In The Worx

A good website takes time. AND a plan.

Connie McVicker — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 15:32:07 +0000

It’s true what they say, guys, failing to plan really is planning to fail…and that includes the development of your website.

I can’t tell you how many people have come to me over the years asking for a website (yesterday) without having any idea of what they want.

It usually goes something like this:

Client: I need a website, I want to launch this month and I hope you can help because you’re the greatest website designer in the entire universe.

Me: That’s a tight deadline but flattery will get you everywhere, so I might be able to help. I have a website analysis form I’ll need you to fill out first. Have you given some thought to what you want in a website? Do you want to maintain it yourself or will someone else be maintaining it for you? Will it be WordPress or a static site?

Silence. Crickets chirping. Tumbleweeds.

Client: Well, I just want a basic 5 page website with a contact form.

Me: OH, why didn’t you say so. If that’s all you want, I’ll have something to you next week.

No, not really. Could you sense the sarcasm there?

In all seriousness, most people have absolutely no idea how much thought goes into building a website. Planning is SO critical in ensuring a successful outcome and it’s almost a guarantee that you end up with a website you love (unless you choose Signature Worx which is a 100% guarantee that you end up with a website you love ).

A well-planned site will suit your needs and grow with you as you grow.

I’ll be thrilled to help you with your website but I’ll be super thrilled if you know something other than you just need a website.

It will be even better if you know what you would like your navigation will look like, what pages you need, and how you want people to take action. You get bonus points if you have your content all ready and if you know your keywords. Of course if you’re one of those people who would rather have a root canal because it takes you 16 hours to write a paragraph and it still doesn’t sound perfect, our fabulous copywriter has you covered

Sounds like work on your end, I know. But here’s a big fat WARNING. If you hire a website designer and they do not take you through some sort of planning process, run as fast as your little legs can carry you in the opposite direction. Know why? Because any professional website designer will require some sort of analysis and planning before they get started and if you aren’t asked any questions about what you’re looking for, you probably won’t get what you want. Makes sense, right?

Now don’t worry. When you get in touch with me for your website needs, I’m NOT going to intimidate the heck out of you. I don’t expect you to know as much about building websites as I do, that’s not your job. If you don’t understand CMS, WordPress or HTML, I’ll explain as much (or as little) as you want.

The most important takeaway for you here is that there is a lot of work that goes into planning a website and if you go to your designer the day before you want your site launched, without having done any preliminary legwork, you will be out of luck. Or you’ll get a crappy website that looks like a dog’s breakfast. And that, guys, is a guarantee!Similar Posts:

Penguins & Preschoolers: A lesson for business owners

Connie McVicker — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:43:51 +0000

I know what you’re thinking. Connie’s lost it. What on Earth do penguins and preschoolers have to do with business? At first glance, maybe nothing. I mean preschoolers are like 4 years old and we’re…well…older and supposedly wiser.

I love to read a good blog and one of my favorites is the Mann Made Blog by Jaime Lee Mann. It amazes me how she can spin an everyday happening or event into a blog post that teaches you a life or business lesson. Seriously. She can be cooking, gardening, playing with her children or visiting a local coffee shop and she thinks of something about the situation that sparks a great blog post about business. Things we already know, but forget or choose to ignore.

Jaime’s latest entry revolves around her 4 year old preschooler bringing home a picture of a penguin she drew, or so Jaime thought. You’ll have to read the whole story over at Jaime’s blog, but the morale of the story involves copying off of someone else. Something that happens way too often in business.

I couldn’t tell you how many business owners, many have been potential clients, literally want me to copy someone else’s logo, website, marketing piece, or even web content. This is something I cannot wrap my head around because it simply isn’t something I would do. For many reasons. And the fact of the matter is, I have morals and blatant copying is just plain wrong.

Some people think imitation is the highest form of flattery, but it feels more like a slap in the face. It happened to me a couple of years ago when someone decided to not only copy my website content…word for word mind you that also included my personal bio…but this individual also decided to steal my design.

Think about how that felt. This was something that I poured my heart and soul into. I spent many hours, weeks, and months working hard to set myself apart from other business owners in my industry. Do you think I was flattered that my copy and design was so good that they wanted to copy it? Hardly. Not to mention that this person didn’t even have the decency to apologize when I contacted them to remove it immediately.

Jaime makes an excellent point and one that everyone should pay attention to. It is the same thing I preach to my own clients and they love me for it. I push them to think past their own comfort zone, to set themselves apart, to be the one that their potential clients want to work with. But Jaime said it right on target: “Market with your own personality. Be authentic. Be yourself. Make your own unique, individual mark on the world and be proud of it.”

So what are you doing to set yourself apart from your competitors?Similar Posts:

There Can Be Only One

Connie McVicker — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 21:37:58 +0000

Remember that phrase from The Matrix? There can be only one.

There can be only one of you and your brand which is why you should always hire an actual graphic designer (ahem) when it comes to developing your brand.

