Business: December 2010 Archives

Dear PPA member,

Pop quiz: What did you do the second week of February this year?

Are you having trouble remembering? Don't worry...I had the same problem, too. With our lives as busy as they are, it's no wonder we forget things. Trying to remember work appointments, the grocery list and your neighbor's birthday can wreak havoc on your memory.

To help ease the burden, we decided to do a recap of all the new benefits that PPA has added over the past year. We're constantly trying to add value to your membership (and help you stay at the top of your game), and in 2010 we added everything from new business discounts to expanded educational resources. If you've used some of these new benefits, great! If not, take a moment to look them over. It's never too late to start using a benefit.

Happy New Year!
Christel Aprigliano
Director of Member Value & Experience

Dear PPA Member,

Please be on the lookout for my December. It's missing, and I have no idea where it went. If you're anything like us here at PPA, you know what I'm saying! It feels like we were just in Nashville for Imaging USA 2010...but in a few short weeks, we will be in San Antonio for Imaging USA 2011.

Even though we at PPA associate this time of year with Imaging USA preparation, we like to remember that it is also the holiday season. It's a time for friends and families to gather together. To continue that holiday spirit, we have gathered together a list of Vital Signs articles that we feel represents the best of the year. Take a look at the topics and see what articles spark your interest. It never hurts to refresh business advice and ideas, and they can be a great read on your trip to San Antonio!

Happy Holidays!
Christel Aprigliano
Director of Member Value & Experience

Dear PPA member,

I love my family. My very large family. Growing up, summers included the annual reunion with over 120 aunts, uncles, first and second cousins at my Aunt Rene and Uncle Cleo's. Birthdays were celebrated, stories were swapped, and cannonballs into the pool were perfected. Even though we're now scattered over the world, any one of them could call me and it would be as if the years have melted away. After all, they're family!

I'm not sure how I would feel, however, if all 120 of them wanted a discount or "freebies" if I was a photographer. How would you handle it? How do you define "friendship" or a "family relationship"? These questions were posed to a few PPA members and their insights are shared in this week's Vital Signs.

Cheers!
Christel Aprigliano
Director of Member Value & Experience

P.S. To celebrate the release of Perfect Photo Suite 5.5, onOne Software is offering PPA members an Extreme Deal on the product from now until December 31, 2010! Find out more about this limited-time deal here.

Dear PPA Member

There's a countdown clock on a website that thrills me. Today, it says 37 days to go...until Imaging USA. Soon, about 10,000 photographers, PPA staff and fearless volunteers will descend on San Antonio, Texas. They say that everything is bigger in Texas, so I'm looking forward to being taller. (What? No? Awww...)

This also means that I have 37 days left until I get to see some of my favorite people--PPA members--and meet some new members of our family. Just 37 days until I can see the latest cool stuff at the Imaging EXPO and celebrate talented and dedicated photographers at the Grand Imaging Awards and the PPA Award & Degree Ceremony. And by the time Tuesday night rolls around and the dance floor at the closing party gets packed, we will have already begun planning for Imaging USA 2012 in the Big Easy (actually, we are already planning it!).

As an attendee, you've probably already got a plan to get the most out of Imaging USA 2011, right? If not, this Vital Signs has some tips and suggestions, including what to bring. Read on and get prepared because we're bringing the heat.

Cheers!
Christel Aprigliano
Director of Member Value & Experience

P.S. Whether you already incorporate music into your workflow or you are looking to, don't forget about PPA's newest Affinity Partner: Triple Scoop Music. Not only to they have over 7,000 songs to choose from, but PPA members get a discount on any Triple Scoop Music song purchase. Learn more about the new benefit here.

Dear PPA member,

I'm petite. Really petite. Officially, I'm 4 feet 11 3/8 inches tall, but I give myself 5/8 of an inch for good behavior and tell anyone who asks that I'm five feet. Being petite certainly doesn't mean that I don't pack a wallop or get the job done. (Yes, I still need to ask people to get things off the top shelf at the grocery store, but I think of it as an opportunity to meet a new friend!)

The same can be said for mini sessions. These may not be for every photographer (it would be just a little awkward for wedding photographers, I must admit), but mini sessions are wonderful opportunities to develop new client relationships, foster community relationships through a "social event," and frankly, earn some extra income.

This week's Vital Signs urges you to think big by thinking small. It's amazing what can grow from small things!

Cheers,
Christel Aprigliano
Director of Member Value & Experience

P.S. Lions and tigers and famed photographer John Paul Caponigro, oh my! Win an opportunity to go on an African safari (and other cool prizes) through the Safari Sweepstakes at www.safarisweepstakes.com.