Decorating Your Office for the Holidays — Including Halloween!

1st Saturday Style, Small Business Info
Brooke, a former co-worker, loves, loves LOVES Halloween. She and I both have September birthdays; in fact, her birthday was just a few days ago on September 5th. One year we shared an office space, so I put up Halloween decorations as a birthday present. I stayed after work and when she came in the next day, she was totally surprised! There were fake spider webs everywhere! Ever since then, I start decorating my office for Halloween on September 5th. Following are some tips to help you decorate for Halloween or any holiday. (more…)
Read More

Small Business Spotlight – Chantell Reid Photography

Small Business Info, Small Business Spotlight
This week, 123Print is shining its Small Business Spotlight on ... Chantell Reid Photography! Photography starts out as a hobby – and then turns to passion. This is the mentality of Chantell Reid Photography. By pushing limits and trying new things, Chantell Reid has been able to upgrade and expand her business. Completed projects include weddings, senior shots, engagement sessions, family portraits and more. Every experience is a learning and growing experience for Chantell Reid Photography. [caption id="attachment_5219" align="aligncenter" width="462"] © Chantell Reid Photography[/caption] (more…)
Read More

10 Steps To Start An Online Business

Small Business Info
If you want to earn some extra money or even start a new line of work, the internet can be an open door to success. Experts have noted that online sales are growing and an increasing number of people are turning to the internet to find the products and services they need. Following are ten simple steps to take when starting an online business. These steps apply no matter what type of online venture you are starting and will drastically increase your chances of being successful. Find a Market. Start by identifying a product or service that not only serves a need but also doesn't have too deep of a competition. This takes some time, thought and research but is key to your success. (more…)
Read More

8 Signs You Need To Refresh Your Product Line

Small Business Info
What do you think of when you hear the word “product”? Depending on what industry you’re in, it probably has a different meaning for you. If you’re in the farming or agricultural industry, you’ll probably think of dairy products or organic products; if you’re in the fashion industry, you’ll probably think of a-line dresses or pumps. Whatever examples you associate with it, it always points to the same definition: items that your company produces or sells. Not only is having a solid line of products important for your small business, it is also necessary to keep it fresh with new products. How do you know when your product line is going sour? Check out these eight symptoms of a product line that needs some resuscitation: 1. You’re experiencing slow or…
Read More

123Print Expands Their Envelope Line

123Print News, All Other
123Print has expanded their existing envelope product line with new business envelope and shipping envelope options to make it easier than ever to find the perfect fit for your business. Check out what's new: BUSINESS ENVELOPES Whether you’re starting up a company and need envelopes with your branding or are looking to reorder personalized envelopes for your business, we’ve got what you’re looking for. Having a supply of personalized business envelopes is an essential part of running your office. These printed envelopes featuring your name and address on high-quality paper stock will give your business a highly professional appearance. (more…)
Read More

How to Create a Brand Identity

Small Business Info
[caption id="attachment_5143" align="alignleft" width="194"] [credit: Being Boutique][/caption]Building a brand identity is one of the first steps in starting your small business. It sets the tone for your company and helps to keep you on the successful path you envisioned. According to Flat World Communication, your company’s identity is a set of qualities that makes you recognizable and special. Here are some helpful tips on how to create a powerful brand and make it stick. Sell Yourself – Knowing what your company stands for, and why it’s different from everyone else, will make it easier to attract an audience. With that being said, find out who your target audience is and make what you can do for them, as clear as possible. (more…)
Read More

How to Define And Get The Word Out About Your Brand

Small Business Info
[caption id="attachment_5094" align="alignleft" width="240"] [credit: engelads.com][/caption]Remember earlier this month when we revealed our infographic on designing a business logo? Are you still with us? Now that you’ve created the perfect logo for your company, what’s next? Defining your brand. Remember, the foundation of your brand is your logo. By using your logo as a starting point, establishing your brand is not the daunting task that it seems, it just takes time, patience and honesty. Start off by making an inventory of your skills and what you want your customers to remember most about your brand. From your list of skills, identify which pertains to the needs of a customer. Think through how your brand can fill these needs. Then, focus on what makes your company stand out from the pack.…
Read More

6 Ways to Make a Good First Impression on Customers

Monday Marketing Minutes, Small Business, Small Business Info
You only have a few seconds to make a good first impression. That’s right, folks, it’s a judgy, judgy world out there. And the last thing that you want is to be blacklisted in Yelp reviews, which is not fun for any business. Instead of coming across badly and having to make a zillion good impressions to make up for the bad first opportunity, try to get it right from the start. It doesn’t take much to make a good first impression on customers — following are six tips to get them to like you from the get go. 1. Acknowledge them. Imagine wandering around a store for 15 minutes with a bunch of things in your hands and no one comes over to ask if they can help. Sure,…
Read More

Small Business Spotlight – ChristinaMaeDesigns

Small Business Info, Small Business Spotlight
This week, 123Print is shining its Small Business Spotlight on ... ChristinaMaeDesigns! ChristinaMaeDesigns designs logos, websites, event invitations, announcements and everything in between. By combining their love of art with the needs of their clients, ChristinaMaeDesigns uses the influence of art to make others' ideas and thoughts come to life. The designer aspires to have her work recognized and appreciated as being unique. Projects include a small company website, multiple stationery sets, posters for surrounding area businesses and more. [caption id="attachment_5074" align="aligncenter" width="950"] © ChristinaMaeDesigns[/caption] (more…)
Read More

It’s Yo’ Brand!

Monthly Email Marketing, Small Business Info
[caption id="attachment_5064" align="alignleft" width="177"] credit: examnow.com[/caption] Brand. By definition, a brand is a "Name, term, design, symbol, or any other feature that identifies one seller's good or service as distinct from those of other sellers." In essence, your brand tells people who you are, what makes you different, and why they should trust, believe and [insert desirable actionable behavior] from you. To accomplish these things your business must establish and articulate more than just a logo. You must conceptualize and create a brand personality, or brand voice, and – here’s where a lot of people fall off the brand wagon (see what I did there?) – brand messaging. To create a successful branding experience, you need to first consider what you want people to feel when they think of your company. Your company’s…
Read More