Northeast California
Winter, 2024
Connection
Dive into Excellence with G. W. King Pools Timely Transformation: Trust us, the professionals you've hired, to deliver the quality and time your project deserves.
Family-Focused: We understand the importance of this decision for your family. As a family ourselves, we ensure your informed journey to a timely project completion.
Unmatched Communication: A line of communication that sets us apart ensures satisfaction without compromise.
Fast & Friendly Service | Clean & Professional
At G. W. King Pools, we're not just crafting pools; we're creating the outdoor environment you’ve dreamed of.
(916) 585-7322 www.ragnir.com
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(209) 324-0660 Kingpools.com
License # 781029 C-53
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BBB Accredited Businesses have access to a free membership to the CEO Forum Group. Included with your membership at The CEO Forum Group: Access to thousands of past interviews with Top CEOs New CEO interviews every week Weekly CEO Survey Report Exclusive access to attend special quarterly CEO Summit events The CEO Forum Magazine And much more – all at no cost to you because of your BBB Accreditation.
CLICK HERE TO GET STARTED
Celia Surridge at csurridge@sacramento.bbb.org or text "I'm in!" to (916) 307-4199
MEET OUR NEWEST TEAM MEMBER
Northeast California
Connection Magazine
Molly
WANLESS-SMIT H What attracted you to the Events & Outreach position? Why are you passionate about community outreach?
MANAGEMENT Lynn Conner CEO Daniel Stiner Director of Standards & Marketplace Ethics Celia Surridge Marketing & Communications Director
It was kind of serendipitous, really. I had been working at a financial advising firm that needed to re-find its marketing voice as people returned to in-person meetings and events. I learned of the BBB's monthly Marketing Mornings and immediately found them to be of value for that business.
DESIGN
From there, I got pulled into the BBB's vortex! Joking aside though, I have always believed in civic service and the value of being engaged in one's community. Regardless of era, there have always been things that splinter our collective sense of community.
Kyle Dean Lead Production Editor
“When a training event goes well, you can feel it in the air! It's even more rewarding when people share with us that an event had a pivotal impact on them or their business afterwards.”
With so many of us now living in both the real world and virtual ones, the divisions among us can feel doubly amplified. When you take the time to put yourself out there and authentically engage with others in the community, though, those connections can have long-lasting reciprocal benefits that bring us all a little closer together.
What values of yours align with BBB's mission? As both a former Girl Scout and a former educator, I've been trying to live by and model some version of the BBB's mission for decades! Honestly though, building trust, upholding integrity, educating others to improve their quality of life, and holding bad actors accountable? Those aren't just noble talking points, they're necessary elements for a functioning and democratic society. I'm honored to be associated with such endeavors.
Julie Planas Lead Graphic Designer Katy Karns Production Specialist EDITORIAL
MAGAZINE ADVERTISING Celia Surridge Marketing & Communications Director CONTACT US 10399 Old Placerville Rd., Sacramento, CA (916) 443-6843 8am to 4pm Tues - Thurs Monday & Friday by appointment only Please direct inquiries and questions to marketing@sacramento.bbb.org. WEBSITE AND SOCIAL MEDIA
BBB.org/Sacramento | #BBBSacramento Northeast California Connection Magazine is a quarterly publication for Northeast California BBB Accredited Businesses and the communities they serve.
