Building Your Marketing Collateral In 2010
New Year—New decade—Optimism is in the air. I predict 2010 will be your most productive year ever if you take action today!
Begin by taking stock of your current marketing collateral and determine what worked for you in 2009. Marketing collateral — or printed pieces that support your marketing efforts include but are not limited to:
- Brochures
- Business Cards
- Catalogs
- Newsletters
- Note Cards
- Pocket Folders
- Postcards
- Reports/Whitepapers
- Sales Sheets
2010 Action Plan
- Review current marketing collateral.
- Remove outdated or non-producing pieces.
- Post reports, whitepapers on your website and provide an easy way for prospects to view them.
- Keep extra brochures, mailers and business cards with you.
- Write thank-you notes, follow-up letters, reminder cards and more on your note cards.
- Be sure to give out brochures and business cards to people and businesses that not only want them, but can use or recommend your services.
Keep your marketing collateral current as different styles, colors, even words change from the “in” to the “out” list and a smart business stays on top of these changes and responds to them.
Here’s looking towards 2010 and beyond…put your action plan in place today!
Don’t Let That Green Guy Steal Your Christmas!
During the holiday season, it can be difficult to manage a business, a family, and the annual stresses of the holidays. Throw in a recession, and you have a recipe for a grouchy Christmas. It is important to take a deep breath, relax, and enjoy this time with friends and family. Below are a few tips on handing this time of the year:
- Control What You Can Control
There is no sense worrying about things you may not have any control of. You can’t predict what will be the perfect gift for Aunt June, and you certainly can’t predict the direction of the economy. However, you can make informed decisions based on the information you do have. Have confidence in your own decision-making abilities, and execute it based on your best judgment. Both Aunt June and your business will benefit from your conviction. - Budget Wisely
Remember you have financial limits, both at home and at the office. Prepare a budget for your holiday spending much as you would for your business. It is not stressful to spend, but it will be stressful to pay when bills and statements arrive in January. Take a practical approach, and give yourself one less thing to worry about in 2010. - Remember, You Are Not Alone
You are not the only one experiencing stress this time of year. Your relatives, employees, and colleagues are all going through the same stresses, leading to potential holiday squabbles and blow-ups. Take some time to listen to them vent and complain, offer advice and express your own challenges. Ninety percent of the time, an angry or stressed person just wants to be heard, and lending that ear will prevent a Christmas Grinch, and will make you feel better in the process.
Remember, the holidays should be a time for enjoying your family, friends, and something bigger then you and your business. Sit back relax and enjoy the fruits of your labor from 2009.
Contributor: Joe Witte
What are you Thankful for this Holiday?
Now is the perfect time to take a closer look at your business and be
thankful for the successes you’ve made throughout the year. Although
it may have been rough this year, the Thanksgiving Holiday is a time
for thought and reflection on your positive experiences.
This Thanksgiving, be sure to take a moment to give your
thanks and appreciation to your company’s as well as
personal achievements.
At Gail’s Graphic Designs, we have a lot to be thankful for
and this holiday season, we would like to share our
Thanksgiving Day gratitude with you.
May today and all your tomorrows be blessed
with a rich harvest of prosperity, peace
and happiness.
