Get the Message

Written on the Glass

2012-02-02T17:56:00.000-08:00

How awesome is it to be able to get the glass working and talking for you? You gotta watch this video.

Images on the glass are just captivating, there is no two ways about it. Samsung has created an incredible interactive computer window that will someday, no doubt, be a part of the more high-tech home and businesses.

Today, however, you can't afford it. Window Video Systems create a very similar effect in terms of messaging. Everything doesn't have to be touch-screen to be effective. In fact, when all you need is to get a message across, window video systems are incredibly affordable and effective. Touch screen capability can be layered in, but honestly, isn't there a huge amount of messaging that should be done in a very straightforward (simple) way without having to go there?

Visual merchandising is largely just that: Visual. No sound, no touch. Those are not really necessary when all you are trying to do is get people's attention so you can message to them. You would definitely be smart to move towards engaging via driving traffic to Social Media with an on-the-glass message from the real (not virtual) world. There are so many ways to leverage your window space, and the simple affordable window video system by Looknglas. Nice job, Samsung. We applaud you.

In the meantime, get your windows workin'. The Window of Opportunity is here.

Is "Social" Anti-Social?

2012-01-19T10:08:00.000-08:00

This business of Social Networks is really intriguing. Even the very term, and how it's used.

I will not argue here, about whether "Social" media is actually social or not. I only observe, that while Social Media may facilitate more of a certain type of interaction and information exchange, it doesn't really totally do what its proponents claim: that is, give you deep insight into prospective target markets.

Let me start with something simple: From my perspective, what happens on Social Media looks arm's length and superficial. The thing that seems to drive it mostly, is some kind of insatiable need to express one's self or one's opinions. OK, let's say that provides insight. What kind of insight? Is it reliable for marketing purposes? In other words, can you take someone's word about what they think or do, or might do, as authoritative and truthful?

I say no. People are what they do, not what they say they do. They are what they do, not what they say they think. They are what they do, not what they say they are. The truth is, most people cannot be objective about themselves, and largely, not even about what they think.

This is not to say that Social Media provides no meaningful insight. It does. But how to interpret that insight, how to divine the inscrutable intentions of the creators of all this "data"---that is another thing altogether.

Suffice to say, from a reliable marketing point of view, "it ain't that simple"! Potentially useful, yes. But reliably useful? I am holding my fire and keeping my powder dry.

I see Social Media, as it relates to DS and DOOH, as powerfully connective. People are using it, and to me, that's what matters most. I advocate using social in concert with Digital signage networks and displays to connect people to the process of transacting business. Now that tells you something! Give them a suggestion, and see if they respond. Give them an incentive and a quick, convenient, easy way to respond financially, and then you have something.

Of the gathering and analysis of data, there is no end. Give me some people asking for my product or service, or responding to my sales proposition, (even if it's to get something for free,) and now I have something to sink my teeth into. To believe in Social as a primary, necessary element to effective DOOH messaging or campaigns is to believe in the tail wagging the dog.

Powerful compelling messaging on Digital Signage displays is the engine that will pull Social more strongly into the brick and mortar environment. There, you can harness the powerful connective properties of Social to actually sell something, and make some money!

The Great Thing about TV in your window

2012-01-16T09:57:00.000-08:00

Although LCD screens are becoming more and more ubiquitous in the retail environment, it is still somewhat novel to see an LCD mounted in a store window. Even more novel is seeing one with anything compelling or interesting.

Having already done enough nitpicking at the shortcomings of many DOOH and DS displays in terms of their content and messaging, let me take the opposite tack:

If you've got a screen up, AT LEAST YOU'RE IN THE GAME!!!

You can't talk on the phone unless you dial. You can't watch a good movie unless you get out to the theater or put something on your tv screen. And you can't create an exciting digital display unless you get started. Sure, everyone's seen LCD screens everywhere. Sure, much of the content isn't that great. But YOUR content will never be great unless you get the delivery system installed, and start using it!

Digital Signage, in nearly all forms, has the potential to be extremely powerful, because it is change-able, manipulatable, with endless possibilities. And those message possibilities are, typically, cost effective. You can get them up there quickly, without hanging signage, without ladders, and without delay. If one campaign isn't "working", DS lets you get the next one up there instantly. There's no sitting around thinking about it. You develop campaigns as you get the ideas and implement them sequentially whenever necessary, eliminating the immense waste of LOST TIME! And there is nothing more expensive than LOST TIME.

You think that by not getting around to changing your ineffective display, by not making an immediate investment in your message (whether financially, or investing the time and effort to implement a more effective display campaign) that you are somehow saving money??? WRONG. The cost of that lost opportunity, or worse, business driven away to your competitors by your poor display, is perhaps the greatest threat to your business.

Digital Signage in your window is not only your friend, it is your very powerful friend.

For non-digital signage and messaging, that inability to change quickly and inexpensively is costing you. Get your DS working and keep it working. There is no more powerful marketing tool available in display than Digital Signage. Invest in strategy and image delivery. Focus on your selling proposition and how to enhance or re-create it. Get the Message working!

It's Customer Experience, Stupid!

2011-12-29T10:26:00.000-08:00

20 years ago or so, Dick Morris reputedly uttered the famous words to a campaigning Bill Clinton, "It's the economy, stupid!"

Something similar, albeit a little more complex, could be said to retailers the world over.

Online retailing has certainly changed the retail game, but brick and mortar retailers still have the opportunity to flex their power over online purchasing via the age-old method: Customer experience.

It's the Customer Experience, stupid!

Hellooo retailers! Are you listening? There are 4 other senses to address, to sell, besides just visual, and sometimes audio (online.) There are taste, touch, smell, and the overall sensory experience of being in the modern marketplace. People still want to have more than just a "virtual experience". That has been proven in spades, vis a vis, Apple stores.

You have the advantage, the upper hand! Use what's at your disposal: DOOH, in all its forms.
Lots of talk is swirling around mobile, and mobile commerce, but DOOH is a medium that can tie other media together, such as mobile and online. It can, and should, all integrate. There is far more than just putting LCD screens, or video walls, or interactive projected displays to work. Far, far more. Use your locations, and your DOOH to drive traffic, to introduce new selling propositions, to drive mobile (QR, and especially text coupons, offers and promos.)

Adoption comes in fits and starts. DOOH must continue to make itself more retail-available. This means both pricing and ease of implementation, management, everyday use.

Being very self-serving, I offer window video systems as a great example. Messages, writ large, directly on the front window, displaying and then offering a sales proposition. Intriguing, and then enticing (text coupons, POS promo offers.) So much is available, so many possibilities. Get with a strategic integrator and get your strategy going. The ability to drive traffic and measurable ROI is here, and it can be very cost effective. The only time DOOH fails in terms of ROI, is when the objectives are not clearly defined, and the method for achieving ROI not executed well.

If you have a great selling proposition, get it up there on DOOH and watch the sales in your brick and mortar store climb! DOOH allows the power and flexibility to create both an intriguing customer experience, and a satisfying purchasing experience as well. Combining the two is the key to the coming brick and mortar retail revival.

Transparency is Power

2011-12-21T10:53:00.000-08:00

"Transparency is Power".

Some people might dispute that, and say that secrecy is power, but I digress. What I am talking about is in a Display sense. This video shows a really nice piece of technology by Samsung that is a transparent LCD screen. When place in front of a product it allows messaging about that product while keeping the product itself front and center.

Great concept! Super cool looking, intriguing, and if you put the right information and inducement on that screen, you'll sell a lot of whatever product is behind it.

Of course, this is what projected digital signage does for you as well, except it's more "green" and can go larger than the display screen this video depicts. Probably a lot less money too. But putting your display and sales messages directly on your display window in conjunction with the product display provides a layer of communication and potential interaction that is epic. Display is becoming more and more about interactivity. Interaction is what makes your relationship to customers "sticky". Get in the dialogue. The technology is there, and Window Video Systems (WVS) are very affordable and very available, and very flexible.

Be more transparent. Get the look. Get the content. Get the interactivity. The window of opportunity is here.

Don't Send a Boy to do a Man's Job

2011-12-02T10:18:00.000-08:00

There is an old proverb that says that sending a message by the hand of a fool is like cutting off your own feet.

This is equally true when you blindly trust your messaging (digital signage content) to whoever, delegating to a third-party service or a lower-level employee, leaving that all-important strategic job to someone with no vested interest or motivation for the profit-producing necessity of your message.

Your message is what people will think of you.
Your message is all people know about what you want them to do.
Your message (including your display) is the primary information a prospective customer has, in order to make a buying decision!

Why would you delegate that? The classic thing business people do is to neglect their message, in favor of "getting things done". Well, you ain't gonna get much done without customers buying, and they're not going to buy unless you convince them with your message in all its facets.

When I walk through a mall, or surf online, I want to know why I should buy. I want to know what you're offering. I want to know what's better about your product, or offer. I want to know if you know what you're doing or if you're fly-by-night. I want to know what kind of value I'm getting. I want to know what's in it for me.

Too often, when you delegate your company messaging, those questions don't get answered, and then you don't sell as much, or make as much, because you delegated your messaging to someone who doesn't understand or value your priorities.

Digital Signage ISN'T ABOUT THE HARDWARE, the screens, the software, the brightness, etc. Those are all important, but only in that they are a part of delivering YOUR MESSAGE effectively! If you use DS or DOOH, then watch your messaging carefully, measure it, and revise it, hone it, until it performs. Watch it like a hawk, and use it to produce measurable results! Devise a method (I'm not telling you to run out and buy more equipment or software) for tracking, measuring, and understanding the results of your display system. DS and DOOH are money-making machines when properly implemented.

Your DS messaging is a job that, if you do delegate it, you must oversee carefully and demand a result from. DS and DOOH are extremely powerful tools, but make sure they are used to the effect you desire.

