5 Steps to Creating an Organic LinkedIn Video Strategy

LinkedIn now lets users directly upload videos (up to 10 minutes) on its platform. This is great news but you must have a strategy to capitalize upon this new feature and promote your brand and business.

Here are my 5 steps towards creating an organic LinkedIn video strategy!

Decide what you want to accomplish

Do you want to land a job, land a 1099 contract, land a business deal, or keep your put position yourself as an expert in your niche. Once you answer this create a metric/key performance indicator so that you can measure the effectiveness of your goal. Remember, you can’t manage what you don’t measure.

Do a current and future projection

In business analysis, you talk about as-is and to-be analyses. As-is is where you’re at currently. To-be is where you want to be in the future. In order to achieve your goal, you have document where you’re currently are. This means being honest about your successes and failures. If you have blind spots or things that you need to work on now, document them because honesty will help you remove the ego and emotion from jotting down your future projection.

Determine which videos you want to upload

LinkedIn like every other social media platform has its own ecosystem. This means that your videos must align itself with business. I would recommend creating a separate LinkedIn Pulse blog article to accompany your standalone video. Your audience consumes content differently. The FB Live, YouTube, Periscope or Instagram Live video may not accurately communicate your strategy. Keep this in mind when you decide to repurpose your videos on LinkedIn.

Do A/B testing to evaluate your organic video’s performance

Although I do believe that LinkedIn would prioritize direct uploads over links, your video’s performance also relies on what time your audience is on LinkedIn. For instance, if the US is your market and you’re in the Eastern Time zone, then 9am, 12pm and 3pm would be peak times where people would view LinkedIn.

Create an editorial calendar

You just cannot have your video strategy dangling out there. An editorial calendar gives your strategy coherence and the ability to measure its performance. You will know how effective your video strategy, how many people are watching and at what times.

LinkedIn allowing direct video uploads is a game changer for the platform. Incorporating these five tips will help you maximize your reach in whatever goal you set.

Follow me on LinkedIn.com: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlarjenkins/

3 Reasons Why Uploading Videos Directly onto LinkedIn Is Great for Engagement!

Every day video is getting bigger and bigger for content marketing. The medium is the biggest converter for sales, email subscription, you name it, video is a part of it.     The social media platforms have taken notice. From Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, to YouTube, each has its own livestream platform. They’ve also prioritized videos. Now LinkedIn has done the same. This week, LinkedIn now allows user to directly upload videos up to 10 minutes onto its platform. 

This is a big development for social media engagement three reasons:

• ·         More organic reach
• ·         Prioritized over dropping a Facebook Live/YouTube video link
• ·         Increased Social Selling Index (SSI) Ranking

More Organic Reach

                The platform lets you upload any video up to 10 minutes. This favoritism means more organic reach to your followers and throughout LinkedIn.

Prioritized over dropping a Facebook Live/YouTube video link

LinkedIn is favoring direct video uploads versus video links. This means that your video will be seen by more people.

Increased Social Selling Index (SSI) Ranking

The Social Selling Index is LinkedIn’s way of measuring your social influence. Since LinkedIn is prioritizing direct video uploads over links, this will also increase your social selling index.

Video is becoming a mainstay in business. This is why LinkedIn has introduced its direct video upload feature. These three reasons listed are more than enough to use this feature but add the direct video upload into your LinkedIn social media strategy.

Follow me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlarjenkins/

Scrum Journal : Day 6 (The Retrospective)

A lot has happened in the 6 days since starting my scrum journey. I have morphed from reading Jeff Sutherland’s Scrum book to reading Scrum for Dummies to enrolling in CC Pace’s certified scrum master prep course to passing the CSM exam.  As I have noted that I was just sick and tired of being sick and tired with the same old results. Remember, insanity is doing the same thing but expecting a different result. Well, last Sunday I was sick of the same old result and decided to email four LinkedIn connections regarding scrum, agile and ITIL. All four had PMPs like me so they knew what it took as project managers to pass the other certification exams. The three who responded all told me that scrum was the way to go so I embarked on my journey. The hardest part was finding a CSM exam prep workshop on such short notice. I found one because I was determined! Nothing was going to stop me from changing my life around!

                First, in scrum, let’s start with a definition of ‘done’. The Scrum Guide defines the definition of done as ‘ a shared understanding of what it means for work to be complete’. Although I don’t have a team, my definition of ‘done’ is earning my certified scrum master (CSM) license by Thursday. Once, I have a definition of ‘done’, I start planning my sprint. My sprint in this case is the reading and workshop necessary to complete my definition of ‘done’. Since I have defined done and completed the sprint, I am going through to the sprint retrospective (there is no sprint review meeting here). Below are the three sprint retrospective questions:

What went well?

