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Digg it UP - How Small Business And Nonprofits Can Afford Multimedia For The Web
Getting safety training right or wrong has immediately obvious and emotionally and financially tangible consequences. The rewards of: no deaths or disabling injuries, no grieving families, no grieving workmates, no damage to reputation, plant and machinery, no increase in compliance costs and full availability of your products and services in the market place are compelling.Changing people's behaviour with regard to safety is a time consuming, difficult business. General training does not have the immediate and emotional rewards of safety training. Changing people's behaviour without those rewards is even more difficult.The lessons that organisations have learnt in making safety training effective are, therefore, all the more instructional for general training.In particular, studies of the effectiveness of training which combined an understanding of human psychology with a review of actual training programmes have specific findings relevant to all training.A study by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) in the US into the effectiveness training for carpenters to prevent hearing loss attempted to understand what limited training effectiveness and to redesign training to improve its effectiveness.Hearing loss in carpenters in the US is most simply described by the statement, "25 year olds have 45 year old ears". It is a big problem. Although carpenters surveyed understood that hearing loss was an industry problem, that it would affect them personally and believed that hearing prote
Finally, when working with a firm, make sure that you provide them with only one point of contact so they don’t spend additional time coordinating between people in your company – although seemingly amusing, that mistake is quite common, especially so with growing businesses. Requiring your designer to handle internal coordination of ideas leads to dramatic extensions in project timelines, so be sure that you appoint someone internally to act as a point of contact and clearinghouse of internal discussion. Another way to save on multimedia costs is by concentrating on developing powerful ideas while keeping implementation simple. When too much time is spent on design and not enough on concept, you will waste production money and effort. To make this strategy effective interview firms that may front load the creative, but also display portfolio pieces that focus on conveying ideas rather than showing off lots of special effects. Work with the designer to simplify the production process by brainstorming easier ways to animate key concepts, and be open to using less labor intensive “vector” animation rather than 3D animations or video production. When it comes to sound, seek out talented and “undiscovered” freelance musicians or voiceover actors working from home who can provide original audio that will cut licensing costs..
As a final point, the operational structure of your chosen design firm can impact cost and quality as well. Off-shoring software development is well established, but outsourcing design work abroad is less common and can lead to interesting results due to cultural differences or lack of marketing knowledge. At the same time, larger multimedia projects often benefit from repetitive production taking place off-shore. Depending on your needs, a “full” off-shore firm with just a sales presence in the US may not be able to provide you with the customer service needed. On the other hand, a fully US firm will lik
A clothing label is often the finishing touch to a designer’s product. Clothing and accessory designer/manufacturers have spent a lot of time and effort to make sure that their products are top quality, and the label is a reflection of the total product. Designers want to make sure that their labels reflect the attention that has gone into their new creation. Oftentimes, the care placed into creating the garment is mirrored in the label. One of the first things that a potential buyer looks at before purchasing an item is the label. Consumers read the labels for many purposes, and the labels are often the “icing on the cake” for their products.When a consumer buys a garment or an accessory, they are making an investment. They want to keep their clothes in good shape. So they need to know exactly what types of fabrics are in the garment and how to care for these fabrics. It can be difficult to actually identify the materials in clothes at times. The care needed for synthetic fabrics may be very different that the care needed for cotton fabrics. Labels are the primary means of communicating this important information. Washing instruction, types of fabrics, union affiliation - these are all important factors when a customer decides to purchase an item. Labels enable our manufacturers to communicate this information in their own special style.Labeling has become so important in our culture that we now buy certain products just because of the label. The labeling process has taken front and center stage in American soci
Let’s begin by understanding the components of professional multimedia production, which include creative development, actual production, and various stages for revisions.
The lion’s share of multimedia production costs typically stems from creative development. This is often the most controversial line item for frugal business owners, who may ask, “shouldn’t the cost of the creative be part of the design or production costs?” As with fine clothing, where the choice of designer adds to the cost of your product more so than the actual material or sewing, multimedia design costs depend on the creative input as well. For example, if you hire a designer with more experience or with a track record of creating unique, catchy concepts, your creative development costs may be higher. Of course, the final product may result in having a stronger impact as well. The solution isn’t to pick the least expensive creative professional, but rather to understand their process in order to help speed production (thus reducing cost).
