August 30th, 2010
We recently ran across this cartoon, and thought you would appreciate the chuckle. And if you don’t, then you can have your people post a comment here on this blog. Enjoy!
When you need a rental projector, count on industry leader Projector123.com. We’re your people! Click here to rent a projector today.
August 27th, 2010
Whether you’re considering staying in town this Labor Day to save some money, or to avoid heavy crowds and traffic (or perhaps just beat the heat), here are some ideal ideas for a Labor Day staycation.
1. Been putting anything off?
Often times, we hear about a new restaurant, a new exhibit at a museum, or a new local activity and we say “we should really check that out.” If you’re planning a Labor Day staycation, this would be a great time to visit some of those places you’ve been wanting to experience.
2. Have a gourmet BBQ
Instead of the same old hot dogs and burgers, why not try something different on the ultimate grilling weekend? Try combinations like pineapple and scallops, high-end steaks, gourmet sausages, or exotic grilled vegetables. You can find excellend recipes for at-home grilling here at RecipeZaar or FoodNetwork.com.
3. Pick a museum (or two)
Museums offer an excellent way to escape the heat and have a fun and educational experience. For a list of local museums in your area, visit http://www.artcyclopedia.com/museums.html or type “local museums” and your city name into your favorite web search site.
4. Rent a projector
For the ultimate indoors experience for Labor Day, why not rent a DVD projector and spend some quality time together as a family? Relax with your favorite movies, enjoy reminiscing over old home movies, bring on the heat with a family gaming tournament, or all of the above. Plus, when you combine a projector rental with any of the above options, you’re sure to have a blast and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Ready to host your in-house Labor Day staycation? Start here by ordering a rental projector from Projector123.com. It’s fast, easy, affordable, and fun.
August 25th, 2010
Welcome back to the second and final installment of our two-part series on updating your marketing materials.
5. Obsolescence?
Some companies continue to produce marketing materials that aren’t truly making any kind of impact, whether for closing sales or increasing publicity or spreading the word. Take a good look at all your marketing materials to see if any of them are truly obsolete. For example, if your staff no longer makes sales calls, then you can stop ordering print brochures, unless you plan to use them as a direct mail piece. If you discover that any of your methods or materials have become obsolete, cease using it and look for ways you can enhance whatever is working.
6. Efficacy of materials
Are you currently performing any kind of tracking to discover what materials are working (specifically, converting to sales or new clients) and which aren’t? In many cases, this can be as simple as asking a new client “how did you find out about us?” If the majority of your business is conducted online, there are many tracking methods that can be employed to track which sales are coming through which venues. By tracking your marketing methods, you can easily see which are working (and therefore, may warrant an even greater investment) and which are not (and may be retired or discarded). Ongoing communication with sales staff may also be useful in ascertaining which methods are working and which are not.
7. Input from staff
Speaking of the sales staff, be sure to communicate with your sales staff before discarding any seemingly ineffective materials (or before creating new materials). The staff has a unique viewpoint (and a vested interest) in participating in adjusting or creating new sales materials. Additionally, non-sales professionals can offer valuable feedback as well.
As usual, we trust you have found this information to be most useful. Got your own tips for updating marketing materials? Post your comments here or drop us a line.
Ready to order a rental projector for your next trade show, sales meeting, or company event? Ordering is as easy as 1-2-3 when you order from Projector123.com. Click here to get started and discover the Projector123.com difference today.
August 23rd, 2010
Unless this is your busiest time of year (which for most companies, it’s not), this is an ideal time to take an objective look at your marketing materials and ad campaigns and determine whether or not it’s time for an update. Ideally, marketing materials are designed to help you close more sales, attract more clients, and save time by explaining your products or services. Unfortunately, many companies neglect their marketing materials and send their sales force out with outdated, incorrect, or ineffective materials. Here are some key points to consider.
 1. Current data
First, take stock of what you’re currently using for marketing materials, how many copies you have on-hand, what it’s currently being used for, and at what frequency. Go through the materials to determine how much of the information is accurate and up-to-date.