WINTER, 2024 | ISSUE 5
Outreach & Event Specialist
Published and produced by BBB serving Sacramento & Northeast California
Northeast California Connection Magazine Winter 2024
CONTENTS 3 Get to know a new BBB Team Member 5 New Year’s Checklist for Accredited Business Owners 10 Monthly Events at the BBB 14 Meet the Team: Dan Stiner 16 Happy with a clean house Blog submission from Accredited Business, Belleza’s Home Services & Management
18 My BBB Story: Never Board
New Year’s Checklist for Accredited Business Owners
5
20 Five resolutions for a fraud-free new year 22 10 New year’s resolutions for your small business 26 Scam Studies
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29
10 New Year’s resolutions for your small business
From dark to dazzling: Mastering Zoom lighting and setup for impactful calls
27 Five dimensions that matter for customer experience 29 From Dark to Dazzling: Mastering Zoom Lighting and Setup for Impactful Calls
NORTHEAST CALIFORNIA CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 4
New year’s checklist for Accredited Business owners As we kick off a new year, a question for BBB Accredited business owners: Are you getting the most out of your BBB Accreditation? Whether you earned your Accreditation five months ago or five years ago, the beginning of the year is the perfect time to revisit how to get the most out of your BBB Accreditation credentials. After all, you’ve earned it, so why not run with it? If you’re an Accredited Business owner, here’s a slate of action items to ensure your BBB Accreditation is firing on all cylinders this year.
NORTHEAST CALIFORNIA CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 5
01.
Give your BBB Business Profile the jet engine it deserves! When BBB consumers click to learn more about your company, they want to connect, so deliver it! This is a chance to inject some personality into your profile by telling your story, explaining why you’re passionate about what you do, and engaging new prospects with current photos and videos of your team. When making that first impression, your profile does the heavy lifting, so log into your account and give it a tune-up to kick off the new year.
02.
Out with the old BBB Seal, in with the new
The BBB Seal is the most powerful symbol for communicating your commitment to trust and integrity. Visit the BBB store to stock up on BBB decals, magnets, and accessories to promote your BBB Accreditation. Or, get your digital BBB Seals and QR codes* by logging into your Accredited Business Portal. Here's a rundown of places you can boost the Seal: Storefront windows and signs Company vehicles Your company website Staff email signatures Invoices and contracts: Add the “Submit a Review” Seal to your communication efforts after completing a job Business cards, brochures, flyers and leave-behinds Newsletters, blogs, and other forms of content Advertising like print ads, billboards and other signage. You can also download a QR code from your business portal so customers can view your BBB Business Profile with a simple click of a button
*Please note that when using the BBB Seal, it must be obtained through BBB. Because anyone can download online images of the BBB trademark, these unauthorized versions are not authentic and will be considered fraudulent.
03.
Crank up the social media bullhorn
If it’s been a while since you’ve blasted your BBB Accreditation status, now’s a great time to remind your social media audience about it. Tell your followers why you’re proud to be BBB Accredited and how you’ve fostered trust in your organization.
Most importantly – tell everyone to visit your BBB Profile. Don’t forget to tag us!
04.
Whip up a marketing campaign with BBB
BBB has some budget-friendly options to get your marketing jump-started this new year. Whatever campaign you’re dreaming up, remember: Your BBB Seal sets you apart from the crowd – don’t forget to include it in your promotions. Here are some ad opportunities to consider: Billboards Print ads (magazines, newspapers, pamphlets, local publications) Posters, banners, store signage Digital ads (Google Ads, Bing Ads) Social media advertising Movie Theater advertising
05.
Don’t just read your reviews, respond to them
Your BBB Profile allows you to respond to your customers but also make a point of responding on any platform that allows it. Whether they’re good or bad, adding these review responses to your agenda is a big deal. For negative reviews, keep an open mind and acknowledge what’s being said with grace and humility. And, for positive reviews, customers love knowing their message has been received, so drop a quick note of thanks (emojis are always fun, too).
06.
Reacquaint yourself with your BBB benefits
These benefits are designed to give your business a boost with easy and more affordable access to the following: Dispute resolution services – Access to trained third-party mediators and arbitrators to help you with disputes when they arise Get-A-Quote button – this BBB widget can be added to your business’s website to give customers fast access to your pricing options Local Programs & Services – benefits only available to BBB Accredited Businesses in our service area BBB events and webinars – exclusive discounts or access opportunities for Accredited Businesses BBB Content HQ – An offering of business tips and articles for business owners
07.