People: My LinkedIn connections were phenomenal with their advice.

What didn’t go well?

I could had done without the blowhard instructor who went on massive 25-30 minute tangents (Tuesday’s lunch was 20 minutes late due to one.). I was forced to take control of my own education through reading the Scrum Guide and Scrum for Dummies because I did not get what was sufficient to pass the CSM exam. My team also had someone who constantly talked about the Army but never fought in battle (my father fought in Vietnam, maternal grandfather fought in Korea and paternal grandfather fought in World War II). The Scrum Alliance’s CSM exam portal went down because there were too many of us on the site. I was forced to take the CSM exam at home. I received harder questions forcing me to find two online test resources and relying on the Scrum Guide. I passed the CSM scoring 94.3% (33/35).

What have I learned?

My biggest learning lesson is that I can change my circumstances in 5 days flat. My mentality has changed. That CSM workshop class costs $1295 but I view this amount as an investment instead of an expense. I have paid nearly $2000 to prepare for the CAPM and PMP certifications. Attaining these two licenses, have propelled my income from $71,400 to $115,000. Scrum gives me more continuous improvement tools to better myself. That the product owner role is right up my alley because it has a business slant to it. I possess an MBA and this is right up my alley. Furthermore, I am clearer on agile, scrum and will consider resubmitting my PMI-ACP certification application. I love technology and continuous improvement. I will start reading more about scrum and agile books because I am big on both. Finally, I now qualify for 2-3 times as many jobs because of my CSM. I know that my future is bright and that I this $1295 CSM workshop will pay dividends.

Scrum Journal : Day 1

Early Sunday morning at 12:45am, I emailed four of my LinkedIn connections who had both PMP and (CSM) certified scrum master certifications asking them about CSM. I have done this instead of sleep, because I have had things swirling in my head. I am also fed up of potential employers asking me if my PMP certification the only certification; or, if I am considering ITIL certification. This morning I got sick and tired of being sick and tired! I was in a rut and had to get out of it.

                When I reawaked, three of the four connections responded. All three mentioned that scrum was hot. Also one person recommended a book by scrum cofounder Jeff Sutherland. After one sample chapter, I was enthralled finding the Crown publishing larger sample chapters. Although I bought the paper book, I decided not to wait until after 8pm in order to receive the information. That was the best decision I made today because my paper book arrived at 8:30pm and I finished reading and outlining the book at 9:30pm. Jeff Sutherland’s book took you through Scrum’s past, present and future. The appendix was a goldmine taking the reader through ten steps. Upon completing the book, I decide to take the CSM exam. My business analysis background and IT project management helped so much with this decision.

Once I decided to earn CSM certification, I went to ScrumAlliance to check out the local courses. Now although there was no eligibility criteria (like 4500 project management hours for PMP with college degrees), those 2-day workshop prices were sky high. $993 was the cheapest. Yikes! I just thanked God that I had the money on my credit card. Another problem was timing. I got this CSM epiphany on a Sunday. Three workshops started Monday so of course they were full. In addition, another CSM workshop was filled for Thursday and Friday. My research skills went into overdrive because I would not be denied this opportunity to advance my career! I found some other courses but these companies straight up lied about their locations. One in particular, had the unmitigated gall to say Washington, DC but its workshop was happening in Sterling, Virginia at the Dulles Spring Hill Suites. Look Dulles airport was far away in Virginia. Washington, DC had National Airport. That company was trying to capture the unsuspecting non-natives. It would not get me though! I did manage to find another CSM workshop in Fairfax; but, I checked the map and saw it was near George Mason University (or the boonies as a downtown Washingtonian would say). I checked the address learning that it was off of the Vienna, Virginia metro stop. Okay, cool. The orange line was manageable. The price was lower than the $1300, $1650 and $1950 that I saw. I emailed the vendor for more accurate address and information. And, with that, I was well on my way towards becoming a certified scrum master.

My 2015 Has Been Nothing Short of Amazing!

                Although there are still 15 days left in 2015, I feel that this is the appropriate time to discuss my year. I have purchased my carlarjenkins website domain, started a blog, became a LinkedIn Pulse contributor, renewed my PMP certification, traveled to Dallas, Cleveland, Atlanta and New York City and reserved my LLC business name. It has also been tumultuous as I am in between consulting opportunities; however, the good far outweighs the bad. Taking control of my personal career brand and dedicating myself towards writing have increased my confidence. I can handle anything that comes my way in 2016.

