Video and Livestream Production Equipment: What’s in My Fanny Pack

I’m often asked what tools, technologies, and products I use to create video (especially livestream video for Facebook). This video (and post below with the links) will tell you everything you need to know!

I have just one favor to ask of you…please…pretty please…

If you decide to get a product you learned about here, would you be kind enough to click the links below and purchase from them? It goes to Amazon. Gives you the same price you’d get searching for the item yourself. But it tells Amazon that my site is referring them traffic and they like me better and give me a small percentage to say thank you. Plus, these stats are important to me as I try to pitch my services to companies.

Enjoy!

https://youtube.com/watch?v=zMQYzfqF0gQ%3Fstart%3D1

Recommended (and other) Products

Lavalier (Clip-On) Mic Options  
  
Sennheiser ClipMic digital Mobile Recording Microphone for iOS Devices   Yes. It’s $190. But worth it. My absolute favorite mic. And it’s so tiny that it travels anywhere. The quality is superb (as you’ll see in the video) and you’ll find yourself using it way more than you think…believe me… Shure MVL Omnidirectional Condenser Lavalier Microphone [1/8″ (3.5mm)] + Windscreen, Tie-Clip, Mount and Carrying Pouch   Mid-range budget (about $70). If you’re not ready to drop $190 on a mic yet, here’s a less expensive option for you.  I haven’t tested it yet, but the reviews are pretty good. Professional Grade Lavalier Lapel Microphone ­ Omnidirectional Mic with Easy Clip On System ­ Perfect for Recording Youtube / Interview / Video Conference / Podcast / Voice Dictation / iPhone   For an even cheaper budget option, this mic has great reviews. I haven’t tested it, but it’s a good place to get started and will be better than just your phone alone for audio.
HANDHELD Mic Options  
  
IK Multimedia iRig Mic HD high-definition handheld microphone for iPhone, iPad and Mac (black)   For interviewing others on a livestream. I love this mic. The sound quality is great, even in very windy and noisy environments. I’ve used it at concerts, on top of tall buildings, and at parties and the audio comes through very clear (about $85). IK Multimedia iRig Mic HD 2 high-definition handheld digital microphone for iPhone, iPad, Mac and PC   This is the newer version of the first mic. If I were in need of an upgrade, I’d get this. Honestly, though, the first version works well. I have the original version, but this one is a little easier to find for Prime members. But it’s about $25-30 more than the one I have (about $115). IK Multimedia iRig Mic handeld condenser mic for smartphones and tablets   Here’s another option, non iPhone specific version. I don’t think the quality is AS good, but it’s a little cheaper (around $60), and definitely better than no mic! This works on the headphone jack, so if you have a newer iPhone make sure to have your adapter handy. Can also use on computer.
CELL PHONE MOUNTS AND MINI TRIPODS  
  
Vastar Universal Cell Phone Tripod Mount Adapter Holder for iPhone/Samsung Galaxy/Nexus and More Cell Phones Use on Tripod, Monopod, Selfie Stick, Tabletop Tripod Stand and More   Under $5 and will fit with any existing tripod with a standard mount attachment. This is a no-brainer purchase. Plus, I think it’s more sturdy than some of the other (more expensive) mounts. Universal Mini Tripod, Walway Adjustable 360° Rotation Lightweight Desk Cell Phone Mount Stand for GoPro/ Cameras/ Camecorders/ Smartphones (Black)   The bare bones, basic, not super-high quality but functional mini-tripod. Will pack easily into any bag. Or even your back pocket. But you’ll need to also get a cell phone mount if you want to use this tripod. Rienar Octopus Style Portable and Adjustable Tripod Stand Holder for iPhone Cellphone   This bendy tripod I like quite a bit, especially at the price point (under $10). The mount that comes with it, I find, isn’t as good as the first one listed here, so I took it off and used my existing mount. But if you’re really on a budget, I’d get this one and rock it.

If I didn’t already have any of the above tools, though, and wanted to get a kit with everything, this is the one I would purchase. Flexible tripod. Strong cell phone mount. And a Bluetooth remote. (All under $20!)

KobraTech Mini Cell Phone Tripod – TriFlex Mini – Flexible iPhone Tripod for Any Smartphone

Home Studio Equipment (Used to make the video above)  
   
Neewer 75″/6 Feet/190CM Photography Light Stands for Relfectors, Softboxes, Lights, Umbrellas, Backgrounds   Super cheap. Super compact. Super easy-to-use tripod. It’s lightweight, easily storeable, and sturdy enough for home use, Even though the title says lighting and backdrop stand, it has a standard tripod screw mount for your phone adapter (shown above). Brightech Eclipse LED Floor Lamp – Double Rings of Light Bring Sci-Fi Ambiance to Contemporary Spaces – Dimmable Bright Halo Tall Standing Modern Lamp for Living Room, Bedroom and Office – Silver   This light makes me so happy. It doubles as a floor lamp! And it looks cool. I can lower the big ring, put my phone on the tripod in the middle of the ring, and record with easy lighting. Plus, three light settings! Oh! The Chatlight! I like this handy little guy. If you want to get one, please use THIS LINK because they like it when I refer people to them.   In fact, they were the first company about 18 months ago who reached out after I posted about their product online and gifted me an extra light as a thank-you. My first taste of what being an influencer could feel like…I want more of that! 🙂

And, of course, be sure to grab a copy of my book! Dynamic Communication: 27 Strategies to Grow, Lead, & Manage Your Business (from Entrepreneur Press). You can get more strategies for using video to GROW your business in chapters 6, 7, 8, & 9!

