Made In The USA – Wild West Guns

"We're kind of the Orange County Choppers of the firearms world. We make all the custom cool stuff for modifying and upgrading firearms," said Jim West, the owner of Wild West Guns.

Wild West Guns was founded in 1992. Starting out small, we did mostly general gun smithing and repairs, together with custom work for Alaska Hunters and Sportsman. We first obtained recognition for our Race Guns, and subsequently developed the now world famous Alaskan Copilot. It was through this beginning, together with our experience as hunters here on the Last Frontier, that the extensive line of Wild West Guns custom firearms was born.

In addition, all of our products are designed with Alaska conditions in mind. Why? The answer is simple. If our products work up here, in some of the most inclement conditions known to man, then they will work for you anywhere.

All of our products have been extensively tested by Alaskans. Our guns have been tossed in small planes, dumped in swamps, dropped in the ocean and dragged across the tundra. They have spent weeks in the rain of Yakutat and Kodiak. They’ve been used to hunt wolves at -40F on the tundra, bears and moose in mountains, thickets and swamps, hunt sheep on virtually inaccessible mountains and carried on snow machines across sea ice for polar bear protection. Since we opened our doors, we have become the largest custom gun shop in Alaska. Our products have been praised all over the world, and are used by hunters and sportsmen from Alaska to Africa!

We continually refine our products. All of our guns are designed to be durable, light weight, accurate, portable and powerful. We pioneered the use of Scout Scopes on our Alaskan CoPilot rifles, developed a sturdy Ghost Ring Sight for snap shooting, and we use our proprietary Alaska Magnum Muzzle Brake to tame the recoil of our ultra light rifles and our powerful long range guns in the hot Lazzeroni, Ultra Mag and Short Mag calibers.

Now, as we are well into the new millenium, we are taking Wild West Guns one step further. We are increasing production of our CoPilots and accessories to satisfy the enormous demand for our products. We have developed a revolutionary trigger kit that eliminates the Marlin trigger flop and gives a clean crisp 3 lb trigger pull. Out bear proof ejectors are virtually unbreakable. Our Aluminum magazine followers won’t gall and ensure smooth feeding. Our original Big Loop Lever has been imitated, but never duplicated.  Our Ghost Ring sights are the sturdiest lever gun sight ever made. We have developed the hot new .457 Magnum that enables lever gun owners to have solid, safe and consistent magnum performance and still use 45-70 loads in the same rifle.

Location:  5225 Wynn Ave Las Vegas, NV 89118 • 800-992-4570

Website:  http://www.wildwestguns.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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Phone: 623.582.1302
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How To Keep A Customer

What is the basis for a service business?  Is it not the relationship that exists between the business (or person) and the customer?  What you know about your customer’s needs can be the difference between keeping a customer and losing a customer.

Be alert to details that matter to the client and recognize what makes every encounter with each client unique. Should your brand promise be, “Because You’re Different,”? The answer hinges on you and your staff knowing their distinctive clients and sustaining a continuing positive relationship. Tell your client things you are doing for them that they might not know about and make a point to ask them questions about their business.  Don’t be afraid to ask, “What else could we be doing for you”?

What are you doing to promote your clients to other businesses? Ask key commercial clients for their permission to include a link to their websites on your company’s website. You can bet they will give you their OK and will probably appreciate your loyalty to them, which should help you bond with a long-term client.

Do you spend any time (or thought) thinking about your customer’s needs from their perspective? Put yourself in the customer’s shoes. Think: “If I were them, what questions would I ask?” “What would my needs be?”  As a small business owner what challenges do you face and can you apply your unique solutions to your customer’s challenges?

What do you do as a special thank you to make sure your customer knows you appreciate them? Send a handwritten thank you card to clients when they send you referrals and say the following, “The sincerest form of flattery to my business is in a referral from you, our client. Thank you so much for your vote of confidence and we will take special care of your referral.” Then enclose two more of your own business cards.

Consider that the more face time you can have with a customer the better off you are when it comes to new work and keeping your client(s).  Travel time is generally not productive time.  Consider using smart phone technology, go-to-meeting or Skype to share a presentation, or go through your website while you’ve got a prospect or your client on the phone.

