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Viewing 1 - 31 out of 31 Blogs.
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Nailed It! blog, how to increase your
sales through your signage!
|  | | Banners - Decals - Rigid Signs - Vehicle Graphics - Window Graphics - Event & Sponsor Signs | | | Last weekend I went to see first hand, steel beams from 911, partially shrouded in an American flag, that were making their way to The Kitsap 911 Memorial in Western Washington. The truck hauling these massive, twisted, contorted beams has been making stops throughout the US as it makes it way to it's final resting place. What struck me was not only how the intense heat had its effect on the steel beams but the crowd of people that had gathered. They came from all walks of life and I'm sure different political persuasions but shared the awe, respect for those who perished and deep patriotism for their country.
As I drove away I passed packs of motorcycles on their way to help escort the truck with its precious payload to its final destination. I felt a twinge of pride and thought God Bless America! Visit their web site here http://http://www.kitsapmemorial.org/. You can see larger versions of these pictures on our FaceBook business page and FaceBook profile. | To forward this email to interested friends just click on the  link below, or share it on any of the social networks linked at the end of this email. | |
| | Dave Nail, Owner Instant Sign Factory 721 W 2nd Ave
Spokane, WA 99201
TOLL FREE (877) 778-7446
Phone: 509-456-3333
Fax: (509) 456-3364
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Tags: Signs Banners Decals 911
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Nailed It! blog, how to increase your
sales through your signage!
| | | Banners - Decals - Rigid Signs - Vehicle Graphics - Window Graphics - Event & Sponsor Signs | | | | We make the proven methods of increasing your sales - SIGNAGE! August Discount off Retail 15% OFF ALL Custom
Vinyl Banners
Through 8-31-10.
| | When it comes to decals, rigid signs, banners, vehicle and window graphics and lettering, promotional products, and more -
"We Make You Look Good". ...Showcasing Your Business! When it comes to your business the sky is the limit on making an impression. Anything goes with digital graphics and materials no matter what your application. The Kizuri design was digitally printed and applied to a aluminum composite panel with aluminum faces and a neoprene core. This lightweight panel offers the life of aluminum but costs less than a typical aluminum panel.
Time to freshen up your appearance for the fall season? Whatever your application, just contact us, we can help.
Good Selling! |  | Custom vinyl banners
10oz banner for limited outdoor and indoor applications like trade shows and indoor events, hemmed or not with grommets. Order on-line.
Heavy duty 13oz banner for primarily outdoor applications like building banners, For Lease banner, For Sale banner, or permanent directional banners, double sewn hems with grommets and rope sewn in the perimeter hem. Order on-line.
Double sided blackout banner for taking advantage of high traffic exposure in two directions on one banner material which blacks out the image from the backside so it doesn't show from the other side, double sewn hems with grommets and rope sewn in the hems. Order on-line.
Mesh banner for high wind areas due its air flow through design, especially useful for oversized banners or 2 sided for races or any type of sports events when suspended high over the finish line sewn with reinforced hems and grommets. Order on-line.We make ALL TYPES banners!Have a special banner need? Call us toll free (877) 778-7446 for a quote! | | | To forward this email to interested friends just click on the link below, or share it on any of the social networks linked at the end of this email. | |
| | Dave Nail, Owner Instant Sign Factory 721 W 2nd Ave
Spokane, WA 99201
TOLL FREE (877) 778-7446
Phone: 509-456-3333
Fax: (509) 456-3364
| | | | | | | | |
Tags: Banners Signs Decals Graphics
|
Nailed It! blog, how to increase your
sales through your signage!
| | | Banners - Decals - Rigid Signs - Vehicle Graphics - Window Graphics - Event & Sponsor Signs | | | | We make the proven methods of increasing your sales - SIGNAGE! Current Customer Special 15% OFF ALL Custom
Vinyl Banners
Through 8-31-10.
| | When it comes to decals, rigid signs, banners, vehicle and window graphics and lettering, promotional products, and more -
"We Make You Look Good". ...Capturing Your Special Memories on our Metal Signs! Capture old memories or special new ones on our tin signs. Create your own time capsule by capturing special memories or events that last a lifetime. Just send us your digital pictures and we will transform them onto our metal. Great for cabins or your special getaway; tin signs make affordable unique gifts for any occasion. Signs are 12" x 18", with or without holes. Any digital graphic or picture can be used. We do lots of old family pictures, hunting pictures, pets, weddings, nature scenes, cabin settings, mountain lake pictures - we can do any picture! Custom vinyl banners
10oz banner for limited outdoor and indoor applications like trade shows and indoor events, hemmed or not with grommets. Order on-line.
Heavy duty 13oz banner for primarily outdoor applications like building banners, For Lease banner, For Sale banner, or permanent directional banners, double sewn hems with grommets and rope sewn in the perimeter hem. Order on-line.
Double sided blackout banner for taking advantage of high traffic exposure in two directions on one banner material which blacks out the image from the backside so it doesn't show from the other side, double sewn hems with grommets and rope sewn in the hems. Order on-line.
Mesh banner for high wind areas due its air flow through design, especially useful for oversized banners or 2 sided for races or any type of sports events when suspended high over the finish line sewn with reinforced hems and grommets. Order on-line.We make ALL TYPES banners!Have a special banner need? Call us toll free (877) 778-7446 for a quote! | | | To forward this email to interested friends just click on the link below, or share it on any of the social networks linked at the end of this email. | |
| | Dave Nail, Owner Instant Sign Factory 721 W 2nd Ave
Spokane, WA 99201
TOLL FREE (877) 778-7446
Phone: 509-456-3333
Fax: (509) 456-3364
| | | | | | | | |
Tags: Signs Banners Metal Instant Sign Factory
| Banners - Decals - Rigid Signs - Vehicle Lettering & Graphics - Window Decals & Lettering - Event Sponsor Signs | | | INSTANT SIGN FACTORY "We Make You Look Good"
Your single source signage manufacturer. To order or for quote call (877) 778-7446 (M-F 8-5 PT).
We make the proven methods of increasing your sales - SIGNAGE!
Follow us on FaceBook and Twitter. New! Visit our "Nailed It" blog, discussions and tips on how to get the most out of your signage. | When it comes to signs, banners, vehicle graphics, window lettering, promotional products, and more - "We Make You Look Good". ...On to a Box! 
Your Favorite Brew! Vinyl lettering can be used for branding your company, specific information - hours, products, etc and just for fun, like on a mailbox for Tom Sawyer Country Coffee. Windows, walls, vehicles, products, equipment or just about anything that vinyl can stick to is your canvas to broadcast your message. For design, the sky is the limit for your digitally produced graphics and lettering for indoor or outdoor applications. Have fun thinking outside the box - just let us know how we can help! | We are a full service signage manufacturer
Whatever your signage needs we can make it for less since we are the source!
Call us toll free (877) 778-7446 for a quote!
| | Please feel free to forward this email, just click on the link below, or share it on any of the social networks linked at the end of this email for your convenience. | |
| | Dave Nail, Owner Instant Sign Factory 721 W 2nd Ave
Spokane, WA 99201
TOLL FREE (877) 778-7446
Phone: 509-456-3333
Fax: (509) 456-3364
| | | | | | | | |
Tags: Banners Decals Signs Vehicle Lettering And Graphics Window Lettering
| Banners - Decals - Rigid Signs - Vehicle Lettering & Graphics - Window Decals & Lettering - Event Sponsor Signs | | | INSTANT SIGN FACTORY "We Make You Look Good"
Your single source signage manufacturer. To order or for quote call (877) 778-7446 (M-F 8-5 PT).