You don’t have to look very far to see the work of a wannabe “designer.” Every time you see a piece of clipart in a website header or a brochure, that’s the work of someone who might aspire to be a designer one day, but has found a way to make a buck in the meantime by piecing together pretty fonts and clipart and calling it design.

That is not a true designer and you don’t want this person mucking around with your brand.

Someone like this might have fun playing with design elements and that’s fine if it’s kept as a personal hobby. I think it’s great. I encourage it. But, I don’t think it’s cool when someone like this decides to call him or herself a designer and starts offering to design logos and websites and taking money for it.

See, design is a lot more technical than most people think.

Besides the tremendous amount of forethought required, you need a firm grasp on color analogy and some sort of background that helps you understand why you’re incorporating certain elements into a design.

A real designer never uses clipart or a template. One problem with doing so is that these are free images that a million other people (with bad taste or a bad “designer”) could conceivably be using in their own “branding.” To brand yourself is to set your business apart from your competitors and the world by portraying an identifiable icon or design that directly identifies with you and your company. Clipart totally defeats the purpose.

A designer who specializes in branding knows how to use professional design software. They understand color and fonts and how to make different elements work together. They know what file formats you need for different applications.

When you trust your brand to a real graphic designer (ahem) – a professional artist rather than a wannabe – you will be blown away by your own corporate image because it will seem as though your designer has been inside your head.

That’s because they’re going to ask you questions and probe a lot about your business and your aspirations for the future. Branding is about the whole picture. The big picture. And it’s about making your image match your mission and your goals, all the while resonating with your target audience.

Don’t put your business into the hands of a serial clipart user. It’s not worth it.

It can cost more up front to hire a professional designer to develop your brand, but it will work out to be more cost-effective in the long run because you won’t end up hiring someone to redo it when the day comes and you realize your image sucks or you don’t have one at all.

Remember, there is only one. One chance to get it right. One chance to stand out. One chance to make your impression. Do it right or don’t do it at all.

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Wrangle Your Creativity With Wordle

Connie McVicker — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 11:00:37 +0000

You may have heard of Wordle before now, but if you haven’t it is a MUST for your business. What is Wordle? Well here’s a little blurb straight from their site:

Wordle is a toy for generating “word clouds” from text that you provide. The clouds give greater prominence to words that appear more frequently in the source text. You can tweak your clouds with different fonts, layouts, and color schemes. The images you create with Wordle are yours to use however you like. You can print them out, or save them to the Wordle gallery to share with your friends.

So how can Wordle help your business? For starters, it can help you identify the frequency of words that appear in your marketing materials such as brochures, flyers, websites, or any other advertising material you currently have, or more importantly…plan to have. You can take things even further by using Wordle to analyze your business plan or mission statement. By doing this you can visually see the prominent keywords that reflect your business message…and what kind of image you’re portraying to your clients or potential customers. Heck, you could even use it to create a graphical representation of your products, services, or business values to use in your marketing materials.

You may be wondering why you wouldn’t just use a free keyword density tools to analyze your website pages for frequently used words. First, you only get a list of words – they’re not visual like Wordle. Second, you also have to typically enter a URL to get that information which doesn’t do you any good for all your off-line copy, while Wordle on the other hand allows you to enter text, a URL, or del.icio.user name to create a cloud. Last, but not least, you certainly won’t have as much fun as you would with Wordle.

What can you do with Wordle?

Change color schemes and even create a custom one
Change the fonts
Change the font style (lowercase, UPPERCASE, etc.)
Change the layout
Set a maximum number of words (default is 150)
Instead of single words, use phrases by inserting the tilde sign (~) between the words you want to keep together. For example if you want to use the phrase “Hooked on Wordle” simply enter it as Hooked~on~Wordle.

How do I use Wordle? Besides using it in many of the examples mentioned earlier, I also use it to brainstorm. When I’m working on a new tagline for a client or strategizing a new marketing campaign for them, I love to use Wordle. And I actually use it in conjunction with the Visual Thesaurus. These tools allow me to visualize my thoughts and notes, as well as to get better results by tweaking here and there.

I have to admit that I get a little caught up with Wordle, but it sure is fun and actually feels more like playing than work…which I don’t get to do much of these days unless it’s Duck, Duck, Goose with my 4 year old or peek-a-boo with my 10 month old.

I created a couple of “Signature Wordles” based on my Design and Marketing websites. I think Signature Worx is represented quite well as a Wordle. Take a look at the finished products [hint: you can click on the images to enlarge them]:

: Signature Worx Designs Wordle

: Signature Worx Web Design & Marketing Wordle

Have you used Wordle yet? How do you use it in your business?

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January Signature Specials – Its a Signature Celebration! Plus BOGO Sale

Connie McVicker — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 02:54:30 +0000

Happy New Year! This month is our anniversary and to celebrate we have several special offers to help you get your business identity, branding, and all those time consuming tasks off your plate for a great start to 2010.

What’s included in this month’s Signature Specials?

