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Archive for April, 2009

Marketing Your Small Business

Saturday, April 25th, 2009

Small business marketing may be the most important part in owning and maintaining a successful small business. A good portion of the marketing effort is determining the needs of your target market and then explaining that you provide solutions to meet those needs. Contrary to popular belief, it is a lot more than posting a sign or handing out flyers. Though many of the philosophies and tactics may be similar, small business marketing is an entirely different discipline than marketing of large companies. Successful marketing is not just a tactic or strategy; it is an entire process and you are sure to fail if you are not enthusiastic about your small business. Go to Business Cards for more information.

Done properly, marketing can and will attract all the clients your small business can handle. But I would suggest you get to a place where you work only with clients who value what you have to offer. If you commit to following simple small business marketing systems, strategies and ideas you can significantly increase what you charge for your services. Unfortunately though, most small business promotions focus only on how great their products and services are. But you need to stay focused on what products and services your ideal clients want and need.

Here?€™s another big no-no to avoid. Instead of marketing only when you need money or cash flow, commit to marketing your products and services all of the time. It is very important to consistently market your products and services because as I have been saying for years, success is based on persistency and consistency, not magic.

Planning is also a key ingredient to the success of any small business. Developing a small business marketing plan will be one of the most crucial elements to your success. By creating your marketing plan you will eliminate the panic and need for an instant solution to financial problems because you can avoid many of the ups and downs that result from the all to common stop and start marketing. Your plan does not have to be set in stone, it can evolve as you and your business grow. The important thing is your dedication to consistency with your marketing.

The lack of persistency and consistency will lead to an unused marketing plan. This in turn will lead to spits and starts in your cash flow. Successful entrepreneurs who have a small business marketing plan make more money in less time. When you start to think of who your ideal client is and what products and services they want or need and then combine that with your marketing tools and techniques, an effective marketing plan is not far behind. Refer to Business Cards for more information.

As you are probably starting to see small business marketing is an entire process, a synergy of the individual tactics and strategies. That’s right, small business marketing is a system where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Another common misconception is that small business marketing is just common sense. Nothing could be further from the truth. An understanding of how small business marketing is conducted is essential for you if success is your goal. You do want results and success don?€™t you?

It?€™s all about determining the needs of your target market and then providing solutions to meet those needs. So many people believe that marketing their small business is all about running advertisements, but it isn?€™t. If you are serious about your success in business, then make understanding marketing an on-going priority.

The ultimate result of small business marketing is to attract more new customers and persuade existing customers to purchase your products or services in higher quantities and more frequently. The successful can attribute their success to having a strategic plan and following it consistently. When you create a marketing plan you will be able to compete at a higher level. Your odds of winning the game significantly improve when you take the time to create a plan.

To your success!
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Printed Business Cards to Improve Correspondence

Friday, April 24th, 2009

For those of you with printed business cards requirements, here is a great informative article for you to read….

Improve Your Business Correspondence With Business Cards and These Products
By Nickka Kolowski

In many ways, the hardest part about maintaining a successful business is being able to keep track of the vast network of connections that are established with customers, investors and employees. Not only is the challenge of maintaining a solid communication infrastructure difficult, the task of then growing and bringing in new customers can seem insurmountable. The answer to these troubles can often be found in using the right tools to connect to everybody possible.

One of the best tools to use in reaching out to potential customers is the business card. These simple items can do incredible things for any company. First, there is the benefit of being good ways to give people the basic information that they need about the services you provide. This initial contact and basic advertising technique is a great way to bring in new customers, and take advantage of word of mouth in your local community. Furthermore, quality placement of business cards in local retail locations or restaurants can provide a free advertisement that many people will see.

Be careful not to go overboard. There are rules of etiquette that govern the spreading of business cards. One easy mistake to make is to include business cards in personal items. While it may seem harmless in Christmas cards or other such items, it tends to become a situation in which the focus is turned back on to you, when really you want to be giving something to somebody else. Despite these potential pitfalls, business cards are still a very reliable way of getting your name out, and corresponding effectively.

Aside from business cards, post cards can actually be a great way to stay in touch with customers as well. Postcards are especially handy at keeping in touch with long held customers, or announcing major promotions. Since postcards are relatively inexpensive, and can be sent in the mail for a small amount of money, they are excellent ways to reach people at home.