We make the proven methods of increasing your sales - SIGNAGE!
Follow us on FaceBook and Twitter. New! Visit our "Nailed It" blog, discussions and tips on how to get the most out of your signage. | Current Customer Special
15% OFF ALL Custom Banners
Through 6-30-10. | 
Artsy | 
A Message | 
Inspiration | 
Your Business | 
Inspiring | 
Events | 
Your Ride | 
On to a Box | 
Decals | 
On to a Building | 
Fun | 
Cover a Building | | When it comes to signs, banners, vehicle graphics, window lettering, promotional products, and more - "We Make You Look Good". We recently compiled a random list of fun projects for our customers and they all seem to have a theme. Inspiration! 
Here's Dawes Eddy inspiring us all to set goals taking us to new heights, in his case the top of the world becoming the oldest American at that time to conquer Mt Everest! His message: exercise, eat right and enjoy the reward of an improved quality of life at any age. And no, we didn't take the picture, a few have asked. Contact us today about your "Inspirational" signage needs! | We are a full service signage manufacturer
Whatever your signage needs we can make it for less since we are the source!
Call us toll free (877) 778-7446 for a quote!
| | Instant Sign Factory is a court sponsor for Spokane Hoopfest 2010. You will also see many of our banners and other signage scattered throughout the Hoopfest 2010 event. Spokane Hoopfest 2010 will take place on June 26 and 27 in beautiful downtown Spokane, Washington. Maybe a little game of 3 on 3 at the worlds largest 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament. Perhaps a little Slam Ball, we did Hoopfest banner and the slam ball it's new and exciting - basketball on court sized trampolines! What is Hoopfest? Check out their official web site Hoopfest web site. This is a great community, regional, national and world event that deserves wide exposure. "Hoopfest is a 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament
Actually, Hoopfest is the biggest 3-on-3 street basketball tournament on the planet. That means over 6,700 teams, 3,000 volunteers, 200,000 players and fans, 428 courts spanning 40 downtown city blocks, and that's just on day one! Beyond basketball, though, Hoopfest is an outdoor festival chock full of concerts, shopping, food, interactive entertainment, and every year brings some thing new."
Whatever your fancy, be it "inspiration" or "inspiring"..."We Make You Look Good". See you at Hoopfest! | | Please feel free to forward this email, just click on the link below, or share it on any of the social networks linked at the end of this email for your convenience. | |
| | Dave Nail, Owner Instant Sign Factory 721 W 2nd Ave
Spokane, WA 99201
TOLL FREE (877) 778-7446
Phone: 509-456-3333
Fax: (509) 456-3364
| | | | | | | | |
Tags: Banners Decals Signs Hoopfest Basketball
Whatever your signage fancy... Artsy, A message, Inspiration, Your Business, Inspiring, Events, Your Ride, On to a Box, Decals, On to a Building, For Fun, Cover a Building... "We Make You Look Good". Contact us for your Inspiration, Event or Business Signage Needs! Call us toll free 877-778-7446 or fill out a quote. We Are Your Single Source Signage Manufacturer. 15% OFF ALL Custom Banners, ends 6-30-10. We've made it easy to order our most popular sizes - when you order online you instantly get a 15% off discount on your custom banner order! Enter ISFB discount code when ordering. Custom vinyl banners 10oz banner for limited outdoor and indoor applications like trade shows and indoor events, hemmed or not with grommets. Order online. Heavy duty 13oz banner for primarily outdoor applications like building banners, For Lease banner, For Sale banner, or permanent directional banners, double sewn hems with grommets and rope sewn in the perimeter hem. Order on-line. Double sided blackout banner for taking advantage of high traffic exposure in two directions on one banner material which blacks out the image from the backside so it doesn't show from the other side, double sewn hems with grommets and rope sewn in the hems. Order on-line. Mesh banner for high wind areas due its air flow through design, especially useful for oversized banners or 2 sided for races or any type of sports events when suspended high over the finish line sewn with reinforced hems and grommets. Order on-line. We make ALL TYPES banners! Have a special banner need? Call us toll free (877) 778-7446 for a quote!
Tags: Banner Banners Signs Decals Labels Vehicle Lettering And Graphics
INSTANT SIGN FACTORY
Customer Specials
"We are your single source!"
To order or for quote call (877) 778-7446 (M-F 8-5 PT). We make the proven methods of increasing your sales - SIGNAGE!
We are now on FaceBook and Twitter join us!
Expand the reach of your business by becoming our friends on Facebook and Twitter! New! Visit our "Nailed It" blog, discussions and tips on how to get the most out of your signage.
15% OFF all Custom vinyl banners Sales ends 2-28-10.
10oz banner for limited outdoor and indoor applications like trade shows and indoor events, hemmed or not with grommets. Order on-line.
Heavy duty 13oz banner for primarily outdoor applications like building banners, For Lease banner, For Sale banner, or permanent directional banners, double sewn hems with grommets and rope sewn in the perimeter hem. Order on-line.
Double sided blackout banner for taking advantage of high traffic exposure in two directions on one banner material which blacks out the image from the backside so it doesn't show from the other side, double sewn hems with grommets and rope sewn in the hems. Order on-line.
Mesh banner for high wind areas due its air flow through design, especially useful for oversized banners or 2 sided for races or any type of sports events when suspended high over the finish line sewn with reinforced hems and grommets. Order on-line.
We make ALL TYPES banners!Have a special banner need? Call us toll free (877) 778-7446 for a quote! | | 2-sided posters and frames | Fold over posters | Full color political banners
15% off! | Political signage kit |
Tags: Banners Political Decals Signs
| 15% off all Trade show display signs, display graphics and display headers. Instant Sign Factory is a trade show signage specialist. Digital graphic signage for trade show displays and display signs, digital graphic decals on Lexan for trade show headers, vinyl decals or vinyl banners. Sale ends 1-31-10. Call us toll free 877-778-7446 for quote. |
Visit http://www.finemineralshow.com/ Fine Mineral Show to learn more. |  |  | When graphical clarity, IMPACT and portability is a must we have the right products for your trade show displays. We can also design your matching vehicle lettering, vehicle graphics or vehicle magnets for your trade show event.
