One of the big reasons marketers avoid creating tangible products is because they think it’s going to be a lot of work. This is true, the first time around. You need to develop the processes for creating tangible products. However, once you’ve done it once or twice, it’s a piece of cake to outsource or delegate much of the process.
==> The CD and DVD Creation Process
Most of the process of creating a CD or DVD can be delegated.
For example, video editing and audio editing should certainly be outsourced. You can find people to do it very affordably online.
The use of DVD burning software and creation of title screens can be delegated. Because DVD video files are so large and because DVD burners are so easy to use, it’s generally better to hire someone in person than have someone ship you DVDs after burning them.
Find someone who’s familiar with DVD technology and bring them on board. You can easily find a multimedia student in your area for $15 an hour who’ll do a great job.
==> Teach Someone the Fulfillment Procedure
The first time you create a a DVD or CD set, you may want to do it on your own. The second and third time and beyond, try to delegate as much as you can.
Teach someone how the artwork is made. Teach someone the right format for the binders and the sleeves. Teach someone how to burn the DVD and put the whole package together.
Note: don’t try to teach someone Photoshop. Instead, teach someone who already knows Photoshop how to do create the DVD for you.
==> Have a Production and Fulfillment Manager
Have one person whose job it is to talk to fulfillment and production. This is the person who should let fulfillment know when a new product is coming, who lets them know how many copies to print and to let them know of any unusual specs. They’re also the person fulfillment contacts if they have questions.
Note that in a small company or start-up, this role could only take a few hours a week. So having a “fulfillment manager” doesn’t mean it’s their only role. It just means that there’s one person who’s responsible for it – and that person isn’t you.
==> The Work at the End of the Day
Your work at the end of the day for creating physical products should be no more than helping to produce the videos (e.g. being on camera), delegating the tasks and then looking at the final copy. Everything in between should be handled by someone else.
Going physical can be intimidating at first. But once you have your systems designed, it’s barely any more work than doing it digitally.