I don’t know about you, but I never seem to have enough light. Years ago, many of the old houses used to have a ceiling light in the middle of the room, which did a fair job of lighting the rooms, overall. Office buildings had their fluorescent lights that light up every nook and cranny. In more recent decades, the “mood lighting” has become more appealing. With all of these lighting strategies, there are always those spots that do not get lit up enough. And, especially, with the move toward the mood lighting, there are even more of those areas that go dark.

Fortunately, OxyLED has a solution for your lighting problems. It is an easy solution that does not require any technical skill. In many cases, all you need is the ability to insert batteries, pull off some adhesive, and stick the lighting where you want it. Also, OxyLED knows how to design just the right light for just the right lighting need, as you will see below. Even though these lights look a bit lightweight (no pun intended), they are actually really well made and they look nice, too! There is no embarrassment with using these fancy lights for your additional lighting needs.

Closet Light Strip

This first light, Wireless Motion Sensor LED Light T-02, is great for those closets or stairs where you need the extra light. It is also a very attractive light, almost reminiscent of the Old Hollywood Makeup Lights, but in a miniature version.

The light itself has several advantages over a more traditional light. It comes with a dual-function strip for adhering it to the wall or other surface. On one side of the strip it is adhesive (compliments of the high quality 3M team) and on the other side, it is magnetic. There is a nice groove in the light itself that gives a snug spot for that dual function strip to fit.

Here is how it works: If you are going to place the light on a magnetic surface, you peel back the adhesive and stick the strip to the light with the glue side down and the magnetic strip outward and ready for the magnetic surface. This is great if you want to use the light on, say, a refrigerator and have it shine the light on the coffee pot. That is helpful if you want to make your morning coffee or your late night cappuccino and do not want to turn on the overhead light and your beverage center is right next to your refrigerator.

If you are sticking the light on a non-magnetic surface, OxyLED has you covered there, too. In that case, flip the strip the other way, with the magnetic side toward the magnetized light, and the adhesive side outward, so you can stick it to the wall or cupboard or whatever surface you are using.

This light is so non-obtrusive that you can even use it in rental properties without leaving much of a mark at all. No nail or screw holes that need patching when you move out of the rental property. Also, the light is so lightweight that it could be used in a camper or car/truck/boat.

You may want to buy a bunch of these lights (very affordable at less than $20 a piece) and line them up near the door trim in the under-lit pantry. That way, too, you could light them all up for the spring cleaning of the closet/pantry, or just light the one that is closest to the shelf that is needed.

There really are more uses for this night light than could possibly be listed in just one article. It is advertised as a stair light, step light, and cabinet light. On the stairs, it is helpful in the motion sensor mode, as it will light the steps that are being used, without wasting energy lighting what isn’t being used. And, that pantry example? You don’t have to worry when the light strip is sensing your motion and handling your lighting needs for you.

Classy Motion Sensing Wall Light

This second light, Wireless Motion Sensor LED Light T-03, is also a motion sensor and very attractive. This light is larger than its brother, but it isn’t huge. That makes it perfect when you want to have it out for display and need a bit more light than the T-02 (above).

For a light that is basically a utility and functional, it is amazing how much thought and work the OxyLED team put into the design. It really is attractive, with its curved edges and geometric-inspired design. Like the T-02, this light would do well in closets. If you need more overall light and want it spread out a bit more in your closet or pantry, then this light works well, adding 2-5 in your closet. It is strong enough, lighting-wise, that one light could handle most cabinets.

Even though this light will illuminate the closet or cabinet, it was really made for the stage, being shown off, with its beautiful design and strong stainless steel framework. It is called a “Wall Light” for a reason.

This light will light up when it senses movement within three meters. This makes it very helpful even for dark patios, porches, or front doors. By having a light like this, you are able to save on energy and turn that front light off and yet with it triggering when your friends come to visit, you can still see who is knocking at your door. If you are really private, this motion sensor saves giving your “at home” status away when you flip the front light. It does the work for you so you can maintain your privacy if you want.

