(Editors note: Tricks of the Trade is an editorial column written by guests, propville.com members, sponsors and, occasionally, by the publisher. If you have interest in submitting material, or seeing an industry related topic explored, please inquire via the contact page at propville.

THE PRODUCTION PICNIC BASKET

The following is an editorial salad of tasty tips, on the lighter side. Grab a plate and choose what looks nutritious to you.

Tip #1 Special care of antiques and fragile objects in transport.

The shopkeepers and private collectors of the mighty Propville.com database are always concerned about the safe transport of delicate pieces, especially vintage or antique goods. Always carry some towels or a blanket in your vehicle. You can stuff a lot more, safely, if it's protected. It's a great marketing opportunity. Here's how: Have moving pads or bath sheet sized towels embroidered with your company name. The vendors you're renting from will feel the stability of your company; the clients and crew on the receiving end will sense your commitment to excellence and detail. In the long run, it's all about money; better not to burn budget dollars by damaging rentals. Other uniform containers can help the load-in to have a polished, professional look. Rather than arrive with a dog-eared pile of shopping bags, load the goods into containers. These can also be emblazoned with your name or company name. Ikea in Emeryville has some inexpensive choices, many nest. The Container Store in Corte Madera (415) 945-9755 has design conscious varieties and great color choices. These tips are a way to increase the branding of your service, regardless of your position in the food chain and re-enforce name recognition

Tip #2 Care of fragile surfaces- tape tips

If you break it, you bought it! Those are the words prop styling nightmares are made of. If you need to put tape on a surface of questionable age or stability, stick the tape to your pants or shirt first. The lint from the fabric will take a bit of the bite out of the adhesiveness. Painter's tape is an essential to have in your kit or tool box, available at any large building supply or local paint store. Additionally, 3M makes a "post-it" type product, a resealable tape in a roll. It's available at art or stationary stores. Another method is to wrap the point of contact with a bit with a paper towel or small cloth. This will safe guard from tape wounds and clamp marks as well.

Tip#3 Renting for a large project with many vendors

Apply a piece of tape (using the tape tips from above) with the store's initials to an inconspicuous spot on each piece. Although it's fresh in your mind when you rent it, it may not feel that way when you're doing returns in 2 weeks.

Tip #4 Organizing Wardrobe: The $.06 solution

Hang the clothing of each principal on a different color hanger. This will allow you to see who is wearing what at a glance. This method is especially handy when presenting to a pre-production meeting and decisions are still being finalized. If you're in the habit of using only 1 rack, a second rack can be a great asset, helping to divide and eliminate choices in a non-congested manner. Racks can be purchased at Grand-Benedicts, ,(888) 655-1988 ,ask for Phil or email him at phild@grand-benedicts.com

Tip #5 Be part of the tribe.

Hate to join groups? Too bad! Gone are the days that we can operate in isolation. There are a half a dozen professional organizations that will give you business support, community involvement and a sense of the big picture in your city. Check the "Business Builders" button on Propville, use the Keyword "Professional Organizations" or call the office at (415) 531-3019.
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Tip#6 Be nice… it's all about the people.

The people you see on the way up will be the people you'll see on the way down. This can be a very stress loaded business. No matter how inpatient you feel on the inside, take 60 seconds to ask genuinely how someone is feeling. Be sure to give them a heartfelt thanks, and make a note of memorable details on the business card you collected from them. Be sure to log everyone in your database. You never know what you'll need next week…..or next year.

Welcome to Propville. Today is your day to be the hero.

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