Valentine's Day Marketing

Most Business and Marketers love Valentine's Day, the day of love, because it’s an opportunity to drive sales and engage customers.

Every day in the first two weeks of February put blog articles, Facebook posts and Tweets out into the social media universe that conveys some measure of your affection for customers, a customer service promise or another customer care oriented message. And create a special Valentine’s Day email to send to your contacts on February 14th. That’s 14 ways to say “I love you” to your customers!

You do appreciate your customers and clients, don’t you?

Every day from February 1st to the 14th, hold a contest or drawing to give away an inexpensive but desirable product, service, add on or even a branded coffee, water or travel mug, t-shirt or another branded doohickey. Put together a grand prize for the February 14th drawing such as a gift basket, collection with one of each of the items given away previously, larger ticket item, etc.

Obviously, everyone doesn’t have a significant other. The singles among your client base may well be sick of all the talk of love and romance. Cater to them by way of a romance-free shopping event or go the other direction and hold singles shopping hour mixers. Include a few love-cynical quotes on Facebook and Twitter. Or celebrate with special offers on February 15th, which is “Call it a Singles Day.”

Send Valentines to people who need and deserve them.  Collect or create Valentines to be given to soldiers, seniors, cancer patients or another deserving group. Ask customers to bring signed Valentines or hold a DIY Valentine craft workshop for kids (of all ages). Feature the project in a press release and in stories on your website, social media, email newsletter and blog.

Live out the spirit of Valentine’s Day.  Donate a portion of proceeds or proceeds from the sales of specific products or services to a local deserving charity, or hold an a-thon type of event with proceeds and solicited donations going to charity. And don’t forget to tell people about the good works that you do for charity or in your community in communications via your website, blog, in email newsletters and on social media.

You can also give out great Two-For-One coupon specials for your Valentine sales.

Want help with your next print media communication?  Call MI Printing 623.582.1302 and lets us be your local printing resource.

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Phone: 623.582.1302
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Is Your Advertising Effective?

If you want effective advertising keep in mind that your message needs to have basic appeal beyond just the “Buy It” part of your message.

Emotional Triggers

Experiences that trigger our emotions are saved and consolidated in lasting memory because the emotions generated by the experiences signal our brains that the experiences are important to remember. There are eight basic, universal emotions - joy, surprise, anticipation, acceptance, fear, anger, sadness, and disgust. Successful appeals to these basic emotions consolidate stories and the desired calls to action in the lasting memories of audiences. An added bonus is that successful emotional appeals limit the number of exposures required for audiences to understand, learn, and respond to the calls to action - people may only need to see emotionally compelling scenes once and they will remember those scenes for a lifetime.

Call To Action

A good story that is very entertaining but does not make a direct connection between the desired call to action - the purpose of the ad - and the story is just a very entertaining story. The whole point of the story in advertising is to effectively deliver the desired call to action. If the audience does not clearly understand the desired call to action after seeing the ad, then there is no point in running the ad. Contrary to popular belief, having an entertaining story and clearly delivering the desired call to action are not mutually exclusive.

Show and Tell

"Seeing is believing" and "actions speak louder than words" are two common sayings that reflect a bias and preference for demonstrated behavior. This is especially true when interests may not be the same. Assume audiences are skeptical about any advertising and design advertising that shows and does not tell.

How do you tell if your advertising is effective?  Ask yourself a simple question… When I run my ads do they get the response I want?  If your answer is consistently “no” then your ads need work.

You can start by contacting MI Printing for help with you next business flyer or brochure.  Just give us a call at 623.582.1302.

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Why Is It The “Big Game” For Most Ads

You will see that most local companies having sales and promotions for the February 2nd “Big Game” stay away from calling it the Super Bowl.

The term "Super Bowl" is a trademark owned by the National Football League, and it is protected very aggressively. What does that mean?  The biggest no-no of all is to use the term "Super Bowl" in any advertising or promotional announcements that are not sanctioned by the NFL.

There is a court-created trademark concept known as "nominative fair use."  Under this concept, trademarks can be used when necessary under certain conditions.  First, the mark must not be readily identifiable in any other way.  For example, you do not have to refer to the Pittsburgh Steelers as "the professional football team from Pittsburgh."  Secondly, you can only use the mark to the extent necessary to identify it.  Repeated gratuitous use would cross the line - for instance if you repeatedly state that your station is "the place to hear everything about the Super Bowl."  And third, you cannot do anything to suggest a false connection or sponsorship arrangement.  

