In today's technology-based world, social marketing is almost a required ability to grow business and establish yourself as an expert in your field. From Twitter and FaceBook to blogs, podcasts, and webinars; the Internet is crammed with search result-oriented ways to network, advertise and become "known". One of the most professional networks out there is LinkedIn, a networking site for the business-minded professional looking to find groups of like-minded industry professionals, old colleagues and contacts, and most-importantly potential new clients. The Internet is a big place and before you dive into the LinkedIn networking world, it's important to keep a few strategies in mind to save yourself time, frustration, and ultimately money.
Networks There are tons of networks to choose from, but involving yourself in all of them is about as effective as throwing your business card in the ocean. Sure, it can be seen, but will you be found by the right "fish"? What is your niche market and who are your trying to connect with? Planning your target markets ahead of time will help narrow your aim and help you focus on those contacts that will best benefit your company.
Purpose Why do you want to network on LinkedIn? Are you there for your business to be known? Are you trying to grow your network of clients or industry connections? Form a clear plan to what you want to achieve being on this social site before you dive in without a direction to head.
Connect Don't just add people left and right. Really put time and effort into building relationships with your connections. If you just add people without developing a relationship, you won't be that memorable. People buy from contacts they know and trust. Don't just be a pitchy salesman, be genuine and show your human side. What they say about "all work and no play" applies in social networking too. Let people see your personal side and they will get to know you as more than just a sales rep.
Profile Your personal page is your "face" to others on the social site. If you are plain or boring, or worse yet - unclear about who you are and why you're there, people won't spend too much time trying to get to know you. Make your profile clear, understandable, and interesting. Establish yourself as a professional, including relevent Google key words and a summary of what makes your company unique.
Participate LinkedIn has several ways to be active on the site, from questions & answers to polls and discussion groups. Actively maintaining a presence in these different networking areas not only keeps your name buzzing, but also establishes yourself as an active member and a professional or expert in your industry.
Social networking is a time-consuming affair, but it can be very rewarding when done correctly. Be sure to plan out your strategy, include interesting and useful information while maintaining your "human" side. LinkedIn is one of many social sites to explore your online networking ability and once you get started, it's a good practice to update regularly. With a little time devoted weekly or biweekly, you'll be well on your way to growing your business through social media.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Monday, January 17, 2011
The Value of Quality?
I recently encountered a situation this weekend where a long-time friend of my husband's was interested in ordering pens for his company. He knew I worked in the promotional product industry and gave me an opportunity to find the pen he wanted. Years ago, he had received by mail some pen samples with his company name printed all over the barrel and he wanted to duplicate the pens. Well, I succeeded in finding the pen in question and even gave him a discount on the quote.
Unfortunately, the online seller who originally sent the pen had a lower price than I could offer. I informed him that I was unable to match that price because I had to keep enough margin in the sale to cover the administrative overhead of processing the order, tracking the order's progress, and doing the graphic layout that guarantees a good imprint on a pen. So, my husband's friend proceeded to order his pens online through the do-it-yourself website where he chose the pen, uploaded his logo and company info, and paid at checkout.
Not long after, we received a call from this friend. He uploaded the wrong thing for the imprint and didn't know how to go back and change it since the order was already paid for and their customer service department wasn't available over the weekend. Panicking that his investment was all for nothing now, he had to settle on emailing customer service and hoping to contact them first thing Monday morning in time to save the order. At the thought of this, I simply smiled....THIS is the reason companies use promotional distributors and consultants like me. WE take on the liability of the order's correctness. WE enter the order and have years of experience with the different items and imprint techniques so we know how and what is doable on imprinting. We may not be the lowest price when there are a plethora of do-it-yourself promo webstores out there who don't have the overhead or knowledgeable professionals to ensure every order is correct, but we do have the track record of customer satisfaction. We're the buffer to ensure you get the correct item with the correct imprint. So many people have focused on dollars lately, that they forget the cost of quality and service. The adage of "you get what you pay for" still holds true and what you pay for is a reflection of your own company. If you give a customer a smudged or unwriteable pen that breaks or leaks, you send a message that your company is equally cheap. A good investment is not just how many times you get your name out there, but letting the quality of the product advertise your name for you.
