Business Cards..Do you need them?

9 times out of 10 clients ask me this question. Are business cards still needed?   Here is a guest post from Tom Zobel with some of his thoughts.

“Business cards. Are they even necessary nowadays? In an era of smartphone users and social media, when you meet someone face-to-face, is a paper exchange even needed?

Let’s think about this for a second. Say I meet someone at a business function and we want to swap information. I’m guessing we both have smartphones, social media accounts and five to 10 other ways of quickly staying in touch. Again I’m asking myself, “Do I need to bring paper into this equation?” My initial thoughts are… CLICK HER FOR THE REST”

Proforma Distinctive Marketing, Indianapolis Indiana

 

Are Brochures Dead?

Eric’s thoughts on brochures and if they are dead or still alive and kicking!

 

 

The Internet is Changing-Browser vs. App

I found an interesting article from Wired Magazine  talking about how the web is dead and applications are starting to take over. I also found some data from Flurry Analytics that states that in June 2010 that mobile apps consumption was at 43 minutes per day and now June 2011 it is up to 81 minutes per day.

The Wired article talked about what we do when we wake up…

“You wake up and check your email on your bedside iPad — that’s one app. During breakfast you browse Facebook,Twitter, and The New York Times — three more apps. On the way to the office, you listen to a podcast on your smartphone. Another app. At work, you scroll through RSS feeds in a reader and have Skype and IM conversations. More apps. At the end of the day, you come home, make dinner while listening to Pandora, play some games on Xbox Live, and watch a movie on Netflix’s streaming service.”

This is so true (sounds like me) and what is even more interesting is how will marketing professional handle this new way of interacting with media and brands. How will you stay top of mind with your clients and prospects. How will you different yourself locally?  With Flipboard and digital publications  how will printed collateral be used and viewed.

One thing I do know is that personal relationships will never replace technology and people will always end up buying products from people they respect and like.

 

Brand Awareness with QR Codes

QR Codes  are one of the hottest new marketing trends so far this year. I have done one Espresso To Go Show were I discussed the new technology. You now can utilize these codes on tons of different promotional products, not just on printed materials. On your next marketing campaign think differently how you can create better brand awareness  for your company with QR codes.

Click here for our online catalog 

The Right Combination with Branding

Branding is one of the most important aspects of any business, large or small, retail or B2B. A clearly communicated brand gives you a major edge in an increasingly competitive marketplace. Why? Because your brand is a promise to your customer. It tells them what they can expect from you, and it differentiates you from competitors. The foundation of your brand is your logo. Your website, packaging and promotional materials—all of which should integrate your logo—combine to communicate your brand promise.

Eric Marasco, Proforma Distinctive Marketing, Indianapolis Indiana

Espresso To Go Shows Trailer-Check it out

The Lost Art of a Thank You Card…and Maybe a Gift

Guest Blog from Serina Kelly with Relevate (317-203-7740)

I remember when I was a little girl there was a part of me that dreaded such special occasions as birthdays and Christmas – definitely didn’t dread the receiving of the gifts, but having to write the thank you card afterwards.  For a young child, this was torture, and I would venture to say, others still think of it that way as adults.  Nowadays, we don’t have our parents telling making us write them out – and it’s a shame.
As a society, we have become accustomed to the fast track of saying thanks – if we say it at all.  We shoot out a quick email or text message and think we can check that off of our list.  You know as well as I do that we are bombarded with emails and texts every single day.  Any of us bombarded with receiving a thank you card the old fashioned way – through snail mail?  I doubt it.  And you can probably remember the last time you received a genuine thank you card.
I challenge you to take that extra few minutes today and send a thank you card to someone…and maybe send a nice little gift now and then to those clients, strategic partners or influencers in your life.  I’m sure Eric Marasco has some great ideas on gifts that will be a true expression of appreciation and thoughtfulness, which  will go a long way in helping you build those relationships we all want in our lives – both personally and professionally.

Serina Kelly
Relevate