When a business needs to purchase needed equipment, they will often have two options: lease the equipment and pay rental payments without obtaining the equipment or they could take their chances and get a loan of some kind to purchase the equipment outright. Today however, a third option exists and it is one that has more advantages than many business owners might think: the equipment finance agreement.Where You Can Get Equipment Finance Agreement FromFrom the term, one might think that it is simply another form of purchasing loan arrangement, available through a traditional loan broker. In reality, an equipment finance agreement is available from the same kinds of businesses who would normally be the source for an equipment lease, a surprising fact that many business owners overlook because they primarily only think in the short term options, rather than the long term, especially where money is concerned.While this might not be an option for businesses that are only looking to use new equipment for a limited amount of time, those that are looking to make a major investment in their businesses through the purchase of new equipment could very well benefit from this type of program. Not only will they be able to finance the purchase at more reasonable terms than those available through traditional means but they also gain ownership and tax benefits at the same time.BenefitsIn this type of finance agreement, the business takes on full ownership of the equipment, even though technically it is considered to be leased until the final payments are made. This means that it can be considered as capital property from the first day, even though it has not yet been fully paid for. It also entitles the business owner to take advantage of tax breaks afforded for the purchase of new equipment with the intent of growing or expanding that business, just like those available to owners who take on a capital lease. This could mean considerable savings on year-end taxes, depending on the monetary value of the equipment.Of course, one of the main benefits to this type of arrangement is the lower monthly payments. Instead of investing a large amount of capital to purchase the equipment, or taking on an unnecessary loan for the full amount plus interest, a business can take advantage of being able to use it, while making payments that leave more capital available for investment in other aspects of the business. For some businesses, this could mean the difference between going forward with expansion plans now or delaying them for years until they would have raised the capital.DownsidesOf course, assuming ownership of a capital asset does have its drawbacks. First, from day one, the business taking possession of the equipment is then responsible for all maintenance, upgrades and replacement, should anything go wrong. It also requires that the business create a security agreement with the leasing firm, as an assurance of them being paid the purchase price in terms of other owned collateral, in case of default or bankruptcy.While some business owners may see this as being more expensive than just taking out a loan, entering into an equipment finance agreement with a recognized leasing agent does make it a more affordable option for two very good reasons. The first, no interest is being charged on the principle during the length of the finance agreement. Second, the leasing agency is underwriting the financing and if gone through one the business has worked with in the past, the financing is pretty much guaranteed. And, whereas a loan company would list the purchase price as market value plus interest, the leasing company would list it as current value, a plus if the equipment is actually used.

You can call it the digital disease of photography or perhaps the death of photography. The reality is that digital has caused a decline in the quality of photography. There are several reasons, one of them being the speed of digital and the resulting lack of thought before the shutter is released. Quick on the draw and not enough careful consideration.This has been a hobby horse of mine for a few years and some have said get off and stop flogging a dead horse. They may be right and maybe a little wrong. But, there is a solution or rather a number of solutions. The one I want to consider is getting back to basics. In most vocations when skills diminish it’s time to get back to basics. This is where the problem lies in digital photography. The bottom line is that in order to learn digital photography you need to learn the basics of photography.There are two things that need to be done then. Get back to the basics or if you haven’t learnt the basics, begin with them. Here is where the big question lies. How do we get back or begin with the basics. The operative word is learning. Learn photography or learn digital photography. Picking up a camera and shooting doesn’t make you a photographer. So what do we do? Acquire the skills. This is much easier said than done.Our current generation is the most fortunate generation as we have the internet and the ability to read, read and read. Again easier said than done. What I would like to suggest is that acquire specific literature i.e. books on photography. The internet is full of them especially electronic downloadable editions. But lets go beyond this and back to the paper books. There are a number I’d consider to be fundamental to any aspiring photographer’s library. So here are a few suggestions:1. The Digital Photography Book by Scott KelbyScott Kelby gives you the simple insider tips pros use. It’s easy to understand and very simple to apply resulting in great photographs.2. Understanding Exposure: How to Shoot Great Photographs with a Film or Digital Camera (Updated Edition) by Bryan PetersonExposure and how to use aperture and shutter speed always confused me until I read Bryan Peterson’s book on exposure. A must have book in your library.3. The Photographer’s Eye: Composition and Design for Better Digital Photos by Michael FreemanMichael has been around for donkey’s years and handles a subject that every digital photographer needs. Composition. By understanding composition your photographs will improve a hundredfold.4. Learning to See Creatively: Design, Color & Composition in Photography (Updated Edition) by Bryan PetersonFor some of us seeing creatively is a natural ability while with others it’s something we need to learn or acquire. This is one of the best books I have read on creativity in photography.5. Digital Photography Masterclass by Tom AngTom Ang has been around a long time and with this book takes you further along you photographic journey. Great assignments throughout this book. He will take you to a new level.6. Understanding Shutter Speed: Creative Action and Low-Light Photography Beyond 1/125 Second by Bryan PetersonThis book is linked with his other one on exposure and helps cement your understanding of how to use your shutter speed.7. Understanding Digital Photography: Techniques for Getting Great Pictures by Bryan PetersonGetting the shot is what it is all about. Bryan gets you thinking before your press the shutter button too quickly and succumb to the disease of digital. If there was a one man solution to this problem it’s Bryan Peterson.These are just some of my favourite authors and photographers who have enhanced my photography dramatically. By going back to the principles of good photographic composition and learning photography and not just digital photography you’ll become a better a more rounded photographer. Don’t allow digital to take you backwards. Take the principles of great photography and apply them to digital. Remember, great photographers take great photos using any medium, digital or film. Keep learning and don’t stop making great images.

