Every day you hesitate, your audience finds someone else to love...

Table of Contents

Atiba's Musings | Book I’m Currently Reading | Dinner With Friends | Community Spotlight

Atiba’s Musings ??

( A Warrior’s Understanding )

A Beginner’s Guide to Authenticity and Audience Engagement

Hey, have you ever felt like making videos is just... too much? Like it's some big, complicated thing you need to figure out before even pressing "record"? A lot of people put off getting in front of the camera because they think they need to have everything perfect or they don’t know where to even begin.

The Video Creation Block

It’s easy to feel like video content is beyond reach, maybe because you’re unsure what to say, worried about how you’ll look, or think there’s a need for fancy equipment. Maybe you’re thinking, “Who would even watch my video?” or “I don’t have anything valuable to say!” The truth? These are just mental barriers, and the reality is much simpler. If you have a smartphone, some basic ideas, and are willing to be authentic and vulnerable, you’re ready to get started.

Missing Out on Huge Opportunities

Here’s a story that illustrates what happens when you step up and show up consistently. About 18 months ago, I met someone at one of my speaking events. He was in the audience, and we did a small, simple exercise together—one that took less than a minute. Fast forward to January, when I saw him again at a marketing event. He shared that he had been doing that exercise every day since our first meeting, and as a result, his business grew from under $100,000 in revenue to over a million dollars. That’s the power of showing up. Imagine missing out on that kind of growth just because you’re hesitant to put yourself out there on camera.

Let’s break down how to get started with videos in a way that removes the intimidation and puts you in the driver’s seat.

Simple Steps to Start Recording, Uploading, and Building Trust

Step 1: Get the Question You are Going to Answer

Before you start recording, make sure you have the question you will answer. We always introduce the ASQ (Authentic, Simple Question) first. Once you have your question, go into selfie mode on your smartphone, hit the record button, and say something like, “Hi, my name is (Your Name), and today I’m going to talk about [the question you’ve chosen].” Just answer the question in the most authentic way you can. Don’t worry about sounding too polished. Hit that red button to stop recording when you’re done. Simple, right?

And here’s the truth: video doesn’t need to be perfect. Your audience doesn’t want a Hollywood production; they want you. The real, imperfect, relatable you. In fact, one of the biggest mistakes you can make is over-editing. People crave connection, and sometimes a raw, less-polished video builds more trust than one that feels too professional.

Step 2: Share It with the World

Okay, so you’ve recorded your video. Now what? Open up YouTube, click the plus sign at the bottom of the screen, and select “Upload Video.” Upload what you just recorded, and here’s a title tip: don’t polish the title for SEO just yet. T l. For instance, “How to Manage Stress in Your First Job” or “Quick Tips for a Balanced Diet”—you want to match the language of your audience.

Step 3: Build Trust by Being Real

Here’s where authenticity comes into play. Have you ever had a client ask you a question and thought, “Oh, wait, I need to look perfect for this answer”? Of course not! That’s what makes this process simple—just be you, like you are when answering questions in person.

The biggest reason people buy from you is: they trust you. They want to know you’re the same person in real life as they see on screen. If you’re polished and professional on video but disorganized in person, it causes confusion, and the trust breaks. And trust is the bedrock of any relationship. I’ve had clients hand me big checks simply because they trusted the person they saw on camera.

Don’t Let Excuses Hold You Back

Now, maybe you’re thinking, “But I don’t know what to talk about!” If you’ve ever had a client question, you already know what to talk about. If tech issues worry you, start simple. Remember, you’re using your smartphone, which you already know how to use. The goal isn’t perfection but connection. People want to connect with the real, imperfect you. You don’t need high-end equipment or professional editing. In fact, a little imperfection can make you seem more approachable.?

Another common excuse? “I don’t look good on camera.” Here’s the secret: your audience doesn’t care. They’re there for your insights and authenticity, not for a perfectly curated appearance. So, don’t let worries about lighting, makeup, or appearance keep you from making valuable content.

