A lesson we can all use for our business!

BUILD Retreat Project

Last weekend over 130 building industry professionals gathered for the 3rd Annual BUILD Retreat to collaborate, get to know each other better, learn new stuff and have some fun.

The main presenter was Shawna Schuh, a professional speaker who took us on a journey to discover how we can embrace technology, produce a marketing tool for our business and have fun. Here is what we did:

1. We were broken into teams of about 10 people, given a video camera, laptop, instructions and 2 hours.
2. The instructions were to produce a video that sold the team in some fashion and everyone had to have their face on the video.

This probably scared the living daylights out of some folks but it was quite easy if you break it down.

1. Create a plan. Create a storyboard to set up your scene order. Know what your message is and what you want to say in advance.
2. Film short clips. You can edit and put them together much easier if you break it down into scenes.
3. Tip: make sure you start and stop your scene facing the camera and give a second or two pause at each end to make for a nice transition.
4. Tip: delete scenes that you don't want as you go which will save you upload and editing time later.
5. Upload: After you upload your scenes from the camera to your laptop, number the scenes in the order you are going to use them.

Depending on the software you use, the video editing will be slightly different but the basics are:

1. Import your videos to the software
2. Drag and drop them into the project
3. Add a title, maybe some music and transitions

You're done! If this sounds overwhelming, I suggest giving it a try. Many phones today do a decent job of video recording as well as point-and-shoot cameras.

Using QR Codes For Small Business Marketing

What is a QR code it?

I bet you are wondering what this little square is. You may have seen it around but did not know what it is for. It is called a QR code and it can be scanned by a mobile phone to route the user to a web page, phone number, coupon or other bit of information.

Scan it with your phone!

I have downloaded a QR code reader app to my smart phone and use it to scan QR codes to get information on a product or service. It's very handy when I need more information to help me make a purchase decision.

Where do you get a QR code?

Free QR codes to put into your marketing materials, signage, product labels etc can be generated at http://qrcode.kaywa.com/

Why use QR codes for your small business marketing?

Although not widely adopted in the U.S. yet, the uses are plenty. I have put one on my printed brochure that when scanned, takes potential customers to my website. Maybe you have a retail outlet where each product has its own landing page on a website for more detailed information. Say you have a home in a home show, QR codes can be used to give people paint colors, take you to the granite supplier website or give you more information on "green" features of the home.

All this can be done easily and quickly. Start by downloading your own QR Code Scanner to your smart phone and start scanning and see how it is being used. Then try a few QR codes of your own!