| | Also see our popular trade show display banner. Light Weight banner. Washable banner. Banner looks fresh always. Easy to install banner. A banner must for all exhibitors. This banner takes less space for shipping, packing, storage, travel. No special handling when traveling to shows. Banner retains its high impact colors and definitions. Banner can be used to exhibit and display graphic back drops for trade shows. Stage banner back drops for bands. Fold and crease resistant. Wrinkle free travel for trade shows or events. |
Digital display headers for trade show booths
| Trade show promotional products stay in front of get used daily by your customers, and potential customers longer than any other form of advertising, are proven in their ability to draw initial and drive repeat sales. Order customized products to showcase your business and increase top-of-mind awareness with your customer base! |
Tags: Weddings Trade Shows
| Want to help Pete and Andrea get hitched? Here's how: |  | Pete and Andrea are on a mission. They're attempting to pay for their wedding by recycling 400,000 aluminum cans. Target date for wedding is July 31, 2010. Want to help? In the Spokane area you can drop your cans off here at Instant Sign Factory on the corner of 2nd and Post or contact Pete and Andrea and they'll pick up your cans. Outside Spokane? Find a local recycling center and recycle there. Here's a poster to help get you started. Maybe donate a few bucks of the proceeds their way via PayPal at http://www.weddingcans.com/ bottom of page. |
Tags: Wedding Cans Pete Andrea
Ho! Ho! Ho! Happy Hoops! What does Santa do in his spare time when he's not delivering gifts on a never ending Christmas Eve? He disguises himself as a short, middle aged, stocky Irishman with a gregarious attitude delivering hoops and nets with a few basketballs thrown in throughout the US all year long. His sleigh is a Lincoln Navigator filled to the brim with “four rear mount hoops and nets.” As he pulls away in his “sleigh” from delivering his most recent set of rims and nets, you can hear his infectious, loud, joyous laugh. His “North Pole” or base of operations is Spokane Washington, the new epicenter of basketball, home of Hoopfest, the largest 3-on-3 tourney in the world, Gonzaga University basketball, etc. It makes perfect sense. His mission is to make sure that all kids growing up have hoops and nets - it's a healthy release, keeps them busy, off the streets and out of trouble. Who is this guy? It didn't start in Spokane. Having lived in a poor neighborhood in Yakima, Santa, err Ron Willhite*, moved to Walla Walla where he was recruited to be a Chaplin at the local maximum security prison. I believe his first installation was near his apartment where the hoops at a neighborhood basketball court were torn down. He was pretty happy about his new hoops until a short time later he noticed they were ripped down again. It was at that time he decided to double up the hoop rim. I'm sure you've seen them, and he hasn't looked back. He said his work at the prison helped him to identify the poorest neighborhoods in the US. He first started shipping to Indian reservations throughout the US since many of his friends growing up were Native Americans and it grew from there. A couple years ago I saw Ron who was just sending his second shipment to Hawaii. When he saw my surprised look he said “don't you know that most of the schools in Hawaii are converted military barracks - they really need them.” A few weeks ago when we crossed paths, I asked Ron how many hoops he had personally delivered, shipped or installed to date. I hadn't seen him for awhile so I guessed about 3000 plus or minus. I stood corrected, it was closer to 6500. I've visited his warehouse stuffed with hoops and nets. Be sure you don't confuse the 4 hole patterns with less common hole patterns. So you ask, is this his job, who sponsors him, what's he get out of it? Well, he has a day job and occasionally comes by to order a new sign or refurbish an old one, dressed many times in his overalls bearing a huge grin and wonderful sense of humor. He bears most the expense. It's only in the past few years that he's getting help towards the hoop and the nets. I think he gets from one sponsor $1 per hoop. I remember him telling the story when expenses were mounting several years ago he wrote letters to anyone he thought would listen asking for help. No response, then, sometime later a $10,000 check arrived from the Seahawks - he cried. His stories are rich and even a bit scary. There were the two times when he was replacing hoops in some tough metro areas in California where he was approached by gang members. One time they wanted his tools. He said he couldn't oblige them because if they took his tools he couldn't install the hoops. The other time they wanted his truck. He reasoned at that time that he couldn't let them have it because he couldn't get the rest of the hoops to install. They let the short, stocky Irishman complete his mission. Even last summer while driving by a local park, developed by NFL MVP Mark Rypien's foundation, with nice hoops, he saw local kids throwing tennis balls at the backboard. He immediately stopped and pulled out basketballs for all. “No child who likes to play basketball should be without a basketball” he said. This last July Ron was making the second to last trip to Montana. After that trip, they would only need one more trip to complete every town in Montana, amazing! On that trip the trailer they were pulling broke an axel. All combined, the cost was $10,150 including gas rooms, food. The equivalent product cost of the hoops was $26,000. Ron's group, Kids At Risk, was $4,100 in the red. He's still hoping to make that last trip before winter. What a great example of how one person can make a huge difference. At this time of year where we share and count our blessings, this seems an appropriate story. Ron doesn't seek notoriety, but just wants to continue his work. Make way for the Lincoln Navigator, stuffed with hoops and nets, as Ron makes his way to make deliveries courtside at a neighborhood near you, family or friends. Listen for his joyous laugh - you will have witnessed a true gift! Happy Hoops! *If you want to help Ron continue his mission his contact info is: Kids At Risk
Ron Willhite
PO Box 4005
Spokane, WA 99220
Tags: Hoops Basketball Spokane Instant Sign Factory Kids At Risk Ron Willhite
Window Lettering and Graphics Why's this so important? Because it's all about you and your business! If designed properly, it sends a message, every day, all year long about who you are and what services and products you offer. It may not be as affective as hiring those talented, or not, individuals swinging those signs on corners for quick lube, pizzas or clearance sales - but there it is speaking to those either walking or driving by your business, in all weather conditions. Affordable
Big bang for the buck on exposure or impressions. Sure, you can get a broader audience on TV or radio but we all know it's about frequency, so how much can you afford? And it does work for some. But for those who drive by your business, the likelihood of them buying your services is greater than the individual on the other side of the county hearing a sound bite. It's no wonder it's one of our top sellers out of all our sales graphics, signs and decals.
What is the material?
Most of what we provide is adhesive backed vinyl. We typically cut lettering and images from a wide variety of vinyl colors but many times we digitally print graphics onto adhesive backed vinyl including pictures and four color graphics. We also offer a digitally printed perforated vinyl, similar to what you see on buses, that allows you to see out the window, but not in.
Easy to install
Although we install window graphics on demand for those in our immediate service area, most of what we sell can and is installed by the end user. We provide directions and rarely have we had to rerun graphics for a botched application in eighteen years.
The vinyl can be applied to the outside of the window which usually has the best visibility since many windows have UV inhibitors which can darken the glass. It can also be applied to inside of the window facing out. That usually applies to businesses on upper floors or in areas of high vandalism which is usually a greater concern than reality. Design
Here's the fun part - figure out what you want to say then plug it in to your available window space. If you have large windows, you don't need to letter the whole area. If you have smaller windows you might have a series of “bullet points” going across a series of windows or even vertically on a window.
Don't over do it. Be simple and readable for best impact. Good News! We can help you with your layout. Just send us dimensions of your windows and the elements of your message and we'll send back layouts. Better yet, send us a digital picture of the store front with a few dimensions then we'll do the rest in the proofing process. The Static Option
Static clings can be an effective alternative. They can be small, placed near your entry door or they can be oversized, up to 4 feet or longer. We don't recommend them for a semi permanent application since they have shelf life and the static is not as stable as vinyl over a period of time. Temperature, window grime, dirt, etc also can affect how it performs. But they are great for shorter term sales, promotions, etc.
Tips on Color
Before you decide to put your favorite color on the window check to see if it's visible. I usually recommend taking a sheet of paper close to your color choice and tape it to the window. Take a look from the typical viewing distance and see if it has impact. The same goes for inside applications. The most popular color is white followed by mostly light colors. White outlines also help bring out other colors. Black disappears on glass - not recommended!
Removal of Vinyl
It's easy - the materials you need is one of those razor blades with the plastic grip you find at every hardware and drug store and possibly a heat gun or hair drier to help loosen the adhesive. Just carefully lift an edge of the vinyl and pull it off. Sometimes I use either Windex or something similar to act as a lubricant for the blade so you don't damage the window.
Lead-time
The typical lead-time is 2-3 days from approval of artwork.
Visit our website http://www.instantsignfactory.com/ for window lettering applications to give you some ideas to leverage your business. Good Selling!
Tags: Window Lettering Graphics Banners Signs Decals
The above is a custom full color digital graphic banner.
Deck the Halls with Holiday banners for special events or Holiday Sales
| | 15% discount off retail prices on our custom banners for retail sales, holiday specials and events, perfect for advertising leasing space or commercial property sales to display on buildings in windows and in store. Our custom banners are economical and backed by our quick turnaround service; we do all sizes and types of banners.
Get your message out with custom banners, regular and oversized, for display in your windows, on walls, or free hanging, inside or outdoors, now, for the holiday season - quick turnaround and priced right! Ends 12-31-09.