We advocate a direct selling proposition and call to action, the result of which can be tracked exclusively to your DS or DOOH display, and measured. For example, if you provide a text coupon, be sure that it is tracked accurately. Don't just throw a video loop on there and forget about it. Make sure that message looks how it is supposed to look, gets where it is supposed to go, and does what you intend it to do.

Interactive Display? Show Me the Money!!!

2011-11-19T08:33:00.000-08:00

I don't usually refer other blogs or articles, but I read one (link below) that I thought was so on-point, I had to talk about it.

It would appear that “Interactive” has too often become a euphemism for “silly, game/entertainment related touch-screen based display”.

Lots of people will tell you “Interactive needs to be engaging.” That is very true, but it is also very much a potential trap, because “engaging” is a subjective term. It would appear that implementers of so much "interactive" seem to lose sight of a bottom-line business imperative: making money. I know, that sounds so crass, so unimaginative. Well, it’s really important to the people who pay for this stuff.

Interactive DOOH has got to “grow up” as the author of the article below says, and prove it’s money making, ROI-producing chops. It is the key to getting a lot more business in the future for yourself and for your client. It's not just about the coolness of the hardware, or the coolness or "fun" of the design concept, it's about how does this make the client money? Just because you lured a few people into playing your stupid game, or dancing, does NOT mean you succeeded at any type of business objective. Getting people to play games on your window has NOTHING to do with making a profit. And your clients will not continue to pay for "Interactive" that does not in any way lead to profit.

Any Interactive display on or in a business should be somehow directly related to getting that person or the people watching to BUY SOME PRODUCT! As a direct marketer for my entire professional career, I can tell you: Clients will not continue to purchase something which they do not believe somehow leads to them making more money. ROI is the driving force, today more than ever. When DOOH (and especially, Interactive) demonstrates that ability clearly and consistently, we win the game. (And make more money.)

Flat-out, plain and simple, “SHOW ME THE MONEY!!!”

Article URL: http://www.digitalooh.biz/2011/11/14/digital-ooh-needs-to-grow-up-now/

Where's the DR in DS?

2011-11-07T10:10:00.000-08:00

D'Oh!!!

Someone forgot to put an "R" in "DS" or "DOOH"!

"R" as in "RESPONSE". We all know that the purpose of DOOH is to communicate more effectively to target audiences where they are---out in the marketplace. Lots of attention has been paid to "communicate", but more attention could be paid to "effectively". Doing that requires a focus on measurable campaigns, calls to action, and selling proposition. DOOH is a fantastic media, but it will become more and more dominant as the numbers come in on effectiveness. And focusing on measurable response provides you the numbers and justification for your selling efforts.

Make sure that when you pitch your solution you recommend Direct campaigns, along with all the other wonderful things your solution can do. It is the key to selling non-marketing-oriented decision makers. Return on investment is a critical component to good business decision making, so be sure to at least have some hypothetical examples of return on investment for your target client.

For example, if you have an automotive dealership client who makes $600 per sale of their mid-range model, then give him an example of a campaign designed to sell mid-range models and how many it will take to pay for your system and show profitability. Seems obvious, I know, but people tend to get excited about the technology, and sometimes forget to build some strong ROI-based financial justification into the sale. Equally important, once the sale is made, work hard to get the client to use their DOOH for Direct Selling or Direct Response campaigns, where they can measure effectiveness. If you don't produce marketing content for your solution, hook up with a quality marketing-savvy content provider, and offer that service. It will build value, profitability for you, and a more satisfied, long-term client. And if you need a referral for content, give me a shout.

The Kid in the Window

2011-10-26T15:21:00.000-07:00

I walked past a children's clothing store recently, and was amused to see a life-sized image of a really cute little kid right on the storefront window, at floor level. The effect was excellent. It was an excellent photographic applied with vinyl, which we have all seen, but they did a really nice job with the look, finish, and placement.

There was only one thing missing: That image was static---it just sat there.

How much better and more captivating, more attractive, if that little kid were bouncing up and down, waving, acting the way funny little kids act? And how much better if that "live" image could also include an offer, superimposed with motion graphics, that made that kid's outfit available and affordable to you right now?

That is what Window Video Systems do.

This example doesn't include any offers because it is not really a commercial or even a sign, but it's a heck of an attention grabber. It's funky, interesting, and face it, the kid can dance. Imagine if they were actually trying to sell something!

We are in the process of testing images and taking proposals right now for various types of displays for select companies. If you are in retail merchandising, marketing, or design, (particularly clothing,) we'd like to talk with you about your planned display. The Window of Opportunity is here.

Commercials on Your Storefront Window 2

2011-10-12T15:33:00.000-07:00

In the above video showing a window video system displaying in a retail store, the images are varied, high impact, eye-catching, and brand-centric. They create intrigue, they promote specific product, they display. In particular, notice the close up shots of the window videos towards the end of this video sample.

If you're going to run "commercials" on your storefront window, what will that message be? Will it feature product shots? Will it feature models interacting with the product? Do you intend to incorporate audio, or visual only? Still shots, or full motion video? Type messages? Graphics? CG Animation?

What will the purpose of your commercial be? Display? Information, usage?

Putting together a successful commercial for your window videos should take some planning and attention to production values and quality execution. Simple type-based messages, graphics and still shots may be a good way to start. More sophisticated motion images using models, lighting, etc. will require more expertise and budget.

The better the effect of the imagery, the better the potential effect on creating traffic and sales. Think about how you can use video, type, still photos and graphics to better attract customers, and give them a reason to come into your store.

Window Video Systems put the power of messaging that used to belong only to the largest corporations, directly in your hands, and directly on your storefront. At Looknglas, we provide all of the above for you so that you don't have to be a graphics or video expert to have a really exciting window commercial. The window of opportunity is here.

How Important is "Easy" Content?

2011-10-11T10:22:00.000-07:00

Everybody likes great-looking content. It's fun, interesting, adds a little spice to life and to the experience.

Management loves effective content. Prove-able ROI is a powerful thing. Just knowing your message is producing sales is a wonderful feeling for a small business owner or company manager.

When you get great-looking and effective in the same package, it's approaching Digital Signage Messaging Nirvana. But the next level of Nirvana might be, "Easy to Use".

That sounds nice, but tough to attain, alongside the first two. So, I've got a question: How important is Easy to Use?

As a retailer thinking about using projected Digital Signage (Window Video Systems) on your storefront, if you were to purchase such a system:

Would you want to create your own messages?
Produce your own images?
Would you want a selection of images from which you could choose?

Or would you want someone else to do that for you?

What is your "ideal" Signage Message "method"? Do-it-yourself, or have the professionals handle it? Please comment. Thanks!

Good Job, Jobs

2011-10-07T10:36:00.000-07:00

The world acknowledges and mourns the passing of one of the most influential human beings (in terms of business, communications, entertainment and productivity) in history: Steve Jobs.

Much has been said about this remarkable man and his many accomplishments. Many revere him and some revile him, but the fact remains that he transformed the way the entire world works. His demand that technology be nice to look at, easy to use, and bottom-shelf in terms of accessibility (ok, well perhaps not always in terms of pricing) and elegant, set a standard for his own industry and many others.

He is lauded for his impact on computing, and particularly personal productivity and entertainment, but not enough credit is given for the sheer breadth of his impact: the man transformed (and in some cases, co-opted) the music, movie and cellphone industries, and boosted productivity in many others. And he was likely in the process of doing the same once again for tv. Under his leadership, Apple was transformed into one of the largest businesses in the history of the world.

Absolutely incredible. Farewell, Steve, we'll miss your impact.

Commercials on your Storefront Window

2011-10-04T10:56:00.000-07:00

"Commercials" is a term often viewed negatively. Understandable, when your favorite tv show is interrupted after less than 5 minutes by the same spot you just saw last commercial break, and the same one you saw in the break before that.

But commercials are good; for those of us in business, they are our friend, and when well done, they sell. They move product. They promote brand, they inform, they excite commercial activity, get people looking, trying, shopping, buying, buying, buying. That's what we all need right now, right? Commercial activity--commerce, transactions.

Yes, commercials are definitely our friends, and especially to those in retail. Retail clothing cries out for, demands, commercials---well produced, interesting, curiosity inspiring, intriguing, motivating. Life and business, without intrigue, would be bland indeed, and not very productive. It's the intrigue, the interest, that keeps the spice in life and in business. And buying (selling) is what really spices up business!

That's why you WANT a commercial on your storefront window. Life-size, dynamic, in-your-face. Digital signage is trying to get there, but it uses the same old "screen" format; same old "tv" look. Most retailers with LCD screens installed leave the shopper/viewer with the impression that they got someone to hook up a tv in their store. Whoop-dee-doo.

Put it on the window! Directly on the window glass! Wow, now that is cool. Look again at Digital Mannequin video Youtube, and the Oakley store video featuring Looknglas' Window Video System. Projected commercials on glass are awesome, powerful, and will move people to buy when accompanied by the right sales proposition. Window Video Systems by Looknglas: get selling! The Window of Opportunity is here.

Going Green Part 2

2011-09-22T17:37:00.000-07:00

In an earlier post, I talked about how Window Video Systems are "Green" in that they don't require posters or vinyl. Think how many trees are used up by posters, and how much petroleum is used for vinyl signage. Now I'm not the greenest guy on the planet, but I know these are important issues to many people, and especially to corporations and the government.

Window Video Systems just gained even more "Greenage": We are using LED projectors now in many cases, which means, lower power consumption, far less heat production, longer lasting projectors due to fewer lamp exchanges, and best of all, lamps with no mercury! Wait, no, even more best of all: Lower price! Let me say that again:

Green!
Low power consumption!
Less heat!
Lasts longer!
No paper waste! (Or cost!)
No vinyl waste! (Or cost!)
500% fewer lamp replacements!
No mercury!
LOWER PRICE!

I think I'm becoming more of a "greenie"! The window of opportunity is here.

