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Watch Time

79 episodes - English - Latest episode: 4 days ago -

Supercharged video marketing tips for the savvy small business owner and the modern mid-market professional. Watch Time will discuss hot topics in video marketing, interview professionals from the field, and deliver tips that you can start using today to improve your marketing and sales efforts using video. Hosted by Flex Media’s Kathie Taylor and Bill Baraona.

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Episodes

3 Top Public Safety Personas

April 25, 2024 17:52 - 22 minutes - 41.4 MB

If you’re a company that offers products and services to the public safety sector, it’s important to identify the different pain points and needs of each persona rather than looping military, law enforcement and other professionals all together. The more targeted you get, the more successful you will be. With our backgrounds and work in public safety, we share three personas you’ll want to consider in your marketing in this episode.

5 Ways to Make the Most Out of Your Video Content (Episode #76)

April 19, 2024 20:28 - 16 minutes - 31.1 MB

When you're planning for a video, it's easy to just focus on the immediate topic or need. But it's important to consider what else you may be able to capture or create from your shoot in terms of mini clips and more to really maximize your time and money. Listen to this episode to learn more about how you can expand your use of your video shoot and footage.

Best Practices for Influencer Marketing (Episode #75)

April 11, 2024 19:12 - 31 minutes - 58.3 MB

Working with influencers is a popular marketing tactic, providing an opportunity to share your product or service with additional audiences. However, knowing how to find and work with influencers can be confusing. If your brand is considering introducing influencer marketing, you don't want to miss this episode with Matthew Thornicroft, Communications Manager at Pierre's Ice Cream. He shares best practices and examples from his experience that can help inspire your company's marketing strate...

Considerations for Nonprofit Marketing (Episode #74)

April 04, 2024 18:10 - 28 minutes - 52.2 MB

If you’re a nonprofit, it can be hard to know where you should be spending your limited time and marketing dollars. To add some clarity, we spoke with Belle Mercurio, Marketing & Communications Manager at Engage! Cleveland. Engage! Cleveland is a community engagement organization focused on young professionals, emerging talent and business/community leaders who are passionate about making Cleveland a top destination for the next generation. Belle shares some insight that other nonprofits can...

The Entrepreneur Experience (Episode #73)

March 28, 2024 18:57 - 32 minutes - 59 MB

Amy Mucha, Owner and Chief Pop Artist at Daisy Pops, is back chatting with our own Bill Baraona. In this episode, they discuss entrepreneurship, from starting a business to keeping it growing, as well as their experience going through the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program and why you should consider it too.

Marketing Tips for Small Business Owners (Episode #72)

March 21, 2024 19:45 - 27 minutes - 51.3 MB

Business owners know how important it is to retain and attract new customers, but with so many digital and traditional marketing options, how do you make sure you're choosing the right tactic to ensure your message stands out and reaches your target audience?  In this episode we speak with Amy Mucha, Owner and Chief Pop Artist at Daisy Pops to learn how this math teacher turned cake pop entrepreneur has been able to grow her followers and business with marketing. 

Your Roadmap to Trade Show Success - Part 2 (Episode #71)

March 08, 2024 19:18 - 31 minutes - 57.7 MB

We continue our conversation with Jim Cermak, host of Trade Show University podcast, about how to make conferences more effective for your company. 

Your Roadmap to Trade Show Success (Episode #70)

February 29, 2024 23:00 - 46 minutes - 86.2 MB

Jim Cermak, host of Trade Show University podcast is back with more secrets to make conferences more effective for your company. Listen to this episode for his Roadmap to Trade Show Success.

How to Cut through the Noise with these “Four E’s of Video Content” (Episode #69)

February 22, 2024 18:43 - 8 minutes - 15.1 MB

It’s 2024 and it’s no secret that there’s more video content out there than ever before. With so much saturation, how do you cut through the noise and give your videos the chance to stand out? Listen to this episode in which we describe 4 characteristics to keep in mind when you’re mapping out your video strategy.