The second component of multimedia production, the design and production of the piece itself, typically requires less guesswork in terms of defining cost. The cost per minute of production depends on a limited number of specific parameters, such as the complexity of the animation and the overall quality of the design agency selected. Generally speaking, there are three types of firms – from a cost perspective – you can choose to work with: a purely on-shore, purely off-shore, or a hybrid off-shore/on-shore firm. The type of organization you choose will have a strong correlation with the quality and the price you pay.
The third component, client revisions, is an area controlled most easily and typically is the cause of inflating or deflating multimedia development costs beyond a designer’s original estimate, or your expectations. The most basic revisions consist of three rounds: changes to creative concepts, changes to a draft version of the final product, and a final review. Often, more revisions may be needed when a designer is provided with inconsistent or incomplete information. This invariably results in a higher cost than expected.
With the extensive time that some multimedia presentations call for, requiring the efforts of creative professionals and skilled developers, it’s not surprising that multimedia presentations and ads can be expensive. Why, then, consider them? Are they effective?
Multimedia presentations are very successful at grabbing people’s attention. Multimedia results in higher retention of marketing information by viewers, or more enthusiasm for an offer. When compared to static text, graphics, or even audio, multimedia is simply more compelling due to its ability to trigger multiple senses at the same time..
According to DoubleClick (quoted in ZDNet.com, Joseph, 2002) multimedia ads have a 71 percent higher impact than their static counterparts. Similarly, in 1997, the California Community College system, “implemented a test design to assess the efficacy of multimedia technology as a non-traditional form of instruction” (Luna & McKenzie, 1997). Surveys take after the test determined, “40% of the students felt multimedia improved understanding and 73% found it a positive addition to the course.” Finally, a study published in the Journal of Management Information Systems (Benbasat & Lim, 2002) determined that multimedia “facilitat [es] the retention and subsequent recall of explanative information…” The study consisted of two test groups. One group processed information through a “text-based system” and the other a “multimedia system.” The subjects who were tested on the basis of a “multimedia system” received a higher mean test score of 2.70 compared to the 2.10 of the text based group (p.114); clearly demonstrating that higher retention is possible with multimedia. The case for implementing multimedia into your marketing, sales or advertising is clear. What can your business or non-profit do to cut its costs?
The first method involves separating the development of the creative (the message, concepts, and storyboards) from the production (design, animation, and sound production), or at least finding ways to control it.
An article by Mark Frits for EMedia Professional (1997) discussing a fax survey taken of 100 different multimedia production specialists determined, “the creative time spent by designers and project managers, as the most expensive factor of production.” Therefore, if a business has already developed a detailed creative concept, storyboard, schematics, or other documentation of what needs to be done, it can reduce the total cost of producing multimedia by utilizing a small design firm or freelancer. Costs are cut because the time and skill spent on one creative is replaced by an in-house team. Of course, to ensure success, only those small businesses who believe they possess strong creative assets (with professional advertising or marketing expertise) should attempt this approach.
Remember, if you do ask your designer or design firm to handle the creative, that the route of working directly with a designer (rather than a firm with a creative team) may cut costs and also quality. Firms with full time creative professionals that are not involved in day to day design are often able to craft unique storyboards that describe and explain products, services, or company mission in memorable ways. Freelancers are a poor choice for strong creative since they often work alone and have limited means to brainstorm and perfect concepts with other creative professionals – a principal differentiating factor and benefit of working with a firm.
If you do select a firm for your creative and production, make sure that the creative team understands the message you need to convey. Is a creative firm with a great portfolio and appealing style really able to promote effectively your product and/or service? Only client testimonials, references, case studies with solid results, or market research can tell you this. Even when obtaining the creative from a top line firm, if you do your homework, you can still keep costs down. Prepare as much information about your target audience, goals, customers, products and services as possible. Develop a few rough concepts of your own, in-house, to help orient the creative team. Finally, discuss these endeavors with your chosen firm up front and negotiate a reduction in fees if you both agree that the information you provide is helpful.