Retail Explodes - A non-Virtual Experience

2011-09-14T18:10:00.000-07:00

Some Brick and Mortar Retailers may decry the advance of online retailing. Sure, obviously, it cuts into their pie. And nobody likes someone else eating their pie.

But lift up your heads, brick and mortar people! You have advantages NO online retailers have! Like close up looks, touch, feel, trying on, trying out, opportunity for personal interaction... on and on and on. Sure you give away something in terms of convenience, and sometimes price.

But you have EXPERIENCE! And your online brethren (or competitors) cannot duplicate that. They are "virtual"---you are REAL. You have so many potential sensory and experiental advantages to offer. Use them! Create that ultimate, BETTER buying experience.

My belief is that when brick and mortar retailers figure out how to actually use available technology in a Direct Marketing way, that is, to SELL product, they will start to win back their mojo, and revitalize themselves. It's called re-inventing, and it's what we all have to do, or yield and die on the vine. We all have our day, and we all have our season, but if you want to extend beyond your heyday, you have to re-invent. Either attack the "virtual" with a better "actual", or use the virtual to your advantage.

THAT is what Window Video Systems are all about! WVS bring more experience to your customers, as well as bringing more of them into your store. But WVS is also a means of tying the virtual to the actual, referring people to websites they can access on their smart phone, offering "virtual" coupons, promos and incentives. Putting the in-store data right on the front window. There is so much power available to brick and mortar retailers, especially in the form of WVS. The Window of Opportunity is here.

Retail Explodes - The QR Revolution

2011-09-07T10:04:00.000-07:00

QR Codes, those funky-looking square collection of black boxes in a jumble, are the latest in barcoding, designed to be scanned by a smartphone.

Helloooo, Retailers! The smartphone shopper is here to stay, and they are using their phone to gather data, do comparison shopping, download coupons, and many other things related to BUYING product. This is a major opportunity for you---don't miss it!

What does this have to do with Window Video Systems, Digital Mannequins and Digital Signage? Just about everything.

When you display something really compellingly, you want a way to immediately engage the potential customer. That awesome dress, top, or ensemble can be theirs right now, at 10% off, just by scanning this QR code that you see next to the Digital Model showing off the clothes! Research shows that a significant percentage of buying decisions are made at the point of purchase, in the moment. That is where you can use the QR code, projected directly on your storefront to draw them in, make an offer, entice them to engage, to try out, to buy one and get the second for half off, whatever the promo, once your Window Video System display grabs their eyeballs, you draw them in with your offer. The intrigue, the advantage, the savings are irresistable! Hallelujah! Retail is alive and well, in fact, more interesting and more fun than online shopping. Oh, heck yeah. Your window of opportunity is here.

Retail Display - About to Explode

2011-08-26T10:49:00.000-07:00

‎"Content is King" is a popular catch phrase these days. What does it mean?

It means, it's not the tool you have, it's what you do with it. Walk through the mall and look in the windows, and you'll see what I mean. Some displays are truly intriguing and interesting, attractive, but they don't jump out at you, because they are almost all done in the same manner, using the same kinds of media; mannequins, props, vinyl, lighting, printed cutouts, LCD screens (TV) etc. All familiar colors on the palette, so to speak.

The creative effort being put into retail displays is outstanding, and I believe retail display is on the verge of exploding, and Window Video will be the match. Window Video Systems are the new ingredient that will take retail display to a whole new level.

Merchandising/Display pros will take hold of this medium in a hurry when they realize it is not expensive, highly controllable, and virtually unlimited in terms of effects. Looknglas Digital Windows, Window Video Systems, and Digital Mannequins will do for Display what the Internet did for communications. Grandiose claim? Some of you Merchandising/Display pros just try it out. Get over here and play with this thing. You're not gonna want to go back.

Directing Traffic in Retail

2011-08-25T10:37:00.000-07:00

Someone once told me, "You can't steer a car that's not moving".
The same is true of driving retail traffic. You can't drive or increase traffic in your retail store, if you can't attract traffic in the first place.
Window Video Systems do both. Window Video Systems attract people's attention (a la, Digital Mannequin or other well crafted display concept,) and then potentially drive it using promo messages which can be integrated with the projected display or sequenced on the same screen. After all, your store window is your screen, or message billboard, if you will. Get your product up there! Get your best, most attractive offer front and center! Put another inside the store with a compelling USP. Retailers must be aggressive in this market, and WVS puts an immensely powerful tool at your disposal to aggressively attract and drive customers.
The Window of Opportunity is here.

Retail Display - The Never Ending Runway

2011-08-23T09:40:00.000-07:00

If you could have a non-stop fashion show on your storefront window featuring your brand's clothing, and pricing/promo offers, what would that do to sales activity?

Fashion Shows are a big deal in the clothing design industry. What they design and innovate drives fashion, and trends, and eventually filters down to the retail level.

When Clothing Retailers realize that they have the same display power as a Fashion Show, with models, multiple outfits, and real-life display capability, it can transform their Display Method, and correspondingly their sales.

While everyone seems to focus on internet, online sales, mobile apps, social media, and a host of other buzzwords and indirect methods, putting the product front and center, as in, DIRECTLY ON YOUR STOREFRONT remains a paramount priority. Product that excites, motivates, and moves people to action, displayed in an exciting and motivating way, produces SALES!

Window Video Systems were created for this use and method. Attracting and driving traffic is the mission, WVS is the medium that creates distinctive, uniqueness and results. Am I sounding too salesy? Oh, gee, I'm sorry. But results are what your company is in business for, and Window Video Systems are a potent means to the bottom line. And a heck of a lot of fun to use and watch.

Retail Marketing After Dark

2011-08-18T14:29:00.000-07:00

There's nothing better than a business marketing tool that works for you, even when you're not around. When the retail store closes, there is still traffic passing by that can and should be marketed to.

After hours, or night time, is prime time for using your storefront for marketing. Using a Window Video System (WVS) by Looknglas to animate and bring your storefront windows to life works BEST after dark. Better contrast, no competing with the internal store displays, reaching target audience even when the store is closed can make a huge difference. How about advertising tomorrow's sale? How about promoting your website or Social Media marketing site? How about inviting them to use their phone to download your mobile coupon? There are so many ways to use WVS after dark to continue to market and literally SELL your products.

What did Clapton say? "After midnight, we're gonna let it all hang out!" You've got the brick and mortar location and that window space---use it to make money!

Revitalizing Retail

2011-08-05T15:42:00.000-07:00

For the last three years, brick and mortar retailers have been up against it. With this ridiculous double-dipping economic recession, combined with increasing competition from online retailers, and consumers spending less, it has been tough, tough, tough.

Retail needs a shot in the arm.

Window Video Systems (WVS) in the form of Digital Windows and especially, Digital Mannequin, represent a watershed opportunity to put a lot of excitement back into the shopping experience.

"Live" models, directly on the glass, there one moment, gone the next, replaced with an in-the-moment sales promo message, offer, or text coupon offer.

WVS does, attraction, display, direct marketing, store hours, whatever type of message the retailer needs. The ability to change you message right on the front of your store, as many times as you wish, is here. Posters? Passe. LCD screens? Got a tv at home. Mannequins? Missed that.

But color, moving images right on the window glass? Awesome, intriquing, irresistable. When designers and retailers realize they can do a mini-fashion show right on the chains' storefront windows, all across the chain, it will revolutionize the mentality of display. Get ready for the fun, and get ready to start making more money. WVS by Looknglas: the Window of Opportunity is Here.

How Much Does IT Cost? (Part 2)

2011-08-04T11:25:00.000-07:00

This is always one of the first questions. It's ok, it's a good question. Everybody wants to know that. But understanding the value behind the question is what should drive the discussion.

Having said that, (and assuaged my rational business mind, not wanting to be a guy who ignores the importance of creating, adding and promoting value,) I'm going to answer the question directly.

Sort of.

A Digital Window System (which is another way of saying WVS for storefront windows) with a screen size of 33"x44" runs $2,995.00 US. There, I said it. Now you can hopefully allow yourself to start asking the more important questions.

How will I use this? What type of messages will I run? How will I integrate this Digital Sign with my current marketing and Direct Advertising strategies? Can I integrate this into a local mobile strategy? Will I also use it for display? How to get/create images? Messages? These are the real issues. This system is an incredible marketing tool; think about all the ways you could use it to attract and engage and sell to customers. Then the price will start to make more sense. There is nothing more important than a business tool that directly helps you make money, and that is the purpose and mission of Window Video Systems by Looknglas.

Driving the Dealership: Pre-conditioned Customers

2011-08-04T11:03:00.000-07:00

Car buyers are more informed these days. Everybody knows that. But informed is not necessarily "warmed". You need buyers on the lot who are not just interested, but "hot" for the product. Motivated. Want what you have. So how do you get from "informed" to "Hot to buy"?

Auto brands invest a great deal in that proposition. Most TV ads are aimed at that very effect. The goal of making your brand and product attractive and desirable is a huge part of the Auto Industry's marketing efforts. And the dealership site, look, and ambience is one of the last links in that marketing chain that leads to the sale. Best, for your salespeople, to have warm, preconditioned, positive prospective customers on the lot than suspicious, defensive, belligerent ones.

So the Window Video System (WVS) by Looknglas is a strong way to do that. Here's a real world example: We have a Toyota dealership that uses WVS. The first thing they did was park a new model vehicle below the Digital Window (WVS) that was showing a Toyota "walk through" video of that new model. So every customer that approached the front door of that dealership not only saw the new model in front, but was drawn into the potential ownership experience by that Digital Window display directly above the vehicle. Customers were already taking a tour of the vehicle, its interior, features, and benefits before they ever spoke to the salesperson! They were already in the "sales" process! Awesome! Brilliant. And from a marketing perspective, essential.

The salesperson, consequently, was able to be speaking with an informed and involved customer; a very key distinction. Any salesman with any experience knows the immense value of a prospective customer who is already mentally "trying on" your product. You are way down the road to the close at that point.

