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:

A testament to the power of social media

It’s amazing how quickly social media has taken hold of the world.  Why, just a short three years ago, I was completely clueless as to what the term “social media” even referred to.  And then when I did finally gain some grain of understanding, I flatly refused to be a part of it for months!  And now, as you can see, I am immersed as deeply as the rest of you crazy cool people. 

Although, there are days that I wonder what will become of everyone.  After all, like everything else in life, moderation is the key.  With all of the different games and fictional societies that seem to be flourishing on the internet, it really could be quite easy to become so fully immersed that one’s days would waste away until there was nothing of reality left to experience and appreciate.

Thankfully, there are many facets to the social media revolution, or perhaps I should say evolution, and it is a great one that I sing the praises of today.  Last year, I lost my beautiful cousin Joy to a very long battle with cancer.  I won’t go into the sad details, because this story is all about greatness precipitated by social networking.  You see, Joy’s children wanted to help her achieve her biggest goals and dreams before she left us, so they asked for a “Bucket List” of things she wanted to accomplish.  It wasn’t a very long list, and really, there were three items that I would consider the least bit challenging:  Go on a cruise;  Swim with the dolphins;  Be a part of the audience at a taping of the Oprah Winfrey Show.

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: 

Prizm Party – Success!

Prizm held a party in our new office space last Thursday, and it was a success with a constant crowd throughout the evening.

Several past, current, and future clients stopped by to check out the new digs, great food, and new demo videos. Several of our clients were very surprised and happy that their projects made our demo reels! We celebrated receiving 3 national Telly Awards for “Hello Baby” with a movie poster and the trophies on display as well.

The great food was provided by 9-time world BBQ champions of Ace of Hearts BBQ and the Three Little Pigs BBQ team, Silvia’s Deli and the Cafe at Briarcliff.

Prizm had prizes donated by several clients including Ace of Hearts BBQ, The Spa Tuscano, the Cafe at Briarcliff and Spyder Scraper. The winners of the prizes dropped their business cards into a bowl and were drawn Monday. Look for the winners via our Twitter feed. A big thank you goes out to all those that made this possible!

Clients were also asked to sign our “Client Wall” to jazz up the office words of wisdom, thanks, and motivation.

Look for another Prizm Party in the future and make sure you stop by as we are big fans of food, drinks, laughs, fun, music, and of course…getting “Prizmized”!

Celebrating the small victories

Prizm is about to celebrate our 14th year in business. Time really flies when you follow your dream! It has been both rewarding and terrifying, exhilarating and depressing. Still, we celebrate the small victories.

The Anatomy of the “Director of First Impressions”

Who is the Director of First Impressions for your company?  Why, it’s you, of course!  It doesn’t matter what position or title you hold, if you are ever the first person to greet a visitor or pick up the telephone, the responsibility of making a great first impression is all on you.

While it’s obvious that greeting someone with a warm smile is crucial when you’re face to face, many people don’t realize the importance of a smile even when you are simply taking a phone call.  This is the point where you are probably thinking:  Oh come on, it isn’t as if you can really hear a smile, can you?

You bet you can!  And the flip side is that you can definitely hear it when that smile is not there, even though you may not be able to see whom you are speaking with.  Think about your own experiences.  How many times have you been put off by an unpleasant conversation with a seemingly unhappy or completely uninterested sounding customer service representative?  The truth is that the majority of those service reps really were interested in helping you, they were just never taught the basics of proper telephone etiquette.

Caring Communication Matters

Sitting in the orthodontist’s office with my ten-year-old, I watch with great interest how Linda works with Andrew.  She has a gentle touch and kind voice even in the midst of an uncomfortable procedure for a young guy.  Her communication with Andrew is one of sincere care.  Andrew looks up at me and smiles as the bands are placed on his back teeth.  It’s uncomfortable.  He is squirming in his chair.  He doesn’t want to be here.

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?

A Labor Day Thank You

If you stick with something long enough and educate your audiences, eventually the maturity curve predictions come to fruition. Such has been the case at Prizm. Back when it was uncool to talk about convergence of the television and computer, Prizm stood by our understanding that we had to offer clients more in delivery while remaining focused and committed to our success as content producers.

A grandfather’s lesson

I was at the Greater Kansas City Chamber “smooze” event this morning at Lucky Strike in the Power and Light District.  While enjoying the atmosphere, I began talking to Keith, a gentleman who grew up in his father’s business.  As we talked about the importance of relationships in growing a business,