As you know, it is Customer Service that is often the metric that a customer will use to measure one business against another.  It’s not a secret tactic, but it is the most effective one. When your staff provides customers with outstanding service, they show their appreciation by giving you referrals and continuing to purchase from your firm.

Have you heard the phrase “A Gift That Keeps On Giving.”?  Never leave your client or prospect empty-handed. Give them something useful and informative that will make them think of you every time they see it and use it.  Ask about our Promotional Items!

Do you need help with your next business printing job?  Call MI Printing at 623.582.1302 and let us be your local business printing resource.

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National Dog Appreciation Day

Did you know that August 26th was National Dog Appreciation Day this year? It caught me off guard.  Oh, I knew there was a National Dog Day but it wasn’t something I thought about.

Also known as “National Dog Day” the celebration was created in 2004 to honor dogs and give them “a day”, to show deep appreciation for our long connection to each other – for their endearing patience, unquestioning loyalty, for their work, their capacity for love and their ability to impact our lives every day in the most miraculous ways.

”National Dog Day has 2 goals, to honor dogs and rescue dogs from homelessness and abuse.  It’s a day for us to recognize and appreciate the value and importance of dogs in our lives.”   Perhaps, that  should happen every day.

What will you and your pup do to celebrate the pawesome holiday?  Many different types of business are featuring yappy hours.  Some will feature treats for both the pup and the human side of the outing.  This is another great example of thinking outside the box or should I say doghouse.

If you are in the market for a new pet? Today (08/26/2013) is the time to buy. The Maricopa County Animal Care and Control spokeswoman Melissa Gable said they're reducing adoption fees on dogs and cats in celebration of "National Dog Day." Dogs under three months of age are available for $50 and dogs older than three months are $17. All cats older than three months can be adopted for free. Cats under three months are $50. The prices run through August 31st and will help them empty their kennels and make space for the 100 to 120 new animals that enter their shelters every day.

At least for this year this information is way too late but here are the rules for business who want to participate. “Businesses and Corporations - Any promotions or public events in celebration of National Dog Day where tickets, products and other sales will take place, you must be a partner of the Animal Miracle Network and receive approval by us in advance, to use our name and branding.”

Here is the link for the Animal Miracle Network: http://www.animalmiraclefoundation.org/join.htm

The following is their contact information: Animal Miracle Network 
4804 NW Bethany Blvd, #12-197 Portland, OR 97229 • 323-552-9941

The New York state legislature has recognized National Dog Day as an official holiday.

Azfamily.com is requesting that readers send in photos of their pets.  Celebrate National Dog Day with photos of you and your pets having fun.

Do you need help with your next business printing job?  Call MI Printing at 623.582.1302 and let us be your local business printing resource.

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One Great Deal on Post Cards and Flyers

4 x 6 printed on 14 pt cover, full color both sides with UV. 500/$60.00  1000/$68.00   2500/$120.00
8.5 x 11   Full color flyers 15% off Offer expires August 31, 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

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Brochures Do Work!

A few months ago a local buffet restaurant went out of business.  Yes, that seems to happen frequently these days.  I cared about this one as I did eat there once in a while and it was a money saving and enjoyable experience.

A few days ago I saw, that with a new name, the restaurant was open again as another buffet. I wondered if it would be as good.  I put that in the back of my mind and pretty much forgot about them.

I was out shopping the other day and was about five miles away from the new restaurant.  What surprised me was when I went by to the parking lot I found a full color brochure stuck in my side window and as I look across the parking lot many car had the same brochure onboard.

It was their take-out menu. Nicely done and it was presented with the location, days and hours of operation and pricing. I now know they will deliver and that they take all of the popular credit cards.

They didn’t offer any incentive for trying out the restaurant in the near future.  Something I think would be a good idea but I also understand those that don’t want to feed a coupon mentality to get the quest started coming in for.  Thinking that they need only wait to save money can stop them from makng future visits.

As I sit writing this the brochure is setting on my desk and reminding me that I mean to try them out in the near future.  

When was the last time you had someone distribute flyers or brochures about your business, products or services? Ok, have you ever done that and if not why not?  The support of local customers is always a good idea for ninety-nine percent of business.

