The simultaneous ring. Although this sounds like it can be wasteful or unnecessary for those of us that are locked at a desk for the majority of the day, there are times when this mobile networking technology can be extremely useful. The ability to have a call to the office be forwarded to your cell phone allows people to maintain closer contact, regardless of how on the move someone may be.
Personally, although I haven't upgraded my phone systems in a couple of years, I put to use a great service that, when alone in the office, was able to go out to lunch and still take all of the calls that I was expecting. It's a simple step, and although additional rates can be accumulated, can be extremely beneficial under specific circumstances. For example, what if you are out, your cell phone is about to die, but you're expecting an extremely important call from someone. If a Verizon carrier, you can dial *72 followed by the 10 digit number of the phone that you want to ring when someone instead had originally called your phone. This technology is a great selling tool for communication solutions providers although it is a fairly simple feature that is often already provided by most carrier providers. (I even used this in my final case as one of the selling points of the gentleman's need to upgrade his network system). Honestly though, I put it to use all of the time when I'm the only one in the office and need to either run out on a quick installation, do some manufacturing in the back, or need to even go out and grab a coffee or lunch.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Wrong Color, Do It Again.
Color management is a HUGE deal in my business. Charges to hit specifically noted colors can be outrageous on some invoices, as brands have built themselves around the appearance of specific colors and logos. The primary language that is transferrable from RGB to CMYK combinations is the use of the pantone chart, a swatch of thousands of color combinations denoted by the mix of Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black for the digital printing world.
Although it's easy for some companies to say, "Hey, our exact read is PMS201", other companies may say, "Hey, can you match the blue that's on the side of our building?". These are the tricky ones. The "in-betweeners" that is up to the professional's discretion to determine what the appropriate color can be. Luckily, technology has progressed to aid in this process.
Rather than sifting through the color swatches or holding them up to whatever the original substrate is, Pantone has released a new product, Capsure, to identify the color for you. Here is the press release from Pantone that really outlines the significance to this contribution to the visual communication industry:
Although it's easy for some companies to say, "Hey, our exact read is PMS201", other companies may say, "Hey, can you match the blue that's on the side of our building?". These are the tricky ones. The "in-betweeners" that is up to the professional's discretion to determine what the appropriate color can be. Luckily, technology has progressed to aid in this process.
Rather than sifting through the color swatches or holding them up to whatever the original substrate is, Pantone has released a new product, Capsure, to identify the color for you. Here is the press release from Pantone that really outlines the significance to this contribution to the visual communication industry:
Created for professionals in fashion, home furnishings, interior, industrial and graphic design, as well as contractors, paint retailers and do-it-yourselfers, CAPSURE allows users to accurately identify color inspiration from any surface, material or fabric and match it to a PANTONE(R) Color for easy communication. With unsurpassed accuracy, CAPSURE significantly reduces the time it takes to measure or choose a color from a sample or any other form of color inspiration.
The device uses powerful tri-directional image capture technology that eliminates the shadows and interference inherent to patterned and textured materials and surfaces. By illuminating the surface being measured from three different directions while simultaneously recording 27 color-accurate images in 1.6 seconds, CAPSURE can extract up to four dominant colors from an intricate pattern so the viewer can clearly identify the desired color.
CAPSURE’s image capture technology lets professionals preview what they are measuring on its 1.75-inch color screen, in real time, to affirm image accuracy. Those images are then stored on the device for later reference. CAPSURE has the ability to record the last 100 colors measured for later reference. Users can also annotate colors with a voice recording as well as a time and date stamp. Additionally, the device provides harmonious shades and identifies related colors that are lighter, darker or similar in tone to the identified color.
Safety First!
Driving home from work the other day, it became apparent that the world would be incredibly lost without signage, especially digital signage.
Highway signage has evolved over the decades to the point where there are not large LED electronic cabinets mounted to scaffolding over the middle of the road. The point? Constant alerts. The point of these are generally brief comments to alert a driver about the current traffic or road conditions. Although not something I really dive into myself (leave this to the government subcontractors), this is till something to recognize and appreciate. Although new bills are being passed in the federal government to alert citizens about things such as amber alerts or national security concerns, this digital signage on the highway is still a breakthrough idea for real-time updates. Here's the inside scoop on really the basic idea:
__________________________________________________________________________________
Good intentions
The intention of roadside LED text messages is to communicate ongoing traffic conditions to drivers in as close to real-time updates as possible. Known as 'roadside incidents' the sign systems report on any number of traffic incidents including slow downs, accidents, construction, lane closures, weather concerns, amber alerts and travel time alerts. The LED sign network is dedicated to keeping drivers aware of these situations and providing safe traffic conditions. In the event of any deviation of these "safe driving conditions" drivers are immediately alerted via updated messages with a status alert and if necessary, an alternate route to by-pass the incident. Typical message alerts can vary from global messages that cover the entire network (from amber alerts to posted speed limits) to messages dedicated to a road incident along a specific highway route.
The integration of LED message centers into highway traffic management is part of a more complex information gathering network know as the Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) program. ITS is an initiative of the United States DOT to add information technology as a traffic management component to each state-wide transportation infrastructure. ITS does this with the goal of improving safety and reducing vehicle wear, negative transportation times and fuel costs. The central component of maintaining real-time roadside communications with LED message centers in the ITS world it is known as Dynamic Message Signs (DMS), though some state-wide DOTs describe them as Variable or Changeable Message Signs (VMS or CMS).
In building a DMS highway network, a subset of its ITS requirement is that different sign manufacturers who provide LED sign systems are able to properly communicate with the DOTs command center's sign network software program. This is known as interoperability and defined by the National Transportation Communications for Intelligent Transportation Systems (NTCIP) protocols. The outcome of this protocol establishes a traffic control standard that allows DOTs to "mix and match" different kinds of LED sign equipment allowing them to operate in a common sign network, despite any unique manufacturing or operating characteristic they may have.
