Welcome to the first publication of In Heather's Head! This idea has been in the pipeline since before I launched Real Estate Structure in February, and now feels like the perfect time to coincide with launching my video story.
This video is my second attempt. I should have done a third, but it's nearly five months in the making, so I'm choosing progress over perfection.
I'm so excited to be here sharing this experience with you. The fact that you're taking time to read this tells me you want more out of your real estate life and I'm grateful for that.
The Inspiration
I’m taking inspiration from a Mel Robbins podcast I listened to last night about how her live tour changed her. She talked about the wins, the screw ups, and what it taught her by pushing her in ways she didn't expect. You know how when you hear a story, you subconsciously compare it to something in your own life? Well I was thinking, "Wow, that's exactly how I felt making this video!"
(Yes, you can laugh at me comparing a massive live tour to my little seven minute video - same same but different, right?)
But the point is, anytime you push yourself to do something new, something outside your comfort zone, it forces you to stretch, grow, and become a better version of yourself.
How It All Started
While researching for my business plan, I came across brilliant examples of video stories that help share "your why" and build the know-like-trust factor online. I wanted to be able to build rapport with real estate agents throughout New Zealand. So I watched this story and thought, "That's cool - let's do that!"
But I had no idea how hard it would be.
I only have myself to blame, but I really didn't understand what I was getting myself into. I thought I'd watch a tutorial, write some bullet points, sit in my new chair, and talk about myself while Alex worked her magic.
But it wasn't that easy.
Reality Check - The First Disaster
Even though this was my idea, I don't like being in front of the camera. I don't like being in the spotlight, and I have zero on camera experience. I watched the tutorial, got all revved up, and wrote the first story that came to mind. It was raw and emotional - kind of like a therapy and journaling session rolled into one as I thought back over the years. I was pretty happy and feeling prepared, so I booked our filming day.
Then the night before, I changed my mind. I didn't want to tell that story!
I thought to myself, "That's okay, Alex and I always come up with the goods. I'll just wing it." I scribbled some notes and threw around ideas as she was setting up.
I sat down, and it was a shambles.
I have a terrible memory recall on a good day. I’d go blank as soon as Alex pressed record, quickly recover, then go off on a tangent, and next minute I'd talked for ten minutes completely off topic. It was painful. The words were labored, there was no flow, I was frustrated, and it required A LOT of editing.
Alex pieced a video together - to be fair, she did a great job with what she had - but I hated it. I wondered if it was just because I didn't like seeing myself on camera (I'm trying to accept the cringe), but it wasn't just that. Although I thought I looked like I was in pain lol, it was the jumbled mess of words coming out of my mouth that really bothered me.
I wanted to do it again, but I was exhausted. Maybe even a little traumatized. I couldn't deal with going through that again right then.
I called a pause. I needed to rethink and restructure my story with more clarity before giving it another go.
The Pivot
We continued launching the website and social media. I settled on the video coming later. I got busy onboarding new clients, then three months later, I had a window and thought, "Right, let's tackle this again!"
Round Two - Slightly Less Painful
The second time around, I was more prepared and marginally less uncomfortable (not much, though). Who knew how much noise we make when trying to articulate our words? Thank goodness for sound editing to remove the nervous swallowing, lip smacking, and deep breaths (more cringe).
I was still exhausted afterward. It felt like the hardest day of work in my life, and I didn't even want to watch the footage.
The Lesson in All This
We all have different levels of fear. This would be a piece of cake for someone else, but as Sawyer Robbins said, "Fear means you're doing something that matters. The more you care, the more you're afraid."
This video project was my baby. I wanted it to be good, and it's incredibly personal. But there's no better feeling than when you tell yourself you're going to do something, and you actually do it. There were moments I didn’t enjoy, and moments that I could have lightened up, but I’m stoked I’ve done it and can’t wait to re-visit my evolving story in twelve months' time.
Why I'm Sharing This With You
Part of my purpose in sharing this is to inspire you to push yourself and care more!
Do the new thing - the thing that scares you. Hopefully, if I say it to you, I'll keep doing it too.
Make it exist, we can make it better later, and sometimes we have to let go of our original timeline. A pause can make it even better, and then it happens right on time.
Let's embrace the emotional rollercoaster and stretch and grow together.
PS. The next thing in the pipeline for me is a Q&A session…I'm hoping I can bring more fun this time!
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Inspired to create your own video brand story but not sure where to start?
Get in touch - let's share your story too.