Diving with an Endangered Hawksbill Sea Turtle in Cozumel

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EFITOdO19p0&feature=autoshare

This happened today (among many other amazing encounters) at Punta Sur.

This happened today (among many other amazing encounters) at Punta Sur. Definitely the closest I've been to a large spotted eagle ray.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6PE7ACfOfX4&feature=autoshare

The Mexican Great White Shark - Scuba Diving in Cozumel

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HcMdMWoiixE&feature=autoshare

Eagle Ray Season in Cozumel

Eagle Ray Season in Cozumel

I do frequently get asked by people interested in scuba diving in Cozumel when the best time of year is to see spotted eagle rays. We usually see the most eagle rays in Cozumel between January and March. Of course, there are the few that arrive early or stay late and we do see them on occasion throughout the year.

#cozumel #scubadiving #travel

How to Take Photos of Lightning

How to Take Photos of Lightning

As common as it is, lightning is one of nature’s more impressive displays. Capturing this elusive show of power can be as challenging as it can be rewarding. Getting a decent photograph of lightning is almost certain to be tricky, but there are a few ways to increase your chances of snapping a good shot.

http://scottharrell.net/tips-photographing-lightning/

#photography #howto #weather
http://scottharrell.net/tips-photographing-lightning/

Here are a few videos I've taken while scuba diving in Cozumel, Mexico and other nearby places.

Here are a few videos I've taken while scuba diving in Cozumel, Mexico and other nearby places. From my experience, Cozumel is consistently the best place to scuba dive in the Caribbean.

#scuba #diving #cozumel
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJjJy6_--UwpeXTJutpd-c6eeHbNBF1qL

Scuba Diving in Cozumel and Other Underwater Videos

Whiteboard videos happen to be one of the most effective ways to market your business using video but what is it...

Whiteboard videos happen to be one of the most effective ways to market your business using video but what is it about them that makes whiteboard videos work?

http://lscottharrell.blogspot.com/2017/07/5-reasons-why-whiteboard-videos-crush.html

5 Reasons Why Whiteboard Videos CRUSH Video Marketing

A whiteboard video is an informal and interesting way to explain concepts, procedures or systems. They consist of a narrator/illustrator drawing a visual explanation of a concept. This type of video is an ideal way to explain things to your audience. It is exactly the same as teachers explaining things to their students. 

Whiteboard videos also happen to be one of the most effective ways to market your business using video.

With whiteboard animations, you can draw or write things on your whiteboard, clean the whiteboard, and draw other things as you explain your points in your videos. This is also widely used as a video sales message, which has proven that it can convert potential clients better than the standard format of a regular sales page.

So, what's the secret?

What is it about them that makes whiteboard videos actually work? 

Below, let's look at 5 reasons why whiteboard videos work so well for video marketing:

1. Whiteboard Videos Tell Your Story Better

Rather than hiring an actor to tell the story about your business, a whiteboard video brings your audience into your story. You can tell your story from start to finish without boring your audience or losing them in the details. The animations that are used in this type of video are simple and engaging; they compel the viewers to continue watching the video through to the end.

2. Whiteboard Videos Keep Your Audience Glued to Your Video

Again, the main power of whiteboard videos lies in the fact that it engages viewers who want to see the animation come to life on the whiteboard. It keeps your audience glued to your video, and prevents them from leaving your video too early - "watch time" is also an important aspect of video SEO and getting your video ranked well in Google and YouTube. In order for you to successfully convert your audience into customers, you have to keep their attention span intact throughout the video. It is also important for you to limit the duration of your whiteboard video to no more than 5 minutes. Remember KISS: Keep it Short and Simple!

3. Whiteboard Videos Make Your Points Easier to Understand

A picture is worth 1,000 words! One of the biggest benefits of whiteboard videos is in the simple, visual explanation you can offer about a technical subject. While it is quite different from an “explainer video,” a whiteboard video can help you to visually deliver your information with a substantial impact. It has been proven that more technical information is retained when delivered visually. For this reason, alone, a whiteboard video is extremely beneficial to help your audience understand your brand and its messages.

4. Whiteboard Videos Are Entertaining and Interesting 

Retaining the interest of your audience throughout your video can help you to gain their trust after watching your video. Instead of making a video about yourself explaining your business for 30 minutes, it is better to make a 5-minute whiteboard video that can do a better job. It is more entertaining and interesting to watch, and you don’t need to put yourself in front of the camera or hire an actor to get the job done.

5. Whiteboard Videos Give a Professional Image to Your Brand

Whiteboard videos can also help you to present a more professional image of your brand. A well-done series of whiteboard videos would be a powerful tool in the arsenal of any competitive organization or brand. In addition to your maintaining your audience's interest, you will likely be educating them about something through each video you produce. One of the quickest and easiest ways to build trust with an audience is to teach them something valuable. You will be viewed as a trusted source of information, thus enhancing the image of your brand.

As video marketing becomes more and more common, businesses and brands will need to continue to find a medium that truly sets them apart.  A series of well-planned whiteboard videos is just the tool to do so.

Need some help creating a whiteboard or animated explainer video? Freelancers are waiting to help YOU create the perfect whiteboard video to perfectly meet your needs and budget at VideoToOrder.com!

ABOUT L. SCOTT HARRELL

I am the founder of VideoToOrder.com, an online marketplace where buyers can find freelance video professionals who create, edit and market all types of video content for them.

I am also the Executive Editor of Video Entrepreneur Magazine, an online magazine for freelance video professionals who want to make money by making videos, editing, marketing, and related business services.

My primary interest is meeting the burgeoning demand for video content; specifically, custom video content creation across a sweeping range of needs and budgets.

I can be found on LinkedIn, Twitter, Google+, Instagram and other social media networks.

Freelancers Must Use Social Media to Promote Their Gigs

Freelancers Must Use Social Media to Promote Their Gigs

Let’s sum up why I think NOT linking to your gig pages and freelance marketplace profiles from your social media accounts is really bad advice:

Do you know what happens when you do not advertise or market your business?

Nothing.

Do you know what’s worse than nothing?

Putting in time and effort and paying money to develop the infrastructure of your business… only to get more nothingness.

If you’re more afraid of the competition than nothingness, shut your business down now and save yourself the stress of being an entrepreneur.

