Welcome to another edition of rAVe HomeAV Edition! Today we are publishing an article I wrote on the first, and best, marketing lesson I ever learned. These days we get all caught up in numbers and ROI (not that they're not important), and sometimes forget that sales and marketing is first and foremost about relationships. We also have a contributed article from Melody Craigmyle at Electrograph about the importance of getting all your employees to understand and buy into your company mission statement. In the news, don't miss CEDIA's new Product Hall of Fame, where they give awards to some of the industry's most revolutiony products from over the years. We think their choices are dead on. Enjoy the issue! –Gary Kayye, CTS Click above for more information The Cheat Sheet and Marketing 101
By Gary Kayye, CTS
I love this industry! Upon graduating from college back in 1987, I was lucky enough to be offered a job at Extron Electronics way back when they were probably less than a 20-person company. Although at first I didn’t feel like I wasn’t doing what I went to college for (Marketing), the people there were great and it was a lot of fun – not to mention frantic, daily, as we were growing exponentially. In fact, having been properly outfitted with all sorts of “cheat sheets” written by Ginger Dodier (little, literally, pieces of paper that had the top 20 questions and answers written on them for each product). I mean these were little – some of the older people at Extron couldn’t read them, in fact. I am not exactly sure why they were so small, but I think it had to do with making it (technical support of analog and digital interfaces) not look to intimidating. It was. In the morning, I would come in and answer the phones alongside Ginger (now with Large Screen Display Group) and Catherine Alvarez (now with Crestron). Most of the questions were easy, “what interface do I use to convert the signal from an IBM 3270 PC to analog.” I would simply look at my cheat sheet (in alphabetical order) and find “IBM” then find “3-2-7-0,” got it! Then, in the afternoons – remember we were a small company – I would go to the shipping department (more like a table in the warehouse) to help pack and ship products. Next day, same thing. But all along, I was getting a real world marketing lesson that it took me years to realize.
In the office right next to the sales office sat Andrew Edwards, the president of Extron. I would over hear him on the phone talking to people four hours. No, not different people, the same people. He would literally have a conversation with someone for one, two and sometimes even three hours. At that time, it was generally a regional sales person from a projector manufacturer who was trying to sell projectors to connect to computers – a brand new market way back in the late 1980’s. His door was always open, so I could hear most every conversation. If I had a highly technical question that wasn’t on the cheat sheet and wasn’t something Ginger (who was the most technical person in sales) couldn’t answer, I would go next door to his office and sit and wait for him to pause his conversation to answer my question. Many times I would go in there and he would be talking about country music, a new car the person on the other line had just bought or even about some vacation that that person had just taken. I know they talked about Extron product, too, but that part of the conversation was long gone – 45 minutes, an hour ago. It was three years later before I realized what marketing was – in technology. Although I was positioned in sales, I was getting the marketing lesson of a lifetime – as were all of us there in that 11’ x 14’ office next to Andrew’s. When we grew past the point of the cheat sheet answering over 90 percent of our technical questions and we had a half-dozen or so people now in sales answering calls as quickly as they would come, I was tasked with writing a sales training program. Something like a giant, structured cheat sheet – in a binder. That’s when I realized what marketing in technology really was and still is – relationships. As I sat down to write that training manual some 20 years ago, I realized that the key to Extron’s success wasn’t really us in the sales department or me and Jacob back in shipping. It was Andrew’s hours upon hours of conversations with regional sales people. As the calls kept pouring in, each and every one of them were either a returning customer or a totally new customer driven to Extron as a referral