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Tags: Banners Decals Holiday Signs Instant Sign Factory
Holidays are Here, Let's Get Festive! Recently our customers have found our posters, many oversized, effective. Announcing sales, specials or promoting your products or services with a Holiday flair can be fun and productive at a great cost with quick turnaround. With our digital graphic capability let your imagination run wild! Check out our special for this month: Posters, 15% discount! Customer Communication and Service Ever had an existing good customer walk in your store or check out your website and say, “I didn't know you offered those!” Shocking, right? Drives me nuts - good customers, happy with service, product, etc and they don't know one of your major product lines. There are many ways to remind our customers of our widgets and services: web site updates, announcements, direct mail, and of course in store posters, banners, counter mats, signs and decals to do the silent selling and gentle reminders. Inspiration for any time of year Follow up to our blog “Inspiration” on Dawes Eddy who at 66 climbed Mount Everest last spring and who for several days was the oldest American male to do so. At a recent presentation of his feat, he reminded us that if nothing else, keep your “choices” of activities open by taking care of yourself, young or older. He said there are three things most of which we control, that can improve our quality of life: Good genes - okay, not much we can do about that
Good diet
Regular exercise No surprises but obviously helped Dawes accomplish his dream, quite a testimony for those wanting to keep “choices” plentiful. Good Selling!
Tags: Banners Decals Signs Graphics Customer
 | I am writing to share something that I am excited about and that I believe will make a big impact in your life. Chris Majer, Founder of the Human Potential Project has just released his first book, The Power to Transform. For 25 years he and his team have been crafting a highly effective body of work that has consistently proven successful at enabling high performers of all sorts to take the game, be it business or sports, to a higher level. Until now the only way you could have access to this work was if your company was willing to put you through one of HP2's corporate courses. Now there is a simple way for all of us to have the opportunity to experience what HP2 does and enjoy the results that executives at Amgen, Microsoft, Allianz, Capital One, Nike and a host of others have experienced. | | Most everyone at some point in their life has made some attempt to develop more of their potential. They have taken a course, read a book, listened to a tape and for the most part it hasn't helped much. In this new book you will find out why and what it really takes to produce not just change, but transformation in your life. What separates this book for all of the others on the market is that it is more than a book. It is an invitation to join a growing cadre of people who are working together to transform themselves and their worlds. The book is designed to work in conjunction with a specifically tailored web site, http://www.thepowertotransform.net/. The site is set up so that you can go there and do the assignments that are set out in the book, store and log your work, assess progress, and join up with others to work together on learning teams. It is this combination of reading and building new practices that will produce the transformation that you have long been seeking and finding so elusive. The book and web site set out a very focused and rigorous 90-day program for you to follow and the promise is that when you have completed the work you will find that you have a new way of being in the world, a capacity to move with dignity, grace, purpose and power to achieve anything you set your sites on.
I have two requests for you. Not surprisingly the first is buy the book and then ‘do' the book. Don't just read it but do the work that is set out in the book and experience the promise of transformation for yourself. The second request is that you help us with the marketing effort. Our goal is to have The Power To Transform land at the top of Amazon's list and on the New York Times best seller list. To do that we need your help. No amount of advertising and PR carries the same weight as the power of a recommendation from a friend. So just as I sent this to you please send it along to all of the people in your networks with a personal recommendation. You will be doing them a service and if there was ever a time for transformation this is it! Good Selling! |
Tags: Banners Decals Signs Power Transform
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 40th 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. Happens every week throughout the country, right?! But this group and those of similar ages witnessed and became part of something huge in America. It was not only Woodstock's anniversary. Forty years ago we put a man on the moon with prehistoric computers which make that moon shot appear to be more of a sling shot - looking back, the astronauts were truly brave pioneers! Civil rights, peace marches, tolerance, voting rights for 18 year olds, a true renaissance of rock, blues, and Motown - all of these events no matter your position politically or religious persuasion became a part of our fabric at that time. We suffered as a nation when key leaders were assassinated. And now we have an African American as President - rarely imagined 40 years ago. So as the evening went on, music wafting across the fields, under a canopy of stars, amidst great conversation, dancing and fun one could imagine how rich this moment was. Certainly a lot more gray hair in the crowd, not to mention a little less in places, but the richness of the souls was obvious. Good times, bad times, survivors of cancer, physical disabilities, personal losses, failures and challenges, but also wins and perseverance. No complaints on this night, just souls coming together and sharing. We all were threads of each other's fabric, either our interaction years ago or lack of it. As the event wound down and I drove away, I thought how special a night - rich, in fact, and magical. Everyone has a contribution while on this earth that affects many friends, family and acquaintances. We are indeed a village and we're doing okay, even in tough times. Enjoy the journey and those special people around you as you go forward into the night. It's all good! Have a great summer; take some well deserved time off and good selling!
Tags: 18 Year Olds Adventurous Souls African Astronauts Brave Pioneers Cance
Decals - Big Bang for the Buck. Think about it. How can we reach our existing and potential customer base to enhance our visibility and brand without breaking the bank with the typical expensive mediums available? Decals! No matter what size big or small, you can enhance your visibility and “impressions” daily to the market place. You have flexibility on shape, sizes, artwork and budget. Let's list a few of the most common applications: - Your decals on every product you ship out the door. Attrition occurs with every customer you deal with so it's always a good reminder to those on the receiving end where the product came from.
- Your decals for display in your customers' windows
- Your decals for display on vehicles
Here are some of the many applications of decals for you or your customers: - School booster clubs for vehicles-universities to grade schools
- Decals for school or club sport teams
- Parking permit decals for businesses and schools
- Campaigns-political or some local initiatives-for display on vehicles
- Product branding
- Equipment identification and instructions for manufacturers
- Construction companies for equipment identification, vehicles, hardhats, etc
- Vehicles decals/graphics-cars, trucks, motorcycles, boats, all recreational vehicles
- Promotional decals-create or pick any unique design and make them available to customers for free. Seasonal or holiday designs are popular-Winter, Fourth of July
There are many types of decals: - Standard outdoor decals with the adhesive on the back
- Indoor decals with face adhesive
- Decals exposed to potential abrasion requiring added protection with a laminate overlay
- Temporary decals where easy removal is important
- High tac adhesives where surface bonding is an issue
The benefits of decals are diversity in applications, size, graphics, low shipping costs, maximum visibility to customers for a reasonable cost. Especially in this market, we need to capitalize on efficient, cost effective ways to promote our products with maximum visibility to existing and potential customers. Decals, good bang for the buck! Good Selling!