A second way to cut cots is to ask for fixed price development. This direction can mean losing some flexibility in the design of your site. However, the tradeoff can be worthwhile if you are able to exert self-discipline. For that reason, when choosing fixed price development, be limited with revisions, as you only get a few as part of a fixed price. Avoid common mistakes such as being unsure of what design direction you desire or being unsure of your marketing message. Carefully consider each deliverable in order to provide all your comments in as few phases as possible – take a couple of days, at least, to do this.
Finally, when working with a firm, make sure that you provide them with only one point of contact so they don’t spend additional time coordinating between people in your company – although seemingly amusing, that mistake is quite common, especially so with growing businesses. Requiring your designer to handle internal coordination of ideas leads to dramatic extensions in project timelines, so be sure that you appoint someone internally to act as a point of contact and clearinghouse of internal discussion. Another way to save on multimedia costs is by concentrating on developing powerful ideas while keeping implementation simple. When too much time is spent on design and not enough on concept, you will waste production money and effort. To make this strategy effective interview firms that may front load the creative, but also display portfolio pieces that focus on conveying ideas rather than showing off lots of special effects. Work with the designer to simplify the production process by brainstorming easier ways to animate key concepts, and be open to using less labor intensive “vector” animation rather than 3D animations or video production. When it comes to sound, seek out talented and “undiscovered” freelance musicians or voiceover actors working from home who can provide original audio that will cut licensing costs..
As a final point, the operational structure of your chosen design firm can impact cost and quality as well. Off-shoring software development is well established, but outsourcing design work abroad is less common and can lead to interesting results due to cultural differences or lack of marketing knowledge. At the same time, larger multimedia projects often benefit from repetitive production taking place off-shore. Depending on your needs, a “full” off-shore firm with just a sales presence in the US may not be able to provide you with the customer service needed. On the other hand, a fully US firm will like
We live in a busy world as it is, but finding enough time for everything becomes a real challenge if you are running your own business.If it is a small or home based business where you don't have much back up in the way of competent staff, then life often becomes a blur of confusion.That is when you can start making mistakes and that is why you should develop a small business marketing plan.By developing your own marketing plan, you ensure that at least one (vital) part of your business is not subject to the "spur of the moment" type decision making that you later regret.There are many advantages to making time to develop a small business marketing plan, but lets look at just 5 of them.The first, and possibly most vital advantage, is that it forces you to sit down and think about your business. What is your current situation? What are your goals for the next week, month, year?What resources will you need to meet those goals etc etc.The second advantage is that a marketing plan imposes a structure on your marketing activities and so eliminates those costly and often ineffectual last minute decisions - you know up front what you are going to do to market your business over a set time frame.Thirdly, by developing a small business marketing plan, you will have to decide on how, and where you are going to undertake marketing activities.This ensures that you think about money and other resources that you will need to carry out your marketing activities before you take act
The third component, client revisions, is an area controlled most easily and typically is the cause of inflating or deflating multimedia development costs beyond a designer’s original estimate, or your expectations. The most basic revisions consist of three rounds: changes to creative concepts, changes to a draft version of the final product, and a final review. Often, more revisions may be needed when a designer is provided with inconsistent or incomplete information. This invariably results in a higher cost than expected.
With the extensive time that some multimedia presentations call for, requiring the efforts of creative professionals and skilled developers, it’s not surprising that multimedia presentations and ads can be expensive. Why, then, consider them? Are they effective?
Multimedia presentations are very successful at grabbing people’s attention. Multimedia results in higher retention of marketing information by viewers, or more enthusiasm for an offer. When compared to static text, graphics, or even audio, multimedia is simply more compelling due to its ability to trigger multiple senses at the same time..
According to DoubleClick (quoted in ZDNet.com, Joseph, 2002) multimedia ads have a 71 percent higher impact than their static counterparts. Similarly, in 1997, the California Community College system, “implemented a test design to assess the efficacy of multimedia technology as a non-traditional form of instruction” (Luna & McKenzie, 1997). Surveys take after the test determined, “40% of the students felt multimedia improved understanding and 73% found it a positive addition to the course.” Finally, a study published in the Journal of Management Information Systems (Benbasat & Lim, 2002) determined that multimedia “facilitat [es] the retention and subsequent recall of explanative information…” The study consisted of two test groups. One group processed information through a “text-based system” and the other a “multimedia system.” The subjects who were tested on the basis of a “multimedia system” received a higher mean test score of 2.70 compared to the 2.10 of the text based group (p.114); clearly demonstrating that higher retention is possible with multimedia. The case for implementing multimedia into your marketing, sales or advertising is clear. What can your business or non-profit do to cut its costs?
