Marketing in the New World

How do you market when you are limited in being in person for your networking?

Do you just sit on Zoom and chit chat?   My good referral buddy, Maile Collmer, has some sage advice where she recommends that you do "How are you? calls."  Doesn't have to have anything to do with business, but all about the person on the other end of the telephone.  It's ALL about them...and guess what?

It gets the energy going, reminds them of you, your business, and BUILDS a sturdy relationship!

Then there is the old-fashioned notecard, or postcard, or a lumpy mail gift that comes in the good ole' USPS--now how many are doing this?  Let's be the one that stands out.

And when you start thinking of a lumpy mail campaign...now we are talking about what we can do to help you achieve a great open rate on that envelope with a magnet, pen, tin of mints, emery board, eyeglass cloth, chocolate bar, small notebook, and so much more.  Just ask us & we can brainstorm up a great idea!

So what are your goals for 2022?  And how can you add some How are you calls & traditional lumpy mail campaigns to build your revenue stream?

Let's team up and get ourselves back to 2019 revenue:)  Go Team!!

So what do you do?

www.inkitupdesigns.com

When you asked this question, how do you respond?
It's great when you have a 30-60 second infomercial ready for your answer.

Sometimes my answer is I take your logo/image and print it. 
From business cards to full size
tents, we can take care of you!

So you ask....you print business cards?  We sure do and bi-fold brochures,
tri-fold brochures, flyers, postcards, letterhead and envelopes!

We love printing your logo/image/art on everything and anything!

We can print it on T shirts/apparel or embroider it.
We can print it on labels, indoor or outdoor.
We can print it on water bottles, jar openers,
clips, pens, flashlights, tape measures....the list
is loooonnnnngggg.

So just reach out to us and we can be your person to do all of the research on what will work for
your business.

We have a client that came to us and his business is cryotherapy.  Other franchise owners were
giving out can coozies.  But the city he has his business in caters more to wine and higher end clients.

They would not be loving can coozies!!  We used a cold gel that freezes and has a large imprint area and his people at events are loving it!!!!

We have the marketing expertise to put our heads together to make your marketing unique
to you and your business.

Remember if you can think it, We can Ink it!

Do you screenprint?

One of the questions we get asked almost daily....Do you screenprint?  Why YES we do!!

Let's take a walk through the screenprinting process.

First, send us your art.  All jobs are priced on the quality of the garment (t-shirts, sweatshirts,
tanks, jackets), the quantity of shirts, the amount of colors in the art, and the number of placements
you want printed.

Your art goes into our art department and each color has a screen made for it and each screen
must align so that your finished product looks great.  We ask for true vector art (AI, Corel, or
EPS) as it then comes to us that we can pull each color for the screens.

Each shirt has to be mounted on the press and then hit with each color individually.  If it is a dark
garment, we do a white flash coat (a base coat to allow the colors to pop), and then your colors from your art are then screened on top of it.

Then it is pulled off the press and put into a big oven that binds the ink to the garment.  Then
they are folded, boxed, and delivered to you.

We can do youth to 6XL with the same art.  But the size of the art will be as big as it can be
on the youth garments and then it will be the same size on the 6XL.  If you want it to be bigger
on the adults, we can do 24+ youth shirts with your art and then the adults in another order of 24+
We do this all of the time and have had no problems.  It is just your personal perference.

We love printing!  Please feel free to reach out for a quote and let us help you look great for
your business, family reunion, conference, non profit, camp, Disney trip...remember if you can
think it, we can ink it!

Are you showing off your Business Brand in your client appreciation?

When thinking of great gifts to say Thank You to your great clients...Have you thought of
coming up with something great to give them that has your BRANDING on it?

I'm in the business and was thinking about a client last week I wanted to give a Thank You gift
to AND then it hit me!!  I should have a stash of Great Gifts that have my branding on them
to give!!

Why am I showing off Starbucks or Nike or Amazon when I can show off my business?  I actually
won one of these great bluetooth speakers at our convention in January and Love it!  And I
remember that company and experience when I use it:)

Wouldn't a nice blue tooth speaker be a great gift?
Or a stainless steel 16 oz coffee tumbler?
Or a power bank to have on the go to charge your phone?
Or a travel pack with extra cords for your phone?
So many more ideas to have for you to give to your clients and stay in front of them
as you say THANK YOU!

If you can think it, we can ink it!

More than you wanted to know about buying a T shirt for your Church, camp, or non profit!

So you want a shirt to show off or market your Church activity?  Camp? Non-profit or maybe even
a family reunion.

