On the top of the wedding destination list is our lovely country to the south, Mexico. It’s close enough to the United States that travelers do not need to spend a lot of time getting there but it’s far enough away that it feels like an exotic location.

The Iberostar All Inclusive Resort south of Cancun in Mexico is the ideal location to tie the knot!

It may not be as cheap as it once was but given the outrageous prices that can be found in the US, it’s a no brainer for To Be’s who don’t mind an intimate wedding (as distant aunts & uncles, cousin and college acquaintances rarely make the trip). A decreased guest list can save thousands in wedding costs, as it’s not always common for all invitees to afford a trip to a foreign country.

One of the key benefits of a Mexican destination is the fact that the newlyweds don’t have to travel for their honeymoon location, as they’re already in paradise! That is unless you like traveling for 8+ hours the day after your wedding (as many couples do).

Bridezillas may not enjoy destination weddings do to the lack of control in the preparation phase of the wedding, as traveling back and forth to the wedding location can be expensive. The good news is, most Mexican resorts and hotels have venues available for the rehearsal dinner, wedding and reception and full time staff that will correspond with you daily regarding the details for your big day. This includes handling most of the wedding preparations, including menu planning, hiring a photographer and arranging for the flowers. All the bride and groom have to do is show up at the event with their wedding clothing in hand.

On pins and needles before the big day?  Some resorts even have upscale clothing shops, bridal boutiques and spas on site. The bride can arrange for a manicure, pedicure, massage and other procedures at the spa for her and her bridal party. She can enjoy the spa in the days leading up to the wedding and on her wedding day. The bridal boutiques and clothing stores let the bride and groom find the perfect clothing for their big day and the right clothing for other wedding events.

With all the benefits and perks associated with a wedding and honeymoon in Mexico, it isn’t surprising that so many couples choose this option every year.

St. Johns health center created the following promotional commercial to introduce expecting mothers to their facility. How much is a 5% increase in admitted patients worth to your business?

The Doc Hollywood Theory

It can be challenging for some people in remote areas to care for their health. For example, many rural Appalachian communities in the United States suffer from high rates of cancer, diabetes and obesity. While these areas are in need of healthcare services, it can be difficult to persuade doctors to move to these locations. In many cases, healthcare providers prefer to live in an area that can provide a high quality of life. This usually means that a doctor will want to live in a suburban area or a city. It may not be economically feasible for some specialists to live in a rural community with a low population density.

However odd as it may sound to jump on a Skype session with your physician, remote video conferencing can be a great way to diagnose patients from a remote location. A patient will usually visit a nurse practitioner or another basic healthcare provider simultaneously, during the video chat. After setting up a video conferencing station, a patient will be able to interact directly with a doctor who is in city or other area. A nurse can check vital signs at a doctor’s request. This could be a huge breakthrough for developing countries who may be connected to the internet, but still don’t have the capabilities of providing adequate healthcare.

GE’s Developing Health Globally campaign is as the forefront of developing sustainable hospitals in developing countries and will most likely utilize this technology in the days to come.

In addition, there are some surgical tools that can be operated from a remote location. While this is not as common, it can be a great way for specialists to care for many patients from a single facility. For example, some specialists may only have a few patients in any city. In some cases, treatment would require a patient to travel hundreds of miles.

With the increase in frequency of surgeons utilizing surgical robotic technology, a surgical procedure where the surgeon works remotely is no longer a topic of science fiction. This can be an effective way for patients to receive a surgery quickly and effectively while also significantly lowering the cost of a traditional surgery.

**If you’re not looking to make an island flight through the Bermuda triangle and you prefer to stay landlocked check out this Iberostar All-Inclusive resort in Cancun, Mexico**

There are at least 28 island nations that make up the Caribbean. From Jamaica to Barbados to Trinidad and Tobago you have certainly got a wide variety to choose from. In total there are over 7,000 islands in the Caribbean, many of which are uninhabited. Planning your vacation to an island paradise in the Caribbean is both exciting and enthralling, but the task can become a daunting one. With so many islands to choose from and so much to do, where do you start?