How to Explain to Your Boss Why Buyer Personas are Important (Episode #68)

February 15, 2024 19:26 - 12 minutes - 23.7 MB

We’ve talked about them before (and we’re sure we will again) but buyer personas are critical for refining your messaging and sales. Still, we know that many marketing teams get pushback when they try to narrow their target audience down from “everyone.” Here are some tips on how you can explain why developing buyer personas can actually make your sales strategy more effective.

To DIY or Hire a Professional…That is the Question (We'll Answer in this Episode) (Episode #67)

February 12, 2024 22:28 - 14 minutes - 27.1 MB

If you're wondering if you should hire a professional videographer or create your own content, you're not alone. Actually, the answer isn't so black and white. Listen to this episode to learn how a healthy video strategy uses a mix of both.

Common Website Misconceptions (Episode #66)

January 24, 2024 19:18 - 20 minutes - 37.9 MB

In this episode, Flex Media’s Bill Baraona continues the conversation with website design expert Adam Corrao of Glass Pixel Creative (from episode 65 on Website Basics) to discuss common website misconceptions and how to overcome them.

Understanding Website Basics (Episode #65)

January 18, 2024 15:33 - 17 minutes - 32.3 MB

In the digital age, your website is like your storefront. It’s typically the first place people go to learn about what you do and how you do it, as well as to assess your credibility. In this episode, Flex Media’s Bill Baraona sits down with website design expert Adam Corrao of Glass Pixel Creative to discuss the basics of getting your website off the ground. Whether you’re a small business or a marketer at a larger company, you won’t want to miss these tips.

Lights. Camera. Wardrobe? Why Style is Important to Video Strategy (Episode#64)

January 11, 2024 20:49 - 34 minutes - 63 MB

You've got your product/service messaging down on paper, but what about when it comes to how your representatives and set will look when it comes time to record? In this episode, Megan Hurley of Style Counsel discusses how wardrobe, hair/makeup and set dressing can make a difference in the look and feel of your videos.

Tips for DIY Video Production and Editing (Episode #63)

January 04, 2024 22:13 - 20 minutes - 38.1 MB

In this third and final part of our series on user-generated content, Flex Media's Bill Baraona and Josh Lawhorn wrap up with some advice for video production and post-production.

How to Simplify Planning Your Own Content (Episode #62)

December 14, 2023 22:11 - 20 minutes - 37.7 MB

In the second of our three-part series, Flex Media's Bill Baraona and Josh Lawhorn discuss user-generated content. Like most things, producing regular content is easier when you take time to plan. Listen to catch some practical pre-production tips.

Why your business needs to create its own content (Episode #61)

December 07, 2023 22:10 - 27 minutes - 51.5 MB

In the first of our three part series, Flex Media's Bill Baraona and Josh Lawhorn discuss user generated content. Tune in to learn why your business should be generating some of its own content, and subscribe so you don't miss the next two episodes that will cover how to go about planning and producing it.

3 Audio Misconceptions (Episode #60)

December 05, 2023 22:07 - 19 minutes - 36.3 MB

Flex Media's Bill Baraona and Liz Ward discuss how considering aspects such as shooting location and music selection can make a huge difference in your audio and impact the overall quality of your video.

Making a Big Impact with a Small Marketing Team (Episode #59)

November 23, 2023 22:00 - 43 minutes - 80.6 MB

With tradeshows, digital campaigns, website launches, social media and more, how can small marketing teams keep up with increasing responsibilities while supporting their sales teams and helping companies stay competitive? Since we know many of our listeners are feeling this pressure, we brought in the ASG (a Cleveland-based manufacturing company) team of two to discuss how they divide and conquer to lead their company to success. Hear more from Senior Marketing Manager Kelly Samardak and Di...

How a Documentary Can Help Tell Your Story (Episode #58)

November 13, 2023 21:55 - 16 minutes - 30.2 MB

While you may know the Flex Media team for our corporate video work, we also have experience with documentaries. On this episode, Josh Lawhorn and Kathie Taylor discuss how organizations can benefit from documentaries through the power of storytelling and bring attention to their cause.

