Grow Your Business and Your Relationships

Mike Sneiderman

Business Owners See Signs of Economic Growth

From increases in consumer spending to an increase in RV purchases (yes, it’s an economic indicator: click here to read more), many signs point to an economic upswing. But what about the experiences of individual business owners? According to Dan Varner and Mike Sneiderman, they are seeing their own signs the economy is rebounding.

Dan Varner, owner of Varner Claims Consulting, LLC, has seen an increase in employment in the industries he commonly works with, including the trucking, manufacturing and home and commercial construction industries (to learn more, visit their YouTube Playlist by clicking here).

“The economy is rebounding, and more shipments of goods leads to increased freight demands,” Varner says. “With the aging workforce and stricter workplace guidelines, I’m seeing the upper level of the workforce retiring, and companies hiring new workers.”

With exponentially more workers, another percentage comes up: the number of injured workers, which means a higher volume of insurance claims. Helping companies with injured workers create return-to-work solutions is Varner’s specialty. After more than 30 years experience working in claims insurance, Varner has taken this knowledge to help businesses achieve cost savings while placing injured workers in light/transitional-duty programs that keep them working during their medical recovery.

A Proactive Mindset

Because the risk for injured workers rises proportionally with an increased amount of workers hired, Varner encourages companies to take a proactive versus reactive approach.

“A proactive approach means business owners having a light duty program in place,” Varner says. “We can assist business owners in controlling claims costs and the injured worker is happy because he or she is making more money remaining at light/transitional positions compared to staying home collecting benefits.”

One of the reasons employers may not take the cost-saving approach to return-to-work solutions is simply a lack of knowledge in what is often a complicated insurance matter and manpower to support the program. Varner uses his considerable nationwide industry connections to make a light/transitional duty program easy to execute for a business owners.

Even during a tough economy, Varner has been able to carve out a niche and grow his business. He attributes his success to multiple factors that appeal to companies: flat-rate fees, a 100 percent placement rate for injured workers, an electronic time tracking program and perhaps most importantly, ease of accessibility to Varner himself.

“My company and employees react instantly to requests,” Varner says. “A company doesn’t have to go through hoops and five or eight people to reach me, which can make all the difference when a company needs immediate placement for an injured worker.”

Business Refresh

Mike Sneiderman, co-owner of SIGNARAMA USA, BOCA/DELRAY sees economic indicators of his own via his sign business that creates outdoor and indoor signs, banners, graphics, letters and displays. Sneiderman says more and more new businesses are coming in to work with the SIGNARAMA team to create distinctive signs that build brand recognition and attract customers.

“You can have the greatest products, but customers must be able to first find you,” Sneiderman says. “The right signage is welcoming and sets the tone for the new business.”

The SIGNARAMA team, which include Mike’s co-owner son Dave, uses its award-winning approach to help new businesses craft the message they want to send to customers via custom, eye-grabbing signs.

Another economic indicator Sneiderman is seeing more customers with existing businesses coming in for new signs, displays and banners.

“When the economy was at its lower points, updating signage and interiors was often a point that got overlooked,” Sneiderman says. “But now businesses are seeing its overall value in retaining and attracting new customers. Neglecting the appearance of your business can send the message you may neglect other aspects of the business transaction as well.”

Much like Varner, Sneiderman advises a proactive approach when it comes to maintaining business success. By regularly replacing faded, poorly lit or outdated signage, businesses appear more successful and inviting.

“First impressions are everything,” Sneiderman says. “My company will work tirelessly with a business to ensure a first impression is a strong one.”

Learn more about Varner Claims Consulting, LLC, visit www.varnerclaimsconsulting.com, call (312) 450-3259 or e-mail Varner at dan@varnerclaimsconsulting.com. You can also follow him on Twitter at @VarnerClaims.

Learn more about SIGNARAMA USA, BOCA/DELRAY, visit www.signsdb.com or call (561) 278-7446. You can also follow the business on Twitter at @SignaramaBocaDB or visit the welcoming sign professionals in person at SIGNARAMA located at 2905 S. Congress Avenue, Suite E in Delray Beach.

