PPA has partnered with mall media specialist EYE to give you access to America's malls in all 50 states, enabling you to reach the people in your community at affordable rates. The new Eye Bid website allows you to select a mall, the number of seven-foot-tall, backlit, high-profile displays and the timing for your campaign. Then simply submit a bid at a price you're comfortable with for your campaign. No billing or credit card information is required until a representative contacts you directly to let you know if your offer has been accepted. Don't have ads created? EYE has arranged a special offer from Marathon Press, a longtime trusted print and design partner, to help you create your ad. PPA members log in here for their discount code
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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 in 2009 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 Holidays!
Christel Aprigliano
Director of Member Value & Experience
P.S. Don't forget about the Imaging USA Rockstar Giveaway. We're counting down the days to Imaging USA in Nashville by giving away cool stuff-- $10,000 worth of items that photographic rockstars (like you) want! Find out the daily giveaway and how to enter by following Imaging USA on Twitter or joining as a fan on the Imaging USA Facebook page.
Dear PPA Member,
It's already the end of December, and the holidays are here (if you haven't noticed). If you're anything like us, you are wondering where the year went! It feels like we were just in Phoenix for Imaging USA 2009...but in a few short weeks, we will be in Nashville for Imaging USA 2010.
Even though we 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 Nashville!
Happy Holidays!
Christel Aprigliano
Director of Member Value & Experience
P.S. Have you heard about the Imaging USA Rockstar Giveaway? We're counting down the days to Imaging USA in Nashville by giving away cool stuff! Find out the daily giveaway and how to enter by following Imaging USA on Twitter or joining as a fan on the Imaging USA Facebook page. We're giving away over $10,000 worth of items that Photographic Rockstars (like you) want. Come rock with us!
Dear PPA Member,
I was looking for a dentist. Choosing a new dentist is not a "close your eyes and point to a name in the Yellow Pages" sort of thing. It's a "trust someone else's opinion that you trust" thing.
My coworker told me about his dentist and how happy he was with this person's services and patient treatment. I trusted my coworker, and he didn't steer me wrong. This dentist has a caring staff and terrific follow-up...and I am now a very happy client. Whenever someone mentions that they're looking for a dentist, I tell them about his practice. I'm thrilled with him, and want him to stay in business. (And believe it or not, my dentist does have a referral reward program.)
That's how referrals work, no matter what type of business. This week's Vital Signs is a little reminder that when you offer a great service, the easiest way to get more clients is to make it easy for your existing clients to talk about you. Carolle and Jeff (featured in this article) also share a valuable lesson about how you treat each and every client, regardless of how much they purchase...
Cheers,
Christel Aprigliano
Director of Member Value & Experience
Dear PPA Member,
In my head, it's already February. The holidays were filled with laughter and love. Imaging USA blew my mind with unforgettable experiences. But actually...I'm knee-deep in projects. Looking ahead just helps me reach the goals I've set.
Where's your head right now? I hope you've had a busy few months, but you need to think ahead. For some photographers, the first quarter of the year is a slow time. Don't wait until then to think about ways to get more clients through your door. In fact, this week's Vital Signs will give you some great ideas about that very issue. If you start now, you may not have a slow time in February...or the rest of the year, for that matter!
(And while my mind believes it's already February, don't think that I've accomplished all my goals. I still haven't done my holiday gift shopping. At all. Some things are much more fun to do last minute--just not business planning!)
Cheers,
Christel Aprigliano
Director of Member Value & Experience
P.S. Am I going to see you at Imaging USA this year in Nashville? Rooms and pre-conference classes are filling up quickly, and we've got lots planned to rock your photographic world. Get the latest news (and register) at www.ImagingUSA.org!
I believe that when you give from the heart, you get back more than you expect. I hope you've experienced something similar from the last couple of Vital Signs articles about working and marketing with charities. As we've shared some new ways to give, hopefully it has sparked new marketing ideas for your business, too.
This week, we've gathered even more marketing (and giving) ideas. You'll be able to take at look at how some PPA members combine their marketing efforts with local charities for a good payoff--financially as well as emotionally. Whether you make your charity marketing efforts an everyday part of your business or just for certain occasions, I think you'll get back more than you expect.
Have you experienced that, too? After last week's Vital Signs article, I received an e-mail from a PPA member who gives from his heart with his photography, helping military families. I'd love to hear what you do within your own community. Drop me a line at caprigliano@ppa.com.
Cheers,
Christel Aprigliano
Director of Member Value & Experience
Dear PPA Member,
I think that this is probably the most difficult introduction that I've ever written. I have so much to say, yet I can't seem to begin.
So, I'll begin this way. Heroes walk among us every day. Some you'll readily recognize: those in the Armed Forces (or who have served), firefighters, police officers. There are also heroes, however, who make a profound and lasting difference, but do so quietly. These are the invisible heroes, and they are everywhere--especially in the photographic industry.
Bravery comes in many forms. I'm in constant awe of not only those who put themselves in harm's way to protect others, but also those who willingly open their hearts to others, even when the circumstances cause their own hearts to break while they are helping.
In the midst of mourning, a group of heroes emerge to give families lasting images of their children who will never grow older. They are the photographers who volunteer for the Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep Foundation. This week's Vital Signs shares information about what they do--and how you can get involved.
These photographers are my heroes.
Cheers,
Christel Aprigliano
Director of Member Value & Experience
Dear PPA Member,
They line the hallways and stairwells of homes, in carefully placed groupings or ramrod single files. Images of children--showing the progression of time, special moments and, often, exuberant joy--are some of the most touching photographs. Whether formal or candid, you can almost hear someone say to these kids, right before the button is pushed: "Smile!"
What if the child couldn't smile?
This week's Vital Signs shares important information about a wonderful opportunity to bring new clients to your studio (or bring existing clients back). Hopefully, it also inspires you to reach out and look at what you can do on a larger scale. Whether you go through Operation Smile and PPA Charities or through your own personal choice of charity or organization, you can use your talent and give your own gift to the world.
The majority of our Vital Signs articles are about making sure that you stay successful in business--and much of the time, they are about staying financially successful. Sometimes, though, it's good to think about success from another point of view. Hopefully, this will inspire you...to inspire others.
Cheers,
Christel Aprigliano
Director of Member Value & Experience
Dear PPA Member,
"...it's about who you know."
Sometimes, success and business come from the most unexpected places--other photographers, for instance. Have you ever gotten a call from a potential client, only to have to turn them away because of previous bookings, location problems, or demands that lie outside of your specialty?
Sooner or later, this scenario happens to every photographer. You can still help the client by referring another photographer who you know has the skills and time to meet the demands of the project. In addition to helping the client, you'll be building a network that can bring you business in the future.
PPA and PPA Affiliates can help you build that network and, in turn, your business. Referrals, as we've mentioned before in previous Vital Signs, can drive your sales through the roof--and with a referral from another photographer, it's even easier. Read more in this week's Vital Signs article, Power of Peer Referrals.
Cheers,
Christel Aprigliano
Director of Member Value & Experience
