The Importance Of Branding For Your Business: 6 Top Benefits of Branding

By Sacha C Whitehead

What is the importance of branding your business? In short branding helps a business create an identity among it's customers. People come to know and like a business often on first impressions. Having a consistent branded image through company logo, name and signage etc helps build an image of trust and professionalism when done correctly.

The Main Benefits of Branding are;

1. It Creates Emotion

Branding helps to engage your customers on an emotional level for the products you sell. Brands such as Nike and Disney have been capitalizing on branding for decades and it has been essential to building a relationship with their customers.

2. It Helps You Launch Further Products or Services

Building a Brand name for one group of products will benefit other products you launch later on.Your customer will recognize your company and be more likely to try the new products as they already know who you are. The importance of branding is that it helps to prolong and compliment your current and future business growth.

3. It Helps your Bottom Line

Effective branding builds repeat customers through trust and recognition which in turn improves your business sales revenue. A great example of this is Tiffany's: their little blue box branding creates want and need (and headaches for husbands everywhere). They can price accordingly because no matter what customers will still buy it due to the brand.

4. It Reduces Future Marketing Costs

When your brand is recognizable your marketing costs may be reduced with repeat customers. Ongoing marketing campaigns may not need to be as intense or as expensive when launching a new product or service.

5. Create Top of Mind Awareness

Anytime a person goes shopping, they try to recall the popular brands for the products or services they need. Good branding creates an impression that will stay with your customer when they are making a purchase. People tend to stick to the brands they know, love and trust.

6. It Separates You From Your Competition

You probably have several rivals in your market and so you need to stand out from them. Once again the importance of branding can be acknowledged as helping you to express how and why you are different from your competitors.

The importance of branding becomes apparent when customers start picking your brand over others in the market. Your brand should build trust, earn respect and become your customers "go to' product. Obtaining favor over the competing brands is a characteristic of success for any business.

The importance of branding and how it affects your business is remarkable enough to consider investing time and money in. You will be able to find many business consultants work in this area and will help you to implement business branding methods to ensure your success.

Next, to learn more about how to market your business online successfully, go now to www.market-your-business-online.com Fill in the form on the first page and watch the video's to see the Top Internet Marketing Tips that will help your business today.

Sacha Whitehead is a Social Media and Online Marketing Consultant. She helps businesses increase their leads and customer base with strategic internet marketing strategies.

Types of Point of Purchase Displays

By Sally Stuart price!

When it comes to displaying certain products some retailers run out of prime shelf space and in turn decide to use point of purchase displays. These are great at capturing the attention of perspective buyers. It offers the retailer to scream out their message in hopes of gaining additional sales.

Have you ever really thought about it?

Think about it: Have you ever walked into a store and have been immediately struck by a sign or display that has caught your attention? It may have even been overwhelming to you. This is what advertisers know and bank on. You may have even found the display obnoxious, but it did the job and got your attention. It may have even subconsciously enticed you to buy the product. This makes it an impulse buy because it wasn't something that you planned on buying when you originally walk into the store.

Points of purchase displays or POP for short are generally made from two different plastic type materials. They are also made so that a certain type of printing ink formulations can be used on them. Point of purchase displays can be used with art work and other logos as well as digital photos. The first type of plastic is one that is made from Corroplast. This type of plastic is designed to be used outside and can endure all types of weather. It is made so that it can withstand sun, rain, and wind. It is a versatile plastic and can also be used inside for advertising.

The second type of plastic used for point of purchase displays is made for indoor advertising. It is foam core, also known as foam board. This plastic is available in 3/16" and a 3/8" thickness. It has a nice smooth surface on both sides and be printed on both sides. It is less durable than corroplast and not waterproof. It is normally used by placing it on top of an easel or stood upright using a brace.

The Coroplast is a 4mm thick white material with two sides that are smooth and can also be printed on both sides. It has corrugated plastic "flutes." This type of sign is best recognized as a yard sale or political candidate sign. You can get them in a few different sizes ranging from the standard 4'x 8' to the custom 5'x10'. These signs can last a long time if they are properly taken care of. Point of purchase displays have become a staple in advertiser's campaigns because they work.

