That only means one thing- summertime, baby! The heat of summer and the fun activities that surround the Jersey Shore area are what makes this such a great place to live. I mean, enough people visit from out of town to prove it, right? So before Snooki and The Situation make their way onto our beaches, lets get in the spirit of summer! Its the only thing that will allow us to tolerate the not-so-fun summer attributes- like traffic, noise, and of course, the bennies. Here is a snippet from another blog (company based in Arizona) with 14 marketing ideas for small business associated with summer. Enjoy!
1. Have a birthday! Make your place the official birthday headquarters for a celebrity.
2. Celebrate a holiday! There is lot of zany “holidays” in the summer. For example, the World’s Ugliest Dog contest is held annually in June, in Petaluma, California. July is “National Horseradish Month” and “National Ice-Cream Month;” anyone for horseradish flavored ice-cream?
3. Host a barbecue! Have a barbecue and invite everyone you know, just because. Or for even more fun, invite people you don’t know. Publicize your event through Yelp.com or Twitter.com. Call it a networking mixer and tell everyone to bring their business cards.
4. Here’s your sign! If your local zoning ordinances allow, and if you’re in an area where there is a lot of drive-by or walk-by traffic, create a vinyl banner or clapboard sign to put in front of your store. Don’t make it a sign about your store. Instead use a message like, “Come on in, it’s cool inside.” Give away a bottle of water to everyone who comes in. Or you if really want to get attention, put something silly on the sign like “See other side.”
5. Set a world record! Invite your customers and friends to get involved to build the worlds’ largest ice-cream sundae, foot long hotdog, or human flag. Nathan’s Famous Hotdogs has been sponsoring a hotdog eating contest since 1916. If it didn’t work, they wouldn’t do it! Use your imagination and have some fun! Get some sponsors so everyone can get a free gift for participating!
6. Hold a summer-themed promotion or contest. Get your customers involved! One of my favorite television commercials of all time is the Dodge Journey Crossover summer waterslide commercial. It doesn’t make me want to buy the car, but it definitely makes me want to go down a waterslide in the middle of the street, and it definitely gets your attention.
7. Do a good deed! The recession has hit all of us, but probably none have been hit harder than charities that help the needy. Revenues are down, but demand for services is up as families struggle to make ends meet.
Save the Family in Mesa, Arizona, assists homeless families by providing a place for them to live, complete with furniture. Once they get on their feet and move out, they are able to take the furnishings with them because they have nothing! Right now Save the Family is in desperate need of beds for their families. You can help! Adopt a charity such as Save the Family, and get your customers involved in providing for these urgent needs. It will make a difference.
8. Get social! If you haven’t adopted Twitter or Facebook because you just don’t get it, now is the time to hop on board. Take a class so you can learn how to use it and then do. You’ll meet people and be introduced to opportunities that you’ve not had in the past.
9. Take a customer out to lunch! Better yet, take a bunch out to lunch. Summer time is a great time to brainstorm new business ideas. Ask your clients for feedback and ideas. Make sure you pay for their lunch!
10. Promote your website! If you “Google” your company name and your website isn’t the first to come up, then you’ve got some work to do. Submit your site to search engines and local directories such as MerchantCirlce.com or EastValleyLiving.com
11. Be a speaker! Many associations and clubs such as Kiwanis International meet year-round and they are always looking for speakers.
12. Keep in touch! Keep in regular contact with your customers via email. For greater impact, give them a telephone call just to touch base! Now that will surprise them!
13. Send an e-newsletter! Fill it with summertime tips. Word of advice: Keep it short and make it valuable! My favorites sites for e-newsletters are Mailchimp.com and Verticalresponse.com.
14. Write an e-book! David Meerman Scott, author of “The New Rules of Marketing and PR” did this and it propelled his business and speaking career into a venture worth over 6 figures a year! Take David’s advice and give it away for free. Not so crazy when you start getting requests for speaking engagements.
About 23Kazoos
23 Kazoos is a creative marketing company based in Mesa, Arizona. They specialize in helping small business owners build buzz for their business through organic (word of mouth) marketing strategies, social media, and publicity. They also provide website and graphic design services, with special rates for start up businesses, restaurants, authors, and speakers. For more information contact 23 Kazoos at http://www.23Kazoos.com.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
News Alert: Winter is Being Postponed This Year!
All of this balmy “winter” weather has me thinking about sipping umbrella drinks poolside. Think about it, in just 30 days it will be March. Right now is the time to start planning ahead for your field day, family reunion, or company picnic. Below, we’ve compiled some ideas for March to help get your creative juices flowing.
