What a couple of years! I hope you have kept safe.

It's been really difficult for many, but on the flip side, Online Business has grown and Video has exploded as a means to reach people.

So there was one tool I bought this year (in May) that earned me a massive ROI!

You may be expecting me to tell you about a Video gadget .. well not this time. Though this tool is, in a way, Video related.

The new tool was my shopping cart - ThriveCart.

If you want to sell anything online .. be it Video Courses, coaching, webinars, digital assets and so forth ... you'll need a decent shopping cart, else no-one can send you money!

So when I chose ThriveCart I was looking for something I could customize, was easy to use, could integrate with all my other tools and that converted.

Plus .. when I found a lifetime deal, meaning NO monthly fees unlike many other carts . .. it was a no-brainer.

In fact my investment paid for itself in about 4 days :)

Now shopping carts needn't be dull .. adding Video...

Time for a catch up ... and no that is not me pictured above!

First up .. Brexit

Last week I took the day off to head to Westminster, it was yet another huge voting day in the Brexit process plus there was a large pro-Brexit demo.

I must admit I have become addicted to flicking between news channels and social media observing every twist and turn. Got to stop that!

But I was NOT demonstrating! I wanted to witness with my own eyes (and camera) what was going on plus shoot some stock clips / stills of the 'circus' surrounding the vote.

What I love about running an online business via video is that whenever I want to take a day off and go into town to soak in the vibe I can!

After all, whatever your views - it is history in the making that will be studied in schools in years to come.

(This iPhoneX picture I took was accepted by the Stockimo/ Alamy photo library .. submitted via this app)

I do admire the calmness of the TV News Presenters who are set up near Parliament with folks...

So .. Vacation season is GO!

I will be heading to the Island of Mallorca, Spain - how about you?

Now you may think vacations are only for spending quality time with your friends and family & sipping your favorite beverage by the beach ..

But .. they are also handy for shooting at least ONE useful Video for your Business!

You see on vacation you usually have access to better locations, better shooting conditions and fresh inspiration.

So seize the chance, and the cool thing is ... you don't need to carry cumbersome cameras .. your iPhone / Smartphone will do nicely!

Make it feel personal and like a Vacation Video.

But how to link your Business niche with your Vacation?

Here's some examples (I came up with quickly) for Videos that Business folks could make ..

The Driving instructor

Why you should learn to Drive a Manual (stick shift) car?

You are outside the Car Hire shop on vacation and explain that they only stock 10% Automatic cars, all are usually booked well in advance but...

Ok, a quick catch up with the World of Video Hero.

On Saturday I went to the hugely popular Comic Con event in London .. not that it's my 'cup of tea' but it was my Son's treat to attend the event for his 12th Birthday!

In fact I was pretty clueless when it came to identifying the characters, but ever fearless I decided to Livestream my incompetence :)

Tip: If you don't know the topic well you can be honest, and make the Stream about you trying to figure out what you are seeing. Be transparent.

I have shared the Livestream (from my personal feed) to my Video Hero FB Page. The Audio goes weird at some points .. but the Wifi in the venue held up ok.

Pictured below was the gear I used. I went for lightweight and simple. In a very noisy environment like an Expo - using an external mic is key.

• iPhoneX
• Ztylus Pistol Grip (expect to get your bags hand searched at Airports!)
• Rode Video Micro pointed at me + Apple Lightning to Headphone adaptor.

I know I focus on Video here .. but I do...