In the spirit of “doing what works for me” I decided to record my very first video blog post (aka vlog) and instead of writing an actual article, I spoke this week’s message to the camera. I hope you like it and enjoy hearing from me this way, which may be something I do more of in the future.
This video message is all about making things easier and doing what works for us, instead of struggling, suffering, and stressing ourselves out (often unnecessarily).
Feel free to leave a comment here on my blog and let me know what you think both of the message itself (and how it relates to you) and also what you think about video messages in general (i.e. would you like to see more of them from me, ideas for topics, questions you have, etc.)
Denise Benatar says
Mike,
Total winner!!! You are great in video form and I completely related to everything you said about writing.
Keep on going…you are in your element.
Denise
Fellow blogger and Stanford alum
Mike Robbins says
Thanks Denise! Go Cardinal 🙂
Hedi says
Dear Mike, I liked your video message a lot. One idea resonated so very well with me. At the beginning you mentioned it. I’m the same kind of person – regarding things that I did in a habitual way. I tend to not change something until I get kind of a nudge. Or as you also metnioned – somebody who knows another way of doing a certain thing – shows it to me and of course, I’m happy when I can interiorize it.
Just a short example: a few months ago I needed another computer (or laptop). And I used to work with windows for years. Of course, I wanted to buy a similar system again. One of our sons, however, convinced me to buy a Macbook (mark: apple). And lo and behold – I followed his advice. I then was kind of proud that I managed to learn different ways of handling certain types of things. Anyway, I appreciate your open way of relating issues.
Wish you a wonderful time now during these days with your family and a lot of success with whatever tasks you embark upon.
Merry Christmas and also a good start into the New Year. , best wishes, Hedi
Mike Robbins says
Thanks Hedi – good stuff! Hope you like your Mac 🙂
Maliha says
Hi Mike,
This was a great step forward. Videos are 3 times more engaging then pictures or written material because you are able to build rapport in a very human way!
I think you should definitely do more videos on a variety of topics and keeping them short and sweet is the best way. ( under 5 mins)
I totally agree with what you’re saying in this video by the way. Getting out of “stuck” and going towards where you need to be is extremely challenging. Actually trying to figure out my niche and discovering a career path that I want to be in as we speak. Its been 2 months and at times frustrating but I hope the new Year will be optimistic !
I have been reading a lot of different books and looking forward to your new one!
Any motivating material for getting what you want or tips would be great!
Mike Robbins says
Thanks!!!
Diana Gomez says
You are a sweetheart!!!…Loved the video!!…keep doing it!!…Super excited about getting your new book!!!
Mike Robbins says
Thank you Diana! I appreciate your kind words 🙂
Nicky Ruxton says
Hi Mike-
Wonderful to “see” you on your first vlog, congrats. I hope that you get enough feedback to support moving forward with this engaging communication. I love your written word (and have your books) yet seeing you and hearing you promotes your message in a really direct way that “speaks” to me.
I wish continued success and maturity as you and your family turn to 2014 with all the joys and challenges it surely will bring.
I’m taking a leap of faith this year. I’m leaving my job and community here in Mountain View of 30+ years (where I have enjoyed seeing you many times) and moving to Vallejo on 12/28 to pursue my creative dreams as a jewelry designer (check out my website). I’ve always been afraid to be amongst my artist peers (small fish large pond) but turning 60 and facing 2014 has stirred me up. Fear be damned!
Thank you for all your encouragement and willingness to show us what authenticiy looks like (especially purchasing copies of your own book and acting like you weren’t the author).
Blessings to you and your sweet family,
Nicky
Mike Robbins says
Thanks Nicky! Congrats on your big leap…good luck and have fun!
Janae Bower says
Mike,
Thanks for stepping out and trying something new. I enjoyed hearing about you using DragonSpeak for writing your book. I just purchased it myself and will see if it helps me work on mine too.
Keep on inspiring us…
Janae
Mike Robbins says
Thanks Janae – yes, Dragon rocks!
Boysen Hodgson says
Boom.
Well done. Thanks for the push.
Mike Robbins says
Thank you brother!
Kerry Ceniceros says
I loved it. I rather watch a video than take the time to read. I thought you were engaging as always. I have been to one of your classes at the center for spiritual living in Santa Rosa.