Unfortunately, the online seller who originally sent the pen had a lower price than I could offer. I informed him that I was unable to match that price because I had to keep enough margin in the sale to cover the administrative overhead of processing the order, tracking the order's progress, and doing the graphic layout that guarantees a good imprint on a pen. So, my husband's friend proceeded to order his pens online through the do-it-yourself website where he chose the pen, uploaded his logo and company info, and paid at checkout.
Not long after, we received a call from this friend. He uploaded the wrong thing for the imprint and didn't know how to go back and change it since the order was already paid for and their customer service department wasn't available over the weekend. Panicking that his investment was all for nothing now, he had to settle on emailing customer service and hoping to contact them first thing Monday morning in time to save the order. At the thought of this, I simply smiled....THIS is the reason companies use promotional distributors and consultants like me. WE take on the liability of the order's correctness. WE enter the order and have years of experience with the different items and imprint techniques so we know how and what is doable on imprinting. We may not be the lowest price when there are a plethora of do-it-yourself promo webstores out there who don't have the overhead or knowledgeable professionals to ensure every order is correct, but we do have the track record of customer satisfaction. We're the buffer to ensure you get the correct item with the correct imprint. So many people have focused on dollars lately, that they forget the cost of quality and service. The adage of "you get what you pay for" still holds true and what you pay for is a reflection of your own company. If you give a customer a smudged or unwriteable pen that breaks or leaks, you send a message that your company is equally cheap. A good investment is not just how many times you get your name out there, but letting the quality of the product advertise your name for you.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Build Your Business for 2011 in Jan/Feb
So the past couple of years have been a bit rough on the marketing budget and growing a profitable business, that doesn't mean we need to slink under a rock and hide or throw in the towel. Studies show the companies who marketed harder during financially straining times, not only stood a better chance at surviving their conservative competition but they often had 2x more sales and profits after a slump. So to start 2011 off right, here's some ideas to get your year started and get your brand out there...
January is National Mentoring Month. Get your business involved in a mentoring program for college grads, and highschool/college students.It not only reaches out to the younger generation, but also produces public goodwill and PR. Think business accessories branded with your logo: something that will be used and have staying power.
January 1-7 is Diet Resolution Week. Losing weight is by frar one of the most popular New Year's resolutions and nothing says to your staff that you care about their health more than a team effort and wellness campaign. Motivate employees or customers with diet or exercise journals to track their progress. Kick off a resolution promotion by giving out pedometers or fast food guides to better eating.
February 14 is Valentine's Day. No date is better for showing how much you LOVE your clients, be it by heart-shaped magnets, chocolates with your logo molded in it, or a talking "thank you" pen. Call or visit Graphicon.com for more ideas.
February 20-26 is "Build a Better Tradeshow Booth" Day. This is the perfect time to review your company's tradeshow presence. Is your both lack-lustre? Literature out of date? Do your give-aways grab attention or get passed over? If you're ready for trade show makeover to boost your sales and new client base let Graphicon help you revamp or upgrade your tradeshow image.
January is National Mentoring Month. Get your business involved in a mentoring program for college grads, and highschool/college students.It not only reaches out to the younger generation, but also produces public goodwill and PR. Think business accessories branded with your logo: something that will be used and have staying power.
January 1-7 is Diet Resolution Week. Losing weight is by frar one of the most popular New Year's resolutions and nothing says to your staff that you care about their health more than a team effort and wellness campaign. Motivate employees or customers with diet or exercise journals to track their progress. Kick off a resolution promotion by giving out pedometers or fast food guides to better eating.
February 14 is Valentine's Day. No date is better for showing how much you LOVE your clients, be it by heart-shaped magnets, chocolates with your logo molded in it, or a talking "thank you" pen. Call or visit Graphicon.com for more ideas.
February 20-26 is "Build a Better Tradeshow Booth" Day. This is the perfect time to review your company's tradeshow presence. Is your both lack-lustre? Literature out of date? Do your give-aways grab attention or get passed over? If you're ready for trade show makeover to boost your sales and new client base let Graphicon help you revamp or upgrade your tradeshow image.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Tradeshows Gold Mine
Who doesn't love free stuff? If something is free, people take first and figure out where to put it later. Trade shows and events where businesses have booths marketing their services are a jackpot for the Freebie Finders. For those businesses, that Finder is also a potential customer, client or patient. Here, anything useful to that potential customer is an opportunity to get your name or logo in front of their face, and the more useful, the better: apparel, pens, mugs, mp3 players, watches, stress relievers, candy - all free for the taking or as a thank you for orders placed on the spot at a booth.
