How an ISR uses Hippo video for personalized outreach
As a leading video platform, we have been advocating the benefits of video creation and its seamless integration into everyday sales routines. But have you ever wondered how Hippo Video’s own employees utilize the platform in their day-to-day operations? At Hippo Video, we not only build and sell videos, but we also extensively use our own product. Our dedicated sales development representatives (SDRs), inside sales representatives (ISR), business development representatives (BDRs), and customer success representatives (SDRs) all rely on Hippo Video as an integral part of their outreach strategies. Interestingly, many of our team members began exploring the power of videos after joining Hippo Video, realizing their potential for enhancing personalized experiences with prospects and customers.
Today, we introduce you to Sophy Chidambaram, one of our Inside Sales Representatives (ISRs) and a video pro. She has embraced the concept of incorporating videos into daily outreach activities and passionately advocates for their effectiveness. We had the privilege of spending some time with Sophy to delve into her journey with videos, including her learning experiences as an ISR and her vision for the future of video communication.
In this interview, we will provide you with an exclusive glimpse into Sophy’s firsthand experience as a user of videos at Hippo Video. Discover how she leverages videos as an ISR to captivate prospects, foster stronger connections, and drive results. Get ready to explore the exciting world of video communication as we share Sophy’s insights, experiences, and aspirations.
Stay tuned as we take you through an immersive exploration of Hippo Video’s internal usage and the invaluable perspectives of our own ISR.
It all started 1.5 years ago when Sophy discovered the remarkable capabilities of videos through Hippo Video. What she found was a game-changer – the ability to infuse her outreach activities with a personal touch that no other medium could replicate.
“I could show my personality and I could show that I sincerely want to see my prospects succeed.”
As an ISR, Sophy uses videos on a daily basis, including using them within specific steps or touchpoints. Sophy’s journey demonstrates the incredible potential of integrating video throughout the sales process. From making memorable entrances to delivering impactful summaries and follow-ups, video has become an indispensable asset for her success.
“I use videos to record introductions, post-meeting summaries, and follow-ups. To make things easy for me, I always have a library of common scenario videos handy to use whenever I want. This makes creating videos a breeze; I add an introduction to a pre-recorded generic video from the library and scale it up with ease.”
When it comes to capturing attention and creating engaging videos, Sophy has a trick up her sleeve that sets her apart. Curious to know her secret? She unveils a unique feature exclusively available at Hippo Video – the Virtual Background. This game-changing feature allows her to personalize the video background by seamlessly integrating her prospects’ websites or LinkedIn profiles. The result? An immersive and highly impactful experience that instantly connects with her audience.
“I add the prospect’s website or Linkedin profile page as the virtual background for the video. I also add name personalisation to the videos to create an impactful experience.”
When it comes to integrating videos into her sales process, Sophy is no stranger to overcoming challenges. Reflecting on her experience, she shares some valuable insights into the obstacles she encountered and how she conquered them with the help of Hippo Video’s handy feature video flows and a growing knowledge base.
“As I reflect on my journey in sales, I encountered challenges that initially seemed insurmountable. I found it difficult to clone a sales page (a personalized landing page) and customize them with personalized elements for every single prospect. Thankfully, with Hippo Video’s video flows, I can now modify elements on the sales page effortlessly all while not having to change the main copy of the sales page.
Another issue was as a newcomer to the sales industry,I began noticing recurring scenarios that demanded tailored communication strategies. Recognizing the power of videos, I started incorporating videos into these common scenarios. This simple adjustment made a remarkable difference, allowing me to effectively engage with prospects and elevate my sales efforts.
Finally, I used to think that videos take longer to record but it actually takes only a few minutes all thanks to Hippo Video’s many handy features and it changed my perspective the first week after using videos.”
When it comes to tailoring videos for specific prospects or target audiences, it’s important to hone one’s skills by following a set of best practices that consistently yield exceptional results. These practices revolve around creating a personalized and engaging experience for viewers, ensuring a seamless connection with each individual.
Here are some best practices, such as the content, length, and style of video, that Sophy says will come in handy irrespective of the type of prospect.
“One of my go-to strategies involves adding the prospect’s website or LinkedIn profile as the virtual background. To ensure the highest quality videos, natural lighting or well-placed electrical light is essential, as it enhances the visual appeal and clarity of the video. Maintaining an authentic and cheerful demeanor during the recording process is crucial. I believe in showcasing genuine enthusiasm while staying true to myself. This combination of cheerfulness and authenticity establishes a positive and trustworthy connection with the viewer, helping to build rapport and foster engagement. Lastly, make your video as crisp as it can get.”
When asked about Sophy’s success stories or notable experiences, she reflects on her journey where videos have played a significant role in closing deals and fostering strong client relationships. One particular instance stands out, demonstrating the profound impact that personalized videos can have.