#entrepreneur #freelancing #socialmediamarketing

Originally shared by VideoToOrder.com

Why Freelancers MUST Market Their Services Through Social Media

I have a friend that offers voice-over business consulting services primarily to those who are new to the voiceover profession. In his usually very sound advice he advocates offering VO, narration and voice acting services through freelance marketplace websites, like VideoToOrder.com, and others.

He actually suggests setting up profiles and offering gigs in not one website, but in as many sites as possible – and I’m totally onboard with that.

Yesterday he posted a video in which he advocated offering freelance voice services through gig economy websites but then he said something odd.

He said, this:

“Do not post links to your gig pages from your social media profiles, like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc.”

The reason he gave was equally shocking:

“If you send a potential customer to a freelance marketplace then you run the risk that the buyer is just going to find your competition who will beat you on price and quality.” (Not a direct quote but that’s the abridged version.)

I was sitting there, with my chin on the floor, thinking,

“He can’t be serious. Can he???”

Needless to say, we needed to respond...

#freelance #freelancer #socialmedia
https://videotoorder.com/blog/5-reasons-freelancers-must-promote-their-gigs/

The Why and How to Use Video Marketing in Your Small Business

The Why and How to Use Video Marketing in Your Small Business

The primary reason video marketing is so successful right now is because of the skyrocketing popularity of video content and its demonstrated ability to not only communicate a marketing message but “convince and convert” readers to become customers as well.

The opportunity to reach potential consumers via video marketing for small business is huge!

Video marketing is working smarter because, today, it is the right tool for the job. You will get the most bang for your marketing dollar with video content because it can be easily converted into other types of marketing material too:

** Marketing articles can be created from scripts and video transcripts.
** Audio content, podcasts and audiobooks, can be created by using just the audio portion of your video.
** Still images, cinemagraphs and GIFs can be created from screenshots and snippets of your video.

The increase in demand for video content means that video marketing provides an enormous platform through which small businesses can reach potential customers.
http://lscottharrell.com/video-marketing-small-business/

5 Reasons Why Your Website Needs Video Content RIGHT NOW

5 Reasons Why Your Website Needs Video Content RIGHT NOW

In today's environment, video marketing is one of the best and most strategic methods of marketing your business. It has been proven that video messages help the audience more fully retain information and for much longer periods than a text-based message.

Why not take advantage of a free and easy method of building your business???

Because you're lazy.

There. I said it.

#videomarketing #videocontent #contentmarketing

5 Reasons Why Your Website Needs Video Content RIGHT NOW

Do you post or embed video content to your website regularly? Nowadays, for a website to succeed, it needs to provide various types of easily consumable content to an audience who demands content in a variety of formats. If you add a variety of content to your website - text, video, audio, visuals, etc., you will attract and engage a much broader spectrum of potential clients. Perhaps the most important type of content you can add right now is video. 

Let's discuss 5 reasons why your website needs video content today:

1. Video Content Provides More Interactive Information

Text-only content is boring, especially when the message includes numerous long paragraphs of information. Most people will not read your content if it does not capture their attention within the first few seconds. If you only post your content without properly breaking down the paragraphs, adding bullet points, using different font sizes, bucket brigades and inserting some pictures within your content, then you are sure to lose many visitors of your website.

Keep in mind that, unless it's an epic and highly shareable piece of content, text-based articles and blog posts should be written for both the human audience as well as for the search engines. You do that by settling on a longtail keyword (or key phrase) that's important to the audience of the blog and include it several times throughout the article in a way that sounds natural and not overused. (For example, this article is about "video content" or information that is presented through the use of video.)

Text-based content isn't going away and it remains vitally important, especially for SEO reasons, but there's a lot more to writing compelling articles for SEO. This is probably my favorite article on that subject: http://backlinko.com/seo-copywriting. I mentioned the term before, but the section in that article about "bucket brigades" and short, punchy content cannot be overstated. 

Video content is different. Video allows you to immediately captivate your audience and provide more interactive information that is easy to pay attention to, engage them through visual communication and move them through to your call to action.

Video content serves to refocus your website visitor's attention through impactful visual and auditory communication strategies. - L Scott Harrell

2. Video Content Gives More Power to Your Main Content

By embedding a video in the main content areas of your website or blog posts, you are able to add more emphasis through visual communication, which makes it a much more powerful message. The addition of a video can also help you to better explain the ideas found within your content. For example, if you are writing a tutorial about how to do exercises properly in order to lose weight, you can add a video or two of a person performing the specific exercises. This will ensure your audience understands exactly the message you intended. As you can see, using only text to write how-to tutorial might create some confusion with your audience, and video content can prevent such confusions from happening.

3. Video Content Helps with the SEO of Your Site

Before embedding video content into your website, it is better for you to first upload your video to YouTube or some other video platform of your choice (To use Facebook or YouTube is always a huge question.) It is much easier to embed your video directly from YouTube, and it will also help to save the website bandwidth that you have. By uploading that video as unique content on YouTube, it will have its own title and video description. The YouTube listing can help boost the rank of your website when you include your target keywords in your video title and description. Therefore, your video content will also help with the SEO of your website

4. Video Content Can Be Free and Easy to Add to Your Website

Chances are you have a smartphone capable of recording video within arm's reach right now. Pick it up, turn on the video function and hit record. After you end the recording, upload that video to your favorite video host and that's it. You've just created video content and didn't cost you a single extra dollar to do it. 

Of course, if you want to create compelling and engaging videos, then you'll have to go a few steps further. If you have a message or a point you want to make through your videos, then it's probably important to create short scripts to follow until you're comfortable being on camera and speaking "off the cuff". 

Audio is super important and you'll want to pay attention to your surroundings or backdrop, too.

Of course, if you're having a tough time creating videos on your own, you can hire freelance video production help and get the entire video created for you from script writing all the way through video uploading and promotion at VideoToOrder.com.

Embedding video content to your website does not require you to spend more money or invest in another costly marketing campaign. You can do it for free, and it is really simple to do if you have a WordPress or other CMS-based website (like Wix, Blogger, Weebly, etc). If you do not take the opportunity to strengthen your content by adding video content to your website, you are missing out on numerous opportunities and most likely leaving money on the table.

The bottom line for creating video content for most people is the fear of doing video poorly or not creating perfect videos. This limiting belief is KILLING would-be entrepreneurs and is probably the #1 factor why most small businesses are not adopting video marketing as quickly as they should be.