Dynamic Communication: 27 Strategies to Grow, Lead, and Manage Your Business

How to Create Videos that Sell without Selling

In this Dynamic Communication interview, author Jill Schiefelbein chats with Alex Charfen, CEO of Charfen, who gives a tip that can help you grow your business. Perfect for entrepreneurs, small businesses, sales teams, marketing teams, livestreamers, video creators and more.

  • How is livestreaming different than video marketing?
  • How can you build trust with your audience and form relationships?
  • Why should you not focus on selling in videos and livestreams?

See the interview video clip at: https://www.entrepreneur.com/video/289543

Alex’s interview is one of 27 featured in Jill’s latest book: Dynamic Communication: 27 Strategies to Grow, Lead, and Manage Your Business available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and iBooks.

How to Manage Unhappy Customers

In this Dynamic Communication interview, author Jill Schiefelbein chats with Eric Yuan, CEO and founder of Zoom, who gives a tip that can help you manage your business. Perfect for entrepreneurs, small businesses, sales teams, customer service departments, project managers and more.

  • How do you deliver happiness to your customers?
  • How can a CEO listen to his or her customers and respond to concerns?
  • What are some best practices for managing feedback?
  • Why might getting rid of project managers be a good idea for customer service?

See the interview video clip at: https://www.entrepreneur.com/video/289427

Eric’s interview is one of 27 featured in Jill’s latest book: Dynamic Communication: 27 Strategies to Grow, Lead, and Manage Your Business available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and iBooks.

How to Make the Ask, Use Limiters and Close the Sale

In this Dynamic Communication interview, author Jill Schiefelbein chats with Lisa Sasevich, CEO and founder of The Invisible Close, who gives a tip that can help you grow your business. Perfect for entrepreneurs, small businesses, sales teams, pitch creators and more.

  • What’s the biggest mistake people make when it comes to sales?
  • How do you structure your sales ask or sales pitch?
  • What strategies can you use to make sales feel less . . .icky?
  • How do you close more sales?

See the interview video clip at: https://www.entrepreneur.com/video/288807

Lisa’s interview is one of 27 featured in Jill’s latest book: Dynamic Communication: 27 Strategies to Grow, Lead, and Manage Your Business available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and iBooks.

Dynamic Communication Book

GET YOUR COPY TODAY!

 

Communication is more than words. Successful, DYNAMIC COMMUNICATION is measured by the actions and results that you generate—not the messages you produce.

GROW Your Business

Get 27 actionable strategies that you can implement to grow your business. Each chapter can be read independent of others, so in as little as 10 minutes you get an idea that can change your business.

Lead Your Business

Contributions from top entrepreneurs like Grant Cardone, John Lee Dumas, Jay Baer, Kat Loterzo, Robin Koval, Ekaterina Walter and 20+ more, give you real advice from real success stories.

Manage Your Business

Feedback is the motor oil that keeps your business engine running. Learn how to manage your teams and keep your people innovating with proven communication and engagement strategies.

Strategies to Accelerate Your Business

8 Parts. 27 Strategies. 100% Action.

The Bare Basics

Things you need to understand about communication

Sales Machine/Ninja/Badass

Providing service and growing sales

Marketing that Educates

Creating value-filled, magnetic marketing

Oh the Humanity!

Public communication strategies that help you connect

Speak Out, Speak Up

Giving presentations that inspire action

Inner Workings

How to manage teams, meetings, and get buy-in

Like a Boss

Leading and managing so people want to work for and with you

Retain, Innovate, or Die

Strategies for employee retention and development

A Conversation on Social Entrepreneurship with Eva Longoria

This month I had a cool opportunity–a chance to chat with Eva Longoria (now Eva Longoria Baston) about business, social entrepreneurship, and her passion in making the world a better place. While many people were focused on her upcoming wedding (which, truthfully, I was unaware of until doing a quick “news” search prior to the call, that I didn’t even think about it–we’re not personal friends, it’s really none of my business) Longoria had something else brewing behind the scenes.

On May 19th, Longoria was announced as one of four judges on Chivas The Venture–a social entrepreneurship competition where 27 finalists are vying for a piece of $1,000,000 in funding.

This was particularly a neat experience for me, as we had our conversation less than 12 hours before I got on a plane to travel to Rusinga Island, Kenya–a rural island community among the poorest of the poor–where I spoke to multiple groups about microfinance opportunities. Hearing her passion for social entrepreneurship added even more fuel to my fire about my service on this trip.

And, quite frankly, we had a great conversation and I wish I could sit down with her, share a cocktail, and talk shop on women, education, and business.

