10 Tips to Increase Productivity as a Busy Entrepreneur

Productivity is a critical factor in being successful.

Although it would be nice to have our goals reached by relaxing at home all day, there is a rewarding feeling of achievement knowing that effort was put in for a great outcome.

This is easier said than done; being productive daily takes self-control and discipline. There are so many factors that go into running a business. Incorporating organization into your day and staying productive can assist and guide you as a busy entrepreneur. Here are a few ways you can do that!

10 Tips To Boost Productivity

1. Prioritize.

Looking over a long to-do list can be stressful.

Instead of becoming overwhelmed, try organizing your to-do list into priorities. Determine which task is the most crucial to complete and stick with that one. Taking it one step at a time changes your perspective and helps you take a realistic approach to overcoming that stubborn list!

2. Communicate.

Communication is essential in all areas of life- especially in the workplace.

Many problems arise from a lack of communication, and this can waste time and resources in many different instances. You can avoid conflict down the road by ensuring you communicate with everybody involved.

3. Delegate.

Going along the lines of communication, being able to delegate is a valuable skill.

Look over what you need to accomplish. Is there anything that you can pass on to someone that is qualified? This may require you to look at your team and detect their strengths and skills.

In the end, this will save you time and help you communicate with your team- keeping everybody involved and connected.

4. Develop a routine.

You may have heard this tip before, but that’s because it’s important!

Structure throughout your day will help you stay on track and accomplish what needs to be done. Forming habits that will improve your overall health, like clean eating, exercise, and sleep, can translate to your work performance and mood.

5. Practice time management.

Your workday hours are limited, so you probably want to take advantage of each second you get.

A study from Stanford University found that productivity per hour declines when a person works over 50 hours a week. At 70 hours per week, the amount of work completed is the same as for someone that worked only 55 hours.

This data shows that the more time you spend working doesn’t always result in more work being accomplished. Managing your time is vital so that the quality of your work can be done in a reasonable amount of time.

6. Reflect.

Looking back on the past can be beneficial to improving your business.

Try recognizing what went well and what needs improvement. You’ll be able to analyze which factors created success and build off those things. By reflecting on past projects, you can learn and take feedback to prepare for the future. Remember to not dwell on the past and let it bring you down. Learn and move on!

7. Plan ahead.

While it’s important to reflect, it’s also great to think ahead.

Organize what you need to accomplish and set goals for yourself and your business. Yes, focusing on what you have in front of you is essential, but make sure you’re working towards something. Planning is convenient and will prepare you for your next steps, whatever they may be.

8. Set your boundaries.

You may be stressed at times and doubt yourself, but remember you’re in control!

You know what you can and can’t handle, so don’t be afraid to listen to yourself. Taking on too many responsibilities can be detrimental to your work performance. Learn to say no when necessary, and don’t burn yourself out.

9. Follow the 80/20 rule.

If you’re unfamiliar with the 80/20 Rule (also known as Pareto’s Principle), it simply states that 80% of the effects come from 20% of the causes.

In perspective, the most productive 20% of your day produces 80% of your work. This concept shows that you can accomplish more with less effort by concentrating on things that will produce the most significant results.

10. Motivate yourself!

Think back to why you started your business.

What were you hoping to accomplish, and have you done that yet? Sometimes, all you need to get motivated is a little reminder of why you do what you do!

These things will help you combat your struggles as a busy entrepreneur and increase your productivity. Remember to prioritize your time and use your resources to ensure that you can reach all of your goals for your business.

We want to see you succeed and help you with your needs regarding professional printing.

7 Advertising Basics for Small Business Owners

With many advertising options, billboards, websites, direct mail, etc., it can prove challenging to advertise effectively. Still, there are guides to lead you down the right promotional path for small businesses.

Let’s take a look.

7 Advertising Basics for Small Business Owners

1. Budget

When you think about advertising, of course, you need a budget. And most small businesses don’t have large ones.

This is probably best used in ways that maximize your return, rather than throwing it all in on one large ad on TV.

