The end of the year is a great time to recognize and celebrate your business partners, employees and associates. But before you start checking off who's been naughty and who's been nice, it's important to consider gift-giving guidelines for holiday shopping.
1. Ensure recipients can receive gifts. Understand what kinds of gifts employees are allowed to receive as some companies put a limit on the price amount for a gift. Do some subtle digging to see what's acceptable and what's not before spending money on a personalized gift that might be returned. Check with administrative staff at an outside firm or ask someone with whom you have a close relationship. A gift of choice program is the perfect way to insure each recipient gets what they want- because they choose it- while adhering to a strict budget.
2. Get Personal. Once you've got a budget in mind for your gift, think about how to make it personal. If you know a big business partner likes to golf, look for gifts that support that habit. Got a top sales rep who loves to travel on his down time? Look for a bag or easy-to-pack shirt. And don't forget about customizing with logos to add another personal touch to holiday gifts.
3. Know your recipient. Remember that the holidays are a time to recognize and appreciate customers and employees- not the right time for prospecting. While a potential client might like whatever holiday gift you send them, they will also see right through your motives and know the gift is nothing more than a ploy to win their business. And the best gifts are thoughtfully purchased with the recipient's tastes and personality in mind.
4. Timing is everything. Shipping around the holidays can be a nightmare, with potential for weather delays, lost packages and any other number of challenges. Plan as early as possible when ordering holiday gifts - especially those that you'll want to personalize - so that gifts make it to their recipients in a timely manner. Remember, many offices close at the end of the year and people take time off for the various end-of-year holidays.
5. Don't forget about presentation. It's not just what's inside that matters; presentation counts as well. Pay attention to detail and add a little something extra to the gift. Surrounding a bonus check or gift certificate with holiday candies stuffed inside a colorful tumbler creates an attractive gift wrapping that can be used throughout the year.
At holiday time as always, managing relationships with multiple suppliers can be overwhelming. To make your job easier, AMP has combined forces with north Florida's leading marketing professionals to deliver the best in all of the products you need to celebrate year's end- with just one contact. Let us know how we can make this year's holiday season more pleasurable for you. Call us today at 904-273-6423.
Friday, November 11, 2011
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Printing Verses Electronic Viewed Materials
By guest blogger Paul Ramsaier of Printed Just Right!!!
Is printing going to the wayside with the invention of the internet? Are we so conscience of helping our environment and not cutting trees for printed materials that we are not ordering printed materials? Well the answer to both is a big NO! The printing industry is one of the largest in the world, an $83+ billion industry. In the US, printing isn't just big business, it's the biggest. Printers employ nearly 1 million people across the country, placing the meager 780,000 in the auto industry a distant second.
Sounds pretty outrageous until you stop to think about it. In a society that's constantly in search of access to information and literally obsessed with record-keeping, it stands to reason that printing industry is huge.
From new car manuals to newspapers to t-shirts to those little tags on mattresses, nearly every product calls on the printing industry somewhere along the line. So let me ask, what do you think of when you think about printing? I would guess everyone will have a different answer. Forms, flyers, cards, marketing materials, reports, and advertisements are just a few of the millions of printed pieces produced everyday. Keep track of your mail this week and see how many printed advertisement, event reminders, coupons and other direct marketing offers you receive.
So the big question is, if it's such a big industry, how come we've never noticed? The reason may be that nearly 80 percent of the printers in the US employ fewer than 20 people. About 7 of every 10 printing shops employ 10 or fewer workers.
Commercial offset printing establishments, which print a wide variety of products, make up the largest segment of the industry, accounting for about 31 percent of employment and about 39 percent of total establishments.Establishments offering primarily digital printing, which is the most technically advanced method of printing constitutes the smallest segment of the industry—about 4 percent of total employment but is growing in leaps and bounds.
So where are all these printing companies? Printing plants are widely dispersed throughout the country; however, more specialized types of printing tend to be regionally concentrated. As an example, the printing of financial documents is concentrated in New York City. Textile printed products is found heavily in southeast US.
Even though there is a large volume of information available on the internet, printing is far from dead. Printing technology has changed. You at one time received coupons and gift certificates printed on paper, now they are gift cards with electronic data. Bottom line is that it’s still printed.
