When you forget to hit record 😭

You know that crushing feeling? The one where you've just finished filming the perfect body butter tutorial, only to realize you never hit record?! Yeah, that was me recently. I was so excited about showing off my new whipped body butter, but all that effort was for nothing because my camera wasn't rolling. It was a painful lesson, but it taught me the importance of a solid pre-recording routine. If you're a fellow small business owner, especially one making product videos like for your body butter, you absolutely need a checklist before you hit record. It’ll save you so much grief! Here’s my new, non-negotiable checklist that I go through every single time before I start filming a video: Camera Check – Power & Storage are Key! First things first: your camera. Is the battery fully charged? There’s nothing worse than your camera dying mid-sentence. Is there enough space on your memory card? Trust me, running out mid-shoot is just as bad as not recording. Also, double-check your video settings – resolution (1080p or 4K is ideal), frame rate, and focus. You want your beautiful body butter to look crystal clear! Audio Setup – Hear Me Now? Even if you’re just doing a voiceover or background music, clear audio makes a huge difference. If you're talking, is your microphone working? Is it positioned correctly? Always do a quick sound check. And listen for any distracting background noise – barking dogs, humming fridges, construction outside. I once had a whole body butter mixing video ruined by my neighbor's leaf blower! Lighting is Key – Shine Bright! Good lighting can make even a simple setup look professional. Natural light from a window is often best, but if you’re using artificial lights, make sure they illuminate your product evenly. Avoid harsh shadows at all costs. For my body butter videos, I like to highlight the texture and consistency, and good lighting makes all the difference in showcasing that. Framing & Background – Set the Scene. Before you record, frame your shot. What’s in the background? Is it clean and uncluttered? You want the focus to be on your amazing body butter, not a pile of laundry! Do a quick test shot or just look through your camera's viewfinder to see exactly what your viewers will actually see. Props and Product Prep – Ready, Set, Go! Have everything you need within reach. For my body butter demonstrations, I lay out all my ingredients, mixing tools, and finished products beforehand. Nothing breaks the flow of a video like having to scramble for something off-camera. This also includes any notes or outlines you might be using. The “What Am I Doing?” Plan – Your Roadmap. Even if it’s not a full script, have a rough outline of what you want to cover. What are your key points? What actions will you perform? This helps keep your video concise and on track. For a body butter tutorial, I might list out each ingredient addition and mixing step to ensure I don't miss anything. THE FINAL CHECK: HIT RECORD! And finally, the moment of truth. Before you start your actual demonstration, *physically check that the record button has been pressed and that the recording indicator is visible*. This is the step I missed with my body butter video, and it still stings! Make it a habit to verbally say “Is it recording?” or have a visual cue. It sounds simple, but it’s the most crucial step. Learning from my 'forgot to hit record' disaster has made me so much more diligent. These simple steps don't take long, but they save hours of frustration and ensure your hard work, whether it's for a body butter recipe or another business venture, actually gets captured. Happy filming, fellow creators!