Why I Fell In Love With Periscope: 7 Intro Tips for Beginners

My Profile on Periscope

So... a funny thing happened to Twitter recently. They bought A funny little app that is reinventing how we interact with our audience. It's allowing us to get a glimpse in to every day lives around the world. 

Periscope was born. 

I didn't quite know what I was going to utilize it for.  After speaking to a few friends I realized I could take my podcast on the road and show the visual side to what I do for living. With the timing being perfect and with our new products arriving soon -- I vowed to take this app where no one has taken it before. A gift trade show. Now you may think that isn't fun.. but, I guarantee you that if you're a retailer, a rep, a manufacturer or a principal of a showroom - this may be of value to you. Even if you are a shopper - I mean who doesn't love beautiful, creative people creating amazing products from frames, candles - handbags and jewelry. 

See, Periscope is a live application. 

There are two basic things you can do on Periscope:

1. broadcast or
2. watch others broadcast.

Periscope is a great opportunity to share your experiences with others.

Press a button and you are live. Not only that, but your followers will be instantly notified you are broadcasting, so you’ll be directly connected to your audience.

If you are more apt to viewing then go ahead and view away, but do interact with whom you are watching. Letting them know what you'd like to see, or for them to talk about is just as important to what the broadcaster is recording. 

How to sign up... download the app from your iPhone or Android and good news is you don't actually need a Twitter account, though it is pretty nice when the two work hand in hand. 

Here’s your download link on iTunes.  

Here’s your download link on Google Play.

I've been experimenting with a few videos to date and while time of day has a little to do with your initial successes. Keep in mind, this is a GLOBAL application and you are reaching around the world. So, there are 24 hours in a day, and people are watching around the clock. So know your audience if you are reaching folks just in your country. Off hours may be best.  Here are few things I've noticed so far.

A few helpful tips to draw people in if you are broadcasting LIVE :

• Please keep your video vertical for now - it is the way the app was intended (but updates will be coming over the next few months) 
• Create a fun title that will grab anyone strolling through the regional map. 
• Do encourage the viewers to click on the hearts if they like what they are seeing or to comment for what they'd like to know. It's awkward enough to just be chatting away with 3 people on and all you see is nothing. Engage them. Open ended questions like; Where are they from, Is it night or day where they are... asking random questions is actually really fun. 
• Don't sell yourself too hard - just be authentic. 
• Create a game if you are just on to be on - make it fun at least. 
• Don't be serious - you are the one that pushed the "start broadcast" button. 
• Lastly, have fun!! The more you engage, the more fun you'll have. 

Check out this great blog I came across recently and to put it simply - describes how the every man or woman can use Periscope to engage and humanize through this awesome new technology. Sean M. Everett - Infectious Engagement

Still running...

Today I took a day off after yesterdays trail run up along Wildwood Trail.

This week kicks off my training for my second 50k. I'm definitely feeling stronger and am excited to see how I feel in the coming 8-10 weeks. I'm definitely going to keep my focus on diet and continue eating lots of extra fruits and protein. My legs are definitely getting stronger. I'm starting to see them take on a new shape as well. That's kinda cool.

In 6 days I'm heading to the Outdoor Retailer show in Salt Lake City. It'll be great to run at that higher altitude of about 4400 ft. Always good for a cardio buster. The show is one of my favorites if you enjoy seeing all the new stuff from Columbia, North Face, Swiftwick Socks, Patagonia, Exoffico, Horny Toad, KEEN, Vibram and others. I love getting great deals on some basics while also getting the additional freebies from friends. Socks are some of my favorite give-a-ways.

I really hope to come home with a pair of Vibram Five Fingers to start running in and help strengthen my stride and ligaments. That's the one item I really want to check out.

I feel so lucky to be working in such cool industries, live in Portland and have such wonderful support from friends, my partner and family. I am a lucky girl!

Well I am off to a great start this month with our 30-Day Challenge! I have already lost 3lbs (woo hoo) and am really excited to see how far I can push myself this month. I signed up recently for a fun race and another 50k. If you haven't heard of the Warrior Dash - you should definitely check out their website.

It's a mix between a 5k and an urban race. I signed up with other friends and it should just be a mud fest of laughter! I am finding that it's important to mix training with fun. Just as mixing business with personal time.

I'm heading out to Los Angeles and Atlanta next week and looking forward to running in both cities. Both for completely different reasons and seasons. LA should be dry and warm, where ATL will be hot and humid. Running across the country this Summer will be good for training.

I can tell you that the way I'm feeling now - is awesome! A few days ago when I was on a trail run, my legs felt really strong and my cardio is getting better and better. I've been riding on my off days in slow gears to really use my quads and hams. I think it's helping my overall running and I'm happy for that. I still run an 8-10 miler a week to keep my progression rolling forward and this weekend I have an 11-miler on the books. I'm looking forward to it.

With the 30-day challenge , Livestrong.com, my 50k, upcoming travel schedule - I am one busy sales girl!

On the road again...

On the road again.... Tomorrow kicks off my Summer trade show season and it doesn't really stop until end of August. I love being in trade show mode and being able to see all of the old retail friends and new. It's great to get feedback straight from the source. So important to ask your customers about the good, bad and the ugly while also creating long lasting relationships.

Seeing my manufacturer friends is also one of the perks. I love networking and finding out from my peers the 411 on their businesses. It's such a great way to get the whole picture.
During a 4 day trade show I can find out all I need to know about what our business will look like for the next 6 months. It's a great exchange from all kinds of people that I respect in the business. My retailers are so knowledgeable and their expertise is critical to the next round of product we might bring into market for 2011.

This upcoming trip is taking me to Chicago and I'm really looking forward to running along the lake and through their urban jungle. It'll be great weather and great food along the way. Thanks again for reading!