This light is helpful for those who find it hard to find the night light on their way to the bathroom in the middle of the night. If you have guests or your elderly parents have moved in, you no longer have to worry about them trying to find their way in an unfamiliar house. This light will handle it.

Like its siblings, this light is also battery operated and it is energy efficient, by design, but also through the functional aspect of being a motion sensing light. There are different ways to mount this light and since it is a bit more heavy duty than the strip light (T-02), it does have the ability to be mounted in a more permanent fashion.

This light would be a great asset to your outdoor experience, as well as your van, SUV, or your boat. This light could be used on a sturdy outdoor structure to help add some additional lights to your Tiki lights in your back yard. It is a great combination of style and function.

Ultimate Night Light

This third light, Motion Sensing LED Light T-05, is a fun light The first light we looked at (T-02) was multi-function. The second light (T-03) was classy. This light (T-05) is fun. It is compact with a lot of bang for the buck, as far as its lighting capability.

Once I got this light functional, I could really see the value. The only problem was that I had difficulty getting it to work. Specifically, I had difficulty opening the back, to add the batteries.

It was not clear, looking at the back of the light, how the back came off of the unit. There were no instructions and no arrows or anything. It was clear that the two parts separated, but when I tried to pull the back off (like a snap mechanism/hinge process), it did not appear to want to let go. In hindsight, I am glad I did not force it as I would have broken it (my hunch was correct).

I looked in the box for instructions and there were no instructions. Then, I read all of the fine print (quite small) on the box and I did not find any instructions on how to get the unit open. There were basic instructions on how to use the light, but none on how to open it. Actually, I would have liked to have had that reversed. I can figure out how to use it without instructions. Finally, I did a Google search and found the answer online, at amazon.com. I was actually relieved that I was not the only one scratching her head on how to open it. It slides!

The other peculiar thing about this light is that the notation of what position the light is in (on / off / motion) can only be seen when the device is open. So, when we put the light back together, there is no way to see what each spot on the switch does. Granted, we probably don’t need that as you could do it with trial and error and test when the light works with motion. Also, in time, that is probably memorized, with additional use. Still, it seemed really odd to me that the helpful notation was only viewable with taking the light apart. It made me wonder if I just had a peculiar light and there was a factory mistake. Up to this point, the lights were so well made and so well designed that this just didn’t seem like it came from the same company.

All in all, this light really is very functional and very useful as a night light in bathrooms, hallways, anywhere where a night light is needed. It also comes with 3M adhesive to stick it wherever you like. The minor frustration of getting the light set up probably did tarnish my overall opinion of the light, but I realize that with time, that initial few moments of searching will fade and all that remains is how functional and helpful this light is.

In Conclusion

These lights are so fabulous that I would give it 5 stars, easily. However, that last light was frustrating enough that I would give it 2 stars. I don’t believe in basing a review on emotion, even though emotion is a real component in life. So, because the lights were so fabulous, I would give the overall batch of three a 4.5 with only a minor ding for the third light. The reality is, these lights are very functional and helpful. So, if you are reading this review, you would already know how to open that third light and you can have a 5 star experience with these lights ?

Headphones are as commonplace to us these days as paper and pencil of days of old. Finding the right headphones to meet our needs and our wants can be a little more tricky, especially if we happen to be on the picky side.

Fortunately, there is a vendor out there that seems to have hit the mark with all of those items on a headphones feature list. It is Rokit Boost and their headphones are the Swage Sport Bluetooth Headphones.

The Sporty Side of the Headphones

There is a really good reason why the word “Sport” appears in the name of this product. It is made for sports! Not only is it a quality set of headphones, but it is made for the athlete and the active individual.

Granted, you probably don’t want to play football with these on because you may not be paying attention to the game, but I dare say, it might be possible for the headphones to work and survive (depending on the game!).

