemented and design. Yeah. And they each platform, they want you to create content on their platform so they can retain all these visitors and traffic
platforms. Yep. You're helping them they help you. Yes,
yes. So work with the algorithm, not against it.
Absolutely.
I love everything that you have just shared because you would never occur to me. One of the things I've noticed for myself is a lot of times I will take a video of my cat Toby. And I often joke about those because my cat Toby gets more like and common than I do. I I've felt pretty hurt by that. Like my cat has more in common and like,
that's okay leverage that it's with like little kids and animals, people love it. So you know, have a mascot if you've got, you know, a for a free co worker in your home office leverage because people love it.
I mean, what we all appreciate as general public is that I love to watch video where someone is just being raw and authentic. They don't have a whole lot of things going on. There's no pretty embellishment, I just want to hear and watch that person. I can spend hours and watching a behind the scene versus someone who has like the whole program develop and well written and well produced ready to go. Because it really makes you stand out.
Absolutely. Yeah. And that's a brings up a really good point is that so many people stress out, you know, oh, it's live, I'm going to make a mistake. Or even if you're recording a video for, you know, you don't want to go live, that's fine. You can pre record it and utilize it. And they just feel so frustrated or worried, you know, it's going to they flub, well, you know what perfect is not what people want. And Done is better than perfect.
And I challenge you, while I don't watch a lot of TV, but every once in a while I'll tune into like the local news, watch a newscast. They make mistakes, they have to correct themselves, they miss step a word, they're not perfect in their delivery, and they're being paid big money to be broadcasting the news. So if they can have some wiggle room, so can we and people want to see that you're human, and they want to relate to you. So if you get over that perfection, you know, level of perfection.
Really, it comes down to especially with video being seen. So making sure you have some light, you know, you're not in the dark or it's, you know, all shadowy and that you're heard. The other thing I always just tell people is you know, investing in either a webcam that's good quality, so that you can have it on on, you know, set up, or a phone stand and a tripod, or phone holder and a
tripod, so you can talk. I talk with my hands so I do not do well with holding it's it makes people nauseous, I'm sure.
Right? Yeah, that's one of the things I want you to totally skip if it's too rocking or too shaky. I would much rather skip the video then just sitting down and really spend my time watching you and listening and learning it. Yes. I think as now we're talking about you know, like video, what is like the best visual format that we can we can use in our marketing strategy.
To be honest, yes, video is top just because it is so engaging. But to start when you're starting out, the best visual to use to market your business and to get visible is the one you will do consistently. Because if you are too afraid, or you're, you know, you're getting used to something and you you you know are not doing it consistently that will actually hurt you more than you know, putting out something that
you know you deem imperfect. So, I always tell my clients and I tell those that I you know, talk with either in workshops that you know, creating a plan for visibility is the start. What will you consistently do and I actually have people you know, you can do it on a piece of paper or a Word document or something and you create three columns and you go okay, what do I love to do? What am I likely you're already doing those things? What do I know I should
do? I'm willing to learn I'm willing to get used to and then what am I never gonna do? They're never going to do you kind of have to assess because often people say video. move that to the I know I should do but something As you can leverage out for visibility, you know, like emails or, you know, blogging, you know, those are things of visibility. Even though they're written to a degree, you could have visuals in them, you know, put those
away. And then look at what you love to do and start, put it in your calendar, do it consistently, take a picture behind the scenes twice a week and make sure you're posting it on your platforms. Or go live once a week, in your group, whatever that is, and is going to get you the most visibility is going to be what you can do consistently and start small, you don't have to do it all. Like this week. Like, have a plan and say, okay, in three months, I'm going to add this.
And in six months, I'm going to add this visibility, marketing is not a quick fix, it's not a big pill that's just going to solve everything takes time. It takes consistency. And it takes just being willing to show up and be there in your business.
I completely agree. And I get as you're talking about it, I keep hearing. So my client, I don't want to do video, I don't know how to do video, video is not my thing. I don't want to be on camera, I don't know how to speak, right? And then, you know, I have those clients who come around and say, Well, I love how you've been everywhere. And right. So that's also not a
great strategy. When you're first starting out, you don't want to be everywhere, because then just imagine the amount of content and work that you have to put in to be everywhere.
Well, and I think too, people don't realize that a lot of people who are everywhere. Often they're starting, sometimes they are they're doing all the things. But the people who are working smarter, not harder. You know, like with this podcast, Michelle, you are live in your group, but you're going to put it in other places. It's not
just the one place. And that's working smart, because that's a piece of content that someone's going to see maybe on LinkedIn, that wouldn't see it on Facebook, or someone will see it on YouTube or wherever it gets posted next. And so you're repurposing and taking that one piece you've put time and effort into and putting it in other places and sharing it. And then you people think you're everywhere. But you're not
really this evening, but I love technology nowadays, right? Because it allows us to, to use the technology to be able to stream and show up in different places. I'm still sitting here, but I can be showing up in three different places. So I love the fact that we're using technology for us, and rather than using it against this.
Yes, absolutely.
Amanda, how do you how do you work with a client? Like, tell me walk me through your process of working with clients?
Yeah, absolutely. So I have two ways that I'm working with clients at this point, with brand foundation and brand strategy. And that is either one to one, I have a handful of clients that are it depends on the length of time kind of depends on what they're needing, at the time. If it's kind of getting their, their strategy in place and their story down on paper, so that it's you know, in one place, that doesn't take all that long.
And if it's more of consistently trying to get more that accountability piece that could be a little bit longer. And then I also have right now I'm wrapping up a master group mastermind program. And that's going to wrap up in June and I'll be relaunching that I've decided in August because I don't want to try to be in summer at all to the most part. So at the end of August, I'll be relaunching that mastermind
again. And that's just a way to not only utilize the video courses that I have, but also meet work collaborative. I love group masterminds. I love the group dynamic because I feel like there is so much that everyone can help each other with that ideas and that conversation that happens. So those are kind of the two ways that I I'm really working with clients right now.