Printed Just Right Inc.!!! Located in Jacksonville Florida is ready to help you with your printing requirements. We provide our clients with both offset and digital printing to meet their needs. Artwork and design capabilities are also available to assist you in your printed products. Quantity is never a problem as with our technology we can print one or we can print thousands. To put the finishing touches on your materials we also have a full bindery (cutting, folding, laminating, die cutting etc).
Is printing going to the wayside with the invention of the internet? Are we so conscience of helping our environment and not cutting trees for printed materials that we are not ordering printed materials? Well the answer to both is a big NO! The printing industry is one of the largest in the world, an $83+ billion industry. In the US, printing isn't just big business, it's the biggest. Printers employ nearly 1 million people across the country, placing the meager 780,000 in the auto industry a distant second.
Sounds pretty outrageous until you stop to think about it. In a society that's constantly in search of access to information and literally obsessed with record-keeping, it stands to reason that printing industry is huge.
From new car manuals to newspapers to t-shirts to those little tags on mattresses, nearly every product calls on the printing industry somewhere along the line. So let me ask, what do you think of when you think about printing? I would guess everyone will have a different answer. Forms, flyers, cards, marketing materials, reports, and advertisements are just a few of the millions of printed pieces produced everyday. Keep track of your mail this week and see how many printed advertisement, event reminders, coupons and other direct marketing offers you receive.
So the big question is, if it's such a big industry, how come we've never noticed? The reason may be that nearly 80 percent of the printers in the US employ fewer than 20 people. About 7 of every 10 printing shops employ 10 or fewer workers.
Commercial offset printing establishments, which print a wide variety of products, make up the largest segment of the industry, accounting for about 31 percent of employment and about 39 percent of total establishments.Establishments offering primarily digital printing, which is the most technically advanced method of printing constitutes the smallest segment of the industry—about 4 percent of total employment but is growing in leaps and bounds.
So where are all these printing companies? Printing plants are widely dispersed throughout the country; however, more specialized types of printing tend to be regionally concentrated. As an example, the printing of financial documents is concentrated in New York City. Textile printed products is found heavily in southeast US.
Even though there is a large volume of information available on the internet, printing is far from dead. Printing technology has changed. You at one time received coupons and gift certificates printed on paper, now they are gift cards with electronic data. Bottom line is that it’s still printed.
Printed Just Right Inc.!!! Located in Jacksonville Florida is ready to help you with your printing requirements. We provide our clients with both offset and digital printing to meet their needs. Artwork and design capabilities are also available to assist you in your printed products. Quantity is never a problem as with our technology we can print one or we can print thousands. To put the finishing touches on your materials we also have a full bindery (cutting, folding, laminating, die cutting etc).
Sunday, November 7, 2010
COST VS. VALUE
BY GUEST BLOGGER PATSY UNDERWOOD
OF ATLANTIC LASER OFFICE PRODUCTS
Pens, pencils, paper, toner or ink cartridges - we all need them, but they can be a big expense in the everyday running of our offices. How much time do you spend finding what you need, getting it ordered and making sure it is the right thing you ordered? Are you getting the best price, best quality and best service you should expect? In the highly competitive office products market, there is always be someone out there willing to “lowball” the competition in order to win your business. But, “buyer beware” - best price may cost you.
What about the time you spend in trying to find the right items you need for the job, or getting the correct toner for your printer. How long do you surf the web to find what you need and then try to find the best price for it?
We all end up frustrated with ourselves at the amount of time we’ve lost looking, comparing and then buying an item only to have the quality not what we had expected or it wasn’t shipped on time, or the freight was twice what we thought it would be and then it was the wrong item.
The phrase “time is money” has never been more appropriate than it is today. If you’re wasting your time looking for the best price or researching an item, you are not getting the best value for your money. Take a closer look at how you spend your time each day.
A locally owned, independent office products dealer, like Atlantic Laser, can offer you competitive pricing, extensive product knowledge, free delivery, and the availability of over 28,000 items to choose from.
The next time you need to order office supplies, check with the friendly, knowledgeable staff at Atlantic Laser. They would be happy to do the research for you, make the comparisons you need to ensure you are getting the best quality supplies and your delivery is free.