March is National Ethics Awareness Month
Every business talks about ethics, but sometimes they may stumble and act in a less than ethical way. Well, March is the time to get moving along on the right track and launch an ethics awareness campaign. Begin with a new mission statement that you send via e-mail and post to all your social media outlets like Facebook. Next, visit clients and commit to being the best business partner for them in words and action. Bring logoed gifts. Finally, have a more intimate affair, like a wine and cheese party, with staff members and select guests. Parting gifts can include etched bottles of wine. Your distributor can help you craft a month’s worth of events for productive and positive results.
March 8 - International Women’s Day
Today is set aside to honor women, especially working women. Run a campaign today focusing on the women at your company who contribute in so many ways. Also, give shout-outs to your female clients and vendors. Post videos to your website, tweet messages and recognize everyone on Facebook. Consider giving everyone a special lapel pin as a thank-you.
March 13 - National Agriculture Day
Agriculture is so important to our way of life. Today anyone in that industry can run awareness campaigns. And schools and local businesses can run events for students teaching them the joy and benefits of growing a garden. Provide everyone with imprinted garden products like gloves, hoes, shovels, seeds and watering cans. Your distributor partner can help you secure the items and help you come up with great catch phrases as well.
March 20 - Won’t You Be My Neighbor Day?
Mr. Rogers spent nearly 40 years on TV as a friendly and warm neighbor to millions of children. Today, the anniversary of his birth, take the time to reach out to your corporate neighbors to find ways to get along better (not that you don’t get along). In a nod to Mr. Rogers, outfit your staff with corporate cardigan sweaters. If you work in an industrial park with other businesses, organize a mixer or other event that gives everyone the chance to network. You never know, you might find new customers.
John Zalepka
Adpro Imprints
Think Spring!
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
2011 IS WINDING DOWN- TOUGH YEAR?
As 2011 is coming into the "home stretch", I can't help but reflect on what we've done as an organization, how hard we have worked, and how far we have come. Gone are the days of relying on Yellow Page, Super Page, and Yellow Book ads to get your message out there. More than ever, Brand Recognition has been the key to success. Of course, you have to combine that with Brand Loyalty which only comes from satisfying your customers, and in return, having your satisfied customers recommend your services to others. Social Media hasn't hurt either. Oh- and GOOGLE of course.
I know through speaking with colleagues, friends, fellow business owners, etc, that this has in fact been a very tough year. Our sales are down. Consumers aren't spending what they used to. Long time, loyal customers are losing their businesses. These are heartbreaking times for those who chose to live the American Dream. Even tough the general tone of this so-called blog has been a real bummer thus far, the point I'm trying to make is that if you rise to the challenge, there is nothing that can't keep us from having our best year ever in 2012 (if you haven't beat the odds already).
I don't try to sell products or services in my blogs- I rather try to light fires and spread goodwill. I believe in my company and the people that work for this company. I applaud them for their undying efforts they put forth this year. I've said over a hundred times to colleagues and coworkers, if you do what you do better than anyone else in you industry, or within your specific niche, there is no way you can fail. You may have to adapt, improvise, and overcome, but if you keep working hard and never give up, you will be rewarded.
These are the things I am thankful for this holiday season (not just reserved for one turkey engorged day BTW). Spread the love, spread the joy, spread the generosity, work hard, and good things will come your way. I know the year is not through yet, but Christmas, Hanukkah, and many other joyous holidays are upon us, and I felt like saying this now and not waiting until the New Year. Happy Holidays, and as always, thank you for your continued & loyal support.
Pete Demaree & The Entire Adpro Family
I know through speaking with colleagues, friends, fellow business owners, etc, that this has in fact been a very tough year. Our sales are down. Consumers aren't spending what they used to. Long time, loyal customers are losing their businesses. These are heartbreaking times for those who chose to live the American Dream. Even tough the general tone of this so-called blog has been a real bummer thus far, the point I'm trying to make is that if you rise to the challenge, there is nothing that can't keep us from having our best year ever in 2012 (if you haven't beat the odds already).
I don't try to sell products or services in my blogs- I rather try to light fires and spread goodwill. I believe in my company and the people that work for this company. I applaud them for their undying efforts they put forth this year. I've said over a hundred times to colleagues and coworkers, if you do what you do better than anyone else in you industry, or within your specific niche, there is no way you can fail. You may have to adapt, improvise, and overcome, but if you keep working hard and never give up, you will be rewarded.
These are the things I am thankful for this holiday season (not just reserved for one turkey engorged day BTW). Spread the love, spread the joy, spread the generosity, work hard, and good things will come your way. I know the year is not through yet, but Christmas, Hanukkah, and many other joyous holidays are upon us, and I felt like saying this now and not waiting until the New Year. Happy Holidays, and as always, thank you for your continued & loyal support.