Over the past few years, rapidly developing technologies have changed the way marketers think about marketing and marketing communications strategies, plans and tactics. However, somewhat quietly but perhaps more importantly, a significant change has occurred with the world’s largest communications agencies – the dramatic growth of consulting companies at the expense of traditional advertising agencies.Management and accounting consulting companies with new services are now ranking sixth through tenth among the world’s biggest communications companies. The specialized divisions of Accenture Interactive, PwC Digital Services, Deloitte Digital, Cognizant Interactive and IBMix had total global revenue of over $20 billion in 2017, with an eye-popping 32 percent growth in US revenue versus a year ago.While traditional advertising industry giants WPP, Omnicom, Publicis, Interpublic and Dentsu are ranked as the top five, with global revenue of nearly $62 billion, US revenue barely increased at 0.3 percent (Advertising Age).Why is this change happening and what can small and midsized marketers learn from it?Consulting Companies Focus On ROIThere are many reasons for the growth of consulting companies – in B2B, B2C and nonprofit marketing and marketing communications areas – but the top reasons are:
Consulting companies already have deep ties, experience and credibility helping organizations improve their profitability, because of a sharp focus on ROI;

Their existing familiarity with digital technologies, along with the financial resources to acquire specialized digital companies for expansion;

Maintaining a data-based strategy with clients and prospects – not creative alone – which means they are focused on understanding customer wants and needs, as well as customer experiences at all pre- and post- customer purchase points;

A focus on marketing and marketing communications effectiveness and not just efficiency, resulting in a very big difference to a brand’s profitability.
In short, a history and vision of focusing on and improving a brand’s profitability and its ROI. Keeping an eye on the bottom line – cost per customer, not just media cpm efficiency.ROI Focused Marketing And Marketing Communications ConsultantsAs a small of midsized marketer, what can be learned from this dramatic shift of larger marketers? With only a small (sometimes inexperienced) staff, limited financial resources and time constraints, what should be considered?Start with established marketing and marketing communications consultants who are clearly focused on a brand’s profitability and ROI, and not just “likes” or “clicks”. They should have significant experience across industries and brands, both for profit and nonprofit, and have a broad understanding of customer, prospect (and employee) motivations to purchase and repurchase, regardless of the business environment.But, above all, they must be media neutral and not selling “one size fits all” solutions. As Tom Bradley, former head of marketing at Nestle said, “The best source of marketing communications leverage is the quality of the message… not the media vehicle, new or traditional, that does or does not deliver.” And that also means you must be sure that your consultants have the ability to cultivate and manage the creative process.Selecting A ConsultantUnsure of how to select a consultant, much less what type of professional to look for? If your business is floundering and in serious need of overall repair, along with financing, you probably would be better served by either a management or accounting consultant.If, however, your primary need is to establish or improve a weak marketing or marketing communications program for the short and long term your selection should be apparent. You should be looking for rigorous and objective counsel on the entire scope of traditional marketing and marketing communications opportunities available to you (traditional vs. new media; conventional vs. digital; etc.).Beyond the qualities of the consultants previously mentioned, be sure to look for:
Someone who is disciplined, apolitical, down to earth, and willing to be part of your team; consultants who will promote candor across all levels, who will listen and explain what needs to be done to everyone’s satisfaction; teaching, not lecturing, is very important’;

Professionals with the ability to develop successful strategies, plans and executions with your team or, if necessary, who can provide outside specialists to improve part or all of the program;

People who have strong convictions to use research and measure not only what has been done but also what is proposed to be done; measurement is key to evaluating success or the need to modify a plan;

A flexible organization that can bring in marketing and marketing communications specialists when and as needed so that overhead isn’t an on-going expense.
Most small and midsized companies find themselves with not enough time, skill or financial resources to develop and execute a profitable marketing and marketing communications program. These challenges are growing exponentially, and consultants can be of great value in navigating this complex environment and adding value to your brand.Hopefully, these ideas will give you food for thought, but as Mark Twain said, “The secret of getting ahead is getting started.”