Leave that for the big businesses that have large budgets.

2. Website

A professionally-designed site can cost thousands of dollars, so try online templates. These work well to foster name recognition and promote your products and/or services.

In addition, you can add pictures, logos, and illustrations that look professional for a fraction of the cost.

3. SEO Marketing

Promote your website.

SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is a practice that aligns your business with Google’s ranking algorithm.

Get Google to advertise it with the right tools. For example, add relevant (industry- and location-based) keywords to specific places on your website.

4. Paid search marketing

Google AdWords and Bing Ads can bring in traffic to the website and help your business feature prominently when people search for relevant phrases.

For $20 or $30 a day, you can get your name in front of the right people searching for what you have to offer.

5. Social Media

There’s also Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter to get the word out. These are relatively easy to use if you know what to say.

It’s possible to hire a writer on a freelance basis who can write these for you. Or, if you have a marketing team, enlist someone to write these regularly.

This is a great way to get in front of people daily, or at least regularly.

6. Traditional Print Advertising

Use flyers, postcards, and brochures for marketing your business effectively. It’s inexpensive, and it works.

Provide coupons on the handouts to informally track effectiveness.

You can use oversize postcards to get a better reaction since they tend not to get lost in the shuffle.

7. Combine Print and Online Efforts

Print and online advertising complement one another.

For example, on your printed pieces, be sure to have a call to action that involves visiting your website. Then give them a coupon or discount when they visit.

Likewise, when they visit your website, try to capture their physical address so you can send them direct mail. This is very effective.

You can do many things to promote your small business. However, traditional direct marketing is still in high demand.

Check us out today to learn more!

9 Productivity Tips for Business Owners

Are you busy unnecessarily? Are there ways to become more productive and skip some small steps? Let’s take a look.

9 Productivity Tips for Business Owners

1. Outsource.

Some things seem important, but when you look at them more closely, you realize that maybe someone else could do that for you.

For example, think about having another company or person write your thank-you notes and do other small tasks. You’ll save time in the long run.

2. Create a Schedule.

Making lists is a great way to ensure you don’t overlook the essential things that need to get done.

But putting that list into an actual schedule will help you get more organized and make sure those tasks get accomplished.

Schedule specific times to do certain projects, rather than just listing them on paper.

3. One Task at a Time.

Take it one thing at a time, rather than jumping from task to task.

You will accomplish more and won’t feel as frazzled. Stick to the schedule of tasks rather than what pops up in your mind.

4. Plan Ahead.

Try scheduling it a week before instead of printing off notes or sheets for a meeting the day before. That will calm your nerves and will make you more efficient.

5. Review Goals Daily.

Every morning, take a few minutes to review your annual goals and weekly and daily goals.

Think about what you’d like to accomplish in the upcoming year and what you would like to get done today.

6. Turn Off Notifications.

When your computer, phone, or watch constantly beeps at you, staying focused is hard.

So, turn those notifications off for a set time each day. That way, you can get more done without getting distracted.

7. Choose to Be Happy.

Make sure you have a good relationship with your staff. Choose to be happy and to get along with everyone.

8. Schedule Social Media.

You want to be sure you are posting regularly, but you also don’t want to get distracted by this thought all day long.

The best way to combat this is to schedule a specific time every day in which you will post your social media.

9. Reward Yourself.

When you have accomplished your goals, reward yourself with a massage, a fancy coffee, or some time with a friend.

There are so many great ways to improve your productivity, and these steps should help you right away.

If you need help with getting your printing done in a timely, effective manner, reach out to us today!

Visual and Experiential Marketing: Try These Trends for Your Business

When it comes to marketing, businesses have several resources, including several methods to help them engage with their customers and clients.

Developing an emotional connection with customers and clients helps get them to return for your products and services. Everything from making your customers comfortable when visiting your brick and mortar location to being able to handle the products is meaningful to the consumer experience.

Using state-of-the-art visual and experiential marketing trends can help move your customers from “I’m just looking” to “Let’s buy it now.”