from a Barco sales rep, an Electrohome (remember them?) sales rep, a Sony sales rep, a Mitsubishi sales rep. I’d never met these sales reps that kept referring business to us, but Andrew had. In fact, he’d spent hours marketing to them by befriending them every day – all over the phone. Sure, we built great products back then and our time to market was nearly perfect, but, ultimately, all that exponential growth I spoke about was through marketing – personalized by Andrew. And, that became our hiring and training springboard. I hired people who love to talk on the phone to their friends – I just asked them to make new friends with people in our market. We didn’t measure calls in time by how quickly we could process a caller, but in how slowly we did. We rewarded sales people who KEPT people on the other end of the line the longest. Who could find out how many kids they had, what car they drove, were they having a good or bad day and what was their favorite food. It was marketing like they didn’t teach in school: it wasn’t Marketing 101 — it was Marketing One-by-One. As we, hopefully, speed through these tough economic times, remember, that marketing one-by-one will get you where you want to go and buy you friendships that you will rely on for years. Unfortunately for me, I am getting old enough to have had some of my marketing one-by-one friends pass away (Phil Callahan, Barco Billy) but I have thousands of AV friends out there who I count on to help me do what I do – all from that marketing lesson I learned from Andrew keeping his door open. By the way, I have fond memories of those cheat sheets we used in the early days of Extron. I wish I had kept one – maybe someone at Extron did. But, I sure owe Ginger a big thanks for making them – I can see, smell and touch them in my mind even today… Reprinted with permission from Sound & Communications. Founded in 1955, Sound & Communications is the premiere magazine for AV systems integrators, contractors and consultants. To subscribe or read sample articles, go to http://www.soundandcommunications.comBack to Top Company Mission Statements: Take Down the Dusty Poster and Make It Meaningful
By Melody Craigmyle
Vice President of Marketing, Electrograph Systems Every organization at one time or another has written a mission statement or two and maybe even established “core values” it feels are really important to who or what they do. Maybe it originated with the owner 80 years ago or by an overpaid ad agency (don’t get me started on ad agencies!). But who in the organization knows what it is? Honestly folks — at this moment, can you recall even one line of your mission statement? And more importantly, what part does it play in your company’s success? With greed, corporate scandal, Ponzi schemes and corruption splashed across the news every day lately, the spotlight has once again turned towards values. It’s not enough anymore to hang a mission statement poster in the break room and hope employees magically “get it” in order to represent your company and your brand.I once heard a renowned mathematician give a motivational speech at a business conference. Yes, it does seem odd that a profession as dry as mathematics would somehow be motivational – sounds super-geek boring, right? He spoke about a company he worked for in the 1960’s where he and all his colleagues were grossly underpaid and the working conditions were basically horrible with insane hours. Meanwhile, many of his other colleagues at large corporations or universities were making big salaries or had fat research grants. However, he said despite all the bad conditions there, he and his team were three times more productive than other geek pros. Why? Because they worked for NASA and it was the first Apollo manned mission to the moon. It was the mission they believed in, and that made them work hard for that common goal. It was crystal clear what the goal was and their role in making it happen (are you starting to get this now??).
Of course, I’m not advocating for poor working conditions. And don’t think you can cut health insurance or replace the Starbucks coffee with Sanka if all your employees buy into the goal either. The point is that a clear, concise understanding of the corporate mission and the part employees play in fulfilling it is step #1 for helping any kind of mission statement to stick. Do your employees understand the company’s brand? Can they communicate just what it is you do and why? You gotta start by providing that context.