The first method involves separating the development of the creative (the message, concepts, and storyboards) from the production (design, animation, and sound production), or at least finding ways to control it.
An article by Mark Frits for EMedia Professional (1997) discussing a fax survey taken of 100 different multimedia production specialists determined, “the creative time spent by designers and project managers, as the most expensive factor of production.” Therefore, if a business has already developed a detailed creative concept, storyboard, schematics, or other documentation of what needs to be done, it can reduce the total cost of producing multimedia by utilizing a small design firm or freelancer. Costs are cut because the time and skill spent on one creative is replaced by an in-house team. Of course, to ensure success, only those small businesses who believe they possess strong creative assets (with professional advertising or marketing expertise) should attempt this approach.
Remember, if you do ask your designer or design firm to handle the creative, that the route of working directly with a designer (rather than a firm with a creative team) may cut costs and also quality. Firms with full time creative professionals that are not involved in day to day design are often able to craft unique storyboards that describe and explain products, services, or company mission in memorable ways. Freelancers are a poor choice for strong creative since they often work alone and have limited means to brainstorm and perfect concepts with other creative professionals – a principal differentiating factor and benefit of working with a firm.
If you do select a firm for your creative and production, make sure that the creative team understands the message you need to convey. Is a creative firm with a great portfolio and appealing style really able to promote effectively your product and/or service? Only client testimonials, references, case studies with solid results, or market research can tell you this. Even when obtaining the creative from a top line firm, if you do your homework, you can still keep costs down. Prepare as much information about your target audience, goals, customers, products and services as possible. Develop a few rough concepts of your own, in-house, to help orient the creative team. Finally, discuss these endeavors with your chosen firm up front and negotiate a reduction in fees if you both agree that the information you provide is helpful.
A second way to cut cots is to ask for fixed price development. This direction can mean losing some flexibility in the design of your site. However, the tradeoff can be worthwhile if you are able to exert self-discipline. For that reason, when choosing fixed price development, be limited with revisions, as you only get a few as part of a fixed price. Avoid common mistakes such as being unsure of what design direction you desire or being unsure of your marketing message. Carefully consider each deliverable in order to provide all your comments in as few phases as possible – take a couple of days, at least, to do this.
Finally, when working with a firm, make sure that you provide them with only one point of contact so they don’t spend additional time coordinating between people in your company – although seemingly amusing, that mistake is quite common, especially so with growing businesses. Requiring your designer to handle internal coordination of ideas leads to dramatic extensions in project timelines, so be sure that you appoint someone internally to act as a point of contact and clearinghouse of internal discussion. Another way to save on multimedia costs is by concentrating on developing powerful ideas while keeping implementation simple. When too much time is spent on design and not enough on concept, you will waste production money and effort. To make this strategy effective interview firms that may front load the creative, but also display portfolio pieces that focus on conveying ideas rather than showing off lots of special effects. Work with the designer to simplify the production process by brainstorming easier ways to animate key concepts, and be open to using less labor intensive “vector” animation rather than 3D animations or video production. When it comes to sound, seek out talented and “undiscovered” freelance musicians or voiceover actors working from home who can provide original audio that will cut licensing costs..
