Client Appreciate: 2008 Holiday Gift

Last year I sent my clients a bottle of wine for the holidays with a custom designed label. It was a great way to share something I love (wine...) while showing off some skills. Because I received such a great response last year, I decided to carry on with the promotion this year.

For 2008, I chose a Cabernet Sauvignon (as opposed to last year's Merlot). The label created last year was vintage-looking and very layered. In contrast, I wanted to create a clean label with the emphasis being placed on the words "Happy Holidays" themselves. The finished product is below:



A close-up of the artwork itself can be seen here.

Client Work vs. Self-Promotion

13thirtyone is still alive and well. Sorry I haven't written in a week or so. Things are so busy! Lots of new projects and clients are keeping me busy (keep checking my website for an updated client list and new portfolio work) and I'm loving every second of it.

Client work though certainly has been my priority, thus, my self-promotional activities are falling a bit to the wayside. That old saying, "the best time to promote yourself is when you're already busy" keeps rolling around in my head. How am I to juggle this?

I've decided that the best way for me to go about this is to schedule it. Once or twice a week I will have to set aside the time for blogging, or online networking, or creating my monthly email campaign. I'll give it as much priority as I would a client meeting. It's simply a part of running a business that can't be ignored. I haven't quite decided how much time to set aside yet, but I'll figure something out.

Another thing I've been thinking about is also setting aside time each week for "client appreciation." This doesn't mean going shopping and finding cute thank you gifts, but taking a little time out each week to go the extra mile. For example, being sure to write a thank you note to EVERY client after I finish a project. Being sure to write thank you notes (and not thank you emails) to the prospective clients I've recently talked to or met with. Perhaps I come across an article online or in a newspaper that pertains to one of my clients; this is the time to pass that along to show that I've been thinking about them and their project or business. What does this accomplish? I think it shows not only good manners, but it's something I can try to do to separate myself from my competition. I can show my clients a little extra attention, making it clear that I really do care if they work with me and that they are happy.

Are there any self-promotional routines that you are sure to make time for every week? I'm just curious to know if scheduling time into our busy work weeks is how others are handling their marketing and self-promotional efforts.

Does Your Business Card Need A Facelift?

We all receive business cards all the time. They're everywhere and they're the way our contacts refer us, reach us and even remember us. It's important that your business card not only reflect your company correctly, but also be organized in a fashion that's readable. The following points are provided to ensure you're getting the most from your card.

Material: What better way to have your business card stand out than by not using paper? Just imagine if someone handed you a business card that was printed on cardboard, plastic (recycled, of course), metal or another material. You'd definitely pause to look it over and it certainly would make an impression. Try helping your cards to stand out in the stack by printing on a different material. Plus, you're guaranteed to have a better chance at winning those fishbowl-free-lunch contests always lingering on restaurant counters.

Color: Black and white can be very classy and clean. But how about adding a splash of color? People are visual beings and love to look at color. If your budget doesn't allow for a full-color piece, even a one or two-color card can be more effective and exciting.

Size: The standard 3.5"x2" card is easily accommodated into most Rolodex files and business card holders. However, you can create an interesting shape without sacrificing functionality. Keep the width and try experimenting with different heights. Also, don't be afraid to create a unique size all together. An extremely long business card that can be folded into the typical size can serve as a great mini-brochure.

Shape: If you're considering experimenting with the size of your business card, why not think about shape? Design magazines all over are featuring new and trendy card designs printed in circles and squares. They may not fit into the standard sized holder, but you'll be gaining a definite impression and attention.

Double-Sided: Don't forget about the back of the business card. While it is a little more costly to print on both sides, it's well worth the investment. Think of it as getting double the space! If you have no content you'd like to feature on the back, including an eye-catching pattern or design can be very effective.

Font: No matter the size, shape or color of your business card, nothing is more important than making sure the text is legible. What's the point of printing fancy cards that look great visually, but aren't readable? I recommend no smaller than an 8pt. font if possible be used anywhere on your card. Smaller than that and you're making the reader have to work too hard to see your information.

Overall, business cards are a relatively inexpensive way to market your business. Be sure to get the most bang for your buck by creating a card that's exciting, different and that gives your business the attention it deserves.