Pete Demaree & The Entire Adpro Family
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
IMAGE IS EVERYTHING/CONTEST WINNER ANNOUNCED!
IMAGE IS EVERYTHING
It’s been said time and again that you never get a second chance to make a first impression, and this axiom is particularly true in the business world.
The first impression that prospective clients get of your business most often comes by way of your logo. Your logo symbolizes your company and plays a crucial role in promoting your business in the marketplace. A great logo design is the foundation for building a recognizable and memorable brand for your business. And a professionally designed logo can make even the smallest business look established, stable and credible.
Below are the 3 Main Reasons for having a great logo.
1. To create a unique identity
In almost every industry imaginable, the market is very competitive, with very little differentiation between products and services. A unique mark or logo can help to separate you from your competitors. A particular design can help to make an impact on prospective clients’ relative short-term memories by providing a representation of your product as being more attractive than the competition. A visual identity can establish a good image and personality for your business, even more so then a written description (a picture is worth a thousand words after all).
2. To represent a reputable image
Most people, whether it’s right or wrong, judge a thing or person by what they see. An effective logo has the capability to communicate immediately to a prospective client that your company exists and is ready to cater their needs. This is why it is vital to come up with a mark that mirrors the strengths and vision of your company. A weak or non-existent logo can lead to anonymity, causing you to blend into the market, which can eventually lead to failure.
3. To represent quality
Along with creating a reputable image, a quality logo will also portray the quality of your product in prospects’ minds. If it looks like you spent some time and resources on developing a quality logo, it means that you have most likely done the same when developing your products and services. People usually stick with quality brands that can be trusted, so if your logo can help get them to that point, you may be well on your way to developing a quality relationship with a loyal client.
Attaining success in the business world requires proper management, accurate planning and effective marketing strategies. Your logo should be at the core of your marketing strategy in order to give you that edge against your competition in order to attract more prospective clients. Your logo is a representation of your company and can say, “Hey! Consider us! We are the best in our industry!” On the other hand, poor logo design will miss to serve its purpose of identifying and communicating, and in many cases may even negatively impact your business.
Designing an effective logo is not an easy task and usually requires a lot of thought and effort. In order to have the most appealing and persuading logo possible, kindly consider letting the professionals at Adpro help you conceptualize and create it for you. With almost 30 years of experience in making our clients look good, you can trust that we will do the same for you.
John Zalepka
Adpro Imprints, Inc.
FACEBOOK CONTEST WINNER(S) ANNOUNCED!
We would like to thank all of our long-time, loyal clients who entered our Facebook "Old Logo" Contest last month, and we are pleased to announce our Ocean location winner!
All Pools & Spas is located in Oakhurst, NJ, and has been a long time customer of Adpro in Ocean. They were randomly chosen from a handful of applicants to have thier logo reworked by our design team, and have marketing collateral printed with thier new logo. We look forward to our continued relationship with them for years to come. If you are ever in the need for pool & spa products or superior service, please visit them. They are our top choice in the area.
All Pools and Spas, LLC, a family owned business serving Monmouth County, NJ, prides itself on providing their customers with quality pool products, personal customer service and programs customized to fit your needs.
Members of the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals (APSP) and Northeast Spa and Pool Association (NESPA)
CPO Certified Technicians who take the time to listen to the customer's needs and walks them through each step of the process.
Fully insured to service both residential and commercial properties.
ENJOY YOUR POOL !
Contact us today and we will keep it CLEAN and CLEAR so you don't have to!
All Pools and Spas, LLC. 327 Roosevelt Avenue, Oakhurst, NJ 07755 • Phone: 732-757-9368
AND...
We are pleased to announce our Farmingdale location winner!
Security Cam Depot is located in Neptune, NJ, and has been a long time customer of Adpro in Farmingdale. They were randomly chosen from a handful of applicants to have their logo reworked by our design team, and have marketing collateral printed with their new logo. If you are ever in the need for Security/Audio/Video Integration for your home or business, please visit them. They are our top choice in the area.
When it comes to your security for your home or business don't trust it to just anyone. Call Security Cam Depot with over 15 years combined experience in the Security/Audio/Video Integration field we sell, service and install all major brands of security equipment and alarm systems. We have systems to meet everyones budget because we undersatnd what hard time we're in. We are fully licensed, bonded, and insured by the State of New Jersey.
Servicing the Tri-State area and East Coast of Florida. Call us today for a free estimate and consultation.
Security Cam Depot, LLC
Neptune, NJ 07753
NJ LIC # 34BX00010300
Email: info@securitycamdepot.com
Phone: 732-485-1514
Fax: 732-361-3460
THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO ENTERED!!!