WVS will warm up the selling environment in the dealership space. When you add to that, the ability to message Direct selling promos and messages, at the point of purchase, you create for your dealership and sales staff, much better selling and closing opportunities. That goes directly to ROI! Point of purchase Direct Marketing is one of the very best uses for Window Video Systems.

The Window of Opportunity is here.

Retail Display - Looking Through You 2

2011-07-26T11:16:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I get so caught up in my brilliant thoughts that I omit some real important, real basic things.

This is one of those times.

In retail display it's important to remember why stores have windows; it's so people can see in, see display, see product. So, drafting off my last post, holographic Window Video Systems allow you to add signage, messaging and display in your window without necessarily sacrificing the purpose of the window itself; that is, to see through and get a sense for what's inside. Herein is part of the excitement of WVS: Messaging in "thin air". The passerby (potential customer) sees the window display, and then sees a message appear, and then disappear or change. Wow! Now you got their attention. Now's the time to sell them with your best sale item, promotion, USP.

Holographic store window displays: Caught you looking!

Retail Display - Looking Through You

2011-05-11T13:11:00.000-07:00

"I'm looking through you..." so went the chorus line of a Beatles song. And it definitely applies in terms of the effect one is after when implementing a rear projection in the retail space.

Retail display is all about attraction, intrigue, hipness, enticement. It has to make you want the product. It has to promise more if you'll just come in the store.

That is why rear projection, and in particular, window video systems, are such a great starting point, and such a potentially powerful display tool. But once you decide it would be cool to have a moving image directly on your storefront window, then what? Do you need to have a solid, high-contrast image? Or would it be better to actually be able to see through the image?

Allowing for a digital image directly on the window glass, in essence, a digital window sign that can be seen through, could be the exact effect necessary, where there is a combination of actual product displayed, combined with the Digital Window effect.

Holographic means you have a sort of "ghostly", or see-through effect to the image. Granted, you lose some density with this approach, and you lose some viewing angle, but you gain a very distinct, subtle and surprising effect of having "animated" window glass.

This is markedly different from a more dense, high-contrast images requiring high-contrast window treatment that renders the glass opaque (usually charcoal gray.)

Holographics = surprise, intrigue and coolness. It's the "whoa, how'd they do that!!!" effect. And that can be a very powerful ally in point of purchase display. Now you've got them looking.

Integration: Mix and Match, Or...?

2011-05-02T15:54:00.000-07:00

I've been getting questions about whether Looknglas systems can integrate with other systems or components.

Some have already invested in components, a screen here or there, and Digital control system, software or player. The question is basically coming from the standpoint, will this piece of hardware work with that one, or will this software control system work with those projection systems?

I guess the answer is, uhh, maybe.

The reality is that there are a great many components and software/hardware platforms out there. Digital Signage is a big fat generality. Theoretically, a lot of the stuff out there will work with a lot of the other stuff. You can't really know for certain about how anything works for or with anything else in a certain environment, for a given purpose, (with whatever content and look you envision,) until you evaluate and test. Assembling a Digital Signage or Display system isn't all that simple, because it's not just a gathering of technology hardware. Like with all serious business investments, a properly implemented system is a matter of goals and objectives, tailored specifically to the clients wants, needs and operating environment.

Digital Signage is really about your message, or how you want to communicate (talk) to your target audience. So you want to talk to them? Let's talk.

Driving the Dealership: Customer Experience

2011-04-26T17:05:00.000-07:00

Auto Dealers are a real mixed bag. A walk around the dealership lot, showroom, and customer lounge will give you a pretty quick idea of their perspective on selling cars. The perspectives could be summed up as the two poles:
A. Who gives a crap? We'll shove our cars on you and squeeze you for as much as we can.
B. You are a valued customer who we feel privileged to serve, and we'd like you to come back and bring your family and friends.

Most dealers are somewhere between those two poles, but all the best dealers are closer to the second perspective. Customer service, and Customer Satisfaction are paramount to these auto professionals, and Customer Experience is an integral part of both.

You can't overemphasize the value of (good) Customer Experience. It begins with the very first contact and impression that your dealership makes on the customer. And continues throughout the process.

Window Video Systems by Looknglas, are an integral part of creating an exciting and reassuring experience for your customer, which increases the liklihood of a purchase, and cements the sale. Your brand produces so much content, and so much of it goes unnoticed, or worse, never even viewed. That is because the delivery systems are not adequate to the quantity and quality of those graphic messages. Still shots, type messages, and video, are all produced in abundance by the brands, but often poorly displayed at the dealership.

Window Video Systems put those images and messages right on the Windows of your dealership or showroom! Digital Windows displaying the same quality images the customer saw online, or in their favorite publication, the same selling propositions, create a continuity and credibility of the messages. That is, "Oh it really is true." That is enormous in securing the sale and the ongoing business of that customer. If they believe (in) you, they will do business, refer business, and come back for more.

Digital Posters, Digital Windows, even Digital Mannequins as initial sales greeters or presenters, will all create an impression of progressiveness, quality, intrigue, and excitement. And that's what you want in a customer, excitement, and anticipation. Window Video Systems may be the ultimate enhancement to the customer experience.

Driving the Auto Dealership

2011-03-29T23:12:00.000-07:00

Car dealers, like most everybody, are down lately. This darn recession isn't going away anytime soon, and a significant chunk of their market has been taken away from them. Still a lot of people out there buying cars, but not enough to go around and keep everyone fat and happy.

Competition is fierce for the attention, for the interest, for the "mindshare" of the buyers that are there. Your product has to be good, your people have to be good, and your dealership has to look even better.

Window Video Systems (WVS) by Looknglas take the dealership experience to a whole new level. Light up your windows with your product images in color and motion. Remind customers of your features and benefits. Entice them with your offers and promos. Affirm them in their decision to consider and buy your cars. These days, it's not just about good product or salesmanship, it's about the experience. Digital Windows, Digital Banners, Digital Posters, even Digital Mannequins and Digital Salespeople can and will add to the intrigue and excitement of the sales environment. There are few products more technologically sophisticated than a new car; Window paint, posters, and floppy inflatable men don't do the product justice.

Window Video Systems in Auto Dealerships make for a more enjoyable, and successful, sales environment. With some studies showing Digital Signage increasing point of purchase sales by as much as 170%, Widow Video Systems are an investment that can provide significant Return on Investment and increased profitabiity.

Selling WVS: Who to Leave Out

2011-02-17T18:27:00.000-08:00

"This could work anywhere!"

It's tempting to think that way, very tempting. But probably fatal. Window Video Systems are cool, very cool.

And WVS will "work" in a large variety of venues and applications. But don't get greedy, and don't get wild. Find a niche you know, a niche whose needs you are very familiar with, where you have experience selling into, or for. Know that niche intimately, so you can USE WVS TO FILL THE NEED! That is where the money is. Not merely wowing a few diverse clients here and there. Know your chosen niche well, and develop your own ideas of how you would use WVS, particularly, to create PROFIT for your target client/user. How would you prove or demonstrate that PROFIT/return?

As mentioned in the previous post, the numbers on ROI/effectiveness of Digital Signage are coming in, and they are all good, baby. But it's up to you to know them and how they can apply to your chosen market, segment or niche.

So where do YOU think WVS will be successful? What market or segment are YOU expert in? Here are just some of the retail segments we like:

Auto Dealerships
Jewelry Stores
Retail Clothing
Design Studios
Hair Salons
Cellular Stores
Supermarkets
Electronics/Appliance Stores
Clubs
Bars
Restaurants

We could go on. Any large chain in any one of these segments would make a nice career. But you can't sell all of them, because no one can be really good at penetrating and effectively serving ALL those markets. So which do you leave out, and shich ONE would you choose?

Selling WVS: Know Your Market, Know Your Strengths

2011-02-17T18:17:00.000-08:00

We have get inquiries from all over the world about our Window Video Systems: Digital Mannequin, Digital Windows, Digital Banners. Everybody loves WVS. Some think it's alchemy; some think anyone can do it. Some think the world will beat a path to their door if they can just secure the rights to market our proprietary systems in their country, region or niche.

WVS will transform messaging and display in the retail space in particular, but other venues as well. But understanding the strengths and limitations of WVS, where it works well and where it won't is essential to making money with WVS.

Remember, it's hardware, content, proper installation, and method. It's knowing the value and potential for Return on Investment that wins the game and makes money.

Launching a new media is not for the weak of heart.

Everybody likes what they see, but not many really understand exactly how it will benefit them, and when you are selling WVS, it's up to you to demonstrate that. Fortunately, the data on how Digital Signage affects sales, is starting to come in. Walmart reported across the board increases in all segments of their lines. And I don't even think they are as effective in their method as they could be (like not incorporating WVS!) It isn't hard to imagine how better display and motion-enhanced, changing sales and promo messages can have a huge impact on the selling/buying environment in retail.

So before you contact us, know your market, your segment, and how you plan to use WVS to make a profit for your clients. There is more to the potential than just a hardware sale.

Image + Effect = Winning Message

2010-11-10T14:11:00.000-08:00

The hardware is the easy part of Digital Signage, even when it comes to Projected Digital Signage by Looknglas.

The really important part is what you do with that cool hardware. With commercial Advertising or Point of Purchase (POP) messaging, it is so important to use that Digital screen, whether LCD or Digital Window, to the maximum effect. That means large size, but also, changing messages, looks, and especially, effects.

Effects are what you do with the graphic to make it interesting: Color, size, font, background, still images or motion video, movement, fading in or out, or any visual change or metamorphosis of the afore mentioned elements.

No one pays much attention to static signs; you perceive them in a moment and quickly discard them before even consciously taking note, in most cases. Using visual effects properly will not only give you attraction, but also "sticking". That is, retention, repeat viewing, or best of all, response to a good selling proposition.