Furthermore, they are simple, and not as intrusive as more complex mailings. If your company has a solid base of consistent customers, but wants to hold a special sale or event to get many of them in at once, a post card is a great idea. Announcing the sale on the front with some sort of fitting image will grab attention, and then there is ample space on the back to give important details. The same goes for any sort of grand opening or clearance type of activity. By getting local addresses together you can mass mail announcements and be sure that they will reach a substantial number of people. Sure, some will just throw it away immediately, but people are always looking to save many and experience better service. Bringing to their attention, through a postcard, that you are planning something special is a great way to get people’s attention.

Another way to reach people is to use magnets. They hold basically the same overall function as business cards, presenting essential information in a small space. The difference is that magnets provide a service to the person who gets them. While business cards and other such items are easily discarded, magnets often end up on the refrigerator. Then, when parents show off the various things they like to hang up, people will also see the information about your work. There is also more freedom in designing magnets. The standards of professionalism that are required by business cards are not nearly as strict when it comes to magnetic art. Magnets should be presentable and attractive, but creative as well.

A more common way to keep people up to date with what is going on in your company is a simple newsletter. While the process sounds simple, newsletters are surprisingly difficult to make useful. Unless you include important, relevant information in the newsletter, people will likely throw it away quickly.

It is important, if you are going to use a newsletter, to make it a worthwhile read. There are a few general ways to accomplish this. Start by maintaining a consistent format. Your audience needs to know where to look for different types of news, or they will be quick to simply ignore it, and use a different source for information. A second rule of thumb is to use enough pictures and other images to attract attention, but not so much that they are dominant. Content should still be the focus. Also, there should never be mistakes in a good newsletter. This will turn people off immediately, and make your efforts fruitless. If done well, a newsletter can be an invaluable tool for promotion.

There are plenty of effective ways to keep your company’s name ringing in the ears of your customers. Utilizing business cards, postcards and newsletters can provide the level of promotion unmated by other means. Quality business cards, postcards, magnets and newsletters are tools that can help drive any institution towards success. However, you should be sure to put the effort into these items that is needed, or they could backfire.

Nick Kakolowski is a freelance writer who writes about business and networking, often describing is specific aspect of networking such as business card printing.

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Four Tips for Boosting Your Profits with Business Cards

Sunday, April 19th, 2009

A business card may be the most overlooked advertising medium in the business world. But these simple rectangles of cardboard can be powerful tools to help any entrepreneur increase sales. Similarly, a poorly thought out or clumsily designed business card could be as much of a detriment for your sales as an “out of business” sign. Go to Business Cards for more information.

Business cards have actually been around for much longer than most people realize. The first ones, in the form of visiting cards or calling cards, were used in China about 600 years ago. They started being used in Europe approximately 200 years lager. When one aristocrat went out to visit another, the prospective guest’s servant would deliver his master’s calling card to the servant of the prospective host. An elaborate system of calling card etiquette developed and was followed by the gentry across England and France.

Today, anyone from North America or Europe who has gone on a business trip to Japan, China or other Asian countries knows there is very much a tradition of etiquette that must be followed when exchanging business cards in those countries.

But even if you are only going to be doing business in your hometown, you can help boost that business by following four tips before you have your next business cards printed.

1. Legibility. It’s fine to have a creative, attractive design for your card, but do not fall for the trap of selecting a type face that is so fancy it is not legible. If people cannot decipher all the words and numbers on your card, it is useless. Also, remember that, especially in this era of aging baby boomers, type that is too small may also be difficult for some old eyes to read properly.

2. Individualize. You are a unique individual, and your business card should reflect your unique personality. One easy way to do this is to put your photograph on your card. Of, if you are an artist, crafts person or photographer, why not put an image of one of your creations on the card? If you sell unique widgets, put an illustration of them on your card. Refer to Business Cards for more information.

3. Proofread. Just as a wood worker should always measure twice before he cuts, every word should be double checked for proper spelling. Every telephone number should be dialed and every web address visited to make sure they are letter perfect before your card goes to press.

4. Use the back. Your business card has two sides, and you are missing a prime opportunity if you leave the back of your card blank. Instead, utilize that space to say what is most important about you, your business, product or service. It could be as simple as “bring this card in for a 10% discount.” Or you could use the back of your card to show off testimonials from some of your satisfied customers.

There are several very good Internet business card companies that let you design your own cards online. In some cases, their shipping costs are less than it would cost you to drive to a local print shop and back.

