Keep Your Resolutions

Resolutions.  Everyone makes them, but they're not always the easiest thing to keep.  Some resolutions are unrealistic, such as a massive weight loss in a short time.  Some are unattainable, such as becoming president of the United States. (Especially if it’s not an election year) One thing we can all do, in our business as well as our personal lives, is break things down into manageable tasks.  

Below are a few tips that will help make the resolutions you make more attainable. Following these simple steps in your personal and business life will give you the chance to keep your resolutions this year.

Focus:  It’s important to focus on why you want to accomplish something as much as what you want to accomplish.  If you set an unrealistic goal for yourself and don’t even know why, it’s going to be impossible to complete.  How can you motivate yourself when you don’t even know why you are doing something?  Break your goals down into smaller steps, making them easier to concentrate on.  This will also provide you with a sense of accomplishment, which will in turn motivate you to move forward with your resolutions.

Clean up:  It’s easy to forget what you’re trying to accomplish when your work is buried under piles of tasks.  Though they are all important, clear your desk of everything but what you need to complete the job at hand.

Manage Time:  Voice mail is a wonderful thing.  Though we all instinctively jump for a ringing phone, there are times when it’s best to let calls go to voice mail.  Allowing yourself time to complete a task without interruption will give you the satisfaction of doing it well.

Have a List:   Writing things down will give you something concrete to work from.  Seeing something rather than trying to remember it is always easier, and allows you to prioritize accordingly.

Delegate:   Though it’s easy to try and control every aspect of a task, delegating parts of a job will make it easier to complete in the end.  In addition, allowing others within your organization to help out will make them feel like part of a team.

Have a Beginning and an End:  Start each day by spending a little time planning what needs to be done and how.  At the end of each day spend a little time clearing your desk and putting the finishing touches on what has been completed.  Starting the day with a clean desk is much easier than trying to dig through clutter to see where you left off the day before.

Who Should Consider Promotional Products?

Whether you’re the marketing manager of a large company or the director of a small charity, advertising and promotions are an important part of your business.  Promotional products are a cost effective way to get the best results for your dollar.  Here are a few key points to consider.

• People love presents.  If you choose a product that appeals to the people you are marketing to, you will already have their attention.  If you choose a quality product that will last and is useful, you’ll have their attention for a longer period of time. 
• Make sure it lasts.  Whether a promotional item, such as a pen or a quality piece of apparel, if it’s made well, it will be used and worn.  A pen that runs out of ink in a month will be in the garbage, and a shirt that is thin or tears easily will be headed there as well. 
• Whatever you choose, it doesn’t have to be expensive in order to serve your needs.  There are so many options available when it comes to promotional items, it’s fairly easy to find something to fit your budget.  If you’re not sure of the best way to go, contact someone who knows the industry and let them help you. Despite the ease of shopping on-line, it is often better to let someone who is in the business guide you.  You’ll get more value for your dollar and you’ll find an item that suits your needs.  Over 17 billion dollars (yes, that’s a ‘B’) will be spent on promotional items and apparel this year.  Don’t let your items get lost in the shuffle. 

Remember, three out of four people have some type of promotional item in their work space. (Look around, we bet you have some too!)   People will keep useful things, and use them again and again.  Every time a product you’ve supplied is used, it’s seen, a visual and useful reminder of you and your business.

Cool Stuff

From one of our favorite vendors, take a look at the WineTaster's Journal from Journalbooks.  This classy little number give you everything you need to track your wine experiences with 100 sheets of their special wine tasting filler, where you can document which wines you've tried and rate them.   The journal also features an 8 page section of wine facts.

Put your company logo on the cover of this stylish and beautifully designed journal and make sure your clients have exactly what they need for your next event.   You can be sure they'll keep coming back for more! 

You can see more of the exciting products that Journal Books has to offer at their website, www.journalbooks.com

Cool Stuff

Just for our friends in the medical field,  here's a great product from our friends at Primeline.  This handy little pill case will keep your name at the fingertips of your patients as well as create leads from future clients.

