| Jun. 07 2006 at 12:51 PM |
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This is a great article in my opinion, but I wanted to add that networking with other entrepreneurs isn't the only way to find a great graphics and web designer who will work with your budget. I actually found mine through a friend and she's been great!
And, I'll second that the website and business cards are very important. I have been handing my temporaries out to co-workers at my office (which I'll be leaving in 6 more days!) and one of the first questions I get is "Do you have a website?" I'm thankful that I have one scheduled to go live in July - that typically is sufficient for many. In lieu of the website, I have a blog that I am using as an interim marketing effort....
One thing that had crossed my mind but which I hadn't given much thought to was the personalized clothing. I am not sure that other for "play" the clothing items that are out there project the image I envision.
I am aware that an industry organization of which I am a member offers name tags with the organization's logo, your name and business name on them. I believe this would be a better fit for me so I'd like to toss it out there as an additional option.
What other marketing materials do you agree are critical and are there any that weren't mentioned that you would add to the list? MeLissa
Independent Consultant for Scentsy Flameless & Wickless Candles
http://www.scentsy.com/gotscent
http://www.gotscent.blogspot.com
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| Jun. 07 2006 at 2:39 PM |
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This article has some wonderful information. It gave me some ideas I hadn't thought about before - like the clothing idea. I'm picturing myself, my family and friends all wearing T-shirts promoting my new magazine. I can see, MeLissa, where you might want to project a different image. But the T-shirts would be great for me! And to give away as door prizes at any number of nature/outdoor related events. I'm getting more and more ideas as I'm typing this!
I've already created a logo and business card. I'm in the process of creating my first website. Next will be a media kit - brochure, facts, etc.
One idea not mentioned that I had thought about is sponsoring events and programs and maybe even a contest. That would be newsworthy and would get my name in front of lots of people. VickiJ
www.freshairjournal.com
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| Jun. 07 2006 at 3:55 PM |
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The article is a great source of info for any start-up business.
Some additional resources for finding graphic designers to work on your marketing materials and web sites - in addition to word-of-mouth - are local design or art schools (many students are incredible designers seeking "real world" experience) and industry web sites such as Creative Latitude, Modminds.com , AIGA, 5oup.com. Also, check out the membership lists of local business organization to see if any designers with a proven track record are members.
Several other resources that will be of value to someone working with a designer for the first time are:
A client's guide to design
Where to find a graphic designer and what to look for
Working with a graphic designer
The marketing of your business through clothing items is a great one. For years I have used T-shirts, with my logo on the front and back, as a marketing tool. I've given them to family members and friends as gifts, presented them to clients and vendors as a "thank you," and given them out as "door prizes" at my speaking engagements - making a large number of individuals walking billboards for my business. I often forget that I am wearing one of my shirts myself - and they lead to great conversations with people on the street. I've even had client relationships result from wearing my LogoMotives T-shirt while traveling in Italy, Mexico, Hawaii and the Caribbean.
I am also planning on having my logo embroidered on baseball caps - a tactic used with great success by a couple of my own clients. I've also considered having boxer shorts produced due to my reputation of being a designer who works in his underwear. I'm looking into having my logo cast in chocolate as a marketing giveaway item. Companies such as the Seattle-based ZippyDogs will be very helpful to anyone looking for specialty marketing and promotion efforts.
My media kit is an easily assembled collection of pre-prepared materials ready to print-out in-house at a moment's notice. It is a multi-purpose packet used to mail to potential clients seeking more information, for presentation to clients/vendors for the same purpose, and for presenting to editors, writers and reporters. I can customize it to the particular need. All materials are put in a presentation folder with a label of my logo and contact information on the front. My packet contains a biography, a list of awards won, a list of books in which my work appears, a list of articles about my business, a list of articles I have written, a sheet showing my hourly rates, a copy of my project agreement (which is great at showing I mean business - it seems to scare away the "flakes"), copies of several press releases, a reprint of article about my business, and several sheets of examples of my work. Each page in my marketing kit has my complete contact information listed in case a single sheet escapes from the packet and the person with that page needs to contact me. In the past I included a list of past/current clients - but that is now better conveyed by the examples of my work. I also include at least two business cards - one for the person receiving the packet and an extra that they can give to someone else if necessary. This morning I needed to put such a packet together and was able to do so in less than ten minutes.
A web presence is a MUST - even if it is initially only an introductory page with your contact information and an email link. Many people will search for your business online prior to looking in the Yellow Pages or using other traditional methods.
These days I do feel that a blog is a necessity as a marketing tool. I have many potential clients come my way by first coming across my blog.
- J.
Jeff Fisher | Jeff Fisher LogoMotives | Tweet! Tweet!
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| Jun. 07 2006 at 4:11 PM |
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A business logo cast in chocolate? You have my full attention Jeff.
This would be perfect for my business...especially if I could find a company that would be willing to do the same with couples monograms . Can you say absolutely awesome wedding/party favors in addition to a great way to get your name out there? Of course, the brides might not think too highly of me putting chocolate in front of them when they're trying to fit into their incredible dresses! ;)
Where would I go about looking for someone to work with me on this? MeLissa
Independent Consultant for Scentsy Flameless & Wickless Candles
http://www.scentsy.com/gotscent
http://www.gotscent.blogspot.com
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| Jun. 07 2006 at 4:22 PM |
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MeLissa wrote: Where would I go about looking for someone to work with me on this?
MeLissa -
It would be perfect for your business. I'm thinking of working with a local Portland chocolatier - JaCiva Chocolates. But a Google search of "custom logo chocolates" results in many entries. I've also come across Elenis.com as a possible source of logo cookies!
- J.
Jeff Fisher | Jeff Fisher LogoMotives | Tweet! Tweet!
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| Jun. 07 2006 at 4:31 PM |
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Ah, yes...Kim of pet-set fame suggested Elenis to me. They look fabulously yummy.
I think I shall go google away now. :) There has to be at least one chocolatier here in the SF Bay Area that could handle this task. Thanks for the great idea! MeLissa
Independent Consultant for Scentsy Flameless & Wickless Candles
http://www.scentsy.com/gotscent
http://www.gotscent.blogspot.com
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| Jun. 03 2007 at 7:55 PM |
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The marketing materials article was very nice. I knew of some them, and am looking into others. The one I did not even think of, even though I have seen it many a time was the signature from my E-Mail page. Now I am going to have to look into that one.
Several people I know have printed their own business cards, but the card stock and design kind of look like it. I found a place, VsitaPrint, if I can say that, that has printed me up a great card with two sides of print, and mailed to me for $18. per 500. Now, I don't know if that is excessive or not, but it fits my pocket though.
I also have designed and printed and had printed my own brochure and flyers, one of the services I want to offer, and it is a good way to demonstrate to others what I can offer them. I am still new to this forum and kind of thing as well, and would welcome advice into what to do or refrain from doing here as well. But those parts of that article stood out to me.
Edited by: HenryR - Jun. 03 2007 at 8:00 PM
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| Jun. 03 2007 at 8:10 PM |
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Did someone say chocolate? Where?
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