Thursday, February 28, 2013

What Is Your Marketing Plan?


Marketing is much more than just a web site, advertisement, tradeshow or e-mail. These are just a few of the many components of marketing. These are only the tactical actions that support the strategic nature of marketing. Perhaps the reason that some marketing fails is that the tactical actions are taken without the necessary strategic plan.

Unsure about how to market your small Business?  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.

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.

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.

You have probably heard of the four "Ps" of marketing: product, place, price and promotion. When empowered, marketing defines the products offered and the market that they will serve (product). Marketing creates the distribution channels through which products are offered (place). 

Marketing determines the cost to the consumer that yields the largest profit (price). Finally, marketing creates awareness and interest in the product to initiate consumer action (promotion). Above it all, marketing creates the identity of the company that serves as the umbrella under which all products fall.

Marketing creates the opportunities for selling. Marketing builds awareness and understanding of products and services. Marketing provides the tools used to move toward the close of the deal. Awareness, interest, desire and action are the goals of marketing promotion.

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

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

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Five Low Cost Small Business Promotions


The best way for a small business to do low cost promotions is to work with other small businesses.

Offer to place non-competitive businesses coupons at your register.  Make sure to offer or hand out the coupons at checkout, not just leave them laying there.  Make sure the other business has plenty of your coupons to hand out as well.

Give out business cards – Anytime your type of business comes up in conversation, you can hand your business card out. You never know who will turn into a great customer or referral. MI Printing would love to work with you on your custom designed cards to get a great deal on your business cards.

Use every outgoing piece of paper, and every electronic document as business promotion.  For instance, business stationery is an ideal business promotion tool. Is your business name, logo, contact information (including URL if you have one), and slogan on your envelopes as well as on your letterhead? Or are your envelopes only printed with your business name and return address? What a waste! Your phone and fax numbers, your URL, and even a memorable slogan should be there, too. It's not just an envelope, it's a business promotion tool! You're sending it out anyway, so why not make it work for you?

We're all familiar with hearing or reading advertisements that promise that the first 50 people to visit a particular store will receive a free ________. You fill in the blank. It could be anything from a single red rose through an ice-cream cone! We're all familiar with this kind of spot promotion because it works. People love to receive things that are free.

Mobile business promotion isn't just for white delivery vans. It seems like one in every four vehicles has the name and phone number of a business decorating one of the windows or doors. Think of all the people who see your vehicle when you're driving around - especially if you live in a place where people often get stuck in traffic!  Wew can help with magnetic door signs to help get your message across.

Let MI Printing help you get you message across in one of many styles of coupons or printed brochures.  We can get started with a simple phone call to Matt or Paula at 623.582.1302.  Ask about our current specials.

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

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

10 Free Ways To Market Your Small Business


Are you looking for ways to market your small business with a limited budget?  Here are ten free ways to do just that.

1. Do a press release and submit it to your local media outlets.

2. Talk to your professional and personal vendors--printers, mechanics and hair stylists for example--and ask if they have a need for your services. Leave business cards with them as well, and if they have bulletin boards for local businesses to post cards on, ask if you can add yours there as well.

3. Ask existing customers to provide you with referrals to their friends, family and business associates. Word of mouth advertising is a powerful way to get free advertising for your small business, because an existing level of trust exists between your customer and the person they're referring, so that referral is more likely to use your services.

4. Find local small business clubs and groups that get together on a regular basis, and attend those gatherings. Many towns and cities have small business breakfasts once each month for example, and local Chamber of Commerce meetings. Attend those meetings and introduce yourself to everyone.

5. Providing exemplary customer service and quality products can encourage customers to spread the word about your business to their family, friends and colleagues. Through face-to-face conversations and online through social networks, word-of-mouth marketing is a free way for your business to get exposure.

6. Ask for Testimonials. Your current clients value the products and services you provide, so ask them to provide you with testimonials about their experiences working with your company. Use these testimonials on your businesses website, brochures and in introductory emails you send to prospective clients.

