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Eventful Conversation
By Anne Schwab Just the thought of walking up to strangers at a biz bash would make my palms sweaty. It seemed that everyone there knew everyone but me. I remember numerous networking functions where I glanced around the room, saw no one else standing alone, and left. Hungry.
How did I conquer my fear? By trusting my gut. "At least," I convinced myself, "hang for the food." So, at the next few functions I smiled at the waitress and reached out for the lovely hors d'oeuvres. Tiny tidbits of canapés, crudités and mini quiches. Yum, but I was still alone. Ok, time to hit the buffet table with trays of gourmet cheeses and chocolate covered strawberries! "Easy partner," I said to myself between bites, "you're here to meet other professionals, not to clear the food tables."
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8 Secrets to Great Event Photography
By Anne Schwab
Writer/Director/Producer
You've scheduled a live event and successfully recording this one-time event is critical. Capturing the right moments in the right light with the right framing is the job of the accomplished live-event photographer or videographer. But how do you assure you have the right shooter? Your choice could mean the difference between success and failure.
1. Choose a Talented Photographer or Videographer
Most gifted, experienced event professionals have a website showcasing their work. Do you like how the subjects look? Are the angles interesting? Is the work engaging? Compelling? While anyone can hold a $20,000 camera, not everyone exhibits the talent to shoot award-winning images. |
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Anne Schwab proudly accepted two 2009 Silver PEER Awards (Directing Non-Fiction & Best Internal Communications Video) for her production of "Come Home to Stone Ridge" VA Home Builders.
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Test drive different shapes and sizes...
By Anne Schwab
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Are you proud of your business card? Do you pass it out at every opportunity? Or do you makes excuses: "The dog ate my cards?" Purchasing a new business card is a little like buying a car. Will the standard model or the luxury design garner greater mileage for the video professional?
FIRST IMPRESSION
A business card makes an introduction. And helps form the initial impression of you--ordinary, mundane, unoriginal--or creative, energetic, original. Which would you prefer? Drive clients to your company with a compelling layout and updated graphics and fonts. If you're a bit graphically challenged, check out the business card templates on www.overnightprints.com and see what suits your personality.
SIZE MATTERS
Test drive different shapes and sizes and colors. If your style travels along a traditional path, the standard 3.5"x2" may be a logical choice. However, you may want something innovative, something compelling, something with clout. Perhaps a square, a circle, an elongated rectangle, or even an egg-shaped card in a bright or unusual color palette. See what colors rev your corporate engine.
TAKE STOCK
A flimsy paper conveys "cheap" and may look more like a Post-It Note. So take a gander at the gazillion papers on the market, some with rag (cotton and linen) for feel-good handling. Sixteen-point stocks in matte or glossy make excellent choices, but also consider textured, laminate or metallic finishes. For matte or glossy, take a look at Epiphany Creations, www.color-business-cards.com. They offer standard and custom card designs as well as logo designs.
BRAND NEW
Does your company have a logo? Does it look professionally designed or amateurish? If you're on a limited budget, the Logo Loft, www.thelogoloft.com, with online custom designs may be just the ticket. Or perhaps it's time to take the road less traveled and hire a designer. An energized, updated logo shows you're serious and instantly brands your company. And works well with a new branding package: business cards, stationery, envelopes, brochures, postcards, CD covers and online marketing.
PLAY TAG
A tagline or slogan contains a few carefully chosen words about your company. A play on words or a smart, well-written phrase communicates your polished corporate image. So show off your savvy writing skills. If you're spinning your wheels, hire a professional copywriter.
BACK UP
Don't clutter the front of your business card with too much information. A pared-down, artistically designed layout speaks volumes. Use the back of the card for the rest of the story.
PRICE
Trendy card designs, specialty dye cuts, papers, materials and inks can throw the price into overdrive. Even if your personality pairs better with traditional styles, the extras can cost you. Ask yourself, "How much mileage do I expect from this card?" If you think it's worth the price, design a new business card, pass it out like crazy, and fuel your future success.
Call Liliane Blom at Creative Management Services to design a stand-out business card for your business, 202.333.3560.
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