Understanding the DMS roadside environment is a study of how the various DOTs maintain and acquire electronic signage for their highways. One side being how the DOTs use VMS and the other side referring to a select group of LED sign manufacturers who supply VMS to the various state DOTs. To understand the DOTs needs both Georgia and Washington state DOT command centers were interviewed on the importance of VMS for traffic management. This is followed with an overview of several LED sign manufacturers who supply VMS signage to the state-wide DOTs as needed.(Source: http://www.signindustry.com/led/articles/2007-08-LB-Variable_Message_Systems_Used_by_DOT.php3)
Highway signage has evolved over the decades to the point where there are not large LED electronic cabinets mounted to scaffolding over the middle of the road. The point? Constant alerts. The point of these are generally brief comments to alert a driver about the current traffic or road conditions. Although not something I really dive into myself (leave this to the government subcontractors), this is till something to recognize and appreciate. Although new bills are being passed in the federal government to alert citizens about things such as amber alerts or national security concerns, this digital signage on the highway is still a breakthrough idea for real-time updates. Here's the inside scoop on really the basic idea:
__________________________________________________________________________________
Good intentions
The intention of roadside LED text messages is to communicate ongoing traffic conditions to drivers in as close to real-time updates as possible. Known as 'roadside incidents' the sign systems report on any number of traffic incidents including slow downs, accidents, construction, lane closures, weather concerns, amber alerts and travel time alerts. The LED sign network is dedicated to keeping drivers aware of these situations and providing safe traffic conditions. In the event of any deviation of these "safe driving conditions" drivers are immediately alerted via updated messages with a status alert and if necessary, an alternate route to by-pass the incident. Typical message alerts can vary from global messages that cover the entire network (from amber alerts to posted speed limits) to messages dedicated to a road incident along a specific highway route.
The integration of LED message centers into highway traffic management is part of a more complex information gathering network know as the Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) program. ITS is an initiative of the United States DOT to add information technology as a traffic management component to each state-wide transportation infrastructure. ITS does this with the goal of improving safety and reducing vehicle wear, negative transportation times and fuel costs. The central component of maintaining real-time roadside communications with LED message centers in the ITS world it is known as Dynamic Message Signs (DMS), though some state-wide DOTs describe them as Variable or Changeable Message Signs (VMS or CMS).
In building a DMS highway network, a subset of its ITS requirement is that different sign manufacturers who provide LED sign systems are able to properly communicate with the DOTs command center's sign network software program. This is known as interoperability and defined by the National Transportation Communications for Intelligent Transportation Systems (NTCIP) protocols. The outcome of this protocol establishes a traffic control standard that allows DOTs to "mix and match" different kinds of LED sign equipment allowing them to operate in a common sign network, despite any unique manufacturing or operating characteristic they may have.
Understanding the DMS roadside environment is a study of how the various DOTs maintain and acquire electronic signage for their highways. One side being how the DOTs use VMS and the other side referring to a select group of LED sign manufacturers who supply VMS to the various state DOTs. To understand the DOTs needs both Georgia and Washington state DOT command centers were interviewed on the importance of VMS for traffic management. This is followed with an overview of several LED sign manufacturers who supply VMS signage to the state-wide DOTs as needed.(Source: http://www.signindustry.com/led/articles/2007-08-LB-Variable_Message_Systems_Used_by_DOT.php3)
Obsolete Computers?
I'm not sure how sold I am on this new technology yet and I don't think it will have an immediate impact in an industry that doesn't rely on quantitative components and data but rather is streamlined by visual communications. However, the memristor is apparently a microscopic component that is anticipated to make current computer technology obsolete in less than a decade. It apparently remembers electrical states even when turned off and is expected to be much faster and cheaper than flash storage. Thus, you can shut your computer off and turn it back on to immediately return back to what you were working on without needing to reboot. HP is perhaps the furthest along with the technology that was introduced by Intel and AMD and are expected to possibly replace DRAM and hard disks by 2016. This newer, affordable, faster technology will be small enough to fit in your pocket yet will still have the entire capacity of a fully developed desktop computer.
Cool, but not feasible for me. Maybe I'll adapt to this for my personal laptop, but the development of graphics needs visual aid as well as a work station to properly channel creativity to production. I'll keep my eye out on this technology, but other than being aware, this isn't something that a competitor can obtain that would give them a competitive advantage over me in the local market share.
Cool, but not feasible for me. Maybe I'll adapt to this for my personal laptop, but the development of graphics needs visual aid as well as a work station to properly channel creativity to production. I'll keep my eye out on this technology, but other than being aware, this isn't something that a competitor can obtain that would give them a competitive advantage over me in the local market share.
Why use one monitor when 2 is so much cooler?
Here's something that incoming college freshmen are wowed at when they walk through the business school of their new university; dual monitors.
Having two monitors instead of one can be almost intimidating at first and troublesome to learn, but when mastered on how to balance the use they can be an unbelievable asset to increasing productivity. Whether using a specific monitor dedicated to only e-mail (and facebook) while the other one is for applications or navigating fluently through a full set of programs on each unit, life can be easier by having two monitors instead of one.
The control panel on your computer makes it fairly simple to figure out the configuration of external monitor sharing, even allowing you to indicate whether the monitors are aligned side by side or placed one on top of the other. So although it looks like high end stock brokers and young online poker pros are the only ones currently adapting to the use of dual screen computers, the actuality is that this can be a great opportunity to help increase efficiency for any small business. In my world, it would be a remarkable benefit to be able to have different stages of designs on the two monitors. One can be something such as the client's rendition of what they may be dreaming of and the second monitor can be my graphic design coming to life without having to constantly flip back and forth between programs and screens. Who knows, hopefully we'll grown enough that at some point I'll even need to incorporate 3 or even 4 screens!
Having two monitors instead of one can be almost intimidating at first and troublesome to learn, but when mastered on how to balance the use they can be an unbelievable asset to increasing productivity. Whether using a specific monitor dedicated to only e-mail (and facebook) while the other one is for applications or navigating fluently through a full set of programs on each unit, life can be easier by having two monitors instead of one.
The control panel on your computer makes it fairly simple to figure out the configuration of external monitor sharing, even allowing you to indicate whether the monitors are aligned side by side or placed one on top of the other. So although it looks like high end stock brokers and young online poker pros are the only ones currently adapting to the use of dual screen computers, the actuality is that this can be a great opportunity to help increase efficiency for any small business. In my world, it would be a remarkable benefit to be able to have different stages of designs on the two monitors. One can be something such as the client's rendition of what they may be dreaming of and the second monitor can be my graphic design coming to life without having to constantly flip back and forth between programs and screens. Who knows, hopefully we'll grown enough that at some point I'll even need to incorporate 3 or even 4 screens!
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
If you get lost driving, is there even an excuse anymore?
Smartphones and GPS and dashboard mapping systems have made it nearly impossible for a technologically invested consumer to get lost in their vehicle. Ever.
