New Prescriptive Lesson Guides for Nitrox now shipping

PADI Enriched Air
Prescriptive Lesson Guides

The prescriptive lesson guides for the PADI Enriched Air Specialty (computer version) are now shipping. Use the new PLGs if you're teaching the computer version of the Nitrox course.

Product Number: 70907
Member price: $92.75

If you plan to keep teaching with tables, hang on to the prescriptive lesson guides you already have. This new product does not replace the previous version of the EANx PLGs (70873).


Waiting for the revised Open Water Prescriptive Lesson Guides?
Updated Open Water PLGs are in the works... but not available yet.  The new and approved version is coming in early spring.

You can pre-order this item (product 70852MUL).
Member price is: $104.90.
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Free Radio Ad, Cash, Other Good stuff

Love a Local Business.com

Intuit (makers of QuickBooks) is sponsoring a contest for small business owners.  It's called Love A Local Business. Prizes include cash, free radio spots, and "small business products and services."

To enter the contest, visit lovealocalbusiness.com. After entering your business name and location, you answer the question:

Tell the world why you love serving your customers and community.

Don't delay. The next round starts Monday February 1st and ends February 28th.

From the lovealocalbusiness website:
One business a month will win a small business grant worth $35,000. Each Grand Prize small business grant includes $25,000 worth of local radio advertising on the Westwood One network, $9,500 cash, plus $500 in Intuit products and services. Plus, four other monthly winners will win small business grants, too - each worth $5,000.

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PADI Specialty of the Month prizes 2010

Free Gifts for Taking PADI Specialties in 2010
(email subscribers may need to click through to view images)

Download the 2010 Specialty of the month flyer

January- Enriched Air Diver
PADI Diving Society ball cap
Specialty of the Month redemption form - Jan 2010
redemption form due Feb. 15





February- Boat Diver
PADI Diving Society bag

Specialty of the Month redemption form - Feb 2010
redemption form due March 15







March- Drift Diver
Flip Flops

Specialty of the Month redemption form - Mar 2010

redemption form due April 15








April- Digital Underwater Photographer - online training available
PADI hat with Digital U/W Photographer embroidered on the back

Specialty of the Month redemption form - April 2010

redemption form due May 15

May- Dry Suit Diver
McNett Microfiber Towel










June - Peak Performance Buoyancy
PADI T-shirt



Specialty of the Month redemption form June 2010
redemption form due 15 July 2010






July - Deep Diver
H20 Yo

Specialty of the Month redemption form July 2010
redemption form due 15 August 2010









August- Wreck Diver
PADI Wreck Diver Hat
(Flexfit style hat has "wreck diver" on back)

Specialty of the Month redemption form August  2010
redemption form due 15 September 2010
















September- Project AWARE
FishFlips
Specialty of the Month Sep 2010 redemption form
redemption form due 15 Oct 2010






October- Night Diver
Glo TOOB
Specialty of the Month redemption form October 2010
redemption form due 15 Nov 2010






 

November- Underwater Navigator
Xit 404 Aqua Pencil Kit.


 





December- Search and Recovery
prize TBA

2010 Specialty of the Year- Enriched Air Diver
- online training available
PADI Diving Society ball cap

Specialty of the Year redemption form 2010

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Vintage Scuba Ads

Thanks to Nick at New Scuba Marketing for posting a collection of Vintage Scuba Ads.

Most of the ads would never run in today's magazines (like the smoking snorkeler). Others, such as the Fiat ad, aren't too far removed from your average Carl's Jr spot. Email subscribers may need to click through to view images.

15 Minute Marketing Idea #8 - QR Codes

15 Minute Marketing Idea #8

email subscribers - click through to view images

What is this thing?

It's a QR code.... and in 2010, you'll start seeing a lot more of them.

A QR code is a special barcode that acts like an internet hyperlink. When scanned by a smart phone (such as an iPhone) it will display a webpage, business card, or message.

QR codes are an easy, cheap and fun way to promote your business.

Read on! By the end you'll know how to create these codes and use them for nefarious guerilla marketing purposes.

That funny-looking box above represents a link to padiinstructorinfo.com. Scan it with a smartphone, and PADI Instructor News will appear on the screen.

The code isn't doing much sitting on this webpage - but imagine if I printed out 300 of these codes on sticker paper and put them in every bathroom stall at DEMA? Besides a possible misdemeanor for me, it would be a sly marketing move: capturing the attention of smartphones users - anyone with an iPhone, Android phone, Palm Pre, etc.

This is pretty powerful marketing - that costs next to nothing. Additionally, you reaching customers who don't mind spending money on cool gizmos. According to ComScore - over 38 million Americans own smartphones already and 64% plan to purchase a smart phone in the near future.

Creating a QR code is extremely easy. Pasted below is a screengrab from qrstuff.com - one of many free QR code generators.


As you can see it's three short steps.

