Connect the Dots Podcast
158 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 1 year ago - ★★★★★ - 16 ratingsMarketing is an integral part of the sales process. When you add video into your marketing and sales, it's a more comprehensive version of Connect the Dots and a better overall and welcome experience for your target audience.
Do you want to start creating videos for your business but don't know where to begin?
Discover your Video Creator Archetype via this quiz: https://www.vickioneill.com/quiz
Host Vicki O'Neill, 20+ year marketing and sales leader leverages her experience and that of her guests to bring you video marketing, social media marketing, storytelling, sales and everything in between to give you insights that might create more attraction to your brand, better quality leads and higher attribution rates.
Vicki's experience, leadership and creative problem solving provides unique perspective to consider for your business. Vicki shares downloadable documents on various episodes as well via the Show Notes.
Follow Vicki on LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube @vickioneill.
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Episodes
5 Videos Every Business Needs to Win and Keep Clients
November 22, 2022 05:00 - 10 minutes - 16.3 MBHave you ever heard someone say "I don't even know where to start!" when it comes to creating videos for their business? Maybe it's you who's been saying that. If it's you or someone you know, this episode is the place to start. In this episode I review 5 videos every business needs to attract and keep their ideal customers. I share 2 ideas for each of the 5 steps from know, like, trust and buy as well as handling objections. These videos give you the 'hook' ideas which can also ...
Create SMART Goals for Your Video Strategy
November 15, 2022 05:00 - 6 minutes - 11 MBA video strategy - whether you're just getting started with video or want to take your videos to the next level - requires planning. "If you find yourself reacting, you haven't invested enough time in planning." Planning starts with creating goals - SMART Goals. Smart goals are: specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound. In this episode of Connect the Dots, I walk through an example of a generic video goal vs. a specific video goal. If you want to create videos wi...
Create Your Video Marketing Strategy for 2023
November 08, 2022 05:00 - 10 minutes - 16 MBThe biggest thing 59% of marketers say is missing from a higher ROI with their videos is a video strategy. It's not surprising that video ROI is lackluster if no strategy is in place. The key to any success - in business, sales or life - is having a plan or strategy that takes you from where you are to where you want to go. The more detailed and more inclusive of all who are involved along the way encourages others to help you get to where you want to go. A video marketing strate...
Where Does Video Fit Into Your Marketing?
November 01, 2022 04:00 - 6 minutes - 8.69 MBVideo continues to grow in importance from creating brand awareness to user generated content. There isn't any other form of media that attracts, entices, engages and converts at the rate video does. More businesses are realizing the power of video in attracting new clients, keeping existing clients and even existing clients attracting new clients. Those business leaders who already use video in their marketing are already seeing the value and the ROI of video in their marketing con...
Video Simplicity and Marketing
October 25, 2022 04:00 - 5 minutes - 7.44 MBMarketing is the lifeline to your business. Why would you want to cut it? The worst thing you can do during a recession is cut your marketing. This practice goes back decades. There's proof that when a business cuts marketing, the sales and customers decline. If you need to make cost cuts in your business, make smaller cuts across the board. Give your business (and employees) the opportunity to thrive as much as possible during the downturns. Video simplicity - it may seem like an oxym...
Snapshot of Episodes 127-150: The Highlights Reel
October 18, 2022 04:00 - 15 minutes - 16.3 MBIn this episode of Connect the Dots, Vicki O'Neill reviews the highlights from episode 127 - 150. Topics range from what video marketing is and why it's important to TikTok being the new search engine to a guest interview with a local photographer and a SPECIAL 5-part SERIES with a storyteller (to review how storytelling works in marketing and the various components to make it work for you in your business). The links mentioned in this episode: Discover your Video Creator Type: https...
When Marketing Doesn't Go As Planned
October 11, 2022 04:00 - 36 minutes - 84 MBYou can plan, get everyone involved, set goals and still not have everything go as planned - including meeting the goals you set. In this final part of a 5-part SPECIAL series, Theresa Francomacaro and I review the marketing audit, evaluate why the results we anticipated didn't come to fruition and next steps for Why Story Works. All links mentioned in this episode as well as the other 4 are included in the show notes for this episode which is episode #150 of Connect the Dots at https://...