Do you deliver something to your customers?  Does every delivery contain a message or brochure about your business or different products than that of the delivery?  Are you sure your customers know all about your business, products and services?

If you aren’t telling the “real story” about your business to your customers, then who is?  You are only as good as your own best boast!

Where ever you go carry your flyer or brochure with you to help make an impression on all new people you meet.  That chance meeting and presentation will often result in a new customer for your business.  Of course, if you don’t or can’t make that presentation you can be sure that is a missed opportunity that you probably will never get back.

Ok, sure… Lin’s Seafood Buffet on the south east corner 51st Ave and Bell Rd.

Do you need help with your next business printing job?  Call MI Printing at 623.582.1302 and let us be your local business printing resource.

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Made In The USA – Indian Motorcycles

Indian Motorcycles is like the Phoenix bird rising from the ashes. This month they are having a grand reopening of Indian Motorcycle dealerships all over the US. They are now part of Polaris Industries.

They were officially rolled out for bike week at Sturgis South Dakota.  With a completely new engine and the classic Indian look they have returned with names and bikes that fit their heritage.  

Returning are the Indian Chief Classic, Chief Vintage and the Chieftain these bikes are sure to turn heads where ever they are ridden.

A short history of this classic brand and iconic look starts all the way back in 1901. Indian motorcycles were manufactured from 1901 to 1953 by a company in Springfield, Massachusetts, USA, initially known as the Hendee Manufacturing Company but which was renamed the Indian Motorcycle Manufacturing Company in 1928. The Indian factory team took the first three places in the 1911 Isle of Man Tourist Trophy. During the 1910s Indian became the largest manufacturer of motorcycles in the world. Indian's most popular models were the Scout, made from 1920 to 1946, and the Chief, made from 1922 to 1953.

The Indian Motorcycle Manufacturing Company went bankrupt in 1953. A number of successor organizations have perpetuated the name in subsequent years, with limited success. In 2011 Polaris Industries purchased Indian Motorcycles and relocated operations from North Carolina, merging them into existing facilities in Minnesota and Iowa. Since August of 2013, three motorcycle models that capitalize on Indian's traditional styling have been built under the Indian name.

Powering every 2014 Indian Motorcycle® is the new Thunder Stroke™ 111. They started from scratch and created the ideal engine for the new generation of Indian Motorcycle® riders. it embraces classic Indian Motorcycle® engine design and utilizes modern performance technology. It's smooth, efficient, and powerful, serving up 119 ft-lbs of torque.

Mike Wolf of Antique Archeology, from the History Channel is acting as one of the company spokespersons for this new launch.  He has featured the Indian brand (vintage classics) on his Television show many times.

Location:  Consumer Service 2100 Hwy 55 Medina, MN 55340-9770 • 888-704-5290

Hours:  7:00 a.m. -7:00 p.m. CT Monday-Friday

Website:  http://www.indianmotorcycle.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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Do You Set Aside Time For Business Planning?

You have heard the saying “If you fail to plan, plan to fail” haven’t you? Planning is the best use of a manager or owner’s time.  Yes, we agree that not all “plans” work out as planned.  But, not planning means that you don’t even have a goal to measure against.

Most business owners will tell you that they have many things to worry about.  Competition, employees, regulations and sales to just name a few. Consider what Winston Churchill had to say about that subject, “Let our advance worrying become advance thinking and planning.”

Thomas Edison also had thoughts on planning, “Being busy does not always mean real work. The object of all work is production or accomplishment and to either of these ends there must be forethought, system, planning, intelligence, and honest purpose, as well as perspiration. Seeming to do is not doing.”

Keep in mind that you need to make sure that your planning is then put into action.  Plans alone will not move your business forward.  Only your actions can actually do that.

You also want to keep in mind that the action and the plan need to go hand-in-hand. “A goal without a plan is just a wish.” Is a quote that carries the best idea to understand what is the difference of having a goal and having a plan.  For your business it is no different.  You need to plan and execute those plans to move forward.

Make no mistake here, we aren’t talking about a written business plan that might make as you get started.  We are talking about the day-to-day, week-to-week and month-to-month plans that allow your business to respond to the changing conditions that every business faces.