Seriously:

"The Perfect Video Does Not Exist. Get Over It and Get Sh*t Done!"

5. Video Content Modernizes Your Website

Adding video content to your website makes your website look modern and up-to-date. By today's standards, sites that only provide text content are considered old and out of date. Video content also allows you to freshen and improve your content and specific messages multiples times each day, which will help to attract more frequent and unique visits from your audience.

Perhaps as important as keeping content "fresh," video can also dramatically increase the amount of time visitors stay on your website, this is called the "bounce rate." High bounce rates and low time on page is notoriously bad for positive search engine rankings.

In today's environment, video marketing is one of the best and most strategic methods of marketing your business. It has been proven that video messages help the audience more fully retain information and for much longer periods than a text-based message. Why not take advantage of a free and easy method of building your business?

ABOUT L. SCOTT HARRELL

I am the founder of VideoToOrder.com, an online marketplace where buyers can find freelance video professionals who create, edit and market all types of video content for them.

I am also the Executive Editor of Video Entrepreneur Magazine, an online magazine for freelance video professionals who want to make money by making videos, editing, marketing and related business services.

My primary interest is meeting the burgeoning demand for video content; specifically, custom video content creation across a sweeping range of needs and budgets.

I can be found on LinkedIn, Twitter, Google+, Instagram and other social media networks.

A battery of barracuda

A battery of barracuda
A fluther or smack of jellyfish
A turmoil of porpoises
A risk of lobsters
A shiver or slew of sharks

And many others.

Oh yeah, and one of my underwater videos was featured in the article as well!

#scuba #diving #scubadiving
http://scubadiverlife.com/whats-smack-jellyfish/

"Keep everything simple.

"Keep everything simple. You don’t need to use complex words or technical language in your script writing. You don’t need to show off your intelligence to your audience by making everything too complicated and confusing for them; this will only drive them away and most likely drive them to your competition. The less complicated your script, the more successful your video will be and the more likely you will be to increase your viewership. Keeping your message short and simple is also a fundamental rule of advertising."

Originally shared by VideoToOrder.com

Writing Scripts for Short Marketing Videos is a Challenge

In today’s hurried life, more and more people crave instant gratification in every aspect of their lives, including the videos they watch. One of the most important elements of a great marketing video is a solid script to accompany it. Videos created for video marketing purposes need to be short and punchy, which often creates a challenge writing a script that communicates the call to action CTA) and compels the viewer to move through the marketing funnel in the shortest amount of time.

https://videotoorder.com/blog/write-video-marketing-scripts/

#VideoMarketing #Copywriting #Advertising
https://videotoorder.com/blog/write-video-marketing-scripts/

Excellent idea for flexible part-time and home-based freelancers not afraid to get in front of the camera!

Excellent idea for flexible part-time and home-based freelancers not afraid to get in front of the camera!

Originally shared by VideoToOrder.com

Aspiring actresses and actors: You can earn a part-time income and hone your acting craft by creating video testimonials for businesses!

The Video Testimonial Marketplace™ (powered by VTO) is where businesses and brands will PAY YOU to talk about their products, services & events on video. No experience necessary!

http://TestimonialSource.com

#actor #actress #homebasedbusiness

Well, this startup was anything but easy. #grind

Well, this startup was anything but easy. #grind

Originally shared by VideoToOrder.com


VideoToOrder.com has been open to the public in beta now for 7 days. The site launched at approximately 5pm on May 19, 2017 to very little fanfare but constant messages from users eager to get a jump on getting their freelancer profiles and video services up before others.

This first week, VideoToOrder.com added 62 users who posted 37 video services, which was higher than I had expected.

The week did not go without technical challenges, which has completely aggravated me with the web development company I have been using to build the site since last September. I’ve spent way over $25,000 and we’re six months into the build and it seems that I cannot get a simple contact form implemented on the site.

https://videotoorder.com/blog/website-launch-week-1/

#startup #launch #marketplace
https://videotoorder.com/blog/website-launch-week-1/

The 1979 hit by The Buggles, “Video killed the radio star” was ahead of its time.

Originally shared by VideoToOrder.com

The 1979 hit by The Buggles, “Video killed the radio star” was ahead of its time. Few would’ve thought that 38 odd years later, video would not only kill the radio, but also slay the print, picture and dragon as well. But here we are, and video marketing has become the number one medium of selling products and services online. There are 50 ways in which businesses both large and small can use videos to promote their brand.

Here four of my favorite ways that you can use video to market your business...

I can provide an up to 2-minute testimonial or spokesperson video for your product or service for just $20.

Originally shared by VideoToOrder.com

I can provide an up to 2-minute testimonial or spokesperson video for your product or service for just $20.

Included in the basic offer is:

Up to 2-minute video
White background
up to five different sentences
up to five images (or you can send me a physical product)
Studio Sound (Pro sound)
Full 1080 HD
My choice of Polo style or button down shirt
See upgrades and additional services provided.

#testimonial #videomarketing #spokesperson
https://videotoorder.com/p/professional-spokesperson-or-testimonial-video/

I had a funny dream last night:

I had a funny dream last night:

I was part of small group that was put together to add some ridiculously cool tech to an aging resort property as part of its rehabilitation. We were all sitting around a huge table and to the right of me was Elon Musk. He was animated, attentive and definitely garnered the attention of the group when he spoke.

In turn, each of us presented our ideas. For my part, I was going to add virtual reality, projection mapping, augmented reality and holograms to the guest experience. I was going to push the boundaries of interactive video, artificial intelligence and customer recognition to create individually tailored user experiences that blurred the lines of reality. (I really nailed all of the buzzwords. )

VideoToOrder.com launches this week and I just finished reading "Elon Musk: Tesla, SpaceX, and the Quest for a Fantastic Future".

Clearly, my subconscious mind is just trying to take it all in.

Somewhere between Elon Musk and Mark Cuban... Does It Really Matter?

I had a funny dream last night:

I was part of small group that was put together to add some ridiculously cool tech to an aging resort property as part of its rehabilitation. We were all sitting around a huge table and to the right of me was Elon Musk. He was animated, attentive and definitely garnered the attention of the group when he spoke.