What Businesses Get Wrong About Video Length (Episode #57)

November 06, 2023 21:52 - 16 minutes - 30 MB

In the world of content creation, video length is perhaps the most misunderstood aspect. Many businesses often find themselves at a crossroads, wondering whether their videos should be shorter for higher engagement or longer to provide more in-depth information. But the truth is, there's no one-size-fits-all answer. The ideal video length depends on various factors, including your target audience, the nature of your content, and your platform.  In this episode, the Flex Media team helps disp...

Where to Find Video Inspiration (Episode #56)

October 30, 2023 20:50 - 20 minutes - 37.7 MB

Video involves a creative process. Like all creative endeavors, sometimes it can be difficult to think of topics, different shots or other elements that could make your video more engaging. Whether you’re creating your first video or looking to switch up what you’ve been doing, and whether you’re working with a video production team or doing some DIY, staying inspired is important to creating effective content. In this episode of Watch Time, Flex Media’s Josh Lawhorn and Bill Baraona discuss...

What Does Getting the ”Raw Video Footage” Really Mean? (Episode #55)

October 23, 2023 20:46 - 24 minutes - 45.4 MB

Sometimes clients will ask us to deliver their raw footage on a flash or hard drive, thinking their team may want to use it for something else. While we're happy to provide this, we often find that there is confusion about what it takes to work with raw footage and what customers are really getting into. In this episode of Watch Time, Flex Media’s Josh Lawhorn and Bill Baraona discuss what to expect when you receive raw footage from your video production company and what resources it will ta...

HoHow Public Safety and Government Recruitment Videos can Help you Attract the Right Candidates (Episode #54)

August 14, 2023 19:24 - 23 minutes - 32.8 MB

People don’t always think about using video in recruiting efforts but it can be a key tool in helping to market to potential applicants by showcasing aspects of your team and organization’s culture. In this episode of Watch Time, Flex Media’s Kathie Taylor and Bill Baraona discuss how recruitment videos are essential to attract the ideal candidates for your test. With our team’s backgrounds in the law enforcement and military sectors, we can not only create professional videos for public saf...

The Risks of a “Show Up and Shoot” Approach (Episode #53)

August 07, 2023 19:22 - 24 minutes - 33.8 MB

Whether you’re a business owner or marketer, you’ve probably had the experience of having a videographer show up to gather B-roll of an event, a new product or your facilities, figuring they would just grab what they could and the footage could be turned into something later. However, this approach doesn’t always foster the best results. Maybe you find that you’re missing something important or the video doesn’t look quite how you wanted it to. In this episode of Watch Time, Flex Media’s Kat...

How to Use Video to Improve Your Internal Communications (Episode #52)

July 31, 2023 19:19 - 13 minutes - 18.3 MB

You may have considered using video in your sales and marketing, but video actually has many uses for internal communications within your company as well. In this episode of Watch Time, Flex Media’s Kathie Taylor and Bill Baraona discuss how video can be used to onboard new employees, train staff on products and procedures and much more to streamline your internal communications. Watch or listen to learn more!

When to Use AI vs Hiring a Professional Writer (Episode #51)

July 24, 2023 19:04 - 23 minutes - 32.1 MB

With the advent of AI tools such as Chat GPT, some companies are considering handing over their writing from humans to robots. But is this really the best decision for your business? In this episode of Watch Time, Flex Media’s Kathie Taylor talks with Laurel Wilder, a communications consultant and former senior director of marketing and communications at College Now, to discuss when to use AI as a tool for your messaging and when hiring a professional writer will help maximize your content's...

Whom are you Talking to? Why Creating a Buyer’s Persona is a Critical First Step in your Marketing (Episode #50)

July 15, 2023 01:27 - 35 minutes - 49.3 MB

So you’re ready to dive into social media, video, email, or other marketing. Have you taken a moment to consider whom you’re talking to? Think it’s everyone? Think again before throwing away precious marketing dollars. In this episode of Watch Time, Flex Media’s producer Kathie Taylor talks with Allison Halco, Vice President of Neighborhood Marketing for Cleveland Neighborhood Progress, which works to revitalize Cleveland neighborhoods by strengthening the community development ecosystem. L...

