Course Corrections Are Required in Today’s Economic Environment
Recently, in the Arizona Republic, I read and article by Harvey Mackay. (www.harveymacay.com) He was referencing Jack Canfield, the author of The Success Principles regarding training sessions about falling off course and making the adjustments to get back on track. The article reminded me the number of course corrections it took to get to the moon. It was some really outrageous number. The point of the article and my recollection is that we all need to make adjustments to our business plans if we want to stay on course, particularly in difficult economic times.
With economic worries dominating the headlines should we be expecting more declines in our sales revenues as well as more businesses closing? I’m afraid to say, the answer is yes. We must continue to make course corrections. We need to watch controllable costs, reduce inventory, and if possible negotiate to lower fixed costs like telephone, internet services, and lease expense. Those of us who continue to make course corrections and improve our signage may very well weather the downturn in the economy. Visit my website for more signage talk and ideas. http://www.semesasignarama.com.
“An effective on-premise sign is the number one form of advertising for many retail establishments.” notes Lori Anderson, President, and CEO of the International Sign Association. (http://www.signs.org/ ) “And during tough economic times, when marketing dollars are scarce, your sign plays an even more critical role in promoting your products or services”.
As business owners, we can’t afford to just hang up a shingle we plan to stay competitive. Unlike other forms of advertising, your sign works for you 24 hours a day 365 days a year creating the first impression of your business, telling people who you are, where you are and what you offer. ( I say this a lot!!)
For those of you hesitant to spend more on a new or upgraded sign, data from the US Small Business Association shows that signage is the least expensive, yet most effective form of advertising available and is responsible for attracting as much as 50 percent of your customer base. Click the following link to the SBA to read it for yourself. http://www.sba.gov/smallbusinessplanner/start/pickalocation/signage/faqs.html
On-premise signage needs to be viewed as an investment that will pay dividends many times over. A well-designed, well-placed sign can be the difference between survival and locking your doors.
We encourage our customers to make the necessary course corrections to improve their odds of survival. I also recommend looking for the bright side in what seems to be a dim situation. We all need to stay positive and make the necessary adjustments to stay in front of your customers. In the meantime, we will continue to strongly beat the drum that says “A Business With No Sign; Is A Sign Of No Business”.
More to come,
Joe,
SE Mesa SIGN*A*RAMA
http://www.semesasignarama.com/
semesa@signarama.com
480-981-7722
Monday, December 1, 2008
Sunday, October 19, 2008
The Last Ones Standing
Difficult economic times present challenges for us as business owners. We’ve experienced the dramatic downturn of the economy resulting in lower home values, higher unemployment, a credit crisis, and our sales volume lower than a year ago. How can our business be among The Last Ones Standing?
As the owner of a local Signarama, I’m sensitive to sign company closures. I’ve seen two local sign companies close, and one local Signarama sell. In our center, two businesses have locked their doors. While I haven’t seen statistics, the empirical data suggests that many more businesses are closing than opening. Restaurants, real estate offices, retail businesses, sign shops, and other service related businesses are falling fast and often. How many in your industry have fallen?
How many of us will be among the Last Ones Standing? As a sign company, we field several calls a week for quotes to remove storefront signs. Recently, we’ve removed almost as many storefront signs as we’ve installed. I feel for those businesses that have closed because of the economic downturn. They didn’t close because of poor business decisions. They closed because they couldn’t identify and bring in enough customers to sustain them during these difficult economic times. They were not among the Last Ones Standing.
What separates those that have closed from those of us still standing? It’s not that they didn’t scratch and claw for the business as we do. In my opinion, marketing is the big difference. Marketing in today’s economic climate won’t create the results of two years ago. However, continuing your marketing efforts today will hopefully bring in enough business to keep the lights on, your employees paid, and perhaps put a little in your pocket. A word to the wise here is to consider what’s best for your customer’s clients and market from that perspective. As I say, “I don’t sell signs; I sell what signs can bring to your business.” Think and act on behalf of your customer’s customer and you may be among the Last Ones Standing.
As business owners, we also need to focus on the basics by continuing to plan for success. We need to MARKET our businesses as we did when we opened. Send out press releases announcing a new product or sale. Do it often.
Join a networking group to get yourself and your business aligned with professionals wanting to help others grow. By helping others you will grow new relationships. By growing relationships, you will grow your business. Working with like-minded professionals wanting to grow their business will give you an opportunity to help them with referrals. This is always an adrenaline boost for me. I firmly believe that what goes around comes around. Remember, “Givers Gain.”