It’s time to rewrite or refresh your organizations mission statement and core values. Here are some suggestions to get you started:
Let the employees write the mission statement. That way, the buy-in is partially pre-established because they were actively involved in creating it. One employer I worked with held meetings in field offices across the country and asked the employees to help establish core values and elements of the mission statement. After a series of meetings, distinct themes started to come out and led the company to a totally new mission statement and set of core values. Hold Mission Workshops. When new employees join, don’t just hope they will read the mission statement in the handbook and “get it.” Make it a part of their orientation to explain the mission statement and core values and help them understand how they fit into the big picture. And if you do rewrite the mission statement, hold these workshops for all employees (Oh yeah, remember the rest of those guys? They need to know this stuff too!). Reinforce through visuals. Think about what employees see throughout the day. Hello?? How about the computer! Create a cool screen saver or background wallpaper with your mission statement. Embroider corporate logo shirts with the core values on the sleeve. I recently saw this at local restaurant where each server had the values on their sleeve and corresponding collateral was everywhere in the place. Find new and creative ways to constantly remind them of their duty to fulfill the mission. Forget the break room poster!*
*And while I’m critiquing your office décor, please take down any and all of those Successories posters too. You know, the one that has the stock photo of the Bald Eagle that says “Dare To Soar”? That’s buying a totally cheesy, generic mission statement. It’s just wrong, folks. Keep it simple but specific. Don’t use words the average employee does not understand. However, don’t make your statement so ambiguous that it does not mean anything such as, “We deliver superior service to our customers.” Be specific and make sure it speaks to your industry. Get the Executive buy-in. Make sure your executive management specifically mentions the mission statement and core values in their communications. If they’re not on board, you may as well forget about it! Even go so far as including the mission in public communications like an Annual Report or newsletter so employees can see that the communication inside and outside the company is the same. Reward employee behavior. Establish a program that rewards employees for exhibiting your core values and mission. It can be as simple as logo merchandise or gift certificates, but it shows that managers are watching and rewarding those who are fulfilling the mission. Melody Craigmyle is the Vice President of Marketing for Electrograph Systems, a value-added distributor of professional and consumer audio/visual products. Back to Top Click above for more information Upcoming CEDIA University Events May is a busy month for CEDIA University. Take advantage of the many education opportunities listed below to maximize your CEDIA members and enhance your business and technical skills. Visit http://www.cedia.org/education for more information and to register for any of the following events.
EST Basic Residential Boot Camp
Tuesday April 21, 2009 – Thursday April 23, 2009
CEDIA Training Facility – Indianapolis, IN
EST Basic Residential Boot Camp
Wednesday April 29, 2009 – Friday May 1, 2009
Digital Sales Group/david llc – Westbury, NY
ESPA Certified-EST® Review & Exam
Saturday May 2, 2009
Digital Sales Group/david llc – Westbury, NY
CU On the Road @ Capitol Sales Learning Institute – Regional Outreach
Sunday May 3, 2009 – Tuesday May 5, 2009
San Francisco, CA
MRI Direct EXPO
Wednesday May 6, 2009 – Thursday May 7, 2009
Sturbridge, MA
Intermediate EST Workshop-Taking Your Skills To The Next Level
Thursday May 14, 2009
ADI – South Plainfield, NJ
CU On the Road @ Capitol Sales Learning Institute – Regional Outreach
Sunday May 17, 2009 – Tuesday May 19, 2009
Dallas, TX
EST Basic Residential Boot Camp
Monday May 18, 2009 – Wednesday May 20, 2009
CEDIA Training Facility – Indianapolis, IN
EST Advanced Residential Boot Camp
Thursday May 21, 2009 – Saturday May 23, 2009
CEDIA Training Facility – Indianapolis, IN
ESB Business Night Class Package
Wednesday May 27, 2009
Digital Sales Group/david llc – Westbury, NY
Back to Top Half-Price CEDIA EST Residential Boot Camps – Now Through June! CEDIA wants to help you get ahead of the competition. We are not only making the popular EST Residential Boot Camps more affordable, we are making them more accessible.
Beginning April 29, CEDIA's EST Basic Residential Boot Camp will be offered at the david, LLC / Digital Sales Group's training facility in Westbury, NY in addition to the offerings at CEDIA’s Training Facility in Indianapolis, IN. Also, all boot camps at the CEDIA Training Facility are ½ price now through June. Make sure to take advantage of this great opportunity to enhance your technical skills at this state-of-the-art facility.
EST Basic Residential Boot Camp
April 21 – 23: CEDIA Training Facility – Indianapolis, IN
April 29 – May 1: Digital Sales Group Training Facility – Westbury, NY
EST Advanced Residential Boot Camp
May 21-23: CEDIA Training Facility – Indianapolis, IN
Visit http://www.cedia.org/education to learn more about the CEDIA Boot Camps and to download a program brochure.