First, you obviously need to select an island to go to. This will depend on your budget. Typically you can expect to pay more in airfare ($500 – $1,500 per person). The further you are away from some of the major islands and airports the more it will cost to get there. Here is REP Interactive’s list of the top 10 Caribbean islands:

1. Anguilla
2. Antigua & Bermuda
3. Barbados
4. British Virgin Islands
5. St. Vincent
6. Dominican Republic
7. Jamaica
8. St Barts
9. St Lucia
10. St Martin

For the frugal minded traveler, we have also compiled a list of the top 10 “value based” Caribbean islands. Don’t worry, just because you’re not breaking the bank doesn’t mean you can’t have the trip of a lifetime!

1. Aruba
2. The Bahamas
3. Dominican Republic
4. Jamaica
5. Montserrat
6. Puerto Rico
7. St. Kitts
8. St. Maarten
9. Trinidad & Tobago
10. St. Thomas

The islands of the Caribbean operate under one universal theme. Life is to be savored and enjoyed. Many islands in the Caribbean have whole communities that don’t have a formal postal address. The way of life is such that everyone knows everyone else, so there is no need for formality. Tourists to these islands will enjoy a taste of that atmosphere. From friendly tour guides to hotels that cater to a slower, more relaxed pace it is definitely the place for those looking to “downshift” for a little bit.

With an abundance of culture and natural beauty, the Dominican Republic is an outstanding vacation destination.

Perhaps the most tangible benefits of charity are the tax deductions you receive at the end of the year. Under most circumstances, you can deduct the value of whatever you have donated from your total taxes, resulting in larger tax refunds. Not to say that you should go into giving to charity for the tax benefits alone, however, that is an added plus and if it’s what it takes to get you out there contributing by all means go right ahead!

The Malibu Pet Companions is an amazing organization that solely relies on personal donations to fund its organization. No animal is ever unnecessarily put down at their Agoura Animal Shelter, and REP Interactive was able to create a short film on one of their many success stories. 

If you’re like most of us, you have a closet, garage, basement or attic filled with valuable clutter that you will never use! Why let it sit there collecting dust when it could be used to help a family or organization in need? Many times, donating goods to charity is an effective way to clean up and get rid of items you don’t need. Similarly, giving away your old “stuff” my provide a huge benefit to people or organizations that have a real need for what you’ve discarded. The benefit to you? More space and less things allow you to become more organized and keep a cleanlier home.

Habitat for Humanity is always looking for enthusiastic volunteers as well as much needed funding in order to continue developing new homes for families in need. Need some fun activities to do on the weekend? Looking to make some new great friends or even find a companion? Try volunteering for Habitat. Get outside in the sun, exercise while building a house, acquire some new skills you never had, and make great friends. Who doesn’t what to get on that party train?!?

Donating to a charity really is one of the easiest ways to help others. It also allows you to create rapport within your community and ultimately feel better about yourself. Organizations such as the Midnight Mission in Downtown Los Angeles are always looking for volunteers to work at their amazing facility. Click here to watch their video.

Inevitably, when people are unselfish and share with one another, it makes the world a better of a place to live. Regardless of whether or not you believe in the concept of karma, giving to others will always provide you with just as much benefit. If you want to feel better about yourself and the things you do on a daily basis then increases your frequency of kind and generous actions. Thanks for reading.

Here is a video currently being used as a supplemental sales tool when displayed on an iPad.

According to Manhattan Research, 31 percent of doctors currently use the iPad to some extent in their practice, with 28 percent of them saying they plan to purchase one in the next year. read more…

This number could be even greater, according to the health marketing company, Aptilon, 4 out of 5 doctors plan to buy the iPad by the end of 2011. read more…

Currently, there are tons of medical apps being developed for iPad and according to John Moore, nearly every EHR (electronic health record) company has an iPad App, or is in the process of developing one. read more…

The iPad is increasing in popularity as a marketing and sales tool among medical companies and their sales force.  Companies, such as Medtronic have purchased 4,500 iPads. Not to mention Boston Scientific has purchased 2,000, Zimmer Holdings 1,000, and Stryker has currently deployed a number of apps in a pilot program they have just created.

