3 minute read
House of Cards returns at midnight, and we know it’s all you’ll be thinking about at work tomorrow. If you aren’t planning to call in sick, then you’re likely anticipating the moment you can run home and binge. Frank Underwood has given us many truth-bombs to behold, including “The road to power is paved with hypocrisy. And casualties. Never regret.” When you’re feeling feisty, the HoC quotes page on IMDB will cheer you up with scary phrases to charm the pants off whoever you may be angry with in that moment.
To keep you somewhat working under the guise of learning, we’re going to translate some quotes from Mr. Underwood into video marketing tips to employ at the office. If your boss tells you to get back to work, just repeat after Frank: “Proximity to power deludes some into believing they wield it.” BURN. Umm just kidding. Don’t do that. Bad idea.
- “There’s no better way to overpower a trickle of doubt than with a flood of naked truth.”
As you plan projects such as a testimonial video, remember the sophistication of modern audiences, and consider using real consumers. Nothing convinces like an actual user of your product. One of our producers covered this very topic recently, and you can read his reasoning here.
- “If you don’t like how the table is set, turn over the table.”
Frank has so much rock ‘n roll in him, he doesn’t even know just how much he out-rocks Johnny Ramone. What he is basically saying here (in a video marketing context) is to edit, edit, edit, edit. Now is the time, not after the project is finished, to keep your project’s strategy and goals in mind and be certain your video will reach its intended purpose.
- “After all, we are nothing more or less than what we choose to reveal.”
Make sure your content amplification plan is in check. People like to assume that, because they laugh at the video they helped create, it will obviously go “viral.” We hate the “viral” goal, by the way. Audiences won’t be seeking out your video because you have one, you need to set it up for success from the start. Give them the tools to find out more about you after they’ve watched your piece, and give your video a chance at being more than a passing moment.
- “From this moment on you are a rock. You absorb nothing, you say nothing, and nothing breaks you.”
When we release our new commercial, product video, testimonial, etc., it feels like sending our baby off to school. We worked so hard to raise it right and make sure it’s able to withstand being out in the world on its own. This is a huge mistake. The personal attachment to the project should dissolve at its release, or both praise and criticism will be skewed when received by you. Be a rock, listen, adjust, but don’t get defensive and don’t ignore helpful comments. As Frankie says, “It only takes 10 seconds to crush a man’s ambitions.” Don’t let that be you.
About the Author
Stephanie Norell is the Marketing Director for North by Northwest’s Boise office. She loves horror movies and Pinterest, adores the classic film Xanadu, and “enjoys” disseminating her thoughts for trolls to discuss online.
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