Building an Online Presence

I'm asked often about how I find clients. I find that if the mindset changes from "me finding the clients" to "the clients easily finding me", it's more simple to think about where I should and shouldn't post my information on the net. Truthfully, I rarely spend money on newspaper advertising, magazine ads and direct mailings. I find that using the Internet is a very easy (and eco-friendly!) way to promote oneself. I thought I would run through quick list of the different things I've done while setting up my business to help people find me. Let me know if you have any questions!

Merchant Circle.com: This is an online community of businesses. Somewhat like LinkedIn, users can create profiles and communicate with other members and prospective clients. Another plus is that you get to create a little webpage. While it's nothing fancy, it's just one more Internet page that offers your information.

LinkedIn: I would highly suggest creating a profile on LinkedIn. I can't say that I've gained any clients from it directly, but it's basically an online resume. People can review your services, make recommendations and you can post discussion questions and answers. All of these things help you to gain credibility, while increasing your online exposure.

BizNik: This is another online community that works well, if you have the time to put into it. You can publish articles or small news bits about your business or service area, or ask general questions. Another nice feature is that members host actual meet-ups in certain areas of the country. You can even host one yourself! A great networking opportunity.

Posting in Forums: Posting is a great way to share your expertise. A while back, I would post on the discussion boards of HOW Magazine's Forums. I made sure to include my name, business name, web address and blog address in my posting signature. Even if people did/didn't agree with what I had to say, they're still likely to check out my site and my blog. This is actually how a writer from WorkHomeYou magazine found me for an interview along with a writer for FreelanceSwitch.com. While these aren't client inquiries, they increase my visibility to prospective customers.


Join a Directory: This is very iffy, so be sure to choose wisely. When I first created my business I signed up for a free directory listing on an online freelance graphic design website. To this day, it still hasn't sent any work my way. However, it's yet another link with my contact information on it.


Write Press Releases. Seems like it has nothing to do with the Internet, but it does! Many newspapers publish their articles online nowadays. That means, if your link or website is mentioned in the written piece, surely you'll receive a link online. That's a lot of readers that now have access to your site. Furthermore, take those same press releases that you submitted initially and publish them online at free sites. One I use is Free Press Release. This doesn't bring in clients directly, but it will give those that read about you online a sense of comfort. Press releases offer credibility.

Scribd.com: Take your press releases, and even blog posts, and save them in a pdf format. Then, upload them to your new profile on Scribd.com. Scribd is a site containing thousands of articles on any subject. From how-to manuals to instructions to articles, your information and expertise can now be easily accessed. Be sure to include working links in your pdf that directs the reader to your site. You'll be building your web traffic and gaining trust at the same time!

Join Networking Groups, Such As The Chamber of Commerce: There are lots of face-to-face networking groups to join. The way that this helps your online presence is that these groups often have directories online that list their members. Your contact information can be readily available to anyone surfing the net, not to mention, you'll be very conveniently placed in the forefront of other members' minds.

Make a Free Business Listing On Google: I wouldn't recommend this option unless you have a mailing address and phone number that you're okay with people using. This works in such a way so that when people type in (for example) "hudson, wi + graphic design" my listing comes up. I have a link at the top of the page, my location displayed on a map and a link to my website. I can also include any other information I choose.


I hope you find some of these ideas helpful. Of course I have a few more tricks up my sleeve, but we'll save that for another post. :)

Creating A Marketing Web

I've been working with a friend lately on developing her website and other marketing materials. In discussing her blog, e-mail newsletters and ways to gain more traffic, we started chatting about the power that all three systems have when combined. Sure a blog can be very powerful on its own, but when used in conjunction properly with other online methods of marketing, great increases in search engine rankings and more exposure in the public eye can happen.

For example, writing e-newsletters or e-zines is a great way to stay in touch with your client base and to keep people informed. It helps people to remember that you're there and to also share expertise, thus positioning you as an expert. However, one of the best ways to get people to sign up for them is by placing a sign-up box or link on both your blog and on your website. Don't forget to also include a "forward to a friend" with a "sign-up now" link within your newsletter. Now the three pieces of online marketing are working together to increase the size of your mailing list.