However, a cool new feature for people on the road (like myself when I'm traveling Connecticut doing installations) is to have complete power over the route to your destination(s). MapQuest has relaunched its interface to provide an extremely updated look with handy features to allow the traveler to pick and outline the route that he/she wishes to take. Want to stop off for a restaurant or bar? Need an ATM or gas? Icons located on the map are clickable to help identify where along your route the nearest solutions may be to your problem. Avoid traffic, upload the map to your dashboard navigation system, or even create custom maps for websites or blogs to specifically target specific stops and destinations that should be noted.
However, a cool new feature for people on the road (like myself when I'm traveling Connecticut doing installations) is to have complete power over the route to your destination(s). MapQuest has relaunched its interface to provide an extremely updated look with handy features to allow the traveler to pick and outline the route that he/she wishes to take. Want to stop off for a restaurant or bar? Need an ATM or gas? Icons located on the map are clickable to help identify where along your route the nearest solutions may be to your problem. Avoid traffic, upload the map to your dashboard navigation system, or even create custom maps for websites or blogs to specifically target specific stops and destinations that should be noted.
No cash? No problem!
Here's one of the biggest problems of being a small business owner.... people at the upper chains of a corporate ladder aren't willing to take consultation advice from someone in there mid-20s.
It happens all of the time in the field as my brother and I are wearing multiple hats in our business: sales, marketing, design, installers, customer service... the list goes on and on. It always bothers me, however, that when I go out to perform an installation, customers feel as though they have an automatic right to 30 day terms with me simply because it's in their best interest and as a 23-year-old I have no right to enforce this. The common culprit; they don't have cash or a check on them! Well, unfortunately for any future customers trying to pull a move like this, technology has completely ruined any prospects of reveling in this excuse. Behold, Mobile Merchant Pro.
Mobile Merchant Pro™ for Google Android is a free, virtual credit card terminal application which gives Android users the ability to run real-time credit card transactions right on their cell phone.
Credit cards are never stored on the cell phones, and supports major credit card processing sites such as PayPal to ensure security and peace of mind. The software even allows the capability of editing invoice details or purchase order information to document the entire transaction. Immediate feedback on the acceptance or decline of the transaction further emphasizes the convenience delivered to both service provider and customer when a payment is needed to be made.
It happens all of the time in the field as my brother and I are wearing multiple hats in our business: sales, marketing, design, installers, customer service... the list goes on and on. It always bothers me, however, that when I go out to perform an installation, customers feel as though they have an automatic right to 30 day terms with me simply because it's in their best interest and as a 23-year-old I have no right to enforce this. The common culprit; they don't have cash or a check on them! Well, unfortunately for any future customers trying to pull a move like this, technology has completely ruined any prospects of reveling in this excuse. Behold, Mobile Merchant Pro.
Mobile Merchant Pro™ for Google Android is a free, virtual credit card terminal application which gives Android users the ability to run real-time credit card transactions right on their cell phone.
Credit cards are never stored on the cell phones, and supports major credit card processing sites such as PayPal to ensure security and peace of mind. The software even allows the capability of editing invoice details or purchase order information to document the entire transaction. Immediate feedback on the acceptance or decline of the transaction further emphasizes the convenience delivered to both service provider and customer when a payment is needed to be made.
Want to get noticed? Start with Google...
Google is clearly one of the world leaders (if not the overwhelming favorite) internet search engine. Although it is increasing the diversification of its operations and services offered, the paradigm surrounding where it built its name is directly correlated to "googling", the act of looking something up online to find an answer. The secret to the company's success, however, is its complex Page Rank Algorithm that continues to properly rank links and sites specified to a users search. Thus, by understanding what Google is looking for, you can better understand how to get your online presence to the top of Google Ranks.
Thus, here's some insider tips from the professional Search Engine Optimization Gurus.
The actual Page Rank algorithm looks like this: PR(U) = (1-d) + d * sumV(PR(V)/N(V)). Here PR = Page Rank, U is the page we're looking at, d is a constant damping factor and V is a page that links to our page.
The basic premise that comes from this algorithm is:
I'm not the technician that really understands all of this stuff, but it's definitely something I'm going to study more throughout the summer as I take on a much larger national marketing campaign this summer. This is the tutorial I'm going to follow:
Thus, here's some insider tips from the professional Search Engine Optimization Gurus.
The actual Page Rank algorithm looks like this: PR(U) = (1-d) + d * sumV(PR(V)/N(V)). Here PR = Page Rank, U is the page we're looking at, d is a constant damping factor and V is a page that links to our page.
The basic premise that comes from this algorithm is:
When I link to your page, I'm casting a vote that your page is good and the more links (votes) that are received the better the page is.
I'm not the technician that really understands all of this stuff, but it's definitely something I'm going to study more throughout the summer as I take on a much larger national marketing campaign this summer. This is the tutorial I'm going to follow:
Rules to Better Google Rankings
- Do you know how Google ranks pages?
- Do you know if Google has indexed your page?
- Do you know your Page Rank?
- Do you create new page rank for yourself?
- Do you conserve your page rank?
- Do you concentrate your page rank where it will do the most good?
- How many inbound links do you have?
- Do you use enough keywords?
- Do you monitor the progress of your keywords?
- Are your <title>, <h1>, and <h2> tags descriptive?
- Do you use META keywords and description tags?
- Do you use "301" code instead of META tags to redirect renamed or moved pages?
- Are your URL's consistently in the same case?
- Do your links have relevancy to the page you're linking to?
- Do you make your data-driven pages easier to find?
- Do you add the image + the text of the error message for SEO?
- Do your inbound picture links use attributes?
- Do you avoid the temptation of link farms?
Are you listed with DMOZ.org?- Do you avoid using frames on your website?
- Does your Flash website have an alternate HTML site?
- Do you use include files for your JavaScript?
- Do you submit all your software to download sites?
- Are your webpages less than 101k?
- Do you use your Robots.txt file effectively?
- Do you redirect pages correctly to make your website search engine friendly?
- Do you keep under the Google File Size Limit?
- Do you know to register your domain for a long time?
- Spelling - Do you use US English?
- Do you have a Google Places entry?
- Do you know the IIS things to do?
I can Flip too!
Here's the deal... business can be much more profitable by staying alert to trending technology and by using it to your advantage. I'm in an industry that capitalizes on the "wow" factor. Before and After photos can be mesmerizing sometimes to see the transformations in projects that we take on, some of them on a budget for only a couple hundred dollars to others that operate with a budget into the tens of thousands of dollars. More spectacular, however, is the power of a video.