Using effects properly also means not overdoing it. Constantly trying to out-entertain your competitors is a losing proposition. The presentation that gets them to look, consider, and respond is the most effective. Be careful not to get carried away with effects, but rather use them to mix up the look, as well as creating intrigue. The bottom line is to sell the viewer on whatever your proposition is. Don't go overboard with the creativity or the hunt for interactivity. Use effects to make a powerful selling proposition to your target, and they will notice and respond.

iPhone, iPod, and the Window Video System Display

2010-08-25T13:29:00.000-07:00

Shortly after I launched into projected Digital Signage, or Window Video Systems (WVS), I realized I needed to create a demonstration method for WVS that was portable and fast to set up. So I created this product which is now a kit that we sell for showing a Video Demonstration using rear projection.

I didn't realize I was creating a product at the time, but since then, it dawned on me how superior a larger screen for showing video or still graphics is, to say, showing your client or prospect your graphic on a computer screen. Many images just scream out for size, and the computer screen often just doesn't do justice. So the next best thing might be to run the image to a TV, or use the large conference room projector, but that is often such a hassle.

Well now, you can leverage your iPhone (that ultimate business tool) or iPod, or now, your Android phone to do Video presentations. Here is the marketing video we put together for the 2-foot Video Display screen for the iPhone.

Intrigue and Attraction are 2 of the most powerful elements of any presentation or display. This video illustrates how even in a presentation-style display, the intrigue of rear-projected images take your images from commonplace to "WOW". And it runs on an iPhone or iPod??? That's nuts! But it's really fun and potentially very powerful for more effectively conveying a sales message, or any other type of video or still graphic presentation.

This is just a small demonstrator version of the larger window video systems we are pioneering, some of which you've seen on our website or Youtube. Interested to know your thoughts.

How Much Does It Cost?

2010-08-04T22:29:00.000-07:00

"How much does it cost?"

Well, it is a necessary question, but out of order. The real question is, "what will this do for me?"
Or how about, "How will this make/save me money?"
Or about 100 other more pertinent, important questions.

Digital Windows or Window Video Systems (WVS) by Looknglas are definitely affordable, but the price depends on the size and placement of the viewing area.

Viewing are size means more window treatment or rear projection screen. Placement or location determines the projector

specs and type of rear projection screen used. Are you after a holographic effect? Maximum contrast? Maximum brightness?

How will the screen be used? Pictures? Type (Messages)? Video? All the above?

Will you want to use or create your own content, or do you need us to produce content for you? Do you have a specific plan for how much and how often you will use the system, how many hours and what hours per day? Do you want to be able to load your own content manually, or do you want us to manage the system for your remotely?

Do you want to turn it on and off, or do you want it programmed?

There are a lot of considerations. This is not a one-size-fits-all proposition.

The answer to the cost question is either "too much for you", or "incredibly cheap." It really depends of whether you have the vision to maximize this incredibly powerful new medium.

For any retailer that knows how to market effectively at the Point Of Purchase, the Looknglas system will be a watershed investment, arguably the best investment in your store that you have made in years. When used properly, WVS by Looknglas will transform your retail business and increase profits significantly.

Going Large

2010-07-15T12:41:00.000-07:00

One of the greatest advantages of projected digital signage like Looknglas' Window Video Systems (WVS) is the ability to message directly onto a window in large size.

The competition, (LCDs and LEDs) are less exciting, and in large size, more expensive and more cumbersome. WVS provides large size, an exciting presentation (converting storefront windows into Digital motion billboards) lower power consumption and lower cost.

Talking with my friend Tom Gullo, of TJG Signs, he mentioned a new player device from Corn Digital that allows splitting and synchronizing of digital images on a delivery medium.

For projection, this means that an even larger, brighter image is possible, by duplicating lower cost projectors to gain more lumens, or by splitting the screen image between two smaller screens (left and right) where half the image goes on one screen via the left projector and half goes on the right via the second (right) projector. The synchronized split image means a much larger total screen size for a cost.

Wow! A screen size exceeding any LCD screen with high resolution, low size/weight characteristics, low power consumption and low cost. Most important, a beautiful screen. This is just another reason why WVS projected digital signage is so superior and so exciting.

Going Green

2010-06-04T10:54:00.000-07:00

"Green"!

It's a critical watchword for many corporations these days. The drive towards eco-conscious business practices and investment in green technologies, and practices, such as recycling and replacement of equipment in favor of more environmentally friendly systems is more intense than ever.

Most signage today is still in the form of replace-able hard copy. That is, posters and banners made of either paper or vinyl (petroleum based products) and designed to be discarded and replaced. That's a lot of oil for the vinyl, and that's a lot of trees for the paper.

Window Video Systems are Green Signage. WVS is the ultimate "replace-able" or re-usable signage. In fact, you don't replace anything except a lightbulb on an infrequent basis. The rest of the system does away with posters and banners as it puts signage images directly onto windows and glass panes. Once installed, the system need never be replaced, allowing constant new messages without any need for banners or posters or waste.

LCD screens are not particularly green, except that they are recyclable. But they require a good deal of energy to produce, and especially, to recycle. Hopefully they are not merely thrown out. But if they are discarded, LCDs in the landfill are not a good thing for the environment.

So in Signage and Display, let's go green. Let's eliminate as much paper and vinyl (petroleum product) waste as possible, with Green Signage from Looknglas.

Go green with Window Video Systems from Looknglas. The Window Of Opportunity is here.

Digital Banner Great for Large In-Store Messaging

2010-05-20T10:43:00.000-07:00

Change. Didn't someone win election to the most powerful office in the world recently on that premise?

Change truly is powerful. The ability to change, add to, alter, and enhance your message is extremely powerful.

This is the essential power of Window Video Systems (WVS) particularly, the Digital Banner. The advantages are:

Size
Attraction
Changing Message
Control
Impact
Affordability

The Digital Banner enlivens an entire room or store. Everyone in the store can see what the store wants them to know. Essential to a delivery system like this is to use it to message effectively to promote buying. Retailers will need to become more comfortable with using their signage more assertively in this way. But Digital Banners, Digital Posters, Digital Mannequins and Digital Window Displays will completely transform retail in-store display and marketing. There is no better time or place to message to customers than at the point of purchase.

The Window of Opportunity is here.

Getting the Buy

2010-05-14T13:22:00.000-07:00

Wouldn't it be great if you could just get people to "Buy"?

That is the dream and objective of Marketing. So many are lost in the process of marketing, where things like social networking and online marketing strategies become ends in themselves.

Real business people (that is, people who are accountable for sales and profit) prioritize "the Buy". That's where the action (and the money) is.

But you can't go from zero to "Buy". These are the steps any buyer goes through before they become a buyer:
1. Awareness
2. Interest
3. Motivation
4. Decision
5. Action
6. And finally, TRANSACTION, or "BUY".

TV is indirect. Radio is indirect. Online is mostly indirect. Social networking and social media is indirect. Direct mail is mostly indirect. Print is indirect.

Window Video Systems, (like the Digital Mannequin,) on the storefront window, and inside the store, are Direct. They are a messaging medium at the Point of Purchase. They allow the business to take a potential customer from steps 1 through 6 all at once, in just a few moments. From unaware to BUY in seconds.

That is the power of Window Video Systems by Looknglas. You move a potential customer from unaware to BUY in seconds.

That is enormous marketing power in one affordable system. That's why we say,
The Window of Opportunity is Here.

How Window Video Systems Work

2010-05-05T11:00:00.000-07:00

We're getting more and more questions about Window Video Systems (WVS), (especially Digital Mannequin,) and how they work.

In the broad strokes, WVS is rear projection (but not always.) Window glass will not hold a projected image. When you shine a light, it goes right through the glass. So a treatment or special pane or screen is required, which will hold your projected image.

Many factors can and will affect the Digital Window displays, so the correct specifications are critical. The type of screen, size, brightness, components, install and integration, ambient lighting, content and marketing message, are all factors. And that doesn't even scratch the surface.

It is always exciting to see a window light up like a giant lcd screen (without the associated cost,) and convey advertising and marketing messages effectively. "Effectively" is the key word here.

People want a widget; a silver bullet that does everything and solves everything, and costs next to nothing. WVS are not widgets. They must be tailored to each situation and use.

Looknglas makes the medium affordable and easy to use. Entry level systems are comparable in price to large LCDs.

Customers don't go to your business to watch headlines, weather, or even music videos. Looknglas Window Video Systems, designed to convey images and messages that produce traffic, sales, and profit, are a bargain compared with most commercial LCDs. Customers have TVs at home, and they have mobile phones; they can get all that stuff there. What they want to know is what they should buy from you and why, so you have to illustrate that and convince them to buy. That's what WVS and Digital Mannequin do.

Looknglas approaches your install from the standpoint of making your WVS install do what you want it to. We pay close attention to the technical implementation, but we also prioritize the effectiveness of the content. Without the focus on effective use for marketing and sales promotion, any system will become another piece of technology that underperforms. Gadgets are cool. Results are cooler.

Window Video Systems by Looknglas: The Window of opportunity is here.

"AND" Is The Enemy

2010-05-04T12:35:00.000-07:00

In advertising, the word "AND" is very popular. But it needs to be put to death.

Advertisers always want to tell you something more, besides their core message. The temptation is overwhelming.

When all you have is a short-form message, dropped into the middle of some other type of content, the advertiser feels rushed, forced into cramming so much into so little time, that "AND" becomes the means to getting it all in before your time is up. Which of course, makes it sound that way to the listener.

Unfortunately, those types of ads don't work very well. Every new element added to the original message, increases the liklihood that the listener or viewer forgets what came before. And voila! Suddenly you've managed to make your message UN-MEMORABLE.

"AND" may seem like your messaging friend, but in short-form advertising, it's actually your worst enemy. It always drags the target audience away from the core message! If whatever preceeded "AND" was not your core message, then it likely shouldn't have been in there at all.

So I have always advised clients to pick one powerful, compelling, trackable message and push it hard.

Until now.

