We go to TED talks for inspiration, education, and as an entertainment resource. Every so often, someone on the team will find a useful TED talk and share it with the entire team.

TED’s mission is to spread ideas through people who “seek a deeper understanding of the world” and “believe passionately in the power of ideas to change attitudes, lives, and ultimately, the world.” And that’s something that — as a company that helps business influence, market, and attract audiences for our clients — we can really get behind.

So in the interest of spreading ideas and changing the world, we wanted to take a moment to share our team’s 3 favorite TED Talks with you. Which is your favorite?

1. Sasha Strauss: From Branding With Love

This TED Talk is a favorite of our marketing director Kristyn Dingman, who is a big fan of Sasha’s business model. But in this talk, his ability to inspire his audience with clever metaphors and funny sense of humor really shines through. It’s also a great look at the potential that marketing and branding hold. If you’re struggling to find your company’s voice, this TED Talk is a must-watch.

2. Avi Reichental: What’s Next in 3D Printing

This particular TED Talk is a favorite with the entire team here at Printing Solutions. It’s a really cool sneak-peek at new methods of 3D printing, and is a great look into the future of the print industry. Watching this makes us excited for just how amazing 3D printing is … and what it will become.

3. Simon Sinek: How Great Leaders Inspire Action

Our project managers are big fans of this TED Talk from Simon Sinek. It really hits hard on the idea of inspiration, as well as what it takes to lead others at work or at home. If you are in a leadership role or even just looking for the skills to inspire those around you, this is a perfect watch.

Ready to change the world with your ideas? Our team at Printing Solutions would love to join you. Give us a call at 480-596-6300 to let us know where we can help.

The post Our 3 Favorite TED Talks You Must See appeared first on Printing Solutions.

1. Cotton Cards

One way to give your business cards some extra oomph is as simple as changing the paper they’re printed on. One of our current favorites is a cotton card. Cotton cards have a very natural and sturdy feel to them. They make a big impression — they’re a very thick 45pt paper with actual cotton fiber pressed in — and they have such a soft and elegant feel.

“This is something really unique and can give your business a high-end presentation just based on the stock,” says Kristyn Dingman, Printing Solutions’ Director of Marketing.

2. Foil Elements

If your business card could use a little pizzazz, then foil might be your answer. Adding a stamp of foil to your cards can not only make a lasting impression, but it can make certain aspects of your card really stand out for that high-end look.

Most people think of the traditional gold and silver when they think of foil, but it is actually very versatile in its array of color, size and overall visual appeal.

“It’s a nice, inexpensive solution for someone who is looking to take that next step in design,” Kristyn says.

3. Embossing or Debossing

Embossing (or debossing) is a newer trend in print that is a great way to add both visual and tactile interest to your business cards. This technique indents certain areas of the paper so that as you go over the surface of the card with your fingertips, you can feel the imprint of your company’s logo (or other area that is embossed).

Many companies have a Spot UV or specific feel to their cards, but want a new, modern upgrade that will really make their business something to remember. Having a certain part of the card physically pop out or sink in can make a big impact.

“Many clients use this on their logo or another aspect of the card that is important,” Kristyn says. “It’s a great upgrade for someone looking to rise above their competition.”

4. Colored Edges

For a simple and affordable way to make your cards stand out, you might want to consider adding color the edges. Not only does this technique make your entire card look more cohesive and pulled together, it also gives some love to an often-forgotten area of the card.

“We love seeing clients take their main logo colors and add that sleek edge to their cards,” Kristyn says. “This works best with thicker cards.”

5. Unusual Sizes & Shapes

Not only do you want your business cards stand out, but it’s important to do it in a smart way. A new trend is changing the size from your standard 3×2.5 business card and making it into a circle or square card.

“It looks unique and is a great solution for someone looking to change a small part of their card without changing the entire feel or brand,” Kristyn says.

We can also make custom die-cut business cards for your business. If you want your business card to be a unique shape — like the gift box shape above — then we can do that too.

If you’re considering an upgrade to your business cards, there are a few things to consider first.

1. Do you have the right budget?

While the options above are each great for different businesses, they may not all be the best solution for your budget. Some business card upgrades are only a few dollars, while others may be double or triple that price. Many of the upgrades range anywhere from $30.00 – $200.00, but your final cost depends on which upgrade you want to go with. There are so many different combinations you can do that will fluctuate the price.

2. What’s your deadline?

We love creating new and improved cards for an event or conference a client plans to attend, but things get difficult when they need the upgraded cards in only a couple of days. Many of the business card upgrades above require extensive time for cutting, gluing, drying, and quality assurance checkpoints. For your new cards to look flawless, most of our upgrades simply can’t be rushed.

Here at Printing Solutions, many people want to know how we can improve their cards. We can suggest certain business card upgrades based on a client’s budget and deadline, but to really provide the best solution for your business, it’s best to meet with the Printing Solutions team. Come by our offices, or give us a call at 480-596-6300 to set up a meeting.