Tags: Adhesives Bonding Booster Booster Clubs Club Sport Construction Compan
Even in the depth of economic turmoil we witness refreshing events that take us beyond our immediate concerns and focus on the miraculous selfless acts and achievements of special individuals. Some would call them heroes but they think of themselves as just ordinary, everyday folks. We have airline pilot Chelsey Sullenberger, Sully, who glided his jet and passengers to safety without casualties after having both engines quit from imploding birds. And just today, Captain Phillips, whose freighter was overcome by pirates and who offered himself as a hostage in exchange for his crew, was freed by the courageous team of Navy Seals. How about the mass of volunteer's sand bagging swollen levees to help their communities and neighbors - again, selfless and the right thing to do. A few of these stories have national coverage but many acts go unnoticed but are equally inspirational and uplifting. For instance, take Dawes Eddy. Unless you are located in Eastern Washington (state), his story probably went unnoticed, even if you lived in his hometown, Spokane. Briefly, the story is about Dawes, a 65 year old estimator and work out enthusiast, and mountain climber set out to be the oldest US citizen to scale Mt. Everest. Why you ask? Simple, he believes exercise and diet can slow the aging process and improve quality of life for our aging boomers. He also wants to send a message to our youth about controlling or avoiding obesity, not by words but by deeds, actions - his actions. He is willing to go to the end of the earth, ascend to the highest point on earth to send his message to motivate us to get out from behind our desks, computers, or flat screens and take control of our health. Who is this guy? A family man of modest means. A $50,000.00 budget means sacrifice and he sincerely appreciates those offering to help offset the cost of his mission. When you ask him what he is doing in the off season, winter he responds, climbing Mt Rainer, alone. Hmm, okay. This crusade and passion is not without risks. Only 13% make it and at his age getting oxygen into his blood is slower. He has had other risky climbs, once he tumbled 2,000 feet down Mt Rainer emerging with just a broken leg. Unassuming, soft spoken - just wanting to make a difference. You make us AARP card carrying or not, friends, business acquaintances and younger generation proud! Good Luck Dawes! *Check Dawes and his progress www.mountainguides.com/everest-south09.shtml http://www.eddyoneverest.com/ Everyday inspiration? How about your business and those of your customers that have managed to persevere stay the course without TARP dollars and financial lifelines up to this point. For most, times are still tight and no doubt will remain that way for the foreseeable future, but there appears to be a glimmer of improvement toward the end of this year. You are inspirational to your family, employees, and customers. Good Selling!
Tags: Chelsey Sullenberger Captain Phillips Dawes Eddy Eastern Washington
Vehicle lettering and graphics are a proven, effective advertising medium for any business. What other advertising promotes business 5 to 7 days a week with all that exposure - not to mention mobile - for, and this is important, a one time expense. You can certainly use the local paper, radio or even TV, but the meter is running every time they mention your business name. It can be as simple as door and window lettering, to partial or full wraps like a moving billboard and everything in between. We continue to hear from customers who were in a parking lot or just in traffic and received calls as a result of their vehicle graphics. No matter what type of business or service, vehicle graphics can help your business and provide a professional image. When you are providing a service or product in a business area or even in a neighborhood, your vehicle with graphics acts like a referral; the assumption is that if the business next door or neighbor is utilizing your services, they have performed a due diligence on your company and more than likely are happy with your work. It's a much better impression than having nothing on your vehicle which raises the questions of who you are, what are you doing, should you even be there and are you a small company just renting vehicles. Instead, your vehicle can be working as a silent salesman when it's parked. What are the choices? New materials and printing processes provide lots of exciting options, from vinyl cut letters to full digital graphics. There is also the perforated vinyl for windows so you can see out but not in that is popular especially on buses. And don't forget vehicle magnetics, versatile and effective. How do I get started? - Determine what your message is and measure the areas you want to dedicate to the graphics.
- Send us your graphics directly along with picture via email to
quote@instantsignfactory.com, or fax to 509-456-3364 or click here to fill out our online quote form for vehicle graphics and upload your picture of your vehicle and measurements. We have templates of many vehicles available that can be used so many times you can provide just the model and year of your vehicle. Questions? Call us toll free 877-778-7446. - Keep it clean and simple - if you aren't moving your potential customers are so your message needs to be easily readable. There are exceptions as with complete wraps, but even wraps can get too busy and muddle your message.
- Recommended information is business name, city or locations (maybe just service area), phone number, web site and a few bullet points of what you do.
Are the graphics removable? Yes, gently lift the edges of the vinyl or graphics and pull. Many times a heat gun or hair dryer can be used to help loosen the adhesive. Adhesive removers are available at most hardware stores to help get rid of any residual adhesive after the graphics are removed. Can I apply these graphics? Yes, in most cases. We supply instructions to help. Graphics are sent throughout the US for business vehicles, boats, RV's etc and we rarely have to replace them from an installation problem. So get your pen out, write down your information and submit it to us one of the above ways. You'll be happy you did. Don't forget to park your vehicle in front of your business or on the adjacent busy street and put your graphics to work! Good Selling!
Tags: Vehicle Lettering Graphics Car Mobile Promote
First quarter review - yikes, are you kidding! It's two weeks short of ending first quarter. It wasn't too long ago that I was figuring out how to navigate the rocky shoals of this whole year. Did the ground hog, or was it Adam Smith just see his shadow? Where do we look today for credible economic information - what can or should we expect? The consensus by those in the know or in the “should know”, including your local banker project slow recovery. Probably no discernable change to most of us until late this year or as late as 4th quarter 2010. It's as your instincts suspected, a continuance of business “not as usual”. We all need to review our business model even after we adjusted it late last year, and see if it still applies to this market. Shortly, you will have a three month history to weigh and analyze your situation - expenses, revenues, margins, etc. Chose a strategy that is realistic and tough. It's always a nice problem to deal with increased production and hiring, but we should wait to see the “whites of their eyes” for the up tick in our business before we slip on those rose colored glasses. Meanwhile back at the marketing ranch, stay in front of your customers with your desired or most effective media: Stay proactive with your business and adaptive with your model to all sales opportunities. Ride your good friend, your business, and ticket to an acceptable, successful lifestyle for you and your employees. Your business today is the best thing going - no one knows that better than you! Good Selling!
Tags: First Quarter Review Business Model Marketing Sales Selling
Don't banners look like, well, banners? Well, yes and no. In most cases, up close, banners look temporary, like fabric! But from a distance they look permanent, like wood, metal etc, but cost substantially less. I have a customer who just now is replacing a 40' banner they put up on their building twelve years ago. From the freeway it looked like a permanent sign. But whether you like their appearance or not, they achieve their objective: • Cost effective per square foot for maximum impressions
• High visual impact if designed properly
• Versatile color options, one to full color
• Quick turnaround No matter the economy, but especially when extremely challenging, you need to take action fast when windows of opportunity appear - before they close! For example: • Inventory reductions
• Seasonal market influences
• Time sensitive sales
• Sport and convention events
• Trade shows, etc. Banners can help big time and not break your budget! Banner choices: It's important to match the right type of banner to how it's being used to achieve maximum value. Quick one time uses: Medium weight banners with grommets, no hems. They are weatherproof and less expensive. Reuse them for next year's events. Indoor/outdoor applications: Medium weight, 10 oz banners, sewn hems with grommets or pole pockets. Designed for multiple uses, great for trade shows or annual events. Outdoor, high exposure to the elements: Heavy duty, 13 oz banners with sewn hems and grommets. Applications include For Sale or Lease, parking, directional, sponsor banners, upcoming construction projects, etc. Mesh banners: For oversized or high wind applications: These banners are extremely durable due to the mesh design which reduces positive and negative wind loads. Installers love them since they are light weight for installation, acting less like a “sail” like their vinyl counterpart. Uses include street banners, finish lines, huge building banners, and more. Again, effective and economical. Two sided, blackout banners: Ideal for catching traffic in two directions with your message. Specifically designed fabric includes a black out film between vinyl layers to eliminate shadowing from the other side. Great for street pole banners announcing upcoming events or change of seasons. Also used for street banners spanning the roadway announcing annual events, i.e. rodeos, trade fairs, fun runs, etc. Lightweight, wrinkle resistant polyester banners: Great for trade shows or band backdrops. Traveling across the US or overseas and need high impact graphics? Pull this out of your suitcase, let it relax, and you're in business. Banner Rehab for ultimate flexibility: Announcing a date specific event this year? Changing sponsors from one year to the next? Call us for the date change or new sponsors and we'll send back your new information to be applied and blend to your banner. In some cases, too many changes make rehab not cost effective and you should just plan on a new banner. Banner Care Rules: First: Don't lose the banners - good for our business, expensive for yours. Second: Don't fold them like a shirt. If possible, just role them up-digital banners with print to the inside, banners with vinyl lettering roll with lettering to outside-in any case, roll them up, keep them dry and make note of where you store them. Banners are versatile and cost effective especially in tough economic times. It's all about “impressions” so get your business out there!
