Following is for podcasters and others wanting to interview me.
Recently I came to a decision:
I am no longer doing video interviews.
I’ve made exceptions here and there over the last couple years. But starting today that is no longer going to be the case. And, in fact, I’ll be sending anyone asking me to appear on their podcast, mastermind, masterclass, training, or other ventures via video to this (it will be put up as a page on my blog) so they know I won’t be appearing on video.
If they want me on their zoom or whatever, my video will be turned off.
And they will simply see my still shot face.
Why am I being such a video nazi?
The answer is simple:
I give my best performance via audio & far more enjoy the experience that way.
For me, being tethered to a desktop computer doing interviews is stupid.
I’m not saying people who like being tethered to a desktop doing interviews are stupid.
And I’m not saying those who insist on video interviews are stupid.
I’m simply saying for me it is stupid.
I do my best thinking & strategizing walking around, not having to look into a screen, and free to just talk, think, and give information unbound to a desk, not looking into a camera, and not even frankly being fully dressed in some cases.
A Stefania often says:
“Ben, you gesticulate a lot when you are talking.”
And she’s right.
People who listen to me live in our Profit Pirates coaching program know this.
And it doesn’t work sitting down in one spot looking into a phone or computer camera.
On a stage when speaking?
Fine.
In fact, I enjoy that.
But on video?
No.
More:
Audio is far more direct response friendly than video anyway. That is why most direct response ads are on radio not TV. And the information is far more important than the format. Anyone who doesn’t get that is simply too short for the ride. And, they should find someone else to interview.
This is not an attack on anyone specifically.
In fact, I fully realize this will kill many opportunities for me.
I also have good friends who I highly respect up in this business who not only disagree with every word I am writing here, but insist on video being on, and will probably not invite me back on their shows, masterminds, whatever it is.
And I am perfectly okay with that.
This is not me arguing with anyone, nor is it up for debate.
It’s simply stating how it’s going to be for now on.
One last thing:
I have heard video podcasters say that video helps audiences connect more with whoever is being interviewed.
And there is some truth to that.
But the reality is, engagement has very little to do with format.
And everything to do with communication & conflict.
Will not explain further.
That’s all I got for now.
Just realize this, Mr. Podcaster reading this:
If it were up to me, the entire internet would go back to plain text.
So my biases are now obvious.
All right, enough.
Let’s move on.
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Ben settle