It just so happens I’m a member of the BNI Early Bird All Stars. We meet at Mimi’s Café at Alma School and Highway 60, in Mesa, AZ every Tuesday at 7:30 AM. There are approximately 22 hard-working professionals in our great group. We’re always looking for new members who want to contribute and see the value of networking with a group of trusted professionals. Call me if you’re interested, I’ll invite you to a meeting as my guest.
Lastly, you need to add as much allowable signage in your business to spread the word to as many prospects as possible. You need to get in front of as many potential customers as possible making them aware of who you are and what you’re offering.
Consider vehicle graphics and lettering. Your car is out there 24 hours a day. Upgrade your window lettering using brighter colors or larger print. You need to get noticed! Add point of purchase (POP) displays digital signage and posters inside your retail businesses. It’s proven to increase impulse and incremental sales.
Keep marketing and you will be among the Last Ones Standing.
More to come,
Joe
As the owner of a local Signarama, I’m sensitive to sign company closures. I’ve seen two local sign companies close, and one local Signarama sell. In our center, two businesses have locked their doors. While I haven’t seen statistics, the empirical data suggests that many more businesses are closing than opening. Restaurants, real estate offices, retail businesses, sign shops, and other service related businesses are falling fast and often. How many in your industry have fallen?
How many of us will be among the Last Ones Standing? As a sign company, we field several calls a week for quotes to remove storefront signs. Recently, we’ve removed almost as many storefront signs as we’ve installed. I feel for those businesses that have closed because of the economic downturn. They didn’t close because of poor business decisions. They closed because they couldn’t identify and bring in enough customers to sustain them during these difficult economic times. They were not among the Last Ones Standing.
What separates those that have closed from those of us still standing? It’s not that they didn’t scratch and claw for the business as we do. In my opinion, marketing is the big difference. Marketing in today’s economic climate won’t create the results of two years ago. However, continuing your marketing efforts today will hopefully bring in enough business to keep the lights on, your employees paid, and perhaps put a little in your pocket. A word to the wise here is to consider what’s best for your customer’s clients and market from that perspective. As I say, “I don’t sell signs; I sell what signs can bring to your business.” Think and act on behalf of your customer’s customer and you may be among the Last Ones Standing.
As business owners, we also need to focus on the basics by continuing to plan for success. We need to MARKET our businesses as we did when we opened. Send out press releases announcing a new product or sale. Do it often.
Join a networking group to get yourself and your business aligned with professionals wanting to help others grow. By helping others you will grow new relationships. By growing relationships, you will grow your business. Working with like-minded professionals wanting to grow their business will give you an opportunity to help them with referrals. This is always an adrenaline boost for me. I firmly believe that what goes around comes around. Remember, “Givers Gain.”
It just so happens I’m a member of the BNI Early Bird All Stars. We meet at Mimi’s Café at Alma School and Highway 60, in Mesa, AZ every Tuesday at 7:30 AM. There are approximately 22 hard-working professionals in our great group. We’re always looking for new members who want to contribute and see the value of networking with a group of trusted professionals. Call me if you’re interested, I’ll invite you to a meeting as my guest.
Lastly, you need to add as much allowable signage in your business to spread the word to as many prospects as possible. You need to get in front of as many potential customers as possible making them aware of who you are and what you’re offering.
Consider vehicle graphics and lettering. Your car is out there 24 hours a day. Upgrade your window lettering using brighter colors or larger print. You need to get noticed! Add point of purchase (POP) displays digital signage and posters inside your retail businesses. It’s proven to increase impulse and incremental sales.
Keep marketing and you will be among the Last Ones Standing.
More to come,
Joe
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
The "R" Word
Bad news is all around us. What should we do? Bury our heads in the sand, pick up our marbles, and go home, or just plain give up? That’s the impression one would get from the media and the continued use of the “R” word. That’s not the word we’re spreading at my Mesa Signarama, http://www.semesasignarama.com/. No matter how hard, how difficult, or how long the process, the fact is smart businesses must embrace "now" as the moment to evaluate and rebuild.
We’re hearing a lot about the “R” word these days particularly given the recent bankruptcy of a major investment group and acquisition of another at a fire sale price.
Yes, I’ll admit business is not the best. Sales have slowed from the frenzied pace of two years ago. However, as a business owner yourself, I’m sure you’re not giving in to the “R” word any more than I am. We must all think outside of the proverbial box, and above all continue to market our businesses.
Notwithstanding the negitive conotations of the “R” word, let’s think of a few positive "R" words that might help us through these turbulent times.