Over $500 off our Signature WordPress Site & Blog Package!
Celebration BOGO! Buy one service and get a second one for FREE!
Web Hosting Special Invitations

Check out the full version of this newsletter online, complete with promotional codes and active links today!

Better yet, subscribe to our Signature Specials newsletter here.Similar Posts:

Over 470+ FREE Personal Growth & Business Building Gifts Available for Instant Download

Connie McVicker — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 19:59:36 +0000

Anyone who knows me knows that I am extremely selective when it comes to promoting or even recommending products, services, or events. I don’t just trust anyone, and I certainly don’t promote lackluster happenings without first hand experience and knowledge. So today, I wanted to let you know about a really great opportunity that won’t cost you a dime…or even a penny for that matter.

If you’re tired of spending money on self help ebooks, video training courses, or Internet marketing products available online, then this IS your chance to download hundreds of gifts absolutely FREE.

If you’ve had enough of plodding along year after year and you want to improve yourself to make 2010 your BEST ever year, then you need to go here: Self Improvement Gifts

Registration is free of course, and this is your chance to get your hands on the largest selection of FREE ebooks, audios, videos, courses, memberships and more relating to the Self Improvement, Business, and Marketing niches that you will find anywhere!

Self Improvement 4 will be open only for a VERY LIMITED TIME – until January 19th 2010. When you go there you’ll find a multitude of products – all FREE – provided by Self Improvement and Internet Marketing experts from all over the world. Here is just a small sample of what you will find:

6 Simple Steps to Guilt-Free Eating – Gillian Hood-Gabrielson
Personal Development Tips – Paul Klein
NLP – Love Your Physical Self – Elizabeth Benson
Dynamic Personality – Alex Perez Pratt
Transformational Fitness – Amy Lundberg
Anger Management – Giovanni Farotto
Managing Stress – Heather Step
How to Stay Focused – Piet Venter
Unlimited Abundance – Gary L Glasscock
110 Self Help Super Tips – Jack Brown
Outrageous Health – Charly Leetham
Secrets of the Subconscious – Alvin Huang
Law of Attraction – Dechen Lau
How to Reinvent Yourself at Midlife – Iyabo Asani
Peak Performance – Frank Bauer
Personal Transformation – Tony Dovale
Easy Meditation – Esdee Penn
And TONS (OVER 400+) MORE!

Get all of these and 100’s more here: Self Improvement Gifts and the best part is that you can download all of these products TODAY. I’ve already downloaded some pretty amazing ebooks on things like WordPress, Twitter, and Internet Marketing…things that I use and work with everyday. I’m a junkie when it comes to knowledge and I like to keep up with all the latest and greatest tips and techniques. I’ve also found many other great topics that sparked an interest in me that I can’t wait to read.

The organizers of the event are Stephanie Mulac, Rodger Hyatt and Gary Simpson.

Just briefly, this is Stephanie’s 4th Self Improvement Giveaway. Stephanie started this style of event in 2006. It’s in the form of a “Giveaway” which is sort of like a giant electronic trade fair where 100’s of experts offer their products free to the public.

Because it has become so popular, this year Stephanie has enlisted the services of Rodger Hyatt, a very experienced internet marketer, and Gary Simpson who has a copyrighting and self improvement background of some 20 years.

You only have to walk into any book store in any country to see how popular the subjects of self improvement, self awareness and personal development are. It’s a multi-billion dollar industry churning out hundreds of new books, audios, CD’s and other paraphernalia every year.

These can be very expensive but at Self Improvement Gifts you can pick this information up completely FREE.

With 2010 upon us, what better time is there than right NOW to set yourself and your business up for future success? This event is a life-changing experience for those who take it.

Come and join Stephanie, Rodger, Gary and me and see for yourself.

If you want to grab the largest collection of self improvement and internet marketing products you’ll find ANYWHERE – all FREE – then go to Self Improvement Gifts NOW and claim your bounty!Similar Posts:

December Signature Specials – Get Up to $300 in Gift Certificates Back!

Connie McVicker — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 06:37:07 +0000

Happy Holidays! If you’ve been holding back on getting your business branding up to par, this is a newsletter you won’t want to miss! Besides our fabulous savings and huge discounts, we’re giving away Restaurant.com gift certificate with every order – up to $300!

What’s included in this month’s Signature Specials?

Get up to $300 in Restaurant Gift Certificates with every order in December!
The Santa’s Logo Special is Back! Up to $120 off our Logo Design
20 – 30% Off Select Design & Web Services
Web Hosting Special Invitations

Check out the full version of this newsletter online, complete with promotional codes and active links today!

Better yet, subscribe to our Signature Specials newsletter here.Similar Posts:

November Black Friday Signature Specials Newsletter – DO NOT MISS THIS!

Connie McVicker — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:00:54 +0000

Ok, listen up! You are about to embark on a once in a lifetime opportunity. For an extremely limited time, until November 27th to be exact, you can take advantage of our Black Friday edition of Signature Specials. There’s only one special really…

50% off my hourly rate and almost every design and marketing service I provide.