Another idea... Perhaps you sell products online. What if you had a few of your products appear on the side-bar panel of your blog? Additionally, how about featuring one product as a portion of your e-newsletter? When the user clicks on the link from your e-mail or blog, it can direct them to your products page or to the shopping cart directly.

A final suggestion on promoting your blog... Not only should your blog be linked in your e-newsletters, but there should definitely be a link coming from your website as well. Some sites are even embedding their blogs within their websites or creating blogs that are actually websites themselves. Don't be afraid to use the two to reference one another regularly and to send a user from one place to the other so long as your provide a ready-made link and pop up the link in a new window. Make it as convenient for your user as possible.

If all three pieces (or more if you have other digital marketing efforts) are acting together, they create a web, or a net of sorts. This net refers visitors from one piece of marketing to another, thus, increasing the length of time that individual is interacting with your business. This allows for a more informed customer, a longer lasting impression and credible positioning for your company.

What I've Been Up To

Sorry for not keeping in touch this past week. I've moved into my office and am all settled... well, sort of. I'm still waiting on a few reception area chairs, some artwork for the walls and a dry erase board, but I'm definitely working from my new space.

I sent out an email yesterday using Constant Contact to notify my clients and readers of my new address. The ad I sent out is below:



Since our email boxes are filled with so much clutter day in and day out, I had to make this email campaign stand with an eye-catching design and a somewhat-interesting subject line. Also, I've recently redesigned my website so it was important that this email be reflective of the new site's style (you never know how many people will click) as well.

The homepage of the new site is below. Have a look around!




While I was extremely happy with my previous website, I wanted an opportunity to discuss the green aspects of my business a little more. Furthermore, as beautiful as Flash can be, it's just not search-engine-friendly, no matter how many tricks one has up their sleeve. I think the HTML will be a little more effective in terms of exposure goes. Also, updating the site and making changes will be much more efficient.

So... that's what I've been up to. I'll be sure to post some pics of the finished office space as soon as I've finished furnishing it. I hate showing a work in progress. Have a good day!

Media Kits?

I subscribe to a Melanie Rembrandt's PR e-mail tips. Once a month, or so, she offers free advice on promoting your business (for those of us who can't afford a PR firm).

Her emails are always very insightful and offer up many good ideas in terms of self-promotion. Today's email focused on a link to her blog article on media kits and why your business should have one. While it's standard to offer printed materials such as brochures to prospective clients, I wonder if it's essential for every business to have a media kit... if so, is there a way to make it more eco-friendly? Could there be an online media kit or is this just what your website is? I'm interested in getting a little feedback on this. Not only could it dictate my decision to provide one for my business, but it may push me to offer the same concept to my clients.

For your convenience, I've embedded Melanie's article below, but be sure to check out her blog and/or her website.

Media Kit Basics

By creating a media kit for your new business, you will increase your chances of getting some good publicity. Plus, you’ll have pertinent information ready for new clients, partners and investors.

With this in mind, here are a few tips to help you create your new media kit.

What is a media kit?

A media kit is simply a collection of pertinent information about your business. It enables reporters and potential customers to get the organizational data they need fast. And as a small business owner, you’ll want to print some high-quality versions for important events and media mailings. But don’t print too many as you will need to update the kit frequently with new information.

In addition, it is necessary to provide an online version of your media kit so that reporters can easily access the information at any time to meet tight deadlines. And with this electronic version, you can update the data at any time and save time and money in printing and shipping fees.

What is in it?

When people read your media kit, they should be able to understand the benefits you provide, why you are in business and who is running your organization. The information needs to be user-friendly and cover the key points you want reporters, potential investors and new customers to know.

With this in mind, here is a brief synopsis of what most media kits include:

Business Facts

What does your company do and why are you unique?

Products and Services

List all of the products and services you have to offer. But instead of emphasizing the features, focus on the benefits.

Background

Who is running your business and when was the business founded? If your business is new, you can include brief background information and bios of your key staff members in a “Business Facts” or “FAQ” section. If possible, include downloadable photos for reporters to use.