Even Boston Scientific explained why their company splurged for iPads, while they restructure during a slow economic time.  Chief Executive Ray Elliot explained,  “We’re beginning the process for our sales force of downloading more than 20 specific product apps and opportunity to get pricing, time efficiency, expense reports, filling out requests and all the other things that we manage to do to take time away from the sales force.”

REP Interacitve’s video content is perfect for iPad presentations. Envy Medical’s Lymixyl commercial is currently being playing on iPads by their sales professionals.

As a medical company, don’t get left behind.  It is imperative to find a way to include the iPad in your set of tools to push your company forward.

Organizations such as Coldwell Banker and The Dodgers have discovered the true value of Corporate video and utilize this medium whenever possible:

Company Messaging

Visual communication can be powerful and memorable, when executed effectively. Video provides a consistent and clear message, for staff, customers and the general public. These are important benefits, particularly for instructional and training communications.

Product Presentations

A great way for organizations to gain market share and exposure on new products or services is by introducing them by way of Video. Presenting your product of service through a video asset can be much more powerful marketing tool than by displaying the new launch through written words alone. Product presentations using video are particularly useful at trade shows and events, where space and time are limited. In addition, videos can now be easily displayed online and viewed on demand; which means that prospective customers do not need to adjust their schedules in order to visit a booth or stage at a certain time.

The Skin Care Specialists at Dermalogica have taken full advantage of product demonstrations through video. Watch their Daily Microfoliant commercial here:

Employee Communications

Another great utilization of video is through the creation of corporate videos to train employees, saving a trainer’s time and resources. Employees may also have the luxury of viewing the videos at their convenience, inflicting less interference with work schedules. In addition, corporate messaging can be included throughout these training videos as your audience is already captive. The key to Employee Communications is that you HAVE to have entertaining and quality content. Studies have shown that when an employee is entertained and stimulated, they are more likely to absorb and utilize the information.

Video Advertising

Information about innovative new products and services may be released as a news release, in a forum such as YouTube. Using social media to distribute and connect to corporate videos can appeal to wider audiences. This type of video release is also the most cost-effective form of broadcast advertising available. When structured properly, news outlets may broadcast videos free of charge, particularly if they are newsworthy. For example, a company that releases a new product or service in connection with a charitable event would be of interest to the public.

The use of corporate videos may save money and reduce risks while enhancing the employee working experience. For customers, they can aid in demonstrating products, conveying the company message and increasing attendance and membership at functions. All of these activities can serve to improve company profits.

Due to technological advancements, customers have become far more sophisticated than ever before. The mobile marketplace has grown considerably. Keeping pace with the users who now have to constantly stay in touch, find information, keep informed and be entertained can be a mountain of a task. Mobile and video advertising practices are essentially the best and most effective up and coming strategies for businesses to adopt.

Brands of all types have embraced mobile and video advertising as a way to leverage the enormous American market. As mobile technology continues to grow and expand, engaged users have become the target market of digital advertisers.

Social media has enabled very powerful cross-platform integration opportunities. This means great opportunities for businesses, entrepreneurs and other profiteers looking to reach consumers in exciting ways.

Mobile devices present creative challenges for advertising professionals, requiring them to think outside the box. For example, the marketing mix now includes new ways in which mobile and video advertising can inspire customer behavior, if deserving of their attention.

REP Interactive was given an opportunity to work with Rhythm New Media, a premium mobile video advertising network who is breaking the mold when it comes to mobile advertising

Customer interaction is a key component of social media marketing. As you may very well be aware, social media marketing has become fully integrated into the mobile and video advertising landscape. Customers are so well versed with social media platforms, that when combined with unlimited access, they can essentially engage with brands online anytime. The youngest generations are completely adapted to the modern conveniences associated with technology, by going to them you have a leg up on the competition.