Top Destinations For Summer Vacation

By Sheo N Prasad

Are you planning to have your summer vacation on the beach? If you love the white sand, the sun and the water, then you should consider your next summer vacation at the beach. There are several famous beaches all over the world and most beach lovers prefer to visit the most popular and the hottest beaches. Spending your summer vacation abroad is a good choice and brings lots of advantages.

The Caribbean beaches are very famous to tourist. Some call it "paradise" while others call it "heaven on earth." Well, one thing is for sure, a Caribbean summer destination is exactly what you need if you're looking for boats, beaches, bikinis, hot summer and other tropical vacation essentials. The islands are full of island-flavored culture along with the smallest hint of European influence. You will found lots of resorts, attractions, word-class hotels, café and restaurants. There are over fifty island destinations to choose for your Caribbean island travel and every beach resort provides fun activities and amazing attractions.

Mexican beaches are best from the months of November to May. That is when the sun, sand, and surf work together to bring the best kinds of fun without the crowd that often gathers here during peak seasons of July-August, Christmas, and Easter. Tulum, Playa del Carmen and Puerto Escondido are the top beaches found in Mexico. You will really enjoy the huge variety of foods and drinks along with the dances and the music. Other attractions are the coral formations that are simply superb at some places.

Bahamas islands can give you that ideal and dream vacation that you have been looking forward to. There are many resorts. The Bahamas islands one of the most astonishing and striking islands in the world.Among these islands, the Grand Bahama Island is the most amazing and remarkable island in the Bahamas. It offers an exciting combination of ecological wonders as well as man made attractions. The Andros is the largest of the Bahamas islands and the least explored too. It is of two thousand three hundred square miles and its waters are well known to have the second largest reef in the Northern Hemisphere. The Berry islands are a cluster of thirty cays and are home to the Chub Cay, Billfish capital of the Bahamas islands.

If you are travelling in Asia, the best beaches are located in Southeast part of Asia. The Kuta Beach in Indonesia is the vigorous area with largest number of tourists. Kuta Beach is called the most beautiful beach in Bali. Although it is not suitable for boating or swimming for its strong winds and heavy seas, it is a good place to surf and it has attracted many young people who like pursuing excitement. The Boracay in the Philippines is not as well known as other beaches but it attracted many foreign tourists because of its white beach. The sand is brighter and very fine than other beaches.

The Polo Beach of Hawaii is a top beach destination for most American. It has very clear and sparkling seawater making it ideal for swimming, surfing and snorkeling. It is located in South Maui and faced by the Fairmont Kea Lani Maui, which is a luxury beach vacation resort. The Heron Island in Australia is located on the Great Barrier Reef. The tropical island of Heron offers scuba divers over 20 different diving sites. You can forget the stress of everyday life here and just immerse yourself in wonder.

All Aspects and Areas of 3D Animation Applications

By Michael VK

3D Animation certainly became the new fad this year with box office hits such as 
The Lion King 3D, Toy Story 3, as well as Puss in Boots, just to name a few. 
3D Animation technology is growing and expanding everyday and has surpassed the movies. 
There are more and more outlets for animators to choose from such as 3D Animation 
Applications. Let's explore some other avenues that 3D animators can take on. 
Or, if you are not an animator but enjoy 3D animation, take a look at some other 
areas where it is applied.

Video Games:

The video game industry is similar to the movie industry where stories and scenarios can be created. The only difference is the player creates the outcome. 2D video games have recently become a thing of the past. Now there are graphic animations that almost look real such as; World of Warcraft, Call of Duty, and Madden. Not only is 3D animation applied in these video games but also they are very detail oriented and truly give a whole new demeanor of playing. If you are an animator looking to create a video game, there is free software you can download for more casual video game development. These include 3D Adventure Studio, and RPG Maker XP. If you are thinking about becoming a hardcore game designer you may want to try these software programs; The 3D Game maker and Game Studio.

