As we look back over the last 20 years, one can only ask how did we get here? Like so many journeys, the path that has led us to this place and time may not have been the original charted course, but none the less it is filled with the milestones, successes, and yes, some failures, that define HOLDCOM today.
As 2008 marks HOLDCOM’s 20th anniversary, the newsletter staff has created a new regular feature to chronicle the HOLDCOM story and share with you - our clients, friends, and associates the highs and lows of the past 20 years.
Upcoming articles will include:
~Up close and personal interviews with owners – Harvey Edelman and Neil Fishman, detailing their pre-HOLDCOM days and the early days in the Message On-Hold industry.
~Places we’ve been and the names you’ve called us.
~The first HOLDCOM clients and where they are now.
~Mr. Tipps and other audio marketing ideas that were ahead of their time.
~Through the years – a photo montage.
~And more, so keep an eye out.
HOLDCOM’S history would be nothing without you, which is why we invite you to be a part of the celebration. Share with us your thoughts and memories. Email your HOLDCOM story to newsletter@holdcom.com.
Client of the Month
HOLDCOM is happy to feature StampingSimulation.com as our Client of the Month for February 2008.
StampingSimulation.com has been one of Holdcom’s biggest repeat customers for our state-of-the-art online store –
AudioProductionStore.com – the number one source to order your company’s audio production projects online, quickly and cost-effectively.
As a service provider of AutoForm simulation technology, StampingSimulation.com works with small and medium-sized tool & die shops, tool designers, and sheet metal stampers to help them identify formability problems prior to final tooling fabrication. StampingSimulation.com puts the benefits of the metal forming industry’s leading technology within reach of even the smallest tool & die shop and outputs tangible, practical results that all toolmakers can use.
StampingSimulation.com has enjoyed the fast turnaround and cost-efficient benefits afforded to them by placing repeat orders through Holdcom’s online store. To date, they’ve ordered numerous audio production projects for their landing pages, instructional “how to” videos, and CD intro’s, as well as their company’s phone system.
Andrew Bliesner, Director of New Business Development at StampingSimulation.com, had the following to say about Holdcom: “As a service organization, first impressions matter. Our company’s message to the market is that we solve sheet metal forming problems by using simulation technology to predict where a forming process is predicted to fail. We then work with the end customer to avoid the problem, before they commit to costly tooling fabrication. Holdcom’s audio recordings not only give our customers a good first impression and clearly inform them of the services we offer, but also provide them with the confidence that they are dealing with a professional organization.”
In a recent online survey, StampingSimulation.com’s customers were asked to rate their overall experience with the company, and 100% of their respondents indicated “very satisfied” or better. To learn more about our February 2008 Client of the Month, visit them online at StampingSimulation.com.
Voice Talent Spotlight
The HOLDCOM Voice is proud to shine its Voice Talent Spotlight on Sandy – one of our Australian Voice Talents to recently join the HOLDCOM Specialty Voice Talent Roster.
Sandy has been working in radio and television for many years, reading the news, reporting, narrating documentaries, and hosting her own chat shows. Often called on to do promos and read ads, her voice over work has grown from there. “Today I love being the voice of many corporate productions from websites and corporate videos to voices on hold on the phone systems,” she explains.
“I love making the client happy so after I’ve read a script to the best of my ability and it’s approved – I assume everyone is pleased with my work and I feel great!” Sandy says.
Sandy has been providing voice talent work for around 20 years and began working with HOLDCOM when she came across a website that was using HOLDCOM voices. She goes on to say, “I loved what I saw and heard. I sent in my voice demo and held my breath for a couple of days until my voice was also accepted and I was taken into the stable.”
Even though Sandy has accomplished so much in her career, she’s only just begun… and she’s definitely not bored. “I’ve been working in radio, television and magazines for many years and I still love the industry as much today as I did when I first started as a cub reporter,” Sandy says. “I’ve been so lucky as to have had the opportunity to try so many things - from researching, presenting, writing, producing, directing to voice-overing. I’ve worked at every TV network and so many radio stations – my whole career has been one big highlight!”
Other things Sandy would like you to know about her: “I’m an Aussie living in Melbourne Australia and I love working with you Americans! Our people have so much in common – we love your accents and you love ours!”
And next time you’re in Australia, Sandy invites you – “We own a small boutique hotel here in Melbourne so anytime you want to visit – just ask me for a really great rate.”
Welcome to the HOLDCOM Team!
This month’s issue of our newsletter introduces some of the newest members of our voice talent team, who have qualified for Holdcom’s roster of highly reliable and versatile, award-winning professionals. Each auditioned for Holdcom by submitting custom recorded audio demos based on scripts designed to reflect our core business needs…Message-On-Hold and Voice Production for Telephony and the Internet. Many of our voice talents also possess varying degrees of experience and activity in traditional broadcasting including radio and television, and their “track records” cover a broad range of fulfillment in the theatrical, recording and voice-over industries. Holdcom takes pride in its ability to attract and offer top-notch voice talents to its clients and partners; and maintain its reputation of delivering the best audio marketing resources and solutions available. We invite you to listen to our existing and “new voices” at any of the following online locations: holdcom.com; audioproductionstore.com; & mohstore.com.