You need to have many different levels of “planning” for your business.  They can be simple and necessary like employee schedules to your marketing and advertising for an up coming holiday. 

Most small business owners agree that the greatest challenge they face is finding, training and keeping good employees.  In most cases your employees are the first line of contact with customers a good or great employee is vital to your business success.  Your employee palning and management is vital to your overall business success.

To fully understand the complex nature of hiring an employee is you may want to read the following information at http://www.sba.gov/content/hire-your-first-employee

No two businesses are alike, so business plans are not one-size-fits-all. Although it may be tempting to rip off a boilerplate business plan or to copy the plan from a successful business, that denies you the ability to address the unique challenges of your particular company. Worse, untailored business planning is an easy way to set yourself up for failure.

Do you need help with your next business printing job?  Call MI Printing at 623.582.1302 and let us be your local business printing resource.

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Fortune Cookie Business Wisdom

Nearby is a local mom and pop Chinese restaurant that has consistently good food and very pleasant people who really try to make sure you are happy and enjoying your dining experience. As usual you end your meal with the check and a fortune cookie.

This time the fortune cookie read “If you want to succeed in business, avoid "business as usual.”

What a clean, short and to the point message.  To succeed in business you have to do a better job than the competition.  You can’t continue by doing business as usual.  This little pearl of wisdom lead me down the path to find some others that really apply to doing business, well!

If you like, you can bring up an image of me surrounded by a huge pile of fortune cookies, breaking them open and keeping the ones I liked. No, you guessed it, a few minutes on the Internet lead me to find this pile of gems.  I hope you enjoy.

“Be so good they can't ignore you”

“There is no elevator to success you have to take the stairs”

“Actually I can!”

“Remember to be nice (the world is a small town)”

"Sow a thought, and you reap an act. Sow an act, and you reap a habit, and you reap a character. Sow a character, and you reap a destiny.”

“Anyone can “start”, only the thoroughbred will “finish!”

“The shortest distance between two people is a smile.”

“Be patient: in time, even an egg will walk.”

Here is one claim of the origin of the fortune cookie. A Japanese immigrant, Makoto Hagiwara, invented the fortune cookie in San Francisco. Hagiwara, the designer of the famous Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park, was an avid gardener until an anti-Japanese mayor fired him from his job around the turn of the century. Later a new mayor did reinstate him. In 1914, to show his deep appreciation to friends who had stood by him during his time of hardship, Hagiwara made a cookie and placed a thank you note inside. After passing them out to those who had helped him, he began serving them regularly at the Japanese Tea Garden. In 1915, they were displayed at the Panama-Pacific Exhibition, San Francisco's world fair.

Do you need help with your next business printing job?  Call MI Printing at 623.582.1302 and let us be your local business printing resource.

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Dean Winters – Mr. Mayhem!

As this is written it has been just over three years since Allstate began using Mr. Winters in its wildly successful “Mayhem” commercials? The reach of the television commercials is such that surveys find that 87 to 93 percent of the survey takers are familiar with the ads (depending on the question).

The Mayhem campaign holds a variety of marketing awards, but one of the most surprising is that Mayhem is among the most-shared corporate characters on all of Facebook. Heavily shared posts remind users that life is full of Mayhem:

One of Mr. Winters Facebook posts.
I’m just a red sock in a washer full of white linens.

From the fans; Which Allstate now has more than two million of them on their Facebook https://www.facebook.com/mayhemhere

The Allstate Mayhem Here page was ranked by Facebook to be in its top 5 brands globally.

"Fist Bump.... As long as there is mayhem like you, there is job security for electricians like me!"

"What happens in the tippy cup ride rarely stays in the tippy cup ride."

“Thank you mayhem for all your good advice...I ran with scissors yesterday...now I type with one hand”

"Mayhem can say whatever he wants.. You better remember who your talking to... Mayhem is everywhere...."

Whether it’s an oblivious and stressed-out female teenage driver, a pesky raccoon in the attic, or faulty hot water heater or a motorcycle test ride, “Mayhem is everywhere” – all played by Mr. Dean Winters, of course.

