Chicago Wedding Films

EventDV magazine October 2010 - The Reel Deal: The Power of Praise

EventDV magazine Oct. 2010 - The Reel Deal:  The Power of Praise by Kris Malandruccolo

Marketing our businesses is something that all of us should do on a continual basis. In this Great Recession, we need to be creative and thrifty in our marketing. So I'm going to share a marketing tool that doesn't cost you any money, yet it's priceless: a heartfelt testimony from a happy client or a fellow wedding professional. We can talk until we're blue in the face about how great we are, but a client or colleague testimonial will mean much more to a potential client. Let your clients and fellow vendors do the talking (and the selling), and your business will reap the rewards. 

After taking some time off, I'm back with my latest Reel Deal column -  The Power of Praise

What is Facebook Friday by Kim Shokouhi Photography?

What is Facebook Friday? 
 
  
Facebook Friday is a quick, affordable and professional way to enhance your image.  In just 20 minutes, Kim, owner of Kim Shokouhi Photography will take 3 different images, re-touch them and give to you so you can use them on your social media sites such as Facebook. LinkedIn, Twitter, your website, your blog, or your business card (putting your photo on your business card is a way to stand out amongst the crowd).

Kim is doing this for the unbelievable price of only $25!  You better run and pick up the phone to call Kim now at that price.  Kim does fantastic work!  She did my new head shots in July 2009 and I love them.

All professionals (not just wedding professionals) need an updated, current head shot for your professional career...or maybe you are single and want to update a photo on a dating website:)  

If you call Kim, be sure and tell her "Kris of Elegant Videos by Kris" referred you.

EventDV magazine May 2009 - The Reel Deal column: Success Principles That Everyone Can Follow Right Now!

Kris Malandruccolo wrote "The Success Principles for Videographers" for the May 2009 issue of EventDV magazine.  While the column was written with videographers with mind, the article really applies to anyone!

I want to especially thank Jack Canfield (that's us in the pic) for making it possible for me to write this article.

I have been a fan of Jack Canfield's Success Principles book for over two years, so it was great to finally meet Jack in person!

 

The Reel Deal:  Success Principles for Videographers

Are you where you want to be in life? If not, who or what is holding you back? Think about that seriously for a minute. "Stop with the excuses!" says Jack Canfield (www.jackcanfield.com), motivational life coach and best-selling author of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series. Canfield is also the author of The Success Principles, which has 64 chapters that can help take you from where you are to where you want to be. Recently, I attended one of Canfield's all-day Success Principles workshops, and I want to share a few of these success principles with you.