Back to Top Develop Your Business Skills with CEDIA University Night Class! Are you looking to hone your business skills and gain a competitive edge during these challenging times? CEDIA University, in partnership with david, LLC and Digital Sales Group NY, is delivering an Electronic Systems Business (ESB) Night Class Package offered every Wednesday evening over the course of five weeks at the david, LLC Westbury, NY facility. This is a perfect opportunity to gain continuing education units (CEUs). Each week is worth 3 CEUs for a total of 15 CEUs upon completion! The first ESB Night Class Package includes the following courses:
• Week 1: ESB121 Introduction to Operational Management
• Week 2: ESB223 Managing People
• Week 3: ESB222 Developing Business Operating Systems
• Week 4: ESCR 131 Creating Business Connections and ESCR 201 Turning Issues into Opportunities
• Week 5: ESB225 The Business Side of Project Management
The Spring Session Dates are May 27, June 3, June 10, June 17, and June 24. There is packaged pricing for the entire five week program or if you aren’t able to attend every week but would like to sign up for individual classes, registration is also available.
Visit http://www.cedia.org/education/partner_location.php for complete details and to register. For more information about the NY training facility in Westbury, NY visit http://www.meetdavid.com.
Back to Top Click above for more information InFocus Announces Q1 2009 Results InFocus Corporation yesterday announced its first quarter 2009 financial results. For the quarter ending March 31st, the Company reported revenues of $44.4 million and a net loss of $8.1 million, or $0.20 per share, compared to revenues of $51.4 million and a net loss of $13.1 million, or $0.32 per share, in the fourth quarter of 2008 and revenues of $61.0 million and a net loss of $1.8 million, or $0.05 per share, in the first quarter of 2008.
Included in the first quarter 2009 results are restructuring charges of $1.0 million, an asset impairment charge of $1.2 million and value added tax assessment of $0.6 million. The restructuring charge consisted primarily of costs associated with lease losses of vacated and unutilized facilities, and accounted for $0.02 of the net loss per share. The impairment charge related to a fair value adjustment of the Company’s fixed assets accounted for $0.03 of the net loss per share. The tax assessment related to foreign jurisdiction value added taxes and interest for product shipments from 2002 and accounted for $0.01 of the net loss per share. Excluding these charges, proforma operating loss for the first quarter was $5.6 million.
If you’re a regular rAVe reader you know that on April 13th the Company announced that it had entered into a definitive agreement and plan of merger with Image Holdings Corporation (IHC) and its wholly-owned subsidiary, IC Acquisition Corp (IC). Under the terms of the agreement, IHC will cause IC to make an all cash tender offer to acquire all outstanding shares of InFocus stock for $0.95 per share, or an aggregate value of approximately $39 million. The tender offer is expected to commence on or around April 27, 2009.
Read our previous story on the InFocus merger, here: http://www.ravehome.com/issues/2009/04/rhvol6iss7/index.html#t0196
Back to Top Click above for more information Latest Job Postings on rAVe's AV Jobs Site - AVW-TELAV: Canada — Technical Services Representatives
- Apple: Cupertino, CA — Control Systems Engineer
- AMX: Dallas, TX — Entry Level Software Engineer
https://www.ravepubs.com/index.php?option=com_jobline&Itemid=109
Want to post a job opening? Go to: https://www.ravepubs.com/index.php?option=com_jobline&Itemid=109&task=add Back to Top Sony's VPL-VW70 Ships Sony’s new flagship home theater projector (since there are rumors everywhere that they’re about to dump the overpriced VW200) is shipping, the VPL-VW70. Like its predecessors, the VW70 has two HDMI ports, a component video port and a few other useless ports for stuff no one uses any more in a home theater, but one thing is for sure: this projector is ahead of the pack in performance. The 1080p native, $8000, SXRD (reflective LCD) based projector is capable of producing a 60,000:1 contrast ratio and colorimetry that is second to none in LCD today – but, it’s only 800-ANSI lumens: so install it in a windowless room!