Get your team on the Accreditation bandwagon
Do your employees know they’re working at a BBB Accredited business? It’s a great question to ponder, especially if you have new team members hired since your first days of Accreditation. As the new year rolls, take some time on the calendar to talk about Accreditation with the team. Tell them why it’s important, how it aligns with your values, and what it means for your company culture. Getting everyone up to speed could lead to new team-building opportunities, deeper conversations, and, if word spreads – maybe even new hires looking to work at a company that prioritizes trust.
07.
Step up for your community
Accredited Businesses are role models. They operate ethically, inspire trust, and ooze integrity – now put that into action for your community. Here are some ideas on how your BBB Accredited Business can shine: Attend events like tradeshows, talks, or expos Raise funds for a local charity Sponsor an event or a little league team Join an advisory board, committee or business club Support other local businesses whenever possible Donate your products or services Look for volunteering opportunities for you and your team Network and share your expertise with others
08.
Try for a Torch Award this year
This could be the year to submit your first (second? third?) application to the Torch Awards, BBB’s annual celebration of businesses knocking it out of the park. Applications open later in the year but check with your local BBB and start thinking about how your organization rises to the occasion when it comes to the four C’s: character, culture, customers, and community.
10.
Don’t forget to call us!
If you don’t have a regular check-in scheduled with your BBB rep, give ‘em a ring! Keeping in touch keeps you in the loop for upcoming BBB events, services, and, in some cases, new BBB offerings!
HOW WE SUPPORT OUR ACCREDITED BUSINESSES
Monthly Events MONTHLY EVENTS COFFEE WITH THE CEO MARKETING MORNINGS Join Celia Surridge, Marketing & Communications Manager of BBB Sacramento, for an informal discussion about all things marketing!
How well do you know your BBB? Join us at our office for a one-on-one networking opportunity with Lynn Conner, CEO of BBB Sacramento.
Sign up for the next Coffee with the CEO
Second Tuesday of every month at 8:30AM
Sign up for the next Marketing Mornings
MORE EVENTS >
Second Tuesday of every month 10AM - Noon You can now get your headshots after Marketing Mornings! Our headshot event is teaming up with Marketing Mornings at the BBB office! Stop by for a complimentary headshot with our in-house photographer, Katy Karns. Book your session
HOW WE SUPPORT OUR ACCREDITED BUSINESSES
for Accredited Businesses
PROFESSIONA HEADSHOTS
Exclusive Events
Time slots go quickly, so keep an eye on your emails and on social media! Reserve your spot today
SAMPLE PROFILE VIDEO
Third Tuesday of every month at 10AM - Noon Stop by our BBB office and record a short one-minute elevator pitch to be uploaded and featured on your BBB Profile!
Book your session
HOW WE SUPPORT OUR ACCREDITED BUSINESSES
Accredited Businesses who wish to participate can simply reply to the email notification and fill out the form provided. Don’t miss out on this opportunity for a shared booth for networking and collaboration.
ROFILE IDEOS
BOOTH SHARE PROGRAM
SHARE OUR BOOTH AT TRADE SHOWS AND EXPOS!
Stay up-to-date on BBB events! Download our 2024 calendar! DOWNLOAD HERE
OR SCAN HERE
Looking to increase your visibility? Advertise in the next edition of Northeast California Connection Magazine. Quarter, Half, and Full Page options available.
Interested? Contact us today! Contact our marketing team at marketing@sacramento.bbb.org or call 916.443.6843.
An interview with Dan, our Director of Ethics & Marketplace Ethics: What is your name, and what do you do at the Better Business Bureau? I'm Dan Stiner, Director of Standards and Marketplace Ethics for Better Business Bureau serving Northeast California and Sacramento. I manage our operations department, which covers our complaints, customer service, customer reviews, investigations, advertising review, and reviewing the applications of incoming accredited businesses.
Why the dedication? What's really kept me at Better Business Bureau is it's a rewarding job in that you have an opportunity to help people so I'm not just another cog in the capitalist machine. I, in fact, have the opportunity to help people save themselves some money, make wise purchasing decisions, and support the ethical and upstanding accredited businesses in our community.
