LGB Marketing Tips

Well, in another attempt to get organized (my files, my tasks, my projects, my etc) I came to a stunning conclusion:
I NEED A GOOGLE SEARCH ENGINE FOR MY STUFF!

I really do. And you probably do too.

You know. You start filing stuff, inputting client and contact info to your choice of contact manager (Outlook, etc.) and start to realize, “There’s a whole lot of stuff that I need to be able to find that this file system does not accomplish!”

I’ve tried for YEARS to read and learn about systems that put my personal “stuff” into the right “bins” so that I can call upon the data, know what to do, etc.

And it has NEVER worked.

Well, I thought, for a brief second, I had the solution. We’ve built a custom database for www.LetsGoBanners.com that allows us to through-put our entire system. Well, I started using our company database to manage everything I could. But when I start to dive into my personal info, I realize (as Google has,) that you simply need fire-power to be able to key-word all the relevant data. A simple “Chris’ ‘To Do’ file” doesn’t work. No way. Because within Chris’s file, there are 200 or 500 relevant ideas, contacts, information, tasks, projects, etc.

I started trying to organize all this info when it occurred to me, “Why not have a Google engine to find all this stuff?” Great question, but you have to be able to encode all the data and content to be able to spider and find it. Which is exactly why Google is worth BBBBIIIILLLLIIIOOOONNNNNNSSSS. Billions. It takes alot of programming and entry to be able to organize this stuff so that you can get to it in a micro-second. Which is exactly what Google does.

So WHY can’t we have Google send out a few interns to organize our personal stuff? And then we could use our Google Toolbar to find our stuff, or even better, have our Google Organizer send “pop ups” to remind of our personal data?

This would be really cool. Because the old “file it system” simply doesn’t work with my experience with using Google.

Let me know your thoughts!

Chris

Hi,

I seldom, if ever, make this blog a forum for my personal beliefs.

But I’m really scared.

Let me explain. And PLEASE read the entire post.

First, in 16 YEARS of starting and growing small businesses, employing hundreds, and paying hundreds of thousands of dollars in taxes, I’ve never been so scared in my life. Ever.

But in the last year, I, as an entrepreneur, someone who STRIVES to be productive and run a profitable company, have never been so frightened by what our governments (Federal and State) are doing to decrease (my) personal motivation.

In the last year, I’ve seen the entire focus of our Governments (Federal and State) trying to figure out how to “Make Free” or “Create Entitlements” to those who “can’t make it,” or “are needy,” or “who NEED health insurance” or whose unemployment benefits are “running out.”

And while I have close friends who are on these benefit programs, I, as a creative, productive, entrepreneur, attempt to share my message of “self-reliance.” To everyone I meet. And it’s not often an easy argument. Because if you are receiving a “check” for “unemployment,” why would you EVER agree with me that that’s not necessarily a good idea?

Well, it’s often a waste of time to argue. But I, and my wife, get up everyday wondering HOW we’re going to hit $20,000 in revenue for the month so that we can a) pay our staff, b) pay our taxes, c) pay our overhead, d) pay our cost of goods, e) pay our variable costs, and finally f) feed our family (our food, clothing, rent, insurance, auto, insurance, cell bills, entertainment?, etc.) Because, you see, as an entrepreneur, I (and MY FAMILY) are the VERY LAST to get paid. EVER. We have to pay all the other fees first (or risk going to jail, being sued, etc.). There is no “entrepreneur insurance” that I have yet found, and to be honest, I would NEVER be interested in enrolling in anything like this.

So when the governments start to take EVERYTHING away from US, WE start to lose faith. And I have told many of my friends who take these “benefits” from me now. And believe me, I try to tell them in a “nice” way. But when it finally gets to the point that it’s not worth pursuing, I (the “Entrepreneurs who build businesses,”) will finally “Shrug.” (Atlas Shrugged. Ian Rand.) Read it.. PLEASE.

So keep taking from me and my family, and soon my staff and business will be gone, which will add even more to Governments’ “socialist programs.”