6 Story Arcs to Use in When Telling Any Story
October 04, 2022 04:00 - 49 minutes - 112 MBVicki O'Neill collaborates with Theresa Francomacaro in this special 5-part series of Connect the Dots. Theresa is a Seattle, Washington-based Business Storyteller and Executive Coach. In this episode, Theresa reviews the 6 story arcs you can use in any story and how each one can be told to end a story as a success or a failure. The most common story arc we are all familiar with is the Cinderella story - or the winner, winner, chicken dinner (W) approach. Listen to hear more about this...
Canary in the Coalmine - 5 Neurological Responses
September 27, 2022 04:00 - 46 minutes - 107 MBIn Part 3 of this 5-part series, Theresa dives into the 5 neurological responses to any good story. People needs stories to connect with other people and to build relationships. Theresa reviews how stories have "messy middles" which is what really connects us. It's the experience and how it all comes back to a circle. She demonstrates this with her 'messy middle' ball. Story prompts that remind us we need to bring the story nuggets to the surface. Having people who are in your corner...
The Marketing Audit with Theresa Francomacaro and Why Story Works
September 20, 2022 04:00 - 1 hour - 15.8 MBIn this episode of Connect the Dots, I do a marketing audit of Theresa Francomacaro's website Why Story Works and her LinkedIn personal profile. The intent is to identify opportunities to help her promote her services while moving closer to 3 of her business goals. I share my screen as I review both digital assets. The Video may be better for clarification on details reviewed. You can access via YouTube here: https://youtu.be/1fOojlKmbUQ To discover your Video Creator Type: https:...
Rapport Opens the Door: Business Opportunities through Connections
September 13, 2022 04:00 - 52 minutes - 121 MBStories connect people whether its in business or in our personal lives. When Theresa Francomacaro and I connected, it was during Covid in 2020 and we were both working from home. We were introduced through a mutual LinkedIn contact and formed a quick bond. Through the trials and tribulations of how life and business changed during Covid, the emotional roller coaster of being forced to pivot your business from 90% in-person activities to 100% online requires an expansion of your close kn...
The Worst Thing You Can Do Right Now? Cut Marketing.
September 06, 2022 04:00 - 5 minutes - 8.07 MBWe've all heard it. "We gotta cut somewhere!" "We need to hit our margins. Cut marketing!" "Marketing's just an expense anyway. If we need to cut somewhere, let's cut marketing." Do any of these sound familiar? Even if you haven't been the one making the decision, you've likely heard someone else say this. And what happened during the recession and AFTER the recession? I haven't heard or read any positive stories about 'Hey Company ABC cut their marketing budget and hit record ...
Creating Short Form Video Content on TikTok
August 30, 2022 04:00 - 11 minutes - 12.1 MBHave you been wondering why you should be on TikTok? Afterall, there are so many people talking about it - but you just don't "get" what the big deal is. Isn't it just a bunch of teenagers dancing and lip syncing? No, not it's not. There are professional, serious and non-dancing creators on TikTok, too. Those are the people I work with :) And the number of professional creators continues to rise! The question now is: are you going to be the first in your industry to start ...
5 Must Use Resources for Creating High-Converting Content
August 23, 2022 04:00 - 11 minutes - 12.5 MBDo you ever sit and wonder what your next post should be about or the title of your video or next podcast episode? I've been there! And it's daunting to sit there and spin your wheels on all the ideas you have floating around your mind. The 5 resources I review in episode #143 of Connect the Dots will help you connect the dots between your marketing and sales more effectively (and faster!). People like relevance and creativity - these resources accomplish both AND in abundance. T...
Are You Making Any of These 3 Faux Pas with Your Video Marketing?
August 16, 2022 04:00 - 11 minutes - 16.9 MBEven if you haven't started creating videos, listen to this episode to see the faux pas to avoid as you start your video marketing journey. Whether you're in the US and in a recession or in a different country that's forecasting a recession (in 2022 or 2023), it's important to have your video marketing plan in place - as well as your back up plan. In this week's episode of Connect the Dots, I review 3 common faux pas B2B companies make with video marketing - and how to avoid them (or c...