It’s been said time and again that you never get a second chance to make a first impression, and this axiom is particularly true in the business world.
The first impression that prospective clients get of your business most often comes by way of your logo. Your logo symbolizes your company and plays a crucial role in promoting your business in the marketplace. A great logo design is the foundation for building a recognizable and memorable brand for your business. And a professionally designed logo can make even the smallest business look established, stable and credible.
Below are the 3 Main Reasons for having a great logo.
1. To create a unique identity
In almost every industry imaginable, the market is very competitive, with very little differentiation between products and services. A unique mark or logo can help to separate you from your competitors. A particular design can help to make an impact on prospective clients’ relative short-term memories by providing a representation of your product as being more attractive than the competition. A visual identity can establish a good image and personality for your business, even more so then a written description (a picture is worth a thousand words after all).
2. To represent a reputable image
Most people, whether it’s right or wrong, judge a thing or person by what they see. An effective logo has the capability to communicate immediately to a prospective client that your company exists and is ready to cater their needs. This is why it is vital to come up with a mark that mirrors the strengths and vision of your company. A weak or non-existent logo can lead to anonymity, causing you to blend into the market, which can eventually lead to failure.
3. To represent quality
Along with creating a reputable image, a quality logo will also portray the quality of your product in prospects’ minds. If it looks like you spent some time and resources on developing a quality logo, it means that you have most likely done the same when developing your products and services. People usually stick with quality brands that can be trusted, so if your logo can help get them to that point, you may be well on your way to developing a quality relationship with a loyal client.
Attaining success in the business world requires proper management, accurate planning and effective marketing strategies. Your logo should be at the core of your marketing strategy in order to give you that edge against your competition in order to attract more prospective clients. Your logo is a representation of your company and can say, “Hey! Consider us! We are the best in our industry!” On the other hand, poor logo design will miss to serve its purpose of identifying and communicating, and in many cases may even negatively impact your business.
Designing an effective logo is not an easy task and usually requires a lot of thought and effort. In order to have the most appealing and persuading logo possible, kindly consider letting the professionals at Adpro help you conceptualize and create it for you. With almost 30 years of experience in making our clients look good, you can trust that we will do the same for you.
John Zalepka
Adpro Imprints, Inc.
FACEBOOK CONTEST WINNER(S) ANNOUNCED!
We would like to thank all of our long-time, loyal clients who entered our Facebook "Old Logo" Contest last month, and we are pleased to announce our Ocean location winner!
All Pools & Spas is located in Oakhurst, NJ, and has been a long time customer of Adpro in Ocean. They were randomly chosen from a handful of applicants to have thier logo reworked by our design team, and have marketing collateral printed with thier new logo. We look forward to our continued relationship with them for years to come. If you are ever in the need for pool & spa products or superior service, please visit them. They are our top choice in the area.
All Pools and Spas, LLC, a family owned business serving Monmouth County, NJ, prides itself on providing their customers with quality pool products, personal customer service and programs customized to fit your needs.
Members of the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals (APSP) and Northeast Spa and Pool Association (NESPA)
CPO Certified Technicians who take the time to listen to the customer's needs and walks them through each step of the process.
Fully insured to service both residential and commercial properties.
ENJOY YOUR POOL !
Contact us today and we will keep it CLEAN and CLEAR so you don't have to!
All Pools and Spas, LLC. 327 Roosevelt Avenue, Oakhurst, NJ 07755 • Phone: 732-757-9368
AND...
We are pleased to announce our Farmingdale location winner!
Security Cam Depot is located in Neptune, NJ, and has been a long time customer of Adpro in Farmingdale. They were randomly chosen from a handful of applicants to have their logo reworked by our design team, and have marketing collateral printed with their new logo. If you are ever in the need for Security/Audio/Video Integration for your home or business, please visit them. They are our top choice in the area.
When it comes to your security for your home or business don't trust it to just anyone. Call Security Cam Depot with over 15 years combined experience in the Security/Audio/Video Integration field we sell, service and install all major brands of security equipment and alarm systems. We have systems to meet everyones budget because we undersatnd what hard time we're in. We are fully licensed, bonded, and insured by the State of New Jersey.
Servicing the Tri-State area and East Coast of Florida. Call us today for a free estimate and consultation.
Security Cam Depot, LLC
Neptune, NJ 07753
NJ LIC # 34BX00010300
Email: info@securitycamdepot.com
Phone: 732-485-1514
Fax: 732-361-3460
THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO ENTERED!!!
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
ENTER TO WIN A NEW LOGO FREE!
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Thursday, September 1, 2011
DON'T LET THEM GET YOU DOWN!
Here is a very short "snippet" I came across recently that reminded me quite simply to never give up on what you believe in. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
-Pete
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