Tags: Banners Light Weight Medium Weight Mesh Blackout Polyester
Rigid Signs So that fabric, temporary banner appearance won't do. Let's move up to rigid substrates-metal, sign plywood, plastic, aluminum composite panels, fiberglass - lots of choices. All are long lasting, weather resistant signs for business, resorts, parking, roadside, construction, etc. Vinyl, digital or reflective messages are available on all these products, one and two sided. Metal or metal composites - A favorite for those in extremely harsh environments or requiring long life expectancy - available with vinyl, digital, or reflective lettering and graphics. More expensive, but if your horizon for the application is years, the cost benefit it there. Sign quality wood signs - Clearly the most commonly use for everyday use. Again, businesses, jobsites, commercial property management and development, residential real estate are typical. Even with sealed edges, eventually weather will win the battle - but it will last years, 3-5 in most environments, upwards of 10 years in many cases. Again the cost benefit for that period can be attractive. Plastic - Solid plastics, common brand names Sintra, Komotex, Trovicel, have their place. Most common applications are indoor / outdoor for business, directional, tradeshows, and parking. Depending on location and environment, expect 3-5 years. Application significantly affects the life expectancy. If outdoors, attach to a flat surface, avoid fastening to posts especially in cold climates where the plastic can crack or break upon impact or vandalism. The most common thicknesses are 3mm (1/8th) and 6mm (1/4”), the latter a favorite with parking management companies. Light weight plastics - Corrugated plastic that resembles cardboard are great for temporary signage, directional's, real estate, elections, estate sales, and one time events. Common brand names are Corex and Coroplast. Inexpensive metal stakes are available that are inserted into the flutes of the signs. Be sure you order your signs with vertical flutes if you require stakes. Also, vertical flutes are helpful in high wind areas to help resist horizontal fractures. Grommets for hanging the signs are common. Back lighted sign faces - The translucent polycarbonate faces are designed to be back lighted to highlight the graphics on the sign all hours. Most common graphics and lettering are produced from translucent material to bring out the color. Opaque material is also used in which case the light will go around the lettering. Black is commonly opaque since there is little benefit for a translucent effect. The panels are costly but the life expectancy and performance resemble metal. Faces may yellow over time due to UV exposure, but he process is gradual. Typical applications are “tenant changes” at leased office complexes. New back lighted sign boxes require permits and qualified electrical contractors for installation. Electrical sign companies provide the necessary services. The panels are hardy and as one salesman said years ago, “they'll take a bullet”! Plexiglas - Classy appearance indoor applications for business and building signs including suite signs, directional's, and reception areas. Different colors are available but clear panels can be back printed any color. A popular application is the entry to offices where we back print the Plexiglas and mount off the wall with stand off fasteners to provide a dimensional effect - makes an impressive statement, similar to dimensional letters. Trade show polycarbonate signs - These signs are most commonly used in conjunction with traveling displays. The material is hardy and can be rolled up for traveling displays. High impact graphics are back printed which offers maximum protection and Velcro is attached for affixing to the display face. These above substrates and applications are the most common. There are additional products available - if you have a unique application just contact us at info@instantsignfactory.com or call toll free 877-778-7446.
Tags: Rigid Signs Metal Plastic Wood Light Weight Plastics Back Lighted Sign Face
Why use dimensional letters? Dimensional letters whether on the outside of a building or in the reception area of a business adds an aura of presence, a substantive statement of confidence and longevity. It's not just a shingle or sign thrown up to identify a business, which are effective for identifying a business and what they do. It's a bolder impression. People have been exposed to dimensional lettering over the years at companies that are attempting to project an impression of confidence, stability and longevity like government buildings, large corporate entities, law firms, and, yes, financial institutions. The list goes on. Dimensional letters can give you an edge in the perception of your company compared to your competitors. They cost more money than typical signage, but can also instill an impression of confidence to your customers that lead to sales! You are making a statement that your business is strong, committed to the future – because the lettering appears more permanent, so do you. The most common applications are on the exterior of a building if the business is the primary tenant, the entryway or reception area of an office and some times the letters will be mounted on a rigid material like plastic, Plexiglas or even wood. In this last case the sign can then be moved to different locations. Exterior applications: There are a large number of letter characters (fonts) available in many different sizes and colors. These are typically made of molded plastic and are attached to the building with studs and or silicone. Some shapes have rounded faces and some flat. Cast metal letters are also available but obviously more expensive. Custom molds for logos or modified fonts are available. Foam letters which are used at times are not highly recommended. Unlike with more expensive plastic letters, birds like to peck holes in the foam letters plus they don't have the life expectancy. Interior applications: There is a little more flexibility associated with these applications. The molded plastic letters can work nicely but now we can use foam letters in various thicknesses and finishes. The depth of the letters can range from .25” to 2” depending on material and manufacturer. The surfaces of these foam letters not only come in standard colors, but also offer the metallic brushed or mirror surfaces in gold, bronze and silver. Installation: For exterior applications high on the side of a building, it is recommended that an experienced installer is used. Templates are available and highly recommended for dimensional letter orders. For office installations, especially when patterns or templates are available, the process is easier which opens the installation to even the end user. Studs can be used but also just double stick tape can be used due the light weight of the letters. Installation guidelines are available. Dimensional letters have their place and worth consideration for your business especially in today's economy where value of impressions count! Check out our dimensional lettering install videos http://www.instantsignfactory.com/gemini_videos.php of Gemini dimensional lettering – we are a Gemini authorized dealer. Learn more about dimensional lettering here http://www.instantsignfactory.com/gemini.php. Good signing!
Tags: Dimensional Letters Signage Business Gemini
How Do They Know? What Are They Trying to Tell Us? After a cold, long winter not to mention a cruel, torrid economic environment, the birds are back making conversation in the wee morning hours after a long, self imposed exile. I can't say for sure what they were squawking about, but I think it was change is coming; spring, rebirth - time for rebuilding. Longer days, people taking to the streets, attitudes changing; activity, it's all good for business. So here we all are, having survived our impending demise as reported in the news; time to get on the horse and proactive towards increasing sales and making some profits. Think Spring - what is the mindset of your customers this time of year? How can we direct attention to the benefit of our widgets to current and potential customers? Let's tailor our marketing efforts to what our customers are looking for now. Spring specials - help our customers jump start their businesses with good ole fashioned specials. Let's help them start thinking about energizing their business. How can your widget help them accomplish increased sales? - Spring and yes, summer product offerings - take a page from the successful national retailers. Promote those products and services that have proven to be sellers late spring, early summer.
- How about a makeover - most businesses and customers could use a makeover, putting on a fresh face of spring from a dreary winter. From restaurants offering new menu items to any business wanting to let people know they are alive and well, ready to do business!
- March Madness! Who says we can't benefit from riding the coattails of this great time of year for basketball fans nationally? The media has already done the heavy lifting, let's be imaginative and have some, yes, fun with our product offerings that can dovetail with the hype of college basketball. How about a nice basketball or related item for $xxx sales?
- Time to have some fun! In spite of challenging times there is no reason why we can't have fun doing business and keep a sense of humor. It's infectious to those working with you and your customers. Make the sale a fun experience for the buyer across the counter or on the other end of the phone or email.