News

Include a news section that lists your press releases, media clippings, quotes from satisfied customers, event participation, speaking engagements, articles, and other newsworthy activities. But note that it is essential to keep this section updated so you appear current and newsworthy.

These are just a few key tips to get started on your media kit. For additional help, review competitor media-kits and look at the online newsrooms for successful companies you admire. Also feel free to contact me directly at info@rembrandtwrites.com or visit www.rembrandtwrites.com.

As you can tell, this whole process is going to take some effort. And if you’re still wondering if you should spend the time to create a media kit, think about this. What happens if your competitor has a user-friendly, online media kit, and you don’t? Do you think a reporter will write about your business or theirs?

Thanks for reading, and feel free to send me your questions, comments and suggestions. I’d love to hear from you!

Lowering Rates?

Lately I've been reading a lot of articles about hourly rates and the effect our country's recession is having on them. Many freelancers are lowering their rates to keep business flowing in as much as possible, since consumers and businesses are cutting back costs. Other designers are doing away with hourly rates altogether, creating one-stop pricing per project, no matter the size or the scope. Then there's the other group of people who are just choosing to wait it out and do nothing, as far as a price change is concerned.

Of course, as designers and as small business owners, we've seen "calculate your rate" worksheets - those fill-in-the-blank sheets of paper promising to help you figure out your rate in order to cover overhead, tax and income costs. But what these worksheets don't calculate is the possible fluctuation needed to accommodate an unstable economy.

In my personal opinion (and I always have one), I feel it's somewhat "used car salesman-like" to move your prices up and down based on what people can afford to pay. As a professional, I feel it's more appropriate to run a special, or a promotion of some sort, should customers need a break. I was hoping to get a little feedback on this, just to see what other designers and small business owners felt about the issue.

Spring Special

It's that time of year for spring cleaning. I've been busy going through my closets, prepping myself for a garage sale, etc. While cleaning away, I got to thinking - we tidy up our homes and air out all of the winter "staleness." Do our businesses need a refresh as well?

I like to run a promo of some sort seasonally and thought what could work better than a promotion that plays off a spring cleaning? Tidy up your business's identity with a redesign... Here's my little promo image I sent out in my email campaign:

Promote Your Business In An Earth-Friendly Fashion

Let's face it. It's trendy to "be green." Companies across the US are trying to sell customers with their green-washing; "we're eco-friendly," "good for the earth," "we've gone green", etc. With all of the slogans, it's hard to know which services and products are actually dedicated to helping the environment.

Consumers are listening to these messages and studies have shown that now-a-days, people are making more of an effort, as a whole, to be environmentally conscious. So you've decided to join in. Whether you're looking to give your company a green-overhaul, or are just doing your part here and there, I have a few ideas that may help. What if you could take part in the race to save the earth just by bettering your marketing materials? It's surely a small step in the right direction.

The following is a list of ideas that will not only help you to be a greener person/business, but they will help you to promote your business as well.

Email Campaigns, Not Postcard Campaigns
One of the best ways to help the environment overall, is to create less trash. As business owners, we can contribute largely in this area. Direct mail campaigns may be effective, but they're also costly. Between design services, printing and postage, the dollars really begin to add up. Furthermore, having a 7% response rate, on average, is considered "doing well." That means 93% of your postcards or direct mail pieces create little or no response at all. Where do you think they've ended up? Yep, most likely in the trash.

Not only are email campaigns paperless, but they've been proven to create better results. It's delivered directly to one's email inbox, it creates easy viewing, and there's a level of convenience. If the viewer wants more info, all they need to do is click and they're at your website. That's instant gratification, and consumers love that.

If You Have To Print, Print This Way
So you're really crazy about making postcards and you seem to get great results. Fine, but if you have to print, do it wisely. Print the quantity you really need; not enough to store on your bookshelves behind your desk.

A better way to print is to also notify your graphic designer. Your designer will be able to talk to your printer about paper options that are created from post-consumer content; options that also won't hinder your design or your project objective. Also advise your designer/printer to use soy or vegetable-based inks. Sometimes, some printers only have these inks in specific colors. Make sure the designer creates your attractive design with limited color options, if need be.

