How to Sell Advertising Differently

Radio stations, TV and newspaper companies worldwide are experiencing never before challenges, and in many cases simply losing market share right before their eyes. Is it not time that we all think about changing the ways we do things. The tired, "We have always done it this way syndrome" is not working.

Here are 7 reasons why that could be happening and how to avoid it.

1. Too much sameness- In the boom times there was plenty to go around, the revenue was just pouring in, credit was easy and the consumers spent, who did they spend with? Your customers! Now they are not... so what are you going to do about it... the same old same old?

2. Set yourself apart- Media companies and their direct selling teams will have to find a new way of doing business... you now need a good story; you need a reason to be in your market a reason that sets you apart from the opposition. The reality is the economy is getting cleaned out- it was badly needed, we are seeing the worst employees, the worst salespeople and the worst mangers are moving on.

3. Money- the money in circulation is always in motion- Right now there is a little less in circulation, but the money that is in circulation is always there, moving from one area to another, it moves, such as traditional media has seen this shift to online. The truth is that it moves for reasons, and if that money is not moving to you there are reasons that money is not moving to you, that are within your control.

4. Get the money before they do- I have experienced first hand capitulation in many of the media companies I speak with, thankfully not many of my clients. They have given up! When the money rolls in, anyone can do well, now they believe that the money out there is beyond their control, so they have given up and are not just trying. They are sitting in sales meeting saying that it's tough out there, the market is different, and advertisers are not interested in advertising.

That is simply not true, media companies I know are doing well. The ones that are embracing change, doing new things, and connecting to their market in different ways are prospering.

5. Find out the one compelling reason your advertisers want to buy your medium and not your opposition. Believe it or not, many of your clients are not really interested in dots and spots, and right hand pages or key banner ads- They are interested in how you can get what they want. What is that? Create questions in your interview to find that out. If money is not moving to you it's because you are selling spots...like everyone else!

6. Profitable Pricing- many media companies have rushed to discount and percentage off. They are cutting prices on everything. If your advertising is perceived as a commodity your advertisers will buy at the cheapest price. That is hard to compete with.

7. Finally ask yourself - what business are you in? - If you are in the spots and dots, ½ full-page and banner business then fine, dominate it. You could though try to be in the problem solving business and align your media company with the wants and needs of your advertisers.

By Mike Brunel

Modeling Tips - Safety Precautions

We may move like a cat, but we don't have 9 lives. In an industry with an overwhelming revolving door of talent and newcomers, it can be hard to weed out the psychos and perverts from the professionals. It's best to be safe than sorry when dealing with casting calls, jobs, and Photographers. No matter how beautiful you are, the last place you'd want your headshot posted is on the news over a tragic murder or rape. Life has no guarantees, but we can take some precautions to avoid dangerous situations. Here are my top 10 safety tips for models:

1) DO YOUR RESEARCH

Before you accept a job or meet with a Photographer, check them and their company out on Google, first. It's free, fast, and convenient. Do they have any reviews? How do their photos look? Is their portfolio posted? Website with company information? There are a ton of talented Photographers who are in the midst of building their portfolio and may not have a website up, but they should have an online profile with Model Mayhem, Facebook, or One Model Place, etc. that showcases some of their work. If they're a ghost, meaning they have nothing online-zip, zero, then pass. It's just not worth the risk or time. Use that extra time to find a Photographer who is already online and is serious in networking.

2) USE YOUR REFERRALS

The easiest and safest way to find a Photographer to work with is to simply ask your model friends. Not only will they refer you to legitimate people, but they'll also give you the "ins and outs" of working with that particular Photographer-whether or not he/she shoots nudes, fashion, lifestyle, etc. how fast they shoot and edit, locations they use, and their professionalism. Knowing how a shoot may go based on how someone works is an advantage-you'll know what you're getting into.

3) TO USE A CHAPERONE OR NOT?

This can be tricky. Personally, I'm not a fan of chaperones because I find it a distraction for both myself and the Photographer. My theory is that if we can't work alone together, then we're not working at all. Now, I have seen it done and know Photographers who don't mind chaperones, but I think if you DO decide on bringing one, that you should discuss it beforehand with the Photographer. Be prepared to give them a reason for it and be honest...maybe it's your first photo shoot ever and you'd feel more comfortable having a friend there for moral support? Or maybe you're a little hesitant on the type of content you'll be shooting? Either way, communicating these concerns ahead of time will make the shoot go smoother. You may even find out that just having this conversation with your Photographer can clear up a lot of concerns so that you won't be needing a chaperone after all. Or you may offend them and end up not shooting-that's okay too. Which brings up the profiles I've seen online where Photographers rudely use exclamations in expressing, "NO CHAPERONES, BOYFRIENDS, DRAMA, SINGLE WOMEN, ONLY, etc" in their ads. RED FLAGS! Look, both parties have the right to accept a chaperone, or not, but all within tact. I perceive ads like these as being unprofessional and a little scary. Do they have hidden agendas? Why would it matter if I was single or not? I'm here to model, not date. This isn't Match.com mofo. If you both can't come to an agreement, just move on.