Maesk Group Offers Weekend Couples Seminars

Communication, togetherness and awareness -- these are some of the hallmarks of a healthy relationship. If you feel yours could improve in one or several of these categories, Doug Maesk, M.A., Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), is offering weekend seminars for couples throughout the month of June.

Doug Maesk

“These seminars will be ideal for couples considering marriage or those who have been together for a while but are struggling,” says Maesk, a Fort Lauderdale-based counselor with more than 10 years experience. “These seminars will focus on fostering intimacy, removing barriers to healthy communication and increasing awareness of each partner’s role in the relationship.”

Maesk offers a unique approach to counseling and is trained in Gestalt Therapy, a therapy form that takes an integrated approach to healing.

“I feel I meet people where they are,” Maesk says. “If a patient is interested in more of a feelings approach, I will go there with them. If they want a more cognitive, intellectual approach, I will go there with them. In other words, my work is very person-centered.”

Maesk specializes in the treatment of anxiety, depression, substance abuse, adolescent psychology and couples counseling. He emphasizes that entering counseling is not a lifetime commitment. He often works with many clients over a three- to six-month time frame, helping them to ease worries and feel happier, two feelings they may have previously thought impossible.

‘What I want people to know is that I have helped thousands of people over the years to lead happier, more productive lives,” Maesk says.

Want to know more about Maesk’s services and weekend seminars, call (954) 353-4680 or e-mail doug@maeskgroup.com. Maesk’s offices are located at 2821 E. Commercial Blvd., Suite 210, in Fort Lauderdale.

April Dorsey of The D-Tales Shares Sassy Tips for Service Business Owners

April Dorsey of The D-Tales

With wedding season fast-approaching, April Dorsey, the wedding planner extraordinaire of The D-Tales, is working hard with brides and vendors to create picture-perfect and crazy-fun wedding events. April’s schedule is so busy because she knows her stuff when it comes to attracting clients—and here are some of her tips for how she does it:

You’ve Got to Go Mobile
The D-Tales offers a kick-a website, plus a mobile-optimized site. According to April, 67 percent of mobiles users say that when they visit a mobile-friendly site, they’re more likely to buy a site’s product or service. Personally, April says she has seen an increase in web traffic by 25 percent, especially from Apple products such as the iPhone and iPad.

Make Space for Reviews and Referrals
Customer reviews and referrals are a major revenue source for April.

“Brides want to hire someone who they have been referred to by a close friend,” April says.

Because April’s business is sometimes considered a “luxury” one, she says referrals provide a first-hand experience to explain why her business is needed to avoid issues and stress that can arise from planning a wedding. Another avenue similar to referrals is the “Reviews” section of her website. Opening her site to client reviews has resulted in an increase of visitors to the site by 25 percent.

Carve Out a Unique Space for Yourself
April’s mission is not to provide wedding planning services as usual for her brides. She’s a think-outside-the-box wedding planner that specializes in sassy brides with unique visions for their big days. Rock-and-roll-themed weddings? She’s planned those. Ethnic weddings? She’s planned those too. And she knows that each bride needs a varying level of guidance in advance of her big day. That’s why April created an expanded menu of services categorized by time, such as “Brainstorming Session,” “Month of Help,” “Help Me Finish” and “I Want It All.” April’s seen her revenue increase by 25 percent in four months after increasing her offerings.

For more information on The D-Tales, visit TheDTales.com, call (407) 687-6552 or e-mail April at April@TheDTales.com.

Quality Products, Male Boudoir, and Social Advertising

“When the customer comes first, the customer will last.”-Robert Half

It’s a not-so-well-kept secret that customer service is a key to keeping and maintaining lasting customer relationships. Without it, you may get a customer in the door, but you won’t guarantee you will ever see that customer again. Since Club Cabeza knows more than a few customer service artistes, we have polled several area businesses for their customer service tips and tricks.