Bring the Outside In

Biophilic design is the practice of connecting with a person’s instinctive desire to be associated with nature.

Bring the outside into your business by incorporating natural elements into your space. Ways to bring the outside in include increasing natural light, adding lush, wild plants and flowers, and using natural wood elements.

Social Media and Influencers

As the world has moved online for searching for businesses and products, it might be time to consider using social media and influencers who already have a significant following.

Social media influencers can offer your company a personalized marketing approach by demonstrating how to use your product and sharing a review. This method also creates a direct link to their followers and your customers, provides interactive activity to your social media platforms, and grabs the attention of new customers who may never have heard about your company without the help of an influencer.

VR Technology

Virtual reality technology is a business-changing tool, allowing your business to create sneak peeks for your customers.

For example, head-mounted VR displays enable businesses, such as landscaping companies, architects, and interior designers, to show clients what their space may look like. Many other companies can utilize this method by offering a view to their customers, unlike any of their competitors.

Experiential marketing involves offering a buying experience with a product or service before buying it. This method helps make consumers feel comfortable knowing they are buying a quality product. They can visualize themselves using the product or benefiting from the results of a service. Help make your customers feel more comfortable by testing new experiential marketing tactics that fit your business or service.

7 Best Tips for Social Media Calendars

Using both printed pieces and online outreaches is needed to be successful in business.

An effective and efficient social media calendar will make all the difference when adding social media to your marketing lineup. Here’s how to do it well. 

7 Best Tips for Social Media Calendars

1. Set short-term goals.

Determine what you are trying to accomplish with your social media efforts. Be specific, start small, and make it practical.

2. Use a goal-setting worksheet.

Mark down your goals to know why you are doing what you are doing. Set social media goals that lead to real business results.

• Better target your ideal customer.


• Gather intel on the competition so you can stay ahead.


• See what’s already working and what’s not.


• Create or improve your social media profiles.


• Develop a thoughtful content strategy and set a publishing schedule you can stick to.


• Track your progress and adjust your plan as needed.

3. Plan your campaign goals.

According to the Social Media Examiner, the purpose of a social media calendar is to provide a framework for sharing content that resonates with your audience and promotes your business.

4. Focus on goals.

It’s fun to jump on new social media trends, but stay focused on your goal.

It’s okay to add a few fun things, but don’t let it sway you from what you are trying to accomplish. Try to promote your business with your posts.

5. Be sure to post.

Create a plan that isn’t contingent on what’s new and exciting. Instead, use solid topics and business help for your customers.

6. Conduct a social media audit.

A social media audit is reviewing your business’ metrics to assess growth, opportunities, and what can be done to improve your social presence.

First, find out what got the most responses in the past, and use that to fuel your posts. Then, create more posts with similar type information. 

7. Be consistent.

Instead of randomly posting on five sites, pick two (such as Facebook and Instagram) and focus on regular posts.

Then, once you feel confident in your posts, add others as you can consistently do so.

When posting, being consistent will pay off.

4 Print Marketing Materials to Increase Your Sales

Print marketing is a valuable tool to increase your sales.

It stands out, generating a greater return on investment. 80% of consumers act on direct mail advertisements, and 92% of 18- to 23-year-olds say it’s easier to read print over digital material. Print marketing itself has a wide variety of options. Below are five effective choices and why they work.

Promotional materials increase sales.

Promotional materials are one of the most popular and effective print marketing tools. 

Popular promotional products include stickers, fridge magnets, key chains, t-shirts, and bags. They usually include your company’s name and/or logo. In the U.S, promotional materials is a $17.8 billion industry. Given their efficacy, it’s no wonder the business is so large. 

When deciding which promotional materials to use, bear in mind the best promotional items are the ones customers will keep. 77% of customers said the promotional product’s usefulness was their number one reason to keep it. Customers considered health, safety, technology, and writing products to be the most useful.

A calendar is one example of a useful and, therefore, effective promotional material. 

Promotional material example: calendars

Over its lifetime, a promotional calendar will generate around 850 impressions, making them extremely powerful marketing tools.