Well...You have come to the right place!  Our number 1 best seller is screen printed T shirts, all
colors & varieties. We love printing Tees and we strive for a happy client.

The first thing we do is find you the right t shirt for your event/organization.
Because there are 100% cotton, ring spun cotton, 50/50, different weights, colors, and sizes up
to 6X.  There are Unisex cuts and women's cuts--a lot of great choices!

Then we look at your art--printing is priced according to the color of the shirt, the amount of
colors in the design, how many places we are printing, and of course, the quantity of shirts.

We then give you a quote, send you a proof for approval, and print!!  Shirts are delivered
directly to you or your camp or organizations doorstep!

Recently we have printed shirts for a Church Girls camp, Fire dept, School District, Rotary Camp, a large non-profit camp, a Eyebrow business, an Eclipse watching group, and so much more....

We LOVE printing apparel, so remember if You can think it, We can ink it!

T Shirt Turns 100--Celebrate it's Birthday!

You know that great ratty t shirt that you just love 

to wash the car in, sleep in, paint in, YES it is your favorite....Well that T Shirt celebrates it's 100th birthday this year!

 "In 1913, the T-shirt as we know it first appeared as standard-issue gear within the U.S. Navy. Since then, it  has become an essential part of the American wardrobe and identity."

A survey  revealed  "that 95 percent of Americans wear T-shirts and 89 percent wear Ts at least once a week. Nearly nine in every 10 Americans (87 percent) own at least one T-shirt they refuse to “trash” because of a sentimental attachment.

In fact, on average, they have 13 T-shirts they hold onto for that reason.

Most commonly, these shirts are from a group of which they were a member, or shirts commemorating a major event. They also said that they would have a stronger emotional connection with a shirt that they or someone they knew custom-designed!"

Custom designed T shirts, can you believe it!!  Look at your favorite T and see what memories it brings to mind and why you just LOVE it!

And that's the thing, WE LOVE creating custom T shirts that you can make your NEW favorite to wash the car in, go to coffee, take a walk, or just sit back and read a book in!

Plus what better way to advertise your business than to give out a great designed T Shirt that walks around as a custom Billboard advertising your business.

Have your employees wear them everywhere they go during the workday, give them out at little league games, to business associates, thank you to your best clients, the list is endless.

The T Shirt has an average lifetime of 5 years, yes and where else can you get advertising for the cost of a T Shirt that will walk around advertising YOU for 5 years? 

That is totally the BEST advantage of a promotional product!  And you thought your favorite T Shirt was just for sleeping in!!



Quote from press release from Customink

 

Wow, what a fantastic tradeshow in Las Vegas at the Mandalay Bay!!

Did you know we walked over 10 miles of aisles just to find the exact right promotional items for our clients great 2013 promotions?  We did it!!  And had fun doing it!

Exercise bands, specific brand even, for one client, bike lights for another for his great kids bike rodeo event, bean bags for our physical trainer--this was a hard one, but we found it!

We had fun finding shooting nerf guns for an August wedding and rubber duckies that are dressed as fishermen along with an alligator, seal, whale, and dolphin for a client's ducky drop event.

We went looking for new ideas for automotive and motorcycle giveaways, spent time checking out all the new tradeshow and banner displays so we can continue to be the expert, and participated in a new booth attracting client event.

And that was only day one!

Then on to finding hats to bling for a swim team, a nantucket red golf hat for a family reunion this summer, a calendar with custom photos for each month, a cap that has lights built into the cap for a client, and sweatshirts that come in tall sizes.  They don't make many of the tall anymore!!

We looked for items for a hand analysis client and checked out lots of bags for an upcoming sponsored event!

We came up with a new website option for us, so keep on the edge of your seat as we unroll some new things in the next couple of months!

We just LOVE tradeshows!

And we even had energy to go see the water show at the Bellagio, but let me tell you the hot tub got lots of use!!

A Mouse and His Cheese-Who is your ideal client & how can you attract more of them?

So I am sure you are wondering what a mouse and his cheese has to do with business, marketing, and promotional items!

I wonder what kind of cheese does your mouse like?  Cheddar?  Swiss? Provolone?  Wouldn't that information be helpful when setting up your call to action for your clients?

Knowing who your clients are or who your mouse is gives us step one.  

Who is your ideal client?  Finding out who your ideal client is takes some investigation into your database.  What is their gender, age, where do they live, what are their interests?   

Do you have a relationship with them?  If not, today is a good day to start and as you build that relationship, you will learn more about them and create loyal clients.

