Tips for Newlyweds: Don't forget to save your manuals & receipts!
As you are setting up house, don't forget to save your manuals/warranties and receipts. Doing so could save you money! For all major and large purchases, I put the manual and receipt together in a plastic ziploc bag. I keep all of the ziploc bags together in an accordian file.
Recently my Genie garage door opener started going on the fritz and finally died. My husband was all set to run out and buy a new garage door opener (which usually cost around $150-200). However, I had an idea to check the warranty. Our garage door opener unit was slightly over three year old. However, the warranty showed that we had a 20 year warranty on the motor. We called Genie and explained the problem. After asking us to do a little trouble-shooting, Genie agreed it was a motor problem and are sending out a free motor at no charge to us. We just have to manually raise and lower the door until the motor arrives in the mail. A little inconvient, but it beats spending the money on a new garage door opener. It's not just enough to save the manuals - you have to remember to pull them out when an appliance, etc. stops working:)
August 21, 2009
August 05, 2009
Tips for Success: Is it time for an updated head shot?
When was the last time that you had a professional head shot? Have you ever had one taken? If not, why not? I am pleased to announce that I just had new professional head shots taken. The last time I had head shots taken was 2006, so it was time to update. Videographers should be networking with photographers so there should be no excuse for not knowing who to turn to when you need updated photos.
The photos were taken by my friend and fellow Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC) member, Kim Shokouhi of Kim Shokouhi Photography (yeah for women business owners who name their businesses after themselves! says Elegant Videos by Kris:) I think it shows a certain level of pride and commitment.
Who says you can't mix business & pleasure? Kim also took some fun photos of me with my car!
Kim is available for weddings, engagement sessions, corporate head shots, and tasteful boudoir photography. Let's face it, who wants a strange guy taking those kinds of pictures?
Kim (to the left) took lots of cool photos of me when I went to her studio in Wilmette (see below). We even drove around Wilmette scouting locations. Kim is an amazing photographer so send her an email at ks-photography.com or call her at 224-676-0604. When you call Kim,
be sure and tell her "Kris sent you!"
July 28, 2009
Elegant Videos by Kris advertises with Chicago Style Weddings magazine (2009/2010 issues)
Elegant Videos by Kris advertises with Chicago Style Weddings magazine (2009-2010). The magazine cover is from the September/October 2009 issue.
Don't forget to pick up the lastest copy of Chicago Style Weddings magazine. My ad can be found on page 384.
Not sure where to begin in your search for a videographer? For one, you can start with me! Give me a call at 630-876-9604 and I'll be happy to discuss with you all of the important elements that go into making an emotional family heirloom that you will pass down for generations to come. To learn more, please visit my website.
July 26, 2009
Kris Malandruccolo attends a two-day Jeff Wright Workshop in Chicago
The Illinois Videographers Association brought in Jeff Wright from Blue Skies Cinema in California, to hold a two-day workshop in Chicago on July 20-21, 2009
There we are on the left in front of the Bean in Millenium Park, downtown Chicago. I attended this workshop along with 30+ other videographers (some who flew in from others states).
Even though I'm a 20 year veteran in the video industry, I never pass up a chance to keep on learning -especially from someone like Jeff Wright who has won 15 WEVA CE Awards and is a well-respected videographer in the industry. Not only is Jeff a very talented videographer, but more importantly, he's a decent, likeable all-around great guy!
DAY ONE: Our first day was held at the Bartlett Hills Country Club in Bartlett, IL. I was able to leverage some networking connections, so I must give a huge thank you to Mary Gearhart, catering manager, for allowing to use their banquet room and adjoining patio to re-enact some wedding day activities. The BHCC is a fabulous facility! I've filmed several weddings there and a bride has so much to take advantage of all in one location!
Jeff is in blue, and standing in as the bride is Jennifer who just so happens to be married to our IVA President, Keith Anderson (standing next to the bride, above). Jennifer did a fabulous job and turned alot of heads (see photos below).
DAY TWO: We spent two hours in the classroom before heading to downtown Chicago. We took alot of footage of our bride strolling up and down Michigan Ave. and all around Millenium Park. By changing up the shutter speed & iris, we were able to get some cool shots. The best for last: Jen playing in the water in the middle of the water walls.
If you would like to schedule your "bridal elegance" video, please call me at 630-876-9604. Please visit my website to learn more. Are you game to have some fun in the water at Millenium Park?
July 18, 2009
Make your special Graduate a "Graduation Storybook" from Elegant Storybooks by Kris
Not sure what to get the special graduate in your life? How about their own personalized 8x8 graduation storybook?
As an independent Heritage Makers consultant, I can help you make a special storybook using your son or daughter's childhood photos and story. I can show you how to make the storybook, or I can make it for you.
Here is a picture of a high school graduate beaming at her storybook as her proud parents look on! They even wrote a personalized letter for the book. This storybook also had several blank pages so the guests could write special messages to the high school graduate at her party.
Graduation storybooks can be made for preschool graduations, 8th grade graduations, high school graduations, college graduations, etc!