Keep doing it. I really needed that message today:)
Mike Robbins says
Cool…thanks Kerry! I appreciate you taking the time to watch the video and comment here. Blessings…
Paco Mexico Fan says
Congrats Mike¡¡ I really enjoyed seeing you and listening you in the video.
Don’t leave your writing, you can go deeply¡¡
regards¡¡
Mike Robbins says
Thanks Paco! I do plan to still write, but will be doing a lot of these videos as well – much easier and more fun for me…although writing can be as well!
tania says
Hat off! You had struck gold! The mesage is so… right that it made my hair stand on end. Thank you.
Mike Robbins says
Nice!
Norma Miller says
I love the video. I feel with all the techy today we lose the human connection. I first saw you at the Center of Spiritual Center in Santa Rosa several years ago. I loved your energy. I felt some of that on the video. I get tired of reading so much sometimes and love this way of connecting.Bless you keep it up. At least once a month would be nice since you are so busy would be great. Blessings and Hugs Norma
Mike Robbins says
Thanks Norma! I hear you. I’m really more of an in-person kind of guy, but this video thing also works as it lets me just talk, which is what I love to do. Hope you are well…happy holidays!
Jennifer Hathaway says
Hi Mike,
I loved the video format ! You are so dynamic and watching you speak I am able to “get” your message in a much more enjoyable way than just reading the words. ~: – )
Hope it continues to be a better format for you…… because it sure is for me !
Cheers,
Jennifer
Mike Robbins says
Thanks Jennifer! I plan to do lots of these videos moving forward, although I do plan to still write and record audio podcasts as well. Fun stuff
Carol Andrews says
Hello Mike!
I enjoyed listening and watching you on the video. While I “practice” reading, it is a bigger challenge for me to absorb, than by listening and seeing your message….
I “git it”.
And, I’m going to challenge myself to use video in my work also. Thanks for sharing your hesitation about using that medium.
Merry Christmas!
Cordially,
Carol
Houston, Texas
Mike Robbins says
Thanks Carol…appreciate you watching the video, hope you are well!
Jim says
Hi Mike, Enjoyed the video. A few suggestions.
On my screen the top of your head is missing which means you are too close to the camera. Your message also seemed sort of rambling. I liked what you had to say, but had a challenging time figuring out what it was you were saying.
There is another Mike that I follow on youtube. His name is Mike Chang, a fitness guy. Runs a company called Six Pack Shortcuts (www.sixpackshortcuts.com) He’s been doing the video thing for a long time and is really good at it.
His target audience is 20 to 40 year old men who are looking to get back in shape or into better shape. He has a total cheerleadiing, enthusiastic personality. He also totally gets this demographic. He also does his exercise videos with his shirt off (proves that what he talks about works). Also adds to the sincerity/credentials/believability levels. He’s also been at this for about four years or so. He has built up a pretty nice brand. He’s also one of those rare talents that provides value before asking for money. Something I learned from Jeffrey Gitomer (who led me to you!).
When he does a talking only video he does it in front of a plain brick wall (no advertising, no distractions), but yet always points you to his website for more information (and sales) at the end of the video. When he’s doing an exercise video, he keeps it simple and always keeps you focused on what is supposed to be happening. I always look forward to the next one to see what he is doing now.
I hope that helps. You’ll get much better at this. I look forward to your next video.
Mike Robbins says
Thanks Jim – I appreciate you taking the time to watch my video and give me some feedback, although I’m not all that self conscious about my ability to speak and communicate a message…it’s what I do for a living and feel pretty confident about it. The video format is a bit new and something for me to get the hang of…but I’m pretty clear about who I am and who I’m speaking to…
Arun says
Hi Mike,
I may have a contrarian point of view. I enjoy reading your posts. They allow me to process them at my own pace and allow me to go back and review easily certain points. I find the video format not as helpful to me. When I have to stop and attend to something, if I am reading, I can quickly skim the portion that I have read and bring myself back to context. I am now as motivated to watch the video all the way from the beginning and lose a bit in the process.
I understand what you say about it being easier to talk than to write. I am the same way. But there is one author and *lots* of folks in the audience. It may take a bit more effort for the author to write but the benefits to the audience members like me are immeasurable.
Thanks for sharing with us and being open to feedback!
arun
Linda says
Hi Mike, I too seem to be in the minority. I enjoyed your video but I agree with Arun that written material is easier for me to digest. Arun expressed my thoughts very well. Just different ways people learn … visual or audio. Regardless, I always enjoy your messages and am amazed how timely they are to what I’m experiencing in life.