Finally, if you only need a few cards, or if you want to experiment with different card designs, you can purchase perforated, blank business card stock at office supply stores and make your own cards using templates that come with many computer word processing software programs.

However your business cards are eventually printed, remember that they may leave a lasting impression of you and your business for many years to come. Visit Business Cards for further information.

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10 Tips for Getting the Most Marketing Benefit from Your Business Cards

Sunday, April 12th, 2009

Business cards are among the least expensive marketing tools a business person has at his disposal, yet they are typically very poorly used, if they are used at all. Here are some tips for maximizing the marketing power or your business cards. Go to Business Cards for more information.

1. Carry your business cards with you at all times. This sounds obvious, I know, but you would be amazed how often a business person doesn’t have business cards on hand when they are needed. Even if you manage your contacts through your PDA and you love to “beam” your contact information to others, still keep those business cards in your wallet, business card holder, pocket, briefcase, and car.

2. Make sure your employees, spouse and close associates also carry your business cards with them. I have picked up more than one client who learned about me through a conversation with my husband, who reached into his wallet and handed over a business card.

3. Hand out a business card as you introduce yourself at meetings and networking events. Not only do people appreciate seeing the name they just heard, but putting a business card in someone’s hand as you introduce yourself engages three senses while you have their attention (hearing, sight, and touch). The more they are engaged, the more likely they will remember you, which is the point, remember?

4. Consider having your photo printed on your business card. People like to see who they are working with. Seeing your picture later will help them remember you. Also, it has been documented that seeing a photo on a business card and a website tends to help people develop trust faster than when they don’t see a picture. If you are concerned about your appearance, do something about it or get over it. Touch up your rough edges with some photo editing software if you must, but get your face out there!

5. Be creative with your business cards. Of course, you want to make sure that your name and contact information are legible, but you should use the opportunity to express a bit of who you are with your business card. Maybe you can do that through a creative use of color or your logo. Perhaps you will want to add a unique slogan. Consider a double-sided card design. I saw a card recently with contact information on both sides. I saw another with a web address on the back. The back is also a good place for a catchy slogan. Refer to Business Cards for more information.

6. Leave cards behind when you call on someone who is not there. Write individual notes on these cards to make them more memorable and personal. Be sure to use the other person’s name n your handwritten note.

7. Hand a card to the secretary when you arrive for an appointment. This will help her get your name right when she notifies her boss that you are there. It also makes sure your contact information is in the hand of the person who will probably be entering it into the data system. By the way, business cards are the business descendent of calling cards, small cards with the visitor’s name on them, which were used to announce the visitor to the person being visited. Presenting a card when you arrive for an appointment demonstrates a little class and etiquette.

8. Include a business card in greeting cards you send to customers or prospects. Especially if your business card has your photo on it, this will help them remember who you are, and remind them of your contact information. If they misplaced your card, this is a way to get it to them again without forcing them to ask for it. Also include your card with gifts you give to clients.

9. Look for opportunities and appropriate places to leave your cards behind for others. The right places for this will depend on your business and target market. You can ask business owners to allow you to leave cards in a holder on their counters. This is particularly appropriate if you have a complementary (but not competing) business. Also, don’t be afraid to leave one or two laying around here and there (on bulletin boards, near ATMs, etc.). It’s a good place if it is somewhere where your clients or prospects will be.

10. Use your business card for ads in newsletters and local publications. The term “business card size” is a common term for one of the sizes of ads available in most publications. You don’t have to use your business card for the ad copy, but if you have a good business card (photo, nicely designed, easy to read), why not?

There are many ways you can use business cards to help market your business. Don’t be stingy with your cards. Hand them out freely. Personalize them with notes. Don’t assume that just because you gave someone your card in the past that they still have it, or that they transferred the contact information before misplacing the card. You will undoubtedly see a rapid return on your investment as you begin to use your business cards more. Visit Business Cards for more information.

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Get the Most from Your Real Estate Investing Business Cards

Saturday, April 11th, 2009

If you’re in business, you need unique business cards. Just your picture will make people hang onto your card longer than a generic card. I recently saw a card where an investor copied part of a $20 on the back so when it was upside down it looked like it was a folded up $20. Refer to Business Cards for further information.

We use million dollar bill business cards. Some people have magnetic business cards, some fluorescent colors, but the point is to give them to everybody. Give them to waitresses, gas station attendants and their customers, everywhere you go. If you have magnetic business cards put them on vending machines, gas pumps, anything metal where there are lots of people. This is a great way to get them out in the public.