And you have all the information on your website. Correct? Um,
I do, my website is being moved to a different platform. So if you have are watching this and you're not finding that please feel free, you can email me at Amanda at Silver keys media.com. But it should be on my webs. So
I will make sure to include your email just in case you know, someone needs to looking for that information they have more, much more easier way to reach out to you. Yeah. And they can also find you on social media, right? Obviously you on all the social media.
Yeah, yeah, I primarily hang out in Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. And I have a private group, it's free. It's just private to keep the riffraff out at the if you just look and search for at visual vibes society, you can find me there as well. And I am branching a little bit into Tik Tok. But we'll see. So that was just a fun experiment. So speaking of
all these videos that we're going to be making, like what are some of the your awesome secret sauce that you might be able to share with this?
Absolutely. So first and foremost, it doesn't matter. Excuse me, it doesn't matter where in your house, just finding a space that you can set up is ideal, because you'll feel comfortable. So now I am lucky I have an office. Previously, as of like, beginning of last year, I was my office was out in our living room area. And so I had to find little spots in my my house, I could shut the door and be quiet and just have that
concentration space. And then again, may invest in either a good webcam, or invest in a tripod, you know, stand with for your phone, so that you can feel confident in in the setup, and play around with it, it's not going to be perfect right away. So do some tests play around, see what it looks like. Phones are great, because, you know, the cameras for the most part are pretty good. They're pretty rock solid. And you can actually distribute it pretty quickly from your phone now to most
platforms. So it's not like if it's just a quick message, and you're not, you know, needed to do any editing, which I would tell you not to do a lot of editing with most of your content, be real. And don't be perfect. Be yourself Be authentic if you flub you know, it's okay. The one big thing I will say though, however, is if you are going live once a week, have a plan know what you're going to talk about. It doesn't
have to be a script. It shouldn't be but just know because really in here and in here you know what to say it's there to share it like you wouldn't to a friend to your to your ideal client that's out there that watching
what happened my pockets like I do and I don't do editing because I'm I call this lazy way of content marketing because I don't want to go through the editing portion of it. So that's just make it easy for myself and for you as well. That's just do a live
Yeah, absolutely. It's it's one of those things that yeah, and not editing is better. Because again, it it leverages this the humanity, it shows that you're a person and that people want that they want to connect to people.
We have Helen in the group and it's not showing up as her name. But again, because you have to get stringer the permission to show off your name. And Helen said that I love being imperfect now.
Yes, absolutely. And I I will say one of the few perks of going into shutdown of going into having a big pause in this world. And while things were crazy and really difficult in many ways. We were forced to be our weird but we are forced to be imperfect. We are forced to be ourselves in our space. And that was good.
So Amanda, Will I let you go? I know you brought some really cool gifts for our audience. Tell us a little bit more about that.
Yeah, absolutely. So I do have and I know Michelle is going to be sharing a link to a workbook. And that is how to find your awesome sauce, embracing your awesome sauce. And what that really boils down to is in your brand, and your business. Everything that makes up who you are. And your story is your magic sauce. It's your awesome sauce. And so this is an exercise that will help you walk through the process of just looking at that and reframing.
Often we we get nervous, or we think our our story isn't valuable. And it's all valuable. It's all part of who we are. And so that's what this workbook is all about. And so that's, that's the first thing. And then, to all of the viewers out there, I just want to offer as well. 30 minute consultation, that's for free. So if you want to connect with me, I know Michelle is going to put my contact information just mentioned, you saw me on this podcast, and
we'll set up a consultation. And I'd be happy to just hear about what you do as well as help you with a sticking point that you might have in your visibility plan or in figuring out a process that will help just leverage you further in in your brand and your business.
I love the fact that we're using something that's easy, something that we can take out our phone and just record a short videos or something, you know, same or just a clip. And we can do so many powerful things around it to repurpose it to really increase and build our visibility without spending hours trying to write the long copies of it. Don't do that? Don't do.
It's too much.
I do it because I love it. You know, I enjoy doing it. But I also do a lot of video live videos, short videos. So if you don't enjoy sitting down and pull your hair out and trying to figure out what to write, maybe video is just the answer to go.
Yes, absolutely. And you know, to be honest, it's a really easy way to it's like picking up the phone. You know, if you've ever been texting someone, sometimes you're like, oh my gosh, I'm just gonna pick because it's easier just to dialogue. Video is the same way you can get a message across so
quickly in a video. And if you start viewing it as that as a way to deliver your, your tools to deliver what you want to have impact on that's going to help I think reframe here as well that it's a tool to reach more people
say yes to the video. Right. So
yes.
I'm thank you so much, Amanda, for coming to the show. I really appreciate you your wisdom and all your great tips on on how to use the visual aspects to really increase our visibility and drive it home.
Absolutely. I really appreciate the time and the honor of being a guest on your podcast.
Thank you so much. I'll see you soon.
Okay, bye, bye.
Okay, everyone, hopefully you have a better, stronger, courageous soul after watching our show today to get out there and start thinking about if it's not live videos, at least do some short videos so that you can share it on your social media to build on that visibility. I hope this episode has brought you some new
insights. And hopefully it makes you realize that there's something that's out there that's possible without you sitting down and creating all these long copies and written copies and maybe get one single like So again, I'm a shell query. I'm a visibility confidence coach and you are watching the like coffee talk where I bring guests to come and talk to you about business and mindset. And I will see you back again at the show next week at 11 o'clock Pacific Time. Right here right now.