2. Cost of an update
One of the factors you’ll surely want to consider throughout this evaluation process is how much it will cost you to update your materials. Online marketing is the easiest to change in an instant, and often changes are inexpensive. Conversely, print materials are often expensive (and can take awhile) to replace. However, for many businesses, both formats are essential.
3. Website updates
If you can’t afford (or don’t truly need) to have a webmaster on staff, it may still make sense to have an experienced webmaster on retainer, who performs updates as needed. Alternatively, you may have a savvy staff member or other company employee who could (with a little training) make these changes as the need arises. Information changes (contact info, pricing, additions or deletions to services or products, staff bios, operating hours, press updates, etc.) to your company website should be made immediately, not “saved up” and made all at once. Often times, having someone in-house who can make these immediate changes is easier and more cost-effective than having to go outside of the company.
4. Social media presence
If you don’t already have an established social media presence, what on earth are you waiting for? Whether your demographic includes GenY or Baby Boomers, social media is growing by an alarming rate, and if you don’t have a social media strategy, you are most definitely leaving cash on the table. Likewise, if you launched a Facebook page and opened a Twitter account, but your audience (friends / follower) numbers aren’t steadily rising into the thousands, your campaign is not as effective as it could be.
Be sure to join us next time for the conclusion of our tips for evaluating your marketing materials. In the meantime, you can spruce up your sales presentations and company training sessions with an affordable professional LCD rental projector from Projector123.com. Click here to get started now.
August 20th, 2010
When it comes to planning a birthday party, you have almost unlimited possibilities when you include a rental projector. It costs less than you think to rent a projector, and it’s truly that special added touch that will have your guests (and the guest of honor) raving about your event for years to come. Here are some tips for incorporating an LCD rental projector at your next birthday celebration.
+ Suprise the guest of honor
Nothing says “we love you!” more than a customized trip down memory lane with a photo or video montage featuring the guest of honor. Set your slideshow it to music and make it the star of the show.
+ Entertain the kids
If you’re planning a birthday party for an adult, but your guest list includes children and adults of all ages, why not use a rental projector to keep the kids entertained with a larger-than-life movie while the adults can socialize and relax?
+ Background effects
If you’d rather not put the central focus on a formal slideshow (where the party is literally silenced during the show), then assemble a bunch of pictures, set up your laptop for “slideshow” and let it be projected all throughout the party. Remember to include some of those adorable baby pictures!
+ Well wishers
If you’re not enticed by the idea of assembling photos for a montage, why not liven things up a bit with a montage of video snippets? Interview some of the guest of honor’s most cherished loved ones, asking them to convey their well wishes, and compile it into a short video. Now that’s one amazing birthday surprise!
Now that you’re brimming with ideas, why not reserve your rental projector right now, while it’s fresh in your mind. Click here to get started and experienced how simple it is to rent a projector from Projector123.com.
August 18th, 2010
 We recently stumbled upon this article from Dave Paradi, co-author of “Guide to PowerPoint” and couldn’t resist sharing it with you — this is a question we get asked a lot, and here’s a fine explanation. This is the link to the full article.
No matter how many slides you choose, be sure to count on Projector123.com for all your rental projector needs. Click here now to rent a projector.
How many slides is too many?
By Dave Paradi, MBA, co-author of “Guide to PowerPoint”
If you delivered 155 slides in 35 minutes, would that be too many slides? Most presenters would immediate say “Yes! Way too many!” And up until recently, I would have agreed. But a recent experience made me reconsider my initial response.
Most rules of thumb in the past have been that there should be one slide for every two to three minutes. And I have agreed with this. But I reviewed a presentation on video tape for a client from one of their top sales professionals in front of clients and he used 155 slides in a 35 minute presentation (yes, I counted). And it looked great. How could this be?
It stems from what is on the slide. Most of his slides were product photos that he showed in fairly quick succession showing off the different features. His use made it almost like a movie of sorts, with the flow working quite well. He spent more time on the text slides, such as when he was explaining how to place the order for the product. He spent time on the most important part of his presentation, the call to action, and did not stick to a particular formula.