In turn, each of us presented our ideas. For my part, I was going to add virtual reality, projection mapping, augmented reality and holograms to the guest experience. I was going to push the boundaries of interactive video, artificial intelligence and customer recognition to create individually tailored user experiences that blurred the lines of reality. (I really nailed all of the buzzwords.)

Apparently, I impressed Musk with my contribution; he heaped on compliments of how forward thinking and imaginative I was and invited me to lunch to talk some more.

I was AWESTRUCK.

At lunch he continued with the lavish praise and said that there could be a position for me with his company.

As we continued to eat lunch, I really hesitated to open up to him but had to get this off of my chest, even if I came across like a rock star's teenage groupie:

"I know you have zero tolerance for bullshit and small talk but I think our meeting is more than fortuitous." I explained that I really didn't read all that many books (to which he rolled his eyes and I agreed I needed to read more) but that I had just finished reading his biography. I was enamored with the forcefulness with which he chased his overarching dream of saving humanity.

"You will go down as one of the greatest and innovative American industrialists in history. None would compare - Carnegie, Hughes, Ford, Gates... Their accomplishments all pale in comparison!!!" I gushed, "Tesla, SpaceX, SolarCity, Gigafactory, Hyperloop, etc. were all GENIUS ideas."

He looked at me at me quizzically, "You know I'm Mark Cuban, right?"

And then I recognized Cuban...

Bwahahahahaha!!!! I woke up at exactly that moment feeling a bit embarrassed and chuckled that I'd even feel that way in the first place.

VideoToOrder.com launches this week and I really did just finish reading "Elon Musk: Tesla, SpaceX, and the Quest for a Fantastic Future".

Clearly, my subconscious mind is just trying to take it all in.

ABOUT L. SCOTT HARRELL

I am the founder of VideoToOrder.com, an online marketplace where buyers can find freelance video professionals who create, edit and market all types of video content for them.

I am also the Executive Editor of Video Entrepreneur Magazine, an online magazine for freelance video professionals who want to make money by making videos, editing, marketing and related business services.

My primary interest is meeting the burgeoning demand for video content; specifically, custom video content creation across a sweeping range of needs and budgets.

I can be found on LinkedIn, Twitter, Google+, Instagram and other social media networks.

My name is L.

My name is L. Scott Harrell and I am the Founder and CEO of VideoToOrder.com. Thanks for clicking through to read this article; I’m truly excited that you’re interested in our video production marketplace. I am 100% committed to supporting you and your success through our new and innovative video services marketplace. Whether you are buying or selling video-related services, it is absolutely important to me that have a fantastic and rewarding experience.

Let me quickly fill you in with a little bit more information about VideoToOrder.com (VTO) and what will happen in the next few weeks; hopefully I’ll answer some of your questions along the way, too...

Originally shared by VideoToOrder.com

Freelance VIdeo Production Website Launching

VideoToOrder.com, the video production marketplace where buyers can find freelance service providers online to make videos for them, is launching with exclusive beta access to early adopters and those who want to take advantage of "being in" at the very top.

Let me quickly fill you in with a little bit more information about VideoToOrder.com (VTO) and what will happen in the next few weeks; hopefully I’ll answer some of your questions along the way, too...

#startup #videoproduction #videography
https://videotoorder.com/blog/freelance-video-production-marketplace-launching-may/

Freelance sites are obviously a great way to build a business.

Freelance sites are obviously a great way to build a business. But...what if you could be one of the first freelancers on a new freelancing site in 2017!?

Discussing VideoToOrder.com!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FrHUxtw0zoc&feature=share

Excellent article!

Excellent article!
https://lionfish.co/best-places-hunt-lionfish/

The Use of Drones in Private Investigation, Security and Competitive Intelligence

There’s something appealing about being a private investigator. Maybe it’s because they’re so slick and suave in the movies, but we all wish at times that we could be as sharp and witty as the freelance detectives of the silver and small screens. If you have a drone, however, this is a dream that may be a reality sooner than you think.

More and more drone pilots are being called forth to work in the fields of intelligence and security. If you have a drone, you could be monetizing your skills in these fields of work – and here’s how.

Private Investigation

It’s pretty obvious that drones aren’t exactly inconspicuous. They aren’t UFOs, but they are noticeable pieces of modern technology. Tail a person with a drone and they’ll pretty soon figure out they’re being followed in most cases – it can be hard to ignore a drone if it’s large enough and flying close.

Still, in 2015 BBC reported on a private detective that was using drones as tools during stakeouts. The tiny cameras that could be placed onto a small drone would be discreet enough to film the individuals he was gathering information on without being caught. Private detectives don’t automatically have experience flying a drone, however, which is why offering your own piloting services to one may also be wise.

Surveillance

Drones have the capability to fly long distances while simultaneously having a decent power system that allows them to fly for long periods of time. Equip a drone with a GoPro or similar device and you essentially have a mobile security camera.

More and more businesses and property owners are using drones for surveillance, and utilizing your own drone for this purpose can be an easy way to get a part time desk job. In fact, most freelancers in the field of competitive intelligence and security work make their living off of surveillance jobs. All you need is your drone, a camera and a computer (or other device) to watch the live feed from.

Reconnaissance

Let’s say you want to get some information about what your biggest rival is up to – what better way to get that data than to spy? Drones are being used for just that in the world of business; a world where getting the one-up on your competition can be the quickest and surest way to success.

If one business wants to know what another business is doing, an easy way to snoop is through drones used for competitive intelligence. Smaller mini drones can easily be sent into “enemy territory” to gather data, and you’ll be amazed at how many businesses will pay top dollar for this kind of sleuthing.

In the past, all of these drone jobs were taken up by helicopter pilots, advanced security systems and people willing to put in expansive man-hours to get crucial information. As it goes with most industries, drones are now making things a lot easier. As a drone owner, you have potential in this market. Tap into it by offering your security and snooping services to PIs and businesses. You’re sure to get a few bites.

ABOUT L. SCOTT HARRELL

I am the founder of VideoToOrder.com, an online marketplace where buyers can find freelance video professionals who create, edit and market all types of video content for them.

I am also the Executive Editor of Video Entrepreneur Magazine, an online magazine for freelance video professionals who want to make money by making videos, editing, marketing and related business services.

My primary interest is meeting the burgeoning demand for video content; specifically, custom video content creation across a sweeping range of needs and budgets.

I can be found on LinkedIn, Twitter, Google+, Instagram and other social media networks.