#1 Decide where you want the user to be directed to: (website, telephone number, etc).

#2 Type in the web address (or phone number) into the box

#3 Print!



How to utilize QR Codes

Step 1: What is Your Goal?

• Increase membership in your dive club?
• Book more divers into an upcoming dive trip or charter?
• Promote a new product?
• Spread the word about your internship opportunity?
  
  

Step 2: What do you want people to see?
When the QR code is scanned, it will bring up a webpage link, virtual business card, phone number, or a few lines of text - your choice. Whatever you choose will display on the phone's screen.

Let's say your goal is to bring new people into your dive club.

The QR code should point at a webpage (or text) describing your next dive club meeting date, time, location and topics. Be sure to say why your dive club meeting will be the most exciting night of the year. Maybe you're having an interesting guest speaker. Maybe there will be manufacturer-sponsored prizes. You've got a new customer's attention, make it as exciting as possible.

Step 3: Go Nuts!
Create your QR code (see recommended websites below) and distribute!

• If promoting your business or dive club: place the QR codes (responsibly) in and around places where divers hang out.  Is there a breakfast spot near a training site that attracts divers? Print out the codes and put them on index cards - under car windshield wipers, stashed in the menus, etc.
  
  
• Got an internship program? Visit the student common areas or cafeteria of your local college. Place your code next to napkin holders, tape them up inside bathroom stalls during a big sporting event, make beer coasters - get creative!
  
  Put the codes wherever students are likely to have a few moments of idle time. Invite students to contact you for more information on how to become an intern and/or a diver (using simple text or directing them to a college page on your website).
  
  
• To promote a new product such as a safety whistle or underwater camera in your store, post a QR code next to the product and link to a video of the product in action (on the manufacturer's website, or something you've made).
  
  
• Need to fill up an upcoming dive trip? Put a QR code on your trip flyers and have it point to a youtube video of the destination.
  
  
• Print off a sheet of QR codes and use them as a calling card. Leave one with your restaurant bill or in the waiting room of the dentist's office. Maybe write an intriguing message on the back,
  "Are you Curious?"
  
  
• Some of the websites below will print your QR code on a t-shirt. Walk around town, a convention center, or your favorite outdoor concert and invite people you see using their smartphones to scan your shirt.*
  * This may work better for wahines than kanes - not recommended in all cities. :-)
  

The QR code is still new to many folks which makes it a great conversation piece.  Esquire magazine and Fast Company recently did issues spotlighting this new technology.

Also, take my word on this one:  people who own smartphones love to show off what they can do.



Are you QRious? Ready to Get Started?

Try out the QR code experience (see below)

Using a smartphone with a QR barcode reader, scan the QR code below. If it doesn't work for you right off the screen, try printing the image out on a piece of paper.

No barcode reader?

• Here's CNet's list of the best barcode readers for the iPhone.
• For Android I use the app called Barcode Scanner (it's free).
• NeoReader is a QR reader app for Blackberry, Palm and other phones - though I haven't personally tested it.

 Ready to Make Your Own?

Useful websites:
Print out one or several QR codes at qrstuff.com.  You can print the codes on regular paper or make stickers on Avery labels). You can also create fabric QR patches at p8tch.com (attach to a dive bag, jacket, etc).

15 minute QR code project

1. Go to qrstuff.com
2. Choose "text" as the data type
3. Update the sample text below.
4. Paste the text into the website's text box.
5. Print.
6. Distribute.

To: The Curious One!

From: [your dive business name here]

Fate is telling you to become a scuba diver. Email us at [your email here] or call us at XXX-XXX-XXXX. Mention you found our QR code and you and a friend can try scuba for free in our pool. Already a diver? Come to our next dive club meeting. We'd love to meet you. Email us for details.


One last really important thing:
You've got the customer's attention. Make the payoff compelling. Rather than simply linking to your homepage, consider a short message of simple text that references your website. For example:

Hi there, we like your style. We're scuba divers, and like you, we're curious. We like to explore and try new things. Here's our website: xyzdivecenter.com - we hope you'll stop by.

Alternately, you could have the QR code point to a special page on your website inviting the customer to leave their contact info to receive a special offer. Or, if you have a short promotional video already produced, you could link to the video's URL. Be sure and watch your video on someone's phone first to make sure it looks okay.

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This is the eighth article in a series. Read more 15 minute marketing ideas.
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2010 PADI Member Forum schedule

PADI Member Forum is Coming Soon
to a city near you

This year's program runs 2-3 hours and will be offered at no charge. If you're working towards Master Instructor, member forum counts as one of the three seminars you need.

In the 2010 program we'll cover:

• Opportunities with the Boy Scouts of America and the new scuba merit badge
•  The new online services for PADI Instructors:
(PIC Online Replacement Card Online PADI eLearning)
• Risk management information provided via informative training scenarios.
• An interactive PADI Standards update

Pasted below is a partial list of member form dates and locations. A complete list of 2010 member forum dates is available online. Please be advised: venues are subject to change. I will do my best to keep this calendar updated, but please check your email and voice mail in the days prior.

