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Written by JJ Barnes
I interviewed YouTuber Nina Ross about her business advice YouTube Channel, what inspired her to start it, and what she hopes to accomplish with her videos.
Tell me a bit about who you are.
My name is Nina. I am a Business Operations Expert and YouTube Personality. I was cited as an expert in Forbes. I was also highlighted in MarketWatch, Fox40 News and other publications. I have over 18 years of experience helping business owners and managers solve problems related to human resources, emergency planning, business process development, problem solving and unique issues.
How and why did you start making YouTube videos?
I figured that starting the channel would showcase my expertise and experience. I dragged my feet for months because I didn’t know how I would pull it off.
Here’s why I posted the first video – and this kicked off the channel: One day, I left a comment on a Facebook post about what to do with employee property after termination. A couple of people disagreed with me despite citing the laws on abandoned property. That made me so mad, the next day I pulled out my phone, stood against a wall and made the video!
What is your channel called, and how did you come up with the name?
I could not think of a catchy name, so the original name of the channel was Nina Ross Business Solutions. After a year, I changed the name to the channel’s subject: Business Operations, Management and HR.
What do you make videos about?
My video topics cover all areas related to starting, managing and shutting down a business. I cover many topics including human resources, record keeping, emergency planning, and problem solving. I also record video responses to interesting questions I receive.
Do you have a particular series you’re working on, or do you vary your content?
I create a series on occasion but prefer to mix up the topics to keep the channel interesting.
What inspired you to start making videos and what do you hope to accomplish?
I’m a consultant. I meet a number of small business owners who say that they would like to hire me but can’t afford my services. I want to continue providing real information small business owners or managers can take away and immediately apply to their company. As the channel grows, I find that I’m speaking with employees who would like to understand the thought processes of Management and business as a whole.
Do you feature in your videos personally, or make your videos from other content?
I use to feature 100% in my videos. I learned how to use B-roll footage and narrative content. This allows me to continue working as a consultant.
Do you feature other people on your channel in the form of interviews or co-hosting?
I’ve been asked but I don’t see a need to feature anyone on the channel at this time. As the channel evolves, I may consider doing this in the future, depending on who the other people are. Warren Buffet is ALWAYS welcomed on the channel. 🙂
Do you edit your own videos or have someone who does it for you?
I’m a one-woman show! I do all the work on the channel. I also do the research and promotional work on behalf of the channel.
Do you script your videos, or just chat as you go?
I use to 100% script my videos. I did this to ensure accuracy and sometimes I would lose track of thought. When COVID started, the information I needed to get out was happening so fast, I ditched the script and used notes. I still use notes now.
Do you have any specific equipment you use, such as camera, lighting, screens etc? Or are you a mobile phone camera user?
OMG! Since the channel started, I have accumulated all kinds stuff! I shoot with a Canon Eos Rebel T71, a Samsung Galaxy Note 8 cellphone, Rode shotgun mics, Blue Yeti desktop mic for narrative work, other mics, tripods, backdrops, greenscreens, two set of recording lights. I use a gaming computer to edit videos and just received a gaming laptop as a gift to edit as I travel. I now have a dedicated YouTube studio with shelves behind me that showcase awards and special decorations that were either gifts or favorite books.
How has your YouTube channel changed or developed since you began?
For starters, I use to back up against a wall without lights to record. Now I have a full setup. I use to be scripted, but now I use notes only to save time. I now edit with better software not the free Microsoft program. The biggest change to the channel is the audience. I find that the most comments come from employees trying to understand how their managers came to their decisions.
What are your biggest challenges with your YouTube channel?
One of the biggest challenges is finding the intended audience. Small business owners are busy running their businesses, not on YouTube for business related information. Another challenge is dedicating time for continued YouTube education. As the platform makes changes, I need to learn about those changes and understand them. Sometimes I get behind on this. Also, finding places to safely keep my equipment.
What are your favourite YouTubers to watch?
I watch Mark Felton Productions, a British historian. I also watch Fascinating Horror, Brick Immortar, They Will Kill You, Hollywood Graveyards and Lady Marybeth. I believe most of those channels are British.
How and where do you promote your YouTube channel?
Geez, I promote the channel in many ways: email notifications, local Chamber of Commerce, press releases, upload to my social media platforms, respond to business-related questions on platforms. I uploaded my first blog last week. Will try to commit to blogging twice monthly.
Do you earn money from YouTubing, or is it a hobby?
My channel pays monthly so it’s a nice addition to the bottom line.
What’s something you never expected about being a YouTuber? What have you learned that surprised you?
Didn’t think I would get paid regularly for YouTubing. I am surprised at the lack of communication between employees and management. I never thought employees would come to the channel to seriously seek out information about business in general. I learned that YouTube is a BEAST that requires a long-term serious commitment in order to get traction.
What is the first piece of advice you would give to anyone inspired to start a YouTube channel?
This is a video by itself! Be ready for a long-time commitment if you want to get paid by YouTube. Be ready to pivot if your audience responds to content you created but you may not like. Don’t jump into YouTube expecting your friends/family to support you. Be prepared to work harder than you’ve ever done in your life. YouTube loneliness is real until your channel gets traction – expect to have videos that get absolutely NO views! Never do sub-for-sub. This doesn’t work nor does it grow your channel. Upload regularly and promote your channel as much as possible.
And, finally, are your proud of what you’re accomplishing with your YouTube channel? Is it worth the effort?
I’m proud to help small business owners operate their businesses. They get free information and I get paid for my efforts by YouTube. It’s a win-win!
Pop all your work, website and social media links here so the readers can find you:
Website: https://www.ninaross.solutions
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/NinaRossBusinessSolutions
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ninarossbiz
Facebook Business: https://www.facebook.com/NinaRossBusiness
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ninarossbusiness
Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/NinaRossBusiness
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