7. Offer to be a guest speaker.  Whether you’re a tax professional, personal organizer or marketing guru, you have valuable knowledge to share. Volunteer to be a guest speaker at business conferences, community events, during networking events and at charity events.

8. Reach out to business owners who offer complementary products and services and who serve a similar target market. Suggest doing a cross-promotion.

9. Do publicity stunt related to your business or service.

10. Become a local columnist or advice radio show. Newspapers and local radio stations favor local exclusive content, and your local paper may offer you an opportunity to become a regular weekly or monthly columnist. You can focus your column on reader questions about your industry.

If you need help with your business printing needs make sure MI Printing is the printer to consider for your next printing job.  We can start with a quick phone call to 623.582.1302.  We want to say “Thanks In Advance”!

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

Monday, February 25, 2013

Made In The USA – NuAngel, Inc.


NuAngel, Inc., a woman-owned business, is a U.S. manufacturer of quality products for mothers and infants. “Nu” in NuAngel represents the words “Nursing”, “Nutrition”, and “New”. “Angel” represents the belief that infants are precious angels and are the most valuable gifts their parents will ever receive.

NuAngel was founded by Teresa P. Carroll in 1990 with a children’s book, Mommy Breastfeeds Our Baby. When purchasing breastfeeding products for the State of Alabama as the State Lactation Consultant, Teresa realized the need for quality breastfeeding products at a reasonable price. In 1992, NuAngel began manufacturing white 100% cotton washable nursing pads for health departments and hospitals to meet this need. Later, NuAngel began private labeling and providing products to the retail market. The NuAngel product line has grown to include many products for nursing mothers, infants and beyond. The line includes award-winning, patented, and patent pending products.

Teresa Carroll states, “We support breastfeeding and infant care by providing a product line that supports the role of fathers and nursing mothers as they participate in this incredible experience called parenting. We are committed to helping promote, protect and support breastfeeding and infant care across the nation and around the world.” As a Registered Dietitian, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and three-time nursing mother, Teresa recognizes the importance of product support during these critical times in the lives of parents and children.

NuAngel products are cut, sewn, and packaged at our U.S. manufacturing facility in Athens, Alabama. This allows us to carefully control the quality of our product line. It also allows for short lead times, flexibility in packaging, and shipping according to customer needs. NuAngel is committed to providing top-quality products at a reasonable price. Our goal is to continue to grow while supporting the U.S. economy by providing jobs for U.S. textile workers and utilizing U.S. resources.

Location: 14717 Friend Road Athens, AL 35611 256-729-5000

Website: http://www.nuangel.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

Friday, February 22, 2013

500 #10 Business Envelopes MI Printing




Business Envelopes, #10 White Envelopes 500 for just $59.00 Black Ink on front from customer supplied art (PDF Format) plus Sales tax if applicable. To receive discount please mention this ad. Offer expires February 28, 2013.

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

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

Thursday, February 21, 2013

Build Your Business Without Discounting


Do you want to perk up your small business without always using price cuts and discounts? Consider doing it by focusing on building a brand and strong relationships instead of relying on price discounts to create sales. 

To do that you need to focus on marketing education, small business marketing techniques, modern design, and inspiration to help you enjoy your marketing and build a powerful business. 

Whether you're a photographer, a hair salon, online store, cosmetic dentist, fitness center, specialty store or any other type of small business, you have come to the right place! At MI Printing we can help you create solutions to your marketing needs.

You don’t have to stick with only online methods to promote your business through social media marketing. Going “old school” can actually be a new idea if you’re thinking about different publications and radio spots. The web today is mobile, so offline advertising isn’t as far removed from online advertising as it was a few years ago.

One of the best ways to maintain your profit margin (i.e. no discounts) is to educate your customers why your are a better bargain even at a higher price point.  Do you use higher quality materials?  Then say so!  Do you spend more time with your customers that your competitors?  Then say so!  Is your advice better because you have more experience? Then say so!

Keep in mind, that, you will never be perceived as being better than your own best boast!