Customer Service Tip #1: Quality Products

Romi DiRoberto, President and Design Consultant for Florida Design & Associates, Inc., has worked with her husband and his cousin at their family owned interior design business since 1993. The company’s “Shop At Home” services range from window and drapery design to home interior consulting. When customers call DiRoberto, they know they can count on a wide and high-quality product selection.

Romi DiRoberto

“One of the things that matters most is the quality of service and product,” DiRoberto says. “If my clients are not happy, then I am not happy. I think that is a direct reflection of my personality as well as the way that I think any and all businesses should be represented.”

DiRoberto says a strong knowledge base of the construction and design industries allows her to find the right products to show clients. She is always looking for new offerings, including the Coulisse product line of pleated shades, roller shades and gliding panel systems.

“They have a sleek design and when they are fully raised, the head rail almost disappears,” DiRoberto says. “The roller shades have many options as well and will fit any window in any room in any style of home or office.”

DiRoberto has taken this business knowledge to her Pompano Beach-based doggy-grooming salon called “Doggy Stylin’.” The same values in providing quality services carry over into the business where dog groomers Jeannie and Mary have more than 30 years’ experience in the industry.

Customer Service Tip #2: Find Your Niche

Photographer Noël de Christian found a niche in the photography business, and has made a life’s work out of it.

“My services are rather niche-oriented since I don’t photograph everything under the sun,” de Christian says. “I basically photograph adults with a strong focus on men. Us men are usually neglected from professional photography — though it’s getting better — with a much stronger emphasis on women, children and families.”

When de Christian found his niche in the photography world, the results were life-changing for him and his clients.

Noel de Christian Photography

“I believe that today’s men are starting to realize that they can be photographed professionally for personal reasons and still enjoy the session and its outcome,” he says. “I have client who mentioned to me how their new pictures have changed their lives for the better and how others see them.”

Offering a vast array of services that include portraits, headshots, male physique and fashion and what de Christian terms “Dudoir” or male boudoir shots, de Christian’s prestige and reputation as a photographer have grown as he continues to cultivate his business. One of the latest industry trends he has observed is producing high-end coffee table books from his photographs. He works with high-end book production companies to produce books options that include images printed on metallic paper to binding in rich leathers. de Christian says his clients utilize the books as a gift to a significant other or as an elegant way to display and capture a moment for a lifetime. 

“Everyone has a story to tell, and it’s my job to tell that story through images,” de Christian says.

For more information about Florida Design & Associates, Inc., visit floridadesignservices.com or follow them at twitter.com/FLDesignAssoc. To find out more about Doggy Stylin’ grooming salon, visit www.pompanodoggystylin.com or call toll-free at (888) 482-2399.

For more information on Noël de Christian photography, visit noeldechristian.com or follow de Christian on Twitter at twitter.com/Photo_Noel. You can also call (954) 777-3000 for more information.

Identifying Marketing Trends: Social Advertising
With more than 1.06 billion monthly active users, it’s hard to deny the promotional capabilities of Facebook from a marketing perspective. In October, Facebook rolled out a “Sponsored Posts” option that allows you to promote friends and business’ posts for a fee. According to Facebook, the “Promote Post” function is especially beneficial to those making charity fundraising efforts, accomplishments, sales and personal announcements, such as an engagement. This option joins a growing marketing approach known as “social advertising.”

Marnie Goldberg, Amplification, Inc. Social Medium

“Sponsored posts are extremely effective at increasing your reach and helping you target specific demographics,” says Marnie Goldberg, Social Medium at Amplification, Inc., a South Florida-based social media company. “We have been very successful with fan acquisition campaigns for a number of clients and with promoting a specific event."

Goldberg cited several examples from her social media clients, including a recent sponsored campaign of a YouTube video for Polo Trace Golf Club that increased video views by a factor of five within a few days (Click here to view the video "Ladies League at Polo Trace Golf Club"). An awesome side effect was an increase in fans, too. Meaning by sponsoring the video, Polo Trace’s fan page on Facebook also acquired new fans as a result.