Their strength, as far as durability, actually lies in how flexible the headphones are. They are also extremely compact, for travel, and they are sweat proof. Honestly, I didn’t sweat while I was wearing them, at least not in my ears or face, so I couldn’t comment, but even if that were not the case, these headphones still get an A+ across the board in other features.

So, back on the sports… Another aspect is the convenience of these headphones. All of the control is handled right in the headphones themselves (on one ear) and it also has a built-in microphone.

The “controls” include things like an ability to hang up on a phone call, connection for voice dialing (with the appropriate smart phone), and controlling the music from the iPod, iDevice, laptop (forward, back, stop/play).

The write-ups that I read indicated a Bluetooth range that was based on line of sight, but I actually found it to be even better. The headphones continued to remain paired to my device even when I walked into another room, out of line of sight. This is actually a more optimal experience than I ever recall having with any Bluetooth device. So, even there, Rokit Boost excels on what would seem to be the simplest thing – and they take it to the next level.

Google Hangouts

While it is understandable that this headphone design works well for the active lifestyle, another area where it works well is for Google hangouts on air. That is where I spend a bunch of time and headphones are essential (unless you don’t care about feedback and poor audio quality).

I realize that not everyone has the same requirements for their hangouts. For that matter, not everyone has a need for Google hangouts or Skype meetings or video calls. However, for those who do, I know that you can appreciate the features and quality of the Rokit Boost Swage Sport Bluetooth Headphones.

Here is an obscure, but huge benefit for the hangouts. If your “appearance” matters and you want to appear as if you are not wearing any headphones and yet have the sound quality benefit, then you want to use these headphones!

The sleek design of the headphones allow them to be less obtrusive. Granted, it also helps if you have long hair and can hide it under your hair. At the same time, the bluetooth functionality allows you to be free of cables and wires (less to trip over!) and gives you a better range of motion. Add to that that the sound quality of the Swage Sport is superior, as compared to the competitor, and you have everything you need for a high quality hangout, interview, or presentation.

Check out my Video Review

In Summary

There really are not any negative aspects to these headphones. The only thing close to it is maybe how tricky it is to “unwind” the headphones (from their “compact state”) and to get them on your head. However, that becomes easier and easier as you do it, so that eventually it is as easy as breathing.

I can’t help but give these headphones the full 5 stars. Like I said at the beginning of this review, with the Swage Sport Bluetooth Headphones Rokit Boost managed to not only hit all of the features, but has exceeded my expectation with accomplishing success with all those features.

You really should go pick up a pair. They are so affordable and will fit in your purse or backpack and ready to go with you on your next excursion, no matter where that may be in the world.

Disclaimer: Rokit Boost provided us with the Swage Sport Headphones so we could do a thorough and accurate review. All opinions are 100% mine and mine alone.

The Sunferno Flintstone Solar Charger is a useful device, especially for those who like to go camping, backpacking, and even the long drives. It is also handy for those who travel and cannot find that electrical outlet in their favorite airport (or find that everyone is already using them).

The device can be brought to its full charge in two different ways. One way is to set it in the sunshine and let the direct sunlight charge the panel. The other way is to plug it into your computer, with a USB cable. In this way, you are not limited if you are not blessed to live in a sunny area. And, this is particularly helpful if you want to charge the panel overnight in a hotel room, before going out on your excursion the next day.

The charging doesn’t actually add charge, but it brings the solar panel to its full charge, so it is ready for use. Then, once it is fully charged, it is ready to handle charging your USB devices, whether that is your smart phone, your tablet, headphones, or any other device that has a USB.

The panel also comes with a hook and cables. The hook is convenient for hooking to your backpack or even the purse so that the panel is easy to find and harder to lose. The panel is black, but has a nice swag of color (blue), also assisting in finding it in the bag if the hook is not used.

Holding the button down for 10 seconds will enable the flashlight. The documentation may say two seconds, but one of our devices takes four seconds and the other takes 10 seconds, so just hold the button down until the flashlight comes on fully. This is another feature that is handy in camping and backpacking.

