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530.213.3713 | Graphic & Web Design | Chico, CA

‘Tis The Season…almost!

Posted on November 10th, 2009
Filed Under Graphic and Web Design

Halloween came and went!  And it’s November– the leaves are falling; there’s briskness to the air.  Winter is almost here…and that means the HOLIDAYS will be here soon!

Not only does this mean turkey, pumpkin pie, Santa and reindeer, but it’s a great opportunity to find ways to give a little as well as promote your business. Let’s face it, you’re already planning to put in the time and effort to market your business, but why not make an effort to benefit others in the process.

A few ways that you can do this:

- Thank your clients for a great year with a customized greeting card and a personal note from you
- Create an email newsletter showcasing your new items and promotions
- Mail out a postcard highlighting a special holiday discount
- Find a local charity and give your time, money, and or talents to make someone else’s day better (Click Here for a great opportunity!)
- Update your website with some holiday cheer and a printable coupon
- Send out an invitation to a gathering at your store for some holiday goodies
- Put together a poster for a holiday event or seasonal product
- Help your customers decorate their tree with a unique ornament including your logo and a festive message

This is a season for giving, so remember, be the giver first. Think about what might benefit your clients, customers, prospective clients, and your community during this holiday season.  A little extra effort and kindness goes a long way!

5 Tips For Business Networking

Posted on September 2nd, 2009
Filed Under Business Networking

Now that you’ve found a business networking event that you’d like to attend, what do you do once you arrive?  Here are 5 tips that you can implement right away–

1.  Make Introductions: When you meet someone for the first time, don’t forget to smile, make eye contact and offer a firm handshake.  First impressions are important, so make it a positive one.

2.  Ask Questions: When you meet someone, try to be the first one to ask about their business.  You can say things like:  Can you tell me a little bit about your business?  What is your favorite part about what you do?  Show genuine interest in the person you are talking to and listen to what they have to say.  People like to be heard.

3.  Promote Others: When you meet someone, think about how you might be able to help their business.  This might mean asking them about specific types of referrals they are looking for.  Or maybe you know someone that you can introduce them to who may be able to use their products/services.  Instead of thinking, “how can this person help me?” think “how can I help this person.”

4.  Set Up a Meeting: If you meet someone that you’d like to get to know even better, see if they’d like to meet again and set up a meeting  for the following week.  If they don’t know their schedule at the moment, be sure to get their contact info and take the initiative to give them a call.  By meeting again, you will be able to get to know their business even better and maybe even think of some ways to work together and/or support each other.

5.  Say Thank You: If someone gives you a referral, don’t forget to let that person know how much you appreciate their efforts.  At the least, give them a verbal thank you.  You can also send them a thank you e-mail, mail a thank you card, or give them a small gift to show your gratitude.  Don’t let any good deeds go unnoticed.

Don’t forget, what goes around comes around!  The more you reach out to others and genuinely try to help them move forward, the more your business will improve as a result.  The sky is the limit!

Keep Your Website RELEVANT

Posted on August 4th, 2009
Filed Under Graphic and Web Design

Updating Your Website On A Regular Basis

Do you have a big event coming up in the next couple of months? If I go to your website, will I see it showcased there?

What about that 50% off sale from Winter 2008 that people still think is current because it’s still on your website?

THE REALITY IS…You are busy with other things.  When you own your own business, there are 101 other things to think about that are demanding your attention right here, right now.  We get that.

However, to offer another perspective…what happens when you are online and you click on a website looking for specific information about another business and you see old, outdated content?   If you’re like me, you quickly realize it’s not a useful tool for finding information–and then make a personal note not to return in the future.

Unfortunately, if your website is not being updated, your prospective clients could be doing the same thing.

Put it this way–if every evening you turned on the weather channel and the news anchor kept telling you the same weather forecast from last week. How many evenings would you keep coming back to listen?

IMAGINE IF…When people go to your website, they see relevant up-to-date news! This time, when they stop in for the current month’s coupon, they find your site useful because it’s saving them money. They will want to check back for the next coupon. Or maybe they want to attend your upcoming seminar. If they find current dates on your website, then they can plan ahead. What if they want to use your services and the ones listed on your website are actually the ones that you’re offering? You get the point.

Your clients and prospective clients begin to trust your site to give them up-to-date information. They begin to regard your site as a valuable resource, something that benefits them.

So what’s holding you back? Most people think it’s too expensive. The truth is, in today’s web 2.0 world your website is your most inexpensive option to market your business and provide up-to-date, relevant information to your clients.  Don’t be that anchorperson talking about the same old news day in and day out!
Make your website relevant to your clients and do it today!

Interested in finding out more about keeping your website up-to-date?  Give us a call at 949-330-3713.