Window Video Systems are an exception. Each message is its' own campaign, and can be repeated as frequently as desired, right at the point of purchase.

Hallelujah! Unlimited messaging, AND repetition, right at the point of purchase! Window Video Systems (WVS) enable advertisers to ATTRACT customers, INTEREST customers, MOTIVATE them, and MOVE them TO ACTION all at the point of purchase, and then REPEAT. Digital Mannequin is a great example; the DM catches the eye, interests them, and can then be followed by product info and offers. Properly implemented, WVS will produce TRAFFIC, SALES and PROFIT. All by activating and existing under-utilized asset: the storefront window. Wow!

The Window of Opportunity really is here.

Retail Window Displays

2010-04-29T14:20:00.000-07:00

OK, I admit it: Messaging is my personal hobby horse.

But it's so totally justified, because I just don't see people doing a good job with it. Either they don't create compelling messages, or they don't know how to target, or they don't target correctly, or they don't understand their own target, or they don't know how to motivate the target.... ad nauseum. There are so many ways to message poorly.

But rather than talk in generalities, let's focus on one very important thing: How to message effectively with large-screen lcd, or better yet, with Window Video Systems (WVS).

To define even further, let's talk about clothing retailer's need to display and message to people passing by their mall store. What people do now is dress up mannequins and place them in the window, and perhaps add posters, signs, or an lcd. The posters/signs might give pricing or promo info about specific product, but it can only do that in a blanket way, (Everything 20% Off!) or a specific way (Shoe Sale). But you can only do so much, usually one thing, at a time. And then you have to live with it for a while or replace and reprint constantly. And the LCD is usually used simply for ambience like music videos or fashion-show looking loops.

What the customer wants to know is, "what do you have for me, why is it better for me, and how do I get it (for less)?

Window Video Systems, displaying the Digital Mannequin, allow the store to display clothing on a "live" looking model, front and back, with pricing or promo offer, along with any other important product info (i.e., "It's Green! Made with only Organic Recycled Hemp, Domestically Grown, with a Negative-One Carbon Footprint, Endorsed by Al Gore!")

Ok, sorry for the sarcasm, but you get the point: that's a lot of very specific messaging AND display info that you can get out of one system in a very short period of time. And THEN, Digital Mannequin enables the store to go to the next ensemble and do it all again with new information. Or not. They could just repeat. Or go to a different type of info, or mini-campaign.

The advantages are numerous:

1. Better display capability
A. life-size,
B. multiple poses,
C. multiple views,
D. multiple ensembles with multiple articles
E. different or changing backgrounds
F. different presentations - stills, motion, video
AND

2. Better Messaging capability
A. multiple messages,
B. multiple offers,
C. variable appearances - colors, size, motion
D. faster changes in messages/campaigns - even to the day or days, or daypart,
E. no changing out of posters,
F. no waste

That's a LOT of improvement in your messaging! That's a lot of flexibility and potency with which to improve your message to your target customers!

And to think you can do that for a comparable price to a large LCD? Fuggedaboutit! Who do I call?!

Call Looknglas. We'll hook you up.

The Window of Opportunity is here.

Talk to your Customers

2010-04-19T17:40:00.000-07:00

Sure you should engage customers when they come into your business environment. But I'm talking about before they enter. That is what signage is for.

Digital Signage, and particularly, Window Video Systems, allow you to engage them before they ever enter your store or business. You can prep them, educate them, lure them, promote to them, compliment them, entice them, display to them, invite them, incent them, empower them, offer them something, give them another step towards engaging with your product or business, ask them a question, give them an answer, show them something new, remind them of something they should do, promise them something, and most importantly, sell them. That is the point of advertising, marketing, and signage, is it not? Sell them something. Use your entire window space, empowered and illuminated by a Window Video System, to sell them. They just might appreciate that you did something new and different. They just might go and tell other people about your Window Video System, or your Digital Mannequin, that got their attention, and brought them in to buy.

You have what your customer wants. Use the Looknglas systems to help them buy from you.

The Window of Opportunity is here.

Your Message is the Answer

2010-04-08T13:19:00.000-07:00

At the risk of hurting my own sales effort, let me confess here and now that media, and the various new forms technology has enabled ARE NOT THE ANSWER!

But before I go further, let's make sure we agree on the question. I say the question is:

"How do I achieve more sales and profit?" Ok, really that's two questions, but sales and profit are directly related, and most would agree that sales without profit are not so helpful. So they tend to go together.

Now back to the answer. Twitter is not the answer. Neither is Facebook. Neither is Google, your website, e-mail blasts, direct mail, SEO, LCDs, and (OUCH!!!) not even Window Video Systems.

Your Message is the answer. What do you have to sell, to whom, and how, that will motivate them to buy from you? That is the question, the answer to which, will determine your Message. In other words, have you defined your Unique Selling Proposition (USP)? It is your USP which is the engine that drives all of your selling, marketing and advertising. Absent a compelling, motivating USP, you're in for a long haul. You can "reach" an ever-increasing audience, but without a USP, you won't get them to buy.

Much has been said and written about USP, and I won't attempt to reconstitute it all here, but invest the time and brainpower in developing your USP before you invest a cent in marketing or advertising, because it will be many, many dollars saved, as well as many more dollars earned. A strong USP enlivens all campaigns, justifies marketing and advertising investment, and supercharges the sales team. It is a reason to be excited about your business once again. It makes things happen.

A strong Unique Selling Proposition: get one now. And then buy a Window Video System from Looknglas and put your USP on your storefront windows.

The Window of Opportunity is Here.

Rear Projection Digital Signage

2010-03-29T19:30:00.000-07:00

We like rear projection as a Digital Signage tool because of the "WOW" factor. It is just so cool to have the images right on your window!

Can YOU do that?!!! This is so powerful and we are continually refining the method and content. These aspects are critical. Everybody wants to buy a widget. Sorry. It doesn't work that way. This is a sophisticated method, and we don't intend to allow the clients to diminish or devalue it. However, having said that, this is not difficult for us in most cases. There are exceptions, but typically, in low light, nighttime, and indoor situations, rear projection is simply beautiful and exciting. Why aren't there more people doing it? Give it a chance. Within 24 months you will see it everywhere.

Did I mention we can do this in the rear window of your car?

Digital Mannequin - Tonic for Retail Display

2010-03-24T15:44:00.000-07:00

The Digital Mannequin, exclusive product concept of Looknglas Window Video Systems, will put the retail industry on its ear. The Digital Mannequin is a projected window front display that allows the retailer to put a live looking model right on the window, modeling clothes, accessories, etc.
The Youtube videos above illustrate it pretty well. What they don't illustrate is how easy the product is for the retailer. There is no training involved, and installation is done in one day. The retailer only need supply the video or still photography. Well, actually, they don't because Looknglas can provide video and production services as well. So the retailer really doesn't have to do anything.
Brainchild of Darren Porter, video genie and Grand Poobah of DGP Films and Raging Nation Productions, and myself, Ed Personius, mad scientist marketing/advertising innovator, we formed Looknglas and created the Digital Mannequin out of the Window Video System product. Digital Mannequin lets clothing retailers finally put their goods on the front window in a way that absolutely stops shoppers in their tracks, and allows the store to display more product with pricing or promo messaging that will literally drag the shoppers into the store. Sheer genius!

Granted, Digital Mannequin in Victoria's Secret makes us a little nervous. Ok, maybe really nervous, but we trust their good judgement and honorable intentions. And hey, malls can use some sizzle. A lot of sizzle, which is good, because Digital Mannequin is a sizzling product.

The Ultimate Retail Signage and Window Display

2010-03-22T10:08:00.000-07:00

The video below illustrates what Window Video Systems, and Projected Digital Signage can look like in your business. The video is compliments of my partner and video genie, Darren Porter, who is a videographer, producer, and all around radical creative dude-guy.

Talking to your customers and potential customers about the best of what you have to offer is the essence of signage and marketing itself. You have to do it, and you have to do it well. Window Video Systems help you do that better.

Digital Window Display
Digital Banner
Digital Poster
Digital Mannequin

Get 'em. You can definitely afford it, and you probably can't afford not to. In retail, it's time to step up. You improve or die. This should be a no-brainer.

The Window of Opportunity is Here.

2010-03-22T09:55:00.001-07:00

Social Media vs Signage

2010-03-16T09:01:00.000-07:00

Which would you rather do, Tweet, or message at the point of purchase?

Not that the two are mutually exclusive, but hey, if you or your marketing people have figured out that somehow a sales or promo message is better on a phone than on your storefront window, then by all means, tweet.

On the other hand, you might conclude that it is better to message to the customer when they are right in front of your store, and that creating a way for them to look more closely at your window and tell them to come inside and get 10% off anything in the store, is a more effective investment of your marketing dollars.

You may have plenty of money for either investment, but then again, maybe not. If not, invest in your own location and make it as powerfully attractive as possible. This is the entire premise of Window Video Systems, by Looknglas. Put a bright, moving, motivating message in your window. And then refresh it whenever you want. Or improve it. Or add to it. Or put accompanying product images along with. As many as you want.

Can't do that with texting, can't do that in a tweet. Do the smart thing. Get a Window Video System.

Retailers - Step Up!

2010-03-12T16:02:00.000-08:00

It's about time retailers started becoming more aggressive about real change. Not just changing displays, or ordering a new set of posters; that's tantamount to rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic. With something close to the same consequences.

I am talking about really significant change in how you display and message. That is why we started Looknglas Window Video Systems: To usher in an entirely new medium for retailers to exploit and change the way they do business.

Customers will buy if you show them your best product, and your best selling proposition. It's that simple. Either you have product that is important and relevant, or you don't. If you do, then displaying it the same old way, will not sell more product.

You must put more product, in a more compelling way, on display RIGHT NOW, and change it up tomorrow. Competition is moving too fast. You must improve the buying experience, otherwise customers will go elsewhere, or just not spend their money. You must message to them, relate to them, bribe them, entice them, cajole them, reason with them, excite them, and service them.

