The other day I was chatting with Lee Epstein, one of the Oozil gurus, about some of the incredible tools Oozil will be providing for its members: cloud applications, large memory allocation, a super-high-tech email and IM system, and a virtual portfolio, among other features. One of the tools that stood out to me was the mention of “video conferencing.” As a longtime writer, I’m always giddy about anything that can improve my work options (which translates into more money.)

I’ve grown accustomed to needing little more than a laptop, a printer, and an Internet connection, though. What could someone like me, or any other creative person, do with video conferencing? I’ve done some sleuthing, and now I can’t wait to use it. These are just some of the things you can do:

1) Brainstorm in real time. The biggest downside to email is the time lag. Even though we’ve come to think of it as instant, it’s far from it. A brainstorming session thrives on spontaneity, and one idea generating another before there is time to pause. With video conferencing, brainstorming can work like it’s meant to, with a quick, free exchange of ideas.

2) Collaborate. A few weeks ago, I wrote about the magic that can happen when creative masterminds collaborate the right way . Video conferencing makes it possible for great minds from anywhere in the world to come together on one project, regardless of their other commitments and without the travel expense.

3) Be crystal clear. Frequent message board and email users are all familiar with the perception of “tone.” It’s easy for someone reading your message to misunderstand your intention, simply because they can’t read your emotions correctly. With video conferencing, clients or collaborators will know when you have a sense of urgency, or you’ll know when they seem confused. If there’s a sense of excitement about a project, that will be communicated too, and the result will be infectious.

4) Share documents. Sure, you could always use a fax machine, but that’s like using stone age equipment when you’re working on a collaborative creative project. For example, with video conferencing, let’ s say you’re working on a logo design, and your client /partner doesn’t like the style. You could actually re-sketch it on the spot and display it for instant feedback, without waiting for the clunky fax to do its work. We’re talking about mere seconds.

5) Learn. Need a tutorial on how to use a new high-tech piece of equipment? Wish you had someone to show you a certain art technique? You don’t need to attend a class or even leave your house. Video conferencing can be used as a way for one person to share their know-how with anyone, and they can actually demonstrate their expertise right in front of you.

Are you sold yet? I am. Video conferencing is yet one more way the world is getting smaller, and the best of minds from all over the world can meet together. Who knows what the result will be? I can’t wait to find out.

by Elizabeth Kelly

Do you have any experience with video conferencing? How has it changed the way you work? Or, how do you plan to use it once Oozil puts the tools in your hands?

A few weeks ago, I posted about the success of three very different television commercials: the McDonald’s singing fish, Subway’s “Five Dollar Footlongs” campaign, and Burger King’s revamp of a classic rap to sell Spongebob Squarepants toys. What I didn’t realize at the time was that these three commercials have something in common you wouldn’t even think about while watching TV.

They all rely on the importance of timing.

It’s no accident that Subway launched its campaign during an economic recession. Offering a memorable deal on a filling sandwich just when many people are having to cut back on meals out means that Subway can continue to do brisk business even in a crunch –possibly even better business than before. Burger King’s marketing of the Spongebob Squarepants kids’ meal toys didn’t just coincidentally appear at the end of school year, either. More kids at home translates to more kids clamoring to go to Burger King.

And what about that singing fish? McDonald’s purposefully released the commercial with the infectious jingle just before Lent, when some religious denominations eschew meat but still eat fish. McDonald’s sells about 300 million Filet-O-Fish sandwiches each year, and one quarter of those 300 million are during the Lent period. While even McDonald’s couldn’t have foreseen the success of the ad, its timing was every bit calculated.

It’s not just advertisers that are concerned with the “when” of a big release. You’ve probably noticed how many big movies come out in November, just in time for the huge surge in movie attendance. Do you think that many movies just happen to be completed and ready for release all at the same time? Sometimes a movie is even held back to take advantage of the season.

Sometimes books or movies are held back intentionally so that they won’t have to compete with a bigger and better title that they know will get everyone’s attention. They make their debut in a slower season to make a bigger splash. Some products do the opposite, intentionally releasing a similar product at the same time as their competitor to take advantage of the current interest in the subject matter.

You’ll see more weight loss ads in January, when dieters are still trying to stick to their resolutions, and a second surge in late spring, when women panic about bikini season. A large percentage of weddings are in June, but not many bridal shows are; they’re held in January to give brides-to-be a six-month lead to buy their wedding supplies when they plan for those summer weddings.

What’s the lesson here? It should be clear.

The next time you’re working on a project, ask yourself some questions. Would it be beneficial to hasten the work to get it out sooner? Could you maximize profits or interest by holding it back a few months to take advantage of a holiday or event? It’s all in the timing.

Don’t just consider the quality of the work, the budget, and the audience. Consider the calendar.

by Elizabeth Kelly

Speaking of timing, what’s more exciting than being part of a creative community with actual earning potential? Being part of it from the beginning! Oozil is near launch, and you can be there at the countdown. Share your ideas with us by registering for the Oozil forum today.