What does this really mean?  It means that media can use the term "Super Bowl" editorially in discussing the game on air (but not in a way to imply that the station has a connection to the game, or not in a repeated way analogous to a station slogan or positioning statement).  It means that news stories about the game can refer to the "Super Bowl."  The NFL will not consider such uses to be trademark infringement so long as the use is reasonable.  In fact, from an editorial perspective, the NFL appreciates some hype about the game to attract viewers and general consumer interest in the game.

Many major companies have purchased the rights to be the “Super Bowl” in relation to the promotion of “Pizza”. This year Papa Johns is the Official Coin Toss Experience.  You could have entered the VISA Super Bowl XLVII Sweepstakes.

Every so often you see people run ads that use trademarked names in the ad when there is no official relationship with the event and nothing seems to happen.  But you should always double check for the use of any  trademark infringement of any image or tradename you use in your business advertisements.

Need to have a creative twist to your next commercial printing job?  Let MI Printing work with you on your next handout, flyer or brochure to make your message stand-out and be remembered. Give MI Printing a call at 623.582.1302.

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Made In The USA – General Pencil Company, Inc.

General Pencil Company is a family owned business. It has been owned and operated by the Weissenborn family since 1889. Edward Weissenborn, a brilliant mechanical engineer, founded one of the first pencil factories in America. He learned the art of pencil making in Germany while working for the I.I. Renbach Lead Pencil Company. In 1854, he came to America to establish his own pencil factory. In 1860 he accomplished just that.

After assisting in the design and construction of the Civil War battleship, the USS Monitor, Edward set up his pencil factory in Jersey City Heights, New Jersey. It was called the American Pencil Company.

The American Pencil Company quickly earned a reputation for producing quality pencils. They received hundreds of letters praising their products, including letters from four members of President Lincoln's cabinet. In 1866, letters of commendation were received from the Governor of New York and the Mayor of New York City.

His speech was widely quoted in the American Press, and it came to the attention of the British authorities. Oscar went to Washington to plead his case at the British Embassy, but the British were adamant. This left the American pencil manufacturers unable to get their leads out of Germany. Oscar experimented and came up with a way to make his own leads. Many of General Pencil's unique drawing formulas were created in those years.

In December of 1923 his operation became General Pencil Company. In 1927, his son, Oscar E. Weissenborn, entered the family business. Later his three sons, Oscar A., James, and F. Hill entered the family business.

In 1965, General Pencil expanded operations into California to become closer to the incense cedar supply and to the Western markets it was developing. Oscar A. Weissenborn took over as President in the 1970's, and James Weissenborn became CEO in 1979. James expanded the product line, and increased the sales and distribution capacity of General Pencil to become a worldwide supplier of fine art and craft products. James has led the company since then, and continues to inspire creative and innovative products for the fine artist. While selling pencils and managing the company, James has managed to pass along his passion for pencils to the fifth generation of the Weissenborn family.  

Contact: PO Box 5311 Redwood City, CA 94063  650-369-4889

Website: http://www.generalpencil.com

Do you want your business printing made in the U.S.A.?  Then please contact MI Printing and tell us about your printing needs.  We are ready to listen and help.

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MI Printing: Indoor Magnets

Make your advertising message STICK!

Indoor Magnets... Several Sizes and Styles available  4/0 (Full Color One Side), 17pt UV coated stock.   From customer supplied art. Art should be 300dpi PDF file.

At MI Printing we can take care of all of your specialty printing needs.  Learn about the many options we offer for your business printing needs.  Questions... Please give us a call at 623-582-1302.

Please ask about money saving larger quantity print runs.  For best results a high quality PDF file is required for the customer supplied artwork.

Thank You
Matt & Paula

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Guerrilla Marketing Mayhem

We have mentioned before that “First, Get Their Attention” and “Make Your Message Memorable” are the basis for all marketing.  If you don’t get their attention and your message isn’t remembered you might as well have not have done the advertising or marketing in the first place.

The large companies use repetition to make sure the message is remembered.  You know the ads we mean, you get sick and tired of seeing and hearing them.  Many of us resort to channel surfing or we swear not to buy the product because we are sick and tired of seeing the offending ad.

Other ads have become part of the American story and one of the most remembered is the Coca-Cola series, "I'd Like to Buy the World a Coke." What can a small business do to compete and be remembered.

Leverage your workforce to spread the word. This can be accomplished through inexpensive flyers or coupons and/or magnetic signs on their automobiles. This can also be accomplished through word of mouth but it is far more difficult to control the message.

Create publicity and press releases. You can use local “groups” within professional social networks (MySpace, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc.) to create free publicity and drive prospects to your website as well as your “bricks & mortar” location. Creative press releases can get you on local TV, in the paper and across the web. You can do this yourself if you have the talent or there are services that will do it for you.