Consider that your target market will always affect your price point and thus your profit margin.  Are you selling to the right audience? Is your next move to go toward a more expensive product?  Or even just a better quality product niche?

The look and quality of your business printing is every bit as important as how nice your office or store looks when your customers enter.  You always need to put your best foot forward in your brick and mortar store and your business printing.

For more attention getting ideas for your next printed advertising piece give MI Printing a call at 623.582.1302 and lets talk about next your printed items.

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

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Paper Grain & Smoothness


Most customers leave it up to us for paper stock recommendations but if you are interested here are some of the specifications we take into consideration.

Don't Go Against the Grain

Being knowledgeable about paper grain and ways you can ensure your documents are "going with the flow" will pay off in document quality. You'll also maximize both your paper and printing investments by avoiding costly reprints. You'll find the paper grain basics here, as well as specific instructions for proper grain direction in certain types of documents.

What is paper grain?

A paper's grain is the direction in which most of the fibers lie. Grain is determined during the papermaking process, when fibers tend to align in one direction or the other. Paper is identified as either grain short (grain is parallel to paper's short side) or grain long (grain is parallel to the paper's long side), depending on how the paper is cut. 

A paper mill may indicate paper grain on carton and ream labels, product brochures, swatch books and price lists in several ways: You may see the words Grain Long or Grain Short.

The dimension parallel to the grain may be underscored. For example, 8.5x11 indicates long grain, while 11x17 indicates short grain.

Folded Documents

Fold paper parallel to the grain direction. Paper folded against the grain may be rough and crack along the folded edge. The heavier the paper, the more likely roughness and cracking will occur. We suggest you score* heavier papers prior to folding. 

Signature Booklets

When you are producing a signature booklet, make sure the grain direction is parallel to the folded edge of the signature. We recommend against mixing long grain and short grain paper in a signature*. Why? When the booklet is trimmed, you may get uneven or stepped edges.

Paper Smoothness Improves Image Quality

Smooth Paper for a Smooth Process! The smoothness, or roughness, of a paper's surface is its finish. When it comes to paper, the smoother the better. Image quality depends on it.

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.

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

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Marketing Basics For Small Businesses


The essence of marketing is to understand your customers' needs and develop a plan that surrounds those needs. Let's face it anyone that has a business has a desire to grow their business. The most effective way to grow and expand your business is by focusing on organic growth.

You can increase organic growth in four different ways. They include:

Acquiring more customers

Persuading each customer to buy more products

Persuading each customer to buy more expensive products or up selling each customer

Persuading each customer to buy more profitable products

All four of these increase your revenue and profit. Let me encourage you to focus on the first which is to acquire more customers. Why? Because by acquiring more customers you increase your customer base and your revenues then come from a larger base.

How can you use marketing to acquire more customers?

When it comes to your customers keep in mind the importance of target marketing. The reason this is important is that only a proportion of the population is likely to purchase any products or service. By taking time pitch your sales and marketing efforts to the correct niche market you will be more productive and not waste your efforts or time.

It's important to consider your virtual segmentation by selecting particular verticals to present your offerings to. Those verticals will have the particular likelihood of purchasing your products and services. Again, this saves you from wasting valuable time and money.

If you are like the majority of small business owners your marketing budget is limited. The most effective way to market a small business is to create a well rounded program that combines sales activities with your marketing tactics. Your sales activities will not only decrease your out-of-pocket marketing expense but it also adds the value of interacting with your prospective customers and clients. This interaction will provide you with research that is priceless.

Want help with your next print advertisement, brochure or flyer?  Call MI Printing 623.582.1302 and lets us be your local resource.

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

Monday, February 18, 2013

Is Presidents’ Day Just For Merchant Sales?


President's Day sales are widely hyped through television and print ads, but should we care about the "slashed prices" on mattresses, electronics and clothing?