One important thing to remember is that you still need to find a way to be remembered among all the other booths around you. Beyond pens, there are so many creative ways to promote yourself at a show and really stand out from the crowd. A pen or mug might be useful and get your name in their house, but are they going to associate that memory of who you are and where they got that imprinted mug from?
Creative specialists in the promotional product industry are your key to finding the special something you most times didn't even know was available or within budget. At Graphicon, my entire job revolves around finding the right items for the right clients. I don't use a cookie-cutter presentation to provide our clients with promos. Researching your company, your consumer base, budget, and business philosophy are all taken into consideration. We wouldn't send you to a ground breaking ceramoney with a bunch of ceramic mugs or suggest chocolate candies for a tradeshow on senior care and diabetic supply. By keeping up to date on our industry knowledge of new products, what's succesful, and which suppliers are reliable and stock quality product, we've become specialists in the field when it comes to finding your "it" item.
For example:
An engineering firm wanted to stand out at a tradeshow recruiting new engineers. It was in the south (hot and humid). The client wanted to also show their support for the local team and include "Go Gators!" in their product. What we found was a personal fan, imprinted on the handle with the client's logo. When switched on, the fan spelled out in LED lights, the company's name and, phone number, and "Go Gators!" The fans were such a hit that they ran out half way through the show and have reordered them twice running out each time despite reordering in larger quantity.
A client of ours marketed to local high schools and colleges and usually did music download cards or t-shirts. They needed something new to entice more students to donate blood. What we came up with the first year was an insulated drawstring backpack, great for a light bookbag, purse, and even water proof and insulated to work as a cooler for lunch. The bags went over so well, they reordered twice and have since used the item for their online rewards program, where it was also one of the highest redemption prizes.
After the rough economic start to the year, banks were not looking so hot in the business world. One bank client needed a way to put their friendly side forward. For them, we let the pens do the talking.....literally. With "Thank you!" on one side and their logo on the other, these pens with fuzzy haired characters on the top bore a friendly smile for new customers and when pressed down, entended a hearty "Thank you very much! Thank you SOOO much!". Customers loved it and it was definitely a memorable way to show the bank how much they appreciate their loyal customers and trust from new clients.
So, do you have someone looking out for you? Try Graphicon, whether you just want ideas or would like us to help you brand an item for your next big event, we're here to put your best face forward.
Graphicon, Inc.
P: (317) 579-9090
www.graphicon.com
jessica@graphicon.com
One important thing to remember is that you still need to find a way to be remembered among all the other booths around you. Beyond pens, there are so many creative ways to promote yourself at a show and really stand out from the crowd. A pen or mug might be useful and get your name in their house, but are they going to associate that memory of who you are and where they got that imprinted mug from?
Creative specialists in the promotional product industry are your key to finding the special something you most times didn't even know was available or within budget. At Graphicon, my entire job revolves around finding the right items for the right clients. I don't use a cookie-cutter presentation to provide our clients with promos. Researching your company, your consumer base, budget, and business philosophy are all taken into consideration. We wouldn't send you to a ground breaking ceramoney with a bunch of ceramic mugs or suggest chocolate candies for a tradeshow on senior care and diabetic supply. By keeping up to date on our industry knowledge of new products, what's succesful, and which suppliers are reliable and stock quality product, we've become specialists in the field when it comes to finding your "it" item.
For example:
An engineering firm wanted to stand out at a tradeshow recruiting new engineers. It was in the south (hot and humid). The client wanted to also show their support for the local team and include "Go Gators!" in their product. What we found was a personal fan, imprinted on the handle with the client's logo. When switched on, the fan spelled out in LED lights, the company's name and, phone number, and "Go Gators!" The fans were such a hit that they ran out half way through the show and have reordered them twice running out each time despite reordering in larger quantity.
A client of ours marketed to local high schools and colleges and usually did music download cards or t-shirts. They needed something new to entice more students to donate blood. What we came up with the first year was an insulated drawstring backpack, great for a light bookbag, purse, and even water proof and insulated to work as a cooler for lunch. The bags went over so well, they reordered twice and have since used the item for their online rewards program, where it was also one of the highest redemption prizes.
