Ask questions. Get answers.

I've recently hired a PR firm for my start-up business.  I think the better question to ask is - what kind of return can I expect for my PR - no mater what the cost.  By asking this question you will then be able to acertain if PR is a good investment for you.  (heads up - it is!)
Sure, it was a BIG stretch to pay someone to do PR for us but the payoff, three months down the track has been enormous and we would not hestiate to do it again. 

I'm going to add-on to Steve's answer.

The easiest way to digitize a file is to run it through a scanner. The end result (usually a .tif or .tiff file) can then be converted to other formats such as, PDF, JPEG, PNG or GIF. Doing a raw file conversion will sometimes been enough depending on the level of detail needed and what the artwork will be used for once digitized.

If your digitized file is blurry or pixelated if you are good at Photoshop or Illustrator (raster or vector) art manipulation try to clean it up yourself. If you aren't skilled in those areas look at using a freelance or in-house designer who will be able to clean up the file for you.

Keep your use in mind, as if you are using the end result in a printed work you need to think about having 300 to 600 dots per inch (DPI) or its metric equivalent for good output. Also the file will need to be created in CMYK (print) mode to ensure colors are accurate.

If you are using the file digitally, you only need between 72 to 150 DPI or its metric equivalent and the file should be created in RGB (screen) mode to ensure accurate digital colors.

Hi Phil

Just read a fantastic blog posting by Hubspot to answer this specific question.

Here is the link: http://blog.hubspot.com/brands-jumped-instagram-video-li. Not sure whether the link will work or not - however, if you go to Hubspot's blog site, this is the most current blog they have on.

Thanks

Mahua

Hi Luis,

It really depends on what your idea is and if it can even be protected. You best bet would be to speak to an IP (intellectual property) expert. I am sure their first consult will be complimentary - there may even be IP experts here on Savvy.

Entrepreneur.com puts it well....

"It's natural to fear that your idea might be stolen. But you can't turn your vision into reality without the help of others. Sooner or later, you're going to want to ask an industry expert to evaluate your product or service. You're going to need to collaborate with a manufacturer or distributor. But patents cost thousands of dollars and take years to be issued. You can't afford to wait that long to start bringing your product to market."

Consider other options as well like NDA (non disclosure agreements), high security in your work environment (physical protection of your idea), Non compete clauses with your employees etc.

As always in these matters it is best to speak to an experty.

Cheers, Lisa

Preferably before they get into a "critical" position. Coaches are there as sounding boards, to look at your business (and therefore you) to give perspectives on what is happening and what you can't see for yourself because you are too involved, and to motivate and push you outside of your comfort zone. My coach did actions and challenges for the week, and things have gone forward faster than I thought they would.

Hi Derric,

The correct price is the one that allows you to maximise the profit you generate from a product line. Too high and demand will be too low. Usually the person with the biggest problem with pricing is the business owner, not the customer.

When you learn to focus on and sell value, not price, the sales process is much easier. You never want to be the cheapest in a marketplace unless you have found a way to be more efficient that everyone else in that marketplace. e.g. Aldi and Costco

How to set a price? Survey your competitors, analyse their strengths and yours and decide where you want to position your product in the quality vs price continuum.

Review your prices on a regular basis. If you're not getting an occasional complaint that your prices are too high then I would suggest they are probably too low. Focus on profit ahead of turnover.

Hope this helps.

Awesome

This article is quite useful:

http://www.filiwiese.com/transitioning-to-a-google-apps-account/