"How to make money onYouTube" - Really

Today-  I'm sitting at my office and I hear the phone ring.  Generally this isn't a spectacular event because my phone generally rings all the time.  As I reach to answer the call, I quickly realize that I don't recognize the tone.  I immediately turn around to find out where the ringing is coming from and I see it.... my YouTube line is buzzing.  For a brief moment I think to myself, "oh sweet it's ringing... oh crud.... what do I say?"

Two weeks ago I set-up a simple video and hosted it on YouTube for a health fair which I am helping sponsor this  May.  I created this video to provide an overview of the event and made a simple call to action at the end of the presentation.  Voila...like magic I had a new lead on the line which ended up turning into a new sale.  I know this might sound funny, but in a very strange way - the process felt like digital FARMING.  For example:

Ground (dirt or earth) = The website

Seed  = The video

Water = Google

Sunlight = YouTube

Harvest = Sale or a call to action is answered

So for the month of May I am going to work with all my clients to create a simple "digital farming plan" in an effort to discover if in fact there is a systematic approach to driving local sales.  

One of the coolest things that I like about YouTube, is that I can create or watch just about anything I want.  I recently had a debate with a college student about the effectiveness of YouTube.  The student felt that YouTube was nothing more than a place to waist time with funny clips and that my investment into Internet video will only be a fad.  I did agree with the student that one could spend a significant amount of time watching silly clips, but I also pointed out that a person could also learn just about any skill they desired.  I personally have learned how to: Play the guitar, learn web design, learn flash, learn how to fix my 69 Chevy, learn how to fix my washer and dryer, learn how to snake a toilet (not fun), learn how to build a killer pine wood derby car (for my son of course)..... and the list goes on and on.  The days of ordering a how-to-book or googling it are just about done.  If any industry sector is in serious trouble it has to be information marketing and higher Education.   In fact YouTube and parent company Google feels the same way.  They are investing into a new YouTube University program designed to help businesses and individuals create better and more accurate video content.  I would challenge you to search out your favorite topic or two on YouTube to see what you can learn.