You have to do it in a compelling way. Dummies in the window doesn't quite do it anymore. This is the hi-tech age, and dummies are hundreds of years old, static, and uninteresting. Put a live model in your window, or better (cheaper anyway,) put a Digital Mannequin in your window. Or a large-scale Window Video System (Digital Window Display.) These are large, colorful, moving, and changeable from one moment to the next. You can literally change campaigns in the middle of the day.

Wow them. Bowl them over. Intrigue them. Invite them. But just don't bore them with the same old stuff.

Looknglas, the Window of Opportunity is Here.

LCDs - TV on the Ceiling. So What?

2010-03-06T16:18:00.000-08:00

That is what the customer thinks when they see an LCD in your business. I have no doubt about this, because I make it a point to observe people when an LCD is present in a retail business. Most people ignore them. Even in lobbies and waiting rooms, usually they are ignored.

That is because someone is failing to make them relevant or useful to the customer!

Dick Morris is famous for his line to Bill Clinton when running for the presidency: "It's the economy stupid!"

Well, I have a modified take on that, which is the key to selling and buying digital signage, whether DOOH or in-house.

It's not the hardware; IT'S THE CONTENT AND USAGE!

Technological hardware will never achieve anything or solve anything or improve anything if you don't use it effectively. This is what's wrong with so many lcd installations. We just pitched a company who has edgy, hip, imagery, product, and branding, but they haven't even integrated their retail store lcd deployment, and they aren't using them for messaging.

LCDs as a medium have to work that much harder to overcome the unspoken but manifest bias in customer's minds that they are just TVs (and not even as good as the one at home.) Much better to jolt that viewer with a Window Video System (WVS) and then message them into doing what you want them to do. Ideally that should be something sales-related, or at the very least, something trackable. But always lean toward selling. Otherwise you run the risk of lapsing into that grey area where business justifications start to veer away from dollars, sense, and profit.

LCDs - Problems with DS

2010-03-01T13:49:00.000-08:00

So much of Digital Signage (DS) is focused on LCD screens, and LED types of boards. Much of the implementation is kinda clunky. It seems that the DS Industry is dominated by techies, and even the people who plan advertising campaigns are often not real swift at creating compelling ads or playlists.

Further, many retailers have installed LCD screens, but are merely streaming television or just a limited playlist loop. I think of a restaurant chain here in Southern California with a beach theme; they play surf videos non-stop. Neat-o. (But I thought they wanted to sell more burgers?!!!) Many clothing chains have LCD screens playing music videos. As if that has something to do with selling clothes.

I don't know; I guess I'm not sophisticated enough to realize how useful that is. From my point of view, I would rather spend 5 minutes selling than 5 weeks entertaining. I think, ideally, the retailers would too, but the ad industry and their own in-house marketing people probably have them bamboozled into thinking they have to do this.

Or then there's "Walmart TV". Large LCD's hanging in Walmart stores playing who knows what. Sound on, blah blah blah, some fake tv show. I have never observed anyone standing there watching those things. I think it's because the content is pretty useless relative to making a buying decision right now.

So Looknglas works with clients to create and mnanage content designed to sell, to cement their relationship with their customers, to motivate them to buy something else, RIGHT NOW. Or to cross pollinate with the client's web-based strategies. Or to get the customer to use their mobile phone to get a promotional benefit, offer, coupon, whatever.

Because of this lack of focus in the use of LCD's, Looknglas now offers integration and management of existing LCD's. A chain with standalone LCDs in their stores can now have a network that runs company-designed playlists, updated as often as everyday, with new, fresh selling messages.

So now companies can leverage their existing investment into something a lot more powerful and effective. A few low cost digital control devices installed, and Voila! Instant retail POP network prodding customers to buy more. Yeah!!! Use technology to make more sales and more money?! What a concept!

Looknglas - Window Video Systems, and LCD System integrators. The Window Of Opportunity is Here.

Why Retail Needs Window Video Systems II

2010-02-23T09:30:00.000-08:00

"I am told that the clinical definition of insanity is the tendency to do the same thing over and over again and expect different results."

Whoever said this, might have been having a prescient moment, contemplating the current state of retail in the US. What seems to pass for creativity in display is video screens playing music videos. Many clothing retailers have perfectly good product, some of it really good, that goes unsold because they cannot attract enough customers.

Yet retailers continue to do the same old things, display-wise, over and over again, while watching their sales go down, and their competition (online retailers) eat their lunch.

Many are targeting a "younger demo", but the problem is that younger demo is extremely distracted, and putting your clothes on mannequins in the store window or interior simply does not attract attention to the product when your prospective customers are busy texting or talking or surfing on their smart phone.

HELLOOOHHH! Something bigger, better, more interesting and attention grabbing is due. Like yesterday.

Window Video Systems bridge this technology chasm between retail clothier's product and the technology-fascinated target audience. WVS brings the product to life, a la the Digital Mannequin. Digital Mannequin puts the clothes front and center, and displays them on moving "live" models so you can actually have an idea what they will look like on YOU.

Displaying clothing by hanging it on a rack, or even in the window, or putting it on a dummy, just won't cut it. It will not attract the eye, because, again, the target is already distracted, and the mall environment is already crowded with many of the same such displays. Your clothing cannot compete for attention all by itself!

Retailers need not limit themselves anymore, since Window Video Systems can provide all the flexibility they could want and then some. The Digital Mannequin provides superior "real life" display of the product, while simultaneously allowing the retailer to create sizzle with a myriad of potential effects, such as different backgrounds, the model moving, changing poses, acting natural, pricing, promos, and offers displayed alongside the model, etc., etc., etc. The potential for much more diverse types of messaging is there.

More importantly, the potential to completely transform retail store marketing and messaging into a strategy for producing direct and trackable sales results, just went through the roof.

Looknglas Window Video Systems exists to help retailers design their own cutting edge strategy for more effective POP display and Direct Response store marketing.

Why Retail Needs Window Video Systems

2010-02-18T11:45:00.000-08:00

Retail really needs a helping hand. Internet sales are eating their lunch. The mall effect is not working as well as it once did. Retailers have lost the initiative to online sellers, and are not doing enough to retake the ground they have lost. But the reality is, they will always be viable if they adjust. They do have advantages over online sellers.

Some of those advantages are: You cannot try on clothes online. You cannot see how they will look on you. You can't see how they will fit on you. You can't tell how the clothing feels. You can't handle it. You can't see how it looks with other items, and on and on. So many important advantages. What does the internet offer?

Price and convenience. Sort of.

But the downsides are, you do have to use a credit card, exposing yourself to the dangers of online fraud, and you do have to wait for the clothes to arrive, and you do have to wait to find out any "surprises" that may require that you send the merchandise back, and importantly, you have no human assistance. And others as well.

Retailers need to fight this battle more effectively, and they simply haven't stepped up.

Window Video Systems can help them in many ways. WVS is a more powerful, attractive way for retailers to communicate with buyers. They can display much more merchandise. They can do it more effectively, with the Digital Mannequin, for example. Casual passersby can be quickly converted into buyers using the Digital Mannequin to attract their attention, show them how the products look (on a "live" model) and tell them instantly how much and what their sales incentive is (selling proposition). Then inside the store they can cement the sale with a touchscreen self-ordering system, so that they don't lose the sale and have the customer walk out just because they don't have the right size in stock.

Retailers can also use WVS to drive traffic instantly to their website and back again to the store with coupon downloads via cellphone or wireless offer. Retailers can start to win the game again, but they need to wake up and be willing to make the smart investment, instead of wasting money on things like LCD screens that play music videos. That kind of investment may add "ambience" but will drive them into financial oblivion.

Window Video Systems can and will revolutionize retail display and marketing, and produce tangible ROI. Will retailers have the eyes and the dollars and sense to see that for themselves? As a retail display professional, you need to take the initiative.

Call us, and let Looknglas help you design a winning Digital Signage solution. That's why we say "The Window Of Opportunity is Here."

Projected Digital Signage

2010-02-17T12:18:00.000-08:00

Our company, Looknglas Window Video Systems, specializes in projected Digital Signage. We call it "Window Video Systems", which is our way of describing projected images on window or storefront glass.

Not a lot of people are out there doing this. In fact, although you can find websites for companies that specialize in rear projection, the ability to execute this type of imaging and messaging at a price point that companies are willing to spring for, is something that most integrators haven't seemed to arrive at. Don't get me wrong, there are people who have managed to sell installations here and there, but it doesn't appear that anyone has decided to make it their business.

We have, and whether that is a smart thing from a business perspective will be proven by history! The advantages that projected Digital Signage provide are: lower cost for size, and flexibility for size and location of the image. You simply cannot install an LCD screen in a business window without it looking like a tv stuck in the storefront. No matter how hi-def the image, people are going to have something of similar quality at home in their living room, so a great deal of the power of the effect is lost.

Moving, video images, directly on glass, now that's cool, and worth stopping to look at. When the image shows you how good you're going to look in these clothes, and how little it will cost you, now that's a money-maker!

We have a clear, linear model for how projected Digital Signage, and Window Video Systems, will make money and drive sales for the retailer. The ability to demonstrate how these systems go beyond the "wow" factor, and actually produce revenues is essential.

That is our mission. We think we are on track so far.

Making a buck in the Digital Age

2010-02-11T09:58:00.000-08:00

There is so much cool technology out there. So many different ways to create an effect. It sounds strange, but to me, LCD screens seem almost quaint. After all, the effect, in most cases is pretty much like a tv mounted somewhere in business. When you get to larger sizes, then the effect is like the screens in sports stadiums. So here you have this emerging giant, Digital Signage, awakening, and yet the available technology for delivery is actually far beyond what most businesses will be purchasing for quite some time.