Actually, President's Day, Labor Day and Memorial Day all have big buying patterns. There are things consumers buy on regular schedules based on how retail moves inventory. For instance, for President's Day, we see great discounts on appliances, housewares, bedding and mattresses. It's the kickoff to winter clothing clearance, as well. Labor Day is a wrap up of Back to School, summer clearance and the kickoff of Fall Fashion. Memorial Day sales and discounts center around spring clearance, summer gear and travel, and weddings/graduation type of items.

Basically what this tells me is that the sales that can be extended with a paid day off get people to shop. That extra day, time off to visit the store or seriously compare online, creates more serious shoppers. And the seasonal discounts add to the common sense to have the sale. We know the retailers take it seriously when they increase cash back for all of these events, too.

Because President's Day is the first big shopping sale of the year, retailers have a chance to offload products unsold from last year and shoppers have a chance to pick these items up on the cheap. To get the best discounts, shoppers should think about what items merchants are most desperate to sell, including winter clothing that needs to be cleared out for spring lines and electronics that need to be sold to make room for 2013 hardware.

February is a traditionally slow time for apparel stores, and the discounts typically reflect that. Winter items are slashed to clearance prices, "resort" or vacation wear boasts hefty discounts prior to Spring vacations, and stores are really just biding their time until warmer weather spurs shoppers to seek out Capri pants and light weight trench coats. Good deals are found throughout the month as retailers are focused on mainly getting rid of old inventory.

If you are lucky enough to have today off as a paid holiday take a moment remember why we celebrate Presidents’ Day.  It is a day set aside in 1885 by President Chester Arthur as a day to honor the "father of our country, George Washington.”

All states celebrate a version of President's Day, but names and honorees vary depending on location. Many states have expanded the holiday to honor other presidents who were born or raised in their state.

If your customers aren’t noticing your business, you should work on that with business printing from MI Printing.  Give Matt or Paula a call at 623.582.1302 so they can help.

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

Friday, February 15, 2013

What Is A Print Ready Document


Print-Ready is a term we use which means the submitted print file meets the following criteria for print; before you send your document to MI Printing, make sure your file meets the following criteria:

Convert all RGB images into CMYK color

File is in proper format High-Resolution PDF

Check if final document and image has enough resolution 
(300 dpi minimum at 100% size including bleeds).

Contains only high-resolution image data

Includes all fonts

Check if all pages have enough bleed at least 1/8″

Included are trim/crop marks, center marks, and page info

Includes paper size with indications for bleeds and page marking

Does not require any additional modifications or tweaks before being sent to the printer

If you have further questions; please give us a call.

Want help with your next print advertisement?  Call MI Printing 623.582.1302 and lets Matt and Paula  help you with your project.

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

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Sweetheart of a Deal on Post Cards


Happy Valentine's Day!  Because we love our customers we have a "Sweetheart of a Deal".

500 4X6 Post Cards on 10 lb gloss cover stock, printed on two sides  from customer supplied - print ready art. Just $58.00 plus sales tax if applicable. Expires February 28, 2013.

Our digital printing presses allows us to make even short-runs of post cards a very cost effective marketing tool.  You can target a smaller group of potential customers and you can mail out your special price and sale notices quicker than ever before.

We can also do your long runs in many of the popular size Post Cards.  If you have a motel / hotel or tourist attraction we can help you with Post Cards that promote your location and even sell to your customers and let them help promote your business location.

Post Cards... For Sales and For Sale!

If you need help from start to finish MI Printing is here to help meet your Printing needs.

We are always your solution for fair prices and quick turn around.

Call us and let's talk about your post card needs at 623-582-1302

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

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Does Your Business Have A Brand?


First we should start buy defining what a business brand is.  The American Marketing Association (AMA) defines a brand as a "name, term, sign, symbol or design, or a combination of them intended to identify the goods and services of one seller or group of sellers and to differentiate them from those of other sellers.

Branding is one of the most important aspects of any business, large or small, retail or B2B. An effective brand strategy gives you a major edge in increasingly competitive markets. But what exactly does "branding" mean? How does it affect a small business like yours?