Create partnerships and cross promotions. Find other companies that hit your same target audience and are complementary to what you offer. Come up with a win-win barter proposal of how to steer clients to each other. Or, offer bundled promotions using the products/services of each to boost interest in both of your companies. Or, pool your marketing dollars together and create a campaign you could not afford on your own. It can be as small as one or two partners you barter with individually or a group, similar to the wedding industry where florists, hairstylists, veil makers, dress makers, bakers, and printers work together to help each other out.

Need to have a creative twist to your next commercial printing job?  Let MI Printing work with you on your next handout, flyer or brochure to make your message stand-out and be remembered. Give MI Printing a call at 623.582.1302.

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Handling Negative Social Media Buzz

Sooner or later it will happen to your business,  someone makes negative comments about your business on a social media website.

Some folks claim that there is no such thing as negative or bad publicity, but most businesses on the receiving end of harsh news coverage or social media criticism would disagree. 

The way you handle a negative story can make all the difference. Here's how to respond without fanning the flames of a negative situation. 

First and foremost, make sure you temper your response. Don't hide. In most cases, a failure to react will only tend to validate a criticism, so an appropriate response is usually advisable. Yet there are exceptions. If the accusation isn't credible (a rumor or internet troll), there's no need to dignify it. In a high-stakes situation in which the facts aren't yet clear, respond by saying so, and pledge to get to the truth as quickly as possible. 

Most important never overreact. It's easy to be emotional and use inflammatory or defensive language when attacked, especially if things get personal. Here is where taking the “high road” is most important.

Most legitimate websites or news sources will let you have your say in response to a negative story. Where facts or details are wrong, insist on your right to set the record straight. Don't threaten or bully; appeal instead to the journalist or blogger's sense of accuracy. No one wants to get it wrong. 

Use facts and figures and cite third party sources. A convincing response is usually one that invokes objective facts or statistics. When possible, quote third parties. Past recognition, company ratings and recommendations, even satisfied customers, will help you state your case.

When appropriate, apologize. If your company has made an error, offer a prompt and sincere apology. Avoid weasel words such as, "We're sorry if anyone was offended."  If this is the case make sure you learn from the experience and take responsibility, and more importantly, take steps to fix the situation or make amends.

Want help with your next business printing project?  Call MI Printing 623.582.1302 and lets us be your local resource.

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Marketing Consolidation will Continue In 2013

While we can’t say for sure what 2013 will bring, recent business acquisitions and mergers have confirmed that more awareness will be placed on marketers’ methods changing and improving during 2013. With a greater focus to keep up with the real-time behaviors of consumers, we anticipate marketing will continue to evolve. 

Never lose sight of the basic fact that to reach consumers you need to “tell a better story” to your prospective consumers.  Keep in mind your story needs to be more than just hype.  Your consumers will only return if your marketing not only rings of the truth, but is the truth.

If you “under promise and over deliver” you will both keep old customers and continue to bring in new ones.

While the importance of online, social marketing and combinations of email and direct contact can be very helpful, you want to make sure that all brick and mortar business use online and at location marketing methods.  The use of special “Thank Yous” and “Coupons” can spark the return of existing customers and leverage new customer visits.

Making sure that your customers feel appreciated is the most basic of customer relations.  While not having needed items in stock is the number one listed customer “pet peeve” feeling appreciate is still in the top five reasons to return (or not) to any given business.

As we have said many times, learn to treat all of your customers “the way you expect” to be treated during all transactions.

Make sure your marketing message and your brand image are truly representative and in-sync with each other.  These need to “understand” your ideal customer as well.  The product  must be a match to your customer and your brand’s message.  Don’t promise “Rich Corinthian Leather” only to be delivering Naugahyde.

Nor should you use the price of “Rich Corinthian Leather” and then deliver Naugahyde.  Customers do know or will discover that difference.  Never give a customer a reason to paint you that way online or by word of mouth.

You can start by contacting MI Printing for help with you next business flyer or brochure.  Just give us a call at 623.582.1302.

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MI Printing, LLC
Phone: 623.582.1302
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Made In The USA Titan Motorcycle Co

Titan Motorcycle Co is a premier motorcycle manufacturer based in the North American market(s).

The company has facilities in several areas of North America (USA & Canada) & maintains a healthy distribution network of superb independent dealerships across the globe.

Titan is a “build-flow” manufacturing firm. Titan builds bikes custom tailored to specific market demands but based on standard model platforms similar to the fundamental structure used with most auto manufacturing firms. Titan's primary products are; premier hand built motorcycles, clothing, parts relating to the motorcycle industry, accessories and business development services.

Titan as a brand considers its “home market” to be USA, Canada, Mexico and other North American regions, but maintains a recognizable brand recognition pattern with the motorcycle industry across the globe.

