How long is your list of services?
These days we're constantly finding ourselves saying, "Yes, we can do that." It seems that no matter what your list of services there are so many other things you do that may not make it on your list of services.

For us it really comes down to graphics, whether we design them or not, we can put your logo or message on just about anything. Our education and experience in graphic design gives us the opportunity to design not only company logos, but to then apply the design to business cards, letterhead, brochures, advertising, direct mail, email marketing, websites, social media marketing, signs, nametags, promotional products...you name it! We can put your logo on it.
Does your company need a new identity? Do you have a promotion coming up? Or are you ready to update your marketing materials? Have you jumped into Social Media Marketing? Give us a call, we'll get your business noticed with professional design.

Facebook. Twitter. LinkedIn...Are you using social media?

Social media isn't just for teenagers anymore. Recent statistics say the fasting growing group to join facebook is those 35 years old & older. More than 120 million users log onto facebook at least once a day. And, businesses are getting involved as well. Social media is another type of marketing to add to your media mix. On facebook you can start your own group or fan page and then invite clients to join you. Keep them in the loop with what's happening with your business, share information on specials, educate them on your products and services, etc. The best part about these social media options is they're free, it just takes time and with any marketing, consistency. Unlike other forms of marketing social media can get your information in front of clients in an instant. These days people don't want to wait for information, they get it on the internet, on their phones...

LinkedIn is a business networking site, similar to facebook but strictly for business networking. Membership is free and growing your network is easy. You can set up a group and only invite certain members, start discussions, share news & events...this is such a great networking tool. Take a look at social media and how it might benefit your business, you'll be glad you did!

Advice for Living.

It's graduation time and this morning I heard the famous "Wear Sunscreen" speech that was given to a group of graduating students some time ago. It got me thinking of the lessons we learn every day, either in our personal lives or in business and how we move forward and learn from them.

For those of you who haven't heard the speech or don't remember, here's a few memorable excerpts: Wear sunscreen. If I could only offer you one tip for the future, sunscreen would be it. The long-term benefits of sunscreen have been proven by scientists. Don't worry about the future. Or worry, but know that worrying is as effective as trying to solve an algebra equation by chewing bubble gum. The real troubles in your life are apt to be things that never crossed your worried mind, the kind that blindside you at 4 pm on some idle Tuesday. Do one thing that scares you. Don't waste time on jealousy. Sometimes you're ahead, sometimes you're behind. The race is long and, in the end, it's only with yourself. Remember compliments you receive. Forget the insults. Be careful whose advice you buy, but be patient with those who supply it. Advice is a form of nostalgia. Dispensing it is a way of fishing the past from the disposal, wiping it off, painting over the ugly parts and recycling it for more than it's worth.

Just something to think about...best of luck to the graduates in your life.

Q. How can I become more comfortable talking about my business?

A. Practice, practice, practice. I've given so many presentations and public speeches...since becoming a business owner. You always want to position yourself as the expert in your field. If you do that people will want to hear what you have to say. You've heard about having a thirty second elevator speech? A one minute elevator speech and so on? What's an elevator speech? It's what you'd say about yourself or your business if you only had :30 in an elevator. What would you say in such a short amount of time to let someone know what it is you do. This doesn't mean you say you're a industrial engineer who works for a manufacturing company who makes widgits. That tells me nothing. Perhaps instead you say you're an expert in efficiencies in a manufacturing setting, you ensure things run smoothly from one process to the next, you're a vital link between designers & production workers. The company you work for makes equipment for the entertainment industry. Hmmmm...interesting. As with anything take any chance you get to practice your speech, to family, to friends...get out there and network, network, network.

Are you getting involved?

Getting involved with your community and for those of us who work from home just getting out of the house and in front of people can be the best thing. What am I doing? Besides the monthly Moses Lake Chamber events, there's the Moses Lake Lioness, a service organization associated with the Lions Clubs, Power Partners of Grant County, a referral group that meets for lunch twice a month, the Moses Lake Business Association, Habitat for Humanity, my husband is on the board, and I'm involved with the upcoming Moses Lake Spring Festival. Gosh...is that everything? We're also trying to plan a trip away from home and drive back to the Midwest, trying to find a few days to do so was challenging.

Seems like this time of year there is so much going on. Today and this weekend my husband and I will be volunteering our time with the Moses Lake Lioness serving up Spaceburgers at the Moses Lake Spring Home & Garden Show being held at the fairgrounds. It's a little chilly today but spring is definitely in the air. What are Spaceburgers? These famous sandwiches have been a mainstay at the Grant County Fairgrounds since 1960. It's a pocket sandwich with a very secret sauce. I've never actually had one, this weekend will have to be my first...I'll have to report back later.

Should I cut my advertising during these uncertain times?

Times are tough, everyone is watching their advertising budget. The reaction always is to cut advertising, trust me, I know, I worked in the corporate world and our budget was the first to be reduced during slow times. Unfortunately, cutting advertising all together is the quickest way to go from slow sales to no sales. Rather than eliminate your advertising focus more on targeting your message directly to your customers. Choose the right media for your business and then you can insure you're making a smart decision with your advertising dollars. Advertise where your prospects look first. If you don't know where they're looking, ask them. This is valuable information. From this you can learn which media touch them the most often, is it the newspaper? The radio? Email? The internet? Knowing this information will allow you to strategically place advertising that will reach your customers. And, when you go to place your ads make sure you're getting the most bang for your buck. Sometimes it pays to scale back the quantity of smaller ads and go for frequency and size. A larger ad run a minimum of 3 times may get more recognition and response to a much smaller ad that may be missed.

Why not try marketing your business online?

Times are tough, everyone is watching their marketing budget. But, now's not the time to sit idle until the economy improves. Here are some creative ideas to market your business online and get things moving in the right direction. Create a Facebook and/or MySpace page for your business. No...it's not just for teenagers, these social networking sites are all about making connections. Use MySpace's search feature and look for area users to join your network. The most important thing is to update your page a few times a week or even daily. Every time you do so everyone in your network will be notified. Keep your updates interesting or funny, create buzz about your business. Other sites to look into are Twitter, LinkedIn...you could even post your business to Craigslist. If you have a video camera you could even post videos on YouTube. The best part about all these online marketing options is they're FREE! Give it a try, marketing is a daily activity, develop a marketing calendar and keep your business in front of your customers.