Seriously, you will never see this offer again so check out this month’s Signature Specials newsletter now HERE.Similar Posts:

The Twitter Guide Book – The Twitter Resource You CANNOT Live Without

Connie McVicker — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:29:05 +0000

Tweets, retweets, tweetups, tweeple, twaffic, tweeps…if you’re wondering what the heck I’m talking about, then you are obviously not using Twitter yet. If that’s the case and you’re running a business, you are missing out on a lot of networking with your current clients, potential customers, and all-around followers that will help you get your message out.

Twitter isn’t just about what are you doing anymore. Organizations are using it to get the word out about their cause or event, businesses are using it for giveaways and promotions, communities are using it to get organized and share information.

Just recently, XBox was giving away a new game room to the top 3 voted for children’s hospitals. Here in Jackson, Mississippi, we have the Blair E. Batson Hospital for Children…the only children’s hospital in the entire state. Blair E. Batson used Twitter to their advantage to get the word out so people could vote for them to receive the game room. It was weeks of twittering and retweeting to get other people voting that pushed Blair E. Batson to the top of the list. After all was said and done, the Blair E. Batson Children’s Hospital for Children was one of the top 3 children’s hospitals in the county that received a brand new XBox game room. This is pretty significant considering we are certainly not one of the biggest states, and well people tend to forget about little ol’ us down here

The point is using Twitter is a very powerful marketing tool…and well, it’s quite fun which is a big fat bonus. So what is this post really about? If you want to get started on Twitter, or maybe you signed up, but just haven’t had time to mess with it or feel it’s beyond your comprehension, then I have the solution for you. Head on over to Mashable for The Twitter Guide Book. Seriously if you want to know everything about Twitter, but were always afraid to ask, THIS is your chance to redeem yourself.

The Twitter Guide Book isn’t even a book, although they do have a handy PDF to download. It is a web page with categorized links to the best information on how to use Twitter and it is easy to understand. They have it all…The Basics, Building Your Twitter Community, Twitter for Business, Sharing on Twitter, and Managing Your Twitter Stream.

So if you’ve been teetering on the fence about Twitter, this is your chance to put your fears aside and get twittering. Tweet. Tweet.Similar Posts:

Shameless Plug: Signature Worx Portfolio

Connie McVicker — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 13:00:51 +0000

I don’t do many shameless plugs, but a girl’s got the right to shake things up, no? It’s been forever ago since I updated the Signature Worx Portfolio, but I do have good reason with running a business and having a baby and all.

Getting back to the subject at hand, should you feel a break coming on or just feeling a little curious, then head on over to the updated Signature Worx Portfolio to see what we’ve been up to. The portfolio is just a partial showing of our work, I couldn’t possibly add every design or I wouldn’t get any work done. There’s just about every possible category including logos, websites, business cards, stationery, postcards, gift cards, promotional items, flyers, and more.

Let me know what you think. I always appreciate feedback…especially if it’s good

Oh and since I’m already doing a shameless plug, I might as well throw this in: If you’re starting a new business, or just need a professional boost to your current business or product brand, then be sure to check out this month’s Signature Specials. Our Fall Branding Stimulus Package is sure to get the ball rolling that won’t cost you an arm and a leg! Go ahead and subscribe to our Signature Specials newsletter so you don’t miss out on future offerings. We won’t inundate your inbox as we only send it out once a month, with an occasional extra here and there.

Thanks for reading and thanks for checking out the portfolio. I think my ego has been restored for a little while longer now.Similar Posts:

Creative Spotlight: Digital Paralegal Services

Connie McVicker — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 00:35:55 +0000

Cathy Ribble of Digital Paralegal Services contacted me back in June to help her get her new virtual paralegal business branding started. With over 15 years of experience as a legal professional, she was ready to venture out on her own to help attorneys cut costs for themselves and their clients. She wanted to open her virtual doors with everything in place from her logo down to her website.

With The Worx package from Signature Worx, she found just what she needed: a custom designed logo, business card, stationery package, brochure, and a snazzy new website she can maintain herself.

If you’re in the legal profession and in need of support, I highly recommend contacting Cathy. She specializes in paralegal services, legal secretarial services, and total attorney support. She is extremely knowledgeable and was a great pleasure to work with.

Here’s a little peak at her new business image:

If you’re starting a new business, or just need a professional boost to your current business or product brand, then be sure to check out this month’s Signature Specials. Our Fall Branding Stimulus Package is sure to get the ball rolling that won’t cost you an arm and a leg! Go ahead and subscribe to our Signature Specials newsletter so you don’t miss out on future offerings. We won’t inundate your inbox as we only send it out once a month, with an occasional extra here and there.

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September Signature Specials Newsletter

Connie McVicker — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 22:20:40 +0000

Fall Branding Stimulus Package

Does your business image need a boost? Whether you’re just starting out or have a couple of years under your belt, if you’re not happy with your overall branding or never got one to begin with, then now is the time get your game on for our Fall Branding Stimulus Package.