The lights tell you when the device is charged. Similar to your cell phone, indicating cell coverage, the lights will indicate how much the solar panel is charged. The more lights, the more it is charged. There is also a slightly green light in the first light (to the left) that lets you gauge the success of the sunlight charging process. If that does not come on, it is not properly charging in the sunlight.

The only drawback that was found was that it doesn’t have a capability to add to the charge, but then that is not the purpose of the panel. It is a solar panel, able to be brought to full charge with the sunshine (or plugging into a computer), so that wouldn’t be the purpose of this device. It may be that when the panel has lost its ability to recharge, that a new one needs to be purchased. But, then, we replace our cars, too, so this is not an unusual expectation, especially for such a useful device that sells less than $40 on amazon.

These panels are very handy and convenient enough to put a couple in the bag, for the trip. They are even small enough to fit in an evening bag, if you are concerned that you will run out of cell phone battery charge for that long night out and want to be able to give your phone a quick charge or an emergency charge.

Years ago, when you stated that you were going to earn a degree online, it was not surprising to have someone respond with a question of whether or not the degree is legitimate. Or, worse yet, were you “purchasing” the degree (which obviously isn’t a degree at all).

Nowadays, it is not unusual to have online opportunities to earn a degree, from the Bachelors, to Graduate School with the Masters and even the Doctorate. There are respectable schools from the known-for-online, like University of Phoenix and Capella University, to the brick-and-mortar schools. Yes, even the state universities have arrived and have opportunities for people to go to school “online.”

This is no longer just something that is for college students only, but there are high school programs that are the best of both worlds as far as a sort of customized homeschool program and public education. Most notably, these online schools come under the classification of charter schools. Their academics are nothing to sneeze at, as far as quality. The high school graduates are obtaining the same skill level as their public school counterparts. In some cases, they are even excelling further, with all of the knowledge that they must acquire in the computer skills department. Also, there are opportunities for these high school students to start on their college credits before they graduate from high school.

So, what are the pros and cons of online education? I may personally be a bit biased, as I have attended Capella University and have nothing but good things to say about Capella. Oh, it is true, there is no such thing as perfection and you are going to find professors you like more than your own co-workers and some that you are just fine leaving behind when you graduate.

When analyzing the pros (and cons) of an online university, there are additional aspects to consider. This article will primarily look at the pros, but I will mention some common items that would be considered cons, in each section, to balance the perspective. In the end, you are provided with some information for you to make your own informed decision on whether or not an online education is right for you.

Accessibility

Accessibility is probably one of the first things that people think of as an advantage that an online school offers. The accessibility means that you can go to school anytime you like and you can go to school in your pajamas or whatever you want to wear (or not wear). This is definitely a convenience and can be very appealing to those who do not want to get up early to go to class, or do not want to have to deal with weather or transportation issues, let alone schedules.

The downside to this is that for those who are not as disciplined, the homework requirements may be more of a challenge. For example, the tasks are on our honor. You are required to participate to the same level that you would by attending a class traditional school environment. The advantage that “going to class” has is that you are already there and can just participate and get your “points” for that participation. In the case of an online experience, that participation becomes a task and it is your responsibility to complete that task, in the same way as you would an assignment task.

In my personal experience, the participation has been more planned and more intentional and I have actually received what I would consider a more rewarding experience as a result of that participation. This is because of the level of intentional effort. However, as with all things, it is a matter of what you put into it and what you get out of it as a result, so with the right amount of effort, you could get the same out of a classroom experience, as well.

Life’s Experiences Interwoven Into the Education

Using Capella as an example, all students must be at least 25 years old to attend (or at least that was the case at the time that I enrolled). The reasoning behind that was that they wanted the students to have a commonality as far as work experience. Realizing that not everyone has the exact same work experience, the goal was that there would be “some” work experience versus straight out of high school.

