iPad for Event Video?
I definitely consider myself somewhat of a tech geek, and when the iPad was released, I couldn't have been more enthralled with listening to the hundreds of reviews and reports popping up on every device I own. Somehow I managed to wait a full 3 months before actually purchasing one (most likely because of all the friendly reminders my fiancé Lianne was dropping about our upcoming wedding).
Well, the day has finally come. I don't mean for this to be a review either - there are plenty out there. But I thought I would write about some of the ways that event video companies might be able to use this new toy for good.
The most obvious use of the iPad is to hold some sample videos of your work, or sample files that normally live on your desktop, and just don't display well on a smart phone or iPod. More than anything, I think the iPad is a great tool for passing content between prospective clients, employees or freelancers. Where else could you so easily show someone a sample contract, event map, site photos, website, or a quick slideshow of your company's offering?
The next potential use for the iPad in event video production is payment processing. Taking a mobile sale from a customer after selling a DVD or delivering your final edit for a big project is not only convenient, it's dead sexy. And let's face it, with so many competing video companies out there, it's important to a remind customers that you are technologically awesome. Most of the work that goes into making great videos happens behind the scenes, but it's the face to face interaction and demos that get you work and build your reputation. Making great videos is not a differentiator, it's an expectation.
You may have heard of apps like Square Mobile, and there are bound to be more ways to "iPay" soon. Traditional wireless credit card processing devices can cost double what an iPad or netbook might, so I think its about time we start looking at alternatives.
Next, it seems that the iPad makes a great input device for data entry. At EVC, we go through thousands of paper orders each year, and we're excited about the iPad's potential to eliminate some of this waste, and keep data organized electronically. I'm looking forward to this convergence of our on-site and online ordering processes, which we hope to share with videographers around the country (stay tuned!).
Last, this thing is just plain fun to use. After all, it is a toy. But it's catching our attention at EVC, and it might just fit into your business too!
EV Tips 004: Clean Up Shop
Independence Day. For many videographers, particularly those who cover events during the school year, it is finally time for a much deserved vacation. Fall will be here in no time, and it's time to take a step away from the computer.
But while it's easy to get away and neglect your company, this is also the perfect time to liberate yourself from all the clutter and disorganization that has accumulated all spring (it's always tempting to set the office on fire and start a new). Here are some quick questions that you can ask yourself to prep for an upcoming busy season:
1. Take a look at your desk. Do you use every thing on there every single day? If not, find a new place for those things out of plain site. In my experience, physical clutter causes mental clutter, if not for you than maybe for your employees or visiting customers.
2. Now look around the office (drawers, shelves, closets, etc). Is there anything you didn't use once last year? eBay! The longer you hold onto something, the less valuable it becomes. And more space and simplicity in your storage areas is priceless.
3. Do you need any new software or equipment for the upcoming season? Now is a great time to make these purchases. Often times new gadgets are released for back-to-school shopping, and there are amazing deals to be had on last-generation models. Assuming you don't require groundbreaking NASA technology, most of us will do just fine with the time tested and fully functional predecessors of cutting edge products. And buying new gear during your slower season gives you plenty of time to figure out how to use it.
4. Are there time-consuming tasks in your business that you can automate, template, or outsource? In event video, many companies get bogged down with administrative tasks when they should be spending time on revenue-producing production work. Consider creating PDF contract templates or outsourcing your accounting to a local bookkeeper. Looking for an eCommerce and fulfillment parter? Eventvideo.com can manage your video sales and archives so that you never have to copy and ship a DVD again (shameless plug, but you get the point).
5. Thank your customers. This is something that often goes undone throughout the year as one hectic production leads to another. But when you have a moment, don't forget to reach out to your customers and thank them for their loyalty and support. In this business, as in most, solid relationships create longevity.
So whether your slow season is July or January, don't forget to work on your company while you're working in your company!