Make a Business Video in Little Time by Amy Winter on Creators.com

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Make a Business Video in Little Time

Your company wants to create an informational video explaining its marketing techniques, but you can't wait weeks for the finished product. Instant Video Presenter — from ej4, a video-making company — comes to the rescue with a professional newsroom-style video in minutes.

Launched a few months ago, Dan Cooper, ej4's chief operating officer, says the program's goal is to produce an instant persuasive and informative video. Learn to use the video presenter in 20 minutes with an instructional video and automated on-screen wizards.

"Our customers needed a way to get short, consistent messages out across the enterprise quickly, but nothing on the market satisfied that need," says Cooper.

"Local video houses require a couple of weeks. Internal video departments are swamped already. And basic editing software was so complex that a person had to have a video background to use it. That's why we created Instant Video Presenter."

Since the instant presenter isn't an editing application, it compresses and edits the video in real time. No additional editing is necessary — perfect for the worker with both little time and expertise in video technology. Once recording is finished, the file can be e-mailed, uploaded to an Internet site or burned on a CD.

The Instant Video Presenter creates quick video-making opportunities for different job markets. Use for executive communication; it allows viewers to see the manager's emotions and facial expressions. A sales department can make a video to follow up with a company or customer, according to Cooper. Create a video for organizational content, such as HR training or marketing communications.

Another advantage is being able to film the presenter and PC application at the same time, according to Cooper. With "chroma-key" and "green-screen" technologies, a worker can be seen interacting with a PowerPoint slideshow, software programs, websites, photos or charts.

For more information on the product or to find a free trial, visit www.instantvideopresenter.com.

FORECAST FOR 2009 GRADS

As graduation approaches, the class of 2009 will encounter a tough job market.

Many companies are playing it safe and hiring fewer workers during these uncertain economic times. Only 43 percent of employers anticipate employing recent college grads in 2009, compared to 56 percent of managers in 2008 and 79 percent in 2007, according to a CareerBuilder.com survey that questioned 2,543 hiring managers and HR professionals.

Entry-level salaries will most likely be affected by the economic downturn as well. Of those managers hoping to hire new grads, 21 percent of managers plan to reduce starting wages, while 68 percent hope to maintain the same salaries as last year. On the other hand, 11 percent of employers hope to increase wages this year.

"While recent college graduates are facing a highly competitive job market right now, there are still opportunities out there," says Brent Rasmussen, president of CareerBuilder North America.

"The biggest challenge is showing relevant experience, which employers say is one of the most important factors they look for in applications from recent college graduates. This isn't limited to professional work experience, so don't get discouraged."

Employers say that they will look at these types of activities as relevant work experience for grads:

— Internships

— Part-time positions in a different area

— Volunteer work

— Participation in school organizations

— Class work

— Involvement in sports

During the application and interview procedures, employers say the top mistake made by recent college grads is acting bored or overconfident. Dressing inappropriately comes in at a close second and no knowledge of the company ends in third.

Other errors by grads include:

— Not turning off cell phones or electronic devices.

— Asking the wrong questions at the interview.

— Inquiring about the salary before the company even considers the candidate for the job.

— Leaving unprofessional photos and content on social networking sites, blogs, etc.

— Forgetting to send a thank-you note after the interview.

For more information, visit www.careerbuilder.com.

To find out more about Amy Winter and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.