The iFlip is a handheld camera unit that provides a great comparative advantage for small businesses in their immediate market if used properly. This can be a way to document not only production methods and services, but creates an incredible emotional development by allowing customers and potential consumers to really get a sense for who you are as the business owner. The range of the prices can be anywhere from $50 to over $1,000 for a high quality handheld camera, however, the technology now allows a purchase from $150 to $250 to suffice for amateur use. Personally, I invested in the iFlip to get a picture that was better than a grainy cell phone and that allowed me the capability to edit with home editing software.
Here's an example of how I used a handheld camera to portray a simple product I can offer to customers/family/friends and drive sales and profits
The iFlip is a handheld camera unit that provides a great comparative advantage for small businesses in their immediate market if used properly. This can be a way to document not only production methods and services, but creates an incredible emotional development by allowing customers and potential consumers to really get a sense for who you are as the business owner. The range of the prices can be anywhere from $50 to over $1,000 for a high quality handheld camera, however, the technology now allows a purchase from $150 to $250 to suffice for amateur use. Personally, I invested in the iFlip to get a picture that was better than a grainy cell phone and that allowed me the capability to edit with home editing software.
Here's an example of how I used a handheld camera to portray a simple product I can offer to customers/family/friends and drive sales and profits
Yes, Social Media Is Important Here Too
Think social media is a fad? Preposterous. The social media numbers are staggering and they can be listed or looked up to blow anyone's mind; 75 million Twitter users, 640 million Facebook users, 4 billion Flickr photos, 24 hours of video uploaded to YouTube every minute... it goes on and on.
However, as apparent than it is, there still aren't small businesses using social media as applicably as possible. This should be a gold mine for advertising and reaching a customer base and absolutely should be a piece of every small business' arsenal. Facebook (and other media as well) create very simplistic and affordable advertising plans to extend products and services to the proper channel where potential consumers will undoubtedly notice your brand.
One such network, operating under the radar after just recently being founded in 2008 is Groupon. In just over 2 years, the company already has more than 1,500 employees working in its Chicago headquarters and services more than 500 markets and 44 countries. Essentially, Groupon links you in to all local businesses to alert you on what hot sales are promotions that are taking place. All you do is print the coupon and present it to the business to get the deal you want. Businesses pay to advertise their promotions or sales on the event and Groupon publishes this to a mass loyal following that continuously opts to receive updates on the current local businesses. In fact, Groupon has been blamed to hurting some local businesses by creating TOO MUCH demand! Here's some testimonials from the service:
However, as apparent than it is, there still aren't small businesses using social media as applicably as possible. This should be a gold mine for advertising and reaching a customer base and absolutely should be a piece of every small business' arsenal. Facebook (and other media as well) create very simplistic and affordable advertising plans to extend products and services to the proper channel where potential consumers will undoubtedly notice your brand.
One such network, operating under the radar after just recently being founded in 2008 is Groupon. In just over 2 years, the company already has more than 1,500 employees working in its Chicago headquarters and services more than 500 markets and 44 countries. Essentially, Groupon links you in to all local businesses to alert you on what hot sales are promotions that are taking place. All you do is print the coupon and present it to the business to get the deal you want. Businesses pay to advertise their promotions or sales on the event and Groupon publishes this to a mass loyal following that continuously opts to receive updates on the current local businesses. In fact, Groupon has been blamed to hurting some local businesses by creating TOO MUCH demand! Here's some testimonials from the service:
Gone Green Buddy!
This is a new direction in the large format printing industry; latex printers. Technology is converging with the demand of green technology and this is the wave of the future. Furthermore, what's most impressive about latex printers taking over the former solvent printer machines is that the price points are nearly twice as affordable. Just two years ago, we invested in an HP9000 63" Solvent Printer. After installation and configuration, the arm and the leg price tag for this new employee was part of the reason for the restructured home equity loan. However, the current Latex printer, a newer technology with a booklet of perks, is just 2 years newer, better, and about 1/3 of the price!
Here's some great perks of the new technology, giving us the opportunity to market to hospitals, universities, and other publicly funded institutions branding themselves as "green" aware:
Here's some great perks of the new technology, giving us the opportunity to market to hospitals, universities, and other publicly funded institutions branding themselves as "green" aware:
Experience the difference with the HP Designjet L25500 Latex Printer Series. Produce vivid indoor and outdoor prints that are immediately dry, completely odorless and extremely durable. Reduce your negative impact on the environment with latex inks that emit very low levels of VOCs and are incredibly less harmful to worker's health. Enjoy greater uptime with automatic maintenance and user-replaceable printheads.
It's Innovative Latex Printing Technology. Are you ready?
It's Innovative Latex Printing Technology. Are you ready?
- Available in 42" and 60" sizes
- No daily maintenance required (Daily maintenance IS required for the HP9000)
- Turn off, turn on
- Instant dry, laminate immediately (12-24 hour outgas process for solvent printer)
- User replaceable printheads
- No ventilation needed
- No print outgassing
- Prints have 3 year exterior life
- Print on existing uncoated solvent media
- Odorless prints
- Energy efficient
- Reduced environmental impact
The Cloud?
I'm not gonna lie... this is a pretty cool concept.
Over the past two months, we've noticed our computers experiencing EXTREME declines in performance. The sign industry is littered with graphic design components, and the number of design files, with using Adobe or Flexi programs, is literally in the tens of thousands. The size of each graphic design file generally ranges anywhere from 5 megabytes to 2 gigabytes. Multiply that time not only thousands of files, but when accounting for duplicated copies due to transferring file formats or prepping them for production, the volume used on a hard drive is pretty incredible. Thus, capacity has nearly been maxed out on a couple of 500GB hard drives. We thought it would be beneficial to invest in a 1.5 Terabyte external hard drive. Surprisingly, at the threat of a virus or of the computers crashing for any other reason, we were still not satisfied with the security of our designs, the heartbeat to our business.
At a recent tradeshow, we came across CageData, a local Wallingford small business specializing in networking and data management. Consulting with us to at least recognize price points, it became pretty evident that it was necessary for us to make some upgrades and improvements. The initial recommendation, a cloud server. For around a $2,000 package, all of our files would be backed up to an offsite, digital location that would be secure in the event of any power outages, natural disasters, viruses, malware, or theft. Not only the peace of mind, but the extra insurance offered as a preventive measure is pretty convincing to make this investment itself.