Scuba Diving in Cozumel and Spotted Eagle Rays

Scuba Diving in Cozumel and Spotted Eagle Rays

Spotted eagle rays, Aetobatus narinari, are a cartilaginous fish of the eagle ray family, Myliobatidae. They live in tropical waters around the world (including both sides of the American continents).

A group of spotted eagle rays, manta rays, stingrays, devil rays or any other ray is a fever of rays – though admittedly when I see them gliding this gracefully in formation, I like to thinking of them as a squadron.

I do frequently get asked by people interested in scuba diving in Cozumel when the best time of year is to see spotted eagle rays. We usually see the most eagle rays in Cozumel between January and March. Of course, there are the few that arrive early or stay late and we do see them on occasion throughout the year. While they are usually solitary creatures, during “cozumel eagle ray season” I have seen fevers of spotted eagle rays as large as 20 to 25 animals and Luis has said that he’s seen even large groups!

Scuba diving in Cozumel, Mexico with spotted eagle rays is absolutely amazing! We have videos, facts and information about Cozumel's eagle ray season here…

#cozumel #scubadiving #travel
http://www.scubaluis.com/cozumel-spotted-eagle-rays/

Scuba Diving with Spotted Eagle Rays in Cozumel Mexico

Despite the normal current present while scuba diving in Cozumel, I managed to get this beautiful group of spotted eagle rays on video... 

The water at Punta Sur was absolutely crystal clear that day with visibility in excess of 200 feet. 

Did you know that a group, or what we might usually think of as a "school", of any type of ray is called a "fever"? 

So a group of spotted eagle rays, manta rays, stingrays, devil rays or any other ray is a fever - though admittedly when I see them gliding this gracefully in formation, I like to thinking of them as a squadron.  

I do frequently get asked by people interested in scuba diving in Cozumel when the best time of year is to see spotted eagle rays. We usually see the most eagle rays in Cozumel between January and March. Of course, there are the few that arrive early or stay late and we do see them on occasion throughout the year.

The best location to find eagle rays in Cozumel is usually to the north, outside of the marine park, at a dive site we locally refer to as "Eagle Ray Alley" or at Punta Sur over the sandy bottom.

I've put together a more complete article with additional videos, facts and information about the spotted eagle ray season in Cozumel over on the ScubaLuis website. Having dove with over a dozen dive operations here in Cozumel, I've found ScubaLuis to be the very best scuba shop in Cozumel right now and am really happy to support his new and growing business. 

ABOUT L. SCOTT HARRELL

I am the founder of VideoToOrder.com, an online marketplace where buyers can find freelance video professionals who create, edit and market all types of video content for them.

I am also the Executive Editor of Video Entrepreneur Magazine, an online magazine for freelance video professionals who want to make money by making videos, editing, marketing and related business services.

My primary interest is meeting the burgeoning demand for video content; specifically, custom video content creation across a sweeping range of needs and budgets.

I can be found on LinkedIn, Twitter, Google+, Instagram and other social media networks.

Don’t Sell Your Skills Short – The Importance Of Getting Paid What You Deserve

With YouTube being the most popular video sharing platform, and the popularity increase of video content online, many people want to tap into the opportunity of making money from videos. Many people want to start their own channel on YouTube and publish their videos regularly, so that they can make money from it. But, since most of them don’t have the skill in video production, they usually hire video freelancers to get the job done for them. The problem is that as a video freelancer, you might only receive low payment for your work due to the high demand of video creation services.

The popularity of video publishing is also creating an increase in the number of video freelancers, which are trying to compete with each other by lowering their rates. This is something that you should avoid doing. Why? That’s because video production requires a complex skill, time, and dedication to do. You cannot afford to trade your time and skill for a cheap price. So, you shouldn’t sell your skills short. 

Here are 4 reasons why you should get paid what you deserve:

1. Your clients can potentially make a lot of money from your videos. This is the first reason. If your clients are publishing your videos on YouTube, and they get millions of views, then they make a lot of money from it. Will you charge your video production peanuts if you know that your clients will earn a consistent passive income per month from your videos? This is why you should price your services accordingly.

2. You offer different style of video production. Let’s say that your video production style is different from those low quality video freelancers that are offering their services for a very low price. The unique style that you provide in your video alone is worth paying more. Your clients will have a difficulty searching for your replacement if you stand out from the crowd. What does it mean? If you are unique and different, you will need to charge your services more.

3. You are not obligated to follow the steps of your competitors. If your fellow video freelancers are competing with each other, and offering the lowest price for their services, you don’t have to follow their steps. By lowering your rates, you will only attract clients with a limited budget, which cannot afford to pay for the premium services. You want to attract big clients that are willing to pay more for quality. If you can provide the quality that they ask, why should you sell your skills short?

The market will determine what your services are worth... don't let others fool you into believing otherwise. - L. Scott Harrell

4. You spend a lot of time producing your videos. A video creation project cannot be done in a day. Unless you have a lot of coworkers to do the project, that might happen. But, if you are working alone, or just working with one or two co-workers, then you will need a lot of time to complete a video creation project. It can be a few days to a few weeks, depending on the complexity of the project. If you charge a low price for your service, then you will only bring back a little income from your freelancing service each month. It will not be good for your business.

ABOUT L. SCOTT HARRELL

I am the founder of VideoToOrder.com, an online marketplace where buyers can find freelance video professionals who create, edit and market all types of video content for them.

I am also the Executive Editor of Video Entrepreneur Magazine, an online magazine for freelance video professionals who want to make money by making videos, editing, marketing and related business services.

My primary interest is meeting the burgeoning demand for video content; specifically, custom video content creation across a sweeping range of needs and budgets.

I can be found on LinkedIn, Twitter, Google+, Instagram and other social media networks.

Scuba Diving in Cozumel with a Hawksbill Sea Turtle

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CL1ttK_YIOc&feature=autoshare

Scuba Diving in Cozumel with Spotted Eagle Rays

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BDdSP2-YdHM&feature=autoshare

How to Become a Thought Leader and Expert in Your Field Using Video

How to Become a Thought Leader and Expert in Your Field Using Video

The barriers to entry in video production are crumbling before us – EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. Video is giving many people a second chance at being perceived as a thought leader and expert in their professional areas.

