Simple to use, easy to learn… this powerful video messaging service is a must-have.
Throughout my career, I have always tried to be different than those around me. Not just in the office amongst my co-workers, but mostly compared to my competitors. You hear the saying all the time in business that you need to be different to attract customers and new prospects. Everybody preaches it, but not many can pull it off. I always have been an earlier adapter to new technologies and web applications, but one thing that I was never ahead of the curve on was video messaging. Until now, that is. I recently had the chance to meet Gary Anderson, President and CEO of Netbriefings, Inc. in St. Paul, Minnesota, which specializes in delivering rich media webcasts, video messaging, and audio/video production. They have quite an operation in their St. Paul office, and getting a chance to see the work being done first-hand was a cool experience. Their office would be playground for anyone interested in the cutting-edge technologies around video and audio capture and presentation!
One of the products they offer to companies of all sizes is called “Proclaim” which helps individuals deliver powerful video messages via email. I was fortunate enough to get a trial version of the application (which is completely web-based, so there is no software to download and install) in hopes that I might be able to deliver emails in a new way. Gary walked me through the very simple interface and process for recording and emailing a message. As soon as I got back to the office, I was off and running with a new way to deliver my messages!
At first, I was a little camera shy. It took a couple of practice messages to get use to looking at the camera and knowing what to say. But eventually I got over my fears, and now I am ripping out messages like there is no tomorrow. The best part is, I have gotten unbelievable feedback from the recipients of my emails saying that they thought the message was much more personal and impactful. In fact, I have even gotten more return phone calls and emails that I sent to cold-email recipients. I feel this is because they get to see me and hear my message, as opposed to being forgotten in their already-cluttered inbox. Since I am completely psyched about Proclaim, I thought I would write up a brief review and encourage you to check it out.
Advantages of using Proclaim by Netbriefings:
- All you need is a web camera. Most computers and laptops now have built in web cams in them, but if yours doesn’t, they are pretty affordable for a decent one.
- There is no software to download and install. The Proclaim tool is really good about finding your camera and knowing how to turn it on and off. In some cases, if you have more than one camera, you have to tell Proclaim which one to use, but the settings are easy to find and modify.
- You can attach and run and PowerPoint presentations with your video message. This is a very cool feature! If you are delivering a message and you want to embed a short presentation, or a couple of slides with contact information on them, Proclaim lets you do it! You can also embed audio and video files into the presentation as well. Very easy to do, and very effective!
- Cool bells and whistles. With options like being able to see when people open and view your message to requiring registration information, Proclaim gives you tools you need to make sure your message is getting across.
- Track your stats! I am a big stats guy, so this feature is cool. I can create videos (some personal and some generic) and see how often they are viewed and for how long. What is neat is that I have noticed a lot of people view my message to them more than once. I think that is a good thing!
- Easy to do, efficient, and fun. It is easy to be intimidated by technology and figuring out how to use it for business and yet stay productive. I have found that using Proclaim is actually faster than me typing up an email to someone. And it is kind of fun because I can show my personality in the message. I have found people really like it, so I am going to continue using it and try new things.
Now I am just touching the surface of what Netbriefings can do for you and your business. In a rough economy they have good solutions to help you save money, and yet still deliver your company’s message. I highly encourage you to check out their website and contact Gary Anderson for more information and to get a free trial of Proclaim!
Details:
Company: Netbriefings, Inc.
Location: St. Paul, Minnesota
President / CEO: Gary Anderson
Product Spotlight: Proclaim
Website: www.proclaimyourself.com
Product Review Grade: A
- Robert Stanke
Exclusive content for Refocusing Technology by Robert Stanke, Blogger at RobertStanke.com
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