Spin the top to access one of the four compartments which hold daily medications or vitamins, then open the smaller lid and remove what is needed. 

The bright colors and crisp lines make this pill case something different from the 'usual' cases you see, and the imprint area gives you plenty of room to display your company name or logo.

Give your patients a useful 'thank you' for returning to your office, and a reason to tell others about you at the same time.  Contact us today!

How Will You Be Remembered?

How will you be remembered this holiday season?   A sure way to be remembered is with the gift of food. 

Why?

Food is for everyone.  When a business receives a food gift, everyone feels appreciated from the people answering the phone, to the service department, all the way up the ladder to the boss.  It’s important to remember everyone in a business works as a team.  Thank them all with a tasty treat they will remember.  

Smell and taste are the strongest two senses and the more senses applied to something means it will be learned faster and retained longer.   We’ve all experienced this at one time or another.  The smell of baking cookies reminds us of grandma’s house, and we can all relate to the smell of turkey roasting on Thanksgiving!

Giving the gift of food in a reusable container means that even when the food is gone, your container will still be around.  A branded container means that you’re name will still be seen, even after the holidays are over.

Of course food gifts aren’t just for the holidays.  Reward employees for a job well done with a delicious basket.  Drop off a branded jar of treats to a client for the break room.  Every time someone has a snack they’ll be thinking of you.

Why Branding?

Not only is it memorable, it’s fresh. You name on a bar of chocolate means it hasn’t been sitting on a shelf in a warehouse for months, waiting for the holidays to arrive.  Your clients will be able to tell the difference, and they’ll remember you for it!

Don't forget to visit our website for more great ideas to help your business grow.

http://www.ctsafeguard.com/

Cool Stuff!

We love cool stuff...who doesn't?  We also love sharing cool stuff and giving you ideas on how to use it to make your business grow.  Check back often to see what we've found and how you can use it in your business!



We love.... 'The Tangle' from our friends at Prime.

Are you tired of leaning over your desk, searching your computer for an extra hub?  You're sure you saw one, but it's dark in the corner, and hanging upside down is making the blood rush to your head.

Enter...The Tangle.  With a 30 foot cord and four ports that twist 180 degrees, you'll never feel like you're playing twister with your computer again.

Add your logo and give the gift of not having to see a chiropractor to your clients and customers. The Tangle, imprinted with your logo, will be on their desk for all to see.  Great word of mouth and visibility, while providing a useful product..who could ask for anything more?

Imagine how much more productive your employees would be with The Tangle.  Everything they need at their fingertips, and no more work related injuries with heads bumped on desks.   Give 'The Tangle'  to new employees, as awards for great service, or as gifts around the holidays. 

Dont forget to visit our website for more great ideas to make your business grow!

http://www.ctsafeguard.com/

 

It's been a busy September

We’ve seen a lot of vendors in the past few weeks.  Althea and Joe took on Vegas at the North American Business Meeting (NABM) earlier this month and visited a lot of our preferred vendors.  (And met Dick Vitale, the keynote speaker along the way)

Kate ‘attended’ a virtual show through ASI and got to see some pretty interesting things without leaving the comforts of the office. (Ever see hand-sanitizer in a self dispensing wrist band?  I hadn’t either. Pretty neat.)

To cap off the month, Althea, Dawn, Kate and Debbie went to Massachusetts to the NEPPA (New England Promotional Products Association) show.  It was a long day, with a lot of walking but we met some great people and saw some new and innovative products.  We’ll be sharing the things we’ve seen, as well as some of the great ideas we’ve gathered along the way.  Stay tuned!  

Joe and Althea Take Vegas

Althea and I recently attended the Safeguard North American Business Meeting in Las Vegas.  The meeting lasted for 3 days and offered a number of classes focused on finding solutions for our customers needs, from social media marketing to high security check products to promotional product campaigns.  We also visited 70 of our top print and promotional vendors at a private tradeshow. 