Goldberg calls this the “halo effect.”

“When you are trying to acquire fans for a Facebook page, having some sort of messaging is essential,” Goldberg says. “Combining video and sponsored posts has given us great success.”

Thanks to Facebook’s tracking metrics, social media reach and effectiveness is more than anecdotal. Goldberg says Facebook provides a wealth of information, including impressions and unique visitors.

“As marketers, we can then use this information to calibrate our efforts and adjust messaging whenever necessary,” Goldberg says.

Party in the Park will be held on May 5.

Sponsored Facebook efforts are best centered around a fan acquisition or messaging agenda. Another way to employ it is by pushing a specific event. How many times a week or month do you get event invitations from these same friends who work as a club promoter or DJ? The new Facebook capability circumvents that consumer numbness or apathy. Goldberg utilized Facebook metrics to fine-tune the audience, selecting age groups, specific demographics and Facebook users who liked certain music types, outdoor concerts and communities for an upcoming music event to benefit the Parks Foundation of Miami-Dade County. After one week, the number of RSVPs had increased by almost 80 percent—an eye-catching jump from previous event-related marketing efforts. (Click here to view the Parks Foundation's event invite for "Love-In Party in the Park").

“When we help clients target their efforts, they see better results,” Goldberg says. “Making the cyclical connection among video, sponsored posts and fan acquisitions is a natural fit.”

For more information on Goldberg and Amplification, Inc., please visit www.amplificationinc.com and follow them at @We_Amplify_You.

The Original American Picker

The History Channel’s American Pickers show chronicles the traveling exploits of Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz of Antique Archaeology on their quest to find highly collectible antiques for resale.

While the concept has revitalized an interest in antiques, the concept is not a new one to Stephen “Steve” Gano and the Randolph Rose family. That’s because Gano has been traveling the world for more than 50 years, amassing one of the largest Asian art and antiques collections in the country for Far Eastern Antiques, a business whose holdings include Manhattan and Florida showrooms and a Yonkers-based warehouse.

Making Their Start

The story of Far Eastern Antiques begins with Steve’s military service in Thailand. He would purchase antiques in the Thai villages where he was stationed, sending them back to his aunt’s Greenwich Village-based antiques store. When he returned to America, he began selling the antiques in a Manhattan-based shop and in the Yonkers-based home he converted into an art gallery.

In an early 1970s summer, Steve asked his cousin Randolph Rose, a teacher at the time, to watch his showrooms as he went on a buying trip. Rose saw the potential for the business. When Steve returned, they partnered together with Steve as the buyer and Randolph as the salesman.

The Rose Family proudly runs Far Eastern Antiques

The partners were the perfect personality complements for each other, according to Austin Rose, Randolph’s son, who now helps to run the business alongside his family. Randolph is the outgoing salesman who’s always wearing a smile while Steve is the quiet, mild-mannered procurer of items.

“Steve has a great eye for everything to do with Asian antiques,” Austin Rose says. “He has an almost photograph-like memory for items and the ability to recognize high-quality, historic pieces.”

As the business grew, Steve continued to travel to China, Japan, Thailand, Indonesia and India. Adopting the “freestyle” techniques of the American Pickers, he would build relationships with vendors and residents of smaller towns, going into villages to purchase the rarest of items, including antiques from burial digs.

Taking History Home

The Yonkers-based warehouse houses thousands of antiques.

While Far Eastern Antiques started as a small business, it has outgrown nearly every building it occupied. The store was initially open only to those in the “trade” or design business, outfitting homes with beautiful and rare Asian art. Today, the Manhattan showroom exists along with the real showstopper that is the Yonkers warehouse, which features more than 70,000 square feet of merchandise spread across several floors. The warehouse is just a short, 20-minute train ride from Manhattan.

“When you walk in, it’s hard not to feel like a kid in a candy store,” Austin says. “When designers come in, they are almost in shock at the beauty and volume of antiques collected over the years.”

