How To Keep Your Customers Happy and Coming Back

You've heard that it costs less to keep a customer than to earn a new one?  It's true!  What's a good way to keep a customer?  Make them happy...

Here are a few ways to do it:

• Say Thank You - This is so simple, but effective.  As a culture, we have become so accustomed to not feeling appreciated, so when a "thank you" comes along, we are floored.  Take this simple step to make sure your customers know you appreciate them.
• Send Them an Unexpected Bonus - Whether it be jar of candy or a $5 Starbucks gift card, they will feel special and loved when they receive a gift with no strings attached.
• Offer Amazing Customer Service - This should go without saying.  Make sure your customers can always get a hold of you.  Ticket systems, 24-hour phone support or an autoresponder set to respond immediately to emails letting them know you will respond to their request as soon as possible.  These types of things always make your customer feel loved and respected.
• Consider Loyalty Programs - These types of programs can make your customers feel as if they are part of your inner circle.  Offer discounts, gift certificates or freebies once they spend a certain amount with you.
• Host a Customer Appreciation Day - Invite customers to your office or storefront and provide refreshments, activities and prizes.
• Provide Valuable Content to Your Customers - This forces you to keep updated in your industry and to stay in communication with your customers.
• Become More than a Retailer or Service Provider - Take that extra step to show them how much you appreciate them and position yourself as a value-added problem solver.

If you take good care of your customers, they will, in turn, take good care of you!

Pick of the Week - Tablet Stand

Deluxe Tablet Stand

Description:  This deluxe tablet stand is the perfect corporate gift for the tech-savvy professional.  Doubles as a protective carrying case with snap closure and as a presentation stand.  Interior features 3 different positions so you can find the perfect angle to view videos, slideshows or for typing on the onscreen keyboard.  Holds tablet or e-reader and features removable Velcro corners to accommodate various tablet sizes.  Fits all tablets except Kindle DX and Galaxy Tab 10.1.  Made of simulated leather and measures 7.75"l x 9.75"h x .75"w.
Pricing:     25               50               100               250
              $18.00        $15.60         $14.05          $13.15
Price includes:  Debossing on front cover
Setup charge:  none
Available colors:  Deep Pink, Apple Green, Black and Plum
Production time:  2-3 wks

Industry uses:  Employee Recognition, Sales, Travel, Books/Literature

Twitter Netiquette - Do's and Don'ts

Twitter is a social networking tool that has helped launch many businesses and grow business connections.  On the other hand, it can also hurt your business don't follow the rules of "netiquette."  Here are some DO'S and DON'TS to follow:

• Create a profile that reflects how you want your business to be perceived.
• Participate in conversations.
• Be a posting hog.  Some people log on to their Twitter account and post 20 consecutive messages at a time.  That takes up an entire viewable space for everyone else.
• Post relevant and interesting news about your business and link to it when it's appropriate.
• Abbreviate or use text chat too much.  You only have 140 characters, but omgroflttyl is way too confusing.
• Use hashtags (#) to tag posts.  Hashtags were developed as a means to create "groupings" on Twitter, without having to change the basic service.
• Automate your direct messages.  Your recipients will view this as junk mail.  If you choose to send direct message, please make them personal.
• Thank people for following you...privately.  Posting a series of "thank you's" to every new person who follows you takes up space and annoys people.
• Steal tweets.  If someone posts something interesting, RT - retweet it and give them credit.
• Keep your personal conversations personal.  DM - direct message - is there for a reason.
• Drag a post on for several consecutive tweets.  It will get too scattered and difficult to follow your train of thought.
• Take it personally.  People can and will unfollow and block you...it's okay.
• Know that you don't have to autofollow.  You're not expected to do so.  It's tough to form a connection with 5000 people.
• Know that you can block anyone you don't want to connect with - same for unfollowing.
• Ask people to RT your posts all of the time.  If it's worthy or retweeting, people will do it.
• SPAM
• Minimize URLs. This saves space and makes it easier to RT your post.

With the ever-evolving technology, there will always be changes in etiquette and the way we do things.  Stay true to your purpose for using Twitter.  Be considerate and professional and ALWAYS remember that what you put online does not go away.  If you aren't sure whether to post something or not...don't post it.

Pick of the Week - Tote

City Square Jute Tote

Description:  This tote is made of laminated jute fabric with contrasting accents and handles.  Also has a laminated interior with zippered pocket.  Measures 15.25"w x 11.5"h x 4.125"d.
Pricing:     100               250               500               1000
                $5.50            $4.90            $4.55             $4.30
Price includes:  one color imprint on front center panel.  Bold artwork only - no fine text or graphics.
Setup charge:  none
Available colors:  blue, brown, green or grey
Production time:  2-3 wks

Industry uses:  Health Care, Spas, Hotels, Car Dealers

Time For Spring Cleaning...Your Website That Is

Ahhhh...spring.  The buds are popping and the days are getting longer (yea!).  Spring cleaning is right around the corner.  You're probably thinking about washing windows and getting the screens out.  These are important, but don't forget to clean up in your business life as well.  Get that desk in order and don't forgot your website!  Here are some ideas to help you give your website a little "spring lift."