The challenge of mobile and video advertising is to create content that evokes and inspires responses, while physically fitting the devices being used. Another hurtle for advertisers and content creators is the limited bandwidth associated with our current mobile networks. Sure, it would be nice for a 10mb file to come through a 3g network instantaneously, but we’re just not quite there yet.

Companies have infinite ways of using mobile and video advertising to communicate and shape brand awareness – from websites to email and social media. Each method of communication contributes to how customers will view products and services presented.

As the mobile marketing arena continues to expand, there is no limit to the types of engaging and inspiring content that may be developed. By designing content to inform, enlighten and even entertain advertisers and corporations can be successful in video and mobile advertising. Businesses should best leverage the power of mobile and video marketing techniques by using their artistic visual impulses to establish a rapport with existing customers as well as prospective ones.

Nick Swisher is one of the many athletes featured in REP Interactive’s latest Proactive Sports Performance commercial.

Born into a life of baseball, Nick’s father, Steve Swisher played 509 games in the Major Leagues with the Chicago Cubs, St. Louis Cardinals and the San Diego Padres.  The Oakland Athletics drafted Nick Swisher in 2002 after an incredible three-year career at Ohio State University.  This 2002 draft was heavily featured in Michael Lewis’ 2003 book Moneyball (later to become a Major Motion Picture featuring Brad Pit and Jonah Hill), whose key theme is the gulf between orthodox baseball thinking and the new sabermetric influenced system implemented by Billy Beane. Swisher was notable as one of the few examples of a player who traditional scouts and Beane could agree upon.

The 2005 season was considered Nick Swisher’s rookie season, where he finished in the top 6 for all rookies that year; driving in 21 Homeruns & 74 RBIs in 131 games. Not a bad start for a kid only scouted by two universities out of high school in Ohio!

After a short stint with the Chicago White Sox in 2008, Nick was traded to the New York Yankees along with pitcher Kanekoa Texeira in hopes of becoming the Yankee’s starting first baseman. These plans were later spoiled after the Yankees signed Mark Teixiera in that same off-season.  Due to the perceived logjam, Nick was heavily sought after by many teams during this time, however, the Yankees opted to keep him as a reserve outfielder and first baseman.

Nick got his first opportunity to start for the Yankees when then starting right fielder Xavier Nady went down with a season ending elbow injury. Although Nick’s stats were not characteristic of the rest of his career, not many noticed as the Yankees went on to win the World Series in 2009.

After working with hitting coach Kevin Long and training vigorously for months on end, Nick’s offseason training in 2009 proved to be very successful for the 2010 season as he was voted into the All Start Games

REP Interactive was able to film Nick perfecting his swing and increasing his strength while working out at Proactive Sports Performance this past offseason.

The “Swish Dog,” as he is know by loyal fans, is extremely involved in community outreach programs as well as numerous other charitable organizations.  Look for Swisher in right field the next time the New York Yankees come to a town near you and remember that Nick Swisher is the type of guy who works for everything he gets.

The key to cold calling is prospecting. The definition of prospecting is, “any activity or conversation you engage in to position yourself in front of a prospect with the intention to inquire, assess, discover, and educate so that you can determine whether there’s a fit and a relationship that’s worth pursuing which can then lead to presenting your product or service in order to earn your prospect’s business.” Finding qualified prospects is typically a job in and of itself. Prospecting is one of the hardest parts of selling in today’s commingled marketplace and the better you can prospect the better your odds are.

Hook, line, sinker. You can’t catch a good prospect without good bait! Here is some good bait presented by REP Interactive:

As Keith Rosen of profitbuilders.com states in his article, “the goal of prospecting is” that rather than focusing all of your energy on making the sale, first focus your energy on determining if there’s a good fit between you, your prospect, and what you are offering. In his article he then goes on to talk about making sure that the people you are prospecting are going to be good for your business. That means choosing clients who will be great longterm partners as opposed to short term sales opportunities.

