In this episode of On Camera On Brand, host Rob Ruscher sits down with Dan Keldsen from Plexicam to dive into the evolving world of podcasting and personal branding. He shares his personal journey, transitioning from aspirations of being a professional musician to becoming a prominent figure in the podcasting realm.
The conversation shifts to the significance of video in today’s digital landscape. Dan likens a well-set video background to wearing a “virtual suit,” underscoring the importance of presenting oneself professionally on camera. He touches on the challenges and rewards of video podcasting, advocating for its role in enhancing personal branding.
As they reflect on the 2020 lockdown, Dan highlights its impact on businesses and the urgency it created for individuals to establish a strong online presence. The episode serves as a testament to the power of adaptability in the face of change.
Featured Guest
Name: Dan Keldsen
What he does: Co-founder, Customer Success Officer
Company: Plexicam
Noteworthy: Dan Keldsen: From aspiring professional musician to Plexicam’s video podcasting expert.
Key Insights
The Balance of Podcast Preparation
Dan Keldsen and Rob Ruscher dive into the art of podcast preparation. They discuss the challenge of finding a balance between being overly prepared and underprepared. Dan emphasizes the value of bullet points, allowing for a more natural flow during discussions. Overthinking and scripting every word can hinder genuine conversation, making it feel like reading subtitles on TV. The key is to strike a balance, ensuring that the content is well-thought-out without stifling spontaneity.
The “Virtual Suit” of Personal Branding
The conversation touches on the importance of presenting oneself professionally on camera. Dan likens a well-crafted video background and appearance to wearing a “virtual suit.” In today’s digital age, how one appears on camera can significantly impact personal branding. Just as one would dress appropriately for a business meeting, the virtual space demands its own level of professionalism. This “virtual suit” serves as a representation of one’s brand, reflecting credibility and professionalism.
The Impact of 2020 Lockdown on Digital Evolution
Reflecting on the 2020 lockdown, Dan highlights its profound impact on businesses and personal branding strategies. The global pause prompted a surge in online presence, making video content and personal branding more crucial than ever. Dan shares his initiative, “Insights for Pros,” conceived during the lockdown, emphasizing the importance of adapting to change. The lockdown served as a catalyst, urging individuals and businesses to evolve and embrace the digital realm more robustly.
Episode Highlights
The Significance of Video in Personal Branding
Dan dives into the importance of video in today’s digital landscape. He underscores the value of presenting oneself professionally on camera, emphasizing that a well-set video background can significantly impact personal branding.
“It’s such a great way to get your personal brand out there. I don’t know what people are calling it these days beyond personal brand, but it just makes so much sense to let some evidence speak for you.”
The Evolution of Video Podcasting
The conversation shifts to the evolution of video podcasting. Dan shares his journey from audio podcasting to embracing video content, highlighting the challenges and rewards of the medium. He stresses the need for quality and professionalism in video content.
“I started doing audio podcasts back in 2006… but once video came on, I thought, oh, now it’s, video was pretty rare. And if I’m going to bother doing it, I might as well, step it up a bit.”
Adapting to Change in the Face of Global Events
Reflecting on the 2020 lockdown, Dan speaks about its profound impact on businesses and personal branding strategies. He shares the genesis of his initiative, “Insights for Pros,” emphasizing the importance of adapting to change and the urgency it created for individuals to establish a strong online presence.
“So I had the Genesis of the idea then, um, you know, to help, you know, interview people and talk to people about what you do, what can you do? If you didn’t start setting up a personal brand, maybe now’s a good time so you can stand out and be ahead of the curve and get familiar with video.”
The Role of Physical Presentation in Virtual Spaces
Rob and Dan discuss the importance of physical presentation in virtual meetings and podcasts. They touch upon the concept of the “virtual suit,” emphasizing that just as one would dress appropriately for a face-to-face business meeting, the virtual space demands its own level of professionalism. This virtual presentation serves as a representation of one’s brand and reflects credibility.
“I’ve heard it from someone else saying it’s kind of a virtual suit. And I told him, I was like, I’m going to steal that. Cause I like that. I like that cause it kind of is.”