Titan Motorcycle Co makes it a business practice to maintain a diverse management team, with much of the business development programs in North America & abroad being outsourced to only the best business brokers working with the management team. The management team stays focused on keeping a vivid input on regional aesthetic trends in the motorcycle industry, general engineering trends in the motorcycle industry, innovative technologies as is relevant to the motorcycle industry and puts large focus into supporting its dealers properly on an on going basis.

The company is family owned, with management spread across North America. The company maintains good relationships with all its vendors, affiliated charities and grass roots event organizers.

Location:  Titan Manufacturing Facility Phoenix, Arizona
Do you want your business printing made in the U.S.A.?  Then please contact MI Printing and tell us about your printing needs.  We are ready to listen and help.

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Phone: 623.582.1302
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Special: Custom Advertising Banners

Custom Advertising Banners, Full Color, Full Bleed, 2 x 8 outdoor banner with grommets $58.00 from customer supplied art. Please mention the ad to receive the discount. Use these banners to get more Attention and Exposure at your next event!

At MI Printing we can take care of all of your business printing needs.  Fast Turn Around, Great Service and Fair Pricing are what we are known for.

Need to know more about all the uses for business banners?  Learn about the many options for your trade shows and events.  Please give us a call at 623-582-1302.

Sales tax, if necessary, is not included.  For best results a PDF file is required for the customer supplied artwork.  Please call if you have questions about setting-up for large displays and banners.

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The Next Pet Rock

The other day I overheard several people talking over lunch about the need to have a great sales idea.  They were talking about the “Pet Rock” as the perfect example of a crazy marketing idea that was outrageously successful.

For those of you who weren’t with us in the 70’s a Pet Rock was a collectible that was sold for a short time and was very profitable.

In April 1975, the creator Gary Dahl was in a bar (which is now Beauregard Vineyards Tasting room in Bonny Doon) listening to his friends complain about their pets. This gave him the idea for the perfect "pet": a rock.

A rock would not need to be fed, walked, bathed, groomed and would not die, become sick, or be disobedient. He said they were to be the perfect pets, and joked about it with his friends. However, he eventually took the idea seriously, and drafted an "instruction manual" for a pet rock. It was full of puns, gags and plays on words that referred to the rock as an actual pet. The original Pet Rock had no eyes.

The idea and packaging was the perfect combination for this collectible. 

The first Pet Rocks were ordinary gray stones bought at a builder's supply store. They were marketed like live pets, in custom cardboard boxes, complete with straw and breathing holes for the "animal." The fad lasted about six months, ending after a short increase in sales during the Christmas season of December 1975. Although by February 1976 they were discounted due to lower sales, Dahl sold 1.5 million Pet Rocks and became a millionaire.

A thirty-two page official training manual titled The Care and Training of Your Pet Rock was included, with instructions on how to properly raise and care for one's new Pet Rock (notably lacking instructions for feeding, bathing, etc.). The instruction manual was the real product: it was full of gags, puns and jokes. It contained several commands that could be taught to the new pet. While "sit" and "stay" were effortless to accomplish, "roll over" usually required a little extra help from the trainer/owner. "come," "stand" and "shake hands" were found to be near-impossible to teach, but "attack" was fairly simple (also with some additional help from the owner). The owners/trainers also found that potty-training their pet rocks was fairly simple, given that they were, in fact, rocks. Dahl's biggest expense was the die-cutting and manufacture of the boxes. The rocks only cost a penny each, and the straw was nearly free. For the initial run of booklets, Dahl had a printing job for a client and "tacked" the pet rock booklet onto the main job. This resulted in a batch requiring only a cut and trim, at almost no cost except some labor.

What is your idea for the next Crazy Collectible?

This is one of those ideas that need to be under the banner of “Just Do It.”  Call MI Printing to have your surveys printed.

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Marketing Mayhem: Marketing Your Business in 2013

Unsure about how to market your business? Read about how to properly position your sales and marketing efforts to compete in today’s marketplace.

You are not alone. Marketing is the greatest challenge and biggest concern for small and mid-sized businesses. Marketing is the least understood business function and the most mysterious. Money pit, black art, expense and necessary evil are common perceptions of marketing.

As times change and businesses grow, every company reaches a point where marketing becomes a critical business issue. For some, this happens when revenues stall or dip. For others, it becomes an important factor in taking the business to the next level. Either way, the questions of, "What is marketing, what do we do and how do we do it?" arise.

The American Marketing Association defines marketing as, "an organizational function and a set of processes for creating, communicating and delivering value to customers and for managing customer relationships in ways that benefit the organization and its stakeholders." Huh? No wonder there is confusion.