As a final point, the operational structure of your chosen design firm can impact cost and quality as well. Off-shoring software development is well established, but outsourcing design work abroad is less common and can lead to interesting results due to cultural differences or lack of marketing knowledge. At the same time, larger multimedia projects often benefit from repetitive production taking place off-shore. Depending on your needs, a “full” off-shore firm with just a sales presence in the US may not be able to provide you with the customer service needed. On the other hand, a fully US firm will lik
This “stuck” feeling entrepreneurs get is the mental version of a similar phenomenon that happens to athletes when they are running or cycling at great speed and then their bodies “hit the wall” as they call it. They can’t move their bodies at all when this happens or they can barely move and all momentum is lost at that moment.The same thing seems to occur when entrepreneurs are determined to create the systems that allow them to make money online. There are so many little miniscule steps to be done that sometimes after staying on top of it all for a while, the mind just refuses to allow more to be done.If you aren’t sure what I mean, it’s when you have an opportunity to create a new product that you know would make a difference for people. You’ve done the research and now it’s time to create the smooth flowing system so you can easily deliver the product to people online.You sit down to your computer to get the process done and you are simply stuck. You just sit there. Your mind is saying. “I don’t want to make another sales page. I don’t want to create the thank you page. I don’t want to do the technical work of setting up the process.” This is when you hire someone else to do a lot of the work for you, if you’ve been able to make money online enough to afford it by this time.Don't ignore your mental state when you are stuck or having trouble staying focused. One simple exercise can set your focus and your mind for moving fast forward. Get on track with your business. You can make money online.<
The first method involves separating the development of the creative (the message, concepts, and storyboards) from the production (design, animation, and sound production), or at least finding ways to control it.
An article by Mark Frits for EMedia Professional (1997) discussing a fax survey taken of 100 different multimedia production specialists determined, “the creative time spent by designers and project managers, as the most expensive factor of production.” Therefore, if a business has already developed a detailed creative concept, storyboard, schematics, or other documentation of what needs to be done, it can reduce the total cost of producing multimedia by utilizing a small design firm or freelancer. Costs are cut because the time and skill spent on one creative is replaced by an in-house team. Of course, to ensure success, only those small businesses who believe they possess strong creative assets (with professional advertising or marketing expertise) should attempt this approach.
Remember, if you do ask your designer or design firm to handle the creative, that the route of working directly with a designer (rather than a firm with a creative team) may cut costs and also quality. Firms with full time creative professionals that are not involved in day to day design are often able to craft unique storyboards that describe and explain products, services, or company mission in memorable ways. Freelancers are a poor choice for strong creative since they often work alone and have limited means to brainstorm and perfect concepts with other creative professionals – a principal differentiating factor and benefit of working with a firm.
If you do select a firm for your creative and production, make sure that the creative team understands the message you need to convey. Is a creative firm with a great portfolio and appealing style really able to promote effectively your product and/or service? Only client testimonials, references, case studies with solid results, or market research can tell you this. Even when obtaining the creative from a top line firm, if you do your homework, you can still keep costs down. Prepare as much information about your target audience, goals, customers, products and services as possible. Develop a few rough concepts of your own, in-house, to help orient the creative team. Finally, discuss these endeavors with your chosen firm up front and negotiate a reduction in fees if you both agree that the information you provide is helpful.
A second way to cut cots is to ask for fixed price development. This direction can mean losing some flexibility in the design of your site. However, the tradeoff can be worthwhile if you are able to exert self-discipline. For that reason, when choosing fixed price development, be limited with revisions, as you only get a few as part of a fixed price. Avoid common mistakes such as being unsure of what design direction you desire or being unsure of your marketing message. Carefully consider each deliverable in order to provide all your comments in as few phases as possible – take a couple of days, at least, to do this.
Finally, when working with a firm, make sure that you provide them with only one point of contact so they don’t spend additional time coordinating between people in your company – although seemingly amusing, that mistake is quite common, especially so with growing businesses. Requiring your designer to handle internal coordination of ideas leads to dramatic extensions in project timelines, so be sure that you appoint someone internally to act as a point of contact and clearinghouse of internal discussion. Another way to save on multimedia costs is by concentrating on developing powerful ideas while keeping implementation simple. When too much time is spent on design and not enough on concept, you will waste production money and effort. To make this strategy effective interview firms that may front load the creative, but also display portfolio pieces that focus on conveying ideas rather than showing off lots of special effects. Work with the designer to simplify the production process by brainstorming easier ways to animate key concepts, and be open to using less labor intensive “vector” animation rather than 3D animations or video production. When it comes to sound, seek out talented and “undiscovered” freelance musicians or voiceover actors working from home who can provide original audio that will cut licensing costs..