How to Turn Your Side Hustle into a Full-Time Business (Episode #49)

June 24, 2023 01:24 - 32 minutes - 45.2 MB

Do you see a need for a product or service in your area of expertise? Not sure how to make the leap from what you’re doing now to turn your vision into a viable business endeavor? In this episode of Watch Time, Flex Media’s Bill Baraona talks with Ryan Allen of Zero9 Solutions, which designs and produces gear solutions for law enforcement, military, and other safety forces. After serving nearly 30 years in law enforcement, Ryan saw a need for better duty gear. Here’s how he turned his passi...

Getting Started with Your Small Business Marketing (Episode #48)

June 17, 2023 01:23 - 28 minutes - 39.1 MB

Starting a business is full of challenges. It can be hard to know where to start with your online presence and marketing. This often leads business owners stuck without knowing where to begin. In this episode of Watch Time, Flex Media’s Bill Baraona talks with Tim Eliopoulos, owner of Delta Strategic, which specializes in wholesale firearms and accessories. Tim launched his business after more than a decade in law enforcement. He discusses that while confusion around marketing can be paraly...

Stop Selling and Start Storytelling: A Personable Approach Pays off on Social Media (Episode #47)

June 10, 2023 01:20 - 44 minutes - 60.7 MB

Join Kathie Taylor and Bill Baraona in this episode of Watch Time presented by Flex Media as they talk with Meg Corso, Business Growth Strategist, at her company Exclusively BA. Her team’s unique approach to traditional advertising ensures successful partnerships, brand loyalty, positive experiences, and community development. Are you a small business that is looking to improve your social media presence? Maybe you aren’t even sure where to start. Tune in to learn how an authentic, helpful, ...

2023 Video Trends Decoded: Analyzing Wistia’s 2023 State of the Video Report (Episode #46)

June 02, 2023 11:13 - 54 minutes - 75.7 MB

Join Kathie Taylor and Bill Baraona in this episode of Watch Time presented by Flex Media as they discuss some key findings from Wistia's 2023 State of the Video report and why those findings are important to your video marketing strategy. You will discover some essential statistics and trends shaping video strategy this year, including the best practices for creating engaging content. Kathie and Bill explore the popular distribution channels of 2023, such as Instagram and TikTok, and offer...

Elevating Your Video Production: Why Two Cameras Are Better Than One (Episode #45)

May 27, 2023 11:44 - 20 minutes - 27.8 MB

In this episode of Watch Time presented by Flex Media, hosts Kathie Taylor and Bill Baraona dive into the topic of why a production company might need multiple cameras and operators to produce a video. They discuss the common misconceptions, advantages, and situations where having one versus two cameras can make a significant difference. Whether you're a professional in the video field or someone interested in purchasing video services, this episode provides valuable insights into the reason...

The Power of Short, Medium, and Long-Form Videos: Strategies for Effective Content Creation (Episode #44)

May 12, 2023 09:00 - 32 minutes - 45.5 MB

In this episode of Watch Time, the Flex Media Team sits down with Dom Mann, owner of DM Productions, to dive into the world of short-form, medium-form, and long-form video content. Join us as we explore the misconceptions surrounding videos as a solution, the importance of aligning content with your business objectives, and how different video formats can be leveraged to achieve your goals. Gain valuable insights into when and how companies should utilize each type of video content to drive...

How to Establish Yourself as a Thought Leader in Real Estate using Marketing and Video (Episode #43)

May 05, 2023 10:00 - 38 minutes - 52.7 MB

In this episode of Watch Time presented by Flex Media, we welcome back Roman Soyko, owner and real estate developer at RS Professional Homes. Roman shares with us how he was able to use marketing, thought leadership and video to establish himself as an authority in his space. He talks about how he got into podcasting, social media, and created a course on real estate investing. Roman also discusses how he leverages Instagram and Facebook to find and sell properties, and how his business has ...

