Lights, Camera, Customers! In a still tough economy, many small businesses are giving video presentations to market themselves. Master presentation skills and you can attract new customers. Use your business video to educate, create awareness and advertise your services.

Particularly exciting are the many ways to use video. For instance, you can create a high-definition video with a digital camera and turn it into an affordable advertisement.

More and more small businesses are flocking to video for commercials, infomercials, documentaries and film series to attract new customers.

According to the Los Angeles Times, slick ad campaigns are now much more affordable to small firms. There are bargains available such as radically lower production costs and remarkable ad rates. http://articles.latimes.com/2010/jun/01/business/la-fi-cheap-ads-20100602

Yet, even with the most affordable production and bargain rates, as a small business owner, there is one very real hurdle to overcome.

Getting up in front of a video camera and telling your story!

So, I'll leave it to you to find the best local production company in your area. Just be sure to take advantage of all the bargains out there.

While you're getting your production crew in order, use these tips. These 3-quick and simple video tips will help you enhance presentation skills. Get confident and get ready for being on camera - the easy way.

Video Tip 1: Be Authentic Your customers and prospects want to see you - up close and personal. They aren't looking for another phony or slick ad. Instead, they want to see you talking like a real, down-to-earth person.

Hint: Talk to the camera as if you were talking to your best friend.

Video Tip 2: Say Less Viewers want to hear a short, catchy message. They don't want to know all the nitty-gritty details about your business. And they definitely don't want to hear you drone on about your precise business plan or strategic timeline- that's for your planning wall only.

When you're making a video, continuously challenge yourself to say less. Strangely enough, this will help you sound much more believable. Less is not truly easy. It's hard work and you may have to struggle to define your core message.

Don't give up. A short, pithy message in fewer words is the way to go!

Video Tip 3: Give Specific Instructions Video messages are short and punchy. Tell people watching what to do next - and be specific.

For instance:  Download a special report  Stop by for a limited offer  Get a discount until Friday midnight  Be the first 100 people and get 'X' for free

Short, understandable and specific next steps are best.

Come up with a specific action that anyone can understand.

Hint: If you are short on ideas, look at television ads and infomercials. While you don't have to recreate the ads on late-night television, this will give you loads of ideas for specific instructions.

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