MAKE A VIDEO!
If you are in tune with online marketing, you will know that video email is the next step. We still don't have the capability to send v-mails with sound or even have dependability like regular email due to spam controls and an array of email clients, but we are working in that direction. VHD Technology seems to be taking the lead in v-mails by working with heavy-hitters such as Sears, Nike and SAP. You can check out the VHD website here.
What we do have in today's online environment is the ability to create, post, and promote a video online. Here is where I would like to introduce you to a cool new thing I found online called:
Eyejot.com made its splash on the scene a little over a year ago in publications such as the Wall Street Journal and USA Today. Now they are developing iPhone apps and surely building a client base. However, I am not writing today to promote eyejot directly. What I would like to focus on is the idea of making your case, selling your product, or convincing your client by video.
Check out this link and tell me whether Bob Rodkin has convinced you.
Right now, services such as eyejot have the ability for you to make a personalized video for your recipient. A video where you can talk by addressing your client with his or her name, addressing the issues that involve only you and the client, and building your case. As you see in Bob Rodkin's video, he got a response to 5 out of 6 of his eyejot emails within a half hour. There is nothing more pursuasive than showing up and talking to your client. A generalized email with your client's name inserted doesn't even come close to a personalized video email where the clients name come out of your mouth.
Right now, eyejot is a really cool thing to use but, I want to take an extra step further. What about a web-based program on my computer that allows me to do what eyejot does, like in my email service provider??? For example, I may want to send an email with attachments and links AND a video of me (physical expressions and all!!) embedded and playing in the email. Now, that would be cool! So go on Gmail....build the web interface for v-mail!! What are we waiting for?
Meanwhile, we can use eyejot, or upload videos on youtube, or buy expensive v-mail services like VHD.
A v-mail ESP is the next flattener in the increasingly flat world.
(Photo: stratstars.pbwiki.com)
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What a great post - and I'm grateful for your exposing Eyejot, and the medium. We're certainly strong believers in the power of video as a directed, personal communications tool. I have seen many businesses meet with great success employing video for all sorts of messaging initiatives - from introductions, to product support, to A/R collections.
ReplyDeleteThe challenge of getting video to play directly inside of an email client (even the web-based services like GMail, Yahoo and Hotmail) is that, for security reasons, Javascript and the use of embedded objects (required for Flash or Silverlight) is severely restricted. There are some solutions that involve producing animated GIFs of portions of video, but they're usually very heavy and can't carry sound.
Eyejot certainly offers a video mail service "in the cloud" and we already think of ourselves as a v-mail ESP. Still, it's a lot to ask people to give up their existing email personalities (and practices), so we're confident that effective users of the medium will strive for a blend of different platforms and technologies.
Excellent commentary!! Thank you very much for clearing up some of the restrictions and exactly what the challenges are to getting video to play directly inside of an email client. Cool!
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