NYC Four Seasons Restaurant Pool Room Review

This week I have attended the inaugural Periscope Summit (you can read all about it here on LinkedIn http://bit.ly/1FCbG3R ). During my downtime. I are at the New York City Four Seasons Restaurant – Pool Room. I had to dine there since I was a DC Four Seasons regular. The NYC atmosphere was totally different surprising me. It was 100% businesslike even at 8:15pm. I was astounded because DC was the more conservative town it was NYC where the men wore this standard uniform (blue suit jacket, white shirt and red tie). I was just glad to wear my Roberto Cavalli dress and Rene Caovilla sandals. The highlight was the food of course! The wait staff was wonderful. I got free ravioli and chocolate cake for my first visit. It wouldn’t be my last check out my photos!

NYC Four Seasons Restaurant Dinner Menu

Shrimp Ravioli

Grilled Snapper

Free Chocolate Cake, Apple Cinnamon Cake and Free Cotton Candy

NYC Four Seasons Restaurant Pool Room Table Setting

Certification Networking Has Paid Off

Today a fellow test taker has told the LinkedIn study group that the business analysis practice guide is the basis of the PMI-PBA certification exam. Although it is 1 ½ months later, I am glad to have confirmation about this because now I am not wasting my time. Friday morning I will start outlining chapter 4 and purchase another notebook for this endeavor. Since I have 2 ½ weeks left before starting work, I will devote time towards outlining this entire practice guide because this will prepare me for my job. Technically, for the next month, I will work solely on business analysis. This is now my livelihood. 

The Benefits of Having Like Minds

                 I am thankful for joining the PMI-PBA certification LinkedIn groups because I’ve received a wealth of resources and study tips. Today while reading a string, I’ve learned about the January 2014 PMI Pulse on Requirements Management. Requirements are huge for business analysis so reading this 20-page booklet would increase my chances of passing the PMI-PBA. Furthermore, on the same string a person who has sit for the exam opines that the business analysis practice guide will overtake the PMI reference list (I believe this too since it is a practice guide and authored by PMI.). What has astounded me is that it has only taken this commenter 2 days to read through the entire practice guide. May I should do the same dry run and just skim through it the first time to see how much I can comprehend. I have an extra week to work with so why not? At least I can say that I have gotten through it. Who knows? If I score over 75% on my second PMI-PBA online practice exam, I just might take the PMI-PBA next week instead of early January.

This Week in PMI-PBA Studies

                This week I will be doing something every day towards working closer towards my PMI-PBA certification. I will continue outlining PMBOK chapter 5 and BABOK chapter 6, take the RMC chapter 5 knowledge area quiz, another Watermark Learning PMI-PBA traceability & monitoring drill after outlining BABOK chapter 6, and a 100-question practice PMI-PBA exam. Furthermore, I will look at what the PMI-PBA LinkedIn study group feedback is once PMI makes the test scores available. I will learn from their mistakes and recalibrate my studies in order to better prepare. Moreover, this is the week before PMI publishes its own Business Analysis Practice Guide which will be available online October 28^th. I am working this week on positioning myself towards improving my PMI-PBA traceability knowledge and overall score by the time this PMI publication gets released. 

PMI-PBA Self-Investment and Learning that PMI Will Publish a Business Analysis Practice Guide

                Buying the Business Analyst’s Mentor Book is my best PMI-PBA investment thus far because it deciphers all of the business analysis jargon into understandable concepts. I have read 41 pages. Even though I am resting my fingers, I do see myself completing another 41 pages tomorrow and finishing the book by Wednesday when my physical book arrives.  When I get the physical book, I will reread the book and write down anything this is new. I might even write down BABOK definitions to incorporate the formal business lexicon that is on the PMI-PBA exam.  I know that this Handbook will increase my PMI-PBA online exam score. This week when I take another 50-question practice exam, I will score over 75%.  I have to because I am working on improving my scores.

                Furthermore, I have learned through my LinkedIn PMI-PBA study group that PMI will publish its Business Analysis Practice Guide online on October 28^th.  It’ll be free. In between now and then, I will read Business Analyst’s Mentor Book, BABOK, and PMBOK chapters 5, 6, 8, 10, 13. I am will be well-read and prepared to read the PMI guide. I know that following this plan gives me a very good chance of passing the PMI-PBA exam the first time.

Transition to Mentor

I have been a member of a particular Linkedin test-taker support group for a couple of years. This week a person posted that he has failed the exam twice. I feel sorry for him because everyone else in the Linkedin study group has been passing.  I’ve never known anyone who has failed once let alone twice. I don’t want him to fail a third time because then he would be disqualified.  I know the pain of failing the CAPM the first time.  I’ve used that pain as motivation to pass the PMP exam the first time.  One of the study pages contains all of these study links. I’ve copied them for him emailing them privately.  Even though I have stopped studying for this exam to prepare for the PMI-PBA certification exam, I just want to be a blessing to someone.  This certification exam has a lot of cross-industry portability.  I want that man to be able to pass it and help his family have a better future. Heck, I just want him to pass and not feel like a loser.  After sending the email, it hit me that I am now a mentor, a den mother, if you will in this group.  I do have a considerable amount of influence, it’s due to offering people congratulations when they’ve posted passing the exam.  This is the first time that I have actually contacted someone and provided resources to a test-taker.  I am happy that I have been a blessing to this man and nothing more.