Is there a success story with a customer or an Accredited Business that you’d like to highlight? I'm pretty proud of the work that we do here investigating businesses and ensuring that accredited businesses really adhere to our standards. A few years back we had someone come in that was really singing his own praises about how wonderful his company was, despite the number of complaints coming in. We did not allow this company to retain their accreditation. And as a matter of fact, sometime later, we were fortunate to work directly with the Federal Trade Commission on an investigation which later resulted in this individual who came into our office and shook my hand and tried to tell me what a great guy he was being arrested by the FBI and the FTC was later able to return millions of dollars to consumers who have been scammed by this company. I'm really, really proud of being a part of that.
T E E M E H T M A TE DAN STINER Director of Ethics and Marketplace Standards
2024 Annual
Sponsorship Opportunities Three reasons why you should support BBB
1 2 3
Invest in the small business community The BBB offers a variety of resources and support to small businesses that can help them grow and succeed. By supporting the BBB, you are helping these businesses and contributing to the growth of the small business community.
Make a difference By supporting the BBB, you’re investing in the future of small businesses, local chambers, students pursuing a higher education, and helping to promote ethical business practices. This investment can lead to a more prosperous and thriving community, benefiting everyone.
Aligning with BBB conveys trust According to IABBB research, consumers are increasingly prioritizing a business’s integrity and reputation as integral to their purchasing decisions.
An annual sponsorship embodies your commitment to trust in your community. Connect with us today to learn more!
Celia Surridge
LEARN MORE
(916) 231-8934 csurridge@sacramento.bbb.org
Happy with a clean house Article written by BBB Accredited Business, Belleza's Home Services & Management Edited for inclusion by BBB of Northeast California
There are many benefits to being happy with a clean house, including:
1
Improved mental health: A clean home can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. A clutterfree space can help you feel more relaxed and at ease.
Increased productivity: A clean and organized home can help you stay focused and productive. When your environment is tidy, you can concentrate better and get more done.
3
Better physical health: A clean house means a healthier living environment. Dust, mold, and other allergens can cause respiratory problems and other health issues. By keeping your home clean, you can reduce the risk of illness and improve your overall health.
More time and energy: When your home is clean and organized, you have more time and energy to focus on the things you enjoy. You don’t have to spend time searching for misplaced items or cleaning up messes.
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2
Improved relationships: A clean home can help improve relationships with family members or roommates. When everyone shares in the responsibility of keeping the house clean, there is less tension and conflict.
Overall, being happy with a clean house can lead to a happier, healthier, and more productive life. When everyone shares in the responsibility of keeping the house clean, there is less tension and conflict.
4
MY BBB
STORY Never Board
BBB Accredited Since 2023
Never Board A Journey from Graphic Design to Entrepreneurship For Ten Blair, Never Board is a story of passion, dedication, and artistic entrepreneurship that emerged from the collaboration of her and her husband, John. Both highly skilled graphic artists, Ten and John, shared the goal of wanting to work for themselves in their studio. However, navigating the intersection of art and business took a lot of work, but years of learning, adapting, and overcoming hurdles marked the evolution of Never Board. Ten believes the success of Never Board lies in the blend of artistry and entrepreneurship. It requires time, dedication, and resilience. Never Board has blossomed into a thriving business boasting four specialized printers. This expansion allowed the business to offer various services beyond retail, including design offerings, printing, canvas creations, labels, stickers, signage, and fulfilling large-format needs. Never Board prioritizes customer service as the linchpin of its operations, ensuring seamless and high-quality products. “As a business owner, it is crucial that there’s purpose in what I do,” said Ten, “for me, there’s no purpose if we’re not helping people.” Ensuring client satisfaction and helping them navigate the process painlessly are Never Board’s top priorities. Never Board is more than a business; it’s a testament to the journey of artists turned entrepreneurs, showcasing the transformative power of perseverance, adaptability, and a commitment to customer satisfaction. As Never Board continues to evolve, it remains an inspiring narrative for those looking to turn their artistic passions into successful entrepreneurial endeavors. Check out Never Board on their BBB Profile, and their website, www.neverboard.co.