Everybody deals with a slow computer from time to time. But when the computer is the foundation to your business, some solutions, regardless of initial startup costs, are necessary to not only consider but to budget for implementation. This cloud database for us, a way to backup all of our files and to keep them safe from anything dumb that we may do, is absolutely perfect. Not only will it free up and incredible amount of memory on our RAM and space on our hard drive to increase efficiency at the computer (start up time, networking, speed, downloading, etc), but will allow us to be confident in the pledge to our customers we continually make. If our computers crashed, it would merely seem like making an excuse, but the possibility of having a system that can prevent us from losing the files (ever?), is a source of technology to absolutely invest in.
Over the past two months, we've noticed our computers experiencing EXTREME declines in performance. The sign industry is littered with graphic design components, and the number of design files, with using Adobe or Flexi programs, is literally in the tens of thousands. The size of each graphic design file generally ranges anywhere from 5 megabytes to 2 gigabytes. Multiply that time not only thousands of files, but when accounting for duplicated copies due to transferring file formats or prepping them for production, the volume used on a hard drive is pretty incredible. Thus, capacity has nearly been maxed out on a couple of 500GB hard drives. We thought it would be beneficial to invest in a 1.5 Terabyte external hard drive. Surprisingly, at the threat of a virus or of the computers crashing for any other reason, we were still not satisfied with the security of our designs, the heartbeat to our business.
At a recent tradeshow, we came across CageData, a local Wallingford small business specializing in networking and data management. Consulting with us to at least recognize price points, it became pretty evident that it was necessary for us to make some upgrades and improvements. The initial recommendation, a cloud server. For around a $2,000 package, all of our files would be backed up to an offsite, digital location that would be secure in the event of any power outages, natural disasters, viruses, malware, or theft. Not only the peace of mind, but the extra insurance offered as a preventive measure is pretty convincing to make this investment itself.
Everybody deals with a slow computer from time to time. But when the computer is the foundation to your business, some solutions, regardless of initial startup costs, are necessary to not only consider but to budget for implementation. This cloud database for us, a way to backup all of our files and to keep them safe from anything dumb that we may do, is absolutely perfect. Not only will it free up and incredible amount of memory on our RAM and space on our hard drive to increase efficiency at the computer (start up time, networking, speed, downloading, etc), but will allow us to be confident in the pledge to our customers we continually make. If our computers crashed, it would merely seem like making an excuse, but the possibility of having a system that can prevent us from losing the files (ever?), is a source of technology to absolutely invest in.
Friday, April 29, 2011
Meetings Come and Go... Nonstop
Whoaaaaa HEY now!! That simple, poorly structured sentence is an example of the amount of enthusiasm and passion that can be put into a business when things click together for the owners and management. One successful venture that has encouraged our management team at Signs by Tomorrow to say, "HEY now!!" is the ability to collaborate online with other franchisees. Gotomeeting.com has been our go to hosting platform for a couple of reasons, most notably it's ease of use.
Signs by Tomorrow itself is a national franchise comprised of 164 independently owned and operated entities. However, Connecticut is currently all mine for the taking as we are the only SBT to have the rights to this territory and grants us far greater zip codes than franchisees are traditionally contracted to. Doesn't that sound great? Obviously. Because it is!
However, there are pros and cons to every situation. The con here is that although we have this entire state as our marketable territory, we feel as though the support we receive from other franchisees and headquarters (Baltimore, MD), can be lacking. I can only imageine how the support system was in the first two decades this franchise operated before technology developed to bring long distance relationships together. Online meetings have been an absolute tremendous asset to our operations and profitability over the past two years and is something I would highly encourage other sole proprietors to entertain if they are capable of finding an outside support system. Any trouble shooting we have is immediately solved by a counterpart who can walk us through the steps on either their own machines or techniques to help us solve a problem. Furthermore, any computer glitches we have or networking problems can be immediately solved as a more knowledgeable technician can run our desktop remotely to completely immerse themselves into our system to identify what the problem may be.
Hands down, without a service for online collaboration, our business would not be experiencing the growth that we have been. We would have let too many customers down had we not had the opportunity to access outside support regardless of where they may be in the nation. In the future, our headquarters has announced online tutorials and webinars that will be phased into the second half of 2011 to act as not only technical advice, but as emotional stimulators to drive persistence and determination. HEY now!! I love every minute of it. Technology is helping me carve out dreams and to get where I want to be. I just need to keep identifying where the next technological innovation can apply to me in the real world.
Signs by Tomorrow itself is a national franchise comprised of 164 independently owned and operated entities. However, Connecticut is currently all mine for the taking as we are the only SBT to have the rights to this territory and grants us far greater zip codes than franchisees are traditionally contracted to. Doesn't that sound great? Obviously. Because it is!
However, there are pros and cons to every situation. The con here is that although we have this entire state as our marketable territory, we feel as though the support we receive from other franchisees and headquarters (Baltimore, MD), can be lacking. I can only imageine how the support system was in the first two decades this franchise operated before technology developed to bring long distance relationships together. Online meetings have been an absolute tremendous asset to our operations and profitability over the past two years and is something I would highly encourage other sole proprietors to entertain if they are capable of finding an outside support system. Any trouble shooting we have is immediately solved by a counterpart who can walk us through the steps on either their own machines or techniques to help us solve a problem. Furthermore, any computer glitches we have or networking problems can be immediately solved as a more knowledgeable technician can run our desktop remotely to completely immerse themselves into our system to identify what the problem may be.
Hands down, without a service for online collaboration, our business would not be experiencing the growth that we have been. We would have let too many customers down had we not had the opportunity to access outside support regardless of where they may be in the nation. In the future, our headquarters has announced online tutorials and webinars that will be phased into the second half of 2011 to act as not only technical advice, but as emotional stimulators to drive persistence and determination. HEY now!! I love every minute of it. Technology is helping me carve out dreams and to get where I want to be. I just need to keep identifying where the next technological innovation can apply to me in the real world.
Seriously, who needs an iPad?!?
Apple is clearly a household name. It has transformed itself from a laggard in the desktop computer industry to a powerhouse with portable technology. Starting with the iPod, the innovation over the last decade has not only transformed the technology industry, but has overhauled lifestyles of millions of individuals. Myself? I've been more of an mp3 type guy. I had my first mp3 player in middle school that held about as many songs as a standard CD, the only cool thing was that every couple days I could reset the playlist to whatever "vibe" I was feeling (workout, hangout, impress girls with country music by pretending I'm a real fan). Regardless of what the studies show, it is even a predominant observation that once you experiment with your first Apple product, you're a lifer.