Receiving a Career Blessing and Now I am on My Way!

Yesterday I received a LinkedIn invitation from someone with CBAP certification who is willing to refer me for my CBAP certification. This is huge because IIBA requires 2 recommendations to sit for the CBAP exam. These recommendations were my main hurdle but not anymore! Clearing this hurdle all but guarantees me earning two professional certifications this year. This spring I'll pass my PMI-ACP then CBAP. I am also applying for online adjunct faculty positions because I have a graduate school and more than enough experience to share. Furthermore, I want to be able to help people get on their way professionally because they are making an effort to improve themselves. Becoming an online adjunct professor would help me be a blessing to these students. That's why I am embarking on this journey.

Ask and Ye Shall Receive

I have a Wednesday interview but I know nothing about the industry. I need to get out of my current workplace because it is zapping my energy. There is too much toxicity and ego. I am very happy to humble myself pushing mine aside to ask someone more qualified for advice.

It is amazing how much help you can receive when you ask and have good energy.   I am a big believer on karma which is why I emit positive energy even on negative days. Why be down when I can be up? Also as a Type A, I employ my research skills to solve problems, however, this time, I don’t know anything about the consulting industry and since I know someone who works there, I’ve decided to ask.

 I am preparing for a consulting interview and I email a contractor who works at my current agency.  We’re LinkedIn connections so I drop her an email.  She supplies me with so much information and insights like pay structure, career track and proposal writing. I have googled the firm finding a contract and am considering taking some Foundation Center grant writing classes to improve my skills.  It is essential to think beyond the ground floor with me.  The phone interviewer tells me that not having a consulting background so it’s necessary to acquire these writing skills to make myself the best candidate. Also she tells me that it is okay to ask about the possible government shutdown coming in January (My life coach was against it but since the professional confirmed my original line of questioning, I will ask that question. I am disaster-funded so I’d still be working if not hired by the consulting firm).  

Lights, Camera, Business! Day One at the Hill Center's Workshop

             As a Writer Center member, I subscribe to the Hill Center’s newsletter.  On Wednesday I saw An Insider’s Guide to the Business of Media class.  Immediately I wanted to attend.  I emailed the staff about receiving a Writer Center discount.  The staff responded that it was independent of the Hill Center.  I paid the money because learning about the business was what was needed to get my TV pilot launched. 

            This is the best money I’ve ever spent thus far on a class!  As soon as the first seminar starts, I learn something new. This film workshop makes me proud to have an MBA, because I understand the bottom line. It’s amazing how creativity types don’t value LinkedIn. It’s only the go-to business networking site! I know that even MGM, Miramax and Warner Brothers have LinkedIn profiles. Remember, it’s a business. I’m glad the professional at our table drives home this point. ‘You want something working for you when you are asleep!’ He also stresses 1-page resumes because it shows your editing skills.  As a science/business type with a 2-pager, this is news to me.  I’ll get on that immediately!  Also joining TV professional organizations help expand your network enabling you to get jobs.  Furthermore, during the break, I meet with a lady who sits on an organizational board that interests me.  I’m unclear about which membership category I fit since I’m not in the industry.  When I mention professional, she concurs.  I get to save $20 off because I’ve attended today’s workshop.  That’s money in the bank!  This is proof positive that even with the plethora of Skype, online chats and instant messaging, face-to-face still dominates.  There’s no pretense.  You get the answer ASAP!

My business background has aided me during the afternoon session.  When attendees ask about how much creative control they have when pitching their show ideas, I wholeheartedly understand one of the executive’s responses that she has a budget and viewership metrics to meet.  I think that so many of the students and other participants are so busy creating, they aren’t quantifying.  Everything costs money.  Afterward, we exchange business cards and I head home knowing that I have so work to do because I want to feedback on my TV pilot show.  Better get it tomorrow during the pitch session. 

This first day has given me so many ideas and goals to set allowing me to build my resume.  The announcement has a resume workshop flummoxing me because I am in the industry.  Throughout this first day, I learn that I can volunteer and network to create one.  This motivates me to join the women’s professional organization and look to joining some more.  In addition, there are an abundance of project management jobs.  The fact that I have project management certification and writing experience, I know that I can get jobs in film.  Today and tomorrow I will evaluate my transferable skills to land me a film job.