Affordable and creative graphic design for all clients – that's the mission of Christie Graphic Design. And because deadlines are just as important as budgets, I'm proud to be able to deliver all of my services quickly. Call or email for a quote on your next project.
Free artwork downloads are posted as well as links to professionals who I admire, and draw inspiration from. Also, civic organizations I belong to or support.
ChristieGD: RT @creativecommons: Free! Music! Week - tell the world about great CC musicians. Tag tweets with #37cc to participate. http://bit.ly/d5ZF1a
October 14th I had a booth at the "Network or Starve" event sponsored by the Wyoming County Chamber of Commerce. I definitely feel it was aptly titled! It was held at the Breezy Hill Party House, which used to be the Valley View. Rachel Heywood and her staff did a fantastic job with the remodel (I can't wait to see what they do with the other half of the building!), and the food was fantastic. A couple of the Buffalo Jills were there signing autographs, and it was a Bills themed night with trivia questions and prizes to win. All the vendors with booths donated door prizes, and I would like to congratulate W. Glen Sedam on winning the gift certificate I offered. During the networking, I realized how rusty I am at showcasing my services, so I thought my hindsight might help you see 20/20 if you have a similar event in your future.
Make sure you can describe what service or product you offer in a couple sentences, including what your businesses unique benefits are. Don't assume that people know what you do from your business name and tagline, and then launch into a sales pitch. People make assumptions, and its better for you if you start the client or customer relationship based on facts.
In that same "assumptions" vein, don't pass by someone who you feel won't need your product or service, or who is your competition. Your goal should be to get good information about your business out to as many people as possible so that your name is the one they think of when the need arises. Also, it has been my experience that other small business are willing to help with advice and recommendations - invaluable information when you are trying to be as efficient as possible.
Ask questions - I know you're thinking "well duh Heather!" - What I mean is don't ramble on and on to fill the conversation void. And ask questions that will help you learn the most about this prospect relating to your industry. I usually ask "How do you advertise now?", "Who does your printing?" or "What do you like best about your business?".
And maybe most importantly, give away bags. Rivellino Realty did, and I thank them for it - so I could carry all my freebies home easily!
Have a great 4th quarter, and start those plans for 2010! Heather
With the first quarter under way, I am looking forward to adding new services to Christie Graphic Design. My goal is to provide value with everything that I offer my clients. Therefore I am looking for input - can you take a moment to vote below?
Some companies make mistakes when designing their logo, because they want a "wow" factor. They choose logos that are too complex to print well (does it look great on a business card and a billboard?), or are hard for customers to interpret in the few short seconds you have to grab their attention.
So what is the function of your logo? It's to effectively brand your business, in a way that allows customers to instantly recognize it as yours, and associate it with positive feelings. Feelings? What does that have to do with business? Everything! Most buying decisions are made on the basis of feelings – positive and negative – consciously or not. Think of all the businesses you know of, and try to picture their logos in your mind. Which ones can you remember? Which ones are a little fuzzy? What comes to your mind when I say "peace" or "recycle"? What you want is when people hear the word "widget" they think of your widget business logo, and thus your business. The best logos (and brand identities) are simple, iconic, and easy to remember. It's OK to have fun with it, and add give it personality, but make sure it's deliberate and with purpose. Sometimes all you need is consistent use of color, or an unusual font.
Another mistake is not considering your target market. Often I hear "my product is for everyone", or "I provide service for everyone". Well, of course you want "everyone" to buy your product or service, but in reality it's better to zoom in and identify who your product or service is benefiting and cater to them. You'll end up with a more impactful message, and focusing on your true customers will make your business thrive.
Ladies, join us on Friday, April 23rd for the Women’s Networking Luncheon. Take advantage of this opportunity to promote your business or company to other Wyoming County businesswomen interested in what you have to offer or know someone who is. In a roundtable format, you will have 2-4 minutes to plug your business, what you do or what services you offer. Bring business cards, as well as promotional and marketing materials to distribute at this structured networking event.
Friday, April 23rd
Noon - 2:00pm
The Hillside Inn, Wyoming
Please select one luncheon option from below and email your choice to ljlane@wycochamber.org by April 13th
Caeser Salad with Chicken
Linguini with Inn-made Vodka Sauce
Reuben Sandwich
Broccoli-Cheese Quiche
The date for the 2010 Pride of Wyoming County Agriculture Dinner is set for Saturday, March 27th! The event will be held at the North Java Fire Hall. Tickets are on sale now. Limited seating available so please register early. Invitations have been mailed and tickets will remain on sale until the 350 available tickets are sold.