Re-align Marketing: while we might be in shock over the current conditions, now could be the best time to nurture new customers by marketing your business with Point of Purchase material, banners, yard signs, LED signs, or our Video Pop Digital Signage solution. www.semesasignarama.com/video_pop.asp. Consider adding fabric POPS in your stores to increase impulse buys.
Re-position your image: When customers are frugal and sales are slow, you may want to use new solutions to overcome. Be creative with powerful images, bold colors, vehicle graphics and vehicle lettering. Think of Orange vinyl lettering in your windows, or other colors that will make your products and business get noticed. www.semesasignarama.com/window_lettering.asp
Re-brand your business: In slow growth periods, most companies want to forget old name brands. This is where you may need to discover the fine art of change. Change your business name if it wasn’t working during good times. You may want to consider a new website with SEO optimization if your current website is informational only. You may want to re-train your staff and change their look, of course keep it industry specific. Consider name tags, name plates, business cards, aprons, etc. Whatever floats your boat and within your industry's perimeters. We can help you with all of your promotional needs.
It is during these difficult times that we need to continue our marketing efforts. We need to work just a little harder than our competitors to gain share. We also need to work just a little smarter than our competitors.
We can help you focus on the positive "R" words. Please consider us as your signage resource.
Stay tuned. More to come.
Joe
SE Mesa SIGN*A*RAMA
6671 E. Baseline Rd. #119
Mesa, AZ 85206
O 480-981-7722
F 480-981-7799
E semesa@signarama.com
W http://www.semesasignarama.com/
We’re hearing a lot about the “R” word these days particularly given the recent bankruptcy of a major investment group and acquisition of another at a fire sale price.
Yes, I’ll admit business is not the best. Sales have slowed from the frenzied pace of two years ago. However, as a business owner yourself, I’m sure you’re not giving in to the “R” word any more than I am. We must all think outside of the proverbial box, and above all continue to market our businesses.
Notwithstanding the negitive conotations of the “R” word, let’s think of a few positive "R" words that might help us through these turbulent times.
Re-align Marketing: while we might be in shock over the current conditions, now could be the best time to nurture new customers by marketing your business with Point of Purchase material, banners, yard signs, LED signs, or our Video Pop Digital Signage solution. www.semesasignarama.com/video_pop.asp. Consider adding fabric POPS in your stores to increase impulse buys.
Re-position your image: When customers are frugal and sales are slow, you may want to use new solutions to overcome. Be creative with powerful images, bold colors, vehicle graphics and vehicle lettering. Think of Orange vinyl lettering in your windows, or other colors that will make your products and business get noticed. www.semesasignarama.com/window_lettering.asp
Re-brand your business: In slow growth periods, most companies want to forget old name brands. This is where you may need to discover the fine art of change. Change your business name if it wasn’t working during good times. You may want to consider a new website with SEO optimization if your current website is informational only. You may want to re-train your staff and change their look, of course keep it industry specific. Consider name tags, name plates, business cards, aprons, etc. Whatever floats your boat and within your industry's perimeters. We can help you with all of your promotional needs.
It is during these difficult times that we need to continue our marketing efforts. We need to work just a little harder than our competitors to gain share. We also need to work just a little smarter than our competitors.
We can help you focus on the positive "R" words. Please consider us as your signage resource.
Stay tuned. More to come.
Joe
SE Mesa SIGN*A*RAMA
6671 E. Baseline Rd. #119
Mesa, AZ 85206
O 480-981-7722
F 480-981-7799
E semesa@signarama.com
W http://www.semesasignarama.com/
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
I'm Proud of My Product
Joe’s Sign_Blog
Many of you know I own a full service sign company in Mesa, Arizona, www.semesasignarama.com. Some of you know I continuously say “we don’t sell signs, we sell the results our signage products bring our customers”. Simply stated, we strongly believe signage provides the benefits of being noticed in the marketplace. Signage is the vehicle used to attract, inform, and educate customers to buy your products and services. I am proud of the product I sell.
I also say that there are many sign company choices out there. Just as there are many restaurants, golf courses, theaters, mechanics, accountants, insurance agents, and computer techs from which to choose. What I’m really saying here is that we all have choices regarding whose products and services to buy.
We buy specific products, not for the product in-and-of itself, but for the benefit(s) we get from the product. Sometimes we buy because the product makes us feel good. As business people, we buy for the benefit the product will give us. We’re out there trying to earn a living by making sales. We all know that budgets are stretched and customers are more reluctant than ever to spend any of their hard-earned cash, and as always, we’re all wanting more for less.
As typical business owners, one thing we should agree on, we’re all in business to stay in business. We all need to bring in more customers and satisfy them so that we can generate more sales. That’s why focusing on the benefits you provide your customer is as important as the sale.
