Online Product Video Company HandBookLive, Inc. to Donate Services to Growing Businesses

Business Wire, June 24, 2009

SAN DIEGO -- HandBookLive — a website providing video-format product manuals to help consumers compare products, choose what products to buy, and learn to use the products they already own — is donating product video production services to four emerging growth companies in 2009. Companies may apply for the Q3 grant program starting today.

"This is our way of supporting growing businesses we feel need help to improve brand awareness and to compete with larger consumer product manufacturers," said co-founder and CEO of HandBookLive, Inc., Simon F. Smith. "It can be quite difficult for smaller businesses to go head-to-head with the well-known brands in the best economic times – and in today’s climate it’s even more daunting. HandBookLive can help.”

The grant recipient will receive a complete three-chapter video production package, including scripting, filming, voice over and editing. The finished video will be showcased on HandBookLive.com, and links to it could be added to the winning company’s website or other websites.

Applicants will be chosen based on company history, product purpose and financial circumstances. Only businesses that are self-financed or VC-funded but still in need will be considered.

“With more and more consumers turning to the Internet to research products before they buy, product videos are proving incredibly effective in increasing sales,” adds Smith. “Plus, because product videos have the power to actually show customers how to use the products, they are able to improve customer service and satisfaction. For a growing business, a comprehensive marketing and customer service solution like this can prove invaluable in taking the company to the next level.”

Previous 2009 grant recipients include online menu search and food ordering website GoFoodoogle.com and medical device manufacturer Strapparatus.

The Q3 2009 HandBookLive grant application can be found at www.handbooklive.com/grants. Applications will be accepted through July 22, 2009 at 11:59 p.m. PDT.

About HandBookLive

HandBookLive, Inc. (www.handbooklive.com) provides video-format product manuals for consumer goods of all types. The site enables consumers to preview and compare products before they buy, as well as find easy-to-follow instructional videos to help them use the products they already own. Companies of any size can post videos free of charge, making HandBookLive a cost-effective means to showcase products to prospective customers, and provide enhanced customer service to existing customers.