Mr. Mayhem
Pro-Tip: If you’re gonna play baseball in the yard, always make sure home plate is right in front of the living room window.

A Fan Response:
Or better yet.... your neighbor's window... ya know... the neighbor with the annoying yapping dog that never shuts up. Yeah. Homeplate directly in front of their Living Room window.... aiming for their new 60 inch flat screen.

First “Get Their Attention” What Mr. Mayhem does the best for Allstate Insurance!

Do you need help with your next business printing job?  Call MI Printing at 623.582.1302 and let us be your local business printing resource.

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Made In The USA – VersaTube DIY Metal Buildings

Twenty years ago two men decided they wanted to achieve the American dream of owning their own business and working for themselves. Those two men, who happened to be neighbors and best friends, spent many an evening tossing around ideas and discussing what type of business might make best use of their talents. Tim grew up in the metal product manufacturing industry while Bruce was plying his trade on the administration side of real estate.

Well, they started a business making tubular steel hammock stands and their first big break came when they became the primary supplier of hammock stands for one of the largest woven rope hammock companies in the United States. Tim and Bruce worked hard, the company grew, and in an ideal world that would be the end of the story. Unfortunately, we don’t live in such a place and when the hammock company was sold, the new owners used their own production facility for hammock parts.

Many people would have been satisfied that they’d taken a shot at their dreams and sought the security of a traditional job. But Tim and Bruce weren’t ready to give up – in their minds it was just a minor setback that needed to be overcome. They spent many sleepless nights in their shop tinkering – trying to come up with a new idea. The result was a revolutionary new process: swaging and slip-fit connections.

Swaging allowed them to shape rectangular and square steel tubing using specially designed machines in a way that had never been done before. Slip-fit connections permitted fitting the ends of that tubing together to create structurally sound connections. The reward for all the long evenings and hard work was a method for putting buildings up in much the same fashion as the Erector Set™ and Legos™ of their childhoods: by simply sliding the components together.

As the adage goes, they never looked back. The company became VersaTube and is now the leading producer of DIY building kits. Whether you want a garage, shed, or barn, the kits can normally be put together with just the help of a friend or spouse – the true definition of a DIY-friendly project. Unlike wood structures, you don’t have to be a carpenter to put up a VersaTube building and the galvanized steel can handle the harshest climates without warping, risking fire damage or being carried away by termites. And while they’re designed for homeowners, the buildings are also versatile enough to be used for commercial applications.

Tim and Bruce know first-hand the sense of satisfaction that comes from building something from the ground up and you can too when you choose a VersaTube building kit. Their commitment to hard work and using only high-quality American made material has resulted in tens of thousands of VersaTube buildings going up across the country and around the world.

Location:  50 Eastley Street, Collierville, TN 38017  800-810-2993

Website:  http://www.versatube.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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Phone: 623.582.1302
Email: sales@printinginaz.com
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What Did You Do Today?

No, I’m not asking about what you watched on television, what you had for breakfast or your latest workout.  What did you do today to promote your business?  

If you add one new customer per day that will lead to two hundred and fifty to two hundred and sixty new customers this year.  Of course, you want to maintain your existing customers as well.

If you have employees, what if they added one new customer per day or even one new customer per week.  If you have five employees and they each add one new customer per week that means you will add two hundred and fifty new customers per year.

Before you dismiss the idea what if you hand-out at least two or three business cards per day.  Couple that with a short and clear invitation to try out your business at their next opportunity.  Why should they try your business?  First they have an invitation from the boss or owner.  Knowing the owner is often a reason given for trying a new business.

You will find that a typical small business has less than a one percent recognition in their market area. Less than one percent.  Yes, a business that has been around for years and has a prominent brick and mortar location will have a name recognition between 10 and 25%.  That means that three out of four people aren’t aware of your business.

You can spend thousands of dollars in traditional advertising and get to one to five percent penetration in your local market.  Or you can reach out to one person at a time and make the recognition stick far more effectively.

 Do you think that this idea has no real traction?  Try it.  Consistently add one new contact per day.  How, when?  First at every opportunity.  Do you pump your own gas?  Do you shop? Do you get your hair cut? Do you stop by your doctor or dentist office? Think back just a few days… ask yourself how many people have you come in contact with.