In 2013 focus on besting your true competition.  There is a story about three donut shops on the same block in a big city.  On shop proclaimed “Best Donuts in The Country”  the second came up with the slogan “Best Donuts in The Universe”  The third shop won by a sign that simply said “Best Donuts On This Street”.

Define your target audience and tell them what makes your business better than your competition.  Then treat your customers in a way that they feel you truly appreciate their business.  Go the extra mile to satisfy their needs.

Does every customer who leaves your business carry away a coupon that gives them a targeted reason to come back and make a future purchase?  If not, why not?

Always make your marketing hype a reality to each customer.

You can work with MI Printing to work on your business printing needs.  We look forward to working with your business.  Give us a call at 623.582.1302 and let’s talk.

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Does Price Really Rule Buying?

Yes, some people buy based on “Price” as the only consideration.  Some stores seem to sell based only on price and go out of their way to make sure they can offer their items at the lowest possible price.  

But what about quality and value when it comes to meeting the customer needs.  Not all customers need the same quality.   If we look at the need to dig a hole and limit the tool to a simple shovel.  If you only dig a hole once in a great while a very simple and basic shovel will do the job and might be best served by a low cost product.  Even a casual user deserves a product that will do the job.  

If the handle of the shovel breaks the first time it is used the low price doesn’t matter because the “tool” can’t do its job.  A professional hole digger needs not only a product that will do the job but stand up to use that is daily and on going.  How sharp the cutting edge is and how long the sharpness lasts becomes a factor. So in the case of a simple shovel the quality becomes a factor that goes well beyond a low or lowest price.

If we apply the “lowest price” factor to where we eat we can then factor in freshness, quality, taste and safety.  Do you want to eat at a restaurant that cuts every corner possible to achieve the lowest possible price?  

The price doesn’t matter at all if the store doesn’t have the product you need in stock when you need that product.

So we need to ask ourselves, what is it we want in a major construction or repair project. Is it a job done correctly, with attention paid to details for a leak and problem free roof, or do we just want a construction job done at the lowest possible price? I know, We want both, but these two desires cannot be met, for the reasons explained above.

A job done at the lowest price is the lowest for a very good reason. It is missing all the ingredients and input necessary to provide a quality job or project. These are costs to the vendor, and add to the price of a job. In other words, it is missing well paid highly skilled labor, a quality control system and an inspection service that makes sure the job is done right the first time.

Want help with your next print media communication?  Call MI Printing 623.582.1302 and lets us be your local printing resource.

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Made In The USA – Zippo Lighters

The story of Zippo Manufacturing Company is the story of its people, from the founder, George G. Blaisdell, to the many Zippo employees, customers, and collectors who have played a part in its 80-year history. Their loyalty to Zippo has made this one of America’s great companies. 

The Zippo timeline begins in the early 1930s, at the Bradford Country Club in Bradford, Pennsylvania. Mr. Blaisdell watched a friend awkwardly using a cumbersome Austrian-made lighter. The lighter worked well, even in the wind, due to the design of the chimney. But its appearance was utilitarian. 

Late in 1932, Mr. Blaisdell decided to refashion the Austrian lighter. Mr. Blaisdell fabricated a rectangular case and attached the top of the lighter to the case with a hinge. He retained the chimney design which protected the flame under adverse conditions. The result was a lighter that looked good and was easy to operate. The first Zippo lighter, currently displayed at the Zippo/Case Museum in Bradford, was produced in early 1933 and sold for $ 1.95 each. And, from the very beginning, they were backed by Mr. Blaisdell’s unconditional lifetime guarantee – “It works or we fix it free. ™” The name “Zippo” was created by Mr. Blaisdell. He liked the sound of the word “zipper” so he formed different variations of the word and settled on “Zippo,” deciding that it had a “modern” sound. 

Application for the original Zippo patent was filed on May 17, 1934, and patent number 2032695 was granted on March 3, 1936. A second patent, number 2517191 was issued on August 1, 1950. The design of the Zippo lighter remains basically the same to this day, with minor improvements. In the mid-30s, Bradford’s Kendall Refining Company placed an order for 500 Zippo lighters. These are believed to be the first company-advertised lighters produced by Zippo and are highly collectible. Today, companies continue to use Zippo lighters as an advertising medium and Zippo “advertiser” lighters continue to be among collectors’ favorites.

Mr. Blaisdell passed away October 3, 1978. He is remembered not only for inventing the Zippo lighter, but also for his generous and kind spirit. In the 1980s and 90s, the company was owned by six members of the Blaisdell family, including his daughters and their children. Today, George B. Duke, Mr. Blaisdell’s grandson and Sarah Dorn’s son, is the sole owner and Chairman of the Board. Gregory W. Booth is President and CEO.