Simply put, your brand is your promise to your customer. It tells them what they can expect from your products and services, and it differentiates your offering from your competitors'. Your brand is derived from who you are, who you want to be and who people perceive you to be.

It makes sense to understand that branding is not about getting your target market to choose you over the competition, but it is about getting your prospects to see you as the only one that provides a solution to their problem or situation.

To succeed in branding your business you must understand the needs and wants of your customers and prospects. You do this by integrating your brand strategies through your company at every point of public contact.

Your brand resides within the hearts and minds of customers, clients, and prospects. It is the sum total of their experiences and perceptions, some of which you can influence, and some that you cannot.

A strong brand is invaluable as the battle for customers intensifies day by day. It's important to spend time investing in researching, defining, and building your brand. After all your brand is the source of a promise to your consumer. It's a foundational piece in your marketing communication and one you do not want to be without.

Your brand strategy is how, what, where, when and to whom you plan on communicating and delivering on your brand messages. Where you advertise is part of your brand strategy. Your distribution channels are also part of your brand strategy. And what you communicate visually and verbally are part of your brand strategy, too.

Let MI Printing help you communicate your marketing story in all types of print media.  Give Matt and Paula a call at 623.582.1302

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

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Just 48 Hours To Valentine’s Day


Just a quick question, have you done a special for a “Love Your Customers day” yet?

With Valentine’s Day just 48 hours away have you thanked your customers?  If you gave every customer a present do you think they would remember you?  Now a box of chocolates would be pretty pricey but you can give a discount that might be just as expensive in terms of real dollars that aren’t earned.  Is there a difference between dollars that aren’t earned and dollars that are spent?

Some may argue that there is a difference.  But at the end of the day they are dollars you don’t have.  Giving a customer a coupon that gives dollars off on a purchase is a very effective way to give that customer a reason to return to your business.

Advertisements that show a product or service can be purchased at a reduced price can be effective to get both old and new customer to come to a business and some would argue that a hand-out coupon just brings back existing customers.   What you may want to consider is cost effectiveness of an advertisement and a hand-out coupon.  The advertisement will be far less cost effective.

Is there a difference in the dollars from a returning customer and a new customer? No, I think not.  New customers mean growth you often hear.  Yes, that may be true, but without return customers you have no stability to your base sales.

Keep in mind that through word of mouth satisfied customers also mean exposure to new potential customers, their friends and family.

The one thing I can tell you is that you have to make your customers happy with you. If someone likes you, they are more likely to do business with you as people would rather work with and buy from people they get along with.

So use Valentine’s Day to make sure your customers know they are appreciated and even loved!

Remember if you aren’t, your competition is!

If you need help getting your sales messages out using printed material please give MI Printing a call at 623.582.1302 and see how we can help your business communications.

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

Monday, February 11, 2013

Made In The USA – HURST Jaws Of Life


Hurst® Jaws of Life rescue systems have been instrumental in saving thousands of lives throughout their 30 year history. From race track beginnings in 1972 to the rescue heroes of today, Jaws of Life systems travel with more than 35,000 rescue squads, fire and police departments throughout the world.

Originally manufactured by Hurst Performance Inc, in Warminster, PA, the tool was developed for use in the race car industry. Hurst Performance also manufactured the famous Hurst Shifter which was used extensively in race cars. The original tool was a two-part system consisting of a 32-inch hydraulic spreader powered by a two cycle gasoline power unit. When activated, the scissor-like spreaders opened and forced crushed metal away from trapped victims. Because the tool reduced the time to extricate a victim from a car crash, literally snatching them from the “jaws of death”, the tool earned the name Jaws of Life. Today, Jaws of Life is a registered trademark of Hale Products Inc.

During the past 30 years the Jaws of Life product line has grown significantly. New spreaders, cutters, rams, and very lightweight tools have been added to the world-renowned line. In 2005, Vetter pneumatic products was acquired to add high and low pressure airbags and many hazmat products. In 2006 Airshore International was acquired and brings to the Jaws of Life family of products quality shoring products. Continuous development of the product line continues in both the pneumatic and hydraulic areas as the Company strives to provide the finest, most reliable rescue products to its customers. 