The thinking behind that premise was that the students were not able to quit their day job to attend school. Instead, they were fitting the education in with their career. As a result, a community is built. It is a community of students that understood the challenges that accompany a full time career, attending college (or graduate school) and sometimes even raising a family, all balanced together.

From my experience, this community has helped students to have a deeper understanding and an opportunity to apply their education, immediately, in their own work environment and also through the experiences of their fellow students. It provides the students with insight into different job roles, different sectors, different companies, and exposure to things that would not be there (or more limited) in a brick-and-mortar school. This causes very enriching conversation and discussion. It also allows for networking opportunities.

The downside is that there is nothing quite like a campus experience straight out of high school and living in a dorm (or even living in the community and hanging out with friends at college). This experience is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and isn’t something that can be experienced the same way after a job and family are added to the mix. My recommendation is to go for that campus experience if you can. It is also a great way to network and build connections for your future career. You could possibly pursue the online avenue for the next degree. Does that contradict what I have been saying? No. It is simply the recognition of being in a different place at different points in our lives and realizing the opportunities that exist at each step and stage of life.

Unique Resources

The unique resources advantage is not necessarily an advantage over the brick-and-mortar school, as there are likely resources available there, as well. It is more of a case of different resources. For example, many times the opportunities that exist for online learners relate to opportunities for things like free courses and discounted software (like Capella extending an offer for Microsoft software for $5 a few years ago!). Additionally, there are select colleges that offer laptops, bridging the accessibility challenges that are inherent with students taking online courses. Other institutions offer helpful online libraries that are available from within the school’s student dashboard.

That last resource, access to the school library, is like gold, with an access to 15+ libraries of journal articles available for viewing online. This means that I don’t have to carry a heavy book or books around with me and I can read journal articles on my laptop, my tablet, or my iPhone. The library even provides the opportunity to access the ready-made APA formatted citation for my papers (you students KNOW about that, don’t you!).

Some of these libraries are already available to people online, like Sage Publications. However, some also cost money and are often times free to students of online schools (and possible traditional schools, as well). Also, the convenience, at least in the case of Capella, is that many different databases (libraries) may be searched all at once, rather than bookmarking the sites and visiting them separately. Again, it is possible that this is a perk for a traditional college, as well, so it is something you would definitely have to double check, at the school level.

There are other resources that are available to online students and traditional students, like “Amazon Student” (amazon prime for students), academic software, and networking opportunities on LinkedIn and other social networks (often linked through the school’s web site). There may be different opportunities depending on the school chosen.

Summary

The choice comes down to what suits you. If you need the accountability that a traditional school provides, then maybe the online school is not the best option, or maybe it simply isn’t the best option for you now.

Another thing to consider is your rate of comprehension. If you are the type that knows what your professor is going to say in the 45 minute lecture after 3 minutes and you are bored silly for the remainder of the lecture, then maybe the online graduate school is the best option. That is the way it was for me and Capella has allowed me to learn at my own pace, which tends to be a fast pace. This is very appealing.

Just remember that one option (just like one particular school) is not necessarily better than another, but it is a matter of finding the fit that is best for you, at this time in your life. It is a matter of balancing the pros and cons, for YOU, when assessing all of the different factors of your decision. Fortunately, “online” is an option and speaking from experience, a very enriching option for you as the student.

By Deborah Anderson
http://www.Tech-Audit.com
@techauditcom and @socialwebcafe

About the author:

Deborah Anderson has traveled many paths, from Chief Technology Officer in the Financial Industry (Beverly Hills), to #1 Jazz singer, to host of an iHeart Radio marketing talk show. She is a doctoral candidate, (I/O Psychology) who also teaches businesses how to apply effective strategies to achieve successful outcomes.