As a final point, the operational structure of your chosen design firm can impact cost and quality as well. Off-shoring software development is well established, but outsourcing design work abroad is less common and can lead to interesting results due to cultural differences or lack of marketing knowledge. At the same time, larger multimedia projects often benefit from repetitive production taking place off-shore. Depending on your needs, a “full” off-shore firm with just a sales presence in the US may not be able to provide you with the customer service needed. On the other hand, a fully US firm will lik
In my travels visiting different businesses I am amazed at the various different ways that companies have of treating their staff. Each culture has its merits, but some are nearly impossible to live with. Which culture does your business utilize?------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Work hard & don't have a good time: People in your business are there for only 1 thing; work. They are not there to socialise, romance or have a good time. They receive the legal requirements & no more in relation to holidays, pensions etc. Due to this rigid culture, staff do not interact & new ideas are not forthcoming. They refuse to think about work at home & most hate the senior people in their organisation.Dress code: All units have their own dress code so that managers, administrators, sales, cleaners etc. are all easily identified. Managers must wear a suit and tie even if the office is melting on an exceptionally warm day.Be seen to be busy: They spend a lot of time looking busy, even when their workload is light, just in case their boss throws more tasks their way. You will often notice them moving fast in the corridor with a clipboard in hand, even if they are going to the toilet!Make sure you spend your budget: If their department has a budget, they ensure that it's totally used up before the next allocation, so that it is not cut in the future. They will claim that the budget is restrictive and hampers their efforts.Don't mingle: The sa
If you do select a firm for your creative and production, make sure that the creative team understands the message you need to convey. Is a creative firm with a great portfolio and appealing style really able to promote effectively your product and/or service? Only client testimonials, references, case studies with solid results, or market research can tell you this. Even when obtaining the creative from a top line firm, if you do your homework, you can still keep costs down. Prepare as much information about your target audience, goals, customers, products and services as possible. Develop a few rough concepts of your own, in-house, to help orient the creative team. Finally, discuss these endeavors with your chosen firm up front and negotiate a reduction in fees if you both agree that the information you provide is helpful.
A second way to cut cots is to ask for fixed price development. This direction can mean losing some flexibility in the design of your site. However, the tradeoff can be worthwhile if you are able to exert self-discipline. For that reason, when choosing fixed price development, be limited with revisions, as you only get a few as part of a fixed price. Avoid common mistakes such as being unsure of what design direction you desire or being unsure of your marketing message. Carefully consider each deliverable in order to provide all your comments in as few phases as possible – take a couple of days, at least, to do this.
Finally, when working with a firm, make sure that you provide them with only one point of contact so they don’t spend additional time coordinating between people in your company – although seemingly amusing, that mistake is quite common, especially so with growing businesses. Requiring your designer to handle internal coordination of ideas leads to dramatic extensions in project timelines, so be sure that you appoint someone internally to act as a point of contact and clearinghouse of internal discussion. Another way to save on multimedia costs is by concentrating on developing powerful ideas while keeping implementation simple. When too much time is spent on design and not enough on concept, you will waste production money and effort. To make this strategy effective interview firms that may front load the creative, but also display portfolio pieces that focus on conveying ideas rather than showing off lots of special effects. Work with the designer to simplify the production process by brainstorming easier ways to animate key concepts, and be open to using less labor intensive “vector” animation rather than 3D animations or video production. When it comes to sound, seek out talented and “undiscovered” freelance musicians or voiceover actors working from home who can provide original audio that will cut licensing costs..