Each and every person you come in contact with is potential new customer.  All you have to do is invite them to try your business the next time they need your product(s) or service(s).

Are you outgoing enough to do that simple task?  If you aren’t doing it, don’t expect your employees to do something you can’t or won’t.  It is that old lead by example thing.

So, think that every time you meet someone or have any interaction you could have added one new customer.  If you aren’t doing it, is your competition out promoting you?

Do you have a box of unused business cards?  Well if you don’t then think MI Printing to have a few thousands printed up.  Oh, by the way, hand them out and collect a few hundred new customers.

Do you need help with your next business printing job?  Call MI Printing at 623.582.1302 and let us be your local business printing resource.

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Phone: 623.582.1302
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Low Cost Small Business Marketing

Are you one of the small business owners that believe in the motto, "it takes money to make money"? The good news is that nothing could be further from the truth.

The tips that follow should give you some great ideas that you can use to market your small business.

Identify Your Target Market: It's crucial that you know exactly who needs your product or service. Mass marketing doesn't work in today's business environment. Not only does it force you to water down your marketing message to please the masses, but it's much too expensive for the shoestring marketer.

Branding: Your clients and customers need to have a clear picture in their minds as to who you are and how your product or service can solve their most pressing problems.

Customer-focused: Your primary job is to clearly identify the problems that your prospects face and offer them the obvious solutions. 

Consistency: Marketing is much like breathing. It's the life of your small business and should be a regular part of your daily business activities.

Commitment: If your marketing is going to eventually take hold, then you need to make a strong commitment to see it through until it sticks. Don't give up in the early stages.

Patience: The fruits of your marketing labors don't happen overnight. You need to plant your marketing seeds and tend to them regularly before your marketing garden blooms.

Increase Your Visibility: Since your prospects are exposed to over 4,000 ads every single day, you need to ensure that your small business is utilizing as many marketing platforms as possible. Your prospects should come across you in as many places as possible.

Get Their Attention: What are you doing to get noticed? How are you different than your competition? The shortest distance to small business failure is to blend in with the crowd.

Track Your Results: It's essential to your overall survival that you have a clear understanding what works and what doesn't work when it comes to your marketing. Use link tracking software to track your ROI (even if your only investment is your time).

Summary: Marketing isn't just about your advertising campaigns. Every single interaction that you have with your prospects promotes your small business. So, be careful how you answer the phone, respond to your emails and treat your customers because all of it makes an instant and lasting impression on them.

Do you need help with your next business printing job?  Call MI Printing at 623.582.1302 and let us be your local business printing resource.

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Phone: 623.582.1302
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MI Printing Special: Color Printed Envelopes

Any size envelopes printed 1 side in 1 color, 2 colors or full color.  15% Off  

Must have 3/16 white boarder on all 4 sides  

From customer supplied art (PDF Format) To receive discount please mention this ad. Offer expires August 31, 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.

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

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Do You Understand Marketing Mayhem?

Recently we have talked about “Marketing Mayhem” as something that is happening in advertising for companies, both large and small.  

We think that if you follow the style used by Allstate’s “Mayhem” series of commercials then mayhem is a great tag for marketing efforts.  Others tag the chaos of today’s advertising marketplace with the mayhem term then yes that chaos is a real challenge for today’s marketer.

With the many choices for placing your message this is what can lead to mindless marketing that can lead to draining profits, wasting productive energy, and creating strategic and tactical confusion in just about every type of business.  This is the type of marketing mayhem that you want to avoid.

In order for someone to see your message you must first get their attention.  Then your message must be good enough to have your target audience remember your message.  Most importantly your message must be good enough to cause your target audience to take the action that you wish them to.  This is where the marketing mayhem style that Allstate is using is so effective.  People like the commercials and talk about them.  From the sales figures they are also effective at selling insurance for the company.

Your advertising message needs to be strong enough to cause a positive action to be taken without turning off too many of your viewers, listeners or readers.  You know there are advertising messages out there that you hate to see come on.  In some cases you are turned off so much that you vow to never use that company, product or service.  While you think it must be the number of times you have seen the message but for you the message is flawed in the way it delivers the message.