I've avoided making the transition to Apple products partly because of my comfort level with it's competitors, and partly out of principle because I HATE being a follower by hopping on the bandwagon. So, as everyone else buys iPads, I made a suitable investment into the Droid 2 and 10" HP touch screen laptop. This touch screen laptop was not only something to parade around with in my house, but it's 180 degree swivel screen presented a wonderful opportunity as a tool to use while on sales calls. Custom software and programs has allowed me to transform this laptop into a similar product as the iPad (or any other smartphone other than internet capabilities outside of wireless zones) as it closes shut and presents itself as a tablet. The slideshow application then allows me to scroll through examples and samples of products for potential clients in a professional and innovative manner to help stimulate emotions based on perceived value rather than some ill conceived, over assertive sales pitch based on verbal descriptions. We have been tracking the results of closed sales and the growth in business due to not only the increased perception of success our investment provides, but to the emotional presentation now associated with the photos and videos our touch screen laptop can portray. It's definitely interesting to see the comparable features on devices when biases for specific companies based on comfort levels are put to the side. It would be almost like a blind taste test to see if one product really is head and shoulders more favorable to a competitive product with similar features.
I've avoided making the transition to Apple products partly because of my comfort level with it's competitors, and partly out of principle because I HATE being a follower by hopping on the bandwagon. So, as everyone else buys iPads, I made a suitable investment into the Droid 2 and 10" HP touch screen laptop. This touch screen laptop was not only something to parade around with in my house, but it's 180 degree swivel screen presented a wonderful opportunity as a tool to use while on sales calls. Custom software and programs has allowed me to transform this laptop into a similar product as the iPad (or any other smartphone other than internet capabilities outside of wireless zones) as it closes shut and presents itself as a tablet. The slideshow application then allows me to scroll through examples and samples of products for potential clients in a professional and innovative manner to help stimulate emotions based on perceived value rather than some ill conceived, over assertive sales pitch based on verbal descriptions. We have been tracking the results of closed sales and the growth in business due to not only the increased perception of success our investment provides, but to the emotional presentation now associated with the photos and videos our touch screen laptop can portray. It's definitely interesting to see the comparable features on devices when biases for specific companies based on comfort levels are put to the side. It would be almost like a blind taste test to see if one product really is head and shoulders more favorable to a competitive product with similar features.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
I guess privacy can be important?
Well well... here's something that I already thought was pretty fabulous at one point in the semester, the Smart Signs. Digital billboards that recognize your vehicle with RFID implemented technology to cater marketing campaigns and promotions completely customized to your personal tastes and preferences. But, as with anything, with the ability to recognize your a/s/l, I mean your name/income/occupation, there could be possible flaws that need to be safeguarded.
The Center for Democracy and Technology, or CDT, has released a report on consumer privacy and digital signage entitled Building the Digital-Out-Of-Home Privacy Infrastructure. CDT has taken a new approach to the smart sign advertising world, emphasizing that one of the key ingredients to successfully marketing with these campaigns is to build consumer trust. As the reach of these advertising companies extends beyond tolerable limits for consumers, backlashes and consumer turbulence may help to handicap a billion dollar industry.
The emerging technologies that are being battled by the CDT are evident at this point in futuristic Sci-fi movies like Minority Report. Facial Recognition is one of the developing strategies to pinpoint demographics, race, gender, age, and even the amount of time spent watching the display. Hey now! I guess that's not all a bad thing, I'm just more bummed out that I wasn't the person to invent the technology. But, as mass consumers' information is being dissected by large corporations, our discretionary income may become a pawn of how the corporations want us to allocate our resources rather than how we want to budget our own money as individuals. I suppose the lines between marketing and deceit or manipulation can be blended, but in essence, to prevent any over extensive arm from high IQ signs, here's what the CDT laid out for the privacy policy:
A privacy policy should describe in concise, specific terms
The Center for Democracy and Technology, or CDT, has released a report on consumer privacy and digital signage entitled Building the Digital-Out-Of-Home Privacy Infrastructure. CDT has taken a new approach to the smart sign advertising world, emphasizing that one of the key ingredients to successfully marketing with these campaigns is to build consumer trust. As the reach of these advertising companies extends beyond tolerable limits for consumers, backlashes and consumer turbulence may help to handicap a billion dollar industry.
The emerging technologies that are being battled by the CDT are evident at this point in futuristic Sci-fi movies like Minority Report. Facial Recognition is one of the developing strategies to pinpoint demographics, race, gender, age, and even the amount of time spent watching the display. Hey now! I guess that's not all a bad thing, I'm just more bummed out that I wasn't the person to invent the technology. But, as mass consumers' information is being dissected by large corporations, our discretionary income may become a pawn of how the corporations want us to allocate our resources rather than how we want to budget our own money as individuals. I suppose the lines between marketing and deceit or manipulation can be blended, but in essence, to prevent any over extensive arm from high IQ signs, here's what the CDT laid out for the privacy policy:
A privacy policy should describe in concise, specific terms
- What consumer data is collected,
- How the data is collected,
- The purposes for which the data is used,
- With whom the data is shared,
- How the data is protected,
- How long the data is retained, and
- The choices that consumers have with respect to their data.
Trending Quick Responses
The idea of QR (Quick Response) Codes was first brought to my attention perhaps a month ago as I was sitting in class. Anyone can google images or check out a wikipedia page to figure out what the scope of application is for them. However, now that I'm well aware of the technology, it's weird how frequently I've seen them pop up in my scope of work.
First, just a couple days after we discovered the applications of QR Codes, a fellow Signs By Tomorrow franchisee emailed us a picture of his newly wrapped company vehicle. I mean I wasn't exactly our company's most prized possession for being able to reiterate what I had read on QR codes during the previous class to the rest of the guys I was working with, but it was pretty interesting to actually see the trend emerging in real life applications (on this side of the hemisphere).
To be honest? This "cool" trend isn't really all that cool. It's a fad that I really don't want to participate in. I'm one of those people that can really be a baby at times and put my foot down (can't wait for the ups and downs for future relationships), but hey, it is what it is at this point! But seriously, this is a capitalization on the smartphone and microcomputer technology to hook people in a creative manner. Whether promotional uses, discount club members, or unique tag lines in a way that will embed itself into people's minds, the trend will only be successful for the early mover advantage. As soon as companies are labeled with followers of the trend, they lose their credibility and it loses the impact of the overall messaging.