“Using business as a force for good is not only a passion of mine but, really, it’s the only way that we’re going to change the world.” –Eva Longoria Baston

Read the article to learn four steps you can take to make social responsibility a priority in your business, and to see more thoughts from Longoria about social entrepreneurship and her role as a judge.

Original article released May 23, 2016 on entrepreneur.com https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/276070

Cool Innovations in Digital Marketing

Attending SXSW you expect to see a lot of cool stuff. What you don’t expect to see, though, is avocados. But this year Avocados from Mexico–the marketing arm that represents the Hass Avocado Importers–took center stage with some unique and delicious innovations. And I was fortunate enough to be there to chat with the minds behind the creative efforts.

Check out these two articles at entrepreneur.com to learn more about the efforts and get a boost of inspiration for your next collaboration. The second one, especially, provides unique insights for digital marketers.

Guacamole and Music Make for a Delicious Combination at SXSW: https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/272702

Combine more than 60,000 hungry SXSW attendees who will come through SouthBites, free samples and musicians who want to expand their reach and you have a recipe for collaborative success.

Results are In: #GuacNRoll was the Most Popular SXSW Hashtag: https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/272906

“There is no paid media stronger than human influence. Our strategy in the digital conversation is focused around social influencers and leveraging brand ambassadors. By engaging attendees inside and outside of SXSW with a common hashtag, and partnering with musicians at SXSW in our Guacamole Showdown, we were able to do this at a high level that achieved a wide reach,” says Ivonne Kinser, Director of Digital Strategy at AFM.

The Second-Handshake: How Relationship Building Equals Business Success

If you want to be successful in business, you need to surround yourself with the right people.  But finding the right people to surround yourself with is not an easy task.  Yes, I realize I was a bit repetitive there.  Hear me out.

When we think about surrounding ourselves with the right people, we often think in the perspective of what people can do for us.  However, that’s a short-term outlook.  The real question you should be asking is: “What value can I bring to people?”

If you approach networking and relationship building in this manner, you’re bound to get a second handshake.

What is a second handshake?  I’m glad you asked.

Picture this scenario: You walk into a networking event.  Fresh meat.  Someone immediately approaches you, reaches out to shake your hand, and says (in one breath), “Hi, my name is Jill, I’m the owner of Impromptu Guru, I do public speaking and communication coaching and consulting. What’s your name and what do you do?”  You spurt your scripted answer back. You exchange cards. And you walk away.  There is no second handshake.

Now, picture this scenario: You walk into a networking event.  You go up to someone who looks interesting.  You shake hands and introduce yourselves by name.  You say, “Phil, I’m curious, how did you get into doing what you do?”  And a conversation ensues—the foundation of a relationship is laid.  After about five minutes you’ve learned that you both left corporate jobs to go it on your own.  You have something in common.  And you both genuinely enjoyed the conversation to the point that when you start to walk away, he extends his hand and gives you a second handshake.  Success!

It’s these conversations—these second handshakes—that are the foundation of relationships that can be mutually beneficial.  The relationships that allow you to surround yourself with the right people.  The relationships that lead to business success.

Learn more about the second handshake, and the two other keys for relationship building by listening to “Communication and Relationship Building” on “Communication Nation” http://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/68213/communication-and-relationship-building

Note: In a previous life (way back in 2013) I had a radio show on Voice America’s Talk Radio Network. You can now get all of the Communication Nation with Jill Schiefelbein show episodes on iTunes.

Define Your Brand: Pick Your Parking Spot

You’re starting a business. You know what you’re good at. And of course everyone can use it, right?

Wrong.

A common mistake that many entrepreneurs make is starting out too broad. This entrepreneur herself is not immune to that mistake. In fact, I’ve made it multiple times in different forms before settling on where I now target my marketing efforts. However, many of us fall prey to the fear of missing out, thinking that if we don’t spread out over a broad area we’re going to be skipping opportunities. In 3 Steps to Defining Your Space I provide detailed advice of how to stop thinking about your business as a highway and think about it as a parking spot.

But if you really want to differentiate yourself—if you want to claim an area where only you can land, a lane is the start, but it’s not enough.

Screw the lane. Pick a parking spot.

Multiple people—multiple businesses—can travel down the same lane. But only you can own your parking spot.

If you want to find out how to do the following steps, be sure to read the article, originally published on entrepreneur.com on November 9, 2015: https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/252549

  • Step 1: Pick Your Lane
  • Step 2: Define Yourself
  • Step 3: Locate Your Impact Area

Masterminding Tips: Creating Your Own Advisory Board

Forming a mastermind is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made in my business. This collection of five people, who are now my informal board of advisors (and, quite frankly, the business family that I choose for myself), helps me examine, create, and process opportunities. After a two-day intensive retreat I decided to put down the secrets to our success in an article. In this article on Entrepreneur.com I give you A No-BS Framework to Having an Effective Mastermind Group, including eleven steps that you can use to run a group of your own.

When done well, a mastermind is a valuable investment of time and energy. A mastermind serves as an advisory board, and provides different perspectives for solving business challenges. A mastermind group becomes the first call when questions arise, when you want to celebrate a success, or when you flat out have a crap day.

Published October 21, 2015 on Entrepreneur.com https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/251845