After the rough economic start to the year, banks were not looking so hot in the business world. One bank client needed a way to put their friendly side forward. For them, we let the pens do the talking.....literally. With "Thank you!" on one side and their logo on the other, these pens with fuzzy haired characters on the top bore a friendly smile for new customers and when pressed down, entended a hearty "Thank you very much! Thank you SOOO much!". Customers loved it and it was definitely a memorable way to show the bank how much they appreciate their loyal customers and trust from new clients.
So, do you have someone looking out for you? Try Graphicon, whether you just want ideas or would like us to help you brand an item for your next big event, we're here to put your best face forward.
Graphicon, Inc.
P: (317) 579-9090
www.graphicon.com
jessica@graphicon.com
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Eco Friendly Promotional Items
Today "green" is in. Recycled, Reusable, Biodegradable, Earth-Friendly....these are all popular in the promotional product industry. I have saved a catalog for everyone looking for eco-friendly ideas and here's an additional link for some eco-responsible promotional items suitable for gifts. Please feel free to contact me with any questions.
Thanks,
Jessica
Graphicon, Inc.
(317) 579-9090
www.graphicon.com
jessica@graphicon.com
Thanks,
Jessica
Graphicon, Inc.
(317) 579-9090
www.graphicon.com
jessica@graphicon.com
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Why You Should Use Graphicon?
With today's economy, clients are tightening their purse strings, so the objections are mounting among the theme of "I just don't have the money right now". Believe me, our marketers and advertisers are well aware of the state of the economy and shrinking budgets and are here to help you market your business with targeted, proven ideas specific for your industry. With the help of fellow industry colleagues, I've decided to include a list of some of the most commonly heard objections.
Client Statement 1: "Sales are down and I need to cut my budget."
I understand and that's what I'm here to help you spend what budget you have more efficiently. In doing a little research into your company, and your target market, I can provide you a few ideas on how you can use promotional products to increase your sales and brand awareness. We are actually doing very well these days because we are better able to show our customers how they can measure a return on their clients how they can measure a return on their investment with ad specialties as opposed to other forms of advertising, like TV, radio, newspaper or billboards. We can better show direct ROI with programs using our products as motivational tools to drive their business.
Client Statement 2: "I can't really waste money on advertising premiums and trinkets when money is so tight."
I don't think you should be wasting money on premiums at any time! If you are, why have you bought them in the past? It sounds like you're working with someone asking your to buy these without rhyme or reason. We don't sell that way. We offer our services to show you how ad specialtes help grow your business. You shouldn't waste your money on them if you can't determine any measureable result from them.
In your mind, these "trinkets" have no value. We don't sell "trinkets." We demand accountability from the products we sell.
Client Statement 3: "I'm not buying until sales turn around."
Why not? Have your past promotional items not impacted your business? That tells me your previous ad specialty expert wasn't selling these products with measurable results in mind, and that is an unacceptable way of thinking in our company. The companies that will make it through the tumultuous economic times are those who can see the return they are going to get on the dollars they are spending on marketing. I can help you create a program where you can see just that with your promotional product purchases.
Client Statement 4: "How will promotional products help me stretch my marketing budget?"
Creative and targeted promos are useful. When the right product is chosen, there's a lasting value to it and your cost to keep engaged with your customer is spread out over a longer period of time. That's the underlying benefit. When you give your customer something they can use on a daily basis, as opposed to other forms of advertising that can come and go in 30 seconds, you're going to have your name and logo in front of your customer over a longer period of time.
Client Statement 5: "We've been laying off employees. How can we justify spending money on ad specialties?"
While it's a legitimate concern, a specialized program where promotional products can be used to boost your sales or get you ready when the economy does turn around so you'll be able to call back those people sooner. Plus, we've found that many companies in your same situation do want to make sure their staff still feel appreciated, so they give them a little something to boost morale.
Challenging conditions present challenging selling situations that require more preparation, research and creativity, which we can do for you, saving you time and money. We'll tailor creative promotional ideas to your customer base to help produce the sales you crave in this economy.
Client Statement 1: "Sales are down and I need to cut my budget."
I understand and that's what I'm here to help you spend what budget you have more efficiently. In doing a little research into your company, and your target market, I can provide you a few ideas on how you can use promotional products to increase your sales and brand awareness. We are actually doing very well these days because we are better able to show our customers how they can measure a return on their clients how they can measure a return on their investment with ad specialties as opposed to other forms of advertising, like TV, radio, newspaper or billboards. We can better show direct ROI with programs using our products as motivational tools to drive their business.