If you turn to the Internet for Marketing Mayhem information you will find both positive and negative information.  But you will also have to wade through many pages that offer to sell you a seminar that teaches you everything need to know about Mayhem Marketing. Please don’t think that is a recommendation of any of those courses, it isn’t.  Just the realization of how popular the topic of mayhem marketing has become.

You can always use your message to focus your potential customer’s attention on the positive nature of your business in relation to your competition.  Using Marketing Mayhem style can make message have more “stickiness.”   Of course how to Make Your Message Stick is a whole other book.

Many business tell the story of ineffective advertising… I would bet they do their marketing the same way every time.  Their message gets lost in the background noise of all of the other ads.  If your marketing message doesn’t stand out from the rest you are doomed to poor advertising and sales results.

Do you need help with your next business printing job?  Call MI Printing at 623.582.1302 and let us be your local business printing resource.

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

Made In The USA – Hug A Plug

What is a Hug-A-Plug?

Hug-A-Plug is an attractive, premium-quality right angle current tap (often referred to as a right angle adapter plug) designed to connect electrical cords parallel to outlet surfaces. It eliminates wasted space at outlets by minimizing the clearance required behind furniture, appliances, etc., and eliminates bending, crimping, and damage to cords, significantly reducing the risk of electrical shocks and fires.

Hug-A-Plug, Inc. manufactures and markets high quality, value added electrical current taps and adapter plugs for the home and office. Founded in Brighton, Michigan, all of their products are made in the USA and carry a lifetime replacement warranty. Their mission is to produce products that solve a common problem, are of the highest quality and provide the best value in its class.

Ever try to connect an electrical cord behind your furniture (bed, dresser, wall unit, etc.) and couldn't because there wasn't enough space? Wish you could move furniture or appliances closer to the wall without damaging electrical cords?

Hug-A-Plug was designed to solve these two common problems when connecting power cords to standard outlets: minimize the space required to plug a cord into an outlet, and reduce damage to cords. As long as they were designing a new plug, we thought "why not make them high quality, pleasant to look at and easy to use?" So they did. They think you will agree.

They take pride in the quality of their products and that they are made in the USA. Their products are designed to provide solutions to problems encountered when connecting cords, chargers or transformers to outlets. You will appreciate the improved safety, appearance, convenience and added space when you use Hug-A-Plug.

They value the close relationship with their customers, whose direct feedback helps shape the products and services they provide. If you have any comments about their products and services or would like more information about Hug-A-Plug please contact them.

Contact: Hug-A-Plug PO Box 2190 • Brighton, Michigan 48116 • 800-630-1740

http://www.hugaplug.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

The Magic of Thank You Notes

Call me old fashioned, but I believe thank you notes are a must. I cannot emphasize it enough.

 I think thank you notes are no just for your personal life but also for your business.  Sure you may get one from your insurance agent or the salesman that just sold you a new car but do you do it consistently from your business.

Whether or not you were raised to do this, it’s a good idea to get in the habit of sending your thank yous in hand-written form. Whether it’s a gift, an interview, or simply a note to show your gratitude for a lovely evening, there’s something to be said about taking the time to write a kind word or two. 

No I don’t consider doing it with an email or a text from your phone.  To be heartfelt it must come by regular USPS mail and be hand-written.  There is something special for your customer to open the envelope and read your special thank you.

Let’s face it, we live in a digital world where people communicate in 140-characters or less and are constantly emailing and texting. The stream for communication is non-stop and instant, which is why discovering a hand-written note in your mailbox is such a refreshing surprise. When it comes to sending a hand-written letter of thanks, there are a few things you should know:

Use a nice pen. Forget pencil, or a run-of-the-mill ballpoint, instead, use a luxurious fountain pen or roller-ball pen when sending your thank you notes.  Using a special pen will make it more enjoyable for you as well.

Pick the right paper. It’s been said that the weight of the paper is reflective of how important something is… Now I’m not telling you to send a stone tablet, but a card or piece of stationary that has some weight to it is a very nice touch. If you’re looking to send thank yous without breaking the bank, remember that you can always make your own using some watercolor paper, glitter, and a nice stamp.