Life is a journey with no finish line. As we have all come to realize at some points in our lives either through the pain of losing family and friends or the daily challenges of running our businesses, it's how we carry on our lives each day that matters. We can make it a good, giving, fun experience for ourselves, friends and customers. It makes a powerful difference! You've heard it before, but enjoy the little wins and special moments. That is what gives us the strength and belief in going forward each day. Make a difference for yourself and others! Of course, I can't help saying that we can help on your "springing forward"; on all your spring and summer signage needs or makeovers with rigid signs, banners, decals, and vehicle and store front window graphics. They are visible, affordable and can help make an impact! Good Selling!
Tags: Banners Basketball Fans Business College Basketball Customers Decals
Put Spring in your sales - now! Good News! It's a miracle! Got up this morning, looked into the mirror and realized most of us are still alive, though slightly bruised from fighting our way though most of the winter months. It's like working out and using those muscles or marketing and operation tools we haven't used in a long time - in some cases years. Sore yes, but after reading about how terrible it is from every form of media, you might think it was a foregone conclusion that our businesses were in the grave. Spring is in sight. Days are longer, people are starting to go outdoors, and the phones are actually starting to ring a few times - certainly more than a few weeks ago. Can't wait for the government or TARP to jumpstart our businesses or sales - of course we all know that, but had to be said. Time to wick some of that Spring activity into February. We need to remind our current and prospective customers that it's a good time to buy for future needs. Most manufacturers have capacity to fill before the spring activity starts to trickle in which means deals! So let's all do our part and inform our customers that it's a good time to buy our widgets because you are offering an economic benefit - an incentive to buy! Discount offerings work - check your local, national retailers, they've been doing it for years. Action: - Identify a list of products you can discount. Your reasons might be excess inventory, products that carry margins that can absorb the discount, get some business in the doors, etc. It may not be what they are buying today but you are in front of them with your brand. Again, it's the valuable impressions!
- Pick your time line - two weeks, the month of February, whatever fits. No value or sense of urgency to buy with no time line.
- Get the word out - emails, direct mail, signage, and decals on all outgoing communication including statements, invoices, etc.
Yes, Instant Sign Factory is jumping on board by offering a 15% discount off banners, decals, vehicle lettering, metal and plastic signs through February to help you get the word out to your customers. It's an inexpensive way to communicate your message or just take care of some signage, decal or vehicle graphic that needs refreshing or redoing. Let us know how we can help! Spring may not have sprung, but signage is one of the best ways to put Spring in our sales in February - NOW! Good Selling!
Tags: Banners Decals Vehicle Lettering Metal Plastic Signs
A Historic Time. History is in the wind - the inauguration, no matter what your political compass and the economy. Many of us will remember this moment in time for the uncertainty in the market, reduced sales activity, hard choices in our own businesses in the midst of industry icons falling by the wayside. The good news for smaller businesses is that decisions can be made today that can positively affect sales activities tomorrow or this week. Make your list and prioritize with the top choice having the most immediate impact on increasing revenues. There is business activity out there and you need to secure your share, even at the expense of competition. - Stay visible - network, email, direct mail, special offerings, whatever you can fit into your budget. Banners espousing sales, new inventories, limited offerings or decals on invoices and statements reinforcing your marketing campaign have high impact for few dollars. The subliminal impressions that you create keeps you in front of your customers. The benefits range from them actually responding to your offering to keeping you close at hand when they have a need for your widget. Vehicle graphics and lettering - your company logo or graphics or magnetic signs on your company rigs running around town or just parked in front of your business are like a moving billboard. Don't forget your office window or door graphics and lettering – this is who you are and what you do, is it communicating properly?
- Keep an eye on your expenses - check your backlog plus projected sales vs your projected expenses. See if you need to adjust your operating costs until activity improves - profit might even be in the results and should be an objective, not just survival!
- Persevere - your company and employees are worth it, the alternatives aren't plentiful these days.
Every day you make an effort that benefits your company you are one day closer to not only surviving but becoming more efficient and profitable. You've made it through November, December and almost January. Spring is just around the corner ushering in brighter days and improved business activity. Good Selling!
Tags: Banners Decals Vehicle Graphics Lettering
HO! HO! HO! Making a list and checking it twice? This year is in the books-good, bad and the ugly! Time to reflect on successes and strategies that fell short. Before we succumb to the Holiday festivities let's also review that budget that we meticulously prepared several months ago. The playing field has changed for many-no point in going to war with an outdated plan and weapons! Let's make a list: - Check our assumptions - revenue, operating costs, margin expectations, product mix…realistic, achievable goals are useful. Exceeding our sales goals may bring on another set of challenges. I'll take those any day.
- Marketing - do we need to rethink our target markets and sales campaigns or are we okay.
- Revisit material costs - you may get a pleasant surprise. Check your large purchase items. If you are having to adjust your pricing in the market, they might be adjusting too…don't get me wrong, we all need strong vendors, but everyone is doing a little belt tightening.
- Accounts receivable - stay close to those moving across your aging. Send or fax them a “velvet punch” to let them know when they have entered your “discomfort zone” and request a date when you expect payment. I'm sorry, but they know they owe the money, disputes are the exception. Address them earlier, a kinder, gentler approach will make you the bank…and it only gets worse into the winter and this economy.
- Statements - twice a month serves as a gentle reminder and problems surface quicker like lost invoices, etc. Why wait another 30 days to discover a glitch. You will experience a bounce in your cash flow.
- Stay Visible - those impressions, subliminal or otherwise, are selling your product or services - of course we think signs, banners, decals and vehicle graphics are affordable and effective. Just let us know if we can help! Still time to order those signs for this tax year expenses.
If you are a small business you may find some upside to these times in a Business Week article published in late October. Go to http://www.businessweek.com/print/smallbiz/content/oct2008/sb20081020_489867.htm Best Wishes for a Safe, Joyous Holiday and a Prosperous New Year!
Tags: Accounts Receivable Bank Business Business Week Article Cash
It's the Holiday Season - Feeling Festive? Talk about a scary October, not to mention Halloween! The government is bailing out everyone but you-the businesses that service their debt, pay their mortgage, attempt to keep their employees employed and maybe, just maybe, grow their business in uncertain times. Oh, did I say pay taxes, hmm. It's the holiday season. Some businesses, skewed for the holidays, are already promoting and pushing their products as they do every year; upwards of 40% of their annual business happens, or doesn't, in 45-60 days. Take a chapter out of their book by joining the holiday buying mentality. The media has already prepared the market for you: - Offer a sale or add value of specific services or products for no additional costs
- Tailor some of your products to the holiday season
- Promote products that enhance holiday festivities
Look out another 90 days and gently remind your existing and potential customers of possible upcoming needs: - Replenishing inventory of products that have projected usage over the next few months in order to expense costs in 2008 before new, more austere budgets hit in January for 2009
- Pet projects that were approved for this year but not complete…it's always tough to go before the “budget altar” again for a project that was already approved, especially with tight dollars
- Trade show display booths that require updating for new products or services
We can help with the consumables like decals or replenishing jobsite signs, vehicle graphics for company rigs to trade show, event signs or even customized decals for the season. Good luck selling! Keep “mining” for future sales for those efforts will pay dividends when the market turns. If we can help you with any business or holiday signage, decals-even customized for the season, trade show signs or digital graphics just let us know. PS: As one of my banker friends reminds me, the sledding doesn't get any easier in this market. Tighten up your receivables while there is still a pulse in the market place. Better to have those dollars help fund operating costs than hanging out on you aging.
