Internal Video Content for
Enteprise Families
We all see it. We all consume it. Our day-to-day lives are overcome by video content.
Scroll through any social media platform, and you’re guaranteed to find it. Our televisions have 1000s of apps available to watch content from all corners of the world. When my wife and I sit down to watch a movie, we’ll normally spend 10 minutes at least scrolling through the endless options of movies to watch.
Content is everywhere; I find myself saying the following phrase in meetings: “CONTENT IS KING,” and it’s true! Content is everywhere and, in many ways, is a solid way to promote a business.
Everything we just talked about is strictly external content – meaning it’s available for anyone and everyone to watch – accessible by the general public. One of the ways we work with Enterprise Families is by helping them begin creating their internal content library.
What is Internal Video Content?
Internal video content is video content created with one specific audience in mind – the family. It’s a way to pass on private stories, experiences, and information that the family may not want to or feel comfortable using as promotional material.
These are often some of the fondest and most personal experiences of family members within the business. The stories that are often shared on holidays or when reminiscing are the ones that could be lost if not documented and shared with those who come after.
Examples of Internal Video Content
Internal video content can be a powerful educational tool for family businesses and enterprise families. One of the primary goals of internal video content is to educate and inform the rising gen, providing them with a unique insight into the business’s history and values.
Here are a few examples of topics we have helped our clients explore through internal video content.
Philanthropy
Philanthropy is a powerful way for individuals and families to create a legacy. It’s a way to be remembered by both family members and the community – the reasoning and values behind giving back are important stories to document internally as a family. Oftentimes Philanthropy can serve as a stepping stone for deeper conversations about the enterprise with younger family members.
Successes & Challenges
Stories of success should be celebrated and documented accordingly. But just as important as success, the stories of challenges could often be seen as more important to document. When shared, these stories build resilience and confidence in the next generation.
An Elder's Story
The role of an elder within a family involves a combination of Leadership, Guidance and Mentorship. Oftentimes they are the custodians of family values, traditions and culture. As they age – their personal story and experiences become vitally important to document for all of those who come after them to learn from.
Governance
The structure & organization within multigenerational family businesses can be incredibly complex. However, internal videos can help simplify these complexities for the younger generation. They can help ease the rising generation into the fold, with family members breaking down and sharing stories or reasoning in an engaging way.
Utilizing Internal Video Content
We’ve documented the stories – what should we do with them? Celebrate the content, and give the videos the platform they deserve! Encourage family members to watch the videos – create a digital library for the videos to always be accessible to the family and, most importantly, watch the videos together as a family – doing this can be a compelling experience for everyone.
Many families gather annually for a family meeting, and we’ve often heard feedback that they can tell who is losing interest shortly after it begins. No one wants to feel like an adult back in a school lecture. Intertwining internal video content throughout family meetings is a way to keep engagement up and spark conversations that cross generations.
We recently attended one of our client’s family meetings, where several internal videos were shared throughout the day. These videos designed to break up the monotony of meetings lit up the eyes of many of the youngest in the room and prompted them to ask questions about the business they were surrounded by. Conversations that may not have taken place otherwise.
One video, in particular, was part of G1’s larger business documentary – exploring his entrepreneurial endeavors; at the end, one of the grandchildren turned to her grandfather and asked, “When is the next episode, Grandpa?”
When utilized internally as a family, video content can play a vital role in the success of a multigenerational family enterprise.