Writing the letter. If you don’t have a lot to say, increase your font size, you don’t want it to look like you have nothing to say. Also, always reference what you are giving thanks for and how it will be used or appreciated. And if someone sends you money, do not say “Thanks for the cash!” Rather you should tell them what you are going to use the funds for such as a big ticket item like a new computer,  vacation or special road trip.

Do you need help with your next business printing job?  Call MI Printing at 623.582.1302 and let us be your local business printing resource.

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

So You Just Started A New Business

So you have just started a brand new small business. Ok, what is next? Marketing and promotions should be on your mind. The real small business goal is to sell the business's products and services. This is usually best accomplished by positioning the business in front of the target audience, and offering something they can't refuse or find elsewhere.

To this end, one of the smartest things a small business owner can do for their business is take the time to develop a small business marketing plan that will set them apart from the competition. A marketing plan clearly outlines how you will reach your ideal customers by effectively implementing your marketing strategy.

There are thousands of ways you can promote your small business. With the right mix of activities, you can identify and focus on the most effective marketing tactics for your small business. Here are some small business marketing ideas to get you thinking about all of the different ways you can promote your business.

Update your business cards
Make your business card stand out from the rest
Create or update your brochure
Get creative with promotional products and give them away at the next networking event you attend
Create a digital version of your brochure for your website
Start a web site
Write a 30 second info speech
Introduce yourself to other local business owners
Plan a local business workshop featuring your products or services
Join your local chamber of commerce
Join another local merchant at a trade show
Launch a multi-piece direct mail campaign
Create multiple approaches, and split test your mailings to measure impact
Include a clear and enticing call to action on every direct mail piece
Use tear cards, inserts, props and attention-getting envelopes to make an impact with your mailings
Send your past customers free samples and other incentives to regain their business
Get started with social media for business
Create a Facebook page
Get a vanity URL or username for your Facebook page
Create a Twitter account
Reply or retweet someone else on Twitter
List your business on Google Places
Start a business blog
Write blog posts on a regular basis
Start social bookmarking your online content
Create and hand-out coupons

Do you need help with your next business printing job?  Call MI Printing at 623.582.1302 and let us be your local business printing resource.

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

Summertime Marketing – The Next Hot Topic

Yes, it is August 1st already.  Does your business rely on Back-To-School shoppers? If that is the case business should be booming if you are doing a good job.

For many businesses the summer is loaded with vacations, back to school, hot and muggy weather combined with “it’s just too hot to care” attitudes mean that summer is a very quiet time for product or service sales.

If you are in the northern part of the US then summer would be a slow sales time for snow shovels.  But that isn’t the kind of mismatch we are talking about.  You can sell garden equipment and find that August isn’t a booming time.  The garden folks have already bought, planted and used their items in the spring.  They should be resting on the porch an enjoying the view created by their hard work that was done months ago.

Many merchants use this time for sales and close-outs to make room for fall and winter items.  But cutting prices is very good for the bottom line.  Yes, I know having your money tied up in slow selling merchandise isn’t a good business practice either. 

Now might be a good time to bundle related items with a minor price roll-back.  

Are your sales not seasonally related but business is slow because your clients are out-of-town?  Not everyone is gone, so a coupon program might be a nice summertime reward to encourage customer visits this time of year. 

Door hangers in your neighborhood might put your business or service back to top-of-mind and make your foot traffic or phone sales do a helpful rebound. 

Try and work the heat or summertime theme into your message so the understanding is your call to action is to be timely and a time limit might also help them know you mean “Buy It NOW!”

Keep in mind that “Wall Drug” captured thousands upon thousands (make that millions) of customers by offering a simple glass of ice water to hot and thirsty travelers.  Find (or create) a need and fill it.  Sort of like the old phrase “Build a better mouse trap.”

Can you find a way to offer free samples of your products or services to introduce new clients or remind old ones why they should be using your fair over your competitions? 

So give your customers a reason to brave the heat and try something new from your business.  Don’t cut prices to the bone.  Make it a new and different item or make sure they understand the quality or service is worth effort to make your business their destination. 

Do you need help with your next business printing job?  Call MI Printing at 623.582.1302 and let us be your local business printing resource.

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