OF ATLANTIC LASER OFFICE PRODUCTS
Pens, pencils, paper, toner or ink cartridges - we all need them, but they can be a big expense in the everyday running of our offices. How much time do you spend finding what you need, getting it ordered and making sure it is the right thing you ordered? Are you getting the best price, best quality and best service you should expect? In the highly competitive office products market, there is always be someone out there willing to “lowball” the competition in order to win your business. But, “buyer beware” - best price may cost you.
What about the time you spend in trying to find the right items you need for the job, or getting the correct toner for your printer. How long do you surf the web to find what you need and then try to find the best price for it?
We all end up frustrated with ourselves at the amount of time we’ve lost looking, comparing and then buying an item only to have the quality not what we had expected or it wasn’t shipped on time, or the freight was twice what we thought it would be and then it was the wrong item.
The phrase “time is money” has never been more appropriate than it is today. If you’re wasting your time looking for the best price or researching an item, you are not getting the best value for your money. Take a closer look at how you spend your time each day.
A locally owned, independent office products dealer, like Atlantic Laser, can offer you competitive pricing, extensive product knowledge, free delivery, and the availability of over 28,000 items to choose from.
The next time you need to order office supplies, check with the friendly, knowledgeable staff at Atlantic Laser. They would be happy to do the research for you, make the comparisons you need to ensure you are getting the best quality supplies and your delivery is free.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Sign Language. Tips from guest Blogger Ryan Rippel of Signs Now
Sure you can't judge a book by its cover but I bet that cover influences whether you bother to pick it up in the first place. Humans are visual creatures by nature and many of our decisions are based on the visual cues around us every day. In business the signage you use is your first opportunity to market your products and service. Today is a good day to evaluate your initial image. Many of you already have good signage and just need a little maintenance, some of you may want to freshen up your logo and look. Take a look at your signage and collateral and ask yourself these questions.
1. Is it in good physical shape? My wife drives 2 miles past a dry cleaner closer to our house to use a more distant dry cleaner. Why? Because the local dry cleaner's sign looks like it may fall on a customer at any moment. Some of the light bulbs are burnt out, the sign is bleached from years of Florida sun, and the faces on some of the letters are destroyed or in some cases missing. "How can I trust them to care for our clothes when they can't even care for their business?" she asks me. Maintaining your signs is the first step in enticing new business.
2. Does it stand out from the scenery and other signs around it? Yellow may be your favorite color, or the color that fits your design aesthetic, but it does nothing for your business when it is placed against a bright blue sky, or next to bolder signs. Incorporate those more subtle color choices into your print media and use more eye catching design to grab the attention of potential clients.
3. Is my design dated? We are all about the newest and best in this society. It's the reason you secretly hope your iPhone 3.0 might get stolen or accidently dropped down the garbage disposal. While it still works it doesn't have the sleek newness of the 4.0 (oh and that video chat!). In all seriousness, staying current is a formidable problem for businesses. You must project an image that is up to date with today's marketplace. Think of businesses such as Burger King. While you may not have consciously realized it, they have adapted their iconic burger logo over the years to keep it looking appetizing to the current generations. Whereas once it was a straight shot of the name inside the bun they have now turned the bun on its side, slightly changed the font and added that blue semi circle to bring it into today's design standards. Take a look around, it's happening all over. Jiffy Lube recently updated their look; Coke and Pepsi do it incessantly, as do athletic teams and media outlets (like the many peacocks of NBC). Take an objective look at your signage and see if it is projecting a modern capable image.
4. Is the sign clearly readable and visible from the road? It may seem like an obvious question but, depending on a change in traffic or the time passed since it was installed, you may have an issue. One of our clients got a brand new sign and within weeks the shopping center where they were located redid all the landscaping and plopped a beautiful but large Crepe Myrtle right in front of their sign! The sign was only visible if you were directly in front of it and therefore wasn't doing its job to draw in new business.
5. And finally, does my signage reflect the kind of business I am in? Law firms and child care centers should have little in common in terms of image. One wants to project gravity and power while he other should project a nurturing and friendly creative space. Trained graphic designers know that there are fonts and hallmarks appropriate to different fields such as technology, medical care, food services, etc.
At Signs Now we pride ourselves in great design and great customer service. Our team of talented graphic designers can help you craft or update your signage to project your best image. We look forward to working with you!
