More importantly, why not kit? We have a saying around here, "if it's important, put it in a box!" And while it is kind of cute and clever and all of that, the reason why it has stuck is because it's true. While kitting is technically more than just putting stuff in boxes, simplistically, it really comes down to just that! Putting something in a bo...

Color is a funny thing. You'd think, by its nature, that it would be 'black & white'. And it is. Kind of. But in the world of commercial printing, black isn't always black and there are multiple ways of achieving black. And white? Well, that depends on what material you're printing on. Sound complicated? Well it is. And it's not at the same tim...

There was a time when print was the only game in town. And it wasn't that long ago. But, as we all know, times have changed. Unfortunately, many in the print business seem to long for yesteryear instead of embracing what has become the "new norm." This has created a slew of opportunities to educate and facilitate print as a formidable component of ...

Well that's easy, of course they do! I mean just take a quick glance through history and it's clear. You've got Einstein, Nietzsche and da Vinci. Galileo, Sophocles and Shakespeare! These guys don't even need a first name. Abraham Lincoln and Ulysses S. Grant for sure were pretty smart. And John Lennon definitely wrote better music when he had...

I don't know. I genuinely wish I had a better answer, but that's the truth. Let's dig a little deeper. So how is this shoe company doing financially in the last 10 days or so. From what I've read, and I'm certainly open to input from others, online sales have grown 31% from the Sunday of Labor Day weekend, through today. And while there w...

January, February, March, April, May, June. Done. Gone. In the books. How did it go by so fast? The better question is pretty much the same, but with 3 less words...How did it go? Well before we all start giving each other high 5's -OR- looking for the nearest bridge to jump off of, let's take a look at what was done right and what was done wrong. ...

Fresh off the weekend and the Superbowl being set, I found myself wondering many times about how the sport itself translates into a business. Of course there is strategy on the field and in the game plan, but is there strategic marketing going on as it relates to the overall goal of the team? I'm not talking simply about promotions. I'm wondering.....

Even the Scrooge probably has a little nervous excitement when he sees snow for the first time in the season. Weather (spelling intended) you're a child, child at heart or, conversely, you dwell in the practical reality of life, living and logistics, this day does bring with it an air of freshness and giddiness that, frankly, doesn't happen often (the only other day that does it for me is that first day that really feels like Spring).

This all comes with an opportunity. Sure, the first, and most obvious, is to simply enjoy. Soak it all in, but then leverage that into something more productive. The season's first snow should also come with some anxiety. Thanksgiving in 2 weeks, Christmas in 6 weeks, and only 7 weeks left in 2013!! Are you ready?

A holiday direct marketing campaign can be a great way to drive business for that last, all-important push to finish off 2013 strong. It could be very simple. Have you taken the time to thank your best customers yet this year? Marketing communication strategies don't have to be complicated. In fact, some of the most successful include lead generation methods that are staples of any good marketing plan. Remember, time is valuable over the next 7 weeks. It may be unrealistic to do an open house and expect a reasonable turn out when we've all got multiple commitments (personally and professionally). But a simple, well-designed direct mail effort is very reasonable and feasible to build and deploy in the next few weeks. We've got some great promotional product ideas and corporate gifts that would be perfect.

On this "special" day, use that little spring in your step as motivation to get a few things done that are on your list. Sure, you can check it twice but then remember how nice it will be to sit by the fire in that winter wonder land that will be here in a few weeks knowing that you did everything you could to finish the year strong. And just think, all that from a few simple snowflakes!

In a lot of ways, the business cycle is very similar to the baseball season. A lot of strategizing, planning and building in the winter months - things sort of "spring" into action in April - it gets exciting in May, June and July, then everyone seems to fall into a dopey haze in August. Business slows down, play seems to slow down and everyone and everything seems to have a lethargic feel and tone to it. Then what happens?

 

The Summer Slow Down! So, what are you going to do about it now?

If your business is like many, the summer does tend to have a significant impact on output and production. For some businesses, it probably has as much to do with a seasonal product or product line, but, for many, it has more to do with an overall more casual, relaxed attitude and vacations on top of other people's vacations combined with more vacations.