SOCAP International 2008 Symposium
Mark your calendars for the SOCAP International 2008 Symposium, April 27-30, at the Westin Boston Waterfront in Boston, MA. Join SOCAP and hundreds of customer care experts from a variety of industries for in-depth discussions and case study presentations on how globalization, consumer data and reporting and consumer trends are transforming the ways you do business and how you engage with your customers.
Learn how to
understand your global consumer
use data to monitor consumer concerns
market to the younger consumer
and much more!
The 2008 Symposium will also feature keynote speakers who are leading experts in business and customer care as well as new Industry Learning Labs which will offer peer-based discussions on current customer care issues, questions, and trends facing different industries. Visit the SOCAP website at Socap.org for complete details.
SHADOW OF DOUBT – Furry Forecasters Face Off
February ushers in the time honored tradition of Groundhog Day. Here in Northern New Jersey, we traditionally turn to Punxsutawney Phil (made famous in the Bill Murray movie) for our prediction, but newcomer Staten Island Chuck has been making some waves the last few years. This year Phil saw his shadow predicting 6 more weeks of winter. Staten Island Chuck did not and remains optimistic for an early spring.
Spring officially starts on March 20th. Whether it will be warm or cold remains to be seen. Be prepared and get your Inclement Weather Announcements professionally recorded by HOLDCOM. Don’t get caught out in the cold… visit audioproductionstore.com to preview our Professional Voice Talent Roster and order your announcements on line.
Like to find out which is your local groundhog? Check out this website for a list of famous groundhogs around the country and some fun facts or report a Groundhog prediction on line. groundhogsday.com/groundhogcentral.php.
"Change"... Not Just Good For Presidential Candidates
I like to consider myself a fairly conscientious and well-organized person, especially when it comes to my work life. So I was a little surprised when I returned to the office after New Year’s Day and started looking for a vacant space to hang my new 2008 calendar. What I found were the walls of my cubicle completely covered with pages and pages of reminder notes, price lists, and “how to” instructions -- most of which I hadn’t looked at in years! And then I realized that most of the information on these so-called “helpful reminders” was completely outdated. Read more.
Thank You
HOLDCOM extends it’s thanks to all those who participated in our Annual Blood Drive. There’s no better feeling than knowing your blood donation will help to save a life. To learn more about how your organization can host a Blood Drive, or if you’d like to donate, visit www.redcross.org or call 1-800-GIVE LIFE.
Does your company have what it takes to be Holdcom’s “Client of the Month”? We think all our clients do, but Holdcom wants to hear why YOU think so. We’d also like to hear how our Audio Marketing Services have made an impact on your business. Simply send us a quick email, telling us why your organization should be named “Client of the Month”. Our nominating committee will review all the submissions, and your organization may be featured in an upcoming edition of the Holdcom Voice!
The Holdcom Voice is a great way to reach new prospects, highlight recent accomplishments, and promote all your organization has to offer. Email us at megana@holdcom.com today.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Spring Forward with Fun Facts about Daylight Saving Time.
In 2008, Daylight Saving Time will begin on March 9th. We all know to turn our clocks ahead, but did you know….
Benjamin Franklin first conceived the idea of Daylight Saving in 1784.
Approximately 70 countries utilize Daylight Saving Time in at least a portion of the country. Japan, India, and China are the only major industrialized countries that do not observe some form of daylight saving.
Daylight Saving Time is NOT observed in Hawaii, American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands, and Arizona.
Daylight Saving Time does save energy. Studies done by the U.S. Department of Transportation show that Daylight Saving Time trims the entire country's electricity usage by a small but significant amount, about one percent each day, because less electricity is used for lighting and appliances.
HOLDCOM is proud to welcome our newest class of Professional Voice Talent. Visit our voice samples page and get to know these great new personalities!
Robert - Exuberant, youthful voice with a positive attitude.
Debbie A. - Highly Versatile, Cheerful, Compassionate, Corporate & Casual
Milestones:
Anniversaries:
5 Years Donna Pompeo
February Music Review
Want to infuse some energy into your audio project? Then look no further than our latest offering, Super Duper Grooves. With selections that incorporate hip hop, funk and "jock jam" techno, this collection is sure to get your target audience moving! Visit holdcom.com/music and look under "Uptempo Contemporary" to get your super duper groove on!
Newest Client - Renewal Client
HOLDCOM welcomes our newest clients Rocket Dog Brands, Travel Advantage Network and Brook Electrical Distribution! We also recognize some of our returning “renewal” clients, such as Circle Infiniti, since 2005, Vantage Custom Classics, since 1996 and Warren Hospital, a valued HOLDCOM client since 1995!
February
2008 Newsletter
Robert - 
Rachel - 
Sandy - 
