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You know video is essential in 2026. But you feel awkward on camera. And even if you put that aside, you don't know how to get started.

This is for you. In this episode, I share some of what I teach in the first session of my Smarter, Faster, Fun Video Bootcamp. Including what you really need to get started creating video today.

🔹Everybody feels uncomfortable on camera when they start.

🔹The BOCA method helps banish camera anxiety in 14-days.

🔹Recording one line at a time saves time recording and editing your videos.

🔹All you need to start creating video is your smartphone.

🔹Wireless lavaliers will immediately make your videos more professional.

🔹Start with basic, inexpensive equipment and invest as needed.

🔹Recording video every day will improve on-camera presence.

🔹Mindset is crucial for effective video communication.

🔹Your audience cares more about your message than your appearance.

🔹Video creation can be fun and manageable with the right techniques.

00:00 Overcoming Camera Anxiety

01:45 Recording Techniques for Success

04:10 The Importance of Mindset in Video Creation

🔷My 2-week LIVE Smarter, Faster, Fun Video Bootcamp starts again on Monday, January 26th. Learn more and sign up Click Here
Or visit BlackDogMarketingStrategies.com/SFF

Join me in The Lab on Substack, my space to test, tweak, and share smart ideas worth chasing, especially around video, content strategy, and showing up online without burning out (or wasting your weekends) Click Here

📌 When you’re ready to make creating engaging social media videos a priority, I offer 1:1 coaching and done-with-you video services. 😉 Click Here

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➡️ Need more? Check out the 300+ videos on my YouTube channel Click here for my YouTube channel

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For additional insights, connect with Annette Richmond and Black Dog Marketing Strategies on social media.
Substack: https://substack.com/@annetterichmond
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annetterichmond/
YouTube: ...

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Hate being on camera? Being uncomfortable on camera is what stops many people from creating video content.

We're going to fix that today. In this solo episode, I share 5 simple techniques to help you get more comfortable on camera. Including my Banish On Camera Anxiety or BOCA that works in 14 days.

Top Takeaways

🔹Lazy videos, on camera or off, can help you ease into video creation

🔹Standing in power poses to boost your confidence before recording.

🔹Bring in some movie magic with "suspension of disbelief."

🔹Learn from top speakers using the "shadowing" or mirror method.

🔹Use the Banish On Camera Anxiety strategy to cure jitters in 14-days

🔷My 2-week LIVE Smarter, Faster, Fun Video Bootcamp starts again on Monday, January 26th. Learn more and sign up Click Here
Or visit BlackDogMarketingStrategies.com/SFF

Join me in The Lab on Substack, my space to test, tweak, and share smart ideas worth chasing, especially around video, content strategy, and showing up online without burning out (or wasting your weekends) Click Here

📌 When you’re ready to make creating engaging social media videos a priority, I offer 1:1 coaching and done-with-you video services. 😉 Click Here

*********************************************

➡️ Need more? Check out the 300+ videos on my YouTube channel Click here for my YouTube channel

********************************************

For additional insights, connect with Annette Richmond and Black Dog Marketing Strategies on social media.
Substack: https://substack.com/@annetterichmond
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annetterichmond/
YouTube: ...

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Upgrading your content doesn’t require a studio, a shopping spree, or a stack of complicated tech. A few well-chosen tools can dramatically improve how your videos and audio look and sound, without blowing your budget.

In this solo episode, I share the equipment I use for recording short-form videos, livestreams, and podcasts, along with practical recommendations for creators at every stage. From tripods and lighting to wireless mics and desktop gear, you’ll hear exactly what’s worth investing in, and what you can skip.

Top Takeaways

🔹The right tools make a difference in content quality.

🔹Tripods help stabilize videos and improve viewer retention.

🔹Natural light is the best lighting option for videos.

🔹Investing in a good microphone is crucial for audio quality.

🔹Wireless lavalier microphones are now affordable and effective.

🔹Desktop microphones are essential for podcasting.

🔹Logitech webcams are reliable for video recording.

🔹Start with basic equipment and upgrade as needed.

🔷My 2-week LIVE Smarter, Faster, Fun Video Bootcamp starts again on Monday, January 26th. Learn more and sign up Click Here
Or visit BlackDogMarketingStrategies.com/SFF

Join me in The Lab on Substack, my space to test, tweak, and share smart ideas worth chasing, especially around video, content strategy, and showing up online without burning out (or wasting your weekends) Click Here

📌 When you’re ready to make creating engaging social media videos a priority, I offer 1:1 coaching and done-with-you video services. 😉 Click Here

*********************************************

➡️ Need more? Check out the 300+ videos on my YouTube channel Click here for my YouTube channel

********************************************

For additional insights, connect with Annette Richmond and Black Dog Marketing Strategies on social media.
Substack: https://substack.com/@annetterichmond
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annetterichmond/
YouTube: ...

