Nailed It!

Perhaps the most hated words to our kids and really, most adults. A definite “fun sponge” effect when merely uttered.

However, to most business owners, it also signals activity. From software to signs, and everything in between, most businesses benefit from the increased activity schools generate. Especially important in tough economic times, schools and government should be an important prospect for doing business.

Take the time now to determine who does the buying at the local districts. Although the teachers may have summers off the administrative offices continue to operate and can be helpful.

Good Selling!

The phone isn’t ringing off the hook, you’ve got some time on your hands but you want to be productive. August is typically not a time workers are complaining of writer’s cramp or carpal tunnel from processing orders.

September is just around the corner and you need to be ready when customers are back to work, taking care of business, placing some orders, and trying to end the year on a good note.

Business owners rarely get the time to clean “their own house”, starting with their office. We have been downsizing to survive the times so we are still continually busy. But for most, right now, not in a few weeks, is a time where we can create a healthier and more effective work environment for when activity increases.

Go through the stacks of paper, lists, etc that you keep thinking you’ll get to this year. If you haven’t touched them in three months or even less, it won’t happen – throw them out. Except for key vendor information, pricing and the few “good” lists that contain good target accounts for prospecting, the stacks should be gone. Samples worth keeping – create a file so when the need comes, you can find it. At least the clutter will be gone.

Walking into a clean office or production area makes you feel ready to battle for business – slim and trim, feels like you’ve put in a few weeks at the gym.

The same goes for production areas – inventory you haven’t used in years, clutter now looking like it’s a permanent fixture, get rid of it!

Good luck and selling! If you try to reach me I’ll be taking loads to my dumpster or calling our local, favorite shredding business for a pick up!

Okay, many of your customers are off vacationing or these days – either gone physically or as you may notice, mentally, wishing they were somewhere else.  But businesses are still servicing people’s needs and services.

Get your name or brand in front of those customers actually using your services to reinforce awareness of your company and offerings. An easy and inexpensive way is to place decals on all products going to your customers – on the product, on the packaging, even on the invoices. You might even throw out a special or two to wick in some more sales this month.

Numerous “impressions”, big or small influence buying habits creating a subliminal awareness and even familiarity of your services – it’s important to be “out there” in the market. Decals are an effective way to bring attention to your business beyond the normal and more expensive mediums, like print and television ads.

Take advantage of our decal special this month and get your company out in the marketplace. Then check the results. You might be pleasantly surprised and pleased with the return on your investment!

Good Selling!

So there I was driving up a dusty road to a remote friend’s ranch located an hour from the “city” to meet the adventurous souls that made the effort to gather and celebrate a short, but hugely important, time of our youth 40 years ago. I followed the signs (always nice to have a sign person involved!) and turned into the field where I saw the sprawling white tent and cars parking next to a barn in an adjacent field. Visions of Woodstock, also celebrating its 40^th anniversary, with great tunes and great people gathering to become one again; time to rekindle relationships, relive old exploits and mischief, have fun and then disappear into the night to remote locations throughout the US. Continue Reading »