A Picture Can Be Worth ... A Lot

When it comes to making purchasing decisions nowadays, most people rely heavily on digital technology to gather vital information. I know I do. In an instant, you can boot up your computer and/or just open the browser on your iPhone to compare and contrast specs on just about anything from toaster ovens to 3-D TVs to waterfront homes. Along with all the important listed features, up-close, detailed images with all types of enhanced views and 360-degree angles also are included to aid the shopper's search.

Though price is usually the ultimate deciding factor in most transactions, how the object of your desire appears at first glance is what is going to make or break a potential deal. All functionality aside, if something is not suited for your specific taste or style (you know, if it's ugly) then taking a pass and looking at the next option is how the normal chain of events progresses. I know, we're not supposed to judge a book by its cover, but we all are guilty of it at one time or another.

On the seller's side, it's hard to account for taste. But when you're in a competitive market, having quality product and services make a difference. The ability to effectively show off what you have to offer (especially in the digital domain) is vital for success and a key to survival for many.

Today's photographic technology options make it hard for even the least-experienced novice to take a bad picture. Yet, plenty of less-than-flattering images of people, pets, plants, and property (to name just a few) are published and posted all the time. When in doubt, hire a professional to secure the photos and help present the image you want your company and its products and services to be portrayed. Now, if you were taking a Marketing 101 class, no doubt a similar passage spewing the same kind of "wisdom" would be in the textbook. Yep. It's basic stuff, but cannot be stressed enough. Now, if you don't want to or cannot spend the extra money, re-focus your efforts, practice, and learn how to take a better picture. It's not that hard, especially when you have attractive subject matter (i.e. a greenhouse full of beautiful hydrangeas or a virtual scratch-and-sniff landscape teaming with twisting vines of Confederate jasmine---BTW, proud to say, both my pics) on the other side of the lens.

Indeed: "A picture is worth a thousand words." When in business to sell, the right picture could be worth at least that and hopefully much more in potential profit. Click!

Pumping Up Promotion

From plants and flowers to fruits and vegetables, new varieties are something to get excited about. Typically, years of diligent work and research go into producing something that improves on a predecessor. Whether it be more vibrant colors, enhanced cold hardiness, proven pest and disease resistance, or better taste, these are all horticultural scientific breakthroughs that should be celebrated.

For those of us who cover ag for a living, new product news is something we search for and report on a daily basis. The press releases we receive from companies promoting their wares and accomplishments are the tools we need to get the info out to our readers and then for them to get to their clients, and eventually end consumers.

Recently, Costa Farms and Suntory teamed up to create a product promotion meant to make a big impact for the Sun Parasol line of flowering plants. The video presentation of their recent spring kick-off event not only is a good example of using today's modern technology, connectivity, and instant worldwide reach to get the message out, but also a way to create buzz and excitement about a product line they believe in and one they believe people will buy into.

Though the scope (mainly time and money) of this kind of production might not be easily duplicated by just anybody, the concept of a simple video and distribution via YouTube, website, blog, or eNewsletter sure can. Not to mention, other means of slick communication choices (podcasts, webinars, etc..) Here's to continue showing us what you got. We'll be watching and waiting.