Rosen says, “You and I both know that the ultimate objective of your prospecting efforts is to sell more and boost your income. However, to achieve this goal, thats not where you must focus your energy and your thoughts.”

When you cold call, one of your objectives is to open up your prospect’s thinking to the possibility of working with you or exploring your offering. Your job is to educate the prospect in order to provide them with a better solution to their current alternative or eliminate a recurring problem of theirs. That is the mind set you should have when making a sale and you should demonstrate that mindset to the person you are prospecting.

In short, prospecting is simply discarding all the unqualified leads and retaining the “gold” or high potential leads. The job of prospecting will bring qualified leads which will help you sell your product or service. After the prospecting process is complete, marketing and sales tactics should begin. Presenting a qualified prospect with a highlight reel or video such as the one below, is always a great way to get them excited about your product so consider using video marketing to target your newest prospects.

This is true for both your personal and professional life. Whether you are giving a video birthday shout out, delivering an annual report, doing a roadshow for investors, communicating with a large number of employees, or simply representing your organization, video allows you to entertain, engage, and inform your audience on a personal level.   

Cost Savings: Now there is little need to fly around the country for investor meetings and early stage sales pitches. With a new and exciting video that conveys all of your value propositions you can be everywhere at once. Using high quality video to represent your brand, pitch potential buyers, and train current users cuts costs to a fraction what they once were. With efficiency increased and costs decreased your time and money can now be focused on other areas like research and development, improving customer service, or improving product quality. Here is an example of a video REP Interactive completed to help promote Coldwell Banker and their new Generation of social savvy Real Estate RockStars (Featuring the New Wave Group Real Estate Agents).

Employee Announcement: In a time where scheduling conflicts can literally take their own meeting to resolve, the deployment of an announcement video for major events, product launches, and initiatives is much more practical. Employee’s can watch these videos on their own time, according to their own schedule. Because the message is controlled you can ensure that all viewers receive every bit of intended information and nothing else. Giving employees flexibility, as well as a reference to go back to, will increases the likelihood that information is properly communicated and implemented.

Our company REP Interactive created an announcement video for Coldwell Banker featuring their President & Chief Operating Officer Budge Huskey. The purpose of the video was to get employee’s excited about the brand, introduce the executive manager, and announce the upcoming location of their annual Generation Blue Experience Conference in New Orleans, LA. Instead of putting a camera in front of Budge at his desk (the typical “industrial video” move), we decided to throw him on an airboat and show Budge in the middle of the Bayou so he could deliver the announcement in an exciting fashion. The video was successful in building engagement around the brand and the event, not to mention its immeasurable effects of improving company morale. This is just one example of how REP Interactive can help create a “coolness” and “likeability factor” that employee’s are proud of. The promotional video with Budge can be seen here.

If you use them properly, corporate communication videos allow you to engage and entertain your audience. They can be delivered in a time sensitive nature so you can use them at your disposal when needed. Another benefit of video, it works across all digital platforms. Thats why REP Interactive acts as a video agency for several major Fortune 500 brands and globally recognized clients including companies like Marriott, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Dermalogica and Coldwell Banker. Our global teams can be deployed to film your corporate videos in as quickly as 48 hours and we are experts at dealing with a number of topics including crisis communications, special events, sensitive issues, confidential projects, branded entertainment, product promotion, and public relations. 

At REP Interactive we utilize highly trained multi-lingual production teams that operate across international borders; we leverage some of the most advanced production technology in the world; we work hard to incorporate entertainment, advertising and marketing techniques, improving message retention and overall effectiveness; and we are dedicated to taking care of our clients. If you would like to work with REP Interactive on your next corporate media or video project reach out to us via email or phone by contacting one of our respective US based locations found on the REP Interactive contact page on our website.