EDraulic Tools
Rescue equipment used to be hand-powered. Tools used to require power units and cumbersome hoses. Not Anymore. EDraulic technology from Hurst Jaws of Life offers you the freedom of cordless operation with the same unmatched power you always count on from Hurst.

Hurst 5,000 PSI
Throughout the world, the name Hurst Jaws of Life has become synonymous with saving lives. For well over three decades, this name clearly has set the standard for power, dependability and life-saving performance. As the pioneer of the world’s first rescue tool, the company decided to appropriately label these products Hurst "Jaws of Life" because they snatch victims from the jaws of death. 

Contact: 711 N. Post Rd.  Shelby, NC 28150  800-537-2659

Website: http://www.jawsoflife.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

Friday, February 8, 2013

MI Printing: This Week's Specials


We have two specials this week

Tithing Envelopes
6 3/4
Qty 10,000
1 over 1 (that is printed on both sides in one color ink)
$496.00


Carbonless Forms
2 part
8½ X 11
Qty 500
$65.00

These offers expires February 28, 2013









We are ready to help just give Paula or Matt a call at 623.582.1302.

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

Thursday, February 7, 2013

Do You Need Marketing Mayhem?


I know you can think of many examples of “Marketing Mayhem” that are being use now by many big time advertisers.  But should you apply that thought process to your local business?

You want to make sure that your advertising dollars bring the very best Return On Investment (ROI) so that you get the results you want in a very cost effective manner.

The message for a local company can be very different from that of a large national or multi-national one.  All companies want one thing from their advertising, that is economical results.  For a local restaurant who might have an average sale of less than $25 doesn’t want to spend $50 per customer to bring them in.  The only exception would be a business that can demonstrate that they tend to retain at least 50% of new customer as part of their long term business. 

A satisfied customer should always be your number one goal in business.  It doesn’t matter if you tend to sell a product or service that is a single use or products that are used many times, a satisfied customer is your very best sales person.

A satisfied customer will others about your business.  Keep in mind, however, that an unsatisfied customer will tell even more (some surveys show that the ratio is as high as 7 to 1) potential customers not to use your business.

Many times you will find that “nice” marketing is always best type, and that is very possibly a correct assessment.  But, being nice in your everyday business dealings is even more important.   Being nice applies equally to both your staff and your customers.  Think that leading by example is even better than relying on “rules” being followed when dealing with customers.  If that doesn’t work you may want to consider different employees.

Rule Number One: Always Be Nice

If you are not friendly, open, and honest, then people will find out. It may not happen this week, or this year, but one day it will bite you in the behind. It's obviously easier to just be an honest person and extend that into your business or service. Why try to lie, or have your business pretend to be something its not? It just complicates your business and life.

You can contact MI Printing for help with you next business flyer, brochure or other printed marketing materials.  Just give us a call at 623.582.1302.

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

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

What Makes A Great Advertisement?


 So you are about to make the next advertisement for your business.  Can I ask you to stop for a moment and think about what is formula for a great advertisement.

You are about to spend money on production and then media buys and you expect results, right?  Perhaps you have even hired an agency for creative direction.  Perhaps you have even hired an award winning agency.  But in the end, will your ad have the “Right Stuff”?

Step one to a great ad is an equally great story.  What is your message?  What do you want the ad to do? Do you want your ad to promote a product or to promote a good story about your business, product or service?

Many ads today spend countless dollars on special effects and flashy gimmicks to be the “hook” to grab the attention of the viewer or listener.  Do you want the ad to be remembered? Sure you do! Or perhaps you want your message to be what is remembered.  Many people say an emotional ad is an ad that will be remembered.