Zippo’s diverse product line continues to grow, and now includes lighter accessories; butane candle lighters; watches, men's and women's fragrance, and lifestyle accessories for men; and the developing line of heat and flame products for outdoor enthusiasts. Zippo also owns the Ronson brand of lighters and fuel. 

In 2012, during its 80th anniversary year, Zippo production surpassed the milestone of 500 million lighters since Mr. Blaisdell crafted the first lighter in early 1933. The lighter is ingrained in the fabric of both American and global culture. In marketing parlance, the brand enjoys an unaided awareness rate of more than 98 percent. That means 98 out of every 100 people surveyed have knowledge of the Zippo name and lighter without being coached in any manner – an astonishing recognition factor.

Do you want your business printing made in the U.S.A.?  Then please contact MI Printing and tell us about your printing needs.  We are ready to listen and help.

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1000 #10 Business Envelopes MI Printing

Business Envelopes, #10 White Envelopes 1000 for just $52.00 Black Ink on front from customer supplied art (PDF Format) plus Sales tax if applicable. To receive discount please mention this ad. 

Many times the first impression a person will have with your company is to handle and open correspondence that arrives in your company envelope.  There’s something about receiving a custom printed business envelope. You can feel the importance and significance of any document with the help of logo, printing and the quality of the paper.  In fact, correct envelope printing adds greatly to the image and credibility of a company.

While your letterheads are standards for businesses and companies, the envelopes that carry that important document can not be a poor quality product.

Business envelope printing is crucial because it contributes to the image of professionalism and reliability that a company projects. The image of a company can be picked up from the documents that they produce and use in communications with the public.

Your company's formality and credibility is also reflected in your envelopes.  Envelopes in fact, have the power to affect a response from the recipients whether its favorable or not.  Depending on the look, appearance, color and quality, your envelope can greatly influence the way your recipients think about you and your company's message.

Contact Matt or Paula at MI Printing for help with your professional quality business envelopes. 623-582-1302

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A Years Worth of Zany Marketing Ideas for 2013

Do you find yourself running out of ideas to promote your business? Have you come to a standstill with your marketing department? Are You the Marketing Department of your company? Do You need some fresh ideas to Grow your business?  Do you want a years worth of zany marketing ideas all in one place?

There is a great book out there that will fill the bill for your next years marketing ideas, it is called; Quirky Marketing ~ 365 Ways to Promote Your Business Using Zany and Non-traditional Holidays

Quirky marketing is not about your run-of-the-mill everyday marketing tactic. It is more than that. It is a combination of the creative, zany and off-the-wall. It’s the ordinary marketing tactics taken to a new level - to create a more inspired, fun and interesting process for marketing products and services. In the Quirky Marketing Calendar you will read about 12 months of quirky, zany and creative marketing ideas from around the globe. The 2011 quirky marketing calendar includes more than 365 Quirky Marketing Ideas to Grow Your Business using zany and non-traditional ideas throughout the year!

The book’s calendar is based on the 2011 year but it still works by moving the dates to match any year you want and 2013 is a perfect year to start.

In Quirky Marketing Calendar, you will find great and effective ways to market your business just like the title says, using the non traditional and zany holidays.

You can run contests, create sponsored events and develop joint ventures using the 365+ techniques and ideas in this information packed Kindle book.

To get your own Kindle copy just click on the title.  Quirky Marketing ~ 365 Ways to Promote Your Business Using Zany and Non-traditional Holidays

You can start by contacting MI Printing for help with you next business flyer or brochure.  Just give us a call at 623.582.1302.

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MI Printing, LLC
Phone: 623.582.1302
Email: sales@printinginaz.com
http://printinginaz.com

Do Your Customers Trust You?

We all know the old saying “If It Seems To Good To Be True It Probably Is.”  Sometimes we can use marketing terms that can reduce trust rather than enhance it.

How many times can your laundry detergent or breakfast cereal be “New and Improved.”  We have all seen companies lead with a great low price, only to find that is just part of a bundle that has a much higher price.  Neither of these marketing tactics lead to a position of trust and believability. 

On more than one occasion I have rushed to a local store only to find that the great price in the ad was “tagged with the term, “Limited To Stock On Hand.”  I went out of my way to try and buy the item and getting there early only to find that the store only had two at that price.  Does that lead to a position of trust?  Or the next ad will be ignored.  

In the past it was common for car dealers to feature a very low price on a line of popular cars.  When the customer arrived they would find that the dealer had sold the one car they had at that price or would find a car that had no options and was a stripped model no one would really want.  We all know that car salesperson are right there with politicians on the trust meter.