The million dollar bills are also good door openers. I once had a rental house and it was on a dead-end street with no traffic. I went to the corner house and knocked on the door. I told the lady I had a house down the street that I was looking to rent and I had nowhere to put a sign and if she would allow me to put one of my signs in her yard, I’d give her a million dollars. So I handed it to her, she looked at it, we had a good laugh and I put the sign in her yard.

Think about how you can take this one idea, use it and take it to the next level. How about when you meet a realtor and tell them that if they send you a good deal you’ll give them a million dollars? How about going to a restaurant and telling the waitress that you’re an investor and if they bring you a deal you’ll give them a million dollars? There’s really no limit to what you can do with this one idea to generate business, open doors and build instant rapport. How is that for a million dollar idea? Go to Business Cards for more information.

Magnetic Business Cards

How about getting some magnetic business cards? You can put them into a direct mail envelope when you are mailing and the recipient will put them on their refrigerator. You can also give them out and put them anywhere you would normally put a business card or flyer. Here is another unique idea to do with them. Since you will already have a sign on your vehicle saying that you buy houses how about putting about 10 of these magnetic cards on your vehicle so as someone sees your sign in a parking lot they can just come up to the vehicle and grab your card right then and there. This is an awesome idea and it works!

The BIG Business Card!

Here is an idea that I got from a friend who went into a realtor’s office with one of his bandit signs (because he was out of business cards) that says ‘I buy houses’. I just took the idea to the next level by actually having signs made that look like a business card. They’re 8×10 so they’ll fit into an envelope with a cover letter.

It says ‘I buy houses’ and it has my name and phone number listed. Every time you visit a Building Inspector, a Realtor, another Investor, a Property Management Company ask them to hang it on the wall. That way they’ll remember you and they’ll call you before they call anybody else. Plus, all of the other agents and employees in their office will see your hanging business card and you’ll get even more exposure! Visit Business Cards for further information.

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Tips To Make Your Business Card A Better Marketing Tool

Friday, April 10th, 2009

If your current business card fails to impress potential clients or you are not getting increased business that your card is supposed to provide for you. Then you should improve your business card to make it into a great marketing tool. For more information refer to Business Cards

The business card is more than just a piece of paper to pass our names & numbers. It represents an opportunity to become an impressive marketing tool. Our business cards should be unique & distinctive so as to be a memorable conversation piece for consumers.

Below are 10 tips to making your business cards function as a “fresh” advertising billboard for your businesses.

- Make sure that the basic information on the card regarding your name and contact details are complete. Providing your email address & your web site’s address will give it more appeal to consumers.

- Hand over your business card to all potential prospects

- Try to have them placed at high traffic location like next to the counter of a convenience store, at the counter of petrol pumps, etc to get maximum exposure.

- Make your business card a mini billboard to advertise your service or business product.

- A professionally designed logo will reflect the true identity of your business and also make your business card more identifiable even at a single glance.

- Your business or services unique selling proposition (USP) should be highlighted on the front or the back of the business card. Go to Business Cards for more information.

- Place your business card in all your correspondence

- If you are running a special promotion or a discount for a certain period it is worthwhile to invest in a new set of business card that highlights the promotion or a discount.

- Ensure that your selling proposition is brief and to the point. It should convey your service or product along with a product or a service benefit

- Shape your card relative to your business so your card can become a conversation piece. Limit the uniqueness so your card will not be difficult to fit into places where business cards are stored or else it will risk a chance of getting misplaced thus probably forgotten.

- Your business card needs to play an active and a powerful role to promote you , your business and your services. Create your business card and follow the tips mentioned above to leverage your business and increase business profits.

- Use full color printing (four color printing) for your business cards, once upon a time it was very expensive and you could end up paying over $ 200 to $ 1000 for high quality full colors cards. Price have dropped and you can now get beautiful full color cards printed for about the same price as plain 2 colors printing

- Put a picture on your business card, Studies have shown that people are more likely to hold onto business card with photo on it. It could be your picture, a picture of your product or a combination of both. Picture cards get attention.

- One of the most powerful, yet over looked weapons in your marketing arsenal is your business card. If designed properly this little 3 x 2.5 piece of paper will not only let people know how to contact you it will also tell them why they should contact you. In order to be effective and get you more business your business card must stand out, and get noticed. Visit Business Cards for more information.

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