MATRIX

Posts Tagged ‘Innovative’

It’s finally here! The hugely anticipated Apple iPhone is finally a reality. As what we have expected, it makes calls and supports a digital music player that syncs with iTunes. The Apple iPhone has a thin design and is dominated by a vivid touch screen that showcases photos and videos beautifully. People will also note a lack of controls and buttons as all menu navigation and data entry from dialing numbers and typing messages is done on the touch screen. The Apple iPhone is three devices in one: a cell phone, a wide-screen iPod with touch controls, and an Internet communications device. Apple iPhone is not just a phone; it is a phone with a video player, music player, internet device, and camera all in one.

Apple iPhone Features

Other features of the Apple iPhone include quad-band world phone support, a 2-megapixel still camera, Wi-Fi capability, stereo Bluetooth, a speakerphone, e-mail and a Safari Web browser. Memory caps out at 8MB and although there’s no 3G support or wireless downloads the Apple iPhone will garner interest simply because it exists.

The Apple iPhone has only one hardware control called the Home key. The device is dominated by a huge, 3.5-inch display. Inside are an iPod music and video player, a full Safari Web browser, a 2-megapixel camera and integrated support for Google Maps. People who use iPhone will be able to scroll through songs, artists, albums, and play lists with just a flick of a finger. One cool new feature is the display of album artwork.

Apple iPhone can make a call by simply touching a finger at a name or number in the address book, a favorites list, or a call log. All the contacts from a PC, Mac, or Internet device are also automatically synched with the device. Users can also select and listen to voicemail messages in whatever order they want, just like email. Calls can easily be merged together with just the touch of a button to you can create a conference call by easily merging the calls with just the touch of a button. This makes conference calling easier!

The iPhone can also send text messages with an SMS application with a predictive QWERTY soft keyboard that can correct mistakes such as misspellings. It makes it easier and more efficient to use than the small plastic keyboards found in other phones.

What the heck is a teleclass anyway? Teleclasses, also called teleconferences, are an innovative method for bringing information to you without you needing to leave your home or office.

Most teleclasses are promoted by people who do business online. You will find them advertised on websites, in online advertising or perhaps in an email you receive. After speaking with several focus groups, I now understand that many people are unaware of exactly what a teleclass is and are concerned that there is some type of catch or hidden cost.

First of all, teleclasses are simply conference calls, ranging in size from three to thousands of participants. When you sign up for a teleclass, you typically receive an email that will give you the details for calling in. You simply dial the phone number provided at the agreed upon time for the class, enter the access code provided and you are instantly connected to the other participants who registered for the call and the teleclass leader.

You only need a telephone to participate in the calls. If you don’t have a computer to receive the confirmation email, most teleclass leaders will provide an alternative to email for you to get the necessary information, such as a telephone call.

Many people are afraid that there are hidden costs with teleclasses. Many teleclasses are free or list for a nominal cost, such as $19-$49. The only additional cost to you would be whatever your phone company charges for long distance fees. So, if your long distance cost is $.05/minute, then a 60 minute teleclass would cost you only $3.00! Many people will opt to use their cell phone to avail themselves of their free minutes so the call costs nothing!

Teleclasses gained popularity after 9/11, when many people began avoiding larger gatherings, such as seminars or workshops. Teleclasses are the perfect way to gain information without having to travel to a remote location where there are large groups of people. Also, during today’s information age when people need information quickly, teleclasses make the perfect choice.

Most teleclasses are 60-90 minutes in length and are geared toward giving information on a variety of topics. Each teleclass is generally devoted to a specific topic. An expert will disseminate information on the call and participants are generally given the opportunity to ask questions and to interact with the presenter and the other participants either throughout or at the end of the call.

Key points are highlighted but there is not the depth of information most people get from attending an in-person event. Also, there is generally not the same atmosphere or personal touch people get from attending a live, in-person seminar but the advantages are many.

For example, you don’t have to speak if you don’t want to. No one will even know you are on the call. You can maintain your anonymity. You can hang up if the call doesn’t interest you. You can multitask in the comfort of your own home or office. As long as your phone is muted, no one will know what you are doing.

You don’t have to be concerned about what to wear. You can attend a teleclass in your bath robe if you want. (This may not be so easy if you are already at the office!) Also, driving directions are never a problem. Teleclasses don’t tie up any more of your time than the actual call is scheduled for, leaving you free to continue with your active, busy life.

In today’s competitive business environment, it is essential to always try new and innovative techniques to strengthen your business over the long haul. A great way to do this is by using unique and innovative promotion gift ideas that you can pass out to your customers. This practice has been going on for a long time, but only recently companies are combining greater innovation with their promotional gifts to boost sales or to introduce a new product.

Business has reached such a competitive point that it is harder and harder for the consumer to tell most products apart. This is definitely a concern to the older, more well-established companies losing sales to new, fresher products that people are tempted to try. A way of bringing back these old customers is by creating interesting and innovating marketing strategies, including using cool promotional items.

Take for example what Burger King has done to take their promotions to the next level. Currently at Burger King, in response to the mega film “Transformers”, they are implementing a very exciting, interactive online promotion for their customers. When you order a large drink or combo meal, you get a promotional sticker that you can later redeem on an interactive Transformers/ B.K. site. It’s promotions like these that excite the consumer base and are an excellent way of promoting the brand of your business.

But if you’re looking for the most innovative gift promotions in history you need look no further than the Entertainment Industry, especially the Movie Industry. Ever since the 1940’s, Hollywood has been giving away promotional gifts like they were giving away candy. And this is not always cheap. During the course of a year, it is estimated that over 50 million dollars are devoted to promotional gifts and products. A staggering 50 million dollars spent every year. Amazing.

Many top gift bags today can value upwards to $20,000 dollars including high end jewelry, expensive technology, and top of the line cosmetics. During an expensive promotion, a movie studio can give away up to 50 bags all valued at $20,000 plus. Staggering. One of the most innovative promotions to date was for the movie premier of Gone in 60 Seconds, starring Nicolas Cage. The promotional company organized different cars to be brought in for high end celebrities and clients spending over 5 million dollars overall.

Promotional gift innovation is no small thing and can be an expensive and costly endeavor. But if you are smart you will be successful. If you implement the right promotional strategies, then the publicity and goodwill you bring in will do miracles for your company in the long run. They say that nothing is free, but buying goodwill and respect from your consumers will be some of the best money your company has ever spent.