If you are a graphic designer looking for some spare cash or you are a small business with a limited marketing budget, crowdSPRING may be the site for you. Sure, the name is a little unclear and the capitalizing the last word may annoy you a little bit but this website is a great graphic orientated marketplace. Essentially, how it works is that businesses post a project with a specific request for some creative work (logos, website, etc.), add a monetary value and post it. Graphic designers can then search the projects and submit a corresponding design in an attempt to win the account. 

While no one is going to get rich winning these accounts (varying in the range of $150-$1000 generally), it is a great way for graphic designers to both add to their portfolio and earn a little additional income at the same time. The real benefit is for the small business owners that may have an extremely limited marketing budget but still want a professional result. The traditional approach would involve hiring an ad agency or design firm, which could cost thousands.

People concerned with security of their intellectual property have nothing to worry about as crowdSPRING has intergraded several measures designed to protect both the buyer and the seller. The site even has integrated a ‘Pro Project’ feature for clients who required a high degree of discretion, even as far as to implement non-disclosure agreements with the graphic designers. The result is a completely secure site that serves as a valuable service to independent graphic designers and small businesses.

(Editors note: crowdSPRING is currently competing in the Wired Small Business Program, check out their online video and if you like you can give them your vote.)

Recently, GOOD magazines’ daily newscast (with tiny newscaster Roger Numbers) covered a story about communities developing hometown currencies to spark the local economy.  These local currencies can be bought at a discounted rate (i.e.: 90 cents on the dollar) but then are accepted by local area businesses at full value. In this way, consumers are encouraged to buy local products. Apparently, many communities have been producing this type of local money for years with some currencies (the Massachusetts BerkShare) having issued as much as 1.5 million dollars.

In Canada we have two national currencies. Officially, we only have the Canadian dollar. It is well known for its colorful designs that emphasize nature, hockey and beavers. Our second (unofficial) currency is Canadian Tire Money, noteworthy for its pitifully low and awkward denominations and its resemblance to Monopoly money. Canadian Tire, it should be explained, is one of Canada’s largest retail and automotive outlets. Initially, Canadian Tire Money originated as a customer loyalty program in 1958 and remains arguably the most successful and well-known marketing campaigns in Canadian history. 

These secondary currencies encourage spending in the local economy and provide a boost to the businesses that accept the unique money. The alternative currencies also provide incentive for loyal and repeat customers (a highly coveted marketing demographic). It may not be the solution to the current economic problems but local currencies (if successful) can prove to be a powerful and enduring promotional tool.

Have you ever bought an Apple computer? Have you ever regretted it? I know I sure haven’t. I realize some people find issues with Apple, but let’s face it, buying an Apple is a magical experience. I’ve bought three now and it never gets old. You get beautiful packaging. Everything is laid out perfectly. You turn on the computer, and you’re suddenly flying through space, listening to music, as it greets you in a multitude of languages. A couple simple forms later and you’re using the computer. If you have a .mac account (now MobileMe) it will even fill out the forms for you. Truly a rewarding experience.

I want to contrast this with the recent purchase of an Acer (A150 Aspire One) netbook my fiancée made. While she loves Apple computers and owns a MacBook, she needed a small, portable computer to carry around.

The Acer didn’t have terrible packaging, but then again it was no Apple packaging either. Anna hit the power button with excitement all ready to use the computer. The Acer responded by putting form after form in front of her. The laptop had to install a ridiculous amount of applications and tools, and after 3 restarts and 29 minutes of staring at progress bars, the computer was finally ready to be used. Suddenly, we both got the feeling of “I miss my Apple.”

This feeling is termed “post decision” or “cognitive dissonance” and it essentially equates to buyers remorse. Most companies are hyper aware of this phenomenon, as it is far more expensive to reach new consumers with marketing dollars then it is to keep existing repeat consumers. When you see a message with the product thanking you for the purchase or calling you a loyal customer, this is the company trying to battle your feelings of cognitive dissonance.

So many companies are focused on making the sale, they forget about making the person happy once they have purchased the computer. That’s how you get repeat business. Those details are why Anna and I have bought four Apple computers in the last 3 years. “You don’t get a second chance for a first impression” and I won’t be buying or recommending Acer to anybody. Instead, I suggest you go buy an Apple.

(Side note: Two days after purchase, we had to return the computer because of a flickering screen.)

__________
Comment starter: What great purchasing experiences have you had? When was your biggest buyer’s remorse?

Currently on SmibsTV, you can watch an interview between Smibs founder Peter Urban and influential photographer Michael Reichmann. The interview took place in September in Toronto, ON and profiles both Reichmann and his company Luminious Landscape. The Luminous Landscape website is an excellent and highly trusted source for photographers. We rely heavily on Michael’s expertise when it comes to reviews and opinions for cameras and photography equipment. If you are a photography enthusiast, we definitely recommend Reichmann’s website (currently in its 10^th year of operation) for it’s articles and rich content.

We are very thankful to Michael for his participation in SmibsTV. If you get a chance, click on the SmibsTV link and watch this and prior episodes.

(Editors note: If you are wondering who produces and edits SmibsTV, it’s Smibs’ own New Media Intern Elisabeth Szabo.)

Here at Smibs, we are always on the look out for innovative new business practices, but what you don’t know is that we are also on the look out for generically named magazines spelled out entirely in capital letters.  Enter: GOOD magazine, founded by Ben Goldhirsh.  The surname may sound familiar because Ben is the son of Bernie Goldhirsh, the creator of the highly influential (and also generically named) Inc. magazine. Ben’s GOOD magazine focuses on socially conscious issues, sustainable living and politics.

What makes GOOD innovative or different?  Well for starters, Ben gives away all the proceeds from the subscription-based magazine to a charitable organization of your choice. Since the 2006 launch, GOOD has yet to break even, let alone post a profit. The company has done a lot for charities and non-profits and to date has already given away over $850 000 to these institutions.  GOOD’s website is also host to a rich variety of web-based content including a regular video newscast, an impressive community site and a decent library of current events based mini-documentaries.

GOOD has been criticized as being ‘too idealistic’ in their business model. I think they are quite savvy. Giving away their subscription base to charity could be considered a marketing strategy. They receive priceless public relations coverage from the media and the consumer feels like they have financially contributed to a worthy cause. This personifies GOOD magazine as selfless contributor to charities.  In reality, subscriptions account for very little income for most magazines where as most income comes from advertising dollars. So to recap, GOOD gains legitimacy as a philanthropist from both the media and the consumer while actually contributing a very small percentage of total income to charities. That being said, I feel that GOOD magazine should be recognized for what it is (i.e.: a very entertaining magazine with great web content) and not for what it wants to be (i.e.: Robin Hood).

(Editors Note: Ben Goldhirsh was recently interviewed on CBC’s ‘The Hour’.  Check out the interview here)