I am not a risk taker. I am not an attention seeker. I am not comfortable in front of a camera - still or video.

So when a long time client called and asked to interview me for a video piece she was doing, I was reluctant to agree. But then I thought for a moment. It is hard for me to recommend video as  part of a new media strategy if I am not willing to give it a go myself. Plus, she is such a good person, I’d have a hard time saying no anyhow.

I have spent the past few days stressing about what to wear, how to do my hair, would I know what to say, would I sound goofy - you know - all the normal stuff.  My husband even made a remark that he couldn’t believe I was going to do it because I don’t even like having my picture taken.

When I arrived at Sue’s office this morning, her video course instructor, Tina, was there and she immediately made me feel at ease.

For the next hour we worked on getting the lighting right, setting up at the right angle, practicing my lines, and shooting take after take. Sue was learning to use her video set up so she can take it to conferences and client events and Tina was giving both of us great tips along the way.

Originally I didn’t want to see the clip, but after 4 or 5 takes and hearing the two of them say how good it looked, I just had to see it. And you know what - it looked really good.

I was amazed at how much I learned in that hour and how amazingly empowered I felt afterwards! Stepping out of your comfort zone is definitely a good exercise.

What is something you are afraid of? I challenge you to take a step out of your own comfort zone and try something new - and soon!

PS - yes, I will share the video clip with you all - once it is ready and available for public viewing.