If you want to learn more about the VW70, go to: http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&productId=8198552921665533555
Back to Top Marmitek's Wireless HDMI Transmitter/Receiver Combo Support 1080p Dubbed the GigaVideo800, this device sends HDMI signals wirelessly from up to four input devices (up to 1080p) to your HDTV or projector without compression and without any loss of quality – so they say – as far as 20 meters. This is done through a receiver/transmitter combination. The receiver is connected to the TV all the time, while the transmitter can be connected to a maximum of four HD devices – and even moved around if needed. Compatibility includes, of course, Blu-ray players, digital video recorders, HD set–top boxes, game consoles, Media Center PCs, the AppleTV or standard DVD players/recorders.
It’s available at about $800 US and you can read all about ii here: http://www.marmitek.com/
Back to Top HD-DVD to Blu-ray Conversion for Only $5 Did the HD-DVD marketing muscle of Toshiba dupe you last year? Did they talk you into buying the HD-DVD player and now you’re stuck with dozens of HD-DVD titles in your closet? Well, there’s a new service out there from Warner Bros where you can send in your Warner Bros HD-DVD movies and they’ll send you a Blu-ray copy for $5. That’s a good deal – unless you want to hold out for the Blu-ray to Online Streaming rebate?
To learn more, go to: http://www.red2blu.com/
Back to Top Chief Launches New Projector Mount for Home Cinema – Not Home Theater If you’re building a Home Cinema, not simply a home theater – you know the difference — then you need to hide everything, including the projector! Well, Chief’s got a new solution in the newly designed SL151 automated projector mount that literally hides the projector ABOVE the ceiling when it’s not in use and when you hit the button to lower it, you barely hear it!
If you want to see all the details on the UL-listed, SL151, go here: http://www.chiefmfg.com/productdetail.aspx?MountID=263
Back to Top Da-Lite and Joe Kane Launch Innovative Projection Screens Da-Lite Screen Company and Joe Kane Productions recently announced a joint effort for the post-production and commercial AV markets. Through a newly formed strategic partnership, Da-Lite Screen Company and Joe Kane Productions have launched a new line of projection screens targeted to post production and commercial facilities. The new JKP Affinity Screen series has been developed specifically for high-definition 1080p projectors featuring the latest in optical technology.
Although initially begun with the commercial markets in mind, Joe Kane is famous in the HomeAV market for driving development of video components so we expect to see this partnership produce high-end products applicable to the HomeAV channel.
The initial distribution of the JKP Affinity Screen series will be through qualified audiovisual integrators. For more information on the innovative new JKP Affinity Screen series, email Blake Brubaker at BBrubaker@da-lite.com
Back to Top Extron Ships Best Test Generator Ever Extron’s VTG 400DVI is now shipping. The VTG 400DVI is a professional-quality Video and Audio Test Generator for setting up, testing, calibrating, and troubleshooting high-end HomeAV systems. It offers DVI output for use with digital HDTVs (use a DVI to HDMI adapter), and delivers accurate, full-bandwidth video signal reproduction and high-performance audio test signals. In addition to DVI, analog high-resolution computer-video, component video, S-video, and composite video are supported. When used with DVI devices, the VTG 400DVI will display the native resolution whenever new EDID data is received. The VTG 400DVI also offers Scope-Trigger, a patented feature that enables analysis of a specific area within the pattern image using an oscilloscope.
The VTG 400DVI offers 34 video test patterns, several with adjustable levels, and seven audio test reference signals with selectable frequencies and output levels. A total of 113 output scan rates are pre-programmed which include high-resolution computer-video, HDTV, NTSC, and PAL. An intuitive control panel allows for quick and easy access to video or audio test signals and settings. The VTG 400DVI can be programmed and upgraded with custom scan rates through the RS-232 port using the included Extron control software. Versatile and lightweight, the VTG 400DVI is appropriate for field and bench testing, or permanent installation in integrated A/V systems.