Take 100% Responsibility for Your Life and Your Results. Canfield says, "You have to stop blaming others, complaining about circumstances and events, justifying your lack of results, and defending your position. Hold yourself accountable." Practice Persistence. Jack told the story how the first Chicken Soup for the Soul book was rejected by 144 publishers. What if Jack had given up after 144 rejections? He would not be where he is today. Do not give up on your dream! When you're working on your dream, get used to the idea that there will be a lot of rejection along the way. Just because a bride or another client says "no" today, it doesn't mean she won't say "yes" tomorrow. Unleash the Power of Goal Setting. You need to know what it is you want before you will get it. What are your goals? High-achievers have unusual clarity about what they want. A goal is something that you want that is measurable in time and space. For example, don't just say, "I want to make more money in the coming year"; say, "I want to bring in an additional $2,000 per month or sign two extra weddings per month for the next 12 months." Be Clear Why You Are Here.When what you're doing doesn't feel like work, you have found your life purpose. It may be time to reconsider what you do for a living if the thought of dealing with a bride gives you headaches or if you like shooting but dread the thought of sitting in front of the computer editing for hours. One way around that is to outsource what you don't like to do so you can focus fully on what you love doing. Practice the Rule of Five. You need to do five things every day to get you toward your goal. You can do the same things every day or do something different every day, but make sure you are doing five things to help you reach your goal. If your goal is to get more business, then some of your action steps could include signing up for a networking or association group, joining a social network site (i.e., Facebook, LinkedIn), following up with a lead, calling a prospective bride or calling a local business with a business proposal, taking a bridal consultant (or other wedding professional) to lunch, updating your website, sending out marketing materials, or participating in a bridal show. Build Up Your Network. In networking, visibility leads to credibility, and credibility leads to profitability. Networking is not just showing up, handing out your business cards, and waiting for the phone to ring. Networking can take months, even years, to see results. Once you help another company with their business, you have earned credibility. In turn, they'll want to help you, so it leads to profitability. When you help others find jobs, it comes back to you. I experienced this recently with two new photographers I had just met at a networking function. Instead of calling them and asking them to refer me to clients, I called them with a potential job lead. Both photographers thanked me and then invited me to their studio so we could discuss working together in the future. I also ask all brides who call me what other services they are looking for. Even if they don't end up hiring me for videography, I have still given them the name of several colleagues. Some networking associations for videographers include the Wedding & Event Videographers Association International (WEVA), National Association for Catering Executives (NACE), Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC), Association for Wedding Professionals International (AFWPI), Business Networking International (BNI), as well as your local videographers association, Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club, Lions Club, etc. Ask! Ask! Ask! Asking is one of the most powerful success strategies there is, yet many people are afraid to ask for things due to fear of rejection. When you meet with a bride, do you ask her for her business before she leaves? After you ask once, do you stop asking if you haven't gotten a commitment? I read a marketing statistic that shows that 60% of all sales are made after the fourth call. Yet 94% of all salespeople quit after the third call. Think of all the business that is left sitting on the table. Express Gratitude. Expressing gratitude opens up the door for more blessings to come into your life. Before going to bed at night, think of five things that you are grateful for. Even in hard times, it helps to ask, "What is the opportunity in this (bad time)?" One thing on my list is to thank Jack Canfield for giving me a free press pass to his event. Want to know how I got it? I asked for it. Kris Malandruccolo (kris@elegantvideosbykris), an EventDV 25 honoree and 2007 WEVA Hall of Fame inductee, is the owner of Chicago-based Elegant Videos by Kris and Elegant Storybooks by Kris. She is a certified Master Wedding Vendor through the Association of Bridal Consultants, WEVA Public Relations Chair, an international speaker, and past-president of the Illinois Videographers Association.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marketing seminar presented by Kris Malandruccolo

  Kris Malandruccolo, owner of Elegant Videos by Kris, presented "The Elegant Queen's Rules of Marketing" to the EWE (Elevated Wedding Events) Networking group on February 4, 2009 in Bartlett, Illinois.

 

Seminar description:  Tired of working the ugly step-sister’s wedding with no budget for your service? What is the best way to reach the Cinderella bride who wants the fairy tale wedding?   Want to avoid spending money on the “frogs” of advertising?   The best things in life are free says Kris who is listed at the top of Google searches in her Chicago market.   With the wave of her scepter, Kris will share free and low-cost marketing tips that will take you straight to the top of the castle.   You will learn how to use digital media and the press to get free publicity for your company.   Come learn how Kris found the glass slipper containing almost $12,000 by making just two phone calls.   Come learn what you can do to make your marketing materials stand out amongst the peasants.  Learn about blogging, video emails and portable video.  It’s all about YOU!   Come to find out how you can have the happily ever after “storybook” ending! 

If your organization is interested in this timely marketing seminar of low-cost and free tips, please contact me at 630-876-9604.

Tips for Videograpers: Check your Spam folder on a daily basis!

 Success Tips for Videographers:  Check your Spam folder on a daily basis!

As videographers, we should all be checking email on a daily basis since that is how potential clients may first be contacting us.   However, don't forget to check your spam folder on a daily basis too.

