Prizm as a Time Bandit? Ah, yes!

As we begin a new year, it occurs to me that I have spent a dozen years now with Prizm.  How can that possibly be?  After all, to contemplate 12 years in future tense feels like a much longer span of time than it does to look back on that same number of years.  And the scary part about it is that as I age, time seems to just go faster and faster.  But enough of that conversation, it could lead me down an entirely different path.  Hmmmmmmmm…Perhaps another blog?  Perhaps not…we shall see.

The purpose of this blog, though, is to give you, the reader, an inside perspective on Prizm, and why, as I look back over these past years, it is easy enough to recognize why time here passes so quickly.  There are a number of contributing factors, all of which could be a singular cause of time slippage, depending upon which angle one views life through, at, and with Prizm.  I have decided to list my top five in no particular order:

The first crucial step to building a successful website

What really goes into building a website?

Prizm's website

What a loaded question!  While it may appear that certain websites you visit are just simple, straightforward pages, you might be surprised to know that the planning and development that goes into creating those seemingly simple pages is actually quite in depth.

It could even be stated that building a website is much like building a house.  Once the foundation has been poured, and the framing is done, it becomes a far more complicated task to add to, remove from, or dramatically change the layout.  In fact, if the changes are too demanding, it would be best to demolish what you’ve started, and begin once again from the ground up.

What everyone should know about pricing professional video

What could possibly be so hard about pricing a professional video project?

From the outside looking in, it may seem simple enough to put a price tag on a professional video, but there are many considerations involved.  Having spent more than a decade working for Prizm, I have learned so much about the process of creating a professional video, and let me tell you, there is absolutely nothing simple about it!

I receive inquiries for cost quotes daily, and frequently find it necessary to help people understand how much really goes into creating professional, award winning videos.   I can’t tell you how many times I have heard:  “Just off of the top of your head, how much does it usually cost to…?” Although I don’t like to say it, there genuinely is not a “usual” cost when it comes to the creation of a professional video.

Capturing professional video for Extreme Makeover Home Edition

In order to receive a true and complete price quote on your video, you must be prepared to provide your production company with answers to some very pertinent questions like these:

1. How long do you want your video to be?
2. What style and quality do you envision for your final product?
3. What delivery medium (or mediums) do you intend to use?
4. What is your deadline?
5. Are you working within a specific budget?
6. Do you want professional actors and/or voice talent to be part of your video?
7. Do you need scripting services?

The answers to the above questions then create more leading questions, which largely influence pricing, such as: 

How much do keywords matter?

My husband and I have always been sticklers for doing research before making any kind of major purchase.  From cars to appliances to electronics, it is important to know that you will be getting the most for your money before committing to spending it.  While it hasn’t been that long ago that we had to go to our local library to peruse the latest copies of Consumer Reports for information, now one has to go only as far as the closest computer with an internet connection to learn everything pertinent to making an informed buying decision.

A while back, I thought I had done my due diligence before making a major purchase – so much that even Dave Ramsey would have been proud!  I actually spent 4 months doing research in my spare time, before making the final choice, which was based on my research.  Here’s where it gets interesting:  I have had quite a lot of trouble with this product, even though everything I read raved about the item in question.  Did I get a “lemon”?  Or was all of my research bogus?  What did I do wrong?!

I continued to contemplate these questions, until it finally occurred to me that every time I did a new search for information, I always used “reviews” in my search.  So, I decided to try an experiment. 

New Logo, New Emblem, New Icon – OH MY!! | when to re-brand and why

Starbucks is evolving their logo once again this year

Image is everything.  Who hasn’t heard that a million times?!  

While substance is what ultimately matters, if your first impression doesn’t attractively and informatively communicate that substance…nobody cares.  That’s why every business, product, film, music group, etc. needs a brand.  A face to put to their name.  A personality to put to the person.

Walmart and Starbucks – a couple of the largest, most successful companies our country has seen – have re-branded within the last two years.  Why is that?

Social Media: Don’t rest on your laurels

I was on LinkedIn dialoguing with colleagues around the world about who considers themselves an expert at social media.  Mind you, these are wise and seasoned marketers themselves.  The wisdom that came from thediscussion focused on a couple of repetitive themes.

Let Your SEO Blossom Through Creative Writing

Creative writing serves a dual purpose as it applies to the web.  It is imperative that your web copy communicates a clear, concise message to the reader, and at the same time the search engines must identify it as relevant content in order to drive the correct audience to you.

Video online expects 45% jump in 2009

Everybody has a story.  If you can’t be there in person, video is the best way to convey a message.  It’s true that consumers far and wide are publishing video….but corporate entities need to remember that they are branding themselves in everything they do.  Video professionals, men and women, who have spent their lives honing the craft, are expert storytellers.  In them, the customer may think they are paying more, but in the long run, the corporate entity pays more by unfocused messaging.  A recent article on CNET talks about the increase of online video and the importance of brand awareness.

http://news.cnet.com/8300-1023_3-93.html?tag=rb_content;overviewHead

http://news.cnet.com/8301-1023_3-10124842-93.html