Can we give you a very simple ad that was also simple to produce that we feel will be remembered and effective in delivering an important message.  Here is the link  http://youtu.be/h-8PBx7isoM

Every element of an ad campaign is different. One client may want a campaign that includes a brochure, television commercials and a direct mail package. Another client may only want a Web site and podcast ads. Know the various advertising mediums before you begin your ad planning. If you're a seasoned pro, you know you have to adapt to the client's needs and be ready to take on any challenge. These ideas and plans give you a head start no matter what your advertising experience is.

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.

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

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

2013 “Big Game” Advertisements


Well the final figures are in and this year’s “Super Bowl” wasn’t quite as super as first reported.  Just over 108 million fans tuned in to watch the advertisements and the game.  Putting it at the third most watched TV event in U.S. history.  They chopped off a full yard so that the 108 yard kickoff runback and TD just tied the record and didn’t actually break it.

Now it comes out that the Stadium District knew in advance that they had a power interface problem and had allocated some $600,000 to fix it, but not before the big game.

Unlike many recent “big games” this one was a real brother battle right down to the last minute with an outcome that could have gone either way.

Advertisers need to cough up a cool 3.8 to 4 million dollars for a 30 second TV spot (not counting production costs or the money spent to buy the rights to be the “Official” something and use the true “Super Bowl” name.)

Did you agree with Ad Meter that the Budweiser Clydesdale spot with the new colt (Now named Hope) was the very best spot?  Ad Meter shows that the Tide Joe Montana stain spot was in second place, but not by much.  The Chrysler two minute Paul Harvey “Farmer” spot nailed down the third spot.  The air time for that spot cost Chrysler over 12 million dollars.  They also ran a two minute tribute to the military and their Jeep brand. 

I know you have heard that sex sells and many folks have tried to use that as a basis for many advertisements.  But the reaction for many viewers of the GoDaddy spot was revulsion not attraction.  But, if getting your brand talked about for name recognition, it was a commercial success.

Of course Disney teamed up with the winning Baltimore quarterback and a big plug for Disney World.

Years ago Apple used their anti-big brother Super Bowl spot to very successfully launch their new Macintosh line for a fraction of what it costs in 2013.

What advertisement was your favorite and how can you use these multi-million dollar examples to do a better job in 2013 marketing your local business? 

Want help with your next print advertisement, brochure or flyer?  Call MI Printing 623.582.1302 and lets us be your local resource.

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

Monday, February 4, 2013

Made In The USA – Sub-Zero


In 1943, Westye F. Bakke built the first freestanding freezer in the basement of his Madison, WI. home. A businessman with a keen ability to anticipate post-World War II refrigeration trends, he founded Sub-Zero Freezer Company just two years later in an old two-car garage. From its modest beginnings, Sub-Zero has become what it is today: the recognized leading manufacturer of premium built-in home refrigerators.

Since its founding, Sub-Zero has pioneered quality products that meet its customers needs. In the mid-1950s, for example, the company developed the built-in refrigerator – a unit that changed the future of kitchen design by fitting within surrounding counter and cabinet space. Over time, the company has refined its early concept and has brought to market a comprehensive line of built-in models, including the 200 Series of under counter models, its award-winning 500 Series, the design-flexible 600 Series, the integrated 700 Series, and, most recently, the state-of-the-art 400 Series of wine storage.

Indicative of the company’s innovative engineering is its dual refrigeration system, which relies on two separate, self-contained cooling systems to keep fresh food fresher and preserve frozen food longer.

For 60 years, Sub-Zero has offered innovative, aesthetically appealing and technologically advanced solutions to meet virtually any home refrigeration need. Through foresight and responsiveness, the company has earned its position as an industry leader – a position Sub-Zero intends to maintain well into the new millennium.

Wolf Joins the Sub-Zero Family For more than 70 years, Wolf has been synonymous with professional cooking equipment for restaurants and hotels. In March of 2000, the company became part of Sub-Zero and was adapted for the serious in-home cook.

Location:  4717 Hammersley Rd Madison, WI (800) 222-7820

Website:  http://www.subzero-wolf.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

Friday, February 1, 2013

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.

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