1. Is it in good physical shape? My wife drives 2 miles past a dry cleaner closer to our house to use a more distant dry cleaner. Why? Because the local dry cleaner's sign looks like it may fall on a customer at any moment. Some of the light bulbs are burnt out, the sign is bleached from years of Florida sun, and the faces on some of the letters are destroyed or in some cases missing. "How can I trust them to care for our clothes when they can't even care for their business?" she asks me. Maintaining your signs is the first step in enticing new business.
2. Does it stand out from the scenery and other signs around it? Yellow may be your favorite color, or the color that fits your design aesthetic, but it does nothing for your business when it is placed against a bright blue sky, or next to bolder signs. Incorporate those more subtle color choices into your print media and use more eye catching design to grab the attention of potential clients.
3. Is my design dated? We are all about the newest and best in this society. It's the reason you secretly hope your iPhone 3.0 might get stolen or accidently dropped down the garbage disposal. While it still works it doesn't have the sleek newness of the 4.0 (oh and that video chat!). In all seriousness, staying current is a formidable problem for businesses. You must project an image that is up to date with today's marketplace. Think of businesses such as Burger King. While you may not have consciously realized it, they have adapted their iconic burger logo over the years to keep it looking appetizing to the current generations. Whereas once it was a straight shot of the name inside the bun they have now turned the bun on its side, slightly changed the font and added that blue semi circle to bring it into today's design standards. Take a look around, it's happening all over. Jiffy Lube recently updated their look; Coke and Pepsi do it incessantly, as do athletic teams and media outlets (like the many peacocks of NBC). Take an objective look at your signage and see if it is projecting a modern capable image.
4. Is the sign clearly readable and visible from the road? It may seem like an obvious question but, depending on a change in traffic or the time passed since it was installed, you may have an issue. One of our clients got a brand new sign and within weeks the shopping center where they were located redid all the landscaping and plopped a beautiful but large Crepe Myrtle right in front of their sign! The sign was only visible if you were directly in front of it and therefore wasn't doing its job to draw in new business.
5. And finally, does my signage reflect the kind of business I am in? Law firms and child care centers should have little in common in terms of image. One wants to project gravity and power while he other should project a nurturing and friendly creative space. Trained graphic designers know that there are fonts and hallmarks appropriate to different fields such as technology, medical care, food services, etc.
At Signs Now we pride ourselves in great design and great customer service. Our team of talented graphic designers can help you craft or update your signage to project your best image. We look forward to working with you!
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Achieve More Through Strategic Partnerships
The owner of a very small business wears many hats, being the "head" of marketing, human resources, research & development, production, distribution, accounting and customer service. Whether this compulsion to manage all facets of the business is born of necessity or personal preference, it can sap the energy and momentum of even the most ambitious entrepreneur. Just as "no man is an island," business success can never be achieved in a vacuum.
Maribeth Kuzmeski, author of The Connectors: How the World's Most Successful Businesspeople Build Relationships and Win Clients for Life, says "Greatness can never be achieved in a vacuum. Whatever success we achieve can best be measured by the impact we've made on others- touched them personally, brought them with us, and perhaps triggered in them the best they had to give."
I decided to start my own business as a way to achieve my sincere desire to help my customers grow. The sales organizations I had worked with were all focused on the numbers, with recognition going to those who made the highest sales volume in dollars, created the most new accounts, set the most appointments, had the highest closing ratio, etc. My managers expected customer retention to happen on its own, with little respect for the time it takes to build meaningful relationships by providing outstanding service and added value to each contact. I wanted to be more than an ordinary salesperson; I wanted to be a partner my customers could trust to do whatever it takes to help them achieve their goals.
I have learned that becoming a trusted partner with my customers is a fairly simple process: (A) find out what they really need and (B) figure out a way to give it to them.
Finding out what people need doesn't take that much effort. It's easy to get someone to meet with you when you convey a genuine desire to understand more about their needs. And if you are a good listener, you'll come away from the initial appointment with a list of ways to help.
Figuring out a way to give customers what they need is what makes the difference between my company and its competitors. This is where me becomes we. This is where my strategic partners come into play. I have located the best vendors of products most needed by my customers and established a special partnership with them. By taking advantage of a special relationship with a local printer, sign shop, embroidery/silk screen provider, web site developer and office supply company, AMP is able to provide a variety of products with the convenience of just one call to a trusted resource.