See all the specs at: http://www.extron.com/product/product.aspx?id=vtg400dvi
Back to Top New Architectural Speaker Line from ELAN Finally Ships ELAN’s new Elios Speaker Line of 19 high-performance in-wall and in-ceiling architectural and cinema speakers is now shipping to dealers, finally. Developed from the ground up, ELAN says this line was designed by consulting custom integrators about what they wanted to see in an Architectural series of products, ELAN claims that Elios incorporates never before used technologies and one-of-a-kind mechanical designs into its entire line of speakers. In addition, each Elios speaker is voiced in multiple real life-listening environments and installations, and over 100 select dealers pre-auditioned Elios Speakers in March during a limited “Audition Phase” for the product line.
ELAN says that an industry first among the array of Elios innovations is its new hybrid tweeter design, which gives Dealers and listeners a best of both worlds scenario. The design bonds a titanium / aluminum nano coating to a teteron dome substrate delivering the high frequencies, precision, speed and transient response of metal tweeters with the desirable smooth and silky sound of soft dome tweeters. Also unique to Elios is a completely new and improved drywall leg clamping system, which will provide Installers with the fastest, easiest, most reliable and trouble-free installation of any speakers on the market today. Here’s a video you can watch that shows the new clamping system: http://www.elanhomesystems.com/art_images/elan_elios_clamping.wmv
If you’re interested in the Elios line, learn more about it at: http://www.elanhomesystems.com/speakers.asp
Back to Top CEDIA Establishes Product Hall of Fame CEDIA developed the Product Hall Of Fame to show the heritage of the residential electronics industry and track the progression of product development and technology. In the first-ever induction (to be held at CEDIA EXPO 09 in Atlanta, they picked 8 products:
ADA’s System 56: Audio Design Associates (ADA) introduced its first Multi-Zone/Multi-Room System 56 in 1977. System 56, a six-source system, expandable to up to thirty zones, is the world’s first multi-zone A/V system. System 56 was a comprehensive system featuring mainframe components, keypads and accessories. Most systems are still fully operational today.
| | AudioControl’s SA-3050: Their SA-3050 Real Time Analyzer was the first to put acoustic analysis into the hands of custom installers, and injected confidence and credibility into the trade.
| | Crestron’s SmarTouch TM STS: SmarTouch TM STS was the first wireless RF control system ever introduced to the market. STS was offered at a breakthrough price, making integrated touch panel control truly affordable for the home market for the first time. It was also one of the first color touch panels.
| | JBL’s Synthesis System: The JBL Synthesis One was the world’s first complete, integrated multi-channel audio system designed specifically for custom installation home theater. The Synthesis One was created to deliver extraordinary performance and sonic realism, and was the first system that enabled custom calibration to deliver optimum performance in any room.
| | Jensen’s ISO-MAX Stereo Audio Isolator: The ISO-MAX line was a simple in/out audio ground isolator that solved hum and buzz problems in audio systems.
| | Lutron’s HomeWorks Lighting Control System: Still being manufactured today, the Lutron HomeWorks system controls lights individually and as a group to create lighting scenes. HomeWorks can be installed in new or existing homes using Lutron’s proprietary RF technology and is customized to each home and its owners.
| | Runco’s ASC-IV Aspect Ratio Controller: First produced in 1991, the ARC-IV offered wide-screen TV in the home before there was HD. It was six to seven years ahead of its time.
| | Sonance’s 1 In-Wall Speaker: The Sonance 1 in-wall speaker was the fist in-wall in the HomeAV market. Lambasted by its competition, it was a hit with the integrators as it offered a cleaner look than surface mount for many installs. Eventually, as you all know, most speaker manufacturers copied the idea.
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Back to Top InfoComm 2009: It's All About Education |
For years, we at rAVe have been writing about the value of InfoComm – not necessarily as the mega-AV tradeshow, but as THE BEST one-stop-shop for ProAV education. Well, at InfoComm 2009, you’ll have two – not just one – ProAV associations offering hundreds of courses at the show: both NSCA and InfoComm.