Maps and Tourism

Who needs a flat map when you can actually see where you are going with 3D maps? People are now able to get a better understanding of their destination by physically viewing the geographical location. It truly is an amazing advancement in technology. I am putting my money on 3D animated GPS navigation devices. I think those are probably in the works right about now. 3D animation is taking over.

Architecture

Not only is 3D animation fun for gamers and tourism but also in the architecture industry. Now architects can map their structure to a T by seeing the final product before a brick is laid or wall is assembled. 3D graphics now bring the idea and imaginary visual to life. Blueprints become visually realistic in programs like Autodesk, Photo Modeler, and Maya. Not only is 3D animation helpful for the designer but it helps sell ideas to potential investors as well. If investors can see the final product on a screen before it is built, it allows them to make a clear decision on the overall project.

Education

3D Animation has been greatly applied to education. It serves as an excellent learning tool for students and especially those who are visual learners. With 3D programs, specifically those in the medical field, they can get a better understanding of what the real life experiences will be like.

Pursue your 3D animation dreams because there is no better time than now to get involved in the industry. If you are a fan of 3D, make sure you explore the other applications of 3D animation and not just going to the movies to wear the funky glasses!

Five Portrait Styles to Look Out for This Christmas

By Ronan Le Breton

Christmas is round the corner, bringing with it the season of happiness, cheer and family reunions. Portraits are often commissioned during this time, as a personal keepsake or as a symbol of family get-togethers. If you too are planning for a family portrait, then here are five interesting pop art styles that you may like to think about.

Scanner Darkly Style

Inspired by the cult film, a Scanner Darkly, this style of portraits is fresh in the market today. Creating this style makes use of the technique of interpolated rotoscoping, whereby normal videos/pictures are processed with animation done on them. This involves tracing on each image frame by frame making the use of vector keyframes. Technicalities apart, what results is a cartoon style portrait, that looks highly futuristic. Heavy black lines and solid blocks of colour dominate this style which looks great in contemporary settings. The background image of the portrait can either be selected from a readymade collection or be customized as per your choice.

Ligne Claire portraits

Lovers of Tintin will love this too. The 'ligne claire' or clear-line style of art focuses on line drawings with colour. Introduced by Herge, the Belgian creator of the Tintin series, this form of art found new life after the release of Spielberg's version as a film. Another style of cartoon portraits, what stands out here is the use of colour mixing and cartooning. The uniformity of line is used throughout the picture, colour contrasts are downplayed and equal attention is given to all depicted elements. The backgrounds are highly realistic while images are cartooned to create this effect.

Delftware style portraits

For those who constantly look for new styles in portraits, the Delftware promises a lot of freshness in idea and concept. Influenced by the pottery style in Delft, Netherlands, this pop art style makes use of aquamarine blues on a stark white background. Only outlines of the portrait are highlighted to give a picture that is interesting and that will look good against any background. Floral motifs that symbolize the original prints of Delft pottery can also be used to create a frame for the picture, adding to its look and appeal.

Andy Warhol Panels

When pictures of more family members need to be put together on one canvas, the panels style of Warhol portraits are a promising choice. The number of panels can be picked up as per choice and different portraits can be brought together on a common surface. For those who are not much aware of the Warhol style, this promises real images in bright contrasting colours. These can also be interspersed with messages or content to help the entire portrait communicate beautifully.

Photo collages

To put together the different elements of a Christmas get-together or vacation, collages are an interesting medium. Done up in a range of colours, styles and fashions, photo collages make up for great home and office décor. Different pictures depicting emotions, events or places are put together in plain, checkerboard, crystallized or random styles.

All these are just a few of the portrait styles which you can plan around. To get more information on them or to check out how your portrait would look in this style, do check out online galleries or ask experts for support. And we are sure that you will love the effect it will create.

Personal Art is a pop art studio based in Bali. A team of artists work together to create personalized pop art on a range of mediums for a global clientele. Approximately 21 different pop art varieties are available for mediums like canvas, wood, ceramic and gift articles.