Originally shared by VideoToOrder.com

Using Video to Establish Yourself as a Subject Matter Expert

YouTube is still wide-open for grabbing up market share of thought-leadership in the marketing space essentially because of the cord-cutters looking for video to watch after leaving traditional programming via cable and satellite TV and the lack of online video content for adults in their 30s and beyond. Tara cites YouTube’s reputation as the online destination to “see viral videos and a bunch of youngsters with huge subscriber numbers – many of them playing video games, unboxing, and showing one another how to create the latest makeup look.”

Indeed, this is YouTube’s (and its content creators’) biggest challenge – how to appeal to a larger, OLDER and more diverse audience.

But, before I’m going to tell you why YouTube is not necessarily the right place to be, let’s take a step back and understand WHY we are here 12 years after the birth of YouTube.

Why is video marketing just now “becoming a thing”???

Video Entrepreneur Magazine rightly pointed out that, “Video content is coming of age as Internet access is becoming an indispensable public utility as necessary as electricity, water and telephone. While infrastructure scales up and technological advancements roll out, bandwidth and download speeds are making video content available for almost every connected consumer in the world.”

There’s also really no excuse to shy away from making videos any longer.

https://videotoorder.com/blog/become-an-expert-with-video/
https://videotoorder.com/blog/become-an-expert-with-video/

6 Ways to Stand Out as a Voiceover Artist

As the digital era races forward, the need for voice-over professionals will increase exponentially. Today there are thousands of specialized YouTube channels, countless podcasts, educational videos, digital newspapers, video blogs, online radio stations and ebooks all competing for a piece of the listening audience. Naturally, this creates a great deal of demand for successful voice-over artists in the video publishing business.

Whether you are a star voice-over artist or are a freelancer just breaking into the business with a website and a few social media accounts, it is critical that you differentiate yourself from your competition.

It is very typical for a producer to audition hundreds of voice over artists before choosing the perfect one. Your job is to be professional, be remembered and get the job.

Below you will find 6 ways to stand out as a voice-over artist:

1. Remain Calm at All Times

As with all artistic endeavors and business, your state of mind can greatly impact your voice over performance. Therefore, it is critical that you remain calm at all times, especially during your voice-over sessions. As a professional, you must train yourself to separate your emotional state from your work. Although it is normal to feel a bit nervous about the first few recordings, you will need to find a way to calm yourself. Otherwise the audience will hear this excited state in your voice. Many professionals find that they are able to calm their nerves through simple, counting exercises or repetitive deep-breathing exercises.

2. Speak Clearly

When recording a voiceover, it is imperative that you speak very clearly and enunciate every syllable properly. You must not mumble or speak too quickly. Keep your voice loud and clear. Eliminate any extraneous noises that can be heard during a recording session such as chewing gum, swallowing a drink, etc. You will also find that reading aloud several times each day will help train you to deliver messages in a loud, clear professional manner.

3. Match Your Tone of Voice With the Script

Always study the script thoroughly before you start your recording session. This is important because your knowledge of the script will determine your performance. During your recording session, the tone of voice that you use needs to deliver the exact emotion that is intended in the script. If the script requires a professional tone, then that is the only tone you can deliver. The more familiar you are with your script, the more you are able to perfect your delivery.

4. Be Yourself

Finding a unique tone of voice that sets you apart can seem like quite the challenge. However, most of the time, voiceover artists realize their success by just being themselves. For obvious reasons, your everyday voice will always be the the most natural for you to perform. Occasionally, however, video scripts may call for a different type of “character” to deliver the message. In this case, have fun experimenting and choose the one that you are most comfortable with.

5. Train With a Coach

Many voice-over professionals spend some time and money training with a professional voice coach.
Voice-over coaches are there to provide valuable tips and feedback on your performance. They can help with all aspects of voice over work: script interpretation, inflection, emotion, enunciation, delivery, etc. Your coach will be happy to work with you on your specific needs and learn new skills. The name of the game is quality; not quantity. The more quality work that you can produce, the more clients will seek your services. This can be one of the best investments for your business.

6. Master the Use of Microphone

Too often, people are afraid of the microphone and tend to shy away from it. As a voice-over artist, the microphone is your only friend. It is time to master the use of microphone. There are many different types of microphones on the market these days: hand-held, wireless, lapel mics, boom microphones and lavaliere mics just to name a few. The best way to get comfortable with microphones to to experiment with the various types. Some professionals find that using a handheld mic is helpful as it gives their hands something to do with extra nervous energy. On the other hand, many people like the freedom that a wireless or lapel mic provides. As a voice over professional, you will find that you spend a great deal of your time with a microphone. Therefore, your success depends on your ability to be comfortable and natural with a microphone.

In today's fast-paced digital age, videos have become the preferred method of communication. While this creates the need for freelance voiceover professionals, this also creates a great deal of competition for these jobs. By following the 6 tips above, you will be able to successfully differentiate yourself from your competition and increase your business.

ABOUT L. SCOTT HARRELL

I am the founder of VideoToOrder.com, an online marketplace where buyers can find freelance video professionals who create, edit and market all types of video content for them.

I am also the Executive Editor of Video Entrepreneur Magazine, an online magazine for freelance video professionals who want to make money by making videos, editing, marketing and related business services.

My primary interest is meeting the burgeoning demand for video content; specifically, custom video content creation across a sweeping range of needs and budgets.

I can be found on LinkedIn, Twitter, Google+, Instagram and other social media networks.

How to Start a Blog Then Keep it Going and Growing

How to Start a Blog Then Keep it Going and Growing

Together with the death of Facebook’s free all-natural reach for brands and companies, a lot of my friends and I are using Google+ and going back to blogging, and for good reason: Google Plus has been demonstrated to drastically increase the search engine rankings of affiliated website contents. Websites continue to be among the most crucial ways a business can convey their marketing message, communicate brand values and connect with customers without “selling.”

“Only what's the ‘secret sauce’ in regards to maintaining and starting a successful website to your company?” Here are 13 tips for getting your blog up and running...

http://lscottharrell.blogspot.com/2017/03/how-to-start-blog-and-then-keep-it-going.html

#blog #blogging #blogger

4 Ways of Promoting Your Business via Video Marketing

The 1979 hit by The Buggles, “Video killed the radio star” was ahead of its time. Few would’ve thought that 38 odd years later, video would not only kill the radio, but also slay the print, picture and dragon as well. But here we are, and video marketing has become the number one medium of selling products and services online. There are 50 ways in which businesses both large and small can use videos to promote and market their brand. 

