Okay, obviously I’m biased about the power of online video, but this weekend was such a nice jolt for me.

I think a start-up is a bit like having a young child.  You want your kid to grow to be strong and healthy, and as a parent you often wonder if you’re even doing the right thing half the time!

But then, every so often, you get glimpse of something special.  Something that your child does or shows you that reveals their potential.  Funny thing is, it probably doesn’t have anything to do with you!  It’s just something innate in their DNA, their dreams and aspirations.  When it happens, you just want to jump out of your own skin and burst with the excitement of possibilities for your baby!

Well, I had such an experience this weekend for our Start-Up child ShopWatchBuy.com.  It was a glimpse of its potential along with the power and promise of online video.

We attended a local craft fair.  It was something fun to do with the family along with the chance to talk to people about ShopWatchBuy.  Now granted, as I chatted with people some didn’t “get it”, but a quite a few did.  And some were even great sports and we did a video right there on the spot!

Like this one by John of Galactic Images.  He has so much knowledge and passion for what he does it unbelievable.  You just can’t get that from static images and text.

Notice also how the “Go To Store” button in the video widget takes the viewer right to the product page on his website.  It so powerful because we’re so flexible with that link it can be any URL or PayPal address the Seller chooses!

Here’s another great example.  Mark at d’marie is a MASTER at working the crowd at these shows and this video captures it.

It’s also proves something else.  While a professional video may be nice, it’s NOT necessary to capture the essence of a Seller’s personality and expertise!  I did these vides off the cuff with my little Flip Video camera. Sure, the video’s short and there’s a bit of background noise, but it’s so authentic!

This is the power of online video.

That’s right, after a few bumps along the Road, ShopWatchBuy.com is now live!

Overall I think we’ve got a great site that can help independent sellers like local merchants, affiliate marketers, inventors and e-tailers drive more traffic.

Once you sign up, it works like this:

1. Upload your video
2. Enter the listing information
3. Select your images

The listing is available immediately, and the video will show-up in a few minutes after transcoding.

What’s cool is that YOU get to select the “Transactional Link”.  If you choose “Buy Now” the shopper is directed to your PayPal address and pays you directly.  If you choose “Go To Store” you insert the link of your choice (such as an affiliate link) to direct the shopper to the transaction.

Now, if the video gets embedded in another site, that transactional information travels WITH the video.  So, let’s say you make a really cool video explaining an HP Laserjet.  You put it on SWB with an Affiliate Link to HP.  Then, someone with “MyHomeOfficeBlog.com” likes your video and puts it on their site.  When visitor at the blog clicks on “Go To Store” they are directed straight to HP using YOUR affiliate link!

You’ll also find our “image selection” is pretty cool.  You can select images from the video, upload your own, or point to a URL image.  This type of flexibility should help you get some great pics to go along with the video.

That’s just a couple of features – we’ve got big plans and more on the way!
So, take a moment to check it out at www.ShopWatchBuy.com.  And, if you’ve got a product or service you’d like to promote using online video, then sign up and “Show the world what you’ve got!”