We hope you’ll join us for what is sure to be another fabulous night to celebrate and recognize agriculture in Wyoming County.
The Law Office of Sciarrino & Sciarrino, P.C. is the presenting sponsor of the event. Additional sponsors include: Agri-Fab, Alexander Equipment, American Classic Outfitters, ARC of Livingston & Wyoming, Arcade-Knight Agency, Attica Auto & Hardware, Bank of Castile, Blue Seal Richer Dairy Nutrition, Bovis Lend Lease, Broughton Diversified Farming LLC, Byrncliff Resort & Conference Center, Calbranch Insurance, Castile Agway Service, Clark Patterson Lee, Community Bank NA, Complete Payroll Processing, Creative Food Ingredients, E.J. Freyburger Earthmoving, East Hill Motel, Elitsac Lumber, Emerling Farms, Farm Credit East ACA, Five Star Bank, Freed, Maxick & Battaglia CPAs, Genesee Valley Federal Credit Union, GenTech Scientific, George & Swede, Hans Moellers Jewelers, Horizon Wind Energy, Ironwood Golf Course, Kersch’s Ag Lime, Koike Aronson, Lamb & Webster, Law Office of Sciarrino & Sciarrino, Lillenstein & Pfeiffer, Attorneys at Law, Logwell Acres, McCormick Farms, M&T Bank, Morton Buildings, Morton Salt, New Eagle Silo Corp, North Ridge Homes, LP, NYSEG, Perry Veterinary Clinic, Pioneer Credit Recovery, Railroad Street Holdings, LLC, Reisdorf Bros., Robinson & Hackemer Funeral Home, Royce Electric, RPH Power Systems, Senator Dale Volker, Shur-Gain USA, S.J.F Construction, Steuben Trust, Table Rock Farm, Tompkins Insurance Agencies, Upstate Auto, Upstate Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep, Inc., Upstate Door, Upstate New York Transplant Services, Upstate Niagara Cooperative, VanSlyke’s Dairy Farm, LLC, W. Glenn Sedam, Warsaw Country Courier, WCJW Radio, WNY Crop Management, Wyoming County IDA, Zimmer Auto Parts & Sales.
Click here to register online - Ag Dinner Online Registration
Click here to access the nomination form for the 2010 Cooperative Extension/Farm Bureau Good Neighbor Award
Good_Neighbor_Award_Nomination_Form.pdf
As part of my interview series with “Thought Leaders,” consultant , speaker and author, Jaimy Weiler from “One Heart Waking – Business and Executive Consulting” shares her wisdom with us. Jaimy and her company “One Heart Waking” are truly unique in their delivery of effect and balanced work environments.
Ed Roach: Considering the fact that a [...]
I’m currently reading a new marketing textbook that was just released called, “Consumer Behavior: Human Pursuit of Happiness in the World of Goods,” written in collaboration with Professor Banwari Mittal and six of his colleagues. If truth must be known, Professor Mittal mentioned me in his book and was kind enough to send me a [...]
Brand peeves are those things you hate about other company’s brands. It could be copying icons, such as the Nike swoosh. Maybe it’s using well known music classics in commercials. Maybe you hate logoed merchandise. It doesn’t matter what it is, I just want to give you an opportunity to get it off your chest. [...]
ShareBuild Your Brand So People Will Refer YouThis content from: Duct Tape Marketing
This post is a special Make a Referral Week guest post featuring education on the subject of referrals and word of mouth marketing and making 1000 referrals to 1000 small businesses – check it out at Make a Referral Week 2010
As part of [...]
Share5 Ways to Make Your Business Easier to RecommendThis content from: Duct Tape Marketing
This post is a special Make a Referral Week guest post featuring education on the subject of referrals and word of mouth marketing and making 1000 referrals to 1000 small businesses – check it out at Make a Referral Week 2010
If I [...]
ShareAuthor of Book Yourself Solid Visits Referral WeekThis content from: Duct Tape Marketing
This post is a special Make a Referral Week guest podcast featuring education on the subject of referrals and word of mouth marketing and making 1000 referrals to 1000 small businesses – check it out at Make a Referral Week 2010
Marketing podcast with [...]
Heather Christie • Graphic Design for Web & Print • Warsaw, NY • (585) 356-5422