Perhaps I should soon switch from “finding opportunities to produce value for my brothers and sisters” and instead start trying to figure out how to fill out the forms for the “FREE” handouts from those left who are still stupid to try to produce. Not likely. This is really sick. I’m so sorry I had to post this. Thank you for your attention.

God Bless America,

Chris Anderson

I HOPE you have traffic in your business- whether it’s internet, retail, industrial, etc. I really hope you have current or new prospects and customers calling you to do business.

But in my experience with working with hundreds of businesses, they (you) struggle to get the phones to ring or to get clients walking in your door. AND to get those clients to buy.

So here’s THREE (almost FREE) ways to increase your traffic and conversion:

1) Visit your prospects in person. Sure, not many people do this, but I can attest to the fact that visiting your prospects in person and leaving a “permanent” marketing tool (such as a magnet, mug, or brochure) WILL GET YOU LEADS AND SALES!

2) CALL your list. Yes. Call Them. Remind them that you are there for them. This only takes your time and discipline. And it will get you leads and sales. Trust me, it works. Sure, it’s not easy, but I’ve done it thousands of times, and I ALWAYS succeed in settng appointments and getting sales.

3) Send “Micro Mailers” to your current customers. It may only cost you 50 or 100 bucks in postage, but, depending on your industry, one or two sales may make the difference.

Good luck, keep it going!
Vinyl Banners

Hey, just a quick blog.

I wish to spread the joy of positive information: There REALLY is business out there! (or here!) Really.

I know this for a fact, because we had the best opening day (October) of any month in business so far (we started about 18 months ago!)

And the MOST important thing you can “take away” from this post is that our opening day for October came from current customers. CURRENT CUSTOMERS! Sure, we had many new leads come in from our vinyl banners site www.letsgobanners.com, but the deals we closed came completely, 100% from current customers.

Add to this the LEADS we received today (from current customers and internet,) and your friends at Lets Go Banners are STOKED!

I ran down to production and told Dave we were “slammed,” and he replied, “Oh, the recession has taken it’s toll?” (He was joking!).

Anyway, we’re busy. So go out there and make some money! Businesses are spending. Trust me!

Chris,
Lets Go Banners.

Just a quick note about how video is transforming the internet.

Instead of digging-up and quoting a bunch of surveys, let me ask you: Have you watched a video on the internet in the past week? Have you watched a video on the internet today? How about in the last hour?

Yes, you probably answered “yes” to all three questions.

Video is quickly integrating the web with what we used to refer to as “cable” or “network” broadcasts and programs.

As a personal testimony, we emailed an “ezine” last week to our customer base and had a huge response that translated to responses as well as actual sales. We placed a video on our website (www.LetsGoBanners) and sent an email giving free content to our client base with a link back to our website displaying a free video.

We tracked our results with Google analytics, and had close to a 10% response rate. This was accomplished almost for free (excluding the 3 hours to author the email and video, which was filmed with Camtasia,).

We’re hoping by conducting weekly “e-zines,” we’ll build loyalty and continued brand recognition as well as “pick-up” sales.

My quick point is: if you’re not yet using video on your website or as part of your marketing campaign, you may wish to start. Once you understand how easy and effective it is, you’ll be hooked.

Until next time,
Chris
Lets Go Banners
Purveyors of Vinyl Banners, Car Magnets, Banner Stands, etc.

866-267-5814

Hey, Chris here.

Wanted to post a quick blog to maybe give you a few ideas about how to make some cash in these “trying times.”

Before I offer my ideas, I’d like to mention that Lets Go Banners is/was probably fortunate to have started (counting research and planning) in late 2007, right around when the “recession” started. My point is with this comment, is that as we grow and thrive as a relatively new sign and banner company, we really have no idea what it would be like if the economy was at 100%. All we know is that we have goals to reach to break even and then to make some profit.

So, here are a few ideas for you:

1) Think outside the box. (I know this phrase has been beaten to death,) but if you’re willing to brainstorm with some of your friends or associates, you may come up with a couple or many ideas to market your products or services. As an example, even tho we’re a sign and banner business, we’ve re-branded ourselves to offer all types of printing and marketing services. So instead of marketing banners or signs, we try to vertically integrate our services for anything our clients need regarding marketing and printing. And although it leads to some chaos (as we’re trying to purchase new equipment or find good vendors,) it keeps us moving and generating revenue.