With the end of the year coming it is time to begin planning for 2012 and our team at Safeguard is uniquely positioned to offer everything a business needs to drive sales, operate more efficiently and reward top employees.

-Joe

Why Direct Mail?

Direct mail provides you with a more personal connection with your customers than other forms of advertising.  Newspapers, television and online ads are more generic and impersonal, and there is no guarantee they are going to reach the audience you want to interact with. With direct mail, you can target a specific group of people who are more likely to respond to your offer.

By placing your message directly in your customers’ hand, you are encouraging them to do business with you.   Providing them with information about an upcoming event, or a coupon, gives them the incentive to act.  By counting how many coupons are used, or how many sales are made, you can easily analyze the success of your program and adjust marketing as needed.

Another option with direct mail is to provide information about your business to potential clients.  By explaining the services you offer, you can make sure that potential clients don’t pass you by because they were unaware that you provided a certain service.  Sending along a small but useful gift, such as a calendar or key chain, also keeps your business in front of your current and potential customers each day.

Keep direct mail in mind when deciding how to establish a new connection, or to reconnect with a former customer.  Whether you send a simple postcard updating your clients about your business, or an elaborate flyer with professional images to announce a major event, by personalizing your news, you are more likely to get and keep the attention of those you are trying to reach.

Do Businesses Even Send Holiday Cards Anymore?

They should. Not E-cards, by the way.  Real, honest to goodness paper cards.  In envelopes.  With stamps.  That are delivered by the mail carrier. Why?

The simple reason is because people like to get things. People especially like to get things in the mail that aren’t bills.  Think about it.  If your mail consisted of ten invoices and a greeting card, which would you open first?  The greeting card, naturally.  Who wouldn’t choose a little bit of happy when it’s delivered to their door?

Why a ‘snail mail’ greeting over email?

In addition to giving someone a little lift, there are other reasons to avoid using email for all communication.  Consider how many emails the average person gets in one day.  Now think about how many times you check your junk folder to make sure you didn’t miss something important.  Do you want to spend your time writing a thank you, or a seasonal greeting to a client only to have it vanish into cyberspace?

 Even if your email is read, there’s a pretty good shot it’s going to be deleted immediately.  Have you ever seen anyone print out their email and place them on the mantel for everyone to see? 

I haven’t either. It’s simple.  People keep real cards longer.

How many emails do you delete each day without even reading them?  If your clients think your email is an advertisement, they might overlook it entirely.

Sending your customers a holiday greeting, a thank you card, or a birthday card lets them know you appreciate them enough to take the time to say so.  People feel special when they receive a card addressed to them instead of an email addressed to everyone whose name ends in .com. People who feel valued are going to remember who values them. 

Sending an actual card allows you to send other things as well.  Insert a calendar in the envelope and make sure your business is remembered all year long.  Include a coupon for a discount on your product if used within a certain timeframe.  There’s no rule that says you can’t, especially since you’re specifically thanking your customer base. 

It’s simple and direct.  Thank them for doing business with you and give them an incentive to keep the relationship going.

Take the time to send your customers a holiday or greeting card.  They’ll appreciate it and in the long run, so will you.

Who Needs a QR Code Anyway?

Everyone.  Why?  With the amount of people carrying smart phones, and using them to access everything from Amazon to Zappos, it’s time to take advantage of QR technology to drive business your way. QR codes give instant access to the information you want people to have.  No waiting for an email, fax or phone call, QR is all about instant gratification.  QR can also increase your business by linking to coupons, discounts and special offers. The potential for growth is fantastic.

What's a QR Code...and what can I do with it?

A QR code (short for Quick Response code) is a two-dimensional code that is readable by QR readers and smart phones.  It looks kind of like someone took an old fashioned bar code and shook it up.  Originally used as a way to track inventory, the QR code is now used just about everywhere.  It’s not hard to find a way to utilize these little guys in your business.