Orders for pop art personalized portraits can also be placed at their online store http://www.personal-art.me.uk. Other social channels where the team is available to answer queries and provide support is at Facebook ( http://www.facebook.com/pages/personal-art/120425321306399 ) and Twitter (personalartme)

Mobil Incaran Pencuri di Tahun 2011

Mobil buatan Jepang masih mendominasi dari 10 daftar mobil yang paling diincar pencuri.

JUM'AT, 16 DESEMBER 2011, 06:03 WIB

Sandy Adam Mahaputra

Toyota Venza 2009 (Autoevolution)

VIVAnews - Sedan besutan Toyota, Camry, menjadi mobil yang paling diincar pencuri di Amerika Serikat. Tidak hanya itu, mobil buatan Toyota lainnya, yakni Toyota Venza 2009 juga meraih predikat sebagai mobil yang digemari oleh pencuri di Kanada.

Berdasarkan data yang dirilis oleh Biro Asuransi di Kanada (IBC), mobil buatan Jepang masih mendominasi dari 10 daftar mobil yang paling diincar pencuri.

Di posisi pertama ditempati masing-masing oleh Toyota Venza 2009. Kemudian disusul oleh mobil buatan Honda yakni, Honda Civic 1999, Honda Civic 2000, Acura Integra 1998, dan Acura Integra 1999.

Mobil buatan negeri Paman Sam juga turut serta dalam daftar tersebut. Seperti Cadillac Escalade 2002, Chevrolet Traillblazer lansiran 2006, Pontiac Aztek 2001, dan Ford F350 truk 2006 dan 2007.

"Konsumen harus tetap waspada, dan menyadari jika kendaraan yang digunakannya itu menjadi incaran pencuri. Kami sedang fokus untuk menghentikan tingginya angka pencurian kendaraan di Kanada," kata Vice President Investigative Services IBC, Rick Dubin, seperti dilansir Autoevolution, Kamis malam 15 Desember 2011.

Berikut daftar 10 mobil yang jadi incaran maling di Kanada:

1. 2009 Toyota Venza 4-door
2. 1999 Honda Civic SiR 2-door
3. 2000 Honda Civic SiR 2-door
4. 2006 Ford F350 Pickup Truck 4WD
5. 2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT 4-door AWD
6. 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer SS 4-door 4WD
7. 2007 Ford F350 Pickup Truck 4WD
8. 2001 Pontiac Aztek 4-door AWD
9. 1998 Acura Integra 2-door
10. 1999 Acura Integra 2-door

• VIVAnews

Spiritual Globalization

By Elizabeth S. Adams

To be an inhabitant of a one world is a vivid ideal for some who choose to envisage that all communities, nations and laws could exist as one harmonious system. In a new social system that would embody freedom and fairness by considering individual free will as well as the need for each to be willing to contribute to the ultimate good of the whole, we all could perhaps function happily.

That such a system could be based upon attunement to the laws of Nature regarding the profound moral issues inherent in the tenets of most religions and certainly all spiritual teachings and philosophies, offers a recipe for success. We would have simplified the rules by adopting already agreed fundamental principles. Such a simple and embracing system has the potential for success if we share the attitude that a better world or heaven could be created upon our earth.

As a people we have come to an impasse where ideas and our thinking faculties have enmeshed us in complicated considerations of often opposing and sometimes restrictive ideologies. Although perhaps indicating a potential for great intellectual skills and advancement in knowledge and its application, we must acknowledge that wisdom or the fruit of knowledge can only develop within us by experience. Fascination with complex mental matters must make way again for consideration of simpler matters of the soul.

In a drive that causes us to think 'more is better' we are driven to strive and grasp more and more to the point of greed instead of genuine need. By living this way we scorn those who have little material wealth and disregard those who have nothing. We clutch at the idea of greater and greater accumulation of intellectual knowledge as we do at material possessions.

We must surely change.

Intellectual acquisition of knowledge of the mind takes time over centuries and civilizations unlike the knowledge of the heart to which fortunately we have immediate and constant access through kind emotions.

It is time to think of extricating ourselves from the tangled thoughts that result in disturbances in our psyche and return to the heart of things and to the safety and the sanctity of our own wellspring of loving kindness and compassion. This is within, although not always obvious, at the heart's core in every human being.

