How to Record the Video Message Everyone Opens — a Conversation with Kyle Draper | Buffini Podcast
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In today’s crowded digital landscape, generic marketing simply blends into the noise. Kyle Draper, CEO and founder of Hire Culture Virtual Assistants and a leading video strategist, believes authentic, one-to-one videos are one of the most effective tools real estate agents can use to stand out.
As a recent guest on Brian Buffini’s It’s a Good Life podcast, Draper shared simple, actionable strategies agents can use to harness the power of video in their business.
It all starts with mindset, Draper said. Too often, agents think “more is more” when it comes to social media followers. But rather than trying to build up lists of people you barely — or don’t even — know, he recommends focusing on curating a smaller, more meaningful list of contacts. And just as importantly, instead of blasting out videos or posting them publicly, he advises creating short, personalized videos meant only for one person.
Check your clients’ social media feeds, he suggested, and look for opportunities to “celebrate them with the power of a private video.” It could be an anniversary, a child’s accomplishment, or a new job — the point, Draper said, is that it’s about them, not you.
Then, record a short video and send it directly to them. Don’t stress about perfection; in fact, Draper believes imperfection makes it more authentic.
“I love the thought that our background says words that our words never will,” he said. “If you get a notification from the lender that the house is cleared to close, and you’re on the golf course, record a quick 20-second selfie video.”
Draper also acknowledged that artificial intelligence is starting to reshape online video, especially on social media. Many AI-generated videos will be so polished, he said, that it will be difficult to tell what’s real and what’s not.
“But the more we see of it, the more it will be just like a dollar bill,” he said. “The more you touch it, the more you know what’s real and what’s not.”
AI can be helpful, Draper added, for scripting or planning out a video — but when it comes to filming, the personal touch matters most.
“I still think the realtor, the small business owner who’s willing to just look into the camera, be themselves, be authentic — they’re going to win over the person using AI to automate what should have never been automated,” he said.
To prove his point, Draper shared a powerful example of an agent who, during his “worst year yet,” took Draper’s advice to send out birthday videos to clients.
“Over the next calendar year, he sold 14 homes directly after sending out those birthday videos,” Draper said. “He ended up having his best year ever in real estate — now he’s the number one broker in Quincy, Ill.”
“He still sings my praises because of a stupid little simple birthday video that takes 12 seconds. That’s my absolute favorite story because it involves a guy who was about to quit, and I gave him a tip that required no money. He didn’t have to buy my system. It just took him getting out of his comfort zone. And it changes the game for people.”
To get more of Draper’s tips visit his website. Click here to listen to the entire “It’s a Good Life” podcast with host Brian Buffini.