As a final point, the operational structure of your chosen design firm can impact cost and quality as well. Off-shoring software development is well established, but outsourcing design work abroad is less common and can lead to interesting results due to cultural differences or lack of marketing knowledge. At the same time, larger multimedia projects often benefit from repetitive production taking place off-shore. Depending on your needs, a “full” off-shore firm with just a sales presence in the US may not be able to provide you with the customer service needed. On the other hand, a fully US firm will lik
Is anyone surprised that this is where I chose to begin my monthly newsletters? The concept of "You win with people" is the basic premise that I have built my entire management and leadership style around. The quote and original concept was presented to me in high school when I read a book of the same name written by the Ohio State Football Coach Woody Hayes. Woody was known as a strict disciplinarian on the football field, but many people did not understand the depth of the man, as he was not only a football coach but a military historian, a philosopher, and a great molder of people (Coach).The premise of Woody's book was built around the story of a new football coach who recruited a bunch of reasonably talented, but unmotivated, undisciplined football players. The team lost many more games than the won and the coach was known as a lousy coach of a lousy football team. The next year he focused on recruiting players who were more talented, and wanted to achieve, were disciplined, and focused on the success for themselves and for the team. Soon he became known as a great football coach with great football teams. Did the Coach in question change his playbook or coaching strategies? No, not really. Instead he found that the players make the team and having great players made for great teams, and made him a "great Coach" as well.The premise is exactly the same in business. As a leader you have certain responsibilities to your company and your team. The first of which is recruiting. If there is one area where you can assure yourself
Finally, when working with a firm, make sure that you provide them with only one point of contact so they don’t spend additional time coordinating between people in your company – although seemingly amusing, that mistake is quite common, especially so with growing businesses. Requiring your designer to handle internal coordination of ideas leads to dramatic extensions in project timelines, so be sure that you appoint someone internally to act as a point of contact and clearinghouse of internal discussion. Another way to save on multimedia costs is by concentrating on developing powerful ideas while keeping implementation simple. When too much time is spent on design and not enough on concept, you will waste production money and effort. To make this strategy effective interview firms that may front load the creative, but also display portfolio pieces that focus on conveying ideas rather than showing off lots of special effects. Work with the designer to simplify the production process by brainstorming easier ways to animate key concepts, and be open to using less labor intensive “vector” animation rather than 3D animations or video production. When it comes to sound, seek out talented and “undiscovered” freelance musicians or voiceover actors working from home who can provide original audio that will cut licensing costs..
As a final point, the operational structure of your chosen design firm can impact cost and quality as well. Off-shoring software development is well established, but outsourcing design work abroad is less common and can lead to interesting results due to cultural differences or lack of marketing knowledge. At the same time, larger multimedia projects often benefit from repetitive production taking place off-shore. Depending on your needs, a “full” off-shore firm with just a sales presence in the US may not be able to provide you with the customer service needed. On the other hand, a fully US firm will likely double your production costs.
The best choice for small businesses is a design firm employing a hybrid approach, where creative development and high level design is handled by professionals that you can meet and build rapport with, but where larger production is handled costs effectively by a well managed offshore team.
By controlling the costs of multimedia your business can afford a highly effective communication tool that can pique site visitors’ or ad viewers’ interest. Remember these key points:
- Think “simple” when it comes to producing animations – focus on strong ideas instead.
- Be disciplined with your revisions to avoid charges for many rounds of changes.
- Take over creative development and let your designers simply produce your vision when your in-house creative is strong. Otherwise seek out a trustworthy design agency with a track record of strong creative development.
- Work with firms that employ an optimal mix of US and off-shore development.
One never needs to cut out quality while cutting costs. Strong concepts and ideas will make the biggest difference in your presentation’s success at the end of the day.
References
Benbasat, I., Lim, K.H. (2002). The influence of multimedia on improving the comprehension of organizational information. Journal of Management Information Systems, 19, 114-115. Retrieved August 5, 2004, from EbscoHost, http://search.epnet.com/direct.asp?an=6976838&db=buh&loginpage=cpidlogin
Frits, M. (1997, February). The cost of computer based training: A directory of development houses. EMedia Professional, 10, 109. Retrieved August 12, 2004, from InfoTrac Web: General Reference Center Gold.
Joseph, P. (2002, January). Beyond the Banner: New strategies in online advertising. Tech Update, DZNet.com. Retrieved August 27, 2004, from http://techupdate.zdnet.com/techupdate/stories/main/o,14179,2841691,00.html
Luna, C.J., McKenzie, J. (1997, February). Testing multimedia in the community college classroom. T H E Journal, 24, 78. Retrieved August 5, 2004, from EbscoHost, http://search.epnet.com/direct.asp?an=9707163770&db=afh&loginpage=cpidlo
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[url=http://www.diggitup.net/article/43964/diggitup-How-Small-Business-And-Nonprofits-Can-Afford-Multimedia-For-The-Web.html]How Small Business And Nonprofits Can Afford Multimedia For The Web[/url]
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