Better Banners
If you've decided to do a tradeshow, the most typical signage pieces are banners. There are actually printers out there that specialize in printing not only with environmentally-friendly inks, but on special, eco-friendly banner materials as well. A good example of such a printer is Green Banners.

Put Your Catalogs Online
If your company prints and distributes product catalogs, there's never been a better time to inspire you to sell your products online. Online shopping carts, or e-commerce websites, can be pricey and time-consuming to initialize. But once it's up and your products are listed, it will take less time to manage and advertise them, than it would to redesign and print them however often. Talk to a design and web professional about custom designing a website with a matching online shopping cart.

E-Coupons, Not Paper Coupons
Coupons are great and they tend to be very effective. You can cater to the lazy customer and to the earth by not printing and mailing paper coupons. This creates work for the customer (they have to cut!) and trash. Instead, feature your coupon on your website or in an email campaign with a promotional code. When the user buys a product on your new e-commerce site (wink, wink), they can simply type in their promo code. You have an effective coupon with no paper and no cutting.

Printers
So you'd like to maybe rebrand yourself. Work with your designer/printer about your paper and ink options and work with a green printer, as mentioned previously. There are a few that I recommend.

*On A National Level: Greener Printer
Very eco-friendly and easy to work with online.

*On A Local Level: Graphic Design, Inc.
Located in Hastings, Minnesota. A full print shop with lots of green capabilities.

*On An International Level (label printing): Metro Label Group, Inc.
I've never worked with them personally, but understand they actually run their business in an environmentally-friendly building. Located in Canada, this company offers label printing solutions.

Saying Thank You
A great way to network is to send thank you cards. Customers and colleagues really appreciate being appreciated. Why not make an impression about your business sense and your green-conscious mind with Grown-A-Note greeting cards? These attractive, handmade paper cards are also PLANTABLE. After reading your message, the recipient actually plants your card. A few months later, they have flowers or herbs based on whichever seeded paper you've chosen (this is my favorite tip.)

The list can go on and on. If you'd like more ideas, or would like to discuss making your business materials green, email me at angela@13thirtyone.com.

my thoughts on Biznik

So... I signed up for a free account on Biznik yesterday. I did the tour, researched how I could best utilize this account, etc. After all is said and done, I'm very impressed. I've already had more interaction with business owners through Biznik than I have in my entire time on LinkedIn.

While the free account can be limiting, I'm loving the features that I have access to. For example, I can easily publish articles and tips, making myself stand out in my community. Other users can post their comments and thoughts on what I've written. And I'll be honest; at first I thought it looked like any other networking site. Sure I could post, but would people actually respond? I've been getting great feedback already.

I've also managed to network with one other professional in my area. Turns out, we may be able to help each other out with work and referrals in the future. In a nutshell, yes, it takes loads of time to sign up for these sites and to use them to their full advantage. But, as I said, I set this thing up yesterday and already am seeing results. I don't think this is a networking opportunity you'd want to miss.

another networking site...

I signed up to receive e-news from Molly Gordon, a career coach who owns the company Authentic Promotion. She offers advice about being an entrepreneur, self-promotion, etc.

Today, I received an email discussing face-to-face networking and how it sucks for most of us. She then went on to speak of online business networks, and to my surprise, bragged up a community called BizNik (isn't LinkedIn supposed to be every online networker's true love?). She convinced me to take the time to check out yet another online networking forum. I figured that if she can convince me, I'd pass it on to you.

Why Your Business Needs a Social Life

Networking. Ugh.

Can I just say that, from the age of 5, I've generally felt that socializing--not to mention networking--was something inferior beings (also known as popular people) turned to for lack of better things to do with their time?

I'm much better now (thank you), and I still find the idea of networking less than appealing. It conjures up images of shaking hands with someone who is looking past your right shoulder to see if there is someone more important they should be talking to.

Besides, I couldn't think of a worse way to promote my work than trying to interest a stranger in what I did while hoping there wasn't spinach in my teeth and wondering if his glazed look indicated over-medication or simple boredom.