• Link your code to your Facebook/Twitter pages to increase your social media presence. A QR code will get you more ‘likes’ and ‘follows’ because it will be easier for people to find you.
• Put a QR on your front door to provide your customers with an instant coupon.  Because QR codes are so versatile, it is easy to change offers frequently, which increases traffic to your store.
• In real estate, add a code to a ‘For Sale’ sign, providing quick contact information for any interested buyers or a slide show of the property.  Why risk losing a potential sale because they drive by and run across another property with more information available?
• A QR code on a table tent can increase traffic by providing information of upcoming events, specials, drink menus, etc.  Offer a free appetizer or a discount on a second dinner on specific days to increase business.
• Have a ‘contest’.  Have two or three QR codes that are different from the rest, offering deeper discounts to those who scan them.  The code can link a customer directly to your mobile site, allowing them to shop and apply the discount immediately.
• Link a QR code to a video, showcasing your business or product.  Give your potential and existing customers instant access to information and new products, engaging them immediately.
• On your business card, have a QR linked directly to your phone so calls are immediate, or provide a map directing customers to your location.  
• A code directly on a product label can provide a link to more information or reviews for those interested.
• Put a QR code on your promotional items.  Provide your clients with information about your company, your contact information or special offers.

The potential for QR codes is really limitless.  Be sure that wherever your QR code takes those who scan it, that the page is optimized for mobile use.  Use your imagination and find a way to bring this technology into your business.

Protect Yourself from Online Fraud

Internet fraud is something everyone has to worry about these days. While the internet has certainly made life easier for individuals and businesses alike, there is always a risk of identity theft. By taking a few precautions, you can greatly reduce the risk to yourself and your business. The FBI provides information on prevalent fraud schemes on their website, as well as tips to avoid common scams, both on and offline. Consider a few of the tips below before conducting an online transaction and help keep your personal and business identities safe.

• There is no reason to give your social security number in order to conduct business online.
• When making a purchase, make sure you are doing so from a reputable source.
• Research the individual company you are dealing with to be sure they are legitimate.
• Obtain a physical address and phone number rather than a post office box. Call the company directly to be sure that the contact information is legitimate.
• Don’t judge a company by its website. Websites can be created easily.
• Inquire about warrantees and return policies.
• Be cautious when dealing with companies outside of your own country.
• If possible make purchases with your credit card, since you can often dispute your purchase if something goes wrong.

You can find a complete listing of online safety tips and common fraudulent practices at www.fbi.gov. It is always a good idea to be proactive when keeping your business and personal identities safe from online fraud. A few extra moments of your time could save you from having to repair avoidable damage.

Are business cards a thing of the past?

The business card.  There’s a lot of potential in that little piece of card stock.  Though technology has made communicating with others nearly instantaneous, there is still a place for the business card in everyday life.

Throughout history, calling cards (for the wealthy) and trade cards (for merchants and shops) have been a central part of people’s lives.  The wealthy would call on friends and acquaintances, presenting their card to the staff who admitted them.  Trade cards were colorful advertisements for shops and merchants, usually with a map, in order to direct customers to their place of business. Naturally, the more colorful and eye catching the card, the more likely it would be noticed, thereby increasing sales.

Times change, but the basic functionality of the business card remains the same.  A small thing, but providing someone with your contact information is the first step in creating a lasting business relationship.  Keep some things in mind when you’re designing your cards in the future.

• Sales increase 2.5% with every 2000 cards you hand out.  Make sure you keep track of your inventory.
• People will keep a color card 10 times longer than a plain card.
• Consider adding a QR Code to drive business to a special offer for your customers, or a specific page of your website.
• Make sure your business card looks professional.  Don’t overwhelm people with loud graphics or illegible print. No one can contact you if they can’t read the information you’ve given them.
• Provide some key points of interest about your business.  This will help people tie you to your business. 
• While non-standard cards are eye-catching, they make it difficult for people to store easily.  If you want a card that stands out from the rest, consider having two cards printed. 

In the end, no matter what technology brings us in the future, the business card will always have its place. Make sure yours represents you and your business in the best possible way.

-Kate