VPT Reader Creates Successful Educational Video Series
Video by Hector Velazquez.
If you’d like an excellent example of using online video to advance your career and grow your business, look no further than Hector Velazquez.
Hector is a mechanic and works as the golf course equipment manager at the Walnut Creek Country Club in South Lyon, Michigan.
Hector wanted to share his mechanical expertise, so began making videos explaining how to repair common problems with lawn care equipment and the other machines he worked on daily that were needed to keep a golf course looking gorgeous.
Hector had absolutely zero video production experience. Hector was into lawn mowers, not video cameras. But he knew that online video was an incredible opportunity, so why not? Hector researched online and found this humble blog. 🙂 Not to brag and change the topic to ME, but Hector swears my tutorials were way easier to understand than others he found. I also answered several specific questions for Hector via email. I always make it a point to answer questions when readers reach out to me.
Like I always suggest for beginners, Hector kept it simple, using talking head videos with close-ups edited in to showcase what he was doing. He edited together a short, catchy animated opening with powerful music. His lighting was bright and diffused, audio clear and crisp. Scripts concise and to-the-point.
Although simple in style, Hector’s videos were so good that a larger organization, TurfNet, added them to their line-up of educational videos, which is quite extensive.
They contracted with Hector to produce one video per month. He is now in his third season under that deal.
Like other educational video series on Turf Net TV, Hector’s video series is sponsored by Jacobsen, a manufacture of the type of equipment Hector features in his videos.
The exposure even led to Hector winning these two gorgeous trophies for Best Instructional Videos given by an industry trade group, the TOCA Turf and Ornamental Communicators Association.
His videos certainly deserved them. I applaud Hector’s willingness to learn a new craft (video) and persist with it until he achieved success.
I can not say the same for my mechanic skills. 🙂
HOT MARKETING TREND
Educational videos like Hector’s are good examples of a hot marketing trend that many companies could implement.
Educational videos that train people to use and maintain the equipment (or any product) of the sponsor company is a marketing technique that has blossomed under the opportunity of online video.
Personally, I think it’s a great technique and the absolute definition of a win-win. Customers have easy access to free instructional videos about their purchases and sponsor companies to win customer loyalty and create positive brand awareness.
Brand awareness is a key part for anyone looking to run a successful business. Without this, it would be harder for people to try and get their business out there to a wider audience. This can be done through the use of social media platforms. By simply posting unique video content online, this could reach the intended audience and more. Even if it is a couple of videos a day about their services/products on a platform like TikTok, this could be a step in the right direction when it comes to raising awareness. It’s also about doing it in a way that people will remember and will hopefully gain you more followers. Creating video content was what worked for Hector.
Hector becomes a video star and I get a nice email thanking me for all the great advice on how to make videos. I guess we need to call it a win-win-win-win! Now you get this inspiring blog post….Gosh, we’re all winning here.
VIDEO ELEMENTS
Most videos follow a formula, and honestly, that’s ok. If that sounds boring and lacking creativity, not to worry. The creative elements come in the specific details that are added on top of the formula. Hector’s videos follow a good and standard format, containing quality elements put together in a pleasing way.
As his “teacher” I offer these reasons why his videos truly achieve excellence. If you follow these basics, your videos will shine too.
- Opening animation is spectacular with great music getting the video off to a fantastic start
- Lighting for Hector’s talking head shot is bright and diffused, which creates a sharp, crystal-clear video image
- The script is conversational, concise, and to-the-point yet still contains plenty of information and detail to truly educate the viewer
- Audio is clear and distortion free
- Close-up shots are used to show detail and provide visual variety
- Royalty free music softly in the background helps keep the video moving
- Hector is great on camera, speaking clearly, being personable and looking right into the lens. Looks incredibly handsome too!
- Graphics (words on the screen) are used for additional information
- Videos are kept short, around 3 minutes
OVERCOMING FEAR OF BEING ON CAMERA
When you watch Hector’s videos, you get no clue that he is experiencing any kind of stage fright, but he is. I know the feeling myself quite well! Overcoming fear of being on camera is a HUGE issue for many people. Kudos to Hector for not letting it stop him. I think he does a great job on camera and comes across as a knowledgeable, personable guy. He succeeds at this because he has obviously practices and has his script down pat. He does not stumble with his words or ramble. His eyes are either fixed on what he is doing or they are looking directly at the viewer.
Because one is not enough, here is another video example of Hector’s work. This video show him building a trailer to carry lawn equipment. He got some really awesome close-up in this video. Below this video is a brief interview with Hector.
INTERVIEW WITH HECTOR VELAZQUEZ
How does your business benefit from using video?
I produce “How to Video’s” that help people work on their outdoor power equipment (O.P.E.) e.g. weed eaters, push mowers, riding mowers, etc. So, how I benefit is in the fact that I am helping someone understand that taking care of their own equipment can be easy!
What experiences with video did you have when you got started?
NONE! ZIP! ZILCH! ZERO! NADA!! LOL! I knew nothing. I got started with a cheap Kodak point and shoot camera that happened to have a video option.
What things were critical for you to learn about video?
I had no experience and even less knowledge. Basic understanding about how video works was critical, then learning about lighting, and more important than all that was audio. I have been to other sites that would “try” to explain this stuff. But, it was not till I found your help video’s that I really “understood”. I was actually understanding and learning and being inspired to learn all I could.
What problems did you have to overcome?
Well, being that I was being the camera man, lighting, sound man, editor etc. I was also the “Host” and STAGE FRIGHT was huge, learning to be confident or at least “appear” that way lol. But, don’t get me wrong, I am still overcoming, and I learn more, and more.
What advice do you have for others who wish to use video in their business?
JUST DO IT!! No guts, no glory. Do not be afraid to ask the “Stupid” questions, It’s ok to NOT KNOW! Honestly, I know no one knows everything, but together we can learn anything.
Learn from others’ mistakes, and always, ALWAYS listen to Lorraine!! 🙂
Thanks, Hector. I especially like that last piece of advice.
Here is a link to Hectors personal website with his extensive video library. These are the same videos on the Turf Net site. The library as a whole is truly quite amazing, IMHO, and I am humbled to have played a small part. Congratulations, Hector, and thanks to everyone for reading Video Production Tips!
Lorraine Grula
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
- Watch either of the two videos made by Hector Velazquez on this page and write a one-paragraph (or longer) critique.
- In your own words, list three ways using online video is good for small business owners like Hector.
- How much experience did Hector have making videos prior to making his award-winning video series?