Yesterday, I posted about using video on your chamber of commerce website.   Shortly after that, I found this post by Duct Tape Marketing about creating a testimonial gathering party.   What great timing!  And what a great idea!

If you need some new videos for your Google video page, your website and general marketing purposes, just throw a party!  In the post on Duct Tape Marketing’s site, John Jantsch suggests hiring a videographer and photographer.  You could certainly do that.  You’ve probably done it for past events and it would certainly work well.  But, you could also capitalize on the social nature of the event and have the attendees film their own testimonials.

Why not buy or borrow a couple of the very easy-to-use pocket cams like the Flip Video cameras, the Kodak Zi6 or the Creative Vado HD?    Remember all the weddings you’ve attended with the disposable cameras at the tables?   Why not try something similar with video? Or, at least have your staff walk around and share the camera(s) with your members.   (Yes, I know money is tight right now….but just 2 of these cameras would only cost between $200-500. How much would you spend for a videographer or production company?  Plus, you can use these cameras at ALL your events in the future. Some of your staff may have some you could borrow, too.)

Have a contest for who can create the best or funniest 30-60 second testimonial video on why being a member of your chamber is beneficial to their business.  Of course they can state their name, company and what they do, too.  You could have a list of suggested topics for them in case they aren't too creative.  ;-)

Then, use the videos on your website where you explain the benefits of joining.  (You’ll probably want to get those members to sign waivers, of course).

Link to the videos from your email newsletters, insert them in your blog and ask members to submit their own videos!     Back in 2007, Google asked Gmail users to create their own videos, then put them together for one long video.

Yes, I know the videos won’t look “professional” and your members may stumble a bit, but I think this adds to value of the testimonials and shows they are genuine, spur-of-the-moment and unrehearsed.   

Social media is supposed to be social.   When members see how other member are creating videos and getting them posted on your site, etc., it may encourage them to do the same.  Capitalize on the social nature of the event to create your own social media library.  I like this idea so much, I’m going to use it with our clients as well.  Of course, you’re free to take full credit for the idea with your boss!