Customers love calendars because they are useful. Recipients will hang them up and use them often to remember important dates and events.

You can use the calendar’s space to highlight positive customer stories and include your business’s important dates. 

Brochures increase sales. 

Brochures give you the space to provide detailed information about your business. 

Often, they work best in location-specific spaces, making them perfect for the tourist industry. According to Bentley University, 95% of visitors who pick up a brochure become aware of a business, and 83% of visitors plan to visit a company they see in a brochure. Those are high statistics! 

Posters increase sales.

40% of those who saw a poster visited the business advertised, 24% made a purchase, and 13% recommended the advertiser to others. 

Again, these are very promising numbers. For example, if 100 people see your poster, which is more than likely if you place it in a high-traffic area, then this will translate to about 24 sales and 13 likely sales.

The 13% who recommend the advertiser to others is a positive statistic. After all, word-of-mouth advertising is highly effective, increasing trust and sales. 

Catalogs increase sales.

Catalogs allow you to highlight your most profitable items to prospective clients. 

In a world that’s becoming increasingly advertisement averse, catalogs are a breath of tried and true air. 84% say they enjoy catalogs from brands they’ve purchased from in the past, and 57% say they enjoy receiving catalogs from brands they’ve never heard of. 

Because customers enjoy receiving catalogs, they are more likely to keep them and look at them. On average, consumers spend about 15.5 minutes looking over catalogs and hold onto them for about 20.3 days.

Promotional materials, brochures, posters, and catalogs are a small percentage of the many print materials to increase sales. We’ll help you find the best match to serve your needs. By keeping the cost of printing low, your sales can go high. 

5 Key Customer Service Skills and How to Develop Them

Above and beyond customer service leaves customers satisfied and impressed. 

Customer service is essential for many clients in determining their overall satisfaction with your company. Most customers have little patience for poor customer service.

Customers with a bad customer service experience are more likely to leave than those unhappy with prices. That’s a primary reason why 89% of consumers switched to a competitor after a poor customer experience. 

Customer retention saves your company money. Repeat customers spend more and in larger amounts while also bringing in more customers. Customer service is at the forefront of keeping customers happy and coming back for more. Providing top-notch customer service is imperative for the success of your business. 

Check out the qualities that make for great customer service. 

1. Customer service skill: positivity

Often, customer service representatives are dealing with angry customers.

It’s important for them to keep a positive spin on the situation while not being insensitive to the customer’s emotional state. 

Being aware of the customer’s emotions is a key part of empathy. 

2. Customer service skill: empathy

Consumers use emotions over information when evaluating companies. 

Therefore, customer service should focus on the emotions of the customer. This begins by being able to perceive these emotions and then meeting the customer’s emotional needs. Ultimately, the customer is going to take away how they felt during the encounter. Make sure it’s a positive experience! 

This task of guiding the customer’s emotions is greatly aided by clear communication. 

3. Customer service skill: effective communication

33% of clients say the most important skill a customer service representative can have is efficiently answering questions.

Unclear communication and an inability to clearly answer customer questions escalate the situation, turning dissatisfied customers into angry ones. 

Speaking isn’t the only form of communication. Written skills are important as well. Although often underlooked, writing within customer service can be more challenging because it’s harder to convey a tone. An email taken the wrong way will further aggravate the customer. 

One effective way to avoid aggravating customers is by responding in a timely manner. 

4. Customer service skill: timeliness 

The quicker you respond, the better. 

Of online consumers, 71% expect to be helped within five minutes, and 31% will go elsewhere if help isn’t immediately provided. Being available to quickly help customers is an important aspect of great customer service. 

It’s also important to streamline your methods because the more time you spend on one customer, the later you’ll be able to address another’s needs. Therefore, find the balance between being attentive and listening to the customer’s needs while moving things along in a timely fashion. Being tech-savvy and able to use the programs within your company can go a long way in speeding up the process. 

Having a genuine work ethic will speed up the process as well. 

5. Customer service skill: work ethic

A strong work ethic is important in any role, especially in customer service. 