Josh ( @Yessayer ) of @PostPlanner interviewed by @SocialWebCafe on #WebToolsTV #SocialCafe

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If you are the CEO or developer of a tool and you would like to be a featured guest on Web Tools TV, you can let us know! Simply set up a call with the Social Web Cafe* producer, Michael, at http://sw.bcafe.co/setupCall From there, the Social Web Cafe* team will walk you through the next steps. *Social Web Cafe (and Seaside Records Studios) have been contracted to produce the Web Tools TV show on behalf of Michael Q. Todd and the Web Tools Wiki brand.

It is a really good idea to build your online portfolio, so you are ready for that next corporate interview (or even non-corporate interview!).

A business portfolio is your opportunity to create an online resume with visual components that will entice even the most hardened corporate type. And, even if you do not end up using your online portfolio, it serves as a record for you. It doesn’t hurt to review your portfolio before heading out the door for that interview, so you have a reminder of all of your accomplishments.

Two Components of the Overall Strategy to Success

The key two aspects for the portfolio to work for you is to…

• Add your accomplishments as they happen
• Refer to your portfolio for ALL interviews (or other opportunities).

The first one is obvious, but many times we figure we can “do it later.” The best policy is to do it when it happens. If you are not close to the web, you could write yourself a sticky note to remind yourself to update your portfolio the next time you are sitting at your desk.

The other aspect, as we mentioned above, is helpful even if you simply reference your own portfolio to get those accomplishments fresh in your mind before pitching yourself to the next employer (or joint venture).

There are many different ways to build your portfolio. We are going to start with the most difficult and get easier as we go.

Your Portfolio Website

One option is to create your own online portfolio on your own website, including your own domain name, hosting, software, etc. One of the easiest ways to do that is using the blog software, WordPress. The other thing that you need to consider is hosting. For that, you will want to review the different hosting companies available and find the one that meets your needs. Reading reviews, like this one, recommending cheap web hosting, are highly beneficial.

The only disadvantage to doing it this way, is the requirement for some technical knowledge, or access to someone who has technical knowledge. However, if you have a bit of knowledge or ability to set up your own site and portfolio, this may be a way to manage it yourself and control every aspect, especially with the ability to install free WordPress themes and finding exactly what “look” you want for your portfolio.

Online Site Builders and Ready-made Sites

Another option that may be easier than your own web site, but a still able to be completely managed by you, is something like a site builder site. Years ago, site builders were harder to find, but nowadays, you can use sites like Tumblr to create your own portfolio. By using Tumblr, you could enter each accomplishment as a different post on the site, and the newest accomplishments will rise to the top of the list, as the most recent. Tumblr is fairly easy to use. Probably the most difficult aspect is the initial setup, but after that, it would be fairly easy to maintain.

SlideShares and Presentation Software

If you are keen on creating presentations, you could create a PowerPoint presentation that you keep on your desktop, updating as you complete your accomplishments. This is very innovative and may actually impress your future employer enough to hire you!

After you create this presentation in your favorite presentation software, you can upload to SlideShare.net. The advantage to using SlideShare (a big one!) is that you can “re-upload.” That means that as you add accomplishments to your presentation on your desktop, you can revisit the site and re-upload the updated presentation. In that way, the online reference (URL) stays the same, but the content can be ever-updating, reflecting your most recent accomplishments.

LinkedIn

Remember I said I would save the easiest until the end? This is actually the method that I use. I make it a point to ensure that I update LinkedIn with any career advancements or accomplishments that happen. By doing this, I always have an updated “resume” online, via LinkedIn.com. Also, by doing this, I can use the other methods, above, by referencing LinkedIn.com. I treat LI as the “authoritative” reference of my portfolio and use it when creating the other portfolios listed above.

You see, you don’t have to limit yourself. There is no reason why you have to limit yourself to having only one portfolio. And, by creating several different portfolios, you have something that likely fits everyone’s needs, ready for that next big opportunity.

