Posts Tagged ‘Investment’

Why Do You Need a Digital Pedometer?

March 10th, 2010

Most people would typically ask, why do I need a Digital Pedometer? Since I am already exercising by walking or jogging everyday, I had achieved my daily activity needs. Well, the purpose of a Pedometer is essentially to measure your activity level by specific measurement of steps and miles. By doing so, you can set specific goals for yourself and become more active as you continue to work towards your goal everyday.

If you are planning for a long-term fitness program (eg. weight losing, fitness or wellness program), a Digital Pedometer will be worth the small investment since you can motivate yourself to be more active on a daily basis. You can get a simple Step Counter Pedometer for a start which costs between $10 – $20 only.

If you are a beginner to Pedometer, and have no absolute idea which type is suitable for you, I would recommend that you go for one that is simple, reliable yet cost efficient. A simple Pedometer is also known as a step counter, only does step counting exclusively. It is perfect for beginners like you who focus a lot on the number of steps (10,000 steps) per day.

A step counter will also be ideal as it’s primary function is only to count steps. Hence it will be more reliable in results and durable compared to other types of Pedometer which come with many complex functions. The cost of a step counter will typically be cheaper too.

If you purchase a Pedometer that has a lot of energy consuming accessories eg. FM radio, talking function, back light etc, you will expect a much shorter battery life. Hence, to avoid changing of battery frequently, as a beginner, you should opt of a simple step counter.

Before getting a Pedometer, you should consider carefully why do you need one. Make sure you understand how can one help you before you invest your money.

Avoid Digital Signage Without Purpose

December 29th, 2009

It happens all too often: someone in your organization, browsing a trade magazine or industry portal sees an article on the growing trend of digital signage, or a case study on a competitor’s installation of a digital signage network. The piece goes on and on about how digital signage enhances the effect of marketing messages, assists in guiding desired behavior from clients, and has the ability to target different demographics based on time and location. In fact, the piece makes it sound like a digital signage network is the only thing keeping your company away from the success it truly deserves.

All of the above is completely true, and digital signage provides organizations like universities, hotels and retail centers with direct marketing benefits. However, when considering investment in digital signage it is important to take a step back from all of the potential benefits and make sure you can answer one simple question: what exactly is your organization trying to accomplish by making use of digital signage? If you cannot clearly identify the purpose of a digital signage network, if you don’t already have an idea of what content you would want to give to customers (or potential customers) if given the opportunity, then it will be impossible to achieve any level of success with the signage project.

Signage (whether digital or analog) has many uses outside of just delivering marketing messages: it can be used help consumers find their way, to give information on products and services offered, and even for video games and point of sale systems. If there is a primary need for this type of system in your organization then chances are you can safely begin to consider a digital signage system. However, if you are purely attracted to the added benefits of digital signage and are inventing primary needs that are not currently part of existing challenges, then chances are your digital signage project will not be a rewarding experience.

It is vitally important to the success of your signage project that you take the time at the outset to determine attainable goals which you want your signage system to fulfill. Getting input and signoff from key management in your organization will also help to create buy in, and to provide absolute direction on the project. Although digital signage companies are capable of great efficiency in the design, development and implementation processes, attempting to fulfill an unclear set of objectives which are constantly shifting will only create unnecessary expense and disappointment.

Although digital signage can fulfill very many marketing purposes in an efficient, attractive manner, it is very dangerous to get caught up in all of the benefits without being able to see the over-arching purposing of introducing this new marketing method to your company or organization. It always helpful to step back and reconsider the motives and goals behind your consideration of a digital signage implementation. Not only will this help to streamline the entire development and implementation process, it will also lead to more measurable results.