The Internet changed that for a lot of folks. We discovered that we could listen and respond to others from the privacy and safety of our offices and homes, building connections through cyberspace that were every bit as real and supportive as those that more socially adept folks forged in meeting rooms.

Even so, for a many years online social networking was largely a matter of coming together in shared interest groups. Then sites like Myspace took online socializing to a whole new level.

A level apparently populated by 13 year olds, gamers, and other aliens.


No Great Expectations

In spite of the culture gap, social networking and small business seemed headed on a collision course. As ringside seats were cheap, I signed up at all the major social networking sites and some of the lesser known ones. I published my profile several times in this ezine, and a few of you invited me in to your networks (Hey, thanks. It felt great to be included.)

After 5-6 weeks, I decided to drop Plaxo (too invasive), made Linked-In my big pond of choice, and adopted a wait and see attitude toward the rest.

But then career coach Heather Mundell invited me to join her network at Biznik.

From the first I felt that Biznik was different. For one thing, you gotta love the tagline, "Business networking that doesn't suck." Then there is the way the site is organized. I could actually see at a glance what they had to offer. And it doesn't hurt that they are using one of my favorite greens in the logo.

Biznik felt like a place where an individual could make an impression without a lot of fuss and bother. So I joined. I even ponied up real money to be a paid member (which is strictly optional).

What This Means to You
There are three reasons why it's worth your time to finish this article and then pop on over to Biznik for a look-see.

1. To find out if you like what you see.

2. To observe what it is you like or don't like.

3. To put what you observe to work in your business.

Are We Having Fun Yet?
How much time, energy, and money have you spent trying to build your business doing things you don't like to do? Signs of this include piles of expensive marketing programs gathering dust, stacks of brochures decorating your shelves, and a Web site that has been "in development" so long you can't remember the name of your Web designer.

Visit Biznik and find out if there is anything there you like. Do it as a research project into what kind of social life your business needs.

Getting Permission for Email Marketing

So... yesterday I gave my little ten minute spiel at my PWN meeting. It went so-so. I flew through it in six minutes, strangely. As I practiced before, I kept going over ten. I got up there and kept thinking, "hurry, hurry!" I honestly was suffocating myself in front my peers - I was forgetting to breathe, then my voice started shaking and I think I looked really nervous. This all coming from a girl that spoke at her high school graduation in front of 5,000. Crap. I need more practice.

Okay, so what does this have to do with email marketing. Everything - I just needed to vent for a minute. While I was giving my presentation, shaky voice and all, I decided to pass out an email signup sheet. Not only did I print this right at the top of the sheet, but I also explained that my emails were sent out only once a month. Furthermore, their info was not going to be shared with any the party. Making these points are very important, I feel. People get way too many emails a day already - make sure they know you're not going to SPAM them all day, everyday.

Next, I explained what my emails were all about. They're not stating tid-bits of news such as "Angela just got a new client." No one cares. Instead, I provided the crowd with the idea that my emails are actually do-it-yourself tips on business and self-promotion. You actually gain insight from reading them (hopefully) and I'm out to share my knowledge with you.

Wanna know what happened? I got a full sign up list. In all honesty, this has never happened before. Usually I get one or two email addresses and a lot of "no way" faces. But I actually took the time to talk to people about this and they cared AND responded. Awesome.

Day 5: Create a Newsletter

So we've made it to self-promotion idea number five - creating a newsletter. While jotting down some thoughts and mailing them out once a month, or whatever, may sound like a lot of work, it actually doesn't have to be. This is a great way to show your clients and prospective customers who your business is on a personal level. You can also flaunt your expertise by offering articles with tips and insight.

If you're still hanging on to paper newsletters, hire a designer or someone familiar with print layouts. They can help you to set up a newsletter template that works effectively and entices the viewer to keep reading. By including well formatted articles and photos, people will be more inclined to read your news.

In setting up a template, the design will always be consistent. So instead of worrying about how it'll look every month, you can focus on the more important stuff instead - the content. Once you have it, just plop it into the template and hit print!

Another way is to send a e-newsletter. You know all those emails in your inbox with the Constant Contact or Emma logo at the bottom? Those are two mass e-mail marketing companies that can help you to set up your e-news systems. For those who may not be so design savvy, there are loads of templates to choose from. If you have a web developer or designer already, they can create the newsletter template to reflect your website's - it's all about branding and consistency!