The point is, technology has already far outstripped the market's willingness to buy. It is not merely a matter of familiarity, but more important, a necessity to make your systems cost effective to the user/buyer. This is where a lot of the leading edge stuff (touch screens, wifi integrated screens and projections) lose their way, (in this writer's opinion.) You can never forget what is in the customer's mind:

"How does this make me money?"

Your DOOH system had better be good at helping your client make money, in an easy to understand way, or you will have a tough time selling the systems on a repeated, broad basis. So you are not just in the hardware sales business, and you are not just in the digital advertising business, you are in the Business Development business. Get used to it. And adjust your sales and presentation methods accordingly. That is the key to survival and growth in this economy. Which, by the way, is not going to return to the "good old days" anytime soon.

Digital Signage has an immense potential to generate sales and move product for business, but we have to show them how the technology will do that.

Fatal Attraction

2010-02-05T10:48:00.000-08:00

I like that title because it's catchy, but in reality, for retailers, creating attraction is their life blood. You can't sell product until you figure out how to attract customers. This is true online, and it's more true in the brick and mortar world than ever before.

Window Video Systems (WVS) is one of the most powerful methods of attraction to come along in a long time. There are few things in today's retail environment as dynamic and visually powerful as a well implemented Digital Window Display featuring product in use, directly on the storefront window. Our Digital Mannequin concept is a great example of this. Why would a retailer be satisfied with putting clothes on a lifeless, static, motionless dummy, (with or without hair, makeup, facial or other anatomically correct features) when they can have a "live" video model showing off the product in its entirety, along with accessories, with the outfits changing repeatedly?
(See Youtube Digital Mannequin video:) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BO7upknEiGk

WVS and specifically, Digital Mannequin, are extremely potent when combined with the right imagery, promotional content, and selling propositions. Anything you can do with video, can now be put directly onto the storefront window, in large scale. The Digital Signage industry is throwing confetti over the ability to put tv screens (LCDs, video walls, etc.) in businesses, but even the largest of those types of screens shrink down in the actual retail environment. WVS allows the retailer to go large, and right out front, affordably, with much simpler equipment install.

WVS puts the product, and the selling message front and center where they belong, in large scale. THAT'S how you attract business!

How to Transform a Car Dealership

2010-02-04T14:08:00.000-08:00

There are not a lot of things a business can consider, short of remodeling, that will completely transform the physical appearance and perception of their business, without killing their budget.

Window Video Systems strategically placed, in large scale on the windows throughout the dealership, will do exactly that. If you look at the photo in this blog, you can see how the digital image of the car is lighting up the window over the showroom door. What you can't see, is the customer's reaction, and what they are thinking as they walk up.

"Wow! That's cool!"

Creating a very positive impression as your customer walks in your door is huge. The same is true for literally any retail business, and even some non-retail situations where the customer or client's first impression is essential to the transaction.

Even one Window Video System, strategically placed front and center for the customer's viewing, will create a completely different and more positive impression of the business and it's products, services, and even people. An essential key is the content of the WVS display. Video is great, movement is attractive, but a really good presentation of image along with a strong selling proposition is what drives sales and profit. I leave the marketing analysis to people who like that; numbers and data without transactions don't excite me. But this is a system and method that can and will drive sales, and dealers are starting to sit up and notice. If every window in a dealership is working to convince that customer of why buying now is a good idea, sales are going to go up. That's why we say, "The Window of Opportunity is Here."

What is a Window Video System?

2010-02-03T12:18:00.000-08:00

In a nutshell, a Window Video System (WVS) is a system, typically, rear projection, whereby a business can display moving images directly onto window glass. Another way to describe it is, what if your posters or banners which hang in your windows, could change their messages? What if the messages could move?

The power and effectiveness of that type of signage and messaging would be enormous. It is many times more powerful and effective than static signs, posters or banners. It is much more attention grabbing than digital readouts. It is even much more exciting and interesting, more attention-grabbing, than LCD screens which have become popular in businesses.

We use projectors, strategically mounted to project images on window panes, which have been specially treated. Then we use digital players, activated by a programmed timer, and fed images and video data via digital signage control systems over the internet. This allows us to load images and messages, and manage and control them remotely. Lastly, we provide video/signage graphics, production, and management services.

There is no one out there, that we know of, besides Looknglas WVS, who is doing this.

The advantages are significant.

Businesses can message LARGER. (Large LCD screens are prohibitively costly.)
Businesses can message MORE. You are limited primarily by the hours in the day.
Businesses can message BETTER. Messages, phrases, sales incentives, discounts, images, product education, etc. call all be accomplished in real time with the one system.
Businesses can message in MORE DEPTH.
Businesses can CHANGE MESSAGES QUICKLY. This is simply a matter of planning, or close communication with the management team.
Businesses can DISPLAY MORE EFFECTIVELY. Imagine being able to display all of your inventory!
Businesses can RESPOND QUICKLY TO MARKET CHANGES.
Businesses can ATTRACT MORE CUSTOMERS.
Businesses can MOTIVATE AND PRE-CONDITION CUSTOMERS.

In fact, Window Video Systems are virtually infinitely superior to traditional signage methods.

When Business figures out these advantages there will be a rush to implement WVS. Fortunately, even as we speak, component pricing are dropping quickly, which makes WVS even more cost effective relative to LCD technology.

WVS is the future of Signage.

Digital Signage - The Wave is Building

2010-02-02T12:39:00.000-08:00

When I'm surfing, it's a lot harder to catch a wave that is not yet ready to break. The key to catching a lot of waves is to get in position and paddle hard right before the wave is ready to break. If you try to catch the wave before it's about to break, you'll do a lot of paddling, and not much catching. If you try to catch it after it's already broken, the energy from the breaking crest and all the whitewater will knock you down, roll over you, and leave you behind.

You have to catch the wave just before it crests.

Digital Signage is a wave that's building, and almost ready to crest. It's almost ready to break. Looknglas, a company devoted to Window Video Systems, and rear projection, is positioning and "paddling hard" (to continue the metaphor.)

Window Video Systems are our proprietary term for what we do: We make video and moving messages appear directly on windows.

Ordinarily, if you were to try to project an image on a window, the light would simply pass through the glass and no one would notice. We treat the glass so that the glass holds the image in bright, hi-contrast, and we use various technologies to manage the projection system. In essence, you don't want a display system you have to turn on and off. Ours does that by itself. And as a retailer, you don't really want to have to become a Digital Signage manager; we do that for you. And you don't want to have to render video, or convert images, or create new moving images, you just want the thing to do what you want it to do. We provide the creative and production and management services to make Window Video Systems work. That might sound expensive, but it's really not. We have distilled the technology and methodology down to a tight, no-hassle system and service. Kind of like having a website built, updated and managed/hosted for you. Yeah, all that costs, something, but when you use it right---it's very worth it.

Looknglas Window Video Systems far outstrip posters, banners, and window paint. They are far superior to LCD screens. How? We can go much larger, and we become more inexpensive the larger we go, in contrast to LCD. We also are superior in that we provide the full array of service to make the system work well for the client/business.

Window Video Systems represent a completely new medium that will be with us for a long time to come. These systems allow for a much more accurate and comprehensive display of product, as well as sales or even educational messaging that changes and updates ongoing. Business has no category for window video systems, but they will learn to love them. This is a wave that will roll for a long time, and it's gonna be one heck of a ride.

Retail Display

2010-02-01T15:37:00.000-08:00

There are all kinds of ways people do retail display. Window displays, signs, posters, neon signs, Digital signage, LCD screens, video walls, mannequins, product racks, on and on and on. Most of them aren't very exciting in their execution, which of course, is more critical even, than the medium itself. But if you don't have a good medium, your method suffers, and your message gets hurt even worse: mangled, strangled, tangled, dissed, missed, lost, tossed, and all at great cost. People just won't consider your message if it isn't executed well, and DELIVERED well.

That's why we came up with Window Video Systems. For many years people would plaster posters or banners in their business windows, or sometimes, even paint their windows. Many car dealerships and other retailers still do this. Boy, talk about cheesy. But if the message is right enough, or motivating enough, it will overcome the cheesy delivery system and method.

But Hey, this is 2010---why live with Cheesy if you don't have to?

Window Video Systems put your business message right on the glass of your storefront window. Amazing. Awesome. Cool. Interesting. Attractive. Eye-catching, attention-grabbing, flat-out better. Moving, changing messages on your window. MOVING. CHANGING.

Get it? You are able to do a much better job of conveying your message to potential customers. Imagine being able to display every single item in your inventory, right in your window on a rotating basis!

Window Video Systems use rear projection, video, wireless, the internet, digital signage control, and various other elements to accomplish this, but the end result is that now your business can display product and messages, large scale, on a changing basis, with movement, color and sizzle right on your storefront. Why wouldn't you want that?!!!

Imagine, a Digital Mannequin? Yeah, actual live-looking models modeling clothing, accessories, and other products right in the storefront window. Oh, hey! We have that on our website! Did I mention it's affordable?

As a retail, signage, digital signage, advertising professional, you need to know about Looknglas Window Video Systems. Message us, call us, or check out Looknglas' Youtube videos.

Attention Investors: We are interested in the right "Angel Investor" relationship.

Thing One

2010-02-01T13:03:00.000-08:00

"In the beginning was the Word..."

I don't want to in any way compare what we do to the meaning of that phrase, but from a business messaging standpoint, it is very illustrative of the importance of your message. It is the articulated word that defines an entity, or an endeavor.

If you don't have the right word or message for who or what you are, everything else suffers, often fatally.

This is why your message must be right. This is why you continue to work on it, refine it, hone it, grow it, distill it.

Because nothing valuable happens without doing that. Say what you will, do what you will, if you start with the wrong message, you are working uphill with an avalanche coming at you. Business is challenging enough as it is, with competition breathing down your neck, or worse, eating your lunch. So get your message right, and get it out there pointedly, targeted, aggressively, consistently, repeatedly. Do it right. Do it better. Do it louder. Do it more.