Michele Varuolo, Program Chair introduced the speaker for the day - Chris Badgett.

 Chris moved to Bethel with his wife in late January.  They previously lived in Alaska and worked for Slow Dog Glacier Tours.  Chris has an anthropology background and has always lived in outdoor places.  His connection to Rotary is through his grandfather who was a Rotarian in Wilmington, NC.  He presently works as a realtor for Dream Realty and does online video marketing for businesses and non-profit organizations.  His website is BusinessShowcases.com.


Chris defined online video marketing as a cheap way to market your product.  Anyone can be a publisher of video content which can be seen by customers on many devices.  Any marketing action that connects consumers or a target group to your product is valuable.  This can be done through websites, blogs, You Tube, Craigs' List and other social media.

Chris showed us how a You Tube video of a property he owned in Alaska helped to sell the property.  He cited President Obama as the You Tube President.  His success was certainly enhanced by his use of the Internet.  Chris also mentioned "The Girl Effect" video which empowers girls in developing countries.  He showed his local work for Specialty Timberworks and suggested we look at the Rotary video "Change the World" which incorporates Google for help with fundraising.

The benefits of online video marketing are increased sales, the building of trust while engaging your audience, showing your business in action, building authority by publishing quality video content, becoming a leader in your niche and engaging customers in as many ways as possible.

VISITING ROTARIANS AND GUESTS: Mercedes McLean, Lucille McLean, Phil Smith, Samantha Smith, Gavin Smith (Arizzi), Chris Badgett (Varuolo), Richard Engdahl (Engdahl)

ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Don't forget the District Governor's Social at Papoose Pond on Monday July,18 from 5:00 to 8:00.  Bring your family and a salad.  Be sure to let Ellie know you are coming.