Merry Christmas

On behalf of Artech Graphics, Merry Christmas. May God receive glory for sending His Son to die on the cross for our sins. For while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us and gave Himself for us that we may have life. May God richly bless you with peace and joy in Him this holiday season.

It's Not too Late! Wish your clients a Merry Christmas

It's less than a week to Christmas and no one is really doing a whole lot of work. Co-workers drift away from their desks more frequently, more customers stay for extended visits at your front counter, and the kitchen trimmed in goodies from vendors gets more traffic than the mall on Christmas Eve. Now is a great opportunity to remember your customers who have been faithful through the year. If you missed the boat on ordering fruit baskets, cookie tins, and the like, don't feel defeated. Simply think of a way you can say "Merry Christmas" and "Thank You" that doesn't require advanced ordering or overnight shipping. Here are some ideas:

1. Warm Cup O' Joe
On your way to work, pick up two cups of cappacino and stop and share one with a local customer.

2. Old Fashioned Parchment
Pick up a few greeting cards (they're probably on sale now), actually take the time to write a thoughtful note inside, and hand deliver them to a few customers.

3. Scheduled Fun
Give a client a call and in leiu of holiday gifts, offer to schedule a round of golf, your treat, after the New Year.

4. A Phone Call Away
If all else fails, just pick up the phone and wish your customers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Share your appreciation for them. Don't discuss business or anything work-related. Just glad tidings. That personal call will make a stronger impression than any ink-jetted bulk Christmas card ever would.

If you think of any small but significant ways to say Merry Christmas at the last minute, leave a post to help out a fellow businessman that's short on time.

"Elf Yourself": it's worth the procrastination

Just another brilliant example of creative marketing. Check out the link below for Office Max's newest edge. You'll laugh yourself silly. While you're digging through your desktop for pictures, think about how great this idea is for increased name recognition. This marketing idea is totally unrealated to anything that Office Max offers, but will circulate their name at Christmas time faster than a 5 year old can open his Christmas present. What could be your original idea?
www.elfyourself.com

Is your Small Business Marketing to Wallets or Purses?

I recently read a statistic on MarketingProf.com's website that announced women now spend $0.85 of every dollar. What does this mean for small businesses who are mostly male-owned and operated? It means that small businesses are probably catering to the wrong audience.

When my son was an infant, the grocery store was a nightmare. After I did my shopping, there was rarely room to put his infant carrier back into the buggy with all the bags. I don't know if you've ever tried to steer a heavy buggy single-handidly, but it's NOT easy especially with a 25lb infant carrier in the other hand. The experience would actually ruin my day. Needless to say, I put off grocery shopping until my husband could pinch hit. That is, until I went to Harris Teeter. When I got to checkout, a nice girl asked, "May I walk these out to your car for you?" It was like the Heavens parted and light shined into my dark and sleep-deprived eyes. "YES!, would you?" I cried. I followed her out the car as she placed them in my trunk and waved a happy farewell. "Wow."

This seemingly simple service was a life saver for me, a tired and exhausted mother that lacked the dexterity of an octopus. They converted me into a regular shopper despite their higher prices! Even on a slim budget, I knew it was worth it. I would find a way to pay a little more.

This service was not a coincidence. Someone sat down and evaluated the average grocery buyer. Instead of merely looking at their products and prices, they thought about the needs and problems of their customers. Harris Teeter found that most of their buyers are women with kids who simply need a hand getting back to their car. And they didn't stop there! They now offer an internet service where you can shop online and pick up your bagged orders in your car or have them delivered to your house!

It's time that small businesses develop comprehensive marketing strategies that are designed with the buyer in mind. And the buyer right now, is a woman. It does require taking a step back and looking at the braoder picture. What can your business do to target this audience?

Remember: marketing plans don't have to be burdensome or lengthy. They can be refreshingly simple. Check out Entrepreneur.com (http://entrepreneur.com/marketing/marketingcolumnistkimtgordon/article60000.html). They have some great resources to get you started. And remember, the person that makes the most money isn't always the one that spends it.