Pssst... DIY Video Is OK For Startups

You're an entrepreneur. You're working hard at starting your own business. You have all sorts of ideas and want to share them with anyone who'll listen. You need to start using video now, but I'm the rare Chicago video production company owner who'll tell you this... you need a DIY video. Actually, you can produce a bunch of them.
Now, let me provide a caveat. I typically hate DIY video, but in the case of startups and mom-and-pop shops with zero marketing budget... I make an exception.
I'll explain.
As a startup, you have to be thrifty. You have to be very thoughtful about where you spend your dollars. Been there, done that... I get it.
You can find reasonably priced video storytelling these days, but it's still probably not high on your budgeting list.
The problem? Video is an awesome way to reach the people you need to grow your business. Investors, customers, potential team members... they're all your viewers.
The reason video is so valuable to startups is the same as it is for any business. Video allows you to get in front of your audience. It's the next best thing to talking to someone in person. You can show and tell, which is always more effective than just tell.
DIY Projects
First thing's first, you need an "About Us" video. This is a short video (less than 2-minutes) explaining who you are, what you do, and the value you bring.
If it's just one person on-camera, fine. But in this case, make the video even shorter. A minute or less.

Another idea, create a series of videos highlighting your team. 30-seconds of each person stating what they love about their job, and maybe something more personal... hobbies or non-work interests.
Take people on a tour of your office, living room, garage... wherever you're working.
Highlight your company culture. Have a ping-pong table in the office? Host an office tournament and shoot some video. Do your team members go all out decorating their work space? That's a video!

Why You're Doing This
The idea behind all of these suggestions is to show some personality. The more you let people behind the curtain, the more they'll feel like they know you. The more they feel like they know you, the more willing they'll be to invest or buy. It's human nature.

Now, getting back to the whole DIY thing. In your case as a startup, quality doesn't matter too much. Go ahead and use your smart phone. Use a basic editing app. It's fine.
I never recommend this for established businesses for a simple reason. It's all about reputation. A low-quality video makes the company look... well... low-quality. 
On the other hand, a startup? You have the advantage of low expectations when it comes to marketing tools like a video. Your audience knows you're a startup, so they cut you some slack.
That's great news! You can make a bunch of videos, simply have fun with them, and you don't have to worry if it looks a little rough. If anything, it might make you more endearing.

There are many practical tips on how to shoot DIY video. So if this post has inspired you, a Google search on the subject will give you all sorts of great tips.
Well... what are you waiting for? Share your vision. Share your passion. Tell people why you're worth a try.
And when your business starts to grow... ditch the DIY stuff and start looking into quality video storytelling to take you to the next level.