After consulting with the customer to learn their specific needs, I consult with my local team of experts to find the best solutions. The end result is a quality product for the customer, delivered with care by a local provider. In addition to the convenience of working through a single source, the customer also has the satisfaction of knowing that they have contributed to the local economy by supporting businesses in their own community.
An added bonus is the fellowship among professionals in related areas of expertise and the pleasure of seeing my partners grow and prosper through our joint efforts. At the end of the day, I have the comfort of knowing that I can be in business for myself without being by myself. I have even revised my company's brand to reflect how the strategic partnership truly defines AMP, from this point forward to be known as Allied Marketing Professionals.
Maribeth Kuzmeski, author of The Connectors: How the World's Most Successful Businesspeople Build Relationships and Win Clients for Life, says "Greatness can never be achieved in a vacuum. Whatever success we achieve can best be measured by the impact we've made on others- touched them personally, brought them with us, and perhaps triggered in them the best they had to give."
I decided to start my own business as a way to achieve my sincere desire to help my customers grow. The sales organizations I had worked with were all focused on the numbers, with recognition going to those who made the highest sales volume in dollars, created the most new accounts, set the most appointments, had the highest closing ratio, etc. My managers expected customer retention to happen on its own, with little respect for the time it takes to build meaningful relationships by providing outstanding service and added value to each contact. I wanted to be more than an ordinary salesperson; I wanted to be a partner my customers could trust to do whatever it takes to help them achieve their goals.
I have learned that becoming a trusted partner with my customers is a fairly simple process: (A) find out what they really need and (B) figure out a way to give it to them.
Finding out what people need doesn't take that much effort. It's easy to get someone to meet with you when you convey a genuine desire to understand more about their needs. And if you are a good listener, you'll come away from the initial appointment with a list of ways to help.
Figuring out a way to give customers what they need is what makes the difference between my company and its competitors. This is where me becomes we. This is where my strategic partners come into play. I have located the best vendors of products most needed by my customers and established a special partnership with them. By taking advantage of a special relationship with a local printer, sign shop, embroidery/silk screen provider, web site developer and office supply company, AMP is able to provide a variety of products with the convenience of just one call to a trusted resource.
After consulting with the customer to learn their specific needs, I consult with my local team of experts to find the best solutions. The end result is a quality product for the customer, delivered with care by a local provider. In addition to the convenience of working through a single source, the customer also has the satisfaction of knowing that they have contributed to the local economy by supporting businesses in their own community.
An added bonus is the fellowship among professionals in related areas of expertise and the pleasure of seeing my partners grow and prosper through our joint efforts. At the end of the day, I have the comfort of knowing that I can be in business for myself without being by myself. I have even revised my company's brand to reflect how the strategic partnership truly defines AMP, from this point forward to be known as Allied Marketing Professionals.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Moving From Customer Service into Customer Satisfaction
When Mike was 17 years old he began serving tables at a popular family-owned restaurant. If you’ve never waited tables, you may not know that most restaurants pay servers an hourly rate that is less than minimum wage, with the balance made up in tips. If you have a low tip night, you may not meet minimum wage for that evening. This unwelcomed tradition propelled Mike to be ever attentive to customers: every one, every detail.
His first night serving, he overheard the head waitress say to the hostess, “I don’t want them. Put them in Mike’s section.” She then turned to Mike and explained, “They always stay a long time, are often grouchy, drink pots and pots of coffee because of our free refills and never tip.”
Mike believed that every customer deserves customer service, even the most demanding. He was up for the challenge and after meeting them they seemed quite normal and friendly enough. “Are you new?” one of them asked. “I am. I heard you three like coffee by the pot,” Mike quickly replied. Another of the three said, “Yes, we usually drink several. We like it hot, with fresh cream and loads of sugar.” “Are you going to be eating anything this evening or are you just having coffee?” Mike inquired. “Just coffee, thank you,” the third customer responded. “Coming right up!” Mike replied.