It’s no surprise that we’re all operating on the same playing field. Gasoline and utilities prices are going nowhere but up. Our raw material prices are going up. You know the price of gasoline is $3.95 to $4.00 a gallon for all of us. We’re also dealing with semi-annual postal increases as well as shipping and delivery increases from UPS and FedEx. The hits never stop coming do they?
Again, we’re all in the same boat here, but none of us can save money by reducing our marketing and advertising budgets. Yet many businesses during these times cut expenses beginning with their marketing budget, point of purchase signs, posters, banners and other attention getting signage that could otherwise attract customers.
Of course, we all want and need to do more with less. Yet, in my heart of hearts we need to do more than ever to get noticed in this economy. Whatever your product or service there are many potential customers just waiting to find you and make a purchase.
One way to attract more business is through visual communication. Specifically, I’m referring to Digital Signage. Digital Signage has many names. We created a product called the Video Pop Digital Signage Network. Some call it In-Store TV, Digital Display Networks, or just plain Digital Signage.
With our Video Pop Digital Signage Network you have the potential to deliver content that will inform, promote, educate and entertain your prospects on the products and services you offer. One of the benefits of our Video Pop Digital Signage Network is being able to change your message frequently and seamlessly always being relevant. Another benefit is being in front of your customer at the point of service or while they wait for service.
Our Video Pop digital signage can replace the point of purchase displays used by some of the larger companies, and give small to medium size businesses the opportunity to utilize this new technology for a fraction of what print ad campaigns, radio and television would cost.
Call 480-981-7722 if you’re interested in more information about our Video Pop Digital Signage Network.
For those of us who do want to get a little more out of our gas mileage, it’s a good idea to track it. This link will provide a great little tool to use in keeping track of your gasoline expenses. http://www.trackyourgasmileage.com/
Another great website to checkout is http://lifehacker.com. There are a number of great blogs about dealing with everyday issues and challenges at home and at the office. It will also help you with all of the old gadgets you have around.
Stay tuned. More to come.
Joe
SE Mesa SIGN*A*RAMA
6671 E. Baseline Rd. #119
Mesa, AZ 85206
O 480-981-7722
F 480-981-7799
E semesa@signarama.com
Many of you know I own a full service sign company in Mesa, Arizona, www.semesasignarama.com. Some of you know I continuously say “we don’t sell signs, we sell the results our signage products bring our customers”. Simply stated, we strongly believe signage provides the benefits of being noticed in the marketplace. Signage is the vehicle used to attract, inform, and educate customers to buy your products and services. I am proud of the product I sell.
I also say that there are many sign company choices out there. Just as there are many restaurants, golf courses, theaters, mechanics, accountants, insurance agents, and computer techs from which to choose. What I’m really saying here is that we all have choices regarding whose products and services to buy.
We buy specific products, not for the product in-and-of itself, but for the benefit(s) we get from the product. Sometimes we buy because the product makes us feel good. As business people, we buy for the benefit the product will give us. We’re out there trying to earn a living by making sales. We all know that budgets are stretched and customers are more reluctant than ever to spend any of their hard-earned cash, and as always, we’re all wanting more for less.
As typical business owners, one thing we should agree on, we’re all in business to stay in business. We all need to bring in more customers and satisfy them so that we can generate more sales. That’s why focusing on the benefits you provide your customer is as important as the sale.
It’s no surprise that we’re all operating on the same playing field. Gasoline and utilities prices are going nowhere but up. Our raw material prices are going up. You know the price of gasoline is $3.95 to $4.00 a gallon for all of us. We’re also dealing with semi-annual postal increases as well as shipping and delivery increases from UPS and FedEx. The hits never stop coming do they?
Again, we’re all in the same boat here, but none of us can save money by reducing our marketing and advertising budgets. Yet many businesses during these times cut expenses beginning with their marketing budget, point of purchase signs, posters, banners and other attention getting signage that could otherwise attract customers.
Of course, we all want and need to do more with less. Yet, in my heart of hearts we need to do more than ever to get noticed in this economy. Whatever your product or service there are many potential customers just waiting to find you and make a purchase.
One way to attract more business is through visual communication. Specifically, I’m referring to Digital Signage. Digital Signage has many names. We created a product called the Video Pop Digital Signage Network. Some call it In-Store TV, Digital Display Networks, or just plain Digital Signage.
With our Video Pop Digital Signage Network you have the potential to deliver content that will inform, promote, educate and entertain your prospects on the products and services you offer. One of the benefits of our Video Pop Digital Signage Network is being able to change your message frequently and seamlessly always being relevant. Another benefit is being in front of your customer at the point of service or while they wait for service.
