I will venture to maintain that where the teacher is not pleasing to the pupil, there is no education. Xenophon

Who is Xenophon?

Xenophon of Athens was an ancient Greek philosopher, a historian, a soldier, and an all round horse expert. He lived from 431 BC to 354 BC.

For this article the key question is:
‘Should I start making videos for YouTube as a small business?’

Of course, the answer is yes.

Then next question is ‘why?’ - and that leads us back to Xenophon.

His quote: ‘where the teacher is not pleasing to the pupil, there is no education’ - shows us that any meaningful education is built upon the relationship between teacher and pupil. The pupil has to respect and value the teacher first - and then learning is able to occur. Here, the relationship is the thing.

As every small business owner knows - success in business is built upon relationships.

Leads, sales, profits and cash flow are built upon good relationships.

The stronger your relationships, and the more people you effectively connect with - the better your business.

Marketing and Education

I prefer to replace the word ‘marketing’ with the word ‘education’.

Why?
The purpose of a small business is ultimately to help people. No one likes to be ‘sold’ to.
But people definately appreciate and value learning and new information.

Oftentimes, the best marketing happens when people learn a little more and discover a little more about you, your business, your background, your services and your products.

How - you can help them.

If the best marketing happens as a result of education - that puts you in the position of teacher.

Consider your role - as a small business onwner - to be akin to that of a trusted teahcer. Share your knowledge, help those you meet - understand their problems and concerns - and how your and your business can provide informative solutions to help acieve positive outcomes.

You have become less of salesman and more of an educator.

And here we trace a line back to xenophon - ‘where the teacher is not pleasing to the pupil, there is no education.’

Youtube and Education

Educate your audience.

Youtube is a brilliant platform to share your information freely.

People will appreciate your expertise - and in return they give you trust.

Trust is worth gold in small business.

Not only will it translate to leads - but also to referrals.
Referrals are also worth gold.

But you must think long term - and build a body of work. The effect is cumulative.

How to Start on Youtube

Every small business owner is an expert is his or her respect field.

We all have knowledge to share.

My advice is to keep it simple. Don’t think big brand production values. Many youtube viewers prefer ‘quality, honest’ content that effectively meets their needs - to big budget productions.

My other piece of advice is to keep it short. Two to three minutes per video is fine.

A final piece of advice is to keep it low budget and diy.

Let’s get started
With youtube marketing, it is best to get in and do it - don’t over analyse. Keep it real.

Imagine you are talking to a valued customer or a new customer. Make a list of key topics. then create a checklist of points you wish to address under each topic - 3or 4 at most.

Make your video very niche specific, and stay tightly on topic.

Next, set up your smartphone on a tripod - and away you go.

Introduce yourself, state your business name and contact details.

If you need a practice run - fine, that’s ok! But your might get it right first go! The point is to be easy on yourself - and not create barriers of perfection.

Be you, Share your story. Help people learn. Reach out, build your profile and tell what you know.

After you have recorded one or several short videos, create a business channel on youtube - that carries the title of your business name. Or alternatively, use your own name. Make sure to include your phone, email address and website address. Make it is for people to find you online and offline.

For help on creating your own youtube channel - there is a link below.

then - upload your content - and next week - do it all over again! Keep up the good work!

Now you are an official ‘youtuber’! Well done.

Over the long term you can improve your video and increase your views with these simple tips:
comment on related videos and leave a link
get involved with online communities and share your links
include links to your videos on your small business blog
add a visual at the beginning and end of your video with your contact details
add your brand /logo to your video


So, Xenophon got it right over 2000 years ago.

Use youtube as a tool to educate others and share your wisdom and knowledge - and you literally cannot go wrong!