2) Explore the possibilities of internet marketing! If you have never experienced an “on line” lead or sale, you may be interested to know that the internet can revitalize and help grow your business. I’ve been fortunate to own several small businesses that derived healthy sums of internet revenues. And trust me, it can work (if you know what you’re doing!) Here’s a short (3 minute video) I posted about search engine marketing: vinyl banners

3) Consider “direct selling” your product or services. If you have a restaurant, you may find great results in “beating the streets” to promote your catering service or home delivery. No matter what type of business you have, I guarantee you can get leads and clients by employing sales people or “doing it yourself” to promote your business. We have clients (literally) within 100 feet of some of our “competitor sign companies” simply because we are willing to make sales calls.

4) Start a loyalty/rewards program for repeat business (and more importantly) referrals. I found a great software program that handles this. Send me an email at chris@letsgobanners.com if you’d like more info. It rocks!

So I hope this helps! The business really is out there, you may just have to go get it! But when the economy finally rebounds, you’ll be glad you “honed” your marketing and sales/internet skills!

Chris

vinyl banners

If you want to have a GREAT time with your kids (old, young, etc,) here’s a great way: purchase an indoor remote control helicopter from WalMart. I’m not sure of the brand, I think it’s an “Air Hog,” or something like that, but we purchased an indoor helicopter RC unit from WalMart last month. It’s battery operaterated (make sure you get the model that REALLY lets you turn right, left, backwards, forward, and up and down.) Our’s was about $75 bucks, and it has (I really want to tell you!) provided our family with hours upon hours of fun.

My 6 year old has especially taken to this new toy! And SHE IS REALLY GOOD AT IT! If you buy the right model, it will give you controls in all angels. (Not sure if I spelled angels correctly!) But some of the helicopter RC units give you limited control (and they are usually less expensive,) but the unit we purchased is a blast. REALLY a blast.

I bought our unit several months ago and crashed it to the point that we simply put it aside. But after organizing my office, I pulled the helicopter unit out from my junk heep and found the charger. So I charged it up and we let it fly. Well, my 6 year old (after some instructions from me) became very good at flying this thing. I mean REALLY GOOD! She can take it off, land it, and perform basic maneuvers with the copter.

We are getting good at charging the copter (make sure you have fresh batteries in the control unit) and we take it down to the sign shop (our sign company in Hawaii that does Vinyl Banners and Sign Printing) and I let my 6 year old daughter go crazy with the copter!

We played with the copter for about 4 hours tonight before I had to put my girl to bed for school tomorrow!

Anyway,
If you want to buy a cheap toy that really gets your family involved, buy an indoor remote helicopter unit!

Chris

Aloha from the Big Island.
I have to get this off my chest.

I’ve studied SEO (Search Engine Optimization) for about 5 years now. I’ve managed to learn proper (white hat) techniques to place several of my sites in a favorable position (at least for now) with Google, Bing, Yahoo, etc.

And I constantly get “suckered” into trying to make money helping others with this.

And I constantly get burnt.

Sure, this sounds negative, but let me suggest that it’s extremely positive.

The internet has been around for quite a while now, and there is a TON of opportunity for people wishing to sell and promote their business via the organic placement results in the major search engines. And, in my opinion, this will not change for at least 20 years or longer.

I’m an avid student of history. And up until about yesterday, most businesses were (or are) still buying phone book ads. Why? Because they should. They NEVER EVER really understood what results they were getting, and (until recently) probably were getting a decent return on their investment.

But anyone who understands marketing understands that print media is dying a quick death. Phone book ads simply aren’t producing anymore. Why?

Why do you think?

When’s the last time you pulled your phone book out and started searching for a dentist in your area? My guess is that instead, you pulled up to the computer in your family room (while your husband/wife and/or kids were watching a movie) and “Google’d” “dentist in Indianapolis,” or “dentists in Waimea,” or “dentists” (insert your town or city.)