Here four of my favorite ways that you can use video to market your business:

Vlogs

If a business wants to come across as caring and friendly a vlog is just what the doctor ordered. Reason being, there are a brazillion blogs on the internet, and a vlog is the cure every business should be looking for. Contrary to popular belief and my own stab at it, a vlog is supposed to be easy to produce and doesn't cost you much money either, mainly because vlogs are mostly personality driven, making them the best way to get the most bang for your buck.

Events 

If you what to take it up a notch you could always document the proceedings of your corporate event and post it on your website and social media accounts. Using videos, you can take the party to all those who couldn’t make it to your corporate event. Normally, event videos cost a lot more than other types of videos, but they do pay off in the long run. The video freelancer you hire will have to use multiple cameras to do your corporate event video justice. Another way to boost your business with videos is by using 6 to 10 second video snippets of your event which can then be posted on Vine or Instagram. The montage form of promoting a corporate is gaining traction right now and should be used to promote your brand online. A great event video can without a doubt increase your company’s online presence in a way that the event alone never could.

Presentations

The popularity of TED Talks can be measured by the fact that they are now available on Netflix, which says a lot. These short, but interesting format is immensely popular mainly because of the quality of its speakers and the topics that they choose. While some might argue that TED Talks is a global platform which has a global reach, every business can create a compelling presentation which is a mix of an event combined with a webinar. Businesses can give targeted presentations at a small scale or at company events, and that share them on their website and social media to increase their engagement.

Product Reviews

Another way of promoting your business through the video format is by making videos of product reviews, especially those that are popular amongst your customers. Online retailers such as Amazon rely heavily on the trustworthiness of their product reviews. Although you don’t operate on the same scale as some of the big names in online retail such as Amazon or eBay, you can make product reviews on your products and on other products as well that are relevant and could be useful to your customers. Just think about how happy you will make your customers when they come across a good product that was referred by you on your website or your social media account.

Did you know that content is the reason search began. So, use more videos in your marketing campaigns and don’t forget to diversify the videos you use as part of your marketing strategy.

The Upside to Video Marketing

The Upside to Video Marketing

Video marketing is a fundamental tool for virtually any search engine marketing campaign. It is a quick and easy way to get your message across and also keep your website’s bounce rate low. Video marketing is critical in link-building. It is the new wave to make money online. Video marketing might just be the proper tool for your small business enterprise. It is definitely a powerful way to increase website traffic.

Corporate video production is among the most truly effective video marketing techniques. Another benefit to video marketing is the fact that the videos show up highly within the search engine result pages, but in addition it shows up with an image of the video. There are many important factors which make video marketing so powerful. Before you even begin recording you should choose who you want your target market to be from video marketing. So, if you aim to use video marketing as your own strategy in promoting your company, it's crucial to consider video search engine optimization (SEO) from the outset and be thinking about the appropriate tags to your own videos.

http://lscottharrell.blogspot.com/2017/03/using-video-to-market-your-business.html

Using Video to Market Your Business

The Upside to Video Marketing

Video marketing is a fundamental tool for virtually any search engine marketing campaign. It is a quick and easy way to get your message across and also keep your website’s bounce rate low. Video marketing is critical in link-building. It is the new wave to make money online. Video marketing might just be the proper tool for your small business enterprise. It is definitely a powerful way to increase website traffic.

Corporate video production is among the most truly effective video marketing techniques. Another benefit to video marketing is the fact that the videos show up highly within the search engine result pages, but in addition it shows up with an image of the video. There are many important factors which make video marketing so powerful. Before you even begin recording you should choose who you want your target market to be from video marketing. So, if you aim to use video marketing as your own strategy in promoting your company, it's crucial to consider video search engine optimization (SEO) from the outset and be thinking about the appropriate tags to your own videos.

It's not easy to undertake video marketing. In case you have no idea where to start with internet video marketing, you too can employ an independent video expert to aid you. Some facts about the utilization of video marketing you ought to know are listed below. Although it has become popular, it has to go a long way. Twitter with video promotion is probably the most effective combination of complementary technology ever invented.

Pick a video you would like to post to your own blog. When you start using internet video marketing you have to first decide where you are going to use it. So begin in video marketing by abiding by these 5 tips. 

This video marketing tip should be held in mind constantly. Unlike article marketing, it demands more in terms of finance as it can be expensive to produce a high quality video. However, this is one strategy that can see high return on investment, fast. The entire reason behind internet video marketing would be to personally brand yourself. 

The point is there are many diverse factors which work together to make video marketing beyond the range of the typical individual or little business proprietor. Small businesses too can gain advantage of video marketing due to its low price.

In the world of business, brainstorming is most commonly done in groups. Yes this does take time, but it's a normal element of building a quality video for marketing purposes. Bringing in the ideas of multiple people will result in a more engaging video once the product is completed.

To be successful, you should surround yourself as well as learn from successful business people. There's absolutely no awful idea while brainstorming, but every idea must be on target. This offers loads of opportunity. - L Scott Harrell 

The business offers a vast range of web marketing services. Multi-level marketing is actually a fabulous way to begin earning today. While much of this micro video promotion is relatively new, there isn't much information regarding established best practices but there's information of marketers using all these tools as well as their successful campaigns. If you don't currently utilize online video marketing to construct your company, you are losing out big time. By using strong video marketing techniques it is possible to reignite interest in your site and distinctly boost your brand. 

This informative article is for all those small business owners that want to use online video marketing to secure more customers for their small company. In this article I'm going to teach you the way to utilize video marketing the appropriate way, to help your company, not harm it.

Video Marketing Explained

YouTube channels are exactly the same. Newsletters rich in content are an excellent strategy to include discounts and specials. In regards to video marketing secrets, it's vital to tag your videos properly so as to make it simpler to find in the various search engines. Give very good content they desire. You don't have to look or sound as a TV broadcaster to utilize video marketing effectively. You ought to think about your own broadcast message, with the aim of growing information from their response for their interests. 

People prefer to hear your message along with your message might help somebody else. It's an extremely strong medium that lots of marketers are nowadays using to literally catapult their online businesses into success. The only thing your viewers will want is honesty from you. In case you are only releasing sales pitches, you'll lose your audience. Video marketing for the current network marketer is similar to netting for a fisherman and you are losing out if you are not creating videos for your company.