“there’s no purpose if we’re not helping people.”
Five resolutions for a fraud-free new year The loss of money, personal information, and perseverance of scammers continue with online purchase scams as the riskiest of scams. BBB recommends adding a few precautionary steps to the New Year's resolution list and the weight loss and financial goals to help make the upcoming days and months fraud-free.
I resolve to be cautious with email. Be wary of unsolicited emails from a person or a company. Remember, scammers can make emails look like they are from a legitimate business, government agency, or reputable organization (even BBB!). Never click on links or open attachments in unsolicited emails. I resolve never to send money to strangers. If you haven't met a person face-to-face, don't send them money. This is especially true if the person asks you to transfer funds using a pre-paid debit card or CashApp. Money sent to strangers in this way is untraceable, and once it is sent, there's no getting it back. Scammers will try to trick you into panicking – so before making a move, think the situation through. Don’t fall for it! I resolve to do research before making online payments and purchases. Research the retailer before entering payment information when shopping online, or if asked to pay online, research the retailer before entering payment information. Ask: Is this a person or business I know and trust? Do they have a working customer service number? Where is the company physically located? Have I checked to see if others have complained? I resolve to use my best judgment when sharing my personal information. Sharing sensitive personal information with scammers opens the door to identity theft. Never share financial information, birthdate, address, Social Security/Social Insurance number, or Medicare number with an unsolicited caller.
I resolve to be social media smart. Use privacy settings on social media and only connect with people you know. Be careful about including personal information in your profile, and never reveal your address and other sensitive information – even in a “fun” quiz. Scammers may use this information to make themselves pass as friends or relatives and earn your trust. Also, be careful when buying products you see on social media. BBB Scam Tracker has received thousands of complaints about misleading Facebook and Instagram ads.
New Year's resolutions for your small business Scaling and sustainability will continue to be the main focus for any small business owner. There are many ways to achieve revenue growth, attracting top talent, instilling a healthy culture, delighting customers, and so much more.
Here are 10 business New Year's resolutions that you may want to consider for a successful 2024.
Continue building a strong digital footprint Aside from having a website, ensure you build a solid content marketing strategy that will help you create valuable content pieces that will drive engagement and sales. Read BBB’s tips on improving your website.
Promote your business consistently Rather than waiting for the holidays to push larger promotions, find ways that you can creatively promote your business throughout the year. This ensures that you stay top of mind for your target customers. 62% of consumers share online deals with friends, exposing your brand to a broader audience. Check out BBB’s tips on how you can expand your current offerings for growth.
Personalize the entire buyer journey The days of communicating “at” your target audience, hoping they will buy from you, are now a thing of the past. Know that 71% of consumers feel frustrated when a shopping experience is impersonal. Therefore, personalize the buyer journey by offering products/services based on your customers’ purchase behavior and complementary items they can also consider.
Embrace an effective technology stack From social media to email marketing, know that every piece of technology you leverage to communicate with your customers must effectively impact your business goals. More specifically, here are five tips your business can start using today.
Scan to learn more! Find more BBB Tips and more at BBB.org.
Reduce costs Save money wherever you can do so without compromising quality. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, roughly one-third of small businesses fail becaus e the owner runs out of money. Reducing cost doesn’t mean that you focus merely on just overhead. There are various way s you can cut back spending while pushing for growth. Here’s how small businesses can cut costs without sacrificing growth .
Have a positive workplace culture Your employees are the lifeblood of your company. Every day, they contribute to the success of your business by supporting its mission. However, the most crucial role that your employees play is in shaping your firm's culture. From the quality of the people you hire to the loyalty of your consumers, corporate culture is critical to practically every facet of your business's long-term success. In fact, according to a study by Duke University, more than 94% of executives stated that a distinct business culture is important to business success.
Push customer reviews Reputation can mean everything, especially for a small business owner trying to attract and retain customers. Approximately 81% of consumers say they must trust a brand before buying a product or service. Check out Power of Customer Reviews on Small Businesses to see how BBB ensures accuracy and transparency with its review program.