Client Statement 2: "I can't really waste money on advertising premiums and trinkets when money is so tight."
I don't think you should be wasting money on premiums at any time! If you are, why have you bought them in the past? It sounds like you're working with someone asking your to buy these without rhyme or reason. We don't sell that way. We offer our services to show you how ad specialtes help grow your business. You shouldn't waste your money on them if you can't determine any measureable result from them.
In your mind, these "trinkets" have no value. We don't sell "trinkets." We demand accountability from the products we sell.
Client Statement 3: "I'm not buying until sales turn around."
Why not? Have your past promotional items not impacted your business? That tells me your previous ad specialty expert wasn't selling these products with measurable results in mind, and that is an unacceptable way of thinking in our company. The companies that will make it through the tumultuous economic times are those who can see the return they are going to get on the dollars they are spending on marketing. I can help you create a program where you can see just that with your promotional product purchases.
Client Statement 4: "How will promotional products help me stretch my marketing budget?"
Creative and targeted promos are useful. When the right product is chosen, there's a lasting value to it and your cost to keep engaged with your customer is spread out over a longer period of time. That's the underlying benefit. When you give your customer something they can use on a daily basis, as opposed to other forms of advertising that can come and go in 30 seconds, you're going to have your name and logo in front of your customer over a longer period of time.
Client Statement 5: "We've been laying off employees. How can we justify spending money on ad specialties?"
While it's a legitimate concern, a specialized program where promotional products can be used to boost your sales or get you ready when the economy does turn around so you'll be able to call back those people sooner. Plus, we've found that many companies in your same situation do want to make sure their staff still feel appreciated, so they give them a little something to boost morale.
Challenging conditions present challenging selling situations that require more preparation, research and creativity, which we can do for you, saving you time and money. We'll tailor creative promotional ideas to your customer base to help produce the sales you crave in this economy.
Who is Graphicon?
How can your promotional products set you apart?
Anyone can be average. Expect more. Get more with Graphicon. Our marketing philosophy of "promotional products with a purpose" helps you utilize your specialties budget in the most powerful and positive ways. We work diligently to assist you in just that - setting your organization apart in the marketplace.
At Graphicon, we help you find what works best for you organization's marketing goals. How? By listening, really listening to you and your objective, then we know where to start. Personal service is our cornerstone. And best of all, the advantage of our marketing expertise doesn't cost you a bit more. We want your business, and we will work hard to get it and keep it. Guaranteed.
Don't think in "giveaway" terms. Think of what your promotional products will give your company or organization in return. Graphicon will find out what your personal needs are, and provide you with a variety of options within your budget. Being up to date on the latest industry trends gives us the chance to provide you with ideas you didn't even know existed.
Not only does Graphicon offer you creative options, and plenty of them - but we work around your schedule as well. If you cannot visit our showroom, just call us. We'll come to you for a marketing consultation, or to bring samples - all at your convenience! We believe in personal service.
Why should you expect anything less?
8455 Castlewood Drive, Suite B Indianapolis, IN 46250
Phone: 317.579.9090 Fax: 317.579.9191
jessica@graphicon.com
Anyone can be average. Expect more. Get more with Graphicon. Our marketing philosophy of "promotional products with a purpose" helps you utilize your specialties budget in the most powerful and positive ways. We work diligently to assist you in just that - setting your organization apart in the marketplace.
At Graphicon, we help you find what works best for you organization's marketing goals. How? By listening, really listening to you and your objective, then we know where to start. Personal service is our cornerstone. And best of all, the advantage of our marketing expertise doesn't cost you a bit more. We want your business, and we will work hard to get it and keep it. Guaranteed.
Don't think in "giveaway" terms. Think of what your promotional products will give your company or organization in return. Graphicon will find out what your personal needs are, and provide you with a variety of options within your budget. Being up to date on the latest industry trends gives us the chance to provide you with ideas you didn't even know existed.
Not only does Graphicon offer you creative options, and plenty of them - but we work around your schedule as well. If you cannot visit our showroom, just call us. We'll come to you for a marketing consultation, or to bring samples - all at your convenience! We believe in personal service.
Why should you expect anything less?
8455 Castlewood Drive, Suite B Indianapolis, IN 46250
Phone: 317.579.9090 Fax: 317.579.9191
jessica@graphicon.com
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