So based on this experience, here is what I am now thinking. If it is a primarily text slide, I think the traditional rule of two to three minutes per slide would still be a good guideline. But when the slide is primarily a graphic, a much wider range of timing can apply. A sequence of photos may be run through quite quickly, with maybe five slides in one minute. Some graphics, such as a process flow diagram, require a two or three minute explanation. So my new thought is that a graphic slide could range from 10 seconds to three minutes, depending on what the graphic is and how it is used in the presentation.
I am starting to use more graphics, primarily photographs, in my presentations, and sometimes it is on the screen for a short period of time since the point is clear. Other times, I show the photo, tell a store about the photo, and then make a point. In this case, the photo slide is on the screen for multiple minutes.
If you have been basing the number of slides in your presentation on the traditional formula, consider these ideas in determining whether you want to modify the rule you have used in the past.
©MMIV Dave Paradi
Dave Paradi’s Think Outside the Slide™ approach helps presenters get results by showing them how to quickly create effective PowerPoint presentations. He is the co-author of “Guide to PowerPoint”, part of the Prentice Hall Series in Advanced Business Communication. He offers a free PowerPoint e-course, newsletter and articles on his web site at www.ThinkOutsideTheSlide.com.
August 16th, 2010
The summer is rapidly coming to a close and school will soon be back in session, so what better way to beat the end-of-summer blues than with a family movie night or movie party? Gather friends and family, pick out your favorite flicks, rent a projector from Projector123.com, then you can sit back and enjoy your favorite films and some tasty popcorn. Here are some tips to get you started.
1. Less is more, or the more the merrier?
It’s up to you whether you want to keep the gathering small and intimate or invite the whole gang. Remember, if the party gets too big, you can always move the fun outdoors with a rental projector. As long as there’s no rain in the forecast, plan to host an outdoor movie party and project onto a smooth blank wall, or a hung white sheet.
2. Choose a theme.
Of course, a theme is entirely optional, but it does add a certain dimension to any gathering. What kind of movies does your family enjoy most? From family comedies and musicals to old westerns to heartfelt dramas or suspenseful thrillers, choose movies the whole family is sure to enjoy. Better yet, since you’ll have your rental projector for the entire weekend, why not let each family member choose one of the films you’ll all enjoy together? It’s a great way to ensure that every member of the family gets to contribute, and it introduces family members to selections they might have overlooked otherwise.
3. Don’t forget the food!
In our culture, food is an integral part of any gathering, and family movie night is no different. How simple or elaborate is completely up to you, of course. Whether you want to go old-school and simply pop popcorn for an after-dinner movie gathering, or you prefer to leave the cooking to someone else by ordering pizza or takeout, or you’d like to prepare a snack buffet, be sure to select food options that make the evening enjoyable for everyone.
4. Rent from Projector123.com
There’s a reason so many families (and working professionals!) choose Projector123.com for all their rental projector needs. For years, Projector123.com has committed itself to providing the most professional grade, cutting-edge rental projectors for consumers, public speakers, and business professionals to destinations across the U.S.
Click here to reserve your rental projector today and discover the Projector123.com difference.
August 13th, 2010
Welcome to the final installment of our three part series on how to get the family organized in time to head back to school. Everything is easier when you get organized!
 5. Make a plan for success.
As students progress from year to year, their workload gets more and more intense. What worked last year (in terms of homework and studying) may not be a perfect fit this year. Perhaps this year, your child requires a computer, or a dedicated workspace or desk in his or her room, or more time at the library, etc. Be open to new ideas and be willing to make adjustments as necessary. Likewise, the same disciplinary actions that worked last year may not be as effective this year. Remember to keep your eye on the prize: raising a successful, well-rounded, happy child.
