Is Writing Going Out of Style?

I enjoy blogging. It offers an outlet online that may not replace entirely the personal journal, but it is somewhat cathartic. I can talk about my life and my family and millions of others are doing the same thing. Back in the late 1990s when we began to see what the Internet could become, the idea of never having to shop outside of your house was thrown around. But that idea didn’t fly and I didn’t think it would ever fly, but now with blogs, IMs, email, cellphones and whole host of other communication devices, I think it might be possible.

But back to my first idea: writing. Specifically, writing on paper. We will always need writing instruments for our journaling. And for passing out as gifts for a business or as wedding gifts. You can get personalized pens here.

Custom Christmas Cards

I think Christmas cards have risen to a new level of sophistication and it is due to the mass of options and offerings available in the digital age.

Everyone now has the option to create their own Christmas cards, have them printed professionally with their photography and design, have them sent with their own custom greeting with their own return address labels and even have their own stylized postage.

And that is just the tip of the iceberg.

I heard that for wedding invitations, a company is offering imprinting on metal. I know someone is going to send out a metal Christmas card at some point.

Business Card FAQ

One of the things that I have done from the very beginning of a new business idea is print up some business cards. And there are many companies that do this online, so find someone who does business card printing, get a small batch of cards at first in case you decide to go with a different design from your original idea. I know that with my business, premierefoto.com, I have changed twice since my original idea. Sometimes you just have to figure out what is working or, in my case, what is not working.

Here are seven ways to get more business from your business cards:

• Keep it legible. A common tendency is to cram every possible contact number onto your card. The truly essential information is your name, your company name, and your phone number (which should be in bold text, if other numbers are on the card.) The font size should be large enough to be read by the “bifocal crowd”.
• Remember business card etiquette. Don’t pass out cards during a meal, or give them to senior executives or CEOs unless asked. Leave your cards at home during social functions. Instead, ask for permission to contact someone at their place of work, or mail them a card afterwards. And always handle cards you receive with respect.
• Design memorable cards. Talk to your printer about printing vertically, adding a photo of you (or your product), or printing complementary information on the back of your card. A very effective strategy is to use fold-over cards to create “mini-brochures.” You put your customary contact information on the front and back of the folded card, and use the inside to describe your products and primary benefits.
• Try an unusual material or shape. Cards, these days, can be made of wood, metal, and plastic can be perfumed, musical, or edible and can function as phone cards or even complete CDrom presentations.
• Stay organized! Jot “memory triggers” on the back of cards your given (date, event, interests or physical characteristics of giver). Develop a system for carrying and collecting business cards, and file them the way you remember them (by company name, persons name, or industry).
• Study foreign usage, conventions, and customs if you do business in other countries. Is your card a standard size for that country? Does your slogan translate well? Consider printing a two-sided card. On one side, print your contact information in English. On the other, print your contact information in the primary language of the other country.
• Prospect creatively. The way you present your card has far more to do with how (or IF) you are remembered than the card itself. Offering your card with both hands, for example, creates an enormous psychological impact. Consider exchanging cards with like-minded entrepreneurs through business networking groups. Introduce yourself with your card. Include your card with all correspondence. Sign your name (or a brief message) on the front of the card. The possibilities are endless!
  (courtesy of http://www.top7business.com)

Advertising Your Business

My photography business won’t go anywhere unless I advertise and brand my business. That means commercials, online search engine optimization, google adwords, yahoo search marketing, business cards, presentation folder printing materials and a whole host of other things that bring your company in front of the eyes of customers. Advertising your business is one of those necessary aspects of everyday business life. The old adage is true: It takes money to make money.

The key is to spend wisely on items that can get your products or services out there in front of qualified prospects and will make your products and services sing.

Theodore Johns, Premiere Photography

Things in the wedding photography business are moving along, but I need to continue advertising in order to make this photography business my fulltime thing. I ordered professional business cards, as a good businessman should, I have advertised in a local newspaper in the area, and I am working on networking with those around. But I need to do more. I need to get the word out through bridal shops and through other potential wedding venues. It’s coming, but I have to keep working at it.