Recession Proof Your Business with Video
August 09, 2022 04:00 - 12 minutes - 19.1 MBThe recession is officially upon us - the US has experienced two concurrent quarters of a negative GDP which is how we can officially say we're in a recession. Most people go gloomy and have bad thoughts about a recession then start reacting - cutting marketing, cutting employees and indirectly cutting customers. No one talks about what you might consider - or do - before cutting, cutting and more cutting. Instead, consider re-evaluting your business from a high level. Ask yourself: w...
5 Reasons to Use Video Marketing for Your Business
August 02, 2022 04:00 - 9 minutes - 13.5 MBThe human eye can process 36,000 visual messages per hour. It makes sense that this processing is so high and leads to why our attention spans are so short - and getting shorter. Video is the #1 form of media that the majority of people today prefer when looking for answers, solutions or to learn something new. In this episode of Connect the Dots, Episode #140, I review 5 reasons why businesses need to use video marketing. The other episode I mention is Episode #129 - What is Vide...
Photography as a Passion with Leon McDonald
July 26, 2022 04:00 - 33 minutes - 31.3 MBLeon McDonald is a Cincinnati Portrait Photographer who co-owns the Janellee Photography photo studio with his wife. In this episode of Connect the Dots, we discuss Leon's journey from age 5 when he first discovered his passion of photography through today and the 40 Over 40 project, which I participated in. Listen to this episode to gain more insights into Leon's favorite camera, favorite photo moment and plans with the 40 Over 40 project. Leon's website: https://janelleephotography....
How Video Marketing Helps Convert Sales
July 19, 2022 04:00 - 5 minutes - 7.77 MBThe ultimate foundation for converting sales regardless of media is knowing who you serve - your target audience. The second more important thing is where they spend time. Where they spend time ultimately determines what type of media they interact with and what media options are available to you to reach them with. Fortunately, all the social media platform allow video with different time and size restrictions. The good thing is - creating videos that grab their attention and en...
Is TikTok the New Search Engine?
July 12, 2022 04:00 - 6 minutes - 9.28 MBAccording to a June 17, 2022 article in Search Engine Journal, not only are users going to TikTok to search for information but they actually prefer it over Google. You might be asking why? Vicki reviews the reasons why as well as what you can do about it. Join the wait list for the upcoming short form video bootcamp which will include training on TikTok, Reels and Shorts. Link to join: https://www.vickioneill.com/shortform
What Is Content Repurposing and Why Is Content Repurposing Important?
July 05, 2022 04:00 - 9 minutes - 8.89 MBThere are 3 reasons every marketer and content creator should keep in mind with every asset published - and the main one is to create with the intention of repurposing. What is repurposing anyway? Content repurposing is using the same piece of content or asset in another format and/or on another platform. This can be in pieces or in its entirety. The ultimate reason is to save time. The second reason is to reach a new audience. And who doesn't want that?! Connect with me on LinkedIn t...
TikTok, Reels and Shorts Oh My!
June 28, 2022 04:00 - 8 minutes - 8.62 MBShort form video is here to stay and if you aren't already creating and consuming video content on TikTok, Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts, you're missing out on a lot of potential clients. These platforms are not just for kids or teenagers or young people. There are people of all ages, nationalities, backgrounds and business types. Chances are high that the people you want to buy from you are already on these platforms - possibly consuming video from others in your industry (dare I...
5 Factors to Decide If Short Form Videos or Long Form Videos Are Best For Reaching Your Goal
June 21, 2022 04:00 - 7 minutes - 8.31 MBIn this week's epsiode of Connect the Dots, Vicki reviews the differences between short form videos and long form videos PLUS 5 factors every creator and marketer should consider to determine the best video approach to achieving a goal. Connect with Vicki O'Neill on LinkedIn to continue learning about video in your marketing and how it can help you achieve better results. Show notes are located here: https://www.vickioneill.com/podcast. This is Episode #134.
How to Repurpose Video and Podcast Content
June 14, 2022 04:00 - 11 minutes - 26.8 MBIn this episode, I break down a scenario where I create separate pieces of content from podcast to video to blog to social media and review the amount of time associated with each. Then I review how to drastically reduce your content creation from 8.5 hours to 2.5 hours by starting with video. The link to access the Video Success Quiz is in the show notes are at http://www.connectthedotspodcast.com Ep #133 or can be accessed directly at: https://www.vickioneill.com/quiz The quiz will p...
