Making Money With Media

Posted on April 1, 2008 
Filed Under Branding You

Experts intuitively know the value of becoming a published author. It gives you instant credibility and can serve as calling card. Having audio, DVDs and online media products provides you with yet another level of respectability. It communicates to the public and your business prospects that your expertise is valued.

Plus, there is a financial upside. Professional speakers with product know the value of back of the room sales.

Packaging is key when creating your media products. You want to have crisp eye-catching graphics that distinguish your brand. Consider having a signature icon, color scheme, or some other defining characteristic in your packaging that set your products apart.

Start the process by doing an analysis of existing top selling media products. Browse catalogs and bookstores and take notice of the items that stand out. Enlist an impartial friend or two to join your survey mission and listen closely their input.

Clip ads for media products and start two folders. One for ads that appeal to your senses, and a second for ads that you view as less than favorable. These folders will help you to articulate your specific likes and dislikes when working with a graphic artist. And how do you find one?

There are two schools of thought when it comes to hiring creative talent - you can shell out big bucks for a top design firm, or hire your tech savvy nephew for next to nothing. Realize though that cutting corners can be costly. On the other hand, colleges are now brimming with highly talented artists. Many are looking to build their portfolios with work samples and are therefore willing to work for less. Be sure to get references in either case. Nothing is more frustrating in working with people that have a poor work ethic. You can hire the most creative artist on the planet. But if he or she isn’t reliable about delivery schedules and technical matters you’re in for some upsets.

Finally, consider the merits of bundling your products together to increase your profit margin. Adding a DVD to the back of your book increases the value of both items.

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