The Dating and Marriage of Video Content

Think of your content in two ways: short-form and long-form. Short videos, under a minute, are like “dating” content, they’re the quick intro, the small taste that gets people interested in knowing more about you. These are perfect for grabbing attention and building curiosity.

Long-form content, on the other hand, is more of a marriage proposal. This is where they dive deeper, build a connection, and see more of what you’re about. It’s where you add depth, insight, and value, leading them further along their journey with you.

Answering Questions Like a Pro

One question people often ask is, “Should I mention my company name in short videos?” The answer is, don’t worry about it at first. Get comfortable making videos that feel natural without adding too much branding. Over time, your audience will recognize your face and voice. For now, focus on answering the question at hand and building rapport.

Here’s another question: “Do I need a call-to-action in every video?” Not necessarily. Short-form content is about getting people interested in you. Save more direct CTAs for your long-form content, where you guide viewers into the “how” and “what” of working with you.

Leading Viewers from Short to Long Form

Let’s say you post a short video that gets attention. To keep that momentum, link to a related, longer video where they can learn more. For example, if you post a 30-second clip on “3 Tips for Better Work-Life Balance,” you could link to a 7-minute video where you dive deeper into that topic. Guide your viewers along a path from short clips to longer insights to full engagement.

Just Start

Here’s the bottom line: there’s no perfect time or perfect setup. All you need is your phone and a willingness to be seen. Show up authentically, share what you know, and let your audience get to know the real you. The impact comes from consistency, not from polish. Just hit record, upload, and trust that by being genuine, you’re already building the foundation for meaningful connections and, eventually, a loyal audience.

So, ready to give it a shot? Grab your phone, think of a common question in your field, and record your first video.?

You’ve got this!

Atiba

Book I’m Currently Reading ??

"Success isn’t about chasing everyone; it’s about becoming so valuable to the right few that demand for your offering exceeds supply."

– Daniel Priestley

Dinner With Friends???

You know those nights that stick with you? The ones where time flies, the conversations are deep, and you walk away feeling seen, heard, and a little bit changed?

That’s exactly what’s happening in Miami on January 9th, 2025, at 7 PM. Dinner with Friends isn’t just dinner. It’s a table full of real people—people who challenge your ideas, share their stories, and inspire you to see things from a whole new perspective.

It’s not about networking or surface-level small talk. It’s about showing up as you—the dreamer, the doer, the one who’s ready to connect on a human level.

So, if you’re craving a night that feels a little like magic... this is your seat.

Join us in Miami. You’ll be glad you did.

?? Reserve your spot here

Community Spotlight ?

Three years ago, I ran into Dave Albano in person at the Traffic and Conversion Summit, post-pandemic. I had seen him on Zoom a couple of times, but this was the first time meeting him face-to-face as we crossed paths on the expo floor. He stopped me and said, “Thank you,” expressing his gratitude for my contributions as a valued member of the community. It was one of those moments where I hadn’t even realized that Dave knew who I was, but the fact that he did—and took the time to acknowledge me—was absolutely touching.

Over the years, Dave has been my go-to when I’m stuck. We’ve shared some incredible conversations and he’s also the guy who doesn’t hesitate to give me a kick in the tail when I’m procrastinating on something. He makes sure I commit, set deadlines, and follow through—and yes, he’ll check in to ensure I did it.? He is always teh first to want to celebrate with you.

Over the years, I’ve come to deeply appreciate Dave. At a pivotal moment for Dinner with Friends, he sat me down, gave me the tough advice I needed, and helped take it to the next level. So, if you ever get the chance to spend time with Dave, take it. He’s the kind of person who’ll leave you better than he found you.

Dave is also the Founder and CEO of Joza Marketing, a company dedicated to driving business growth through high-impact strategies and comprehensive done-for-you services.