Far Eastern Antiques offers a variety of art and furniture.

With almost 50 years in the Asian art and antiques business, Far Eastern Antiques now has quite the history itself. The warehouse and showrooms are now open to the public. Collections include every imaginable decorative and furnishing item, including cabinets, chests, tables, screens, sculptures, trunks, tables, seating and ceramics. Even if you can’t make it to one of the destinations, you can shop the company’s online collections.

“We are the ultimate destination for those with a love of Far Eastern antiques,” Austin says. “It’s like our own Antiques Roadshow, filled with the most amazing antiques and furnishings imaginable.”

Visit http://www.fareasternantiques.com to view the collections and for more information. Far Eastern Arts & Antiques’ New York City Showroom is located at 799 Broadway at 11^th Street, New York, NY. Call (212) 460-5030 to reach this location. The Yonkers Warehouse is located at 500 Nepperhan Avenue, and you can call (914) 423-2047 or (800) 462-5851 to reach this location. 

Making The Grade in Standardized Testing

“Put down your pencils and please turn in your test booklets.”

These are the words thousands of high-school students hear each year when taking the SAT or ACT tests that could determine college admission and/or college scholarships. Such standardized tests have been the source of frustration, excitement and success for young students.

There’s only one problem. Scores are dropping nationwide. The College Board organization that writes and manages the SAT reported the lowest scores in 40 years and a 20-point decline since 2006, according to The Washington Post.

Focused Preparation

ElDeiry

Preparation for such a daunting test requires a deeper understanding of the test itself and a focus on a student’s learning and test-taking style, according to Mike ElDeiry, owner and instructor with Weston-based Broward Tutorial Services, also known as BTS. 

Broward Tutorial Services provides small-group preparation with eight or fewer students and private tutoring for SAT and ACT preparation as well as ACT/SAT Diagnostic testing to give students a baseline for what they might score on the test and areas for improvement.

“The key to success is not volume, but quality,” ElDeiry says. “Taking small-group classes gives our students a personalized approach while relating to the struggles of fellow students. Students have to start early in taking practice tests, putting the time in studying and practicing—and practicing some more.”  

Broward Tutorial Services boasts an impressive track record of success, with many students raising scores by over 300 points on the SAT. After studying at Tufts and Harvard Universities and earning an MBA from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, ElDeiry used his experience as an algebra, math and business professor, to prepare students for these and other areas of college testing. ElDeiry teaches these small-group classes with language arts expert Adam Moss, a reading and English professor who specializes in coaching students at every skill level in preparation for grammar and reading examinations.

While ElDeiry and the BTS team try to pinpoint each student’s potential for improving testing scores, additional portions emphasized include time management, recognizing “trap” questions and process of elimination.

Expect Success

Florida’s lottery-funded “Bright Futures” program sets a minimum GPA and ACT/SAT scores for automatic scholarships to any Florida public college/university. These requirements create a more competitive landscape for college admissions and scholarships. The ability to help a student achieve the desired score and beyond is one of the reasons ElDeiry continues to provide test preparation services.

“I always knew that teaching was my calling, and my fellow instructor Adam and I both have a special skill for seeing where students get stuck and what they get stuck on,” he says. “Helping students be able to afford college is life-changing.”

For more information about Broward Tutorial Services, please visit BrowardTutorial.com or call (954) 667-6500. To view a listing of upcoming small-group classes, click here. Online registration is available. 

KMK Films Inks Deal for "Amelia's 25th"

Karin Kelts of KMK Films

In “Catching Up With Karin,” Karin Kelts — model, actress, and film and television producer — hinted at a new feature film project in the works.  On Monday, January 21, 2013, Kelts’ company KMK Films sold the distribution rights to the film, Amelia’s 25th to Breaking Glass Pictures. Kelts, an international model and actress, also stars in the film as Eve.