In our present global system there is much confusion. We are well practised in satisfying our bodies to the detriment of our souls that remain ever hungry for true love, for knowing the reason for existence, for opportunity to demonstrate or express the finest part of our nature. We need to satisfy the eager appetite for guidance as to how to best spend our life energies and life time.

Simplicity is the key to peace instead of war. Loving relationships must replace tangled ones. Respect for natural laws instead of challenging Nature. With the addition of a sense of security regarding not only our place in the scheme of things, but feeling safe within our own nature and safe within the world outside, then perhaps we would experience the deep sense of contentment that we all yearn for.

We must gradually eradicate the habit attitude of 'them and us' to allow expansion of the vision of a future where we share the planet as 'earthlings' and consider ourselves one humanity - 'The Family of Man'.

Simplicity could be our saving grace and could lead us all to the ultimate realization of a Peace experienced internally by the individual and externally in the world around us.

This would seem to be the magical, true spirit of Globalization.

Elizabeth S. Adams is known for her published "Forgotten Dreams - a collection of Poetry" with additional interests that extend to Astrology,Astronomy and mystical subjects that help us understand who we are and our place in the Universe. Astrology when applied to self understanding of our personality and deeper soul potentials is a great practical starting point. We also need assistance to unveil the special inner talents of our soul so we feel confident to offer our contribution to the world. Astrology is such an aid.
Visit her site http://www.spirit-of-astrology.com

What Can Display Graphics Say About Your Brand?

By Jamie Simpson

Smart advertising is the most effective way of getting your business or brand noticed by potential customers. Moreover, advertising is a major factor in the success of any business or product. Wise investment and placement is the key to making your advertising campaign work. Below we will look at several options which you can use to reach potential customers and help you reach your business goals.

Types of Advertising

When it comes to banner stands, billboards, bus stop advertisements, or pull up banners, it is endless as to what information can be applied to them. You may wish to place an ad for your business with your business address, or you may wish to advertise a product for which you sell. You can also apply both pieces of information on any of the aforementioned advertising mediums.

Moreover, the design and size of the lettering used can be advantageous where the size of the banner is concerned. The proper ad would cause the information to jump out and catch the eye of prospective customers. The colours used in the ad would also be an important consideration. Many times, these advertisements will use multi-coloured lettering that stands out well from the background colour of the advertising medium.

The Best Ways to Advertise

Though advertising can be an expensive endeavour, it is necessary to increase sales and thus grow your business. Researching the best ways to advertise is recommended. Display graphics is a great way to advertise your business or product. Many businesses utilise display advertising on the internet as well as other advertising methods. Many different types of images, video, and copy can be placed in display type advertising. Placement possibilities on the internet are endless and profitable.

Outdoor billboard advertising is available in many forms with large roadway billboards being one of the most prominent. The two main types of billboards available are digital outdoor billboards and non-digital outdoor billboards. Non-digital billboards have a long track record of success and should be used in any advertising campaign. However, digital billboards are becoming a very popular method of advertising because they are more interesting to the consumer. These billboards are high-tech and can have a moving display containing much more information, thus allowing you to advertise much more effectively. You can apply your business name and location, what products you sell, and you can even highlight certain products. The amount of information one can place in this type of advertisement is endless.

Bus stops are always great locations for advertising. This is a high traffic area with people waiting for a bus, and they often have time to take in the advertising that is displayed. Additionally, because of the proximity of the advertisement to the potential customer, they can't help but see and be drawn in by the ad.

Business owners in the know, use banner stands as a cost effective way to advertise and promote their business. This type of advertising is prominent at trade shows and takes advantage of roll up banners along with twist banner stands to draw the attention. Printed on these banner stands and pull up banners is information about your business, or products that you sell. Vivid colourful graphics give the passersby a reason to scrutinise your ad and they usually will stop for a visit to inquire about what is advertised. Prospective customers will come to see what your business has to offer by way of products and services.