Our Video Pop digital signage can replace the point of purchase displays used by some of the larger companies, and give small to medium size businesses the opportunity to utilize this new technology for a fraction of what print ad campaigns, radio and television would cost.
Call 480-981-7722 if you’re interested in more information about our Video Pop Digital Signage Network.
For those of us who do want to get a little more out of our gas mileage, it’s a good idea to track it. This link will provide a great little tool to use in keeping track of your gasoline expenses. http://www.trackyourgasmileage.com/
Another great website to checkout is http://lifehacker.com. There are a number of great blogs about dealing with everyday issues and challenges at home and at the office. It will also help you with all of the old gadgets you have around.
Stay tuned. More to come.
Joe
SE Mesa SIGN*A*RAMA
6671 E. Baseline Rd. #119
Mesa, AZ 85206
O 480-981-7722
F 480-981-7799
E semesa@signarama.com
Saturday, July 12, 2008
I'm excited about Video Pop Digital Signage
Twenty-four months ago I started working on a digital signage solution for business owners. I dubbed our solution the Video Pop. The Video Pop is a digital signage product designed to entertain, inform or promote products and services to customers and potential customers. It’s an exciting new medium for delivering content and I’m proud to be in on the ground floor of the development process.
The content can be a combination of motion or MPEG 1/2/4 video, JPEG, still photo(s), MP3 music, WMA music, PowerPoint, animation, flash, text, voiceovers and any combination. The Video Pop content is designed to be viewed on monitors, televisions or other types of screens.
One of the benefits of the Video Pop is that we customize the content for each and every customer. We can custom design spots for a hair salon, a chiropractor’s office, a restaurant, a dentist, a chain of retail stores and any other business. We can add or replace content whenever our customer requires a change. I just can’t tell you how exciting this new creative medium is for me. It allows us to use this new technology to help business during these difficult economic times.
Another benefit of the Video Pop solution is that it can be delivered to one or more screens simultaneously over the internet. Therefore, if a client wants to create an educational session for employees in several states and deliver it simultaneously, we can do it for them seamlessly.
In addition to the Video Pop solution, we have created a lobby makeover, using custom digital murals to enhance offices, lobbies, or conference rooms. Combined, the Video Pop and makeover can enhance a business’ identity thereby increasing sales by informing customers of products and services available.
We provide real and sophisticated results with Video Pop digital signage for any type of business. Retailers, business professionals, and those in the medical industry; virtually any business with a lobby, waiting room, conference room, point of purchase area, can benefit from Video Pop digital signage.
You can view two demo Video Pops on our website at the following link: http://www.semesasignarama.com/video_pop.asp.
For a special report addressing the benefits of digital signage click on this link to the Arbitron Retail Media Study.
More to come.
Joe,
SE Mesa SIGN*A*RAMA
http://www.semesasignarama.com/
semesa@signarama.com
480-981-7722
The content can be a combination of motion or MPEG 1/2/4 video, JPEG, still photo(s), MP3 music, WMA music, PowerPoint, animation, flash, text, voiceovers and any combination. The Video Pop content is designed to be viewed on monitors, televisions or other types of screens.
One of the benefits of the Video Pop is that we customize the content for each and every customer. We can custom design spots for a hair salon, a chiropractor’s office, a restaurant, a dentist, a chain of retail stores and any other business. We can add or replace content whenever our customer requires a change. I just can’t tell you how exciting this new creative medium is for me. It allows us to use this new technology to help business during these difficult economic times.
Another benefit of the Video Pop solution is that it can be delivered to one or more screens simultaneously over the internet. Therefore, if a client wants to create an educational session for employees in several states and deliver it simultaneously, we can do it for them seamlessly.
In addition to the Video Pop solution, we have created a lobby makeover, using custom digital murals to enhance offices, lobbies, or conference rooms. Combined, the Video Pop and makeover can enhance a business’ identity thereby increasing sales by informing customers of products and services available.
We provide real and sophisticated results with Video Pop digital signage for any type of business. Retailers, business professionals, and those in the medical industry; virtually any business with a lobby, waiting room, conference room, point of purchase area, can benefit from Video Pop digital signage.
You can view two demo Video Pops on our website at the following link: http://www.semesasignarama.com/video_pop.asp.
For a special report addressing the benefits of digital signage click on this link to the Arbitron Retail Media Study.
More to come.
Joe,
SE Mesa SIGN*A*RAMA
http://www.semesasignarama.com/
semesa@signarama.com
480-981-7722
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