I check my "spam" folder on a regular basis but sometimes skip a day if I am especially busy.   I won't be doing that again.  I recently checked my spam folder after three days and found three different videographer inquiries!   Two emails were from potential brides and one email was from a bridal consultant (who was using a new email account).   I'm not sure why these went to spam, that's not the point.   The point is, you don't want to leave potential business on the table and not even know it!   Business emails could be going to your spam account, so check it daily!

 Just like to need to return phone calls within 24 hours, you also need to return emails within 24 hours.  Actually - the sooner the better!  Don't delay in getting back to client inquiries!  Sometimes it's first come, first served.  Brides have mentioned to me more than once that they have contacted videographers but have never heard back.  Even if you aren't available, send them an email acknowledging their email and give them a few videographer referrals.   Don't let potential business slip through the spam folder!  

My recommended reading list from The School of U

 In my January 2009 column, The Reel Deal:  The Shift to Thrift, for EventDV magazine, I talk about how reading personal finance books can help your financial situation.  I am listing some of my favorite books here.   You should all be attending "The School of U" by always reading!   It is important to read books that improve YOU.   I'm always on the look-out for these types of books, so if you have a favorite that isn't listed here, please share it with me!  Here's to YOU!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kris' Recommended Reading List

 

The Snowball: Warren Buffet & The Business of Life – Alice Schroeder

The Success Principles – Jack Canfield

Harmonic Wealth – James Arthur Ray

The Speed of Trust – Stephen Covey, Jr.

Think Big & Kiss Ass – Donald Trump

Women & Money – Suze Orman

The Money Book for the Young, Fabulous & Broke – Suze Orman

The Laws of Money – Suze Orman

The Last Lecture – Randy Pausch

The Tipping Point – Malcom Gladwell

Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff About Money – Richard Carlson

Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff About Work – Richard Carlson

The Secret – Rhonda Bryne

The Millionaire Next Door – Dr. Thomas Stanley

Who Stole My Cheese – Ilene Hochburg

Think & Grow Rich – Napolean Hill

5 Lessons A Millionaire Taught Me –  Richard Paul Evans

The Attraction Factor – Joe Vitale

Acres of Diamonds – Russell Conwell

As A Man Thinketh – James Allan

The Four Pillars of Investing – William Bernstein

Unlimited Power – Anthony Robbins

Rich Dad/Poor Dad – Robert Kiyosaki

Rich Kid/Smart Kid – Robert Kiyosaki

How To Win Friends & Influence People – Dale Carnegie

The Travelers Gift – Andy Andrews

The Passion Test – Janet Attword

The Right Words At The Right Time – Marlo Thomas & friends

The Daffodil Principle – Jaroldeen Asplund Edwards

Discovering The Laws Of Life – John Templeton

Ordinary People-Extraordinary Wealth – Ric Edelman

Motley Foots Money After 40 – Tom & David Gardnere

The Must-Have Customer – Robert Gordon

Guerilla Marketing in 30 Days – Jay Levinston

The Automatic Millionaire – David Bach

Smart Couples Finish Rich – David Bach

Nice Girls Don’t Finish Rich – Lois Frankel

I’ve Seen Famous People Naked and They’ve Got Nothing On You – Jake Stenfield

Debt-Proof Living – Mary Hunt

Over The Top – Zig Ziglar

A New Earth – Eckhart Tolle

Reading People – Jo-Ellen Dimitrius

The Bible

**and other books by the above authors!

Happy New Year! Elegant Videos by Kris is now on Facebook

    Happy New Year from Elegant Videos by Kris--Chicago Wedding Films!   

In 2009 I am celebrating 21 years in business! 

I stay current in business by continually keeping up on trends and attending educational seminars.  If you read my December 2008 EventDV editor's pick, you know that I picked Facebook as a big social trend for videographers in 2008.

 I invite you to join my Facebook business page.  You can find me on Facebook under    Friends of Elegant Videos by Kris (Chicago Wedding Films).    You can see where I've been in the news, articles I have written, view photos and videos.  While there, take a moment to become a "friend"    Once you become a friend, stop back often to see what's new!