How to Plan Out Your Exhibition Stall

By Sunidhi Iyer

Many exhibition stall creation businesses deal with just the creating the stall design, 
whilst the task of fabricating the stall stays with other stall fabrication entities. 
Prior to finalizing the project, it's vital to understand the duty of each company. 
Some businesses provide you with totally fabricated stalls that occupies your 
approved area whilst other businesses just provide you with the area and ask you 
to build the stall by yourself. The latter choice tends to make the job much more complex 
and in addition it produces lot of issues regarding coordination. The secret of creating 
an amazing exhibition stall lies within the optimum publicity of every participant. 
Visitor movement is planned to circulate via all the exhibition stalls to make sure all 
participants get ample publicity.

A good company providing exhibition stall designing services will have expertise that what is best and what is not, so it's really worth employing a partnering organization a couple of months prior to the exhibition dates. This is required so that you are able to have sufficient time for modifications and tweaking needed within your stall's design.

In real perception the exhibition stall is really an area exactly where branding materials are positioned to be able to entice the attentions of viewers and visitors.

The look of an exhibition stall must be simple and by no means complicated. The stall should be created to provide on-spot communication targeted at visitors. The branding, print collateral and also messaging content must be distinct and enticing. The exhibits should put into perspective, the principle goals corresponding to specific merchandise and goods, newer goods and special offers. Each one of these factors of generating curiosity should be made more elegant by means of attractive lights, colorful construction and position of the stall itself.

Even when you possess only little space for your exhibition stall, you will be able to draw the focus of visitors by exhibiting the goods in an obvious and in a beautiful manner. The primary query is how you can create a little exhibition stall that is presentable and can receive optimum walk-ins. You can accomplish this by handing your exhibition venture to professional stall designers as they would help you in obtaining most from your stall area and spending budget.

If you would like to locate an authority exhibition stall design business, you should search directories within your locality or where the exhibition is being held. On the other hand, you may also look for an organization in your country of location that offers the exhibition solutions globally. In an exhibition or perhaps an exposition it doesn't make a difference if your booth is small or large, a much more essential factor is the way in which you display your goods and solutions. The guests ought to be in a position to know your offerings once they enter your booth.

Discovering the right expert exhibition stall partner will definitely enhance your results.

As soon as you decide on the look of your exhibition stall, the fabrication company will begin the fabrication at their premises. Most of the times, the exhibition organizers allocate stall area ahead of time. This to ensure that fabrication may be carried out at the stall location. The allocation of stalls is carried out by marking the area of the stall. If you can receive the stall area ahead of time, it's a great idea to begin fabricating the stall at the location or else the stall fabrication company will need to transport the semi fabricated stall components from their warehouse and put it all together at the location.

Choosing The Right Position For Your Exhibition Stand

By Jack Alans

The most stunning, innovative and spectacular exhibition stand in the world will not be effective unless visitors actually get to see it. While many companies invest significant amounts of time and money into producing an eye-catching display, they often overlook the importance of choosing the right location in the first place.

Experienced exhibition stand contractors won't just design and build your display, they will also be able to advise you on exactly where it should be situated within the venue in order to attract the maximum amount of traffic.

Newcomers to the world of exhibitions are often tempted to secure a stand close to the entrance on the basis that this is a prime spot, but studies show that a significant number of visitors do not engage with the exhibition until they are much further inside the venue.

While it is usually beneficial to be positioned along one of the main aisles of an exhibition, choosing a location close to a refreshment stand, seating area or even the toilets can lead to additional visitors, as these are places where crowds tend to congregate and some people use such landmarks as meeting points.

Corners and intersections can also be a great spot as this brings traffic from multiple directions and visitors tend to pause as they work out which way to turn, giving your staff the opportunity to engage with them. Corner stands also create a great sense of space which can make them far more welcoming than smaller, overcrowded stands that make guests feel as though they are entering a cave.

Some small exhibitors get concerned if they find themselves next to a major company as they worry they will be overlooked, but this sort of position can actually be an advantage. Being in a high traffic area will increase your visibility and if the neighboring stand becomes crowded, visitors are likely to browse through your exhibit while they are waiting.