Create Momentum in Your Business with Video
June 07, 2022 04:00 - 9 minutes - 8.49 MBCreating momentum in your business requires creating content consistently in the right place at the right time. When this happens, you create momentum. Momentum is what's needed to attract, engage and convert your ideal customers. Without it, you are more likely to miss out on sales opportunities and leave money on the table. In this episode, I review Day 4 of my 5 Day Video Challenge and dive into the scientific side of habit forming. Since this is a snapshot of the actual daily...
131 - Marketing Framework with Video
May 31, 2022 04:00 - 8 minutes - 7.47 MBIn this episode, Vicki reviews her marketing framework and how video fits into it. If you're just getting started or already creating videos, you need to have a plan for video topics and content distribution. Listen to this episode and access the links mentioned in the show notes here: https://www.vickioneill.com/podcast Ep #131.
How to Create Irresistible Titles
May 24, 2022 04:00 - 8 minutes - 7.69 MBThis week, Vicki shares a way for how she finds titles and intros for her videos. It's one of the various tools she uses and teaches clients in finding content forever (12 months and beyond!). This is also a portion of Day 2 from the 5 Day Video Challenge. Be sure to subscribe to Vicki's YouTube channel to catch additional videos she's adding each week for the foreseeable future. All information can be found in the show notes at http://connectthedotspodcast.com Ep #130
Video Marketing: What It Is and Why It's Important
May 17, 2022 04:00 - 16 minutes - 14.4 MBIn episode 129 of Connect the Dots, Vicki shares part of Day 1 of her 5 day video challenge. She reviews video stats, what video marketing and why it's important to incorporate into your marketing strategy. Video plays an increasing role in connecting the dots between marketing and sales as well as from creating awareness to generating sales. To work with Vicki and see how she can help you with your video marketing strategy, go to http://connectthedotspodcast.com and Ep #129 to connect ...
How to See More LinkedIn Content from Your Existing Community
May 10, 2022 04:00 - 6 minutes - 15.8 MBIf you want to see more of the content from the people already in your LinkedIn community, these 3 tips will help you get more and different content in your LinkedIn feed. Vicki O'Neill demonstrates each of these tips in a video which you can also access via the show notes page at https://www.vickioneill.com/podcast Ep #128
Using Video Marketing to Book Appointments
May 03, 2022 04:00 - 15 minutes - 21.8 MBVideo marketing continues to rise from the number of video creators, consumption and conversion whether on YouTube, TikTok or Instagram Reels. If you are a solopreneur, entrepreneur or small business owner and haven't started creating video, you are missing out on a huge opportunity to gain new clients and increase revenue. In this episode Vicki O'Neill reviews video stats, the power of video, video types, challenges with getting started with video and how using video can reach more of...
Highlights of Episodes 101 - 125 with Vicki O'Neill
April 26, 2022 04:00 - 17 minutes - 18.9 MBVicki O'Neill, host of the Connect the Dots podcast, reviews each of the episodes for #101 - #125. A highlight episode is a valuable resource to new listeners and those subscribers who are limited on time. The links to each of the highlights is included on the show notes page for this episode at vickioneill.com/podcast Ep #126.
How Video Works in the Sales Funnel
April 19, 2022 04:00 - 12 minutes - 29.4 MBWhere does video fit in to the sales funnel? And how can I make sure I create the right video for the right step in the customer journey? Those two questions are answered in this week's YouTube video and Connect the Dots podcast episode. When it comes to video and the customer journey it starts with step 1 and knowing who your ideal customer is. It's followed by step 2, 3 and 4 with the know, like and trust steps before someone will buy in step 5. Creating video to retain customers...
Mister Productivity Mark Struczewski and Tips for Becoming Your Most Productive Self
April 12, 2022 04:00 - 1 hour - 65.4 MBMark Struczewski's obsession is to help YOU become a more productive version of yourself. Do you struggle with getting stuff done? Do you wish you had more time in a day? Are you sick and tired of being interrupted constantly? If you said YES to any of these, this is a MUST LISTEN to episode. Join Mark Struczewski aka Mister Productivity and Vicki O'Neill host of Connect the Dots as they discuss all things productive and more. Links mentioned are in the show notes at https://www.vi...
