YouTube, the popular video-sharing site, can help businesses reach their marketing goals. No matter what the company size, effective online videos may be posted on YouTube to reach a large viewership.

Michael Miller wrote the book, "YouTube 4 You," when he saw the demand for video sharing. He focused one segment on how businesses could use the site to reach a greater audience. In response to the number of readers interested in using the site as a marketing tool, Miller created his new book, "YouTube for Business: Online Video Marketing for Any Business."

"Businesses using YouTube is very recent," says Miller. "People are trying to figure out how to take advantage of it."

Miller suggests YouTube to companies as a supplement to support advertising goals. Not only can the videos gain a large viewing audience, but the cost is minimal as well. The main expense might be purchasing a camcorder; however, companies can shoot the clip and post it online for free.

Produce the videos based on your company objectives. Miller recommends including three elements: entertain, inform and educate. You want to educate and inform observers about your business, but also need to keep their attention. Miller says to include your company's website or phone number; the goal is to get the viewer to the business site for more information.

"Don't place TV ads on YouTube," says Miller. "People don't want to watch another commercial."

YouTube isn't limited to selling specific products. Businesses can also utilize the video-sharing site for these types of practices:

— Brand awareness: Create a video that focuses on your company's brand.

— Product support: Present a common customer concern and how your company solves the problem.

— Product teaching: Produce training videos in order for your company's sales team to see how the product works.

— Communication for employees: As an alternative to a big business meeting, employees can view an online video to hear the latest company news from the boss.

— Recruit new workers: Post a company welcome video on YouTube as a way to draw new prospective employees.

Miller recommends that businesses give YouTube a try. Videos can always be taken off the site if the results aren't favorable — make changes or create another clip for little to no cost.

For more information on Miller and his books, visit www.molehillgroup.com.

PREDICTED JOB GROWTH AFTER ELECTION

Creating new jobs is a main objective for both presidential nominees. But growth in certain job markets will most likely depend on which candidate wins the election.

Barack Obama may help develop new positions in industries such as education, telecommunications, manufacturing, alternative energy and construction, according to an assessment by Challenger, Gray & Christmas Inc., an outplacement agency. On the other hand, a John McCain win could mean more growth in markets like oil and gas, aerospace/defense, nuclear engineering, insurance, automotive and financial services.

"It's impossible to say which future president will succeed in delivering an economic recovery and job growth, primarily because so many other factors will play a role in determining the outcome of their policy initiatives," says John A. Challenger, chief executive officer. "All we can forecast now is where the job growth should be, based on each candidate's policy objectives and priorities."

Here are a couple of top job winners under President Obama:

— Manufacturing: Obama wants to give tax breaks to companies that produce products in America. This may act as motivation to bring some overseas manufacturing back to America.

— Alternative Energy: Obama plans to spend $150 billion in renewable energy over the next 10 years. This includes developing biofuel technology, creating plug-in hybrid and electric cars and moving to a digital electricity grid.

Here are a few industry champs under President McCain:

— Oil and Gas: McCain hopes to expand domestic oil and natural gas supplies to reduce the need for foreign oil.

— Nuclear science/engineering: McCain plans to create 45 new nuclear power plants in the next 20 years. These new plants will produce 700,000 jobs as well as an option for cheaper electricity.

For more information, visit www.challengergray.com.

To find out more about Amy Winter and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

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