1. Update your photo (or add one if you don't currently have one) - A personal touch, like a photo or video message, is a great way to connect with your visitors.  People like to see who they are doing business with.
2. Add a social networking tool - Add a "connect with me" button for Twitter, Facebook, Linked In or any other social networking sites that you have a profile on.  These feeds help give a boost to your followers and strengthen that personal connection your customers want.
3. Update your links - Go on your website and make sure all of your links are functional and take you to the right place.  There's nothing worse than broken links on a website.
4. Add a new technology - News feeds, as they relate to your industry, can help give a fun lift to your site.  You can also add a new survey, contest or poll that helps to engage your visitors and help provide you with valuable information on your customers.
5. Change font colors - This can have more of an impact than you know on your visitors and on your sales.  Take this opportunity to test the effectiveness of a few different font colors.  It's an easy way to give your site a little "lift" and maybe even increase sales and conversions.

Pick of the Week - Cooler

Igloo Polar Cooler

Description:  Made of 600d polyester and measures 7"l x 9"h x 4"w.  This cooler features:

• Enhanced insulation
• Leak-resistant, heat-sealed antimicrobial liner
• Easy pull tab and Velcro top closure
• Grab handle
• Side mesh water bottle pocket
• Front pocket
• ID window on back
• Stylish quilted accents and contrast piping
• 5 can capacity
• PVC free
• Back panel of each bag matches primary bag color

Pricing:     50               100               250               500               1000
               $9.30           $8.55            $7.80            $7.20             $6.90
Price includes:  one color imprint on front of bag
Setup charge:  none
Available colors:  black, steel blue, citron green, red, deep pink, plaid purple, plaid blue
Production time:  2-3 wks

Industry uses:  Employee Recognition, Wellness Programs, Recruiting, Health Care, Schools, Universities

How To Beat Stress in Your Home Office

Stress is known as a "silent killer" and can wreak havoc on your body as well as your personal life.  Here are a few ideas to help beat the stress in your home office:

• Exercise - Helps to release pent-up energy and anxiety.  This doesn't have to mean a daily trip to the gym.  You can take a brisk walk in your neighborhood or even dance to your favorite music for 20 minutes.  Anything that is fun and gets your heart rate up.
• Breathe - Deep breathing has been proven to slow down or even stop the onset of stress.  Breathing properly helps get oxygen to your cells and slow your heart rate.
• Easy breathing instructions:
• Take a deep breath in through your nose (mouth closed)
• Let your stomach expand like it's a balloon filling with air
• Hold your breath for 3 seconds
• Exhale slowly through your mouth as you flatten your stomach
• Do this 5-10 times when you feel stress coming on.
• Take a break - When you feel your stress level rising, just get up a take a break for a few minutes.  Go outside and breathe in some fresh air, make a cup of tea, or even read a couple of chapters in a good book.  This will help you feel refreshed and ready to tackle the rest of your day.
• Stop the caffeine - You don't have to go cold turkey, but caffeine can really raise your stress levels.  Maybe substitute a nice, herbal tea for that afternoon coffee.

Life in general can be stressful.  Make sure you take a little time to look after yourself and recharge your batteries.  This will help you get on the path to stress-free living!

Pick of the Week - Highlighter Set

5 in 1 Highlighter Set

Description:  5 chisel tip highlighters in convenient pocket case.  Plastic white case with gray trim.

Pricing:     100               250               500               1000               2500

                $2.75            $2.40            $2.20             $2.05              $1.95

Price includes:  One color imprint in one location

Setup charge:  none

Available colors:  White only

Production time:  2-3 wks

Industry uses:  Schools, Universities, Recruiting

Best. Guacamole. Ever.

This guacamole recipe was featured in our local paper a few weeks ago. I'm never making anything else...

1-2-3 Tomatillo Salsa Guacamole

3-4 ripe avocados
1 cup tomatillo salsa (salsa verde)
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Kosher salt

Cut the avocados in half, scoop out flesh and combine in a bowl. Mash well. Stir in the salsa verde and cilantro. Season with salt.

Special Thru April 13th!

Rock & Light Clock

This unique weighted clock tilts to one side!  Great desk item giveaway for any industry!  Take advantage of the great deal - 56% off thru 4/13/12.

Features:

• Imprint is aligned with clock face
• Back light option for clock face
• Button cell battery included (& inserted)
• Size: 4-3/4"w x 2-3/4"h
• Comes packaged in a gift box

Minimum: 50 qty

Pricing:  $2.50 ea

Price includes:  one color imprint on face of product

Setup charge:  $45.00

Available colors:  blue, red, lime green and orange

Production time:  2-3 wks

Build Your Networking Skills

The best thing for a business person to do is network!  If you own your own business, it's great for meeting "partners" that you can refer business back and forth with.  If you are unemployed, what a great way to meet a potential employer!  Regardless of your reasons for networking, make sure you have the skill set you need:

• Create a target list of contacts and goals - This list can include friends, neighbors, colleagues, vendors, salespeople and the like.  Once you have your list, set a contact goal every week such as email/call at least 5 that week with a face-to-face meeting with one person.
• Develop your elevator speech - This is a 30-second concise statement about who you are, what you're looking for and what makes you unique.
• Business card - Create one and carry with you everywhere!  You DO get points for uniqueness in this category.  No one likes a boring business card.
• Attend networking events - This might be a meeting or forum held by professional associations, alumni groups, civic groups or social organizations.  Decide who you want to meet, have your elevator speech ready, business cards in hand and make sure you dress the part!
• Use your manners - this might seem so simple, but a "please" and "thank you" go a long way.
• Networking is a 2-way street - Don't have the "me, me, me" attitude.  Networking and relationship-building work two ways.  Ask someone, "how can I help you?"
• Always be "on" - You never know who you might talk to that particular day that could be a really great opportunity for business.  Always have your business card and elevator speech handy.

One last piece of advice - don't burn bridges.  You never know when you might need that referral from your last workplace or the advice of a past colleague.