Vanity Metrics Are Valuable and Here's Why
April 05, 2022 04:00 - 9 minutes - 20.8 MBIn this week's episode, Vicki reviews why vanity metrics are valuable to a business, marketing strategy and ultimately sales. Listen and share your questions, thoughts and inspiration on this topic by leaving comments on the video. All links can be access via the show notes which can be found at https://www.vickioneill.com/podcast Ep 123
Artificial Intelligence and Video Marketing
March 29, 2022 04:00 - 9 minutes - 22.4 MBIt sounds mysterious but is really quite simple. Artificial Intelligence, or AI, is repetitive human behavior that's been automated through patterns of data over time. This week Vicki reviews 3 ways artificial intelligence is already playing a critical role in video - whether you're creating, watching or both. Watch and hear how it's explained in simple terms. The show notes and podcast mentioned are available in the show notes at: https://www.vickioneill.com/podcast Ep #122
How to Start Creating Videos - 5 Day Challenge Highlights with Vicki O'Neill
March 22, 2022 04:00 - 17 minutes - 15.7 MBVicki reviews the highlights from each day during the 5 day get started with video challenge. Topics covered include: Day 1: Overcoming Mindset Challenges Day 2: Tips for Getting Started with Video Day 3: The Importance of Creating Consistency Day 4: Video on Social Media Day 5: Topics to Get You Started with Video The REPLAYS are available until Monday, March 28, 2022. Check the show notes for the link at https://www.vickioneill.com/podcast Ep #121.
Why Make Videos: Pros and Cons of Pre Recorded Videos
March 15, 2022 04:00 - 9 minutes - 22.3 MBIn this episode of Connect the Dots, I review the pros and cons of pre recorded, or edited, videos. While there are similarities between live streaming and pre recorded videos, it's important to also understand the differences so you can make sure you're focusing your video marketing efforts in the best places to connect with your ideal customers. Links and details are in the show notes at https://www.vickioneill.com Ep #120
3 Pros and Cons to Live Streaming on Social Media
March 08, 2022 05:00 - 9 minutes - 21.5 MBLive streaming can seem terrifying to some people and welcoming to others. Is there a right and wrong? Or is there just a preference? Before you decide, listen to this episode where I review 3 pros and cons to live streaming on social media. The video and link to join my 5-Day Video Challenge are in the show notes at https://www.vickioneill.com/podcast Ep #119
Do Good Business with LinkedIn Company Pages and Michelle J. Raymond
March 01, 2022 05:00 - 56 minutes - 129 MBIt's not about you. It's about them. Michelle J. Raymond, founder of Good Trading Co, author and global LinkedIn Company page expert shares why having a LinkedIn company page is critical for your brand, how to get started and the benefits to you, your company and your target audience. Be sure to listen to the whole thing as there is value sprinkled throughout. Links mentioned can be accessed via the show notes at https://www.vickioneill.com/podcast Ep #118
Get Started with Video Today Using These 3 Topics
February 22, 2022 05:00 - 10 minutes - 14.7 MBIn this episode I review why it's important to get started with video today PLUS 3 topics that anyone with a phone and a record button can start creating today. Getting started with creating videos for your business isn't as hard as you might think. With your phone in hand and ready to press record, you realize you don't have anything to talk about. Sound familiar? Watch the video or listen to the podcast and you'll be creating videos as soon as the episode is over. REGISTER for my...
The StartUp Life Live with Founder, Ande Lyons and Host Vicki O'Neill
February 15, 2022 05:00 - 45 minutes - 105 MBAnde Lyons, StartUp Life LIVE and 4x StartUp Founder joined Vicki O'Neill as guest on the Connect the Dots podcast. Ande shares her startup journey with each of the 4 startups, talks about the learnings and the critical gap she identified and educates founders on in her 2x weekly Live Streaming show StartUp Life LIVE. If you're a startup or wanting to start your own business, this is a MUST LISTEN to episode. Shows notes: https://www.vickioneill.com/podcast Episode #116
Create High-Converting Lead Magnets with Vicki O'Neill
February 08, 2022 05:08 - 11 minutes - 16.8 MBLead magnets serve various purposes including connecting your ideal customers to you taking one step closer to buying from you, helping you build your email list and ultimately providing something of value. Whether you are helping to solve a problem, nurture your community or creating off-the-charts value, lead magnets are a critical component in business success. To download the High Converting Lead Magnet Creation Toolkit: https://www.vickioneill.com/lead-magnet-toolkit
Create Content that Converts with Lisa Lickert and Host Vicki O'Neill
February 01, 2022 05:00 - 44 minutes - 101 MBLisa Lickert, owner and president of EMI Network joins me for this episode of Connect the Dots. She shares nuances of creating marketing content with intent: it needs to serve a purpose and helps convert the micro moments to yes. Join us in this fun, engaging and highly energetic conversation on all things content conversion and connecting the dots between marketing and sales. Show notes can be found: https://www.vickioneill.com/podcast Episode #114.