If you are still concerned about being dwarfed by a large neighboring stand, a professional designer can provide you with plenty of tips and tricks that will make your own display stand out, even if it is far smaller. This could involve extra artwork or the addition of a feature piece or even a small hospitality section. You can also try having more staff on hand to make the most of the passing footfall by approaching people to get them interested in your product.

Equally important as the placing of the stand within the exhibition is the position of the elements within your stand itself. Make sure that people can move around to view the graphics and products without have to dodge around equipment and furniture. If you have a particularly large stand, break it down into smaller elements to make it easier to control and ensure you have plenty of staff around throughout the entire day to answer any questions and provide further information.

Ideally, you want to retain an element of flexibility so that you can adapt easily if you suddenly attract a large crowd. Good exhibition stand design can ensure that your spot still looks inviting even if it is mostly empty.

The Amazing Exhibitionists are exhibition stand contractors with over 35 years of experience within the industry including the conceptualisation, design, construction, management and transportation of exhibition stands. For more information on them or their services

How to Use Store Design to Improve Your Brand Image

By Romeo Cliff Richards

Why Do You Need to Apply Image Selling?

The retail business is showbiz. It is all about image, brand and style. It is about customer's perception of your brand and what it represents. The Body Shop in most people's mind represents ethics, Harrods represents class and Victoria Secret represents love.

When people enter a Body Shop store, they do so because they want to feel ethical. Products in the store were not tested on animals therefore certain individuals feel that by using products from there they are swaying their conscience.

Many of the products found on Harrods shop floor can be found in many other stores in the UK. However, people shop at Harrods even though it might be two or three times the price of other stores because it gives them the feeling of elegance.

When women want to go for a special date or when they want to surprise their significant other they shop for their special bedroom lingerie at Victoria Secret. Wearing lingerie from Victoria Secret gives them confidence.

These retailers have carved a place for themselves in the hearts of shoppers making them to associate their brand with those images. The images cultivated by those brands have been responsible for their phenomenal success in the retail industry.

Image selling is very essential for the success of any retail venture without which most retail businesses struggle.

What is Image Selling?

Image selling is basically selling the identity of your product or retail organization. Take for example Home Depot; the familiar name gives you a very simple idea of the quality of service and product. Image selling is the ability to market an idea that people cling onto which in the end creates a positive perception in their mind about a particular retail organization.

How to Apply Image Selling:

Image selling is required from the start as retail organizations needs to identify what they stand for or against. Are they going to be like The Body Shop and represent ethics, or like Harrods and represent class?

The image that is projected could be that of the philosophy of the founder. Maybe your retail store could represent fun, love or passion for life - it really does not matter but it is important that your brand is associated with something. To maintain that image, your store design should reflect that.

If the image you want to project is that of a fun-loving retailer, your stores need to be bright coloured and designed in a trendy and funky manner. If you want to project the image of an environmentally conscious retailer, then your store needs to be designed with green colour and all your fixtures need to be made from recyclable materials.

How to Implement Image Selling?

Follow the steps below to effectively market your image:

Step 1- Identify the image you want to be known for. It can either be the philosophy of the founder or the organization as a whole. It first needs to be identified along with an explanation of why you will want to be associated with a particular image.

Step 2- Communicate that image to your store designers in order for it to be incorporated into the store design blueprint.

Step 3- Design the store to reflect that image and every fixture, lighting and décor in the store needs to be congruent with that image.

Step 4- Ensure store managers and store associates are educated on your brand image. Their uniforms, actions and interactions with customers need to reflect your projected image.

How to Make Effective Use of Visual Merchandise Technologies

By Romeo Cliff Richards

Visual merchandising is the art of displaying merchandise in a manner that is appealing to the eyes. As the saying goes "First impressions last", this is also true in the world of merchandising display.

Visual merchandisers use season based displays to introduce new products arrival to customers. The arrival of summer, winter, holiday seasons such as Christmas, Easter and other special events are displayed on season based displays systematically and stock related to those seasons are displayed during those periods to increase conversions.

By using creative visual displays, the core strategy of visual merchandising, you make a positive, long lasting, visual connection with potential buyers of your product. For example, retail stores display discounted products or those advertised as buy one; get one free. Displays can also be used to promote products that are overstocked.