Wouldn't it make your life so enjoyable to be able to work with more of your favorite clients?  Finding out more about your favorite clients and what kind of cheese they like will help you attract more of them!

Step two is finding out what kind of cheese your clients like?  Are they interested in building their business?  Attracting new clients?  Encouraging current clients to visit more often?  Making the average daily sale higher?  Motivating their employees?

So as you do steps one and two, you will come up with some characteristics that show you more about your favorite or "ideal" client.  Then brainstorm some ideas that will attract more of that kind of client--ask them what is your favorite cheese?

As I play with the mouse and his cheese metaphor,  I do so playfully and with the intent of encouraging you to think outside the box and find who your ideal client is and how you can attract more of them to your business and more enjoyment for yourself!

There is a great 3 day workshop in Concord next week, Mar 14th-16th, please come as my guest.  You can get two Free VIP tickets buy going to:  http://brandyandvinca.com/events/, buy one book for $20 and all 3 days are FREE for you and a colleague or friend.  

Here you can learn more about who your ideal client is, who you are, and how to attract more of your favorite clients!  Mention my name and see you there!

Tradeshow Excitement

I just have to tell you that I am so excited for an upcoming tradeshow!

Have you ever looked forward to a tradeshow?  I am looking forward to seeing new items to help my clients build their businesses, learn new ideas, find ways to add to the bottom line for my clients and myself!

I have even set up some goals to accomplish while at the tradeshow!  How's that?!  And to say that it is in Las Vegas, well what more do I have to say!

All of Mandalay Bay ballrooms will be full of advertising specialities galore!  So to say I am excited, is by far not even close!

Tradeshows are great places for you to do business by being a vendor/exhibitor with a fabulous booth (which we can help you create or add to, by the way!), draw people into your booth, or be a participant/attendee at the tradeshow.

But to get the most out of either side of the tradeshow coin, a good idea would be to give yourself some goals and plans.

Here at Ink It Up Designs, we have some great ideas on being the best vendor possible, from complete tradeshow booths, banners, or setting yourself up for success in bringing more people into your booth.

So to your success in 2013, I am going to Las Vegas to find ways to help all of my clients have the best year ever!  And maybe see the water show at the Bellagio.....Fun!!

Do You hate your job?

Are you one of the many that just hate going to work each day?   

Maybe you have even thought of owning your own business, becoming an entrepreneur even.  

Why should something that is a necessity be the one thing we really just do not enjoy?  So for 2012 let’s make some changes for the positive.

If you have been dreaming of owning your own business, let’s take a look at what you would like to do. 

 

What are you good at?  What are your traits, strengths, things you love to do?

We can take a look at your “list” & see how we can make it work for you.  And turn it into something that you can smile about.   

Going to work each day can be a pleasure & even fun!

Some of it is in the perspective, some of it is that we are doing something we love.

Let me tell you, I can certainly help you avoid some of the pitfalls of starting or buying your own business as I have done it several times now.

I just love seeing faces light up when they are truly doing something that is right for them, inspires them, & they love doing!  Life is for living happily, even if it is Work!

Ask for Help?????

 

 I had the opportunity to attend a symposium put on by BNI the first weekend in December & I just can’t express my gratitude for all of the work, friendship, & knowledge poured into me, not only about BNI, but about me & my business.

To come together with over 40 individuals all with their own interests to have uppermost in their mind & see each of them put that aside to help one another was just fantastic.

Sharing their knowledge, what works, what doesn’t, encouraging each other to be better than when they showed up & into the new year was amazing.

It is still continuing today as I work on my business goal setting for 2012.  Being able to put to work the motivation that was instilled in me from 2 ½ days of this great group plus my coaching from Brandy, together 2012 is looking amazing!

Just before this weekend, I had the opportunity to present to my group on a Friday.  It is hard for me to ask for help, always has been.  My philosophy has always been to do it myself, as I know it will get done & done right (otherwords, my way!!  LOL) 

I thought about all of the things in the past I have talked to them as my sales team & decided to lay it all on the line…present where I want to go & one of my very dear to me dreams!

So I steeled up my courage & went for it.  After I told them of my dream and that I needed their help to do it, I walked away wondering how it was perceived.  

One of the people that I look up to said “Good Job, D’Ann.”  I was excited.  But that was one out of 40…Then the next day another one of the people that I look up to called me, yes, picked up the phone & called me!!  Then I received a request to have a meeting & that person said I inspired them & they wanted to help me achieve my dream!!