For more information on how to preserve special memories through Heritage Makers personalized storybooks, please visit Elegant Storybooks by Kris or call me at 630-876-9604. Ask about monthly specials which you can only get through a Heritage Makers consultant (me). While you're at it, ask about getting a photo montage using the same photos in your storybook. This is a great combo that is sure to please the graduate or person of honor!! Click here to view the completed 8x8 graduation storybook. Each hard-covered, professionally bounded storybook comes with 21 pages and has white velum paper in the front and back. Every storybook can be expanded up to 99 pages.
July 09, 2009
Tips for Brides: You can still say "yes" to video but "no" to expensive weddings!
There was a recent article in the USA Today newspaper (lifestyle section) titled "Couple's say I don't to expensive weddings"
In the article, it offered ways brides have saved money or cut back on spending. There is nothing wrong with not spending what you don't have.
Having said that, I would strongly urge brides to NOT cut out a videographer on their wedding day. Regardless of the size or cost of your wedding, it is still a day you will want to relive again and again (especially on your anniversary or once children come along). With only photos, you won't be able to "hear" your vows, dad's toast to you, or watch and listen to your first dance, etc.
Think about your favorite movie, concert or play: Would you rather have a book of still images from the event or would you like to watch the event again on DVD? Of course you would want the DVD! Your wedding day is more important so getting a wedding video on DVD should be a no-brainer!
One former bride of mine called me 12 years later (she wanted to get her VHS wedding video transferred to DVD). She told her she has four children now and that her daughter is wearing out their VHS wedding video by watching it so much! She said her children love to watch her wedding video! She also said she enjoys seeing her father and grandparents (in the video) who have since passed away. One of her favorite scenes is watching her dad walk her down the aisle. She said her wedding video means more to her now then when she first got it! (I already knew that since I hear that over and over again from my past brides).
DOCUMENTARY PACKAGE VS. CINEMATIC PACKAGE: As the owner of Elegant Videos by Kris, I have had some brides tell me that they want a great video but must watch their costs. I have a "documentary" package where the bride can still get two-camera coverage with two videographers. You don't have to sacrifice great camera & audio coverage. A documentary package is two-camera coverage of the events edited in a straight forward manner whereas the cinematic package involves more artistic & cinematic editing, more audio drop-ins, etc. Less time spent in the editing suite means less cost for you. Please call me at 630-876-9604 or visit my website for more information. Your investment is customized based on hours of coverage, location and what other add-ons you would like to have. Remember, a great video isn't expensive, it's priceless!
website: www.ElegantVideosByKris.com
studio: 630-876-9604
Find us on Facebook: Friends of Elegant Videos by Kris (Chicago Wedding Films)
For more information on saving money on videography, see my May 8, 2009 blog post.
July 06, 2009
Heritage Makers storybooks featured on Good Morning America (July 6, 2009)
TURN DIRECT SELL PASSION INTO CASH on ABC's Good Morning America
Heritage Makers is featured on Good Morning America as a great to make extra cash (as a consultant for the products). Watch the VIDEO segment here.
As an Independent Heritage Makers consultant, I would like to add that I have many happy clients and they usually shed a tear when their book arrives. Not sure how many people shed a tear when their make-up or kitchen utensil arrives. The key phrase is passion. I love helping people preserve their family memories. I've been doing this for over 20 years with my videography, and the storybook is just another tool I use to help people preserve their special memories. If you are the family memory keeper and/and love taking photos, chances are you will enjoy selling (and using) these products! If you are a videographer/photographer, this is another income stream you can add to your business. A photo montage with a storybook goes hand-in-hand. This isn't a get-rich-quick scheme, so if you aren't willing to put some effort into it, chances are you won't succeed.
I am a Heritage Makers consultant in Chicago, but I have clients and a team of consultants all across the United States. To learn more, visit Elegant Storybooks by Kris or call me (Kris) at 630-876-9604.
READ THE FULL ARTICLE BELOW:
Turn Direct Sell Passion Into Cash
Make Cash With Direct Sales
By TORY JOHNSON
Workplace Contributor
July 6, 2009—
Direct selling is a proven moneymaker when times are tough. The numbers tell the story: During the 1990 recession, the number of direct sellers grew to more than 5 million. In the 2001 recession, that number jumped to more than 12 million. In 2007, there were 15 million direct sellers and rising. Direct selling brought in more than $30 billion in the United States alone.
It's not easy. To succeed in direct sales, you really have to hustle. It's like running your own business; your effort (or lack of) will make your sales sink or swim. The people who are making money now in direct sales work on their business every single day; it's front and center on their minds and in their actions.
It's not get-rich-quick. The median income is about $2,500 a year, which means a couple hundred dollars a month perhaps enough to pay down a credit card bill. For active sellers, the median jumps to $6,000 a year.
If you think it's for you, there are several details to consider.
What's in a name? When you hear Mary Kay or Avon, you know exactly what they sell. You can dream of cruising around in a slick pink Cadillac as a Mary Kay superstar or jetting off to the Bahamas for a luxurious vacation, as Avon's top sellers did recently. Everyone knows the product and there's a history of quality, which may make you feel most comfortable.