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If choosing the right tech feels harder than it should, you’re not alone.
The real challenge isn’t the tools — it’s knowing what actually matters.

I’ve known Christopher Johnson for years, so I was delighted when he agreed to be part of the Mini Marketing Marathon. In this session, he breaks down how to make smarter, calmer tech decisions using a simple framework that helps you avoid shiny-object syndrome and focus on what actually supports your goals.

Top Takeaways

🔹 Tech overwhelm usually starts with the wrong question Most people ask “What does this tool do?” instead of “What do I need this to do?” Starting with purpose changes everything.

🔹 Purpose comes before features If a tool does one or two things you need well, you’re not under-using it — even if it has 50 other features you never touch.

🔹 Use what you already have The best tool is often the one already in your hands. Phones and basic software are far more powerful than most people realize.

🔹 Choose tech based on where your people are You don’t need to be everywhere. You need to be where your audience already spends time.

🔹 Make tech fit your process, not the other way around You don’t have to use every setting, option, or workflow. Simpler almost always wins.

🔹 Value matters more than price If a tool gets used and supports your goals, it’s worth the investment. If it doesn’t, return it — unused tech creates mental clutter.

🔹 Test before you commit Pilot tools whenever possible. Real-world use tells you more than reviews ever will.

🔹 Go deeper with fewer tools Mastery beats accumulation. Fewer tools, used well, reduce stress and build confidence.

🔷My 2-week LIVE Smarter, Faster, Fun Video Bootcamp starts again on Monday, January 26th. Learn more and sign up Click Here
Or visit BlackDogMarketingStrategies.com/SFF

Join me in The Lab on Substack, my space to test, tweak, and share smart ideas worth chasing, especially around video, content strategy, and showing up online without burning out (or wasting your weekends) Click Here

📌 When you’re ready to make creating engaging social media videos a priority, I offer 1:1 coaching and done-with-you video services. 😉 Click Here

*********************************************

➡️ Need more? Check out the 300+ videos on my YouTube channel Click here for my YouTube channel

********************************************

For additional insights, connect with Annette Richmond and Black Dog Marketing Strategies on social media.
Substack: https://substack.com/@annetterichmond
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annetterichmond/
YouTube: ...

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It's easy to post consistently on LinkedIn or any social media platform for a few weeks. or so. But maintaining that can be challenging.

In this solo episode, I talk about using day-of-the-week themes to stay on track with your content creation. And provide examples to help you get started.

Key Takeaways

🔹People struggle with coming up with content ideas.
🔹Being comfortable on camera is a common challenge.
🔹Consistency is key in content creation.
🔹Day of the week themes can simplify content planning.
🔹Creating a series can provide a framework for content.
🔹A content calendar helps in organizing posts.
🔹Start with a manageable posting schedule.
🔹Engage your audience with themed content.
🔹Repurpose content for different platforms.
🔹Planning ahead saves time in content creation.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction to Content Creation Strategies
02:42 Day of the Week Themes for Content
08:24 Creating a Content Calendar and Series
10:47 Conclusion and Call to Action

🔷My 2-week LIVE Smarter, Faster, Fun Video Bootcamp starts again on Monday, January 26th. Learn more and sign up Click Here
Or visit BlackDogMarketingStrategies.com/SFF

Join me in The Lab on Substack, my space to test, tweak, and share smart ideas worth chasing, especially around video, content strategy, and showing up online without burning out (or wasting your weekends) Click Here

📌 When you’re ready to make creating engaging social media videos a priority, I offer 1:1 coaching and done-with-you video services. 😉 Click Here

*********************************************

➡️ Need more? Check out the 300+ videos on my YouTube channel Click here for my YouTube channel

********************************************

For additional insights, connect with Annette Richmond and Black Dog Marketing Strategies on social media.
Substack: https://substack.com/@annetterichmond
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annetterichmond/
YouTube: ...

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Staring at a blank page with no idea what to write is every content creator's nightmare. Luckily, I have a solution for you.

In this solo episode, I share my RECAP method, a four-part system to streamline content creation by recording, converting, adapting, and publishing. And a few tips to use your text to create a variety of content.

Key Takeaways

🔹 Recording your voice can help overcome writer's block.
🔹Transcription tools like Happy Scribe can simplify content creation.
🔹Creating diverse content formats can enhance audience engagement.
🔹Using personal quotes in social media is more impactful than sharing others'.
🔹Short-form videos are increasingly popular on platforms like LinkedIn.
🔹Infographics are making a comeback in content marketing.
🔹Adapting transcripts can lead to multiple content pieces.

TCHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction to Content Marketing Strategies
01:18 The Recap System: Record, Convert, Adapt, Publish
06:20 Creating Diverse Content from Transcripts
09:06 Final Thoughts and Publishing Tips

P.S. Incorporates part of an earlier Content Marketing School episode.

🔷My 2-week LIVE Smarter, Faster, Fun Video Bootcamp starts again on Monday, January 26th. Learn more and sign up Click Here
Or visit BlackDogMarketingStrategies.com/SFF

Join me in The Lab on Substack, my space to test, tweak, and share smart ideas worth chasing, especially around video, content strategy, and showing up online without burning out (or wasting your weekends) Click Here

📌 When you’re ready to make creating engaging social media videos a priority, I offer 1:1 coaching and done-with-you video services. 😉 Click Here

*********************************************

➡️ Need more? Check out the 300+ videos on my YouTube channel Click here for my YouTube channel

********************************************

For additional insights, connect with Annette Richmond and Black Dog Marketing Strategies on social media.
Substack: https://substack.com/@annetterichmond
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annetterichmond/
YouTube: ...

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As more professionals shift their attention to Substack, it's becoming more essential than optional. Even if that's just opening an account to follow your favorite creators.

Although I joined in July, I didn't fully embrace Substack until the end of October. In this solo episode, I share some of what I've learned over the last 30+ days to help you put the pieces together and have a smoother onboarding than I did.

Key Takeaways

🔹Substack is a versatile platform for content sharing.

🔹Notes are quick updates that help maintain engagement.

🔹Substack Live requires at least 10 in-app subscribers.

🔹Notes can be text-only and are easy to create.

🔹Posts can serve as a library for substantial content.

🔹Mixing content types enhances audience engagement.

🔹Get your name or preferred handle on Substack before it's gone.

🔷My 2-week LIVE Smarter, Faster, Fun Video Bootcamp starts again on Monday, January 26th. Learn more and sign up Click Here
Or visit BlackDogMarketingStrategies.com/SFF

Join me in The Lab on Substack, my space to test, tweak, and share smart ideas worth chasing, especially around video, content strategy, and showing up online without burning out (or wasting your weekends) Click Here

📌 When you’re ready to make creating engaging social media videos a priority, I offer 1:1 coaching and done-with-you video services. 😉 Click Here

*********************************************

➡️ Need more? Check out the 300+ videos on my YouTube channel Click here for my YouTube channel

********************************************

For additional insights, connect with Annette Richmond and Black Dog Marketing Strategies on social media.
Substack: https://substack.com/@annetterichmond
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annetterichmond/
YouTube: ...

Send us a text

It doesn't take a ton of time or fancy gear to make your videos look more polished and professional. A few simple tweaks can make all the difference.

In this solo episode, I share simple strategies and techniques to help you create more compelling social media videos without complicated editing, extra stress, or buying expensive equipment. And one easy "trick" video to boost engagement.

Key Takeaways

🔹Stop introducing yourself at the start of every video.
🔹Always begin with value, not your promo.
🔹Use templates in Canva, CapCut, or Instagram for fast, easy content.
🔹Using day of the week content themes to build out a content calendar.
🔹Record B-roll footage intentionally to create engaging content.
🔹Tell ChatGPT exactly what you want for better results.
🔹Loop videos can increase viewer engagement and retention.
🔹Small tweaks can lead to big upgrades in video quality.
🔹Experiment with one or two tips at a time for better results.
🔹Utilize B-roll footage to build a content library.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction to Effective Video Content

00:49 Maximizing Engagement: Start with Value

01:59 Streamlining Content Creation with Templates

02:56 Leveraging Day of the Week Themes

03:47 The Power of Intentional B-Roll

03:55 Optimizing AI for Content Ideas

05:18 Enhancing Engagement with Loop Videos

06:32 Recap and Final Thoughts

🔷My 2-week LIVE Smarter, Faster, Fun Video Bootcamp starts again on Monday, January 26th. Learn more and sign up Click Here
Or visit BlackDogMarketingStrategies.com/SFF

Join me in The Lab on Substack, my space to test, tweak, and share smart ideas worth chasing, especially around video, content strategy, and showing up online without burning out (or wasting your weekends) Click Here

📌 When you’re ready to make creating engaging social media videos a priority, I offer 1:1 coaching and done-with-you video services. 😉 Click Here

*********************************************

➡️ Need more? Check out the 300+ videos on my YouTube channel Click here for my YouTube channel

********************************************

For additional insights, connect with Annette Richmond and Black Dog Marketing Strategies on social media.
Substack: https://substack.com/@annetterichmond
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annetterichmond/
YouTube: ...