Author info:
By Deborah Anderson
http://www.Tech-Audit.com
@techauditcom and @socialwebcafe

About the author:

Deborah Anderson has travelled many paths, from Chief Technology Officer in the Financial Industry (in Beverly Hills), to Director of Marketing for a not-for-profit health organization and host of a iHeart Radio marketing talk show. She is doctoral candidate, (I/O Psychology) while coaching clients and businesses on how to achieve effectiveness in the midst of success in their businesses.

I had the opportunity to try out the Cargis 6-Port Power Hub. I was very impressed with the hub and its performance.

The Charging “Mess”

We are an Apple household of five and seem to have cords running everywhere. With so many iPhones and iPads plugged in throughout the house, it is easy to have a cord pulled out here, lost there, misplaced here. This is especially true since we have an active household and half of us are kids (no offense, kids). With that level of activity and iDevices coming and going, charging all of them becomes a hassle.

Unless one adds a power strip, the devices are plugged into different outlets because each device comes with its original white Apple adapter. Add to that that those adapters do not always “play well” with other adapters (especially on power strips), and you add to the mess.

The “16 Percent” Dilemma

In the past, we have obtained hubs that say that they charge, but it is like having the charge of one adapter and for every device added to the hub, the charge is distributed. In other words, if you had six devices, they would only get 16% of the charge. That really isn’t functional for our purposes. What do I gain if I have to leave them plugged in 6x longer. Or, what do I gain if I have to unplug the other five devices in order to get a full charge on the first one?

Ok, now that we have set the stage, enter Cargis 6-Port Power Hub. To be honest, the only two requirements I had were that it cleaned up the “charging mess” and that it actually worked.

Fortunately, Cargis meets both of these requirements. This hub fully charges my devices and it does it in a clean manner that even looks good on my desk. It even looks good enough to have out when guests come over to the house or studio!

Not Just for Apple

Even though I use the example of Apple devices, this hub is not limited by only Apple products. It is an easy example because we can visualize the adapter (also shown in the video, above). However, anything that has a USB port can be charged in this hub. Even if you have six Apple devices, you are likely to have just as many non-Apple devices that need charging. (Maybe that is an opportunity to get more than one Cargis Hub!)

The Cargis hub is sleek enough that it plays well with charging stations. If you have one of those fancy wood drawer charging stations, this hub will fit inside it, creating an even “cleaner” look and hiding the cables and cords from view.

Negative Aspects

To be honest, I didn’t find anything wrong with the Cargis hub and I didn’t find anything negative to report. Granted, my requirements were limited to only two requirements, so that was a short list. If I were forced to declare a negative, I would say that the title of the product on Amazon is too long. It takes awhile to figure out if you have the right product because the title reads more like a description. But, is that really a negative? Not if you are evaluating the functional aspect of the power hub.

In conclusion, I am as happy with this hub as when I first opened it and realized it was the solution to my charging mess and 16% issue. Also, for the price, one can’t really go wrong.

By Deborah Anderson

There are several different “kits” that are referenced in the marketing world. Understanding what each of them is and when and if they apply to your business is helpful in understanding how they may be of benefit to your business.

Some of the kits and promotional pieces that often get mentioned include:

• Media kit
• Press kit
• Electronic press kit
• Brand or identity kit
• “One Sheet”

The following slideshare goes through each of these:

Media Kit

The media kit is one that is often presented to potential advertisers for a web site. Many sites (especially a few years ago) would include their media kit link so that the advertiser could see the traffic stats. Today, there are opportunities to review the stats (i.e. Alexa rating, PR, etc.) via other tools on the Internet. Many advertising brokerages require that publishers connect their Google analytics so that potential advertisers can see the stats. The requirement for the media kit, for stats purposes, may not be as high as in past years, but there is still a place for the media kit in the marketing arena.

The media kit goes a further than stats and allows for the insertion of media-related items that may be of interest to the advertiser, the sponsor, the radio show host, or TV host. The key thing for the company to keep in mind is to define the objective. For example, is the objective to gain more advertisers on the site? If so, cater the media kit to those stats. Is the objective to be interviewed on the radio or TV? If so, cater the media kit to demonstrating past appearances and media successes.

