Like a good butt-kicking challenge?

If You're Terrified of Video Blogging, You Need Help Getting Out of Your Own Way!

The Harsh Reality? Without Video, You Look Like an Amateur.

Two years.

That's how long it took me to start video blogging from the time my mentor told me it was the way to go. My list was small. I didn't feel pretty (I'm fat) or youthful (I'm in my 40s). I worried someone would make fun of my tooth that stuck slightly out. I had already had some guys in a black hat forum compare my picture to a wildebeest.

Why in the heck would I want to subject myself to VIDEO?

Because it's what grew my list by the thousands.

It's what created hundreds of loyal subscribers throughout the years who think of me as a friend and mentor, not just "some marketer pushing stuff."

If you've been sitting on the sidelines, quietly working with text on your blog - watching as everyone else embeds personalized video, you're not alone.

There are thousands of bloggers getting left behind because self doubt, fear and insecurities prevent them from putting themselves out there on video.

What's Your Biggest Video Fear?

It's different for everyone, but there are some common issues most marketers experience, including:

Fear of Being Ridiculed

Are there trolls online? Yep. Your worst fears, confirmed. There are immature people who will make fun of you. Oh well. You have to decide if you'll let them get in your way or not.

Fear of People Not Liking You

Weed out your non audience. Attract those who love your stuff. This is the best feeling in the world. You don't WANT to cater to everyone. You want your stuff to appeal to a core group.

Fear You Won't Know What to Say or Do on Video

Some people hear about video and start worrying about green screens and lighting and high tech intros and backgrounds. Um, no. Not in MY challenge! And I already have topics mapped out for us. What's your next excuse?

You Could Continue Avoiding Video

 Of course, there are things you could do instead of recording yourself on video for your blogs.  You could use PowerPoint and record the screen with text as you talk.

But honestly? I'm 45. I can read. I don't need you doing that for me.

You could outsource it to someone else - have them get on video and say a prepared speech. But your audience wants to be led by you, not some spokesperson.

You could keep relying on text as you watch and hand over thousands of followers who prefer video to your competition.

Or...You Could Let Me Hold Your Hand and Get You Comfortable with Video Blogging

You need to be competitive. You need to use a tool that, unlike text and podcasts, allows your audience to really bond with you. They see your face, they hear your voice. They feel like you're sitting right across from them as a friend and mentor.

In my first summer mini challenge, we're going to dive into video blogging for 2 weeks. Can you be uncomfortable for 14 days? Sure you can.

I even have levels of discomfort available for you. Ha ha! :)

You can:

Participate in lurking mode, learning and staying silent the entire time.

Participate with me only, where you don't post anything publicly, but keep it password protected and get my feedback only.

Participate openly and hardcore, where you're sharing your content and getting my feedback as well as other terrified participants who are there to support and encourage you.

Either way works for me, but of course I suggest the last one.

What Do You Need for the Challenge?

Aside from the participation fee of $27, all you need is a way to record yourself and a video channel on YouTube or Vimeo or wherever.

I personally use my iPhone and Vimeo. You can use a webcam, or whatever.

No green screens requires. No special lamps. No fancy video equipment. The video you see above was made with my iPhone and Vimeo. That's all. Does the job.

I'll be walking you through 14 topics to video blog about, and you can do them on the day I do them or at your own pace. If you want to do a topic other than what I have, you can do that, too!

Each lesson will include:

A tutorial about the video blog for the day with tips and advice

An example of my own to share with you so you can see how it's done

Personal critique and feedback of how (or if) you can make improvements on your own videos

You won't GET this much hand holding elsewhere - most video courses just tell you how to make videos and leave you floundering, scared and alone.

Not on my watch.

I KNOW how scared you are. I was, too. For two years. I kicked my own butt. Now I'm sliding on my Texas cowboy boots and am ready to kick yours.

This challenge officially begins this Sunday, June 12th BUT you can join at ANY time - even in October - and participate, read comments, get the personal critiquing, etc. It's evergreen, in other words.