Periscope and other live stream platforms like Facebook Live are some of the newest social media options for online entrepreneurs, authors and business coaches. So, what’s all the hubbub about, anyway?
WHAT’S SO GREAT ABOUT PERISCOPE?
Well, for starters, Periscope is new-ish, free, forgiving and fun. Periscope, and live streaming in general, added a new dimension and breathed new life into the social media world. Entrepreneurs got excited about getting in front of the camera on their mobile devices to share their message without lots of prep and planning and many are experiencing a significant return on that investment of time.
So, does that mean only established entrepreneurs with a strong video presence can benefit? Not at all!
Periscope is a platform where people at all levels in their professional or personal journey can shine.
Live streaming allows us, as broadcasters, to reach out to people across the globe and share our message through video as we interact with our viewers in real time. We can share content, breaking news in our business, and make offers. In snippets of time, we can demonstrate our expertise, credibility, and communication style.
As viewers, we have access to content and broadcasters all over the globe and the ability to establish relationships with them as well as with other viewers as if we were invited to an impromptu cocktail party where the hors d’oeuvres are morsels of some of the best online content for free.
While broadcasters and viewers are sharing content, learning, and connecting, they are also building their businesses by getting new clients, filling programs, selling their books and getting immediate feedback as they create more content. Hard to see a downside, right?
WHY ISN’T EVERYONE USING PERISCOPE?
So, why isn’t everyone doing it and how is that good news for you?
The answer is one of the usual culprits when it comes to stepping out: fear.
Fear of technology, being on camera, speaking, and general uncertainty about what to expect.
The bright side of this is that as online entrepreneurs, we face fear every day and this is just one more step in the journey. A mindset shift to focus on how Periscope can help your business is often all it takes to build the confidence as you quell the fear. The even brighter side is that many people are still not doing this (and perhaps never will) so by joining the Periscope and live stream train, you are a pioneer and have an opportunity for greater impact than those not willing to step into the platform.
Amassing over a million downloads in its first ten days, and growing upwards of 10 million downloads within a few months of that, it’s still estimated that active Periscope broadcasters account for less than 10% of users.
The stage can be yours if you know how to use strategy around it.
HOW CAN PERISCOPE HELP MY BUSINESS?
Periscope is a constantly evolving live stream platform where you can express yourself, your business and your products in creative and engaging ways that capture attention quickly and lead to conversion in terms of new clients and new business.
THERE ARE 5 KEYS TO PERISCOPE SUCCESS FOR YOUR BUSINESS:
1. Engagement
Sharing your content and receiving feedback, answering questions, and interacting with potential clients and customers are great ways to initiate, maintain, and grow relationships. If, as I do, you feel relationships are the backbone of your business, periscope is a vital way to grow.
2. Access
Periscope is a mobile-based app (with viewing available on desktop) designed to “explore the world through someone else’s eyes” (as stated in the periscope.tv tagline). This allows you to broadcast, view and stay connected anywhere you have wifi access and/or data to use the app. It means you can “talk” with and learn from people across the globe who you might otherwise never discover. It also means you and your content can be accessed by people all over the globe.
3. Immediacy
Live stream platforms like Periscope happen in “real time” in the moment. The intrigue of having a conversation with an influencer and the ability to reach your followers at the touch of a button as if you are together are incredible draws.
4. Convenience
Everything you need is on your mobile device. Although equipment and accessories are a great way to upgrade your broadcast experience, they are optional. All you need is your device (smartphone, tablet, or iPad), an idea, and a Periscope account and you can create, engage, and offer calls to action to your viewers.
5. Community
My favorite aspect of Periscope is its sense of community. It has leveled the playing field because broadcasts, even with high numbers, have an intimate feel and people follow and return to broadcasters who offer value. Influencers, newbies and established periscopers continue to foster a welcoming hand of connection. With the strategy to bring these connections to other platforms and offline, it’s easy to continue the “conversation” and discover ways to get more clients, more business, more supporters, and more collaborators.
ARE YOU USING PERISCOPE AND THE POWER OF LIVE STREAM?
Why not?
I truly hope that you’ll consider this platform and the strategy to maximize it so that you can join the many entrepreneurs, business coaches and authors who are getting clients, creating new content, refining their offers, and selling more books using the power of Periscope.
I’d love to hear your questions and comments about Periscope and Live Streaming and your experience with it in your business. Please respond in the comments and let’s keep the conversation going. I hope you’ll connect with me on Periscope @debcomanwriting.