Electra Avellan plays Amelia

Starring Danny Trejo, Jennifer Tilly, Margaret Cho, Ashley Parker Angel and Electra Avellan as Amelia, the film takes the viewer on a day in the life of Amelia, a struggling Hollywood actress on the verge of turning 25. While most people are excited for their birthdays, Amelia doesn’t feel the same, especially since 25 is pretty much over the hill in the actress world. Amelia has some sources of wisdom to guide her along the way, including a movie star, photographer, casting director, psychics, plus-size sex shop owners and a cross-dressing neighbor. The movie also features the first on-screen appearance by director Robert Rodriguez of From Dusk ‘Til Dawn and Desperado fame.

The project is KMK Films’ second feature film to go into distribution, but that doesn’t mean Kelts is resting on her laurels. 

“I’m never one to slow down,” she says. “I’m constantly reading scripts and developing television programs via the television side of my production company, Long Legs Production.”

A Miami native, Kelts’ goal is to continue to bring film and television projects to Florida.

Click here to visit the IMDB page for Amelia’s 25th or visit KarinKelts.com to learn more about KMK Films and Long Legs Production. You also can follow her on Twitter at @KarinKelts.

Family Owned Businesses Anticipate Success in 2013

Family Enterprise USA released recent results of their annual poll concerning growth and employment expectations in 2013. After polling 230 family-owned firms, an estimated 70 percent of respondents reported revenue growth in 2012 and the same number anticipate continued profit growth for 2013.

After big-box retail stores reported a modest 3.1 percent increase in sales for the 2012 holiday season, the shift may  be moving back toward the family owned business, whose profits currently represent 50 percent of the Gross Domestic Profit, according to Inc. magazine.

The Randolph Rose Collection is a family owned business.

Austin Rose, a second-generation family owner with the Yonkers, New York-based Randolph Rose Collection has seen these trends firsthand. For more than 40 years, the Randolph Rose Collection has created bronze sculptures, fountains and statues for private and public display. Randolph Rose, the company’s founder, has three sons who now operate and grow the business.  

“Our company identity is as a family business,” Austin says. “When someone calls our business, they know they’re speaking to someone from the Rose family, and that we take a personal interest in each and every project.”

The “personal” may be one reason family-owned businesses are still seeing success in a tough economy. Austin says many customers are long-time customers who continue to return for additional public works projects or the installation of a sculpture in a new or renovated home.

Building a strong reputation within the art community is one of the reasons Austin says their family’s sculptures are seen around the world from some of New York City’s finest homes to a library in Ottawa, Canada, to a custom Davey Crockett sculpture for a Tennessee-based science museum. (Modified text in link)

Adjusting to Changing Times

"Reflections" fountain from The Randolph Rose Collection

Family-owned businesses are associated with tradition, which sometimes implies lack of willingness to change. It is the Rose family’s ability to adapt to changing times that lends itself to success, Austin says. For example, the business extends itself to custom creations, such as a sculpture of a beloved pet or a life-sized statue of an honored city official.

Customization represents a trend that’s been 15 years in the making, according to “The Los Angeles Times.” Companies such as Starbucks have worked to perfect it with drink modifiers such as skinny, double-shot or no-whip. The 2006 Burger King slogan “Have It Your Way” helped to revive its business while customized iPods and Nike shoes help to boost profit margins.

While often labor-intensive, customization represents a growing aspect of the family’s business. “Our motto is, 'we can turn your inspiration into our creation,'” Austin says. “The personalized aspect of our business reflects this and helps us hone our skills in customer service and idea execution.”

A sculpture of the Rose family dog, Bailey

For more information on the Randolph Rose Collection, visit RandolphRose.com or call toll-free 1-800-462-5851. While you will get a family member, Bailey, the company’s Labrador retriever will not answer the phone. 

Fashion Design, Video Marketing, and The BioDome

As Club Cabeza and Amplification, Inc., celebrate a successful 2012 and look to 2013, we wanted to say a big thank you to our readers and wish you a very happy holiday season. Now…onto the fashion!