Going above and beyond to meet customers’ needs will help your business stand out positively, building loyalty and trust. 

How to Develop Quality Customer Service Representatives

Quality customer service primarily comes down to hiring the right people who naturally possess the above qualities. However, there are specific actions your business can take to develop quality customer service representatives. 

1. Provide customer service training 

Customer service training can take many forms, such as a formal course, online resources, or a mentor/coach. 

Whatever form the training occurs, it should be effective. Your customer service representatives should feel confident in addressing various customer needs. Your employee should feel comfortable with company knowledge, knowing the buying process and your product/service. Learning all the ins and outs can take time, depending on the company. This is why employee retention is important. 

If your employee doesn’t know the answer to the customer’s inquiry, they should be able to get the customer to someone who can. 

2. Have a clear customer service pathway

If the customer service representative can’t answer the question, it’s imperative the next person in the chain can. 

Customers hate having to repeat themselves over and over to multiple people within the same company. The fewer people they need to talk to and the faster the problem can be resolved, the happier the customer is. 

It’s okay if the employee doesn’t know the answer to a question. Learning how to say, “I don’t know, but I know someone who does,” will help keep customers satisfied. 

3. Thank the customer 

Every customer complaint indicates about 26 other unhappy customers who remained silent.

Many unhappy silent customers leave. 91% of the 96% of unhappy customers who don’t complain will leave and never come 

Therefore, although it may be unpleasant to be on the receiving end of an unsatisfied customer, ultimately, the customer is doing you a service. They are pointing out a problem that has affected many others. Now, you can fix the problem and retain customers. 

After the altercation, consider sending the customer a thank you card for their feedback. This will further help your company get back on good terms with the customer while also elevating your business in the customer’s eyes. Perhaps provide a personal discount for the customer to further share your appreciation for their input. 

We’re here to help you satisfy your customers by printing marketing materials your customers enjoy. For all your printing needs, including thank you cards, we’ve got you and your customers covered! 

5 Key Trends in Direct Mail for 2022

In a world of online and virtual marketing, direct mail promotions are still going strong.

According to a study by the Direct Marketing Association, direct mail has an average return rate of 4.4%, which is 10 to 30 times higher than digital marketing efforts. With these stats, businesses that are not taking advantage of direct mailing marketing are missing a large group of potential customers and clients.

Below are five key trends in direct mail for 2022:

1. Send Out Postcards

Direct mailing campaigns using postcards have grown in popularity, providing an inexpensive method to reach customers and clients.

Postcards are affordable to print and mail, offering many opportunities for a quick turnaround and fast marketing effort. Keep information on the postcards minimal, to the point, and visually appealing.

2. Mail Out Gift Cards

Materials can increase the return by including gift cards featuring a discount or special offer with direct mail.

Gift cards entice recipients to want to come in and learn more about your products and services and may encourage them to make a purchase using the discount.

Businesses that take advantage of sending out gift cards to customers stand out and make an impression on potential clients.

3. Send Personalized Offers

Creating a mailing list of loyal customers is the best way to develop a personalized direct marketing plan.

Get in touch with your customers and send out customized discounts and offers based on their past transactions with your company. Getting to know more about your customers also helps you create personalized offers via mail.

4. Partner With Local Businesses

Partner with local businesses which complement yours by offering a specialized promotion for both of your client bases.

By partnering with another local company, you can tap into their mailing list while allowing them to use yours while sending out a single mailer with a special for both of your companies. The direct mailer partnership helps grow your reach while creating a great relationship with another business owner.

5. Use a Sustainable Marketing Plan

Sustainable marketing plans help those using direct mail promotions to use paper stock created from a sustainable source.

Using an FSC-approved paper, reducing the quantities sent out, and using smaller mail pieces can help reduce your business’s carbon footprint while also maintaining a direct mailing marketing plan.

Creating a direct mailing marketing plan can help keep your business relevant, in the minds of your clients, and in front of potential customers. Creating a direct mailing campaign involves several factors to help you stay on top of your competition and be environmentally friendly. Take advantage of the above-listed tips to help enhance your business’s mailing plans this year.

