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panright · Posted: Tue Jan 25, 2011 7:35 pm Post subject: Training Conference Leave Behinds

Looking for some out-of-the-box ideas for a "leave behind" for an upcoming conference. I can use just my elearning demo but...I want to ratchet it up a bit to make it more memorable.

Lots of these folks are using Camtasia or Articulate and doing bad recordings -- so I want to make a point about the impact of pro audio quality without being condescending; or perhaps create something that is a "nice" parody.

Is a straight-ahead demo safest?

Ideas welcome!
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Perry Anne Norton VO
www.perrynorton.com

todd ellis · Posted: Tue Jan 25, 2011 8:24 pm Post subject:

perry - i'm not sure i have an answer to your question but, one thing i've noticed with my e-learning clients is that they are behind the technology curve with regard to web format. i.e. most of them are using flash and their techs are NOT well versed in getting the most out of audio in the compression process. i've done stuff that has sounded like crap in the final output - when i know for a fact that it could have sounded MUCH better, with a smaller file size.

what about a before & after demo with amateur audio vs. properly compressed professional audio?

i've approached individual clients with it VERY recently and it's something i've been thinking about a lot.
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panright · Posted: Tue Jan 25, 2011 8:38 pm Post subject:

Rob--

Thank you for taking the time to reply; I too think that many folks are behind the curve (I keep running into people who are using an awful synthesized voice vs. a real human, e.g.).

I think the "before and after" idea is sound (no pun intended) - I just have to find some BAD audio (or fabricate my own).
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Perry Anne Norton VO
www.perrynorton.com

panright · Posted: Tue Jan 25, 2011 8:38 pm Post subject:

TODD -

PLEASE FORGIVE. I have no idea who "Rob" is. Laura Petry mode must be turned on by accident.
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Perry Anne Norton VO
www.perrynorton.com

asnively · Posted: Wed Jan 26, 2011 1:22 am Post subject:

Be careful of parody, Perry. Some o' these folks are really proud of their self-narrated Camtasia Creations. Undecided

You don't want to alienate or embarrass anyone...
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Philip Banks · Posted: Wed Jan 26, 2011 2:36 am Post subject:

Do not try to educate people, do not imply they are doing anything wrong, do not look down at other VOs, producers or production companies.

Attend conference. Take a demo on a USB upon which you have your website details and offer to sell it to any person you meet for $5 with the promise you'll donate the proceed to a local children's charity.

todd ellis · Posted: Wed Jan 26, 2011 6:24 am Post subject:

i actually wasn't talking so much about the quality of the voiceover (everybody has a different voice in their head) - as i was the quality of the final product. even with a compu-voice many of these elearning web videos can have much better audio quality if the client's tech department is clued in on proper compression for audio in flash. the folks i have talked to already work with me, so maybe i'm less of a threat, but i believe if you help your client produce a better product you become more than a part-time employee - you become an asset.

btw - ROB ellis is on this board too --- no relation.
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"i know philip banks": todd ellis
who's/on/1st?

panright · Posted: Wed Jan 26, 2011 11:40 am Post subject:

OK -- Phillip has officially scared me Gasp

Thank you Phillip, Amy and Todd. I've been ruminating over this and I agree that anything perceived as a "put down" in any fashion is not the best introduction (to Todd's and Amy's point - perhaps it's best to get acquainted and THEN put forward suggestions for improvement).

The straight-ahead approach that Mr. Banks suggests is the simplest and most cost-effective; my other idea is to somehow make it humorous for those who are perhaps frustrated by the process/technology, and demonstrate for them how much simpler it could make their lives by hiring a pro.

I'll let you know how it shakes out.
_________________
Perry Anne Norton VO
www.perrynorton.com

panright · Posted: Wed Jan 26, 2011 11:42 am Post subject:

PS --

Philip - Sorry for the mis-spelling of your name.
'Pery'
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Perry Anne Norton VO
www.perrynorton.com

todd ellis · Posted: Wed Jan 26, 2011 12:17 pm Post subject:

i like to throw the extra "L" in on occasion free of charge. just a little something to show that i appreciate the business.
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"i know philip banks": todd ellis
who's/on/1st?

melissa eX · Posted: Wed Jan 26, 2011 2:15 pm Post subject:

I NEVER apologize when I misspell Phiiips name.

panright · Posted: Tue Feb 01, 2011 7:59 pm Post subject: Follow-up

To all who were kind enough to read and/or post advice, I remembered a very key point about dealing with clients that I nearly lost sight of: What can I do to help THEM; how do I solve a problem for THEM; what can I offer THEM...vs. what can they do for me by hiring me, etc etc.

Ultimately I came up with the idea of a "thank you" for their time. My leave-behind is a 2-minute e-learning module with some basic tips on getting the attention of their OWN potential clients, incorporating an educational theory that most of this group would be familiar with.

Sounds complicated here -- but is actually very simple. I got the idea after listening to a TED Conference lecture about the ways in which great businesses approach their clients by first knowing what they (the companies) believe are their core values, and then selling to people who are committed to the same things.

ANYWAY - the long and short of it is that I now have what I think is actually a useful leave-behind, and not just a demo. (My demo appears at the end of the module I created though) cool

Thanks for listening...
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Perry Anne Norton VO
www.perrynorton.com

asnively · Posted: Wed Feb 02, 2011 1:50 am Post subject:

Brilliant, Perry!
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Bruce · Posted: Wed Feb 02, 2011 10:03 am Post subject:

Sounds like you struck that nail right on the head.

B
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jsgilbert · Posted: Wed Feb 02, 2011 10:05 am Post subject:

Over the years, I have picked up hundreds of clients by attending all manner of convention and trade show. Quite often, one can get a free pass to the Expo. Other times, offering to volunteer or being creative in another fashion can get you in.

What I do is focus on both the booths and the people visiting the booths. I always have specialty imprinted merchandise, such as spiral pads, highlighters and more recently, cork screw/ bottle openers.

My experience is that most people throw stuff into a bag. When they get home they read the magazines and generally feel overwhelmed and stick the rest of the stuff somewhere, then 6 months later throw it out.

As such, my marketing is done 1 - 3 weeks after the convention is over.

Among other things, I bring a 5 X 7 simple spiral notebook with me and a tot stapler. I found a flat one that uses standard size staples and fits nicely in my pocket. When someone hands me their card and we begin a conversation, I make sure to remember the pertinent details and then staple their card to a page and write down the notes. In some cases I will do this while still engaged in conversation with the person, otherwise I wait until I they have walked away.

I will ask pertinent questions such as LinkedIn or FaceBook status and would they be willing to accept an invite from me, etc.

In future communications, I remind them that I was the guy who gave them the corkscrew, etc.

I have found it fairly ineffectual to leave behind DVD's, CD's, etc.,

A few times, I was able to get some deals on books that would be of interest to a particular group and would send one out afterwards with my materials.

Just like in radio, you may be delivering a message to the masses, but it's best if it is perceived as a one on one communication.

You hit the nail on the head when you said "problem solver". The key is to have them feel that their life would be made easier by working with you.
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