Build your business in a slow economy! Part 1

Don't get down about the economy. Instead hold your head high and work smarter on your business. Businesses can thrive during an economic slow-down. Companies around you are going out of business. Now is the time to make your company stand out. Where should you start?

The first place is customer service. Make your customer's experience happy, easy and memorable. Make them smile. Show them that they are important to you no matter how much or how little they spend with you.

When you pick up the phone give them your full attention and greet them as if they were standing in front of you.

Go the extra mile. Give them updates during your processes. Your communication is key. If you deliver products. Let them know you received their order and when you anticipate it to ship. Once it ships send them the tracking number/estimated delivery date. If there are any problems with the order tell them upfront so there are no surprises.

After the item is received contact them to make sure everything was received and that they are happy with it.

Do the same type of service if you are selling an intangible item. Let them know you received their order and when the work will be done. Contact them the day before to remind them. After the service is performed contact them to insure they are satisfied.

If for any reason they aren't satisfied fix it immediately. The last thing you want to do is have it sit in front of them for them to dwell on.

If you are truly committed to GREAT customer service your business will grow. Ask your clients to fill out surveys about your company. See where you need to improve. Reward your employees for what they are doing well. Everyone wants to be recognized for what they do. A few kind words, a thank you gift, etc. go a long way in keeping employee morale up.

Ask your customers for referrals. If you are doing your part then they will reward you with referrals. The majority of my business is from referrals. My clients know that whomever they refer to me will be well taken care of. I treat my clients the way I want to be treated and I suggest you do the same.

Stay tuned for more tips to help you grow your business!

Promotions that get results!
Shana Anderson
Complete Workplace, Inc.
Milpitas, Ca

8 HOT tips to improve your logo branded apparel ROI!

Are you giving your clients what they want? If not, you are throwing your marketing dollars away and will be a victim in this economy. People want functional, eco-friendly, comfortable and trendy. So what does that consist of for 2009?


1. V-necks for men and women are hot! Comfort and appeal is the key to this style. For a more upscale look put an oxford dress shirt with it. The V-neck style can be worn day or night from the gym to the board room.


2. Performance wear...you can't go wrong! Whether for the gym, the golf course or the tradeshow floor you'll always be in style and comfortable in performance wear. Wrinkle resistant, stain resistant and moisture wicking fabrics just to name a few help you perform and look great doing it.


3. Sustainable apparel will keep our planet healthy for generations to come! Organic fabrics, recycled and reused materials and environmentally responsible manufacturing is a win-win for everyone. They feel great too.


4. Tailored shirts & jackets. Ladies want to look like ladies in their clothing and prefer a coordinating women's style to the men's instead of unisex, one cut fits both sexes approach.


5. Plaid, plaid and more plaid! Whether it's just a hint of plaid or a full garment, plaid is a hit in 2009. A touch of classy and subdued plaid will be worn amongst the trendiest consumers. Great for accessories too.


6. New printing techniques are abundant. With screen printing new techniques are being created to give a leather look. Glitter that doesn't rub off is popular with the ladies. Foil transfers have been around, but they are pricey a solution has been created called foil ink. Great look without the high price! A new technique called discharge ink is coming out now. Like the sublimation technique you really can't feel the imprint This technique is a water based ink that takes the dye out of the garment. Laser etching on denim and micro fiber actually burns the image into the apparel. You need to see this in person. It's very HOT! Definitely giving your clients something to talk about.


7. Where to imprint? As always left chest is the most popular especially in the corporate world. High end/upscale apparel keeps it's classy appeal by embroidering tone on tone. Ladies prefer a subtle left sleeve imprint over the left chest. To appeal to the younger markets all over prints, shoulder to chest prints and large front prints are very HOT! Instead of just putting your logo on the left chest add visual appeal by adding graphics around it.




8. The 2009 color pallet for men is neutral tones such as black, khaki, blue and of course olive. Ladies should expect to see more colors with greens, subdued oranges, plums, darker yellows and brighter blues. The colors shown are the 2009 pallet. As summer approaches expect the shades shown to get brighter. Once fall appears they will darken.



To be successful this year you must be creative and focus on what your clients want. What will give you the most impressions, what imprint will entice your consumer to wear your advertising? A logo alone doesn't do it anymore. Graphics are hot and consumers want retail appeal. Give it to them. It doesn't cost anything additional, but your ROI will be greatly improved.




Promotions that get results!
Shana Anderson
Complete Workplace, Inc.
Milpitas, Ca

Looking forward to 2009!

I'm excited because I just got back from Florida where I attended the promotional products tradeshow. Over 800 vendors, tons of classes and Tony Robbins (my all time favorite life coach) was a key speaker. The energy he brings and the way he shows you to look at situations and make positive changes is OUTSTANDING!

I'm such a positive person anyways, but this just hyped my energy more! it's easy to let the media bring our spirits down and see all of the doom and gloom out there. Instead all of us need to take advantage of the market. Promote ourselves and take this time to show our clients that we truly care about them and their well-being.

Your industry, my industry, your client's industry.... they all have competition. Everyone is looking to save a dollar. Everyone wants to work with someone they trust and respect that has the service and knowledge to help their business. I challenge you to be that person to your clients. I'm not a salesperson. Don't want to be and never will be. I am a friend to my client, a solutions provider. Sometimes even a counselor when their lives are tough.

How many times have my clients (I consider them friends also) spilled their guts to me about a personal situation? More than you'd think! They always say...sorry to bother you, I know you don't want to hear about my personal problems. My response....of course I do. I am always here for you whether it's business, life's accomplishments or disappointments. I can always make time to listen.

With the busy lives we lead we forget to take the time to help others. I challenge you to set a goal for yourself to make the time starting today to be there for others.

2009 is going to be a great year! A year where we dig down and figure out who we are and what's important to us. I know what's important to me....helping people.

Wishing you success in all you do,
Shana Anderson
Complete Workplace, Inc.