As I look back on my journey as an entrepreneur, I can’t help but laugh at the time my Jedi skills came in handy during a particularly intense video marketing session. Now, before we transport to a galaxy far, far away with expectations of me swinging a lightsaber around my home office, let’s dive into how this really went down.
Picture this: it’s a sunny afternoon, and I’m in the middle of recording a video for my channel when suddenly my husband bursts through the door wielding one of our prized lightsabers from our extensive Star Wars collection. He was in the midst of reenacting a heroic duel he had just seen in “The Empire Strikes Back” and, in classic Star Wars fashion, I took the challenge. There we were, two grown men in full Jedi mode, sabers ablaze, clashing and dancing around the room. All of this, mind you, was caught on camera! Little did I know at the time that this impromptu duel would spark an idea that would forever enhance my video marketing strategy.
Now you might wonder, what do Jedi moves and a quick lightsaber bout have to do with video marketing? For starters, it taught me the importance of authenticity and bringing my true self to the forefront of my content. People connect with real stories, genuine personalities, and humor – the very things that make us human and relatable, like a spontaneous lightsaber battle that makes you burst into laughter. My audience later told me that they not only enjoyed the unexpected entertainment but appreciated the glimpse into my personal life and hobbies.
This experience was a crucial reminder of the power of storytelling in video marketing. When I started my entrepreneurial journey in network marketing back in 1988, and eventually dabbled in internet marketing by 2001, telling a compelling story was always at the heart of effective marketing. But video marketing adds a dynamic layer to that storytelling. It allows your audience to SEE and FEEL your brand’s message. It was like discovering the hidden force within my marketing strategy.
The lightsaber incident also illustrated another key lesson in video marketing: the importance of engagement and interaction. Just like how a Jedi uses the Force to connect with their surroundings, we as marketers must connect with our audience. My meet-up with the lightsaber wasn’t planned but it sparked conversations and engagement with my followers. People started commenting, asking about our saber collection, our love for Star Wars, and yes, occasionally, challenging me to a saber duel! This opened the door to deeper connections with my community across platforms like YouTube and Facebook, where I share insights on marketing through my podcast, Earn With Kurt.
As any Jedi knows, mastering one’s skills requires training. Just like I’ve spent over 30 years studying Ninjutsu to hone my physical abilities, mastering video marketing requires time and practice. The more I practiced being on camera, the more comfortable I became. Think of it as using the Force to understand the best angles, lighting, and editing tricks that can transform a video from good to great. Not to mention, consistent effort pays off; just as practicing my Ninjutsu allows me to stay agile, regular video content helps keep my brand agile and responsive to my audience’s needs.
In the same way a Jedi learns to trust their instincts, video marketers need to trust themselves when experimenting with content. I’ve learned to lean into my passions—whether it’s a love for Disney or geek-out sessions with Marvel heroes—and incorporate them into my videos. As part of the LGBTQ+ community, I take pride in celebrating diversity and inclusion, and I’m not shy about sharing that in my content. It adds flavor and a unique perspective that resonates with a wider audience.
From drawing lessons from my entrepreneurial ventures to working as a Certified Personal Trainer, the concept of growth and motivation comes naturally to me. Applying this to video marketing, I focus on improving what doesn’t work and enhancing what does. Just like how a Jedi is always learning, I stay open to new strategies, trends, and tools that can make my marketing efforts more powerful and effective.
No blog post about Jedi skills would be complete without mentioning the importance of balance. As Luke Skywalker might put it, the Force works best when balanced, and the same goes for video marketing. Too much focus on production value and you might lose sight of authenticity. Too casual, and your audience might miss out on key messages. Striking the right balance makes content engaging and informative without overshadowing the core message.
So, next time you’re thinking about how to improve your video marketing efforts, perhaps a moment of spontaneity—with or without the aid of a lightsaber—could be the spark that ignites (pun intended) a fresh, engaging path forward. Channeling your inner Jedi isn’t just about epic battles and using the Force; it’s about embracing who you are, connecting with others, and inspiring success across your audience and ventures.
As I continue sharing my journey and insights through my content, I’m always on the lookout for those unexpected moments that bring out the best in video marketing. May the Force—or in our case, the power of storytelling and engagement—be with you in your marketing endeavors.