Can you believe it?  I asked for help & look what can happen!

So many things have started popping up in my life in the past few weeks that I am so grateful for!!

And let me tell you that asking for help can be so totally exciting, inspiring, & freeing!

phanlop88 / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Rummage Around in your life & business for new growth in 2012

Sometimes you just need permission!   

 Every year we come up to the Holidays enjoying, stressing, wishing for more, sometimes stopping to enjoy the experience.   

 Then on to January where we jot down a few New Year’s resolutions that only last a few weeks, maybe months if we are lucky.

 This year I am hoping to do it differently!  I am turning into a sponge, soaking up all the great information that we are receiving as a Character Code TM  Coach with Brandy Mychals.

 Brandy suggests taking the month of December to evalutate where you are, where you are going, & what your 2012 business and personal goals are going to be.

Yes, this is where that blog I wrote recently comes back into play, WRITE them down, put them where you see them daily, add them into a vision board, whatever it takes to keep them in front of you!

This is the way to achieve those wonderous new results for 2012!   

So even though December can be way crazy, take this time to rummage around in your life, your business, rearrange your priorities, & come up with what you want your life to truly look like for 2012.

So, do you want to do it with me?  Let’s do it together!  Let me know what your 2012 is going to look like!

Do YOU crave Certainty?

In 1982, we decided to upgrade to our first house, we had bought a condo, a mobile home, & now on to our first house.   

I was so freaked out about quadrupling our payment, plus paying utitilies, etc.  (We weren’t paying any of that where we were!) that being the class president that I am (Check out the Character Code System that I am coaching) needed CERTAINTY!

I had myself so worried about making the payments that I wanted a “letter in the mailbox” that said it was ok to do this.  I wanted confirmation on our decision.  I wanted it in bold print.  I wanted Certainty!

Have you ever been here?  Sometimes I just need to know that what I am doing is right!

I am trying to listen to my intuition more, that gut feeling that tells you the path you should take, serve those that are in need that day, that small voice that whispers into heart what your purpose here really is. 

I am far from perfect in doing this, but I am working on it day by day.

So over the years, we have laughed many times over my wanting a “letter in the mailbox.”    

It’s funny how each of us has our own character traits & learning more about my class president, part cheerleader character code has been truly empowering.

I have found that I had put the class president in a closet a lot of the time as it wasn’t the popular one.  I found thru my coaching with Brandy that it is ok to be the class president/cheerleader combo in my best sense. 

So as I work on my intuition, both in my business & personal life, I am listening to how I can be a better person, serve those around me, learn daily, & love life as the person I am, whom I have been given permission to be again, but in the best sense of the word.

Can you teach an old dog new tricks?

When they say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, I say they are so wrong!  Just saying, I am not old per say, at least inside I do not feel old, although some days the mirror says otherwise!

Becoming, such a great word, as you learn & grow, you become more than what you were before.  

Even in our trials, thru faith, determination, enduring to the end, or whatever you call it, you can choose to grow, live your life to the fullest, sharing your gifts, giving back, & becoming more than what you were, or kick against the pricks & live your life angry & not to the fullest.

As I become a Character Coach with Brandy Mychals, I find myself becoming & enjoying the journey more each day.  That doesn't mean my challenges have magically disappeared, but I am more up to the challenge.

My husband, Donn, came home from a meeting last week & said to me, “We have forgot to dream.”

The last few years have been really hard on us financially, survival mode, just keeping the roof over our heads mentality.  In that space, there is no room for growth, let alone dreaming.

So when my hubby talked about forgetting to dream, he opened the door for me to dream again & gave me permission to do so.

I brought out my dream board (the one that I have been talking about doing for how many years?) & started adding all the things I want my life to be, what I want to give, & who I want to spend my time with!

So as I dream, I ask you to help me meet my goal, my dream.   

I have this great dream of walking up to the Eifel Tower with my oldest granddaughters & my hubby & showing them Paris in Fall of 2013.

This all started when I walked into the Paris hotel in Las Vegas, yes far from the real thing, I know, holding the hand of a then 5 year old granddaughter, who looked up with awe in her eyes & voice, & said “ohhhh, Paris.”  It was then at that moment, I knew that I had to take my girls to the real Paris, Florence, the Italian coast, Venice, oohhh, yum!

As I opened up to my BNI group on this past Friday, I am open to your referrals to fuel my dream!  Let’s start dreaming together!  Share your dream, stand up for yourself, & become!

Pug photo courtesy of:
http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=194