I’ve talked with many of our friends and the only thing they use their “free” phone books for is a) to boost their kids up in their seats and b) to make kindling for their block party. Wow. Things change.

I do have to be honest, my wife did pull out a phone book the other day to search for a dentist in our area. I’m not sure why she stopped with the phone book search, but she was quickly back in front of her computer screen searching via Google.

And this wasn’t the absolute answer. Her result almost had us setting up an appointment with a dentist over 200 miles away!

Well, anyway, I’ve been doing “SEO” for 5 years, and I can’t talk with any business owner who can even start to appreciate or understand the very basics.

So do I have it wrong, or do we need a basic service to help businesses get ranked in the “new phone book” ads of tomorrow? Teh Search Engines?

Chris

Side Bar: No MATTER what any person (partner, adviser, employee, consultant, executive, etc) tells you, without a doubt, MARKETING AND SALES is THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF YOUR BUSINESS. Bar none. I mean it. In general, pertaining to any “general area,” Marketing and Sales is the “life blood” of your business.

Without a lead, there will be no sale.

Without a sale, there will be no order.

Without an order, there will be no fulfillment (production).

Without production, there can be no receivables.

Without receivables, there can be no cash.

Without cash, there can be no liquidity.

Without liquidity, no one can be paid (payroll, benefits, payables, suppliers, bank loans, credit cards, insurance, taxes, overhead in general.)

With no one being paid, No One will work for long (even the most dedicated entrepreneurs will eventually QUIT.)

Marketing and Sales will be forever the life blood of your business. We chose this industry because it has an amazing “residual” and “referral” natural tendency unlike any other industry we have been involved in.

C.

Just wanted to share a great time I had with friends of ours, owners of Zionsville Candle Company (they produce scented soy candles for retail and wholesale!)

Roy and Charlene Stroud (and their kids, Amanda and Kyle) spent 3 weeks visiting the Hawaiian Islands. While they spent a lot of time researching and studying possible additions to their candle line, they managed to “break-away” and visit us on the Big Island of Hawaii for a few days.

I have to tell you that living in Hawaii is a dream come true, but it takes the chance to welcome visitors to REALLY see the island. I was able to visit with the Stroud Family and visit some of the most beautiful sites on the Big Island.

We started by helping Roy and Charlene choose several beaches to visit during their “down time.” And then, it got REALLY interesting.

First, we visited Pololu Valley; our drive up to Kohala and stopping at some of the great shops was awesome. We then went to “the end of the road,” which is one of the most breath-taking scenes you will ever encounter. According to David Tatera, our Ops Specialist and Senior Search Engine Optimization Expert, it is one of the most amazing things to encounter on the Big Island of Hawaii. “You simply MUST visit Pololu Valley, and if you have time, visit Waipio Valley also.” Mentioned David.

The next day, David and I personally escorted Roy and Kyle to the very top of Mauna Kea, to the observatory. We shot over 250 pictures and filmed 3 hours of video as we watched the sun drop below the wall of clouds stretching out to the ocean. It was simply brilliant. Yes, it’s 60% oxygen, so walk slowly. Check with your doctor before you make this trip. (I think it affects seniors and kids more, so BE CAREFUL.) We then traveled back “down” to 9000 feet to the observatory/gift store. You can see the rings of Saturn, and listen to one of the employees narrating you to the stars. We got to see a bright satellite travel right over our heads, and you can see the center of the Milky Way Galaxy!

We then visited the active volcano on the Big Island! We drove through Hilo and went to the look-out area. We then hiked about 1 mile to the closest point you’re supposed to go and took many pictures! We were there during the day, so we didn’t see any red lava, but many of my friends have told me that at sunset and at night, you can get some amazing views of actual lava flow into the ocean!

Our friends had a blast, and we’ll miss them! Make sure you visit www.ZionsvilleCandleCompany.com if you like natural scented soy candles!

Mahalo,

Chris Anderson
www.LetsGoBanners.com