First, just a couple days after we discovered the applications of QR Codes, a fellow Signs By Tomorrow franchisee emailed us a picture of his newly wrapped company vehicle. I mean I wasn't exactly our company's most prized possession for being able to reiterate what I had read on QR codes during the previous class to the rest of the guys I was working with, but it was pretty interesting to actually see the trend emerging in real life applications (on this side of the hemisphere).
To be honest? This "cool" trend isn't really all that cool. It's a fad that I really don't want to participate in. I'm one of those people that can really be a baby at times and put my foot down (can't wait for the ups and downs for future relationships), but hey, it is what it is at this point! But seriously, this is a capitalization on the smartphone and microcomputer technology to hook people in a creative manner. Whether promotional uses, discount club members, or unique tag lines in a way that will embed itself into people's minds, the trend will only be successful for the early mover advantage. As soon as companies are labeled with followers of the trend, they lose their credibility and it loses the impact of the overall messaging.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Smart Signs
So we already made the societal transition to smartphones... luckily I was able to upgrade from the Env2 this past week to my first Droid (so I don't have to just pretend to be a part of the in-crowd anymore), and we often find ourselves wondering at what point technological advancements will hit a peak. Who knows what's coming next. Has anyone checked out the new phones that Sony is releasing to Verizon? Apparently it gives gamers the opportunity to play Playstation ALL of the time. [http://www.thetechherald.com/article.php/201052/6625/Report-Sony-s-PlayStation-smartphone-heading-for-spring-launch] ... Take a quick peak at that, and then let's see how long it takes for middle and high school principles to ban these new phones from the schools...
But as far as SMART devices go, the level of sophistication is mirroring almost sci-fi concepts. Advertisers and marketers alike are reaching new levels of consumer understanding as they are extracting information not necessarily voluntarily contributed by individuals. RFID technology, the Radio Frequency Identification, has made its progression to the signage industry to offer concentrated efforts of advertising. MINI USA, a division of the company that manufactures the Mini Cooper, has launched a campaign for personal billboard messages for those Mini Cooper purchasers that opt in to the program. Here's a quick clip on how the expected usage of the RFID technology operates from billboard displays to consumer views:
When a MINI owner with such a key fob comes within range of a Motorboard, the LED readout displays a customized, often humorous, message that might relate to the owner's profession, name, or roof design. Examples: "Nice roof graphic, Rocket!" to an owner with a car nicknamed Rocket, or "Moving at the speed of justice!" to a lawyer. "These boards feature an ever-changing array of unique, personal, playful and unexpected messages targeted to and triggered by MINI owners," reads the announcement from MINI USA. See photos here. When no key fob is within range, the Motorboards display standard MINI advertising content.
Pretty wild, huh? This can open up a gateway for marketers to attack as dynamic advertising can allow highly personalized messages to substantially influence consumer behavior. Messages, products, and even company displays in general can be cycled through endlessly depending on the demographics of those driving by with RFID devices. The effectiveness of the marketing will be unmistakable, but perhaps something to consider should be the safety of motorists as well. Perhaps the reactionary driving to personalized messages can be too much of a distraction for some and potentially promote a dangerous spike in traffic accidents. This young venture, as interesting as it is, is in the mere infant stages of its true potential. It will be interesting to monitor the development of the technology as well as the usage and implementation on a national scale. As this evolution takes place, however, keep your eyes on the road and just do your best to avoid the marketing influences directed 100% for you.
But as far as SMART devices go, the level of sophistication is mirroring almost sci-fi concepts. Advertisers and marketers alike are reaching new levels of consumer understanding as they are extracting information not necessarily voluntarily contributed by individuals. RFID technology, the Radio Frequency Identification, has made its progression to the signage industry to offer concentrated efforts of advertising. MINI USA, a division of the company that manufactures the Mini Cooper, has launched a campaign for personal billboard messages for those Mini Cooper purchasers that opt in to the program. Here's a quick clip on how the expected usage of the RFID technology operates from billboard displays to consumer views:
When a MINI owner with such a key fob comes within range of a Motorboard, the LED readout displays a customized, often humorous, message that might relate to the owner's profession, name, or roof design. Examples: "Nice roof graphic, Rocket!" to an owner with a car nicknamed Rocket, or "Moving at the speed of justice!" to a lawyer. "These boards feature an ever-changing array of unique, personal, playful and unexpected messages targeted to and triggered by MINI owners," reads the announcement from MINI USA. See photos here. When no key fob is within range, the Motorboards display standard MINI advertising content.
Pretty wild, huh? This can open up a gateway for marketers to attack as dynamic advertising can allow highly personalized messages to substantially influence consumer behavior. Messages, products, and even company displays in general can be cycled through endlessly depending on the demographics of those driving by with RFID devices. The effectiveness of the marketing will be unmistakable, but perhaps something to consider should be the safety of motorists as well. Perhaps the reactionary driving to personalized messages can be too much of a distraction for some and potentially promote a dangerous spike in traffic accidents. This young venture, as interesting as it is, is in the mere infant stages of its true potential. It will be interesting to monitor the development of the technology as well as the usage and implementation on a national scale. As this evolution takes place, however, keep your eyes on the road and just do your best to avoid the marketing influences directed 100% for you.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Technology Will Upend An Entire Industry
I guess the measure of how technologically knowledgeable I am is a relative measure. Match me up against the likes of Miss South Carolina from the 2007 Miss Teen USA Pageant and I would be in the running for Nobel prizes. Match me up against one of the better students in an Information Systems class, and I'll look like I've been having one too many lunch dates with Miss South Carolina. Although I was never one of the people who simply 'get it', a fair amount of reading and studying can keep me on par through most conversations at a cocktail party. But as far as technology goes... the evolution of the word itself is another relative measure.
Wasn't the invention of the wheel a technological advancement? Pulleys and simple machines? Anybody with an internet connection can go to Wikipedia and find a time-line of advancements that have changed mankind. Developments in transportation and communication nave significant events, notable enough for their own chapter in our history books. This was all prior to the turn of the millennium, however. At this point, technology is barely advanced enough to track evolving technology itself. Desktops, laptops, tablets, cell phones, smartphones... it's simply impossible to keep up with the dynamics of the industry. Day to day, hour to hour, the landscape is changing under our own feet. But then in the midst of all the hustle and bustle, there's always a glimpse of some aspect in the field that you find yourself passionate about. Either voluntarily being interested or out of a necessity to survive, you wake up and there's an epiphany that just maybe this is something you need to pay attention to.
