AUGUST 12, 2005
SCHOOL DAYS
Summer seemed to fly by, and the school year is already starting.
Now is the ideal time to purchase effective products for school fundraising and clubs. We offer a wide array of products that are practical and affordable. This year, let us help you choose something people can keep and use, instead of the usual overpriced fundraising catalog fare.
We're sure to have the perfect item for you.
APRIL 20, 2005
TAX SEASON FINALLY OVER!
Well, I'm sure you are all glad to have the annual tax season behind you, as we are. Every year, I promise myself we will have everything caught up, but every year it doesn't seem to end up that way.
One thing we are good about is keeping all of our receipts and paperwork together in one place. We also try to be sure we have covered all bases as far as legitimate business deductions.
Are you confident that you are taking all the deductions you are entitled to? Here is a great list to review.
Now is the time to be sure you are keeping track of everything for 2005.
Have a great week!
FEBRUARY 21, 2005
FREE FONTS HAVE MANY USES
Your computer programs have a fair variety of fonts, but for creating a logo, clip art, a great flyer and many other things, why limit yourself?
We have found many wonderful online resources for free fonts and would like to share a few of our top picks with you. Pay special attention to the "dingbat" fonts they offer as well. These make excellent "vector" clip art that can be sized up and down without losing resolution.
Programs will open much slower if you get too many fonts on your system, so keep an eye on the number of fonts you add. You may want to get rid of some you are no longer using, but be sure they are not needed by any of your programs, such as Word or a graphics application.
You can even create your own fonts. Here's how:
Get creative!
JANUARY 18, 2005
WHAT IS YOUR USP?
Happy New Year! We hope you had a fantastic holiday season.
Now that 2005 is here, it's time to evaluate your business from all aspects. How about starting with what is unique and special about your business?
Take a look at your competitors. Are they offering anything special that makes them stand out? How can you do it better?
Put yourself in your customer's shoes. How could you become a better problem solver for them? Would it be by offering the widest selection available? Or by guaranteeing the fastest service?
When you have determined what you can do to make your business unique, that is called a Unique Selling Proposition (USP). Be sure your customers are aware of it. Place it everywhere....on your business cards, web site, print ads....everywhere.
When your customers learn what you can do for them that no one else is doing...you can be sure your business will grow!
Have a great week!
DECEMBER 19, 2004
SET YOUR BUSINESS GOALS
So how was 2004 for your business Did you end up where you had hoped to?
Now is the time to set those business goals for 2005. Think about what you accomplished this year. What worked for you? What should have been done better? What might you add this next year to improve your business or job position?
We hope you'll consider our line of promotional products as part of your overall marketing plan for the coming year. They are unique from print and media ads because they will stay in front of your potential or current client for an extended period of time. Selecting the right product to get your particular message across is very important. A good distributor will offer you specific ideas to meet those particular needs and stay within your budget.
Great service is also instrumental in any business. To get off on the riht foot in 2005, you may try reading "Raving Fans". It's a quick and easy read, and really motivates you to provide (above and beyond) the type of service you'd like to receive yourself.
Here's to your success in 2005! Happy Holidays-
NOVEMBER 15, 2004
CARD STUFFERS FOR YOUR CUSTOMERS
Now is the time to order custom card stuffers for your special customers. Will you be sending a holiday card of thanks for their business in 2004? Make it stand out by including something easy to mail, such as a calendar card, air freshener, bookmark, sewing kit or business card magnet. These are all items that are inexpensive and can be easily mailed without adding too much to the postage. Custom products do take time to produce, so don't wait. The holidays are just around the corner!
November 8, 2004
USING FREE FONTS
We often do free layouts for our clients, but everyone has many different fonts on their computers. Sometimes it can be difficult to locate the font they request because of this.
When you install many programs, they come with some of their own fonts. You may not realize they have even been added to your computer, but since they came with a particular program, many other people may not have those fonts.
We overcome this by utilizing the many free font sites out there. If we can't find the exact font, often we can find one similar enough to please our client. We also take advantage of the many free dingbat fonts available. These are "picture" fonts and make wonderful camera ready clip art.
Here are a few of our favorite sites for free fonts and free dingbats:
There are a lot more out there, but we think you'll find these to be some of the best free font sites around. Enjoy!
October 25, 2004
SCREEN CHARGES IN THE PRINTING INDUSTRY
Almost all custom imprinted products will require a "screen charge" for the custom imprint. This can be confusing to many of our customers. They feel that if they have their own art, or if we have prepared art for them, than what is this added "screen charge" for?
I do understand the frustration, as people sometimes think this may be a hidden charge, just to add to their overall cost. Actually, it is a very necessary part of the printing process.
There are other ways of printing, but the most common method used on our products is screenprinting. This requires our suppliers to make a custom screen, using the artwork we have supplied. They will actually do the printing directly from this screen. The screens are usually kept on file for at least a year, so if a customer reorders the same item, they should not have to pay an additional screen charge.
October 15, 2004
BUSINESS TALK
Do you use an email newsletter in your business? If not, it's something you may want to consider.
We have a newsletter called PromoUpdate which has been in effect for several years. It is set up at no charge through Yahoo Groups and there are easy to follow instructions on every email for those who decide to unsubscribe. It is an "opt in" list and we would never add anyone without them requesting to be added.
We only send out a post once or twice a month, as we don't want to overwhelm anyone's mailbox. We try to keep it short and to the point, highlighting any sales and specials we happen to have going at the time.
An email announcement list is an easy and no-cost way to keep your name in front of your customer. Give it a try!
October 14, 2004
IN THE NEWS
Are you confused about the political issues these days? Visit factcheck.org daily for a well-researched and bipartisan report. Find out which statistics and charges are correct and which are not, so you can make an informed decision.
BUSINESS TALK
When we have a custom product printed for our customers, our suppliers require that we submit the layout for the project as high resolution vector art. The majority of people are not familiar with what that is. Vector art is art that can be resized smaller or larger without losing any of the quality of the original. This allows our suppliers to adjust the art to best fit the product, without losing any quality.
It is in our customer's best interest to save these finished art files on their computer for future use. Many businesses do not have access to the original logo created for their business, and have to pay to have it recreated. When you have art or a logo designed for you, be sure to keep the files and save yourself added expense in the future.
October 8, 2004
IN THE NEWS
Tonight is maybe the most "make or break" debate of this presidential campaign with the Town Hall format. Be sure and watch, so you'll go to the polls well informed.
BUSINESS RAMBLINGS
If you belong to many online business email groups (such as those you join through Yahoo Groups), maybe it's time to evaluate their purpose. Do you actually have time to read the posts? Are they benefitting you? Do you have time to contribute? I think the best situation is when you are able to make a real contribution as well as get something out of it yourself. It doesn't have to be referrals or orders. Groups can support each other in many other ways, such as marketing ideas, tech questions and much more. Be sure your time is well spent with the groups you've joined.
