To say that this will be a different kind of Holiday season is a major understatement! Who would have predicted a year ago at this time what we were going to experience? Who could have imagined how we would be tested over the past year? We are all dealing with business and family hardships that we never expected. Yet, so many of you have taken such a positive approach – and said, “Bring it on – I was made for challenges and I am up to this!”
Frankly, I am pretty proud of how our family, friends, customers, and associates have remained positive and optimistic despite all the sacrifices and hardships they have had to face. I have so much respect for so many. My hat is off to you.
I could not be prouder of our staff at CCS. Countless people throughout our company have made all kinds of personal sacrifices to keep our CCS team together and be able to continue supporting our customers through a very, very difficult time. Our management team of Alison, Bo, Christy, Clayton, Cristina, Dan, Demetri, Kim, Steve, and Tiffany are all Rock Stars, in my opinion. They have been resourceful, innovative, relentless, and shown a constant concern for our customers’ success.
As the vaccines are beginning to be distributed, I believe that we can finally see more sunshine ahead. People are beginning to plan events for the future again. It is a time to be joyful, for sure. The winter will continue to be tough but fortunately, there are some positive moments sprinkled into the mix. I believe we can look forward to a productive spring and summer.
While we may be in the home stretch, it is no time to let up on any front. Of primary importance, we must do all we can to stay healthy. Next, it is critically important for you to be in touch with your customers and best leads on a regular basis.
We hope you take advantage of our PhotoMatch system in 2021 as it is a game changer.Despite the Covid-19 challenges, many improvements have taken place and capabilities have been added to PhotoMatch over the past 12 months. It can accommodate pre-pay events and ViewFirst events onsite. It maximizes your sales while improving data accuracy, saving labor cost, and delivering your products to your customers quickly. We strongly suggest using the Surface Go with LTE as it offers fast, reliable connectivity to upload images and sell at events.
We were interrupted last January, and many could not really utilize all the new CCS capabilities. So, let me remind you of the keys for 2021 in order to Book More – Earn More – Work Less
- We must all focus on what customers want and provide that more effectively.
- Customers clearly want good photo choices – they want a selection to choose from before buying.
- They want things faster than ever before. They want to see their choices immediately and get what they order quickly.
- Find and train the best photographers you can get – at the end of the day, the pictures they take become the memories.
- All of us must recognize that others in industry are realizing all this, too. Get the jump on your competition, now.
- Please take advantage of the tools CCS offers at no cost, like PhotoMatch, to provide what customers desire.
- Labor is expensive – take advantage of CCS tools that maximize profits while minimizing your office labor and costs.
- In order to grow – a serious sales effort must take place – minimizing office work allows you more time for booking.
- Realize that new events and organizations must be booked to grow – or stay even in a competitive environment.
- Participate in CCS seminars, webinars, and conferences to keep abreast of the latest developments.
Happy Holidays,
Jack
