A4 folders are also known as presentation folders, which can also be found in different sizes, such as A5 and A6, but the A4 size is still the most common and popular. A4 folders are used in a number of situations, from board meetings where the folder is simply a convenient way to organise a series of A4 documents, to conferences and networking events where the folder can also serve to advertise and promote a company name or logo through custom printing on the folder cover.

Presentation folders are usually made from hard board covered in PVC or polypropylene. They can be created in practically any colour, or combination of colours, and they can also be produced in a variety of textures. For example, a black or dark brown A4 folder with a leather-look textured finish has always been very popular. Translucent and transparent coverings are also popular, and can be available with various textured finishes and in any colour as well

With an increased interest and focus on environmentally friendly products, more and more manufacturers of A4 folders are producing their ranges in recycled PVC or polypropylene. Plastics are not known to be particularly friendly to the environment, but recycling already produced plastics is one effective way of overcoming objections and lowering any negative effects there may be. It means that with all the millions of presentation folders constantly being produced, many of them, once they reach the end of their useful life, are being reused in ways that lessens the burden on the planet’s natural resources.

Most A4 folders are personalised through printing techniques. A number of printing methods can be used on folders, including full colour litho, foil blocking, silkscreen and digital. Each one has its strong points and may be better suited for a particular situation over the others. This is something that a company wishing to purchase personalised A4 folders should inquire about to be aware of the various options. Almost any kind of complicated artwork or specialised printing can be done on request, and in fact, the more unusual your A4 folder is, the more likely it will get noticed.

Conclusion

A4 folders are a common sight at annual conferences, trade fairs and all kinds of networking events. They are a convenient way to carry promotional materials, A4 printed documents and the like. The colour of the folder and logo or printed company name prominently displayed on the folder can serve as a visual signal to others who may be interested in what the folder contains, or at least, what the person holding the A4 folder has to say.

Everyone is looking for an economical way of presenting your art or photos in a professional manner.

One of the simplest ways to accomplish this is to take the most common sizes of regular and digital artwork and purchase pre-cut mats.  To make things even simpler stick to black and white mats or a combination of those colors that suit the sizes and art or photos you are presenting.

When you purchase your pre-cut mats, you can source them in single or double with options like regular mat board, conservation quality or 8-ply conservation board. Don’ t forget to add items you will also need such as backing boards, crystal clear poly bags or acid-free tape and dispensers.  Many of the suppliers for pre-cut mats will also supply packages that include everything you need.

The result is an incredible saving over buying the components separately – yet sacrificing nothing in the area of professionalism and presentation.

One of the simplest and yet professional presentations is the simple single white or black mat over your work – placed on a clean white backing board and presented in a clear poly sleeve that can be sealed and then opened and re-sealed as necessary if you need to remove the artwork to show or even to autograph for a buyer.

One of the best things you can do in presentation is to standardize.  By staying with certain sizes, you simplify your own process of ordering, stocking and presenting your work.  You will find that you same money as well as use your materials wisely.

Try to choose a final size that is considered standard will also make it easier for your purchaser to locate and add a frame of their choice from either an on-line supplier, art supply, frame shop or department store.

Present your work elegantly, yet simply and cost effectively.  Some samples of packages like this can be seen at http://www.matshop.com.

Screaming, yelling, ranting, raving, cursing, throwing items across the table, hanging up the phone in your ear … Many of us have difficulty with negotiators who do these things.

These outrageous behaviors can shake us up, intimidate, scare, or upset us.

Why? The most common explanation is that our fight-flight response is evoked. Fighting rarely gets us moving toward a meaningful agreement. Fright can cause us to make compromises or give concessions we would otherwise never entertain.

Why Do They Do It?

Why do some negotiators rely on outrageous behavior to get their way? Because they can … or because they have in the past.

But, we don’t have to allow this behavior to cause us to give in.

Feigned Emotion

Some negotiators act as if they are emotionally upset when they really are not.

Usually, this negotiator is the sophisticated, high level, manipulator who is looking for an advantage. His intention is calculated. The results sought are pre-planned.

Tantrum Behavior

The overwhelming majority of screamers are just stuck in a tantrum behavior pattern. As a child, they threw tantrums and got what they wanted. As an adolescent, they pressed the bounds of behavior. As an adult, they just act like big babies who must have what they want!

What Can We Do?

Whether the outrageous behavior is fake or real, we can deal with it without making serious compromises.

Silence is first. Not engaging a screamer … letting the screamer go uninterrupted works many times. Some negotiators simply want to be heard. Genuinely upset, some negotiators become quite compliant after they have vented. In fact, sometimes the boomerang effect can set in … that is, a screamer after venting will accept whatever is offered, and may even give more than expected.

Avoid Taunts. Many times we fall into taunting behavior as a defense, “Are you finished?” … “Yell a little louder!” … “Who do you think you are talking to?” These responses do not help. We must avoid these taunts, secure in the knowledge that our objective of a negotiated agreement is primary. Mirror Behavior. This probably sounds contradictory (and probably is) but sometimes shouting back can be the answer. This technique has limited utility but when effective is best used as an out of character response. People who almost never yell can use mirroring effectively on really important issues.

Feel, Felt, Found. The feel, felt, found technique works well with outrageous behavior because at its core, this technique seems to validate the unaccepted behavior … and then provides enlightenment. Feel … “I understand how you feel.” This is the validation or commiseration phase. Felt … “Many people in your position would have felt the same way.” This is the generalization phase. Your irate counterpart is in league with many other (ill-informed) people. Found. “But understanding … (Point A, B, C) … most people have found our position is quite reasonable.” The A, B, and C are the features, benefits, and additional appeals that support our position.

Positive Outrageous Behavior. Give them a reason to laugh. Goofy behavior, funny statements, and strange responses that cause laughter can many times disarm the worst tantrum behavior pattern.

Good luck dealing with difficult negotiators … we all need it!

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