4) MEETINGS

Sometimes, a Photographer will want to meet with you before a shoot to discuss ideas, the project, wardrobe, and to meet you in person. I think these meetings can be helpful in allowing everyone to show their personality and define their vision so that the actual shoot day is fun and breezy. When meeting in person, though, especially for the first time, make sure you're at a public place. DO NOT visit them at their home or hotel. A studio is okay if it's a public building-meaning it's not their living room by day turned studio by night. Offices are okay, too but I just always suggest and prefer cafes for pleasant meeting places.

5) EQUIPMENT

I knew a model who once showed up at a Photographer's hotel room to shoot and he whipped out a Kodak disposable camera. Fortunately, the story has a good ending-she left without shooting and learned a valuable lesson in due diligence. No matter how many precautions you take, if a Photographer shows up with anything but professional equipment, get the hell out of there. You wouldn't be able to use any of those images in your portfolio anyways-this is not amateur hour.

6) AGREEMENTS

If you're hired to shoot in a wedding gown and there's only a neon g-string laid out for you when you get there, pack your stuff and head on home. If it wasn't in the original agreement between you and the Photographer, then you have every right to leave the shoot. No remixes here. Also, Photographers will usually have you sign some sort of model release agreement. Usually, this states the rate of pay for the job, your address (tax purposes), your age (please be legal), and your signature outlining that you agree with the terms set forth. READ through the entire contract and if you have any questions or concerns, state them to the Photographer. You do have the right to cross out or add anything to the contract, but if you do, make sure to get their signature in compliance and get a copy of the agreement before you leave.

7) DURING THE SHOOT

If at anytime you begin to feel uncomfortable, you can always leave. First of all, you look like a deer in the headlights-not cute, and second, there's no reason you shouldn't feel safe. Either make an excuse that you don't feel well, apologize and excuse yourself from the shoot, or tell him/her why you're uncomfortable. Maybe the temperature inside is too cold for you? Or that you're too hot? Do you need water? A break to eat? All legitimate reasons to check yourself and the situation before leaving.

8 ) PHONE A FRIEND

ALWAYS, always, always, tell or text a friend when, where, and with whom you'll be shooting and when you're expected to be done. This is NEVER EVER negotiable.

9) THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME

Just as you would never invite a stranger from the streets into your home is the same reason why you'd never let a new Photographer shoot at your home. Now if you've worked with them before and trust them, or know plenty of models who have, then it's up to you to make that decision. Just remember that inviting someone to your home where you lay to rest every night is only a good idea if they aren't stalkers.

10) USE COMMON SENSE

If it doesn't feel right or sound right, skip it. There's a multitude of professionals out there who are legitimate and will help your career soar. Don't ever settle for something that's not right for you. Life is way too short and I'd rather see your face in bright lights for a long, long time.

By Jayd A Lem

Retail Display Lighting LED Strips Are a Fantastic Option

Properly lighting a retail display can be hard work. Many displays have unique shapes and contours that create shadows and dark spots when traditional light fixtures are used. As any retailer knows, proper lighting is essential to ensuring that customers get the best view of your products. Without proper illumination, the entire point of putting items into a special display can be lost. When it comes to retail display lighting, LED strips really can be the best option. They are versatile, offer ideal lighting, and provide a budget friendly option.

Quality is certainly the biggest reason why retailers around the globe are making the switch to LED lights in every possible fixture. LED light quality is far clearer and more natural than other options available on the market, providing stores with even lighting that doesn't have the same yellow or blue tint that halogen, fluorescent, and incandescent light provides. For retail display lighting, LED strips also offer the ability to bend and flex in order to ensure a proper fit within any shape or space. This helps your customers see your products in the best possible light, rivaled only by that of the sun.

Of course, the quality of the light itself isn't the only way that LEDs are superior. You will also find that the quality of LED lighting is superior in terms of cost and maintenance as well. LED lights require almost no maintenance, and the low heat, low wattage bulbs are designed to last considerably longer than other lighting options. LEDs require very little power to generate, which means that they can also help you save considerably in long term lighting expenses; a fact every retailer should take into consideration. The bottom line is that when it comes to retail display lighting, LED strips offer numerous advantages.