“I vividly remember sending a video to a prospect, featuring their website as the virtual background. To my delight, the very next day, I received a video reply from the prospect. Not only did they express genuine interest, but they also looped in a team member to join the conversation. This initial connection paved the way for a fruitful partnership, and today, they are valued customers.
Beyond this remarkable success, there have been several instances where videos have proven invaluable in offering assistance to my prospects. Whether it’s providing in-depth explanations or offering personalized guidance, videos have allowed me to be a helpful resource, addressing their specific needs and challenges. By sharing my expertise in a visual and engaging format, I have established myself as a trusted partner, genuinely invested in their success.”
Probably the most important action to undertake, tracking your video content’s success is a must. In fact, video analytics is more than just numbers; it helps you confidently navigate your sales journey, providing a tailored and exceptional experience for each prospect.
“When it comes to tracking the success of my video content, I have a range of powerful tools at my disposal. Thanks to the seamless integration between Hippo Video, HubSpot, and email, I receive comprehensive notifications that provide valuable insights into viewer engagement. This helps me nurture and engage my prospects accordingly.
When asked about the advice Sophy has to share with her peers from ISR who are contemplating the integration of videos into their sales process, the response was short and almost instantaneous. She hinted on the fact that embracing videos can truly elevate your sales game and foster deeper connections with your prospects.
“Firstly, I encourage you to strike a balance between having a repertoire of generic videos and maintaining a mindset to create personalized videos on the spot. While generic videos serve as versatile tools that can be used across various prospects and scenarios, saving you time and effort, personalized videos tailored to each individual can have an incredible impact on fostering a genuine connection. By having both options readily available, you can effectively adapt your video strategy to suit different situations and maximize your results.
Secondly, be open-minded and willing to experiment. As with any new endeavor, there may be a learning curve involved. Embrace this journey with enthusiasm and a willingness to try new strategies and techniques. Keep track of your video performance, gather feedback from prospects, and continually refine your approach. With each iteration, you’ll gain valuable insights and enhance your effectiveness in leveraging videos as a powerful sales tool.”
Being a video advocate in the sales world, when asked about the future of videos and its role, Sophy an ISR is optimistic that videos will continue to be an integral part of everyone’s sales strategy.
“From my vantage point, I firmly believe that videos will continue to shape and revolutionize the way we engage with prospects and drive sales success. In the coming years, I see videos becoming a new constant in the world of sales. They have already proven their immense value in capturing attention, fostering personal connections, and delivering compelling messages. As technology continues to advance, we can expect even more innovative features and functionalities that will further enhance the effectiveness of videos as a sales tool.”
Hippo Video has played a significant role in taking away the burden of creating videos for ISR. This innovative platform offers a range of features and tools that have significantly enhanced the turnaround time it takes to create videos. Here is what Sophy has mentioned:
“I find Hippo Video provides an exceptional suite of features and tools that have revolutionized my video creation process. One is the teleprompter, which ensures smooth delivery of my message. Next are the folder options, where I can effortlessly categorize and manage my videos, ensuring easy access and streamlined workflows. Lastly, the video flow templates where you can create predefined structures for the most frequently used video patterns. This allows me to record specific segments of the video in advance while also having the flexibility to capture additional parts on the spot. By seamlessly merging these elements together, I can create cohesive and engaging videos in a fraction of the time.
Thanks to these valuable resources, I can focus more on crafting compelling content and engaging with my prospects, ultimately driving greater success in my sales efforts.”
While videos have emerged as a powerful tool for engaging prospects and driving conversions, there is a common misconception among some sales reps that they are time-consuming. Sophy, a seasoned ISR, challenges this belief as she shares her experience using the efficient video features within Hippo Video.
“When it comes to the perception that videos are time-consuming, I beg to differ. While it’s true that creating videos requires a few minutes of effort, the results they yield are truly worth it. In fact, I have found that videos enable me to become the salesperson I aspire to be, allowing me to showcase my genuine support for my prospects’ and customers’ experiences. To maximize my video creation efficiency and streamline the process, I leverage the power of video flows and the AI editor. While video flows help me stitch pre-recorded videos with ease, AI Editor is of immense help to perfect my videos.”
Sophy’s remarkable success with videos as an ISR serves as an inspiring testament to the effectiveness of video in sales. Her experiences highlight the transformative impact of Hippo Video on sales strategies.
However, Sophy’s experience is just one example of how our own employees have embraced and leveraged Hippo Video to elevate their sales strategies and achieve remarkable results.
Whether you’re an Inside Sales Representative, Account Executive, or Business Development Representative, now is the time to unleash the power of video and elevate your sales game with Hippo Video. Our updated pricing plan offers you the opportunity to experience the full capabilities of our video platform without any commitment. Take it for a spin and see for yourself how Hippo Video can revolutionize your sales process.
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