Tags: Consumables Decals Digital Graphics Event Signs Government
Happy New Year! Time to take a breather from the business and redirect our attention to themore important things in life like enjoying the holidays with family and friends. Your customers are also taking a well deserved break unless they are in retail frantically trying to liquidate inventory and maybe make a few dollars. During this hiatus you can actually do some healthy, productive things for you and your business: First, enjoy yourself! The business will be okay for a few days without you worrying about it-you can't compete with Christmas and the Holidays. Do whatever sets you free mentally and physically-running, walking, movies, shopping, skiing, surfing, bowl games, basketball…lots to do. Need to recharge your batteries, outlook and attitude. If you do go to the office, there are some productive activities that can help you in the New Year. The New Year brings hope but let's not forget valuable information from this year and even last year. Without the phone ringing, look back over last two years to see who you sold the first quarter. It's easier to follow up with old accounts and check for reorders than make cold calls. Review your biggest accounts from this year and compare to last year. You'll notice some new players and some unfortunate absences. Time to see where they went and if you can recapture that business. Line out your first quarter marketing strategies. Develop a schedule with milestones for your marketing campaign. Put together a list of your target accounts by priority, level one, two and three. You'll like to come back to the office after the holidays and have a game plan in place with your renewed energy. Down time can be a healthy thing. Use this opportunity wisely when you take a break from the festivities. Probably a good time to clean out the office clutter for a visual clean start as well for the New Year. For me, off for some shopping and maybe a run on snow covered streets…but only after I get on the roof of our building and clean out an obviously clogged drain leading to a constant drip in my office. Three feet of snow in 1½ days will do that! We wish you a Safe, Joyous Holiday and Happy, Prosperous New Year! The Staff at Instant Sign Factory!
Tags: Christmas Cold Calls First Quarter Game Plan Inventory Marketing Mark
Let's start with your image Last week we talked about getting off our heels and putting new life into our marketing efforts to benefit our businesses. I'm sure we have all read or heard of businesses that prosper during downturns. One thing they have in common is energizing their marketing efforts for their widgets. And their success doesn't require selling the magical widget. They separate themselves from the crowd of competitors and demonstrate why their service or product is at least as good as what's out there and why potential customers should buy from them. Let's start with your image. Recently, our business group had a presentation from another sign company who specializes in electrical signs. He put together a number of slides of fellow members' buildings, but had erased their signs from his photos. The first reaction was obvious; every business needs signs. But the next reaction was, at least for me, I should update my signs. Not just on the building but vehicle signs, decals, etc. If you decide to freshen up or change your image, get input from employees, customers and vendors. In the old corporate days when considering a logo change, it was fascinating to see the diversity of answers to some specific questions: - How would you, employees, like the company to be perceived?
- How do you, employees, think you are actually perceived in the market?
- How do you, customers and vendors, perceive the company in the market place?
- How do you, customers and vendors, want the company to portrayed in the market?
- What would you recommend, all parties, to achieve the desired perception-status
quo, just change colors, new logo, etc. We were recently fortunate to produce for a local, established car dealer, decals and vehicle graphics that sported their new logo. It was a combination of new and old-impressive! You don't need to be Proctor and Gamble with high priced MBA's from Wharton or Northwestern to re-brand or repackage the same widget… or cereal. Just redoing your existing signs and decals is a powerful statement. It shows customers, potential and existing, that you're proud of your company, and a perception of success-that you reinvest back into the company. It's also reassuring to the employees, especially if they are driving your rigs. So think about freshening your image and market perception. And don't forget to renew contacts with existing customers and those with whom you think you really should be doing business. Attrition is a fact of life and another reality is that many of your friends and business acquaintances don't know what all you offer. More than likely they have someone on staff that is buying your type of widget. But if they knew you offered the same product, in most cases, they would prefer to buy from you! Good Selling!
Tags: Banners Customers Dealer Electrical Signs Gamble Image Instant Sign
Who hasn't read the paper lately or listened to the news? We're in tough economic waters. As if they need to tell the listening business owners who have been paring inventory, marketing plans and people for months weathering the storm-and it's not over. And then we get to look forward to winter, not typically a robust time of year for most businesses. So here we are, in a challenging business environment we haven't felt for years-didn't feel good then, certainly doesn't feel good now. Time to put the paper down, turn off the doom and gloom news, take action, and get back to basics. Time to Implement Plan B (not to be confused with bailout) Yesterday isn't soon enough. There is still a pulse in the market; commerce is still happening every day. Look out your window, down the street. People are still buying services and products, many of those could be yours, from equipment to services. Now is the time to promote your company-not only to bring new awareness to your existing customers of your widgets and bring in new customers but distinguish you from your competitors. We need to get on our toes, get that forward lean we had growing the business and get off our heels. Most of you own or work for a small business. Small business used to boast 85% off all jobs. Small is a benefit, you can act quickly, no series of meetings to make decisions as business is passing you by. Take action now! If you are a large company, sure you need to hunker down, cut the cloth on expenses to be in line with operating costs and revenues. But, no time to pull in your horns. Let the competition cut marketing; the pie is smaller-time to increase sales at their expense. Your challenge is to appear nimble and small to relate to your customers. Great product, quick response, excellent customer service always wins in the long run. Tool Kit Go back to the well, use what worked before:
Direct mail
Sales calls
The dreaded “cold calls”
Update the website with products, specials, etc
Advertise but only in the proven mediums
And here's our plug:
Signs, banners, decals, vehicle graphics, window graphics and lettering to promote your business. It's relatively inexpensive, paid for TV lately? Promote new products, specials; bring new life to tired signs and your image in the market place. It can start next week; lead time is days, not weeks, to help bolster sales. Take action and take control of your business, NOW! Show your customers the benefits of using your company. But they need to know that you exist, who you are and what you offer. Make it happen, you may actually have fun getting the juices going again. And of course, Good Luck! We all could use a little of that but it just doesn't happen on its own!
Tags: Banners Decals Signs Vehicle Graphics Window Graphics And Lettering
A Time for Thanks, Giving and Business Thanks! Change is in the wind. Challenges abound in every sector of the economy. Anyone who owns a business or has the authority to influence direction in any size business or public entity is on the front line 24/7 working hard to find the available opportunities. In some cases it might be just to stay in sight of last years numbers, keep afloat, or actually improve performance through niche markets or at the expense of weaker competitors. But now is the time be thankful for family, friends and good health. We need to express our thanks to our most important key to success - our employees and co-workers. Only with great employees, their commitment and their contribution at all levels, because all tasks are important, will the whole succeed. Giving! It's also a time of giving to the extent we can, because there are many who are less fortunate. Somewhere along the line we have been recipients of someone's goodwill and generosity - pay it forward, or as I say, play it forward. Whatever your village, it makes a difference and a better place. We need to also express our thanks to our customers who have supported our growth and who give us the opportunity to earn their business. In many cases they are more than customers; they are also our friends. No gifts, just a friendly email says it all. Business! Winter's here-blow the dust off the ole tool kit you've used for years. Need to put those tools to work for the winter months - imagination, passion, and marketing with the help of your team. How about a year end sales push so businesses can expense their costs this tax year. Next year may be profit challenged so now might be good time to order those banners, decals, signs and vehicle graphics that will be used first quarter next year. How about a tin sign for the person who has everything? Find an old or new, special or funny photograph that we can use to make a digital graphic tin sign - great for lake or ski cabins, dens, etc. Sending out Christmas cards? Why not include some fun custom holiday decals-snowflakes, Santa's, or some with a personalized special message or picture. But most of all, Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours. May it be special, safe and full of fond memories!
Tags: Banners Business Thanks Customers Decals Economy Marketing Niche Markets
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