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 @VillageBanking: FINCA is looking for volunteers to edit client stories and photos. For more info contact bob.price@finca.org or go t ...
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.
The SUNY Geneseo Small Business Development Center presents this two-hour seminar on cash flow management. If you run out of cash, your business experience is over! Find out how to control your cash and then let’s do what you want to do the least: walk through how to build a cash flow budget that will show you now much money you will need to be successful. This is a hands-on workshop you can really get into! The instructor is a successful business owner and professional adviser. Handouts will be provided.
The session is FREE and open to the public
Tuesday,November 16, 2010
6:30 - 8:30pm
South Hall, Rm 338
SUNY Geneseo Campus
Click here to register or call 245-5367.
The SUNY Geneseo Small Business Development Center presents this two-hour seminar on marketing. Selecting the right marketing tools for your business is critical for success. Find out what the tools are and how to use them effectively, including how to write an effective ad. The instructor is a successful business owner and professional adviser. Handouts will be provided.
The session is FREE and open to the public
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
6:30 - 8:30pm
South Hall, Rm 338
SUNY Geneseo Campus
Click here to register or call 245-5367.
The SUNY Geneseo Small Business Development Center presents this two-hour seminar that covers the waterfront about starting and running your own business. It is an overview designed to help you know what is involved and what resources are needed for success. Subjects covered include: filing a DBA, building a budget, marketing your product or service, advertising, public relations, hiring employees, business advisers, borrowing money, getting grants, paying sales tax, business and personal taxes, selecting a business to to into, and much more! The instructor is a successful business owner and professional adviser. Handout materials will be provided.
The session is FREE and open to the public
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
6:30 - 8:30pm
South Hall, Rm 338
SUNY Geneseo Campus
Click here to register or call 245-5367.
How many people do you know who long to be in their own business? They have lots of great ideas and yearn to “be my own boss.” They put a lot of energy in dreaming and wondering if this will be their ticket to financial freedom. I had the opportunity (I use this word lightly) [...]
Everything that touches your brand affects it. How you market it, is the voice of your brand. Positioning is the stand you take. Community involvement is the heart of your brand. Brand perception is reality to your audience. How stake holders describe and talk about you has some impact on your brand standing and the [...]
Lowest price guaranteed! We will not be undersold! If you find a lower price we will… Competing on price, not something we all relish. If you’re a discount store, it is part of your brand values. It’s what gets ‘em in your door. For the rest of us, it’s something that can easily drive us [...]
Share or DieThis content from: Duct Tape Marketing If the explosion of the web and social media has taught business anything it’s that you must put out tons of great content and be willing share, let others copy, use and otherwise exploit it your, not their, benefit. The old school model of proprietary content locked, [...]
5 Ways For Small Businesses To Get In The Location GameThis content from: Duct Tape Marketing Location based check-in type services are this year’s overhyped topic – with good reason. While you may not understand why someone wants to be the mayor of their barber shop, you do need to recognize the behavior that social [...]
Weekend Favs September FourThis content from: Duct Tape Marketing My weekend blog post routine includes posting links to a handful of tools or great content I ran across during the week. I don’t go into depth about the finds, but encourage you check them out if they sound interesting. The photo in the post is [...]
Heather Christie • Graphic Design for Web & Print • Warsaw, NY • (585) 356-5422