The potential challenge: Since everyone knows the product, you may have an uphill battle carving out a customer base because existing fans may already be aligned with their favorite seller.
Lesser-known companies will lack the multimillion-dollar marketing campaigns to generate awareness for their brand, so you'll have to work overtime taking on the challenge of introducing new product lines.
Clever Container, for example, is a relatively new line of organizing products with only about 100 consultants nationwide. You could be the one to introduce friends to its products by hosting Tupperware-style parties, which the company calls organizing workshops, for every part of the home.
Money, money, money. There are three financial questions you have to ask before you get involved with any direct selling company: what are the startup costs?; what's your commission or realistic earning potential, and what's the refund policy if you decide it's not for you?
Startup costs. You will have to pay some upfront costs to cover product samples, training materials, order forms, and the opportunity to sell. The amount varies widely from company to company; don't just look at the cost, be sure to examine what exactly you're getting for your money.
Cookie Lee, a moderately priced trendy jewelry company, has three different starter kits ranging from $99 to over $500.
Look at commissions. Cookie Lee and Mary Kay, for example, offer a 50 percent base commission. That means if you sell a $30 product, you'll pocket $15 on the sale.
Check out the refund policy. Let's say you buy a startup kit and find that direct selling just isn't for you. If the company is a member of the Direct Selling Association, its code of ethics requires the company to buy back unused/unopened material within a year for at least 90 percent of the purchase price.
Sell what you love. When choosing a direct sales company, passion is the key word. You should choose something you would use yourself, something that complements your lifestyle.
For example, if your family loves games, Simply Fun is a company that sells more than 85 games for all ages. These are exclusive products; customers can only buy them from you.
If you're a scrapbooker, you can sell products by Heritage Makers. They sell greeting cards, posters, scrapbooks, albums lots of things for that hobby.
And who wouldn't come to a chocolate party? Dove Chocolate Discoveries just launched nationally last year, and as a chocolatier, as the sellers are called, you can invite friends over to indulge in -- and buy treats everything from candy to chocolate martinis to brownie mix.
No matter what you decide, remember that direct selling is selling. Even the best products won't sell themselves if you're not actively soliciting customers and promoting your business. To make money, you'll have to wear your sales hat.
Tory Johnson is the workplace contributor on ABC's "Good Morning America" and the CEO of Women For Hire. Connect with her at www.womenforhire.com or chat with her on Twitter.com/ToryJohnson.
June 27, 2009
Don Lawler joins Heritage Makers!
Don Lawler joins Heritage Makers!
Don joins my Heritage Makers team as an Independent Heritage Makers consultant. Don is from Memphis, Tennessee and is the owner of Don Lawler Films. Don's motto for his video company is "Telling Your Stories. Saving Your Memories." That sounds like it could be a Heritage Maker's tagline to me! Don is a storyteller and he has added a new tool (Heritage Makers storybooks) to help his clients tell their story and save their memories. Don is one of several men on my team. Welcome Don!
For more information on how to offer these professionally-bound, elegant Heritage Maker storybooks to your clients, please call me at 630-876-9604 or visit my Heritage Makers website at Elegant Storybooks by Kris. I am a Heritage Makers consultant here in Chicago, but I have clients and consultants all across the country. Let me help you get started today! Don't forget to ask me about the monthly specials (specials that you can only get through a HM consultant).
June 26, 2009
EventDV magazine - Review of 2009 IVA Midwest Expo
EventDV magazine review: The Untouchables - IVA Brings World-class Filmmakes to Chicago for Midwest Expo.
The IVA Midwest held its third annual Midwest Expo on May 20, 2009. Editor-in-Chief, Steve Nathans-Kelly, came down for the event. Read his entire review.
I was a presenter at the IVA Midwest Expo in 2006. This year, I was on the IIllinois Videographers Association (IVA) board that helped bring in three outside speakers along with three home-grown Chicago speakers. Even so, I was mentioned in the opening paragraph - Thanks Steve for the nod!! I took this group photo at Giordano's Pizza (we wanted to treat our speakers to the famous Chicago stuffed pizza). Thanks again to our speakers (in pic): Michael Wong, Patrick Moreau, Kevin Shahinian, Keith Kelly, Steve Zagata, Chris Chibucos
June 02, 2009
June 2009 Specials from Heritage Makers/Elegant Storybooks by Kris
We’ve got an exciting Pick of the Month for June! For the entire month, you can get a 12×12 storybook credit for only $59.95. You save $20! This is the lowest price Heritage Makers has EVER offered on the 12×12 storybook!
Plus, you can get three months of Premier for only $29.95…that’s $10/month! You can add Premier to your Pick of the Month or get this special deal on any product you order! Hurry, savings like this won’t last long!
Specials expire June 30, 2009. Contact a consultant today!
To order the above package or to inquire about other monthly specials, please contact Chicago Heritage Makers consultant, Kris Malandruccolo at 630-876-9604 or visit her website Elegant Storybooks by Kris FIRST TIME CUSTOMERS: Place an order with me and I will give you one extra month of the studio premiere membership for FREE!
