A photo from a practice video session. The red wall didn’t really work for me.

Yesterday, I filmed two video shows for Toledo BizConnect TV.

This was “Take 2.”

I tried last week and struggled. Then my friend Phil suggested that I write out a complete script beforehand. I hadn’t done that because I felt like I knew my topic well enough and I didn’t want to read from my notes.

Turns out, his advice worked.

First, I used Google to find out about how many words are in a three minute speech.

Then I wrote out my video script so that I would have about the right number of words (nearly 500.)

I waited until my girls left for school. I eliminated the background noise of the dishwasher (running) and the dryer (tumbling) until the only noise left in my home was the patter of raindrops on our skylights.

I took the advice of another friend, who recommended that I try rehearsing my show without the camera turned on.
I practiced, then turned on the camera.

After a few false starts, I finished my first video (You can watch my first video here.)

After the first one, I finished the second one much more easily.

Today, I took those two scripts, made a few additions and changes, and — VOILA! — two blog posts for my blog at 12minutesocialmediaplaybook.com. (Read the first one here.)

I share these stories to highlight two ideas that may help you stretch the time you spend on blogging (or creating video).

Every blog post could be the script for a video on your YouTube or other online video channel.

And every video that you create could also be the inspiration for a related blog post.

If you want to maximize the time you spend creating content to share online, try the tip I am suggesting here.

1. Turn your blog posts into videos. Simply set your stage and film a short video where you explain the concepts from your post.
2. Turn your videos into blog posts. Write about the content in your video. Share it on your blog.

Tell me something. What other ways do you leverage your content?

If you enjoyed these tips, use the opt-in form on the left sidebar of this blog to sign up for the new, free weekly e-newsletter from 12 Minute Media. We’ll be sharing tips and tools to help you create a valuable social media presence, 12 minutes at a time.  You can also read more ideas at 12minutesocialmediaplaybook.com.

Becky Robinson

I am the founder/CEO of the Weaving Influence team, the author of Reach: Creating the Biggest Possible Audience for Your Message, Book, or Cause, and the host of the Book Marketing Action Podcast. I’m a wife and mom of three kids, and I enjoy running, reading, writing, coffee, and dark chocolate.