Video post: 4 things to keep in mind when your client is unhappy

Very good

I could have done with that last week.............   :(

Great video, Daniel! Those are certainly common issues a lot of us have experienced at one time or another.

Really like the video blog format. Any plans to continue this format? 

Yes, David. I dig the format and stretches the on-screen skills a bit. Oh, and of course, allows me yet again to procure some new audio equipment. Currently on the wish list is a decent shotgun mic. Right now, just using the built-in video cam mic. Also need to get a cheap lighting setup, but just wanted to get this one out.

I forgot to mention that many clients are very creative in trying to tie paint what they don't like as "inconsistent." For example, "Heinrich, you are using two fonts on the slide, that's inconsistent." Of course, more often than not, they are just having a hard time describing what they don't like, but that's also something to be on the lookout for.

I wish more people were honest, and talked about their occasional lapses in greatness. Perhaps a series, something like "My greatest mistakes" or something that implies that making mistakes are partly how you become an expert. If anything else it would be refreshing, like a swig of Fresca back in the 70s, but without that funky aftertaste. --Daniel

Thanks for this Daniel,

I like the fact that you're focusing on mentally dealing with a given situation. That is a video I'm going to re-watch a good few times.

"I make more mistakes than anyone else I know, and sooner or later, I patent most of them." - Thomas Edison

thank you for making this video. i appreciated it much.

Hi Daniel - 

Great job on the video. If you're in the market for a shotgun mic, I picked up an SGM-2x a year ago that I'm pretty happy with. If you don't have XLR inputs, this one is reviewed pretty well:

http://www.amazon.com/Azden-High-performance-SMX-10-Condenser-Microphone/dp/B000GE403I/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1391268346&sr=8-2&keywords=Azden+microphone+shotgun

For lights, I saw Tim Slade was using something similar to this:

http://www.amazon.com/CowboyStudio-Photography-Portrait-Continuous-Umbrellas/dp/B003WLY24O/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1391268469&sr=8-2&keywords=video+lighting+kit

I have a big softbox setup and some smaller and cheaper LED rigs that run less than $30 setup on cheap tripods. but never use it because it's bulky and the bulbs are gigantic. I've been eyeballing getting a few of these. More expensive but - wow - quality for the price and compact package are fantastic. Take a look at the video review below the fold on the page.

Filming with ring lights is interesting and isn't without downside. You don't wear glasses so you could probably get away with one. These can be setup as regular lights and do a pretty good job.

Thanks, Steve. Yeah, so here I go stumbling into the world of video. I picked up a lighting kit that Tim suggested, so that aspect will be getting better. Thanks for the shotgun mic rec. My camcorder doesn't have XLR so I will checking out the option you pointed out above.

Impressed that you know as much about AV equipment as you do Storyline. Dude...

Great video Daniel. I didn't see if anyone else mention this, but I'd also suggest (if you can) have your camera (and your lighting) face you slightly from above your face. Keep up the great work and content!

Thanks, Tim. Every little tip helps. My lighting kit will arrive in a couple of days (thanks again for the rec), and I look forward to playing around with it. --Daniel