How do you benefit from our Fall Branding Stimulus Package? Besides getting a completely custom, made-for you, business brand from Signature Worx, you’ll get it at a super stellar and hugely discounted price. If only you could get a new personal identity for that! But we don’t offer that service so you’ll have to focus on your business for now!

We also have another special this month that comes just in time for the holidays.

View this month’s Signature Specials in it’s entirety HERE.Similar Posts:

Why Your Marketing Efforts Are Failing

Connie McVicker — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 02:16:36 +0000

Have you ever heard the phrase, “It goes in one ear and out the other?” well, besides referring to my 4 year old daughter, I secretly think this of my clients or potential customers at times. In this case I’m referring to your marketing plan…you know that somewhat seemingly great plan you drafted when you first began your business. Or maybe you meant to or, as one client tells me, it’s all in her head. Well, in her head it will stay unless she actually puts the plan in writing and puts it in motion. (She’s heard this all before by the way)

So where is your marketing plan? There is no other way to say this, but marketing is constant. It is a process that never ends. It is not a one-time project. When you stop marketing, people WILL forget about you, or never know you exist. Keep your name and message in front of them and it doesn’t matter if you’ve done business with them before or not, the next time they are in need of your service or product, they will think of you first. Why? Because you’re consistent and have established a relationship with them. If they only hear from you once or twice a year, chances are you’re not going to hear from them.

One of the biggest mistakes a business can make is maintaining this mentality of only marketing when they need the business. Not only is this a very dangerous road to follow, but it is ineffective, time consuming, and this will not solve your problem. Sure it might get you one or two customers, but then there you are again a few months later wondering where you’re going to get your next client from to pay the bills.

If you’re like the client I mentioned earlier, then you might be thinking, “I don’t have the funds to market all the time.” I’m not sure why business owners discount marketing as a way to save money. I’m going to throw another well-known phrase at you now, “you have to spend money to make money.” Now where this phrase is somewhat true, it is not entirely accurate as I’m pretty sure it was coined before the Internet existed.

The fact is you can do a whole lot of marketing, direct or indirect, that costs you absolutely nothing, and almost all of them are using the Internet. A few examples are:

Start Talking! Start a blog and share your expertise with the world. You don’t have to be a great writer…unless of course you’re a copywriter! Sharing tidbits is a great way to establish yourself as an expert in your field.
Get Writing! Start an electronic newsletter, or eZine. It doesn’t have to be a book and it really shouldn’t be. Again, just sharing informational tidbits is enough. Be short, be concise and be helpful. You’ll gain subscribers and life-long relationships. DO NOT make your eZine a sales pitch or about selling them something.
Article Marketing! Everyone is an expert about something. Write articles about what you know and publish them in the myriad of article banks online. But don’t stop there. Post it to your blog, use them in your eZine, send them to your local newspaper editor, be a guest blogger on someone else’s blog, and the list goes on.
Press On! Did you send out a press release when you first started your business? Well, how’d that go for you? If that was the only one you sent out, I’d be shocked if you had an overwhelming response. In fact, I’d be surprised if it actually got picked up by your local media. The rules of marketing apply here as well. The media get hundreds of news releases a day and starting a business is not necessarily news worthy to them with all the world happenings. You have to be consistent, keep your name in front of them, and follow-up, but if you can get your release published, even if it’s the 5^th one you’ve sent, then you’ve made progress!
Be a Star! If you’re savvy enough, and not camera shy, grab that webcam you never use or your personal camcorder and video your way through marketing. Upload them to your own website or blog, add them to the many podcasting directories, upload them to YouTube and more.
Join a Clique! Remember back in high-school your status depended on what “clique” you were a part of? The Jocks, the nerds, the cheerleaders, the head-bangers, etc. Well, that’s NOT the type of clique I’m talking about here. I’m talking about networking. If you’re networking online, then find groups and forums that include your ideal customers and join in on the conversation. Don’t go there to sell them, just be helpful with your knowledge. Or if you market locally, then network in person with other business people. Your local papers will list networking events, or call and get an invite to your local Chamber or other networking group.
Get Social! If you’re not connecting with people on FaceBook or LinkedIn, just to name a couple, then you’re missing out. Find your friends, business contacts, associates, previous employers and co-workers, old classmates, previous client, family members, and more. Connect with them, set up your profile, and share useful information.
Get Twittering! Ok, if you’re not on Twitter, then I have to assume you’re living under a rock somewhere. Seriously, besides just being plain fun, even if you think telling people what you’re doing is just ridiculous because why on earth would anyone want to know what you’re doing, it is a great business tool! You don’t have to post your status 100 times per day, just make a consistent effort to a couple of times per day or several times per week. Post your status, what you’re working on, maybe a link to a new blog post or to your eZine. Again, don’t just post to sell people. It’s like getting spam and they will stop following you!