Versatility is another big benefit when it comes to LEDs. For retail display lighting, LED strips offer the advantage of being able to easily fit a variety of shapes, but they can also be connected together or cut apart to ensure the perfect size for any display. LED light strips also offer the unique benefit of adhering via self-adhesive strips, which means that they can be easily moved or repositioned as your display and lighting needs change.

When it comes to retail display lighting, LED strips are simply the top choice on the market today. Options such as dimmer switches and multi-color changing strips help to ensure that there is a perfect light strip option for virtually every need, while the high-quality, low-cost nature of LEDs simply makes them the best option for any budget as well. Proper lighting can make a major difference in your overall sales figures, and when you take the time to really discover the advantages that LED lights have to offer, it quickly becomes clear that they are the superior choice. If your retail store is in need of better product illumination, it is certainly worthwhile to consider outfitting your display cases with LED strips.

By Kim Zheng

Picking the Right Mechanical Seals to Use

Picking the right mechanical seals to use for your machines and installations is a very easy but tricky process. There are plenty of options available for you when you go about choosing which ones to use. Aside from this, there are also other alternatives you can use if you do not want to spend too much of your budget in these seals.

Some of the most common alternatives to a mechanical seal are gland packing and other similar gasket types. But most engineers prefer using mechanical seals since they are more convenient, durable, and can last them longer when used.

Factors to Remember When Selecting Seals

There are basically three important things to remember when you select which these seals to use for your installations.

First, check for chemical compatibility. Most installation where they are used usually involves pipes wherein chemicals usually flow during use. Make sure that the materials which your seals are made of won't corrode with repeated exposure to these substances.

Also take into consideration the cleaning agents you will use for your installations. Check if these solvents will react negatively with the materials your seals are made of. Chemical reactions are common especially for seals made of non-metallic materials.

Next up, make sure that before you apply the seals that the seal faces stay together. Make sure they are closed shut. If you are dealing with hazardous chemicals, even minor leaks can pose as serious health hazards to those working on the machines. It can also hasten the deterioration of your mechanical seal and the assembly itself.

Lastly, you should know that a good mechanical industrial seal is one that lasts you until the carbon face is all worn out. If the seal uses other materials, then it has to last until everything is worn away and this should take a few months. Be aware though, that seal failures happen from time to time though these can easily be rectified if the proper maintenance routines are carried out.

Types of Mechanical Industrial Seals

They come in different types. This makes them all the more convenient to use since you can choose what size, shape, and material your seal should be made with. One of the most common seals used in construction projects is the hydraulically balanced seal.

This seal has a lot of positive things that makes it appealing to engineers. First, they usually work in whatever environment temperature they may be in. They are also very easy to apply and maintain as compared to other seal types. They can also withstand tremendous amounts of pressure, which is very useful if you are planning to install the seals into machines and not just pipes or drainage.

For special occasions, you can use seals with metal bellows. This type is perfect if you are planning to use them in machines that work in extremely hot or cold temperatures. They are very durable even in these extreme circumstances. As was mentioned above, they are made from other light materials like Teflon, carbon, plastics and the like.

By Dorothy Millett

Fund Raising By Catering a Meal

The current state of the economy in the United States has seen a wide array of non-profit companies looking for a better way to accomplish raising funds. In many cases, sales and other types of fund raising have been seen to be less than effective, leaving the non profit struggling to find the funding that they need to keep their non-profit afloat. It's easier to become complacent when there is no personal interaction involved in the fund-raiser. Sending out a letter or an email is easy to overlook or to forget to respond to, while a hot meal with friends will always be more personal and engender goodwill.

A fundraiser that has been built around a good family dinner is a great way to accomplish fund raising for nearly any kind of business. From a blood drive to an animal rescue foundation, a family meal will draw in people to donate or to sit down and talk with friends. Charging a slightly higher price for the meal than it costs to create will be the first step. Asking for donations from them at the meal, when clients and friends of the organization are relaxed and in a good mood is usually much more successful than a direct mail campaign or an email fund-raising drive.

In many cases, this kind of fund-raising turns out to be less than successful because it is far less personal than an event when everyone gathers. Nearly every kind of fund-raising event will be more successful when it is accompanied by a good meal and the fellowship of like-minded people. Getting anyone together for a good meal and friendly discussion will net far greater benefits than a simple mail solicitation or an email, which is impersonal enough to be ignored.

A very well planned out and well executed fund-raising drive is a quality way to raise money for any group or organization. In addition,since your catering company will quite likely be responsible for much of the cooking, planning and cleanup for the event, the fund-raiser can also be remarkably painless for the organization who is holding the event.

A pancake breakfast or a nice relaxing dinner can generate a great deal of goodwill. It will further afford the organization a chance to discuss what they do and how they do it, building camaraderie between the guests at the event, as well as the fund-raising group or organization.

By Bernard Duke