A major plus to doing this online is that programs such as the two mentioned above will offer reports depicting the number of people who read, deleted, forwarded your email, etc. This can be very helpful.

A final plus to doing this digitally is the concept of allowing people to join your mailing list EASILY. One can simply add a link or sign-up box to their website or blog and instantaneously a person can sign up to receive your newsletters.

Day 3: Social Marketing

It's the newest craze on the Internet: social marketing. Paying for SEO terms is no longer the best way to promote your product or service online. And according to industry studies, it looks like this trend is going to be around for a while.

I saw a stat yesterday that stated 62% of online users watch 6 minutes or more of YouTube videos a day. Blogs seem to be where people want to receive their info from. Facebook and MySpace aren't just a venue for kids to discuss their teen crushes. According to a study I saw on stompernet.net, a large portion of MySpace users are ages 35+ and they have a lot of disposable income to spend online at e-commerce sites. Interesting.

For ideas on how to get involved and to see a huge surge of traffic flow to your website or blog, visit stompernet.net and watch their 50 minute video. It will change the way you conduct your online marketing efforts.

Day 1: Tips for Tradeshows

I thought I'd give a few networking/self-promotional ideas to help small business owners (such as myself) kick off the new year. The list of marketing to-dos are infinite, but we only have so much time in a day. That said, I thought I would post one suggestion roughly every day to keep the wheels turning.

So, today's topic:
Tradeshows And Why You Should Participate In One

While tradeshows may not be the most exciting events to take part in, they're certainly a great way for people to put a face with your business name. It gives you the opportunity to talk personally with prospective clients. There are a few tricks though that can help your tradeshow experience to excel or fail.

Clear Signage: Many tradeshow exhibitors think it's necessary to spend large amounts of cash on glitzy boards. They spend so much time setting mini billboards and displays up that they miss people walking by. While some of these more expensive and extravagant pieces certainly work, so can the low budget ones.

Make sure your signage is clearly legible from the walkway area. If people can't read your sign, they're not likely to stop by. The two most important things you want to communicate are your logo and the service you're providing. For example, I wouldn't put "graphic and website design and wedding invitations" on a board. No one's going to read that. If I'm at a wedding show, "invitations" will work just fine.

Short and Sweet: Kind of going hand in hand with the previous point. Keep your display simple. Complex exhibits can intimidate or deter passerbys. To keep people looking your way, don't complicate the scenery. A large sign with your service title along with your logo are plenty. Smaller informational pieces can be left on your table.

Lights: They say lighting up a tradeshow is a good thing. It brightens up your area and allows readers to see your info a little better. The problem is a lot of tradeshow venues will charge up the wazoo for an outlet. Tradehow specialist Jean Holewa says save the money and use battery powered lights.

Move Your Table: Another tip from Jean is to physically move your table backwards in your space. This allows a sort of "gathering place" in front of your table. People are free to move out of the walkway area and can relax at your booth without feeling like they're being rushed by the crowd. Just by doing so, you can have a more intimate conversation with those interested folks.

Greenery: Strangely, people are attracted to plants. There's almost nothing more depressing than a tradeshow location - it's all cardboard, tables and pamphlets. Liven up your area with a few plants or vases of flowers. Every time I've done this people always comment on it, especially my tradeshow neighbors who wish they would've done the same thing.

Plan Accordingly: I saw a presentation given by Jean and she made a point about promotional items. Exhibitors learn that there will be about 10,000 people coming to a particular tradeshow, for example. So they buy and create 10,000 writing pens with their logo on them. While it's great to be prepared, Jean says, "Do you really think all 10,000 people are going to stop by your booth? Futhermore, if they did, you'd make no contacts and have no conversations."

Tradeshows only last 6 hours at most, typically. If you talk to each person that stops by and is truly interested for about 10 minutes each, that's only 6 people you can talk to in an hour. Who's going to grab those pens? The people who stop by. That said, keep some of those dollars for candy to rest on your table. Instead, print only about 100 pens and call it good.