After finding the PADI member forum near you, please click here to register. The program is free,  but it's very helpful for us to know how many people are coming.

2010 PADI Member Forum Schedule
(updated 27 Apr 2010)

Florida

Melbourne, FL

Wednesday, February 03, 2010 at 7:00 PM (ET)

Melbourne, FL | Courtyard Melbourne West

Orlando, FL

Thursday, February 04, 2010 at 7:00 PM (ET)

Jacksonville, FL

Tuesday, February 09, 2010 at 7:00 PM (ET)

Destin, FL

Thursday, February 11, 2010 at 7:00 PM (ET)

Ft. Lauderdale, FL

Thursday, February 18, 2010 at 7:00 PM (ET)

Key Largo, FL

Monday, February 22, 2010 at 7:00 PM (ET)

Key West, FL

Wednesday, February 24, 2010 at 7:00 PM (ET)

Islamorada FL

Thursday, February 25, 2010 at 7:00 PM (ET)

Hawaii / Central Pacific Islands

Oahu, HI

Thursday, February 11, 2010 at 7:00 PM (PT)

Kauai, HI

Monday, February 15, 2010 at 7:00 PM (PT)

Maui, HI

Wednesday, February 17, 2010 at 7:00 PM (PT)

Kona, HI

Friday, February 19, 2010 at 7:00 PM (PT)

Okinawa

Thursday 25 March 2010 at 7:00 PM

Guam

Tuesday 30 March, 2010 at 7:00 PM

West Coast,  Nevada & Rocky Mtn States

Victoria, BC

Wednesday, February 03, 2010 at 7:00 PM

Victoria, British Columbia | Inn at Laurel Point

Portland, OR

Tuesday, February 9th, 2010 at 6:30 PM (PT)

Port Coquitlam, Vancouver, BC

Wednesday, February 10, 2010 at 7:00 PM

Sacramento, CA

Tuesday, February 23, 2010 at 6:30 PM (PT)

Reno, NV

Wednesday, February 24, 2010 at 6:30 PM (PT)

Santa Clara, CA

Thursday, February 25, 2010 at 6:30 PM (PT)

Denver, CO

Sunday, February 28, 2010 at 9:00 AM (MT)

Rancho Santa Margarita (Orange County, CA)

Wednesday, March 03, 2010 at 7:00 PM (PT)

Seattle, WA

Thursday, March 04, 2010 at 6:30 PM

San Diego, CA

Thursday, March 04, 2010 at 7:00 PM

Eugene, OR

Friday, 05 March, 2010 at 6:30 PM

Los Angeles, CA

Wednesday, 10 March , 2010 at 7:00 PM

Spokane, WA

Thursday, 11 March 2010 at 6:30 PM

Boise, ID

Tuesday 16 March, 2010 at 6:30 PM

Salt Lake City, UT

Thursday 18 March at 6:30 PM

Fairbanks, AK

Monday 5 April 2010 at 6:30 PM

Ketchikan, AK

Wednesday 7 April 2010 at 6:30 PM

Anchorage, AK

Friday 9 April 2010 at 6:30 PM

Las Vegas, NV

Thursday 15 April 2010 6:30 pm

Casper, WY

Thursday, 13 May, 2010 at 6:30 PM

Bozeman, MT

Sunday, 16 May, 2010 at 11:00 AM

Bahamas & Grenada

Grenada

Tuesday, March 02, 2010 at 7:00 PM

Carriacou

Wednesday, March 03, 2010 at 5:30 PM

Freeport, Bahamas

Monday, 22 March 2010 at 7:00 PM

Nassau, Bahamas

Wednesday 24 March 2010 at 7:00 PM

If you plan to attend the member forum in your area, please register online.

View the complete list of  2010 PADI Member Forum dates.

View our schedule of remaining CD and IDC Staff updates.

Special Pricing on Personalized Tank Inspection Decals

Lurking on page 34 of the 2010 price list is an often-overlooked deal on tank inspection decals. Our regular price for this item is 60 cents per decal, however, when ordered in quantities of 250 or more, they're only 25 cents each.

But wait there's more...we'll personalize the decals with up to five lines of custom text. For example:

XYZ Dive Center
Portland's Diving Headquarters
- Since 1982 -
503-123-4567
www.xyzdivecenter.com



Turn-around time for the custom printing is about three weeks.

Five Star PADI Dive Centers can order tank inspection decals with a special "five star" version of the PADI logo. Email subscribers may need to click through to view images.

Amazing Encounter with a Leopard Seal

Thanks to PADI Examiner Gary Cruea for passing on this video of a National Geographic photographer's amazing encounter with a Leopard Seal in Antarctica.






The "Deadly Predator" description is regrettable... whoever originally posted this video must have added it.