These are just a few ideas to get you going. If your marketing efforts are failing, then it’s time to reevaluate your methods. Of course there are plenty of ways to market using paid avenues. But that’s another post for another day and the point to this one is there are plenty of ways to market your business without paying a dime.

As a side note and to give you a perfect example using 2 of the above methods, I follow a local restaurant called Sal & Mookies on Twitter. A few weeks ago I saw a Twitter message from them – they were giving away 2 $100 gift cards to their restaurant. To enter all you had to do was to re-tweet their message using Twitter or leave a message on their FaceBook page. I of course sent a tweet out and then left a message on their FaceBook page…not expecting to win because I NEVER win anything. Guess what? I was one of the winners! Hubby and I loaded the girls up last weekend and headed over to Sal & Mookies for dinner. What they didn’t know was that we have never been to Sal & Mookies prior to this visit and all because I won a gift card. We’ve heard of them of course, we see their name all over town…they’re kind of famous around here, but we had just never been in all our years here. The point to all of this is that they will have a customer for life. Not because we won a gift card, but because they got us into their establishment, we had fantastic service, and the food was OMG good!

So be creative and don’t drop the ball on your marketing plan. Oh, and if you don’t have one, then now’s the time to draft one out and start implementing it immediately. You don’t have to do everything at once. Start small and work your way up to bigger things.

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Early Labor Day Sale on Online Printing

Connie McVicker — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 14:18:17 +0000

This week only, get $10 off any order of $50 or more by using coupon code: LD10P from one of our preferred online printers during their early Labor Day Sale. They offer premium quality printing on business cards, postcards, brochures, letterhead, and more. Offer expires September 7th.

Of course if you need someone to design your marketing materials, we recommend Signature Worx!

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Off Topic: ULTA Beauty Moms Day?

Connie McVicker — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 16:42:31 +0000

So this post is a little off topic, but it’s Saturday and I feel compelled to discuss this.

First, an ULTA Beauty store just opened up here in Flowood, MS a few months ago. I first had the opportunity to visit a couple of days after my birthday earlier this month. I had some birthday money burning a hole in my pocket and I was dying to see what all the fuss was about. Let’s just say that I have a new favorite store. They have ever hair, face, nail, scent and body product on the planet practically and many things I have never heard about.

Now most of you know that I have two daughters, one is 4 and the other will be 5 months tomorrow. So with a 5 month old, a 4 year old, a business and household to run, I don’t have a lot of time to get all primped up. Seriously I am at home the majority of the time. So I decided that it was time to get some advice about my skin and update my makeup. I won’t even tell you how old my makeup is and honestly, I never liked it anyway. I hate makeup that looks caked on, turns your face orange, or doesn’t cover enough flaws (not the I have any) and I can never find the right products. Therefore I don’t wear makeup often unless we’re going out on the town…which is never…or I have business to do which mostly doesn’t apply since I work virtually.

So moving on. I just found out today that ULTA Beauty has a College Day the 1st of each month where they give exclusive offers to college students. How great is that!? Only one problem…I’m not a college student.

So therefore here is what I propose to ULTA: We NEED a Mom’s Day at ULTA. Now I realize that college students are understandably a pretty big market for ULTA. But we moms need to look gorgeous, too, and unfortunately for us we tend to take care of everyone else first, leaving little or no time for ourselves. But when we find something that makes us feel beautiful or great…a piece of clothing, a new purse, a new scent, or even a fantabulous store like ULTA, then we wear it, carry it, and shop it into the ground. Case in point: I have worn the makeup I bought from ULTA every single day since I bought it two weeks ago! Why? Because I look better and feel better and I actually like it. Now I don’t get all dolled up just to run down to Target, but I do put on my foundation and lip gloss at the very least. Don’t you hear the song in your head right now…”I feel pretty, oh so pretty…”

So I guess what I’m trying to say is that because I wear my new products from ULTA daily, as opposed to maybe once every two weeks, I’ll be in need of replacements more frequently. But as I mentioned before, we moms take care of everyone else first and of course we have to budget as well. We have to feed our families, pay the bills, pay for preschool or daycare, buy school clothes and supplies…and the list goes on. So who better to give exclusive offers to than moms so we can frequent your store more often and continue to look great and feel better about ourselves? After all, a happy and content mom equals a happy and content family!

I’m sure there are many other mom’s who would LOVE a Mom’s Day at ULTA. Just think of all the moms piling into your store, say on a Tuesday morning, after dropping the kids off at school! Hint, hint!Similar Posts:

Freebie Friday: A Flowchart on Making Flowcharts

Connie McVicker — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 19:50:32 +0000

I’m in a humorous mood today so thought I’d post something fun…again.

Have you ever made a flowchart? Well, here is the flowchart of all flowcharts…The flowchart of should you make a flowchart. Follow it to find out!

Click to see the full size version.Similar Posts:

Answer the Question Please – A Lesson in Customer Service

Connie McVicker — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 19:27:30 +0000

Businesses that employ a receptionist, or any other position with similar responsibilities, where that person is the first to be connected with your customers or potential clients, I ask YOU this question: Do you train this person on phone etiquette or are you throwing caution to the wind?