 

 

Tips for Sucess: Send a text reminder for your next appointment

                              TIPS FOR SUCCESS:  Send a text reminder for your next appointment by Kris Malandruccolo

It's Fun to Know: Do You LOL or Laugh Out Loud?

Using your cellphone just to talk to people? Well, you're in the minority. According to a Nielsen report, text messaging has become the primary function of cellphones. The average mobile user receives 350 texts per month, versus 200 voice calls.

The report cites teenagers as the main drivers of this trend. The typical teen receives an average of 1,700 texts a month! But businesspeople are also avid texters. They've taken advantage of the widespread availability of the QWERTY keyboard (similar to your computer's keyboard) on cellphones, which makes texting quick and easy.

(Source: Nielsen and The New York Times)

As a parent of high-school and college age children, I could have told you that one! LOL In fact, I recently changed our family cell phone plan to include unlimited text messaging and cut the minutes from 1500 to 700 minutes.   This past month, our cell phone monthly minute usage was only 398 minutes! OMG

When I make an appointment, I always ask for the couples cell phone number.  Many young couples today do not even have a land-line anymore.   While it is good to send an email or phone reminder, I highly recommend sending a text message reminder 24 hours ahead of time.   Not only will the bride get that message and respond right back, but you will also be seen as some who is "with it", so to speak.  Especially the older you are, it is good to be perceived as someone who is keeping up with trends.

Best of all for me, when I text my kids, I usually get an immediate response!   No one has to know they are talking to mom.   Your clients will appreciate that they can respond back immediately instead of taking the time to pick up the phone or answer an email.  People want "fast" results, and texting is a way to get fast results.

To make an appointment the old-fashioned way, please call me at 630-876-9604 or you can email me at Kris@ElegantVideosByKris.com.  For more information, please visit my website at Elegant Videos by Kris.  You will get an appointment text reminder 24 hours ahead of time.

g2g!

 

Tips for Success: Join a Social Networking Site

Tips for Success:  Join A Social Networking Site to expand your marketing potential!

Two of the biggest social networking sites are FREE:  Facebook and LinkedIn.   They serve different functions, yet many people belong to both (I do).  You can link to your business website and blog from these sites so potential clients can check you out.

LinkedIN - The CEO of LinkedIn, Dan Nye, calls LinkedIn "Marketing on Steroids"  Click here to read his interview with Forbes magazine and why you should be on LinkedIN.  This is a professional site where you list your employment history, organizations you below to, and where you can ask your colleagues for recommendations.  You connect with others (friends, clients, colleagues) who add you to your network.   You can also check out job listings, ask questions and explore business opportunities.  I was even contacted by a recruiter who I suspect found me on Linkedin.    You can hire people from LinkedIn as well.   All professionals should be listed on here.

Facebook - My perception of Facebook was that it was a place for college kids to hang out and post pictures of their parties.  I then received an invitation from a videographer friend to join Facebook, so I did.  I was surprised by all the videographers who have a "profile". Some of whom I would have never expected to find on there. This is more "social" where Linkedin is more "professional."  It's like a cyber-watercooler.   So far I'm just connected to friends.  I was surprised at the number of "friend requests" I've received from people I don't know (sorry, but I'm only accepting friend requests from people I know). I'm new at this and still exploring the site, but I'm starting to find photographers and others that I have worked with.  I'm slowly expanding my circle. 

Tips for Videographers: How to stop a cough

How to stop a cough?  Try Fisherman's Friend cough drops.

I was sick a couple weeks ago and had a real nasty cough.  I also had a wedding scheduled too. It is a videographer's nightmare - you can be a photographer and have a cough, but a videographer can't have a cough as you don't want that on the audio.  Someone recommended that I try Fisherman's Friend cough drops, so I did.  I have to tell you it absolutely worked!!  I didn't cough once during the entire wedding day (but I kept popping those cough drops).  They aren't the best tasting, but they do the job.   I got them at Jewel-Osco in the Chicago area, but you can also buy online too.  Nothing has come close to working like these have.