We Are The Community

Happy Memorial Day! If you're like most of us in Michigan, you've tossed the laptop into the car along with the kids, dogs, and fishing polls and have made your way up north to spend some quality time with your friends and family.  But what started out as a way to slow down and remember our veterans has become a time to honor all of those who serve in our community.  How is this related to web design? Easy...

We are the community.  We serve the community.

Today, our communities are leaning on us, the small business, non-profit, and individual to be creative, to be positive, to be profitable, and to continue to give the causes we champion a voice. Even in "this economy" we sponsor and organize local events, keep streets and parks clean, and have taken on more responsibility for less credit. Do more than just pat yourself on the back... get some of that credit back!

Use your website's "About Us" page, blog, or newsletter to let people know all the good things you do for the community.  Do you sponsor a little league team, volunteer your time or employees to staff local events, mentor at your schools?  Anything you do that improves the quality of life of those around you deserves to be noticed!  For example, myself along with other members of the Saginaw Jaycees volunteered at the World Expo of Beer last weekend, and many of the local businesses owners in Old Town Saginaw have joined forces with the Bay Valley Corvette Club to put on a Classic Car Show... check it out at http://www.oldtownmotorfest.com/.

Long Live the Business Card: A break from the high-tech

I admit (given that the subject of my last few blogs has been a social-media frenzy) that I can contribute to the horrible overwhelming feeling that high-tech marketing is a race we'll never win.  I would encourage you, however, to take a deep breath and resolve yourself to the idea that it's not about winning but rather playing the game.  With that in mind, how about a break from the high-tech?

My goal for clients is to help them build a web presence - not simply a website.  You are no doubt aware of all the e-marketing that can be done to boost hits and customer conversion rates but sometimes we long for a more personal connection.  And here it is.  Don't forget your business cards.

Here are some very simple facts and ideas to get you excited about going back to basics:

The Facts:

• Business Cards are Universal.  You don't need an iPhone, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, or any other account/computer program to get the information.  You can fit all the contact information necessary in a convenient 3.5 x 2" package and anyone you had them to will be able to receive it.  
• Business Cards aid Branding.  Want to be recognized?  Business cards don't just relay written information.  They carry with them your company colors, logos, and personality.  People will feel special when they have a little piece of your billboard or website in their pocket after they leave the conference or coffee shop.  
• Business Cards are Face-to-Face.  E-Marketing will reach the masses but the most memorable sort of communication is still face-to-face.  When we offer someone a business card we also get to shake their hand, look them in the eye, and access their needs in a very personal way.  Our contact follow through will be much higher when we know there is a real person behind the branding.  

The Ideas:

• Put a crease in it.  Conferences, Chamber meetings, and other networking opportunities are a huge arena for handing out business cards.  When you meet someone you really want to follow up with, fold or dog-ear their card before you slip it in your pocket.  That way, when you get home, you can remember the important contacts and give them a call or email right away.  
• Customize your Business Card.  You don't need to hand out a generic business card everywhere you go.  If you know you will be attending or promoting a specific event than customize your card!  Consider putting a special coupon on the back or expressing your shared interest in the event to build the relationship.  Business cards can promote more than jut you!

Have more ideas?  Post a comment and share them here!