Exercise transparency Operating with transparency builds relationships that turn curious browsers into buyers and buyers into raving fans. Approximately 85% of Americans report standing by a business during a brand crisis if the company has a transparent history. Always be transparent, from admitting missteps and correcting them to inviting your customers to engage with you online and through social media. Authentic interaction goes a long way to building customer trust.
Be purpose-driven By understanding what is most important to your customers, you can leverage their values within your company collateral, which can further illustrate that you’re not just a “for-profit” company, but you care about your community. According to a Cone/Porter Novelli study, 66% of consumers are willing to switch from their regular product to a new one from a purposedriven company. Share moments on social media, and don't be shy to show how your brand is committed to helping make a difference.
Establish trust Building trust is crucial to earning your customers' trust. When making a purchase, buyers have many options at their disposal. The best method to increase client loyalty and assure your company's success is to build a company based on trust and integrity. Aiming for BBB Accreditation is a valuable way to do this. Accreditation requires the utmost trustworthiness, customer respect, and integrity, which can help your business stand out. See the BBB Advantage.
The Goggin Scholarship Applications open February 1st
Apply to win one of four $2,500 scholarships available!
SCAN TO LEARN MORE OR CLICK HERE
The Barry Goggin Scholarship, provided by Better Business Bureau®, helps students pursue their dreams of higher education.
Hear from last year’s recipients! Beenish Farooqi Vocational Recipient Hoss Lee Academy Esthetician
I know without [this scholarship] I wouldn’t be able to finish my education. So, I am very thankful to be selected.
Sethan Perez Academic Recipient University of Southern California Journalism
This scholarship will help me by ensuring I can focus on my studies and immerse myself in all the opportunities that my college has to offer.
Learn more about the Barry Goggin Scholarship at bit.ly/barrygoggin.
BBB® RESOURCES
Click below to learn more about these studies!
Scam Studies In-depth investigations by the BBB were conducted to give consumers and businesses a better understanding of how each scam works. BBB looks at how scammers trick their victims by using social engineering and playing on emotions. Check out all of the Scam Studies that the BBB has available!
Credit Repair and Debt Relief Study
BBB.org/ScamStudies
Rental Listing Study
Puppy Scams Study
NORTHEAST CALIFORNIA CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 26
FIVE FIVE FIVE FIVE
DIMENSIONS DIMENSIONS DIMENSIONS DIMENSIONS that Matter for Customer Experience After reading and analyzing with assisted machine learning millions of narratives from customers that submitted reviews (positive or negative) or complaints to BBB, we found a set of dimensions that you can use to better your customer experience. IABBB RESEARCH 2020
Find Business Resources at BBB.org/SmallBusiness
PERFORMANCE
How does you service or product perform?
When a customer orders a dress, they’ll likely be unhappy if it falls apart after a single wearing. When a customer pays for their lawn to be mowed, they’ll likely be unhappy if there are tall patches and short patched and rough edges.
COMMUNICATION
How do you handle customer information, education, and communication?
When customers are happy, this usually means the company is reachable and provides accurate, helpful information. When communication breaks down, it can cause stress and mistakes that have real costs.
MONEY
How do you handle prices, charges, or billing?
Involves how a company handles pricing and price structures, billing, and ultimately value for the amount paid. When customers are unhappy it usually means they we caught by surprise: a billing error, a hidden fee, an unexpected auto-renewal, or an inferior value perceived for the amount paid.
TIME
How do you manage customers’ time?
Involves mostly speed and punctuality. Packages not arriving on time. If a customer has to wait an extra day for an AC technician, it may mean the cost of another night in a hotel.
EMOTION
How do you make customers feel?
Many customers choose companies and/or remain loyal to companies based on personal relationships. When there is a feeling of respect and caring, it has a very real effect in reducing stress and building trust.