6. Update at regular intervals.
Once the family survives the first week of school, you might be tempted to breathe a sign of relief and return to your old schedule and familiar ways. However, by taking just a few minutes to check in at regular intervals, you can keep grades soaring high, keep wardrobes updated, and keep rooms and closets clean and organized. (After all, you don’t want to have to repeat all these steps again during the winter break, do you?) It only takes a few minutes to ensure that things are running smoothly and to make any necessary adjustments. It doesn’t have to be anything as formal as a “family conference,” rather, it can be as simple as a five-minute conversation with your student and a quick room inspection.
Got great back to school tips of your own? Share them here by posting a comment on this blog.
Ready to say good-bye to summer and ring in a new year? What better way than with a back to school party and a rental projector from Projector123.com. Projector rentals are great for much more than just watching DVDs – you can show home movies, create your own film fest, throw a block party, or host a Wii gaming competition. Click here to rent a projector now.
August 11th, 2010
Welcome back to the second installment of our Back to School organization tips. These next simple tips will help you start the school year on the right foot.
3. Plan a wardrobe.
Unless your child attends a school with a mandatory uniform, shopping for back to school clothes can be an annual battle between you and your student. Fortunately, a few minutes of thoughtful planning can go a long way in saving you time and money, as well as ensuring that your child gets the clothes he or she wants, to display their own style and fit in with their classmates. Take some time to go through your child’s current wardrobe to see what still fits, what is still in fashion, and what needs to be donated because of excessive wear and tear. Take stock of what he or she has, and look to see what’s missing (jeans shoes, long sleeve tops, etc.). Be sure to check the school’s dress code policy as well, to ensure you’re making wise wardrobe purchases. Shop the sales to ensure you get the best deal and stick to your list.
 4. Attack the closet.
Closets are breeding grounds for unwanted “stuff” so it’s a smart idea to purge your closets at least once a year. Trash, sell or donate unwanted (or outgrown) clothing, toys, sporting equipment, musical instruments, shoes, etc. File or ditch excess papers (which will also keep the silverfish away), replace cedar planks or other scented accents, vacuum the floor (especially if you haven’t seen it in awhile!) and organize the remaining items for efficiency and ease of use. This is sure to help your student start the year off on the best possible foot. Remember to check under the bed, too!
Join us next time for the final installment of our Back to School organization tips. In the meantime, it’s not too soon to begin planning a back to school party – keep the kids’ spirits high and have one final fling to celebrate the end of summer. Click here to rent an LCD projector starting at just $99 for the whole weekend.
August 9th, 2010
It’s that time of year again – the time when parents across the country give a sigh of relief and school age children give a groan while parents and children alike scramble to prepare for another school year. Here are some tips to help you get organized and get ready for “back to school.”
 1. Score your school supplies early
Sure, it’s tempting to wait until the last minute to collect school supplies, but within a couple of weeks of the resumption of school, the school supply aisle in most stores looks like a cyclone tore through it. Prices may be low, but so is the stock level, and good luck finding those odd or unusual items on the must-have list. The couple of bucks you’d save on waiting for school supplies to go on sale will quickly be eaten up in the extra gas you’ll use driving from store to store to find what you need. Be smart…shop early and get your supply lists finished.
2. Let someone else do the shopping.
You can save time and effort by using a service like http://www.edukitinc.com/ Edukit connects with your school, gathering up school supply lists for each grade level and assembling a fixed-price kit that includes everything your child needs. When you order early enough, Edukit will even deliver your child’s kit to his or her classroom on the first day of school. How’s that for convenient? Think it’s expensive or riddled with unnecessary markups? Think again – our staff tested Edukit this year and found they paid the same or only a couple of dollars more for school supplies purchased on sale vs. school supplies delivered by Edukit. Visit their website to see if your school participates (and if not, you can offer to liaison between Edukit and your child’s school).
Be sure to come back for part 2 of our segment on Back to School Organization tips. In the meantime, why not celebrate the end of summer with a family movie night complete with a rental projector from Projector123.com? Weekend rates start as low as $99. Click here to reserve your rental projector today.
« Previous Entries
|
|
|
|
|
©2009 Projector123.com
All Rights Reserved.
|
|
|