What can you do to increase trust with your customers?

Seek the truth.  Trust emerges when you approach selling as a way of helping the customer–so make it your quest to discover the real areas where the you can work together. Never be afraid to point out that your product or company may not be the right fit.

Be curious about people. People are drawn to those who show true interest in them. Curiosity about people is thus a crucial element of relationship building. Having an abiding fascination in others give you the opportunity to learn new things and make new connections.

Value the relationship.  If you want people around you to value having a relationship with you, you must truly believe that relationship building is important. You must also believe that you honestly have something of value to offer to the relationship.

Be yourself. Everybody on the planet has had unpleasant experiences with salespeople, and many have walked away from a sales situation feeling manipulated. So, rather than acting or sounding like a salesperson, simply act the way you would when meeting with a colleague.

Most important; Treat Your Customers The Way You Want To Be Treated!

If you are looking for someplace to have your business promotions printed give us a call here at MI Printing 623.582.1302.  See how we can help you in 2013 and beyond.

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MI Printing, LLC
Phone: 623.582.1302
Email: sales@printinginaz.com

Can A Simple Email Create Return Customers?

As our frequent readers know we are always in favor of businesses that go out of their way to reward or thank customers for their patronage.

We recently featured Woodworkers Source as a Made in the U.S.A. business.  Now we are going to revisit them and show you a sample of the Thank You emails they send to customers following an online order.

"Good news, Mike! Our highly trained and skilled team of 50 employees has - with great care and attention - selected, packaged and shipped your order 541863 on this beautiful day, 10/11/2012.

We had a lively celebration afterwards and the whole party marched down the street where the entire city of Phoenix came out, waved 'Bon Voyage!' to your package, and patted the UPS driver on the back.

Local TV stations sent in cameras and reporters who asked, "What does Mike Thomas intend to make with this?" We offered no comment so we wouldn't spoil your surprise. We do hope to see pictures of what you make so we can have another city-wide celebration.

I hope you had a wonderful time shopping at Woodworkers Source. We enjoyed every minute of it, and your picture is on our wall as "Customer of the Year". We're all exhausted but can't wait for you to come back to Woodworkers Source!"

We want you to know that the name has been changed to protect the innocent.  What a great thank you to send out to customers.  It is a great example of going above and beyond to show a customer how much they are appreciated, how much their business is appreciated..

Can you adapt this type of an idea to your business.  Can you say Thank You to your customers in a way that is unforgettable?  You wil find that it is well worth the effort.

Want help with your next print media communication?  Call MI Printing 623.582.1302 and lets us be your local printing resource.

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MI Printing 
Phone: 623.582.1302
Email: sales@printinginaz.com
http://printinginaz.com

Made In The USA - Leatherman

Since 1983, Leatherman has been making tools that can endure just about anything and come back to work tomorrow. When Tim Leatherman and his business partner Steve Berliner started the company with the Pocket Survival Tool (PST) they had no idea that someday they would have more than 30 models and a full 90,000 square-foot facility here in Portland, Oregon with more than 400 employees. 

The PST is the original Leatherman tool. Packs a dozen essential tools into one compact package. Continual improvements have enhanced screwdriver performance and added a hard-wire cutting notch. Comes in standard or black finishes and a cap-crimper model. Tim Leatherman's original invention is as handy as ever.

In 1986 they introduced the Mini-Tool which is the world's smallest multipurpose tool with full-size, full-strength pliers. Our unique folding handle design makes both comfort and small size possible. Slip it into your jeans pocket or wear it with an optional belt sheath. Available in standard brushed stainless finish or black finish.  In 1994 they followed up with the Super Tool® which is the biggest, strongest multi-purpose tool in their line. All blades have a unique locking mechanism, which is the toughest, most precise locking mechanism available on any multi-purpose tool. Its heavy-duty capabilities make the Super Tool® especially useful for the professional, but anyone who needs the extra safety of ten locking blades will be glad to have this workhorse at their fingertips.

The Leatherman Wave multi-tool is hands down their most popular model, made famous by its outside-accessible blades that can be deployed with just one hand. The New Wave was redesigned it in 2004, and they gave the new Wave larger knives, stronger pliers, longer wire cutters, and all-locking blades. Perfect for any job, adventure, or everyday task, the Wave multi-tool is an international best-seller.

2011 saw the introduction of the handy Style PS which is one unique, travel-friendly, multi-tool. With spring-action pliers, a file, scissors, tweezers, bottle opener and mini-screwdriver, you'll never be without your most necessary tools; now even when you travel! Fits in a pocket or clips on your pack or bag for easy portability. So stylish it's almost a shame it fits so easily in your pocket.