What about ethics? Ethical values affect all five dimensions. A company can be unethical in such examples as: 1) a hidden fee (monetary), 2) a rage-filled tirade of insults (emotion), 3) an unfinished job (performance), 4) a service delivered woefully late (time), or 5) unreturned phone calls (communication)
From Dark to Dazzling: Mastering Zoom Lighting and Setup for Impactful Calls
Greetings! I'm Katy, the BBB Photographer and Videographer, and I'm thrilled to share some knowledge that goes beyond just webinar lighting. From crafting the perfect lighting setup to delving into the basics of composition, I'll give you some tips that could enhance your online presence. We'll explore practical and affordable strategies to transform your digital space into a visually stunning and engaging platform.
Ready to make an impact on your next webinar? Let's dive in!
A guide to crafting your perfect scene. Let's shed some light on the matter! Add a touch of dazzle to your webinar and captivate your audience with these tips.
Hard or Soft Light Choose hard light for clear, defined shadows and some drama! Or, choose soft light for a smooth, gradual shadow. Tailor the lighting to your webinar's mood and desired emphasis. Some examples are: HARD LIGHT
SOFT LIGHT
Color Temperature Set the tone of your webinar by adjusting color temperature. Warm tones create a cozy atmosphere, while cool tones offer a calm and composed vibe.
Direction Experiment with the positioning of your camera and lights to find the most flattering and visually appealing composition.
Intensity Control the brightness for impact. Highintensity light produces strong highlights and shadows, while low intensity creates an even, muted look.
Contrast Choose between high and low contrast for the desired effect. High contrast brings drama and intensity, while low contrast creates a softer, more balanced appearance.
Set Design and Props Use relevant props, such as books, plants, or objects related to your topic.
Brand and Visual Identity Incorporate your brand elements, such as logos, colors, and fonts, into the scene design.
Framing and Composition Declutter your background and remove any distractions. A clean and well-organized backdrop will create a more professional look.
Affordable Lighting Techniques for Professional Presentations No Budget Regardless of your budget, this guide offers practical lighting tips that can help you add a personal touch to your webinars and create a unique style.
Natural Light
Desk Lamps
Take advantage of natural light by positioning yourself near a window. This will provide free, radiant light to illuminate your photos.
Utilize desk lamps with adjustable heads to create focused lighting. Position the lamp at an angle to cast a soft, directional light on your face.
White Bounce Boards
DIY Light Box
Use white foam boards or white sheets to reflect and bounce light onto your face. Place them opposite a light source to fill in shadows and create a more balanced lighting setup.
If you’re showcasing a product, try using a cardboard box and some white tissue paper or fabric. Cut out the sides of the box and cover them with tissue paper or fabric. Place your product inside the box and use desk lamps or other light sources to shine light through the tissue paper or fabric.
Low Budget ($10 - $30): LED desk lamps or clamp lights, typically available in the range of $10 to $30 each. Want to host your own webinar with the BBB? You provide the expertise and we’ll provide the platform. Fill out this form if you’re interested and we’ll take it from there!
FILL THE FORM
Moderate Budget ($30 - $70) Consider entry-level lighting kits specifically designed for content creation, ranging from $30 to $70. Invest in an LED ring light, which can cost between $30 to $70 for entrylevel options.
Higher Budget ($70 - $100): Explore more advanced LED ring lights with additional features, priced between $70 to $100. Entry-level studio lighting setups, which may include multiple lights and stands, can fall in this price range.
ALWAYS LOOK FOR A BETTER BUSINESS.
BECAUSE THEY’RE LOOKING OUT FOR YOU. BBB* Accredited Businesses are committed to operating with integrity, honoring promises, and telling the truth. Makes you wonder why all businesses aren’t BBB Accredited? Always look for the BBB Accredited Business Seal, because it’s looking out for you. That’s why it’s The Sign of a Better Business*. Find a Better Business anytime at BBB.org.
Find a Better Business *Trademark(s) of the International Association of Better Business Bureaus used under license.
Become a Better Business
Better Business Bureau® Serving Sacramento & Northeast California 10399 Old Placerville Rd., Sacramento, CA 95827 #BBBSacramento | BBB.org/Sacramento