These were customers that knew what they wanted and clearly communicated it. After several trips for refills, Mike asked the head cook if he could take a full coffee carafe to their table and was given permission to do so. Sure enough, two more followed. A friendly banter developed between Mike and his three customers and after a while the banter transitioned into a light-hearted discussion of family and eventually lead Mike to a better understanding of who they were, why they chose this particular restaurant and always seemed to stay so long.
How fortunate Mike was to get them in his section that first night. He received a $20 tip on a total coffee bill of only $2.39. After they left, another staff member saw the tip lying on the table and the word quickly spread of their generosity. Everyone wanted them seated in their section, but Mike’s three customers would not have any of that!
For many years afterwards, Nancy, Cindy, and Samantha continued to request only Mike. His coffee wasn’t hotter and he didn’t charge less for it. These ladies continually requested Mike because he truly valued each customer, no matter what he or she ordered. He knew that if he did his best, the customer would be satisfied. He asked questions to qualify and followed up to make certain the product was adequate and took the time to learn about his customers’ needs.
The three ladies taught Mike that customer service is not just about the sale, but often about providing a quality experience for the customers. It is what sets us apart as businesses in any economy.
Mike’s Five Key Customer Service Principles of Long-Term Relationships
1. All people desire acceptance: Remember to demonstrate to all people around you that they hold value through your actions and deeds with them; mere words do not compare in power.
2. Discover the core values of those you seek to serve: Find out what drives them, discuss it with interest and customers will want to return to your table.
3. Deliver what your customer wants: Deliver the goods early and often, keeping it fresh, full, and hot.
4. Follow up to ensure customers are satisfied: Ask quality questions that are brief and adjust immediately to service their changing needs. Or, provide extra napkins to anticipate spills.
5. Thank them for their patronage: It can be as simple as a breath mint or a hand-written note on their bill. Make your thank-you unique!
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Marketing Programs: Dragsters vs. Limos
When things get quiet, many small business managers hit the panic button by shifting marketing efforts into overdrive. Sometimes this works. More often it does not. An effective marketing plan needs to be running steadily at all times, like an engine on cruise control, with the rocket boosters reserved for planned activities such as direct marketing campaigns and specific advertised events.
Constructing a marketing plan that works is not really difficult. Think of it like plotting a trip on a road map. First decide where you want to go, then figure out how to get there from where you are now. Since your rate of speed is determined by the amount of fuel you have available, a slow and steady course is likely to be the most reliable way to reach your destination.
Before you hit the road, be sure your marketing vehicle is running efficiently. Tune up your initial phone greeting, voice mail and after hours message, email signature, business cards, letterhead and envelopes. Make sure your office/showroom, vehicles and signage are polished to a high shine. How about your pit crew? Freshen up uniforms and order new logo apparel.
Once you have embarked on your journey, here are some routine actions to help you stay on course:
The next time your lead foot starts to itch, think about this: How will your customers and employees prefer to travel - in a screaming dragster or in a comfy stretch limo? If you want them with you for the long haul, think limo!
Constructing a marketing plan that works is not really difficult. Think of it like plotting a trip on a road map. First decide where you want to go, then figure out how to get there from where you are now. Since your rate of speed is determined by the amount of fuel you have available, a slow and steady course is likely to be the most reliable way to reach your destination.
Before you hit the road, be sure your marketing vehicle is running efficiently. Tune up your initial phone greeting, voice mail and after hours message, email signature, business cards, letterhead and envelopes. Make sure your office/showroom, vehicles and signage are polished to a high shine. How about your pit crew? Freshen up uniforms and order new logo apparel.
Once you have embarked on your journey, here are some routine actions to help you stay on course:
- Tell at least one person per day what you do, who your best customers are, and something you have done lately to exceed customer expectations.
- Add at least one potential customer to your prospect list each day.
- Make one new contact per day by writing a letter, sending an e-mail or making a phone call.
- Follow up new contacts once a week.
- Reserve a block of time each week to attend a networking meeting and/or make phone calls to new prospects.
- Request customer feedback on an ongoing basis and review at least once a month.
- Find a way to make contact with your referral sources on a monthly basis.
- Research your competition by checking their web sites each month.
- Set up a tracking system so that you can review your program and make adjustments as needed- at least once a quarter.
The next time your lead foot starts to itch, think about this: How will your customers and employees prefer to travel - in a screaming dragster or in a comfy stretch limo? If you want them with you for the long haul, think limo!
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