Location: Leatherman Tool Group Inc 12106 NE Ainsworth Circle Portland OR 97220 • 503-253-7826

Website: http://www.leatherman.com/

Do you want your business printing made in the U.S.A.?  Then please contact MI Printing and tell us about your printing needs.  We are ready to listen and help.

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MI Printing, LLC
Phone: 623.582.1302
Email: sales@printinginaz.com
http://printinginaz.com

MI Printing: Special Custom Business Cards

1,000 Business Cards, Full Bleed. 4/4 (Full Color Both Sides), 14 pt UV Coated Just $57.00 from customer supplied art.   No one will mistake these cards for homemade ones!

At MI Printing we can take care of all of your business card needs far beyond just simple black on white.  They say you simply aren't in business without your business cards. Need to know more about all the uses for business cards?  Learn about the many options for your cards.  Please give us a call at 623-582-1302.

Sales tax, if necessary, not included.  Please mention this ad when calling to order.  For best results a PDF file is required for the customer supplied artwork.

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MI Printing
Phone: 623.582.1302
http//printinginaz.com
Email: sales@printinginaz.com

Can Toastmasters Help Your Business?

Could your business or organization benefit if your staff could trained to be better leaders and communicators?  One of the leading and oldest business offering these services is Toastmasters International.

Toastmasters International is a world leader in communication and leadership development. Our membership is 280,000 strong. These members improve their speaking and leadership skills by attending one of the 13,500 clubs in 116 countries that make up our global network of meeting locations.

Membership in Toastmasters is one of the greatest investments you can make in yourself. At $36 every six months, it is also one of the most cost-effective skill-building tools available anywhere.

How Does It Work?

A Toastmasters meeting is a learn-by-doing workshop in which participants hone their speaking and leadership skills in a no-pressure atmosphere.

There is no instructor in a Toastmasters meeting. Instead, members evaluate one another’s presentations. This feedback process is a key part of the program’s success.

Meeting participants also give impromptu talks on assigned topics, conduct meetings and develop skills related to timekeeping, grammar and parliamentary procedure.

Toastmasters offers a variety of resources to help you and your organization move forward in the areas of communications, sales and leadership.

Want help with your next print media communication?  Call MI Printing 623.582.1302 and lets us be your local printing resource.

Presented By
MI Printing 
Phone: 623.582.1302
Email: sales@printinginaz.com
http://printinginaz.com

Made In The USA – Woodworker’s Source

Woodworkers Source is a family business started by Keith Stephens in 1978.  They have three stores located in Arizona and an excellent web site as well. Keith’s wife, Betty, and their son, Mark, are also active in the business. The Company has three retail locations and a top notch web site offering the broadest selection of hardwoods in the United States.

This is a great story of finding and filling a need.  Keith Stephens had done several home projects and that success lead to making several more woodworking projects.  For the next one he needed quality hardwoods.  He went to the lumber yard where he usually bought materials and asked for some hardwood.  The conversation went like this:

“Sorry, Keith, we don’t sell hardwoods.”

“Where do I get some?” I asked.  

“We do not know” they replied.   

Disappointed, he went to another lumber yard and received the same information.  He went home baffled.  There he was an aspiring woodworker with a plan and a bill of materials but he could not find any hardwood lumber.  He continued to ask friends and relatives and ultimately got directed to the local hardwood outlet.

After a really bad experience trying to buy from what should have bee the right source, a hardwood dealer he ended up buying what he needed at a local cabinet shop.

His woodworking knowledge continued to grow and he was a subscriber with the first issue of Fine Woodworking.  Woodworking seemed to be gaining in popularity and, he recalled his difficulties buying hardwoods, it seemed to him there might be a business opportunity.   Then he stumbled onto an ad for a hardwood lumber franchise. Austin Hardwoods had a location in Tucson, AZ and wanted to sell it.

The sale of another business provided the capital to move both the Tucson and Phoenix stores to bigger, better facilities.  Sales continued to grow each year and in a few years they opened another, larger facility in the northwest section of Phoenix about thirty miles from the existing location.  In the mid nineties they placed small ads in several magazines offering hardwood by mail order, and orders started to come in.  At first, these were handled by the office staff but over time the volume grew and a full time customer service representative was added and in 1998 their first web site was launched.

North Phoenix Location: 18115 N. Black Canyon Hwy, Phoenix, AZ 85023 • 602-504-1931

Website: http://www.woodworkerssource.com/

Do you want your business printing made in the U.S.A.?  Then please contact MI Printing and tell us about your printing needs.  We are ready to listen and help.

Presented By
MI Printing, LLC
Phone: 623.582.1302
Email: sales@printinginaz.com
http://printinginaz.com