Have you signed up to take a class yet? If not, here are two being taught by rAVe’s own Gary Kayye:
• AV-2011: We have all heard the buzzwords — convergence, integration, networking, and digital. No matter which word you use, the reality is that we live in an IP-based world and an ever-changing workplace. Not only does the technology constantly change, but the skill sets required to work in this industry are always changing, too. In this new world, what do next-generation technologists need to know as they navigate the A/V and IT integrated environment? Ensuring that your staff is as advanced as the technology is more that just a stop along the information highway; it is a complete change in the navigation of your business. Detouring from the recommend route could have serious implications.
Join Gary Kayye as he explores the latest technologies and advances in our industry. He will also discuss the skill sets employees need to meet the demands of more complex software. Plan the roadmap for your employees now to ensure their future success. This session will help you prepare the best route for your business with five key steps toward A/V and IT integration. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn more about becoming a skilled, knowledgeable and trusted service partner in this new age of technology driven by networked devices.
To sign up for this course, Click here
• How to Compete with Box Sales: In the beginning, it was “trunk-slammers,” then came the “box-houses” and now it’s the “Internet”. Customers have more choices from where to purchase AV Gear than ever before – and box-to-box, there’s no way a systems integrator can truly compete on price. Margins are at the worse level they have ever been. Price erosion has hit every segment of the AV market and we can’t fight it—try, and you’ll run out of time and resources.
But, reposition (or, in some cases, position) your company away from the box-sales mentality into a true systems integrator and design-build firm and you’ll have a winning combination for true profitability and growth well into the 21st Century. Successful companies in our industry have been doing this for years – selling stuff for more than many of their competitors, but all the while maintaining a market leadership position in share and performance. How? What are they doing that you can learn from?
Come hear from someone who’s been helping companies like these and a host of other ProAV manufacturers and dealers stand out from the pack without discounting and price slashing – in fact, their reputation’s built on customer support, quality, performance and people!
To sign up for this course, Click here |
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Back to Top For all you REGULAR readers of rAVe HomeAV Edition out there, hopefully you enjoyed another opinion-packed issue!
For those of you NEW to rAVe, you just read how we are — we are 100% opinionated. We not only report the news and new product stories of the high-end HomeAV industry, but we stuff the articles full of our opinions. That may include (but is not limited to) whether or not the product is even worth looking at, challenging the manufacturers on their specifications, calling a marketing-spec bluff and suggesting ways integrators market their products better. But, one thing is for sure, we are NOT a trade publication that gets paid for running editorial or product stories. Traditional trade publications get paid to run product stories — that’s why you see what you see in most of the pubs out there. We are different: we run what we want to run and NO ONE is going to pay us to write anything good (or bad).
Don’t like us, then go away — unsubscribe! Just use the link below.
To send me feedback, don't reply to this newsletter – instead, write directly to me at gary@ravepubs.com or for editorial ideas: Editor-in-Chief Sara Abrons at sara@ravepubs.com
A little about me: I graduated from Journalism School at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (where I am adjunct faculty). I’ve been in the AV-industry since 1987 where I started with Extron and eventually moved to AMX. So, I guess I am an industry veteran (although I don’t think I am that old). I have been an opinionated columnist for a number of industry publications and in the late 1990s I started the widely read KNews eNewsletter (the first in the AV market) and also created the model for and was co-founder of AV Avenue – which is now known as InfoComm IQ. rAVe Publications has been around since 2003, when we launched our original newsletter, rAVe ProAV Edition.
rAVe HomeAV Edition, co-published with CEDIA, launched in February, 2004.
To read more about my background, our team, and what we do, go to https://www.ravepubs.com Back to Top Copyright 2009 – rAVe [Publications] – All rights reserved. For reprint policies, contact rAVe [Publications], 510 Meadowmont Village Circle, Suite 376 – Chapel Hill, NC 27517 – 919/969-7501. Email: sara@ravepubs.com
rAVe HomeAV Edition contains the opinions of the author only and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of other persons or companies or its sponsors. |