Month: July 2010

Over the past several weeks, I am continually reminded that people look for complete solutions, not just a piece of a solution. There are a few innovators out there who will take pieces from lots of places to save money or to get something done. It appears that most people want the total solution. We at StrandVision have gradually been moving that direction by offering pc-2-tv video transmitters and creating pre-configured player pc’s that work well with our digital signage software. We have just recently added network packet switchers and screen mounts. Our plan is to offer content sources, screens and installation for the complete package and perhaps a wizard to help answer customers’ questions and to make quoting easier for our sales staff.

Whatever your product or service you offer, keep in mind that you may be missing opportunities if you do not have the complete system figured out.

For the past several years, I have been amazed at how many companies do not follow through with customers. There are some that do a great job and others that do not even return a prospect’s call for information (mine). We firmly believe in (and have seen the benefit of) being responsive to customers in all interactions with us.

During the information gathering (sales) process, we continue to email and call to see if we can answer questions. It is often a frustrating process, since many customers feel that if they have no interest, providing no response will have us go away. In our case, that does not work. We continue the contacts until we hear that there is no interest, or more often find out that another priority has come up and that they want to postpone the process.

Once the sale is made, we continue to ensure that the customer feels our guidance with automated and manual emails along with calls as we discover ways that they can enhance their signage message delivery. We also find ways to help promote our customers to other prospects which improves both of our business. We find that providing consistent contact helps to keep customers happy and a little bit more loyal.

So, the next time you have a customer who calls or emails, make sure that you follow through. You may not get the sale, but you will gain some good will for your company and yourself.

There are millions if not billions of RSS feeds on the Internet. Most are no updated often, but some are. There are many consolidators of feeds as well (search engines being the biggest consolidators). The lesser updated feeds will almost always “love” it if you display their feed to the public (with a reference to them of course). The news feeds that come from paid publications or from consolidators are usually for personal use only.

When using feeds for digital signage in an office environment, it is up to you to verify that the feeds you find are legal to show on your screen. Many feeds are not for commercial use, and finding that statement is sometimes a search for a needle on their web site haystack. If you are just using one or two screens in your organization and you cannot easily see the legal messages, the odds of being sued are probably quite small. If you want to be on the up and up, there are several places where feeds can be subscribed to. Some Internet based digital signage software offers feeds that are provided to paid subscribers as part of the software subscription. You can also get written permission directly from the feed provider. Be sure your permission is written (at least an email) from a VP or higher level person in the company to protect yourself.

Have you ever wondered how often opportunities have been waiting for you? I have been on my new job (taking over Amy’s job of sales) for a week now. During that time, several opportunities have shown themselves. I have almost completed a new licensed content deal (should be announced in a week or two). I have pretty much closed a multi-facility university campus with state-wide likely to happen soon. I have started planning for a meeting in December with a worldwide hotel brand to have use our solution for at least the nation. I have had wonderful learning conversations with several of our resellers and customers. Although the change of this new job is painful in many regards, the rewards far exceed the doubts and insecurities that I have. So, it would appear that I am living proof that change brings new opportunities (or at least exposes them).