Comments on: It’s All About Presentation

By: Nik Catalina

Nik Catalina — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 04:53:36 +0000

I absolutely agree that “presentation” is a vital component to effective marketing… the style and quality of materials are akin to the old maxim: “you don’t get a second chance to make a first impression” Even on a limited budget… choosing quality will brand your business with the values of credibility and integrity.

By: Ron Dawson

Ron Dawson — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:50:19 +0000

In reply to Karen. Right on spot Karen. Little touches do make a BIG difference. Thanks for sharing.

By: Karen

Karen — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 13:37:16 +0000

I use the ones you featured from Neil Enterprises. I can’t tell you how many compliments I get for them. Customers think they cost a lot more than they actually do. As someone who doesn’t have the time to go to a craft store and handmake something, this is the perfect alternative. It’s truly the little things that count because it adds to the overall experience.

By: Ron Dawson

Ron Dawson — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 05:55:17 +0000

In reply to Lydia. Great points Lydia. Thanks for sharing. Simple sells.

By: Lydia

Lydia — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 23:28:49 +0000

And great packaging doesn’t have to cost a lot! I often wrap products in brown paper and tissue paper. Add a handwritten note and some pretty ribbon or string, and your clients come away feeling like they’ve visited a boutique! I made business cards just for wppi because I didn’t want to give away all my more expensive cards, but I still tried to make sure they looked and felt higher quality and representative of me!

By: Ron Dawson

Ron Dawson — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 20:29:29 +0000

In reply to Trisha Von Lanken. It totally has grown and thrive, and you've been an integral part of that. Thanks for being honest with a lost newb who didn't know jack. I'm a better filmmaker and business person because of people like you.

By: Trisha Von Lanken

Trisha Von Lanken — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 20:14:08 +0000

You have come a long way Baby!!!

Mark and I have always wanted to see the event filmmaking industry, thrive, grow and be the best it can be. I believe being brave enough to have someone else look at your work, your marketing materials and give constructive feedback can be one of the best things you can do for your business. After15 years in the biz we still do it on a regular basis.

Your post is oh so true, presentation speaks loudly about your business & your brand.
Be there or be square~

By: Ron Dawson

Ron Dawson — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 19:45:17 +0000

In reply to Brian.

Hi Brian,

Thanks for your kind words. I do understand where you’re coming from, but it doesn’t necessary have to cost a lot. Let’s look at some of these.

– Those DVD folios and Loktah cases I believe are in the $12 to $15 per case range. I know that’s not as cheap as a plastic Amaray case, but if you’re charging $3,000 or more for a video, I would think allocating $50 for three of these cases is not too out of range. In both cases you don’t need to design and print an Amaray insert, which could take a lot of time, and we all know time is money.

– The tin DVD cases are about $5 each for packs of ten or more.

– Biz cards: granted letterpress biz cards are out of the price range of a lot of small business owners, but there are still options available that are reasonable. The Cinematic Studios cards I have shown had rounded corners and on slightly heavier stock. Not letterpress or anything, but definitely stood out and was not to unmanageble.

As with anything, you need to look at your costs and charge accordingly. But I submit that even with simple solutions, you can dress up your presentations to make them stand out: – Find creative uses of ribbon and scrapbook material to dress up DVD cases – Add fun fillers instead those styrofoam peanuts to pack your boxes. – Get materials and from Michaels or Hobby Lobby make something up.

The key is standing out.

By: Brian

Brian — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 19:19:53 +0000

Ron, I love these simple yet effective posts. I think you’ve earned enough clout to tell anyone anything… But as us Believers say, “in love”. Your exhortations are well-received and much appreciated. I’m gonna speak in my own experiences though- I think many videographers just don’t have the budget to create such stylish material. We know it’s necessary to stand above the rest of the bunch but yet to have landed that whale of a client to invest in our own material.
I know what you mean though. I find it rediculous to see a car washing service vehicle so filthy…