From Raw Footage to Final Cut: Understanding the Video Post-Production Process (Episode #42)

April 28, 2023 04:17 - 49 minutes - 69 MB

Lights, camera, action... and then what? In this episode of Watch Time, our host Bill Baraona interviews Josh Lawhorn, Lead Cinematographer and Editor at Flex Media again and we explore the often-overlooked world of the video post-production process so you can better understand what to expect when working with a video production professional. We know that many viewers hire professionals to create their video content, but they don't always understand the editing process, what goes on behind t...

The Ins and Outs of the Video Production Process: A Cinematographer’s Perspective (Episode #41)

April 21, 2023 16:27 - 26 minutes - 37.1 MB

In this episode of Watch Time, our host Bill Baraona interviews Josh Lawhorn, Lead Cinematographer and Editor at Flex Media, to explore the video production process when working with a video marketing company. Josh shares his experiences and insights gained from his role as a main point person in the field. From staging equipment to capturing interviews and footage, this episode covers the basics of the production process, offering listeners a behind-the-scenes look at working with a video p...

From Cheap to Expensive: Understanding the Range of Video Production Prices (Episode #40)

April 14, 2023 14:56 - 31 minutes - 43.2 MB

In this episode of Watch Time, host Bill Baraona and our returning special guest Najada Davis discuss the wide range of pricing in video production. They explore why some video services cost more than others and how to determine how much your next production could cost. Najada shares insights from his experience running his own video production company, and working with other production companies, and companies in the film industry. Tune in to learn how video production and film industry pro...

Unlocking the Power of Video: How Proper Lighting Can Boost Your Brand’s Storytelling (Episode #39)

April 07, 2023 10:00 - 27 minutes - 37.4 MB

In this episode of Watch Time, special guest Najada Davis shares his expertise on lighting and its role in telling a compelling story. This is a must-watch episode for anyone unsure of the role lighting plays in the video production process and who wants to understand better how it is an essential tool for storytellers. As Najada explains, the importance of lighting in video production goes beyond simply illuminating the subject. Lighting can help shape the tone and mood of the video, and c...

Creating High-Quality Video Content for Your Business: Tips and Tricks to Make it Affordable and Effective (Episode #38)

March 31, 2023 11:18 - 7 minutes - 10.4 MB

In this episode of Watch Time, Kathie Taylor and Bill Baraona discuss why video doesn't have to be as expensive as you might think. While past episodes have explored why video can be costly, Kathie and Bill explain that there are options for creating high-quality video content without breaking the bank. They discuss DIY videos and offer tips on using your phone, a tripod, and affordable microphones to improve the quality of your videos. They also suggest filming a series of videos in a stud...

From Fear to Action: Creating Effective Videos for Your Business (Episode #37)

March 24, 2023 10:00 - 16 minutes - 23.5 MB

In this episode, Bill and Kathie discuss the top three fears that businesses have when it comes to creating video content. Whether it's the fear of being on camera, the fear of not having enough resources, or the fear of not getting a return on investment, these concerns can hold businesses back from taking advantage of the powerful tool that is video. But fear not! Bill and Kathie share their insights and tips for overcoming these fears and creating compelling video content that resonates ...

Inside Video Production: What to Expect When Working with a Video Marketing Company (Episode #36)

March 17, 2023 21:49 - 21 minutes - 29.3 MB

Are you curious about what goes into creating a video? Have you ever thought about working with a video production or video marketing company, but don't know where to start? In this episode of Watch Time, we explore the video creation process and what to expect when working with a company like Flex Media. From the initial discovery meeting to the final delivery and implementation, we'll guide you through each step of the process. Join us as we explore video strategy, pre-production, on-site...

