Contributors Archives - Page 2 of 2 - Marketing, content, & technology to help printers sell more printing

Who needs marketing? Things are great. I’m busier than ever, and profits are through the roof! In fact, I don’t want or need any more business. All of that may be true. This has been an incredible run. Nine years of economic growth. Not a record, but it’s certainly has been a great ride. I hope it continues for nine more years. However, if it doesn’t, I’m prepared because I don’t see my future and the future of my company hinging on the whim of the economy. Here are three fundamental reasons why any company should always invest in marketing. 1) The good times never last. Come on admit it, they never do. The economy will change, and, when it does, are you prepared? Is your brand prepared? Is your brand memorable, even in a downturn? Will customers choose you over someone else in difficult times? Or better yet, will they remember you when their wallets get tight? This economy will change, and it will affect your business. This is why it’s so essential to plant those marketing seeds today, so you can harvest when times aren’t quite so bright. “Winter’s coming.” Sorry for the cliché. But it is true.

Social media marketing allows you to share articles, links, or images on numerous different platforms all for the sole benefit of connecting with your audience and increasing your presence in the minds or your current and future clients. As a printer, it is important that you jump on board in the venture of social media marketing. Why? Because building your social media presence will help your business grow. Online Etiquette Matters Before you fully use social media as a marketing resource, you must learn and understand the etiquette of using it correctly. Keep Your Opinions to Yourself Avoid getting yourself into trouble by not posting your opinions or commenting on potentially controversial topics. When you are quick to speak and slow to listen to your audience, potential customers that have opposing views to your posted content may be deterred from using your services. Keep Yourself Off the Hook Remember, the person or company who is responsible for posting controversial content may receive negative backlash that could be incredibly consequential. You don’t want to put your business at risk by losing customers or creating an uproar online. The Why Behind Building Social Media For Printers Now that you’ve been reminded of

Do you know how hard it is to sell “happy”? As the owner of “The Happy Printers,” selling “happy” is one of the hardest things I have EVER done. I have climbed mountains, lived with nomadic tribesmen, lost a parent when I was young, and I’ve been married for 32 years. But, believe me when I tell you that trying to sell “Happy” is a bear. It’s so much more difficult than any of those other things (just don’t tell my wife, OK?) Generally, I’m a pretty happy guy. But for my employees, it can be a totally different story. Employees are human, which means they don’t always come to work with the right attitude. People can sometimes bring their “baggage” to work. Here are four and a half things that have worked for me to minimize those baggage claim tickets and retain our “Happy.” 1) Engage with as many employees as possible on a daily basis. Your time is important. But their interaction with you is more important. You’re the big boss, which mean they will naturally gravitate to you. Be sure to always have a kind word available for those around you. Your company may be your life, but to your

Ever Eaten a Beehive? Have you ever gone out on a limb? You know, scooching a bit too far, feeling the limb start to sag, but reaching…stretching your fingers until your joints hurt? That honey is all you want. It’s all you dream about. Right? That honey is your Holy Grail. But, no matter how far you reach, that hive of honey is just too far, too elusive, too hard to grasp. The Business of Bees Stretching for the unattainable is what being a small business owner is all about. All small business owners dream of that honey, of hitting it big. We think that when we open our doors, life will be a vacation, but that’s not how it works. Small business owners get “stung” by a million problems every day. It can be relentless. How can anyone manage through that? Execute, Execute, Execute If you want to learn to push through to reach the impossible, there are three really easy steps. Although these steps will help you, remember, it’s always about the execution. Execution is the key to success. Don’t tell me how you are going to be successful, SHOW ME. Everyone wants to sell their company for millions, but in reality,

In an age of email, social media, and big data, marketers have many choices for engaging their customers and prospects. By leveraging multiple channels and consistent messaging across all of your marketing touchpoints, you’ll quickly be able to see why direct mail is one of the most impactful channels you have at your disposal. Although many might say they believe in the power of direct mail, a common question that often arises is, “How can I make my direct mail marketing piece effective?” The answer to that is simple: you need good data and a great message. Build a Solid Foundation Your approach to any direct mail campaign should always focus on data first. Like other marketing channels, the need for accurate and pertinent data is what builds the foundation of your campaign. If your data isn’t accurate and relevant to your target audience, your return on investment (ROI) results will be inadequate. Remember, the quality of your data is crucial to not only engaging your current clients but in prospecting for more of them. Here are two key factors to keep in mind about your data: 1. Data is a Matter of Trust: Trusted Facts and Trusted Relationships. Making

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