Content Marketing 101 - The Ultimate Guide by Vicki O'Neill
January 25, 2022 04:22 - 22 minutes - 50.4 MBIn this episode Vicki O'Neill reviews the 4 pillars needed for an effective content marketing strategy, resources to get you started with creating your own eye-catching content for marketing, ideas for connecting the dots between online and offline content marketing as well as effective strategies that maximize your time, effort and budget in creating the best marketing content your target audience will love. To access links and resources: https://www.vickioneill.com/podcast Episode 113
Making Video Easy Peasy with Guest, Gillian Whitney
January 18, 2022 05:00 - 52 minutes - 119 MBHost Vicki O'Neill has guest Gillian Whitney join her this week on Connect the Dots to talk about making videos, in particular on LinkedIn. Gillian is a veteran marketer who focuses on helping entrepreneurs and small business owners with video to increase their brand visibility and connect better with their clients. Join us in this conversation if you want to get started with video on LinkedIn. Links mentioned can be found via the show notes at https://www.vickioneill.com/podcast Episo...
Small YouTuber Analytics PLUS 7 Steps to Getting Started with Host Vicki O'Neill
January 11, 2022 05:00 - 25 minutes - 58 MBIn this episode of Connect the Dots, reviewing YouTube analytics of a Small Channel provides inspiration to getting started PLUS the 7 MUST DO steps to getting started on YouTube. Video is THE most viewed and engaged with media. If you've been a watcher and talked about getting started, this is the episode for you. I take you behind the scenes of my small but mighty YouTube channel to show you the progress since being consistent in July 2020. I also review the 7 necessary steps to gett...
Why YouTube is SO Hard (and What To Do About It)
January 04, 2022 05:00 - 7 minutes - 17.7 MBWhy YouTube is SO hard (and what to do about it) reviews the reasons why most people either don't start a YouTube channel or if they do, why they don't continue creating videos. In this week's episode I review the top 2 reasons why people DON'T create videos for YouTube as well as how to get past the roadblock in 2022 and beyond. You can view and download the resources mentioned https://www.vickioneill.com/podcast under Episode #110.
Why You Need to Learn Video Editing with host Vicki O'Neill
December 28, 2021 06:17 - 11 minutes - 25.4 MBBasic video editing skills for marketers are valuable because it helps you understand what's involved in the process so that you can create better video content for your community. As a 20+ year marketing and sales leader, I knew I didn't want to become a full-time video editor. I also knew that I needed to understand the basics in order to create better content. Little did I know that hiring a video editor would be a HUGE weight off my shoulders and allow me to focus on what I love most...
Connect with Your Audience on an Emotional Level
December 21, 2021 05:00 - 14 minutes - 34.1 MBCreate emotional connections that inspire action is important in relationships, in business and in life. This week I take a different look at business and how being an effective coach and creating emotional connections builds relationships and brings us closer together especially through our stories - whether in lyrics, poems or our messages. Video is one way to create emotional connections with people - and it's increasing in popularity. Why? People crave emotion and connection with oth...
Content Marketing Mistakes You Need to Fix Now| Host Vicki O'Neill
December 14, 2021 05:00 - 11 minutes - 14.9 MBThe content you share on any and all social media platforms has purpose - and that's to connect the dots between you (your brand) and your ideal customers (sales). I review 3 marketing content myths that hold small business owners back from attracting more leads and ultimately more sales. These are easy mistakes to fix, too. The links mentioned can be found on my website at the following: https://www.vickioneill.com/podcast under episode #107.