Revolutionize Your Trade Show Game with Video: Insider Tips and Tricks for Success (Episode #35)

March 10, 2023 13:01 - 35 minutes - 48.5 MB

In this episode, we sit down with Jim Cermak, founder of Trade Show University, to discuss how exhibitors and show organizers can maximize their ROI at trade shows through effective video marketing. With over 30 years of experience in planning and exhibiting at trade shows, Jim knows the ins and outs of this powerful marketing tool. He'll be discussing the common mistakes companies make when investing in trade show marekting and how to avoid leaving money on the table. Jim will also be shar...

The Dark Side of Marketing: Understanding Demand Generation and Dark Social (Episode #34)

March 03, 2023 09:30 - 37 minutes - 52.5 MB

Join us on The Dark Side of Marketing as we delve into the world of demand generation and dark social, two marketing tactics that are trending in the digital world. Our expert guests, Patrick and Vanessa Zangardi of Zangardi Studios, share their insights and experiences with these indirect marketing strategies that focus on offering valuable content to drive long-term demand. They explain the difference between lead generation and demand generation, and how to create valuable native content ...

What is Video Marketing: Decoding a Commonly Used Buzzword (Episode #33)

June 04, 2021 01:53 - 34 minutes - 31.5 MB

In this episode of Watch Time, we discuss what video marketing actually is by breaking down the article that our co-host Bill Baraona wrote for Videomaker Magazine called "Video Marketing: What, Why, and How." Many of you have probably heard the term used by numerous people but what does video marketing mean and how can you start implementing it into your content today to see better results the next time you create a video? Answers to these questions and more in episode 33 of Watch Time, so ...

Creating DIY Video Content: The Importance of Know, Like, and Trust (Episode #32)

May 20, 2021 03:51 - 32 minutes - 30.2 MB

In this episode of Watch Time, we talk with Brian Butkowski, founder and principle brand strategist at Bomb Image. Brian shares with us how he creates DIY video content for his brand, and how it has helped him grow his network while promoting his clients. Brian also shares with us the importance of building a brand that people know, like, and trust and how video has played a role in him being able to do that. As a bonus Brian also shared with us his experience with Clubhouse and how he has b...

Virtual or in Person? The Future of the Event Industry with Jim Cermak (Episode #31)

May 12, 2021 19:15 - 47 minutes - 43.4 MB

In this episode of Watch Time, we sit down again with Jim Cermak, host of the Trade Show University Podcast, and discuss the future of events now that some COVID19 restrictions are starting to get lifted. We asked Jim how video's role has changed in virtual events since the beginning of the Pandemic in March 2020 up until now. Jim also gave us a great overview of some of the platforms and strategies being used by some the top dogs in the trade show world today. Make sure to stick around unti...

The Future of Video: Wistia's 2021 State of Video Report (Episode #30)

April 25, 2021 23:53 - 50 minutes - 46.5 MB

What video tactics should you invest in? What trends are going to help you make better videos? What actually works when it comes to creating videos in 2021? These are some of the many questions we get asked by our clients, and probably some of the same question you have right now too. Luckily, Wistia released their 2021 State of Video Report to the public which gives us the data we need to answer those questions. Wistia is a 3rd party video platform that is used by companies and organizatio...

Fix it in Post: Getting Started with Video Editing (Episode #29)

April 20, 2021 01:31 - 29 minutes - 27 MB

In this episode of Watch Time, we interview John Vlach, Creative Service Director for Rock the House, in Cleveland Ohio, and podcast host of The Post Show.  We will be discussing video editing for beginners, and some of John's tips and tricks for editing videos for use on social media. John will also fills us in on some of the social media videos he created for Rock the House and what made them successful. Tell us what you want to hear us discuss on an upcoming episode.  Email info@flexmedi...

How has Video Marketing Changed in 2020: Our Observations and Predictions for 2021(Episode #28)

April 08, 2021 10:37 - 39 minutes - 35.8 MB

In this episode of Watch Time, we discuss what changes we have seen in the video marketing and video production world in 2020. We will touch on how COVID19 has played a role in advancing the use of video for businesses, what new technology and trends have developed, and what we personally have observed at Flex Media with our clients. Make sure to stick around until the end because we will wrap things up with discussing where we see video marketing going in 2021 and into a post pandemic world...