One of my BIGGEST pet peeves is to call a business, ask the person who answers the phone a question that results in their immediately transferring me rather than…answering the question. Let me give you an example that just happened to me, yet again for the millionth time:

Them: (answering the phone) “ABC Fictional Company, how can I help you?” [great start]

Me: “Hi! Can you tell me if Dan is in the office today?” [note, this is a question]

Them: [no response at all, I just simply get put on hold, transferred, who knows]

Next thing I know, I am now listening to Dan’s voice mail, which of course is what I wanted to avoid. You see I left a voice mail for Dan 2 days ago needing some very time sensitive information emailed to me to meet a deadline for a client. If I wanted his voice mail, I would have just asked to be transferred to Dan.

Me: [pressing "0" to get back to the operator]

Them: “Can I help you?”

Me: “Yes, I asked if Dan was in the office today and was transferred to his voice mail. Can you tell me if he is actually in the office today?”

Them: “I’m sorry, Dan is out of the office today. Would you like his voice mail?”

I’ll stop the conversation there because it didn’t get any better. The point is that I run into this ALL the time. I ask if someone is in or I’ll call to ask who I would talk to about putting my widgets ad in their publication (this is made up of course). But instead of answer the question and giving me the name and possibly direct number to the person who is responsible for widget ads, they just transfer you and you have no idea whether or not you were transferred to the correct person or not. Trust me, I’ve had people call me back and tell me they are the janitor and have nothing to do with the widget ads. [Ok, I might be exaggerating a bit as I've never had a janitor call me back]

So I ask you. Are you training and monitoring your receptionist/operator to make sure they are not irritating your clients…all the way to your competition? Believe it or not, many employers think a receptionist position is very entry level and does not require any skills other than a voice. This is the very first person anyone contacting your business connects with. And believe me first impressions are everything.Similar Posts:

Freebie Friday: Just Plain Fun

Connie McVicker — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 12:00:41 +0000

My family and I are on a little mini vacation right now in Memphis, TN. So while we’re have a great time at the famous Memphis Zoo today, I thought it appropriate that you should have a little fun, too.

If you haven’t met hoops & yoyo over at Hallmark, then head on over there to meet these two hilarious little creatures and their friends. I’ve been a huge fan of hoops & yoyo since their debut many years ago. They’ve gotten a few of my previous co-workers and I through some pretty stressful times just by visiting them. We loved all their animations poking fun at working at the office…which of course always hit home because they are so true.

They offer downloads, animations, printables, e-cards, a blog…heck they even have a Facebook page! My favorite is the Office Lingo Notes (PDF) on their Free Downloads page.

For those of you who are familiar with hoops and yoyo, then you already know what I’m talking about, but head on over there just the same because you KNOW you’ll be having fun in no time.

I warn you though, going to this site will make you laugh or just down right roll and you may just have so much fun that you forget all about work all together.

Have fun!Similar Posts:

The Key to Subject Lines

Connie McVicker — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 13:00:05 +0000

In design and marketing, it’s all about image and getting your message across. So brainstorming and offering advice to my clients just comes with the territory when you design logos, websites and various other printed marketing materials. But what about email marketing campaigns? Because I help set up and manage eZines, broadcast messages, and drip campaigns, the subject line always seems to be a hot topic…and the hardest to come up with at times seemingly.

So what’s my advice on subject lines for email campaigns? Simple…the subject line of your email should describe the content of your email. Sound stupidly simple?

Besides those who use their subscribers to only sell, sell, sell, I believe the masses would totally agree with me. Nothing is more annoying than a confusing or misleading subject line. You’ll simply aggravate your subscribers and in turn lose them all together. Case in point: I received one this week titled ” did you blow up my server??” (written exactly like that). Needless to say I unsubscribed immediately because all their subject lines were seriously that stupid.

If you’re sending a newsletter, then put the name of the newsletter and date or issue number in the subject line. If you’re sending a special or promotion, let them know what’s inside via the subject line. If your subject line sound salesy, chances are they won’t open it anyway which really defeats the purpose, right?

The bottom line is when it comes to email marketing, the best subject lines are direct, to the point, and tells what’s inside. Your subscribers will appreciate it and won’t be so hasty to drop out all together.Similar Posts:

Freebie Friday: 250 Free Business Cards

Connie McVicker — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 10:00:15 +0000

For a limited time, you can get 250 free, single-sided business cards from one of our preferred online printing vendors. Their promoting their online business card designer so the only caveat is that you must use their templates and cannot upload your own design or images. They have over 700 so you wouldn’t have any problem finding one that suits you. Essentially this offer is best utilized by those wanting business cards for personal use or businesses that…ahem…don’t have a professionally designed logo. (see our Signature Specials this month!)

Now you’re probably thinking these cards are printed on flimsy paper or will have the printer’s logo on the back, right? The answer is no. These are high quality business cards printed on premium card stock with no advertising printed on them at all. Just great quality and they’re absolutely free…including the shipping! Now if that’s not a deal, I don’t know what is!