Three Questions for: Viktor Franovik, Franovik Designs

Designing eco-friendly fashions, consulting with clients and attending editorial photo shoots—while most people do these things in a week, this sounds like an average morning for Viktor Franovik of Franovik Designs. Half of the design duo with Francisco Perez, Franovik Designs creates fashion-forward and eco-friendly clothing items for clientele. 

Design Duo Viktor Franovik and Francisco Perez

Hot off the heels of a widely successful Runway Splash/Elements of Green Fashion Show and LS1426 Fashion Week (see video here) where Franovik Designs showcased couture creations, Franovik sat down with Amplification, Inc. to discuss life, business and, of course, fashion.

Club Cabeza: Give our readers some insight into the history of Franovik Designs—what inspired you and Francisco to launch this fashion venture?

Viktor Franovik: Francisco and I have a combined 20 years of experience in the fashion industry. Francisco came from a fashion family because three of his four brothers are in fashion and his mother is a seamstress. His father also owned a sports clothing-manufacturing company in Caracas, so fashion has always been in his bloodline. For me, I have always been interested in the arts, drawing, painting and graphic design. Fashion serves as a creative outlet with crafts and manual creations.

We united forces to work together on Halloween and carnival costumes for friends, clients and pageant contestants. We created outfits and costumes for Miss St. Lucia, Miss Florida USA, Ms. Latina International, Latina World, Latina Top Model, Miss International and the Miss Earth and Teen Earth organizations, where Franovik became the official costume designer for three years.

Club Cabeza: Part of your company’s mission is to promote eco-friendly design. What are some ways your clothing is eco-friendly?

Viktor Franovik: Innovation and creating something new and different has always been our goal. We see the worth in items, creating something new from vintage pieces, family heirloom, draperies and curtains. We take something that already exists and create a new piece from that, recycling it instead of putting it aside. We do not want to add to the waste of the world.  (Click here to see some eco-friendly Franovik creations).

Club Cabeza: Describe your typical client (if there is one!).

Viktor Franovik: Our clients are people, mostly women, that look for a special garment that will stand out in a room and show them off as special individuals. Our clients are ready for new experiences. They want beautiful, different, one-of-a-kind “Wearable Pieces of Art.” They appreciate innovation and fashion and how these come together in our designs.

 To see Franovik Designs for yourself, visit the Franovik Designs YouTube Playlist. You also can visit their website at Franovik.com to view editorials, fashion shows and causes supported. Franovik also offers personalized style consulting services. E-mail Franovik at info@franovik.com for more information.

Video Rocks!

If you don’t know what the term “Sesame Street” generation means or what the four types of learners in the world, then you haven’t read Steve Cabeza of Amplification, Inc.’s latest white paper on MyHealthcareExecutive. Titled “Behold: The Power of Video,” the paper outlines how video can act as the driving force behind all digital marketing efforts. From advice on how to successfully populate your YouTube channel to the right video length to capture the most viewers, you don’t have to be a healthcare marketer to take advantage of what video has to offer.

This article is the second installment in a series of white papers for MyHealthcareExecutive. Click here to read “Twitter:A Platform Hospitals Can’t Afford to Ignore” and stay tuned for more tips and advice from Amplification, Inc.

Take Shelter With The BioDome

While no one likes to think of the worst happening, preparation against threat of chemical or biological emergencies is the best protection. That’s why Fort Lauderdale-based company The BioDome offers lightweight, easy assembly shelters for protection against chemical and biological threats. These shelters are fire-resistant, have air filters that can absorb noxious fumes and can be assembled in 10 minutes or less. 

The shelters are ideal for those who live in high-rise apartment buildings, particularly those that live above the seventh floor. This is because fire protection ladders often fail to reach above the seventh floor, and more than 90 percent of high-rise related deaths from fire are in those higher than the seventh floor.

The BioDome offers a variety of shelter options—to find out more about how this potentially life-saving shelter works, call 1-877-208-3860 or visit www.TheBioDome.com to learn more.