My epiphany wasn't a sudden smack in the face like I just preached it would be, but it was instead the light at the end of my undergrad tunnel. I'm unlucky enough to be the future heir of small business owners. Mom and Pop decided it was a good idea my senior year of high school to purchase a sign shop. Cool! Let's join the rest of the country by refinancing an unpayable home equity loan to purchase a non-profitable business. I'm not sure where their rationale was for all of this and I wish I know what I do now back then so I could have at least had some say in the matter. But at that point even if I wanted to smack some sense in to them, maybe I was young enough to still get spanked? I'm not sure, but luckily enough for me I was moving down to New York to go to school and didn't have to suffer with my brother as a complete full time volunteer. Our business model there started almost the way a University will treat you, and the 60 to 80 hours per week I put in on summers, breaks, and weekends was credited toward free room, board, and a meal plan in my parents' house apparently. So we pulled this card for 3 years. Sales were morbid, there was no such thing as a paycheck, and the hole we were in seemed like it was perfectly dug down 6 feet.
It was just over two years ago from now that we began to see a ray of hope. I'm not sure if 3 years of a learning curve and mountains of debt was worth it... my family should have signed up for a group internship at a larger firm somewhere and forgone the hassle (and maybe got paid while we were at it??) Anyway, it's ALMOST like we get it now. We identified niches, we took advantage of opportunities before competitors even realized what we had done, and we're gearing up to keep pounding the pavement. In arguably the worst recession of our generation, the last 3 years we've seen growth of 20%, 28%, and 43% respectively. It's a blend of maturity, acquired skills, and techniques. Just as important, however, the growth is because of an entrepreneurial vision. We target technological changes as opportunities, and in an incredibly unique and ever changing business, we feel as though we'll continue to grow if we maintain our position as innovators and trend setters.
So over the course of the semester, that's what I'll present to you. The technology of the sign industry. It may or may not be my actual career down the road. Although I don't see myself ever working for someone else, the whole point of going back for an MBA is to keep my options open, and hopefully it's not too bad of a hedge. But next time you drive down a main road, look at the signage around you. Vehicle lettering and graphics, storefront signs, street signs, dimensional letters, directional signage, billboards... Anything that you see visually, I'm the guy that makes it. When you're driving down the road, whether you look at Home Depot or a local diner, imagine the world without signs. 50% of people enter a store because the sign either attracted them to it or instigated an emotion. What I'll present to you, is the world beneath the world, and the evolving technology behind the scenes that helps every person get from point A to point B, or to purchase product B instead of product A. All of it is driven by green technologies, RFID implementation, communication technologies, and much more that hopefully I can learn about as I go. It's the pursuit and quest for knowledge, right? Ha! Tell that to Miss South Carolina....
Wasn't the invention of the wheel a technological advancement? Pulleys and simple machines? Anybody with an internet connection can go to Wikipedia and find a time-line of advancements that have changed mankind. Developments in transportation and communication nave significant events, notable enough for their own chapter in our history books. This was all prior to the turn of the millennium, however. At this point, technology is barely advanced enough to track evolving technology itself. Desktops, laptops, tablets, cell phones, smartphones... it's simply impossible to keep up with the dynamics of the industry. Day to day, hour to hour, the landscape is changing under our own feet. But then in the midst of all the hustle and bustle, there's always a glimpse of some aspect in the field that you find yourself passionate about. Either voluntarily being interested or out of a necessity to survive, you wake up and there's an epiphany that just maybe this is something you need to pay attention to.
My epiphany wasn't a sudden smack in the face like I just preached it would be, but it was instead the light at the end of my undergrad tunnel. I'm unlucky enough to be the future heir of small business owners. Mom and Pop decided it was a good idea my senior year of high school to purchase a sign shop. Cool! Let's join the rest of the country by refinancing an unpayable home equity loan to purchase a non-profitable business. I'm not sure where their rationale was for all of this and I wish I know what I do now back then so I could have at least had some say in the matter. But at that point even if I wanted to smack some sense in to them, maybe I was young enough to still get spanked? I'm not sure, but luckily enough for me I was moving down to New York to go to school and didn't have to suffer with my brother as a complete full time volunteer. Our business model there started almost the way a University will treat you, and the 60 to 80 hours per week I put in on summers, breaks, and weekends was credited toward free room, board, and a meal plan in my parents' house apparently. So we pulled this card for 3 years. Sales were morbid, there was no such thing as a paycheck, and the hole we were in seemed like it was perfectly dug down 6 feet.
It was just over two years ago from now that we began to see a ray of hope. I'm not sure if 3 years of a learning curve and mountains of debt was worth it... my family should have signed up for a group internship at a larger firm somewhere and forgone the hassle (and maybe got paid while we were at it??) Anyway, it's ALMOST like we get it now. We identified niches, we took advantage of opportunities before competitors even realized what we had done, and we're gearing up to keep pounding the pavement. In arguably the worst recession of our generation, the last 3 years we've seen growth of 20%, 28%, and 43% respectively. It's a blend of maturity, acquired skills, and techniques. Just as important, however, the growth is because of an entrepreneurial vision. We target technological changes as opportunities, and in an incredibly unique and ever changing business, we feel as though we'll continue to grow if we maintain our position as innovators and trend setters.
So over the course of the semester, that's what I'll present to you. The technology of the sign industry. It may or may not be my actual career down the road. Although I don't see myself ever working for someone else, the whole point of going back for an MBA is to keep my options open, and hopefully it's not too bad of a hedge. But next time you drive down a main road, look at the signage around you. Vehicle lettering and graphics, storefront signs, street signs, dimensional letters, directional signage, billboards... Anything that you see visually, I'm the guy that makes it. When you're driving down the road, whether you look at Home Depot or a local diner, imagine the world without signs. 50% of people enter a store because the sign either attracted them to it or instigated an emotion. What I'll present to you, is the world beneath the world, and the evolving technology behind the scenes that helps every person get from point A to point B, or to purchase product B instead of product A. All of it is driven by green technologies, RFID implementation, communication technologies, and much more that hopefully I can learn about as I go. It's the pursuit and quest for knowledge, right? Ha! Tell that to Miss South Carolina....
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