Why is Technology Good For Merchandise Display?

Visual merchandising display technologies attract attention, stimulate customer's senses and provide a wonderful shopping experience resulting in return purchases and customer loyalty.

The following are the most widely used merchandise technologies:

• Planogram Software

The planogram is a visual diagram or drawing that provides visual merchandisers with details of the location of every product to be displayed in a retail store. These schematics not only present a flow chart for the particular merchandise departments within a store layout but also instruct on the specific aisle and shelf an item is to be displayed.

• LED Lighting

Light quality is vital for a retail store. LED lighting ensures products are seen in their actual colors and quality. LED lighting is not solely known for their energy saving and appealing ambiance but they also creates a warm welcoming atmosphere.

• Window Displays

Used to display merchandise for sale in the store, window displays show potential customers items that are on sale inside the shop in a bid to attract customers and entice them to enter the store.

The Benefits:

The following are the benefits that a retailer can gain from using visual merchandise technologies:

Planograms:
• Makes inventory work much easy.
• Provides information on product location and quantity
• Tells what should be stocked and the sizes/colors that works best for particular shelf.
• Encourages customers to buy and help them to be sold on your products.

LED Lighting Technology:
• LED lighting is digitally programmed to produce the exact color light required in each area.
• This gives the products a more emotional appeal to shoppers enhancing the freshness and glow.
• It consumes less energy than fluorescent lighting.
• It can be focused exactly where it is needed and in the right color; enabling more sophisticated lighting set up.
• Help retail businesses that are hinged on creating a harmonious mood with decor and lighting.

Window Displays
Below are tips for creating a good merchandise window display:
• Create a simple but effective window display; less is more.
• Ensure the products stand out.
• Use good lighting to highlight products.
• Arrange merchandise in a pyramid form or stack them.
• Make creative use of mannequins.
• Tell a story with your display.
• The theme of the display needs to be clear to the customer.
• Use visual effects to make the display more attractive.
• Use display monitors and other window display technologies to enhance your display.

Romeo Richards is the CEO of The Business Education Center,  the consultancy division of Richards International Group. The Business Education Center provides the most in-depth and comprehensive business coaching and training to professionals such as doctors, lawyers, accountants, business consultants, private security firms and retail executives.

Vespa Korban Putus Cinta

Vespa milik sang kekasih jadi sasaran utamanya.

RABU, 14 DESEMBER 2011, 16:19 WIB

Sandy Adam Mahaputra

Vespa korban putus cinta (Dailymail)

VIVAnews -  Setiap orang tentunya memiliki cara tersendiri untuk melampiaskan kekesalannya, ketika harus menerima hubungan asmara dengan kekasihnya kandas. Mulai dari menangis hingga curhat.

Tapi cara tersebut nampak tidak berlaku bagi seorang wanita asal Inggris yang tidak disebutkan namanya itu. Ia bahkan meluapkan kekesalannya dengan mencoret-coret Vespa sang kekasih yang baru saja memutuskannya.

Seperti dilansir Dailymail dan Visordown, Rabu 14 Desember 2011, Matt si pemilik Vespa itu, tak menyangka jika bodi skuter kesayangannya itu dipenuhi grafiti. Tapi ini bukanlah gravfti yang menambah keindahan desain, melainkan sebuah coret-coretan atau perusakan (vandal).

Bahkan kata-kata tak senonoh terulis di seluruh bagian bodi dan jok Vespa berwarna biru. Mulai dari kata 'pembohong','selingkuh', 'Karma pasti akan datang'. Dari coretan yang berisi kekesalan itu, membuat Matt sadar siapa pelakunya. Ya tidak lain adalah mantan kekasihnya, yang baru saja ia putuskan.

"Motor itu seperti sampah dan terbuang begitu saja. Mungkin ini membuat pria itu memikirkan lagi apa yang sudah dia perbuat," kata Chris Thomson, pria yang memotret motor tersebut. Kini motor Vespa malang itu teronggok di pinggir jalan London Utara. (eh)

• VIVAnews