Obviously, Photodex is an SCU partner, but my relationship with them and the respect I have for terrific software and presentations started years before SCU.  I first met the team at WPPI. As an exhibitor fifteen or more years ago they were fundamental in helping photographers understand the power they had in developing their storytelling skills.

Now fast forward to today! With the recent introduction of ProShow 9, they've brought a new level of creativity, designed to enhance your abilities to consistently exceed client expectations. Put your skill set for capture stunning images and video together with technology and great music, and you have the perfect recipe to get every client talking about you.

And that brings me to the same place I hit with every Photodex Friday post. We're a word-of-mouth business, and you want people talking about you! But, let's go one step further. Wandering through cyberspace, I found an article on SmallBizTrends.com from three years ago about consumer purchase decisions and the influence of social media. I pulled four highlights: 

• Forbes conducted research to see how consumers engaged with different industries - 81% indicated posts from their friends and family directly influence their purchase decisions.
• 38 percent of moms are more likely to buy products from brands other women ‘Like’ on Facebook.
• 78 percent of people say that a company’s social media posts impact their purchase decision.
• After marking an item as a favorite – 50 percent of social media purchases take place within a week, and 80 percent of purchases take place within 3 weeks. 

Great presentations need to be a part of your business model and now, just ahead of the holiday seasonality is the time for you to be sharing terrific content on your blog and website.

​And, don't forget ​the Photodex/SCU search for the best self-promotional video. We're in search of creative promotional slideshows and thanks to Photodex, Panasonic's Lumix Cameras, Marathon Press, Tamron and Illuminati the contest comes with a prize package valued at close to $2000!

Intro by Skip Cohen

Suzette Allen is back and she's hitting one of my favorite themes for photographers - RELEVANCE! Regardless of your age or how long you've been in business, your clients are looking to you to be a "guiding light" in terms of creativity and technology. Most of you already have credibility as artists, but that makes it more important for your work to be cutting-edge, and don't forget being a master storyteller!

Hybrid relevance means you're creating presentations that typically exceed client expectations. There's no better way to do that than to combine still images with video and put it all together with great music!

Photodex also just released ProShow9! For a limited time you can save 20% because you're one of my readers. Use SAVE20WITHSKIP for a 20% discount.  Code is good for ProShow Gold, ProShow Producer, and ProShow Web software. This code also works for upgrades. This discount can be redeemed by entering the code in the “Discount Code” area when ready to check out. and they've even established a 20% discount code for SCU's readers! Just use

If my post today about the new ProShow 9 sounds a little like an infomercial, it's only because it is! I do my best not to bury you guys in information about new products unless it's something I truly believe in.

Here's why this post is important:

• Every artist is looking for ways to make their work and services different. Photodex gives you the ability to create presentations that not only show your work, but demonstrate your passion for the craft and your clients. Your goal with every customer should be to exceed expectations and that's exactly what ProShow 9 has the potential to do!
• Photodex never slows down in their educational support for the imaging community. ProShow 9 brings a collection of new features to your list of creative tools and it's never been easier to use.
• For a limited time you can save 20% because you're one of my readers. Use SAVE20WITHSKIP for a 20% discount.  Code is good for ProShow Gold, ProShow Producer, and ProShow Web software. This code also works for upgrades. This discount can be redeemed by entering the code in the “Discount Code” area when ready to check out.
  

From video holiday cards, to save-the-date mailings, to thank-you videos, the list of ways you can be creative is never-ending. I've shared two short demo videos below to give you a better idea of what ProShow 9 is all about. And, if you want to place your order just click on the ProShow9 banner at the top of the page.

Photodex is the perfect match for your business. You're looking for ways to separate your work from the competition and ProShow 9 is giving you some of the tools to do just that!