There is absolutely no cost to you. You can choose from vertical or horizontal layouts and design your free business card online in a matter of seconds.

Of course, should this offer not tickle your fancy and you want a custom designed, made-for-you business card, then you might want to check out this month’s Signature Specials where we Double your Pleasure with professionally designed identity and marketing pieces. But hurry because these specials are only available until August 21st.Similar Posts:

August Signature Specials Newsletter

Connie McVicker — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 05:38:30 +0000

Double your pleasure with this month’s Signature Specials! From now until August 21st, buy specific professionally designed identity and marketing pieces and receive another marketing piece absolutely FREE. Which items you wonder?

Buy our Signature Business Card design, get 250 professionally printed business cards FREE
Buy our Signature Logo design, get our Signature Business Card design for FREE
Buy 3 hours of our Online Maintenance, get 2 additional hours FREE
Buy our Signature CMS Website design and development package, get our Signature Logo design FREE

To read the full version of this newsletter, complete with promotional codes and active links, you’ll have to subscribe! But don’t worry, we won’t litter your inbox – this newsletter is only sent out once a month! So what are you waiting for? Just click here to get started.Similar Posts:

Freebie Friday: Online Learning & Free Chocolate

Connie McVicker — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 13:48:30 +0000

If you’re like me and have a need to constantly learn or update your skills, then check out the online HP Learning Center. The HP Learning Center provides free, online classes that are available 24/7.

Wondering what kind of classes they provide? Everything from MS Office to Adobe to business basics to digital photography. I’ve been using the HP Learning Center for a couple of years now to keep up with technology and software and have never been disappointed. You’re able to learn at your own pace, at whatever time you like, and update your skills at the same time.

Check out their entire class listing HERE. Don’t see anything you like? I can’t really imagine there isn’t anything, but bookmark it and keep checking because their offerings change almost weekly.

OH, and don’t forget the Mars Real Chocolate Relief Act – FREE chocolate every Friday all summer beginning at 9 AM ET to the first 250,000. See my original post HERE for a chance to get your coupon for a FREE Mars productSimilar Posts:

Freebie Friday (for real this time) – Mars Real Chocolate Relief Act

Connie McVicker — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 12:36:44 +0000

Ok, so I posted a freebie for Saturday earlier, but here is the real freebie for Friday…and every Friday through September.

If you haven’t heard, Mars has been giving away FREE chocolate all summer long during their Mars Chocolate Relief Act. Every Friday beginning at 9:00 AM ET through September, visit THIS LINK for a chance to get a FREE Real Chocolate coupon for your favorite Mars product. Be one of the first 250,000 to request a coupon each Friday and sweet relief is on its way.

Which Mars products are included in the coupon? M&M’s, Dove, Snickers, 3Musketeers, Twix, and Milky Way

The only catch is that you’ll have to wait for your coupon to come in the mail. They indicate 4-6 weeks, but mine have come within a couple of weeks at the most.

So get on over there this morning and secure your FREE chocolate!

Receive our Signature Specials?

Subscribe today! It’s free!

Similar Posts:

Freebie Friday (errr Saturday) – Pizza Hut Stuffed Pizza Rolls

Connie McVicker — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 09:00:31 +0000

I know pizza rolls have nothing to do with helping you obtain free tools for your business, but a girl’s gotta eat right? And besides, it is a holiday weekend, these aren’t just any pizza rolls, and who can resist free food? Certainly not me!

This Saturday, July 4th ONLY, those who follow Pizza Hut on Twitter or Facebook will receive a special code for FREE stuffed pizza rolls. How sweet is that? There is no indication on the offer details so I guess you’ll just have to follow them to find out. So go do it now before you forget and miss out on this scrumptious deal!

Happy Independence Day!

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Did You Know?

Connie McVicker — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 20:22:01 +0000

Did you know that you can create a backup of all your active lists in Aweber?

If you didn’t, it’s super easy and takes just a few minutes.

Login to Aweber
Click on the “Home” link
Click on the “Create and Manage Lists” link next to the “Current List” drop-down box.
Click the “Back Up & Export All Active Lists” link. You will get a pop-up window at this point. Select the email address to send the backup notification to and click “Export All.”

For now, that’s it. Once Aweber has created your backup file, you will receive an email message…the one you chose above…letting you know it is available for download.

At that point, follow all of the steps above, only when you get the pop up window this time, there will be a “Link to Download.” Click that link to download and backup all your active lists. This link is available for 2 weeks from the date it was created.

So how often should you backup your lists? I think it depends on the amount of lists you have, the number of subscribers, and how active your account is. I’m sure Aweber has backup methods in place, but nothing is infallible. Of course it also depends on what you’re comfortable with. Me being the queen of backup, backup, backup, I do this monthly on Aweber. However, if I had a ton more subscribers (hint, hint), I may begin doing a backup more frequently.Similar Posts:



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