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By Elizabeth Verwey
Scotiabank has a brand new website for small business owners called getgrowingforbusiness.com. They invited me to share some of my own tips and advice in a few webinars for small business owners. What an experience! My learning curve was a steep one, but so worthwhile.
We spent most of a day in the studio, taping and re-working my material. And re-taping. In my role as a public speaker, I’m used to moving around freely and expressing myself in what seems a “natural” way. I’m used to seeing the smiles and nods from the friendly faces around me. In this entirely different medium, I had to stand in one spot and try to naturally express my thoughts and ideas. My arms and feet seem to be hardwired to move together. My arms normally move when my feet do…but my feet could not move. It was challenging to move my arms in a natural way.
The team was fantastic! Dave, Amanda and Pam from Scotiabank were a pleasure to work with. When I arrived at the studio, Catherine did my hair and makeup. Tisha helped me choose my wardrobe. Tad helped with useful tips and ideas. He taught me how to gaze into the camera while I read the teleprompter. Don helped me with the pace of my words. We edited those words that didn’t flow. It’s challenging to read without sounding as if you’re reading, and make it sound like you’re having original thoughts. Which they were at first, but after they’re been written down, edited and you’ve expressed them in 9 “takes”, they begin to sound a little old.
There was a whole technical team who worked hard on the computers that do wonderful things to enhance the sights and sounds and make them all appear real. Another fellow kept great food and drinks available to give us energy.
I felt encouraged and supported. After each take, Tad would walk around a bit and reset the camera. He’d smile, and invite me to try it again. What patience.
BTW, do you have any idea how hot it gets in front of all those lights? The team keep saying it was warm where they were sitting. Well, it was downright hot, not warm, in front of those high voltage lights! Each time I got too hot, Catherine would arrive and pat my face dry with powder. And, the lights made my photo sensitive lenses turn dark. So, I did all that reading without my glasses.
And, I did it! We captured three segments: Petty Cash Expenses; Your Business Plan as a living document; Collecting Client feedback. What a treat. I’m so pleased to have been a part of this valuable resource for small business owners. The information and tools available on this site will cut your learning curve as you grow your business to the next level.
I’d really like Catherine to come over and do my hair and makeup before I head off on other new adventures. Maybe I could call Tisha to help choose my jewelry? Tad could help me improve my body language and voice delivery.
Most of all – a big thank you to Scotiabank. They gave me the opportunity of a lifetime. I learned lots and was a star for the day. I loved sharing my thoughts and ideas with small business owners. Now, there’s work for the rest of the team. That footage needs to be edited; bullet points will be added to clarify the message.
Take a look for yourself. Register at www.getgrowingforbusiness.com and you’ll get updates when new webinars are available. If you get the chance to see mine, will you let me know what you think? I want to learn and improve these new skills, so I can share more information in less time.
Elizabeth Verwey owns and operates Small Office Mentors in Toronto. As a life long learner, she appreciates opportunities to gather new tips and ideas. Contact Elizabeth directly at 416-463-1713 or www.officementors.com
Elizabeth Verwey of Small Office Mentors guides people to become more effective in their time and space management. Contact Elizabeth
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