Carol C says
I’m with Arun and Linda. While it’s nice to see and hear you in person, I much prefer written format that, depending on my time, I can either read thoroughly or skim and return to later. If it’s easier for you to present live, perhaps you or someone else could add a typed transcript for those of us who would rather read.
Debbie says
Like the VLOG communications. Let’s see more in 2014.
Steven says
Hi Mike,
Great honest video. We could definitely share more information on our website if it was easier to do. sitting to write nice articles when multi-tasking isnt easy. I thought about a dictaphone when out and about. I come up with so many ideas and dont get them down on ‘paper’. Not sure many would appreciate me sitting as you have blurting on about Paphos or villas but a combo of a video of an attraction with some speaking may well go down well and the more senses we can engage the better. Not everyone is a reader.
Well done Mike
Best wishes for the Season
Steven
Mike Robbins says
Thanks Steven!
Lisa Ryan says
Hi Mike,
I enjoyed the video, and would like to see more of them throughout the year. I like the written articles as well, as it’s much easier to go back and re-read the parts that I most resonate with.
I like the idea of a vlog and you gave me inspiration to do this on my website in 2014. Thanks for all you do to bring more appreciation and authenticity to the world.
Have fun,
Lisa
Mike Robbins says
Thanks Lisa – appreciate your feedback!
Zander Keig says
Dragonspeak! Yes!! Thank You, Mike for doing this video. I have been editing other people’s books and turning down the opportunity to write my own book, because hey ‘I’m not a writer.’ Well, today i am going to checkout DragonSpeak and begin to organize my own book!
Mike Robbins says
Nice! Go for it…
Vanessa says
I loved it.
It is always energizing to hear you speak. This made me feel as if I was in the audience like I have been at two of your presentations in the past.
Rebecca Bell Massoud says
LOVE IT, Mike! You are so in your element and look forward to seeing/hearing more from you in this new format. Honestly, I tend to not have the patience with videos and would rather read quickly through something. BUT, your video really engaged me and your authenticity shines through even more here.
I’m curious did you practice or use any kind of script for this video? How do you make it look so easy? 🙂
Thank you!!
Ryan says
Hey Mike,
Very inspiring when you talk. I like the vlog a lot. Keep up the videos and i look forward to watching them everytime they come out. Also look forward to your new book!
Thanks,
Ryan
maxwell ivey says
hi mike; as someone who wants to record his own videos i’m proud of you. Not only did you try something new and succeed at it but you used it to help solve problems with your writing of books and blog posts. I am waiting on a headset microphone to record my first video message but i have done some test videos to share with friends. I think i will meet my goal of recording my first before the new year. will let you know how i do with the medium. and i hope i can share it with you and get your opinion. as a blind computer user i did have some trouble clicking on your video but i solved that by going directly to your youtube page. this experience does remind me of a recent problem here at our house my mom kept pushing to have me put a towel down over the rug in the bathroom because it was getting wet. I kept telling her the problem was with the shower. I finally decided that I needed to show her. so i took her into the bathroom and stood next to the shower so she could see the problem. The problem is that at 6 ft 5 my head and shoulders are above the edge of the sliding shower door and water bounces over it while I am doing my bathing/meditation. smile I finally convinced her we needed another taller shower curtain. My brother agreed and she accepted. Now no more problem. well thanks for the video. You are a natural at it and I’m looking forward to more of them. Merry Christmas, max
M Bryant says
Hi Mike~
This was a great video! I must admit that I have really missed your messages, so this will be wonderful to hear (and see) you! I love your work.
Happy holidays to you and your dear ones.
Kim says
This is great Mike!
Not only is it nice to hear you speak (like when I first saw you speak), but it is actually easier than reading something. So not only is it easier for you, it might just be the way to reach more people for whom reading isn’t necessarily the best.
Thank you for giving this a go!
Kim
Raquel says
WOW Janie this is by far the best video I have watched in mhonts!You know what ?I think I will give this to people, every time they by a product from me, as the very first thing. And then invite them to stop and imagine what they want to accomplish with my product before actually going through it How powerful would that be?Thank you so much for sharing!And I can’t wait to see what your ebook is all about LoveMarlene