Press Kit

There is some crossover between the media kit and the press kit, especially in cases of the musician, or other entertainment-related businesses. For non-entertainers, it may be a more defined distinction.

The press kit answers the question of WHO, WHAT, WHERE. So, a press kit would be the right kit for a product launch or a new web site launch. It is also used for musicians, answering the question of WHO. That is where there may be a crossover with the media kit. Since the brand in a media kit is the musician and the musician answers the WHO in the press kit, there is some crossover. This isn’t so much the case in a small business scenario, but will be the case for speakers, etc.

The press kit includes the items that the press may want, in order to put their content piece together. That would include high quality headshots (which may also be included in the media kit) and audio files, videos, etc. Traditionally, these press kits were mailed or handed out, prior to the inception of the Internet. Now that the Internet is available, there is what is called the Electronic Press Kit, or EPK. 

Electronic Press Kit

The Electronic Press Kit (EPK) is just what it sounds like. It is an electronic (digital) version of what would be included in the traditional press kit. While the EPK could be a web site, it is generally easier if it is laid out like an EPK (on a web page or pages). It should include sections that easily lead the press from one section to the next (including bio, high resolution downloadable pictures, sound files, videos, past gigs, testimonials, etc.). 

Brand or Identity Kit

Sometimes the Brand Kit (or Identity Kit) can be confused with the press or media kit. In reality, the Brand Kit does include some of the same components, but generally for a different purpose. The purpose of the Brand Kit is to create brand consistency. 

The Brand Kit is used within the organization and provided to contractors who are putting together marketing materials for the company. It is like a style guide that dictates what fonts to use, what layouts, what images, colors, and more. It also includes some of the same components of the media and press kit so that those items (like images) can be re-used in other marketing materials. In that way, all marketing materials remain consistent. 

The key for the Brand Kit is the consistency and it is a way to facilitate that consistency. A better term for it is really “Identity Kit” because it has to do with a consistent identity or brand identity. In reality, the word “brand” has more to do with the perception that people have about a brand and influencing that through marketing. Identity has more to do with the logos, colors, etc., so that the company is recognized. So, it is more of an “Identity Kit” or “Brand Identity Kit.” 

“One Sheet”

The “One Sheet” is another promotional piece used by musicians and entertainers. The idea is to WOW the recipient of the “One Sheet” all on one sheet. In the past, this was a printed (or we should say, “compiled”) sheet that included newspaper clippings and clips of gig appearances. Today, the “One Sheet” can also be created online, as a digital piece. The key is to keep it shorter. So, the “One Sheet” can be put together using the same material as the media kit or the press kit and keeping it short and putting the best stuff out there, in order to land the gig (or other objective). The “One Sheet” is a concise press kit or media kit, but not a brand kit.

In Conclusion

Now that you understand how all of these kits and promotional pieces are similar (and different), which “kit” fits your business needs? It isn’t a bad idea to put together a version of all of them, but generally speaking, starting with one and doing it well, makes logical sense. You can always add the others, recycling components from the first, after you have mastered your first kit.

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Deborah comes from a corporate background, as a Chief Technology Officer and operational management, and combines that with her entrepreneurial spirit and her success as a writer and Los Angeles Jazz singer. Her educational background is in software architecture and project management. She teaches professionally, including teaching companies how to use Twitter Chats to enhance their social media campaigns.

With her SocialWebCafe.com, she is continually navigating the newer realm of Google+ Hangouts to iron out the glitches and present a platform that is workable for most businesses, as well as personal use.

You can connect with her on Google+ and follow her at @SocialWebCafe.

Tags: Branding, Marketing Kits, Marketing Strategy, Media Kit, Press Release Kit

This entry was posted on March 19, 2015 at 5:00 am. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site. 274

Posted in Branding Marketing Strategy Online Marketing Press Releases by Deborah Anderson