 

7 Direct Mail Strategies Based on Social Media

Direct mail has been around for as long as businesses have been around. Still, social media is relatively new in our world.

With that said, there are some things to learn from social media when producing direct mail. Take a look.

7 Direct Mail Strategies Based on Social Media

1. Test Direct Mail with Social Media.

You can use social media as a trial for your direct mail.

Before you print out a postcard, try using the graphics and text online on a social media post. Then see how the public responds to it.

2. Introduce Direct Mail Pieces.

Use social media to announce your upcoming direct mail. Try telling customers to look in their mailbox for special offers, catalogs, coupons, and deals.

3. Do It Often.

Social media has taught us that people like to see your information several times before responding, and this is true of direct mail as well. So, send out regular postcards, flyers, or mailers.

4. Ask For the Sale.

Social media is excellent for offering deals and coupons and asking for a call to action. When creating direct mail, we need to have a call to action to follow up with customers.

5. Find Your Target Customer.

When you use social media, you can see who responds.

There are lists available for direct mail that will do the same thing. Find your perfect customer and send them regular mail to boost sales.

6. Build Credibility.

Direct mail has more credibility than online ads.

Digital has come a long way in building trust, but consumers still cite credibility as a significant stumbling block.

7. Announce New Products to Customers.

Digital media regularly promotes new items, but it’s also not as in-depth as direct mail.

According to USPS, 54% of people surveyed tried a new product or business in six months in 2020 because they received a mail piece.

There are great ways to market your business online, but direct mail is still essential, and it makes people feel more confident in making buying decisions.

And if you are up for some new printed pieces, we’re here for you. Reach out today!

How to Prevent Entrepreneurial Burnout

Tait Shanafelt, MD, was a senior resident at the University of Washington in 2000, and he witnessed incredible burnout among interns.

He did a study to examine burnout trends among medical residents.

Their fatigue affected the quality of care and patients' health. How similar this is to entrepreneurial burnout. But what can be done?

7 Ways to Ensure You Don't Lose Your Edge

1. Burnout isn't a rite of passage.

Recognize you don't need to go through burnout.

It's not a rite of passage, and it's something to be avoided. However, if you are getting burned out, you need to stop the cycle and do something about it.

2. Spend your energy frugally.

Prioritize where to spend your energy.

You don't need to do everything yourself, and not everything requires your energy. Decide what you truly need to spend your energy on.

3. Document your procedures.

Document your standard operating procedures.

Then, if you need to hire some help, you can ensure that they know how you run your business and can carry on with your standards in place.

With documented processes in place, you won't have to think about everything when you start working or need to delegate a task, leaving more time for the important things, according to Marquiste Boyce, author and CEO of Side Hustle Mentor.

4. Anxiety doesn't have to be the norm.

"Running a startup is like chewing glass and staring into the abyss," said Elon Musk. "After a while, you stop staring, but the glass chewing never ends."

So get a handle on it as soon as it shows up by talking to a professional if needed.

Learn to identify the stressors in your business and plan how best to deal with them.

5. Exercise can help avoid burnout.

Carving out 30 minutes a day for fitness can help you avoid burnout, according to Kumar Arora of Forbes Magazine.

In addition, taking a walk around the block and doing yoga or other aerobic exercises can help.

6. Meditation is helpful.

Meditation is associated with decreased blood pressure, lower heart rate, less anxiety, and reduced stress.

Not only that, but you don't need gym shoes, a membership, or fancy equipment to meditate.

Take a break, focus on your breathing and relax for a few minutes.

7. No comparison.

Don't compare yourself to others, and don't judge.

It creates negative self-talk, typically making negative talk about the other company. Either way, it's not a good road to go down.

Nearly half of U.S. employees report feeling burnt out, and 1 in 4 said they're feeling burnout due to the pandemic. With this said, we need to be sure to do all we can to avoid it.

We sometimes need to lean on others, and that's why we support you.