How to Tap into the "Secret" Power of Your Cell Phone

How to Tap into the “Secret” Power of Your Cell Phone

Video is more important now than ever.  And you can benefit from it.

Think of a situation that frustrated you.  You likely just accepted it.  But if you could show the problem to a decision-maker, you might get something done.  You’d go from victim to victor to resolve an issue.

This video example was by no means award-winning.  I simply was hungry for a salad so visited the salad bar at Kroger’s in Las Colinas/Irving, TX at 7:15 p.m.  Look at the video I quickly shot with my iPhone, and you get the picture.

But what good does a video like that do unless someone else sees it?  Someone in a position to get something done.  So I showed it to one of the store managers.  He was startled by what he saw, and moved immediately to make things right.  And Kroger’s website welcomes feedback, so rather than simply complaining about the salad bar, I sent them a link to the video posted on YouTube.  So how can you put the power of cell phone video to work?

TAKEAWAYS

• Rather than just complaining, use your cell phone to capture video to make your case.

• Keep it simple:  Show the problem you’re complaining about even though your framing and lighting aren’t perfect.

• Send it to a person in a position to resolve the issue.

• Post it on social media to make others aware, but be fair.  If management responds to resolve the issue, say it.

• On the positive side:  If anything impresses you enough to tell others, show it on video or, at least, with a still image.

• Google your own name or business to learn what others are saying or showing about you.

When I’ve spoken on reputation management for the Governor’s Small Business Forums, business leaders are surprised how video can damage their reputations or help it.  One of the most frequent questions:  “How do I protect my reputation when I see negative comments or even videos when I Google my name?”  The simple answer:  “Generate your own content.  Often.”

Whether you’re a consumer wanting to use video to get your complaint heard or a business owner looking to protect your online reputation, contact me:  bob@kaplitz.tv.