ABOUT L. SCOTT HARRELL

I am the founder of VideoToOrder.com, an online marketplace where buyers can find freelance video professionals who create, edit and market all types of video content for them.

I am also the Executive Editor of Video Entrepreneur Magazine, an online magazine for freelance video professionals who want to make money by making videos, editing, marketing and related business services.

My primary interest is meeting the burgeoning demand for video content; specifically, custom video content creation across a sweeping range of needs and budgets.

I can be found on LinkedIn, Twitter, Google+, Instagram and other social media networks.

How to Start a Blog and Then Keep it Going

Together with the death of Facebook’s free all-natural reach for brands and companies, a lot of my friends and I are going back to blogging, and for good reason: Google Plus has been demonstrated to drastically increase the search engine rankings of affiliated website contents. Websites continue to be among the most crucial ways a business can convey their marketing message, communicate brand values and connect with customers without “selling.”

“The secret of change will be to focus your energy all, not on fighting with the old, but on assembling the new.” Socrates

“Only what's the ‘secret sauce’ in regards to maintaining and starting a successful website to your company?” Blogging pro, John Egan offered these 13 tips via his article on PR Daily:

1. Use Wordpress. - It's FREE, looks excellent and is very simple to use!

2. Your "About us” page is important! - By telling your readers a little about yourself establish the tone and context for your own site. You could always link to or embed your About.me page as well.

3. Brainstorm. - You’ve got to have a summary of go-to articles for when you're at a loss for other ideas and topics to blog about.

4. Concentrate on high quality content. - Take your own time plus offer value to your own subscriber. It will have them coming back for more!

5. Use photographs. The “visuals” are often what's going to entice subscribers to your site for the first time.

6. Read other blogs. - Great for getting new content ideas and enhancing your personal site. Thoughtfully commenting on different sites is, in addition, a GREAT way to develop your own traffic.

7. Post several times a week. - Writing consistently both develops your blog’s following and helps defeat writer’s block.

8. Market your blog. -  No one else will do it for you.

9. Make a list! "List posts", like this one, get read more frequently than lengthy narratives and diatribes.

10. Get away from “all business, all of the time.” - Reveal your readers your personal side, it helps create a deeper connection together.

11. Avoid politics (and religion) unless that's "your thing." - Polarizing issues have a tendency to alienate readers of business-related sites.

12. Share the workload. - Hire a content development team or article writer and let them do the heavy lifting.

13. Don’t pursue the money. - Build it first, supply overwhelming value and find methods to make money for your own time and effort. As I said in a previous post on my personal blog about earning profits online and with sites:

Yes! People are making money using their websites, it is obviously possible but it needs a SHIT TON of patience, a viable monetization strategy, a niche focus and extremely real WORK.

ABOUT L. SCOTT HARRELL

I am the founder of VideoToOrder.com, an online marketplace where buyers can find freelance video professionals who create, edit and market all types of video content for them.

I am also the Executive Editor of Video Entrepreneur Magazine, an online magazine for freelance video professionals who want to make money by making videos, editing, marketing and related business services.

My primary interest is meeting the burgeoning demand for video content; specifically, custom video content creation across a sweeping range of needs and budgets.

I can be found on LinkedIn, Twitter, Google+, Instagram and other social media networks.

There are good tips and links on this article, a post worth checking out.

Originally shared by Towondo Clayborn

There are good tips and links on this article, a post worth checking out.
#videoproduction #cameraoperator  
http://vtrep.com/become-video-entrepreneur-now/

For freelancers who offer services related to video production, video editing, video marketing, etc.

For freelancers who offer services related to video production, video editing, video marketing, etc., just starting out and finding new clients can be pretty difficult to do. There are many established competitors out there and you might not be able to find clients right away. However, with the launch of our video creation marketplace, VideoToOrder.com, it is becoming easier for any freelance video professional to start making money selling their video-related services almost right away without the need of their own website, formal business formation, branding, marketing and other expensive business development steps.

Here are 4 broad categories of video-related services that freelancers can offer in the video creation marketplace at VideoToOrder.com...

#freelancing #freelancer #makemoneyonline

https://videotoorder.com/blog/video-creation-marketplace/

6 Tips for Making Great Videos with Your Phone

6 Tips for Making Great Videos with Your Phone

You can shoot great video on your mobile phone without a video crew or a studio full of equipment and still get professional quality video. Sure, a crew of video professionals and high quality gear can help, but fear not! These aren’t necessary to shoot great videos. In fact, capturing footage on your phone is not only efficient (anywhere, anytime… ) but can also lend an authentic feel that really resonates with potential clients!

#videoproduction #videomarketing #smartphone
https://videotoorder.com/blog/mobile-phone-videos/

4 CRITICAL ELEMENTS THAT MUST BE ADDRESSED IN YOUR EXPLAINER VIDEO

4 CRITICAL ELEMENTS THAT MUST BE ADDRESSED IN YOUR EXPLAINER VIDEO

** Empathize with your customer. Let them know you fully understand their problem.

** Resolve their problem and alleviate their pain with your product or service.

** Explain clearly how your product works and how it will resolve their problem.

** Call them to action. Direct them to order your product and minimize their stress ‘right now.’
https://videotoorder.com/blog/making-great-explainer-videos/

Shore diving in Cozumel can be challenging because of the usual currents that we dive in year around.

Shore diving in Cozumel can be challenging because of the usual currents that we dive in year around. Diving from Playa las Casitas is no different, but for the adventurous diver this relatively shallow shore dive offers a fascinating combination of pier rubble, two largely unheard of sunken ships and healthy transplanted live rock from Paradise Reef.

“Playa las Casitas” is the stretch of beach located directly across Melgar from the naval barracks just north of downtown San Miguel (Centro Cozumel) and south of the north hotel zone. It is especially popular with locals on Sunday. It is important to know that the current here typically runs from north to south, which is opposite the
usual prevailing current, and it can be fairly strong. The best entry point for this dive is directly in front of the bar at the Cafe de Mare and there is plenty of parking on the street and numerous easy exit points to the north of this restaurant if you prefer not to kick against the current and make this a drift dive.
http://www.scubaluis.com/playa-las-casitas-pier-rubble-forgotten-ship-wrecks-shore-diving-in-cozumel/