The post 5 Fun Upgrades to Your Business Cards appeared first on Printing Solutions.

Over the past months we’ve observed a few changes in styles among our own clients and colleagues, and we’ve compiled them for you below. Here’s what’s trending in the print world.

Social Events

Lately there are more and more social events that businesses are looking to attend, whether it’s a trade show, conference, or other tabling event. Making sure you are visually prepared and well represented at those events is key.

Large format print marketing materials like signs and retractable banners are a must for setting up a great booth. But to really stick with visitors, you’ll also want to invest in flyers, brochures, and business cards to hand out. Additional freebies like postcards, notepads, or stickers can also make a strong impact with anyone who stops at your booth.

When preparing for a trade show or other social event, it pays to plan ahead.

A full trade show package from Printing Solutions includes seven different products, all of which take time to design, print, and deliver.

BONUS: The Trade Show Basics – What Essentials you Should Bring

Direct Mail

We’re loving the trend of businesses developing effective direct mail campaigns. With direct mail you’re literally placing your company’s brand directly into customers’ mailboxes and homes. It’s a valuable “in” with your customers that your competitors likely don’t have.

If you’re jumping on the direct mail bandwagon, keep in mind that design is everything. You only get one chance to make a first impression, especially when the medium you’re using is something that most consumers consider “junk mail.” So having something designed so well that it entices customers to open it is important.

At Printing Solutions, we’re here to help through every step of the Direct Mail process, from design and printing to creating a mailing list to sending your mailers out.

BONUS: 5 Common Direct Mail Mistakes Most Businesses Make

Unique Business Cards

Making sure you are visually better than your competition is especially important in the beginning of the year when you can go all out with guns blazing. With a brand-new budget, you can create a lasting impression with your business cards. Many of our clients are using foil stamping and colored-edge business cards as a way to stand out from the crowd.

We have also noticed our clients giving extra attention to the thickness of a business card. Most business cards are printed on a 16pt matte-finish card stock. Lately, however, we have been seeing clients going for a super thick card with a silk laminate finish.

BONUS: Our 3 Favorite business Cards from 2015

These changes in trending print will not only bring a more effective visual representation of your business, but it will give your company the upper hand and attract the right customers for your business.

Looking to give your company’s printing a boost? Give Printing Solutions a call at 480-596-6300 to get started.

The post What’s Trending in the Print World? appeared first on Printing Solutions.

But how do you build a relationship with someone who comes into your business only once or twice each year? We’ve listed our best three strategies for building lasting customer relationships below.

BONUS: 3 Major Things to Look for When Hiring a New Employee

1. Understand Your Client’s Needs.

Over the years, we’ve found that the best relationships blossom when we take the time to really understand what it is our client is looking for. More often than not, they want more than just a quality print or design job — they want someone they can count on.

Understanding our client’s means asking deeper questions. It is not just about the project at hand, but also more about asking questions that reflect our core values. Are we working within their budget? Are we taking the proper steps to ensure that their creative vision is met? Are we adhering to the timeline agreed upon? Are we carefully listening to our client when they give feedback?

One example of this kind of understanding is a client who we have been working with for multiple years. We have been able to rebrand, and give this client exactly what they have been looking for. Everything from their website to mailing services have brought in new leads they never thought was possible, and it’s all through making sure that we fully understand and meet their needs.

2. Be Honest.

At Printing Solutions we’re firm believers in the idea that “Honesty is the best policy” — it’s even one of our core values. So it’s no wonder that we constantly do all that we can to build trust between our clients and ourselves. This means owning the creative process and following through on project deadlines, even when circumstances may be less than ideal.

This drive to establish a strong credibility does more than just ensure client happiness during the project at hand. It increases the chance of that customer returning to us the next time they need print or design work done, and it boosts our chances of bringing in new referral business.

“The better your relationship with your client, the more likely they are to recommend you to new clients,” Kristyn says. “It is all about building strong and authentic relationships.”

BONUS: 5 Ways to Reinforce Your Company Values

3. Create an Emotional Connection.

At Printing Solutions we not only provide quality work, but we make sure we are fully invested both physically and emotionally into each and every one of our clients. We care deeply about both the people who walk through our door and the product we produce for them. We’ve been known to spend hours and hours reworking a piece to get it just perfect for a client. We wouldn’t be satisfied with anything less.

One of the ways we show this care is by allowing for a strong creative space. We want our clients to feel free to voice their creative vision and our designers to feel free to present new ideas. This collaborative environment is unlike anything our clients have seen before, and it’s one of the things that helps them feel immediately at ease. When we have room to explore and do what we do best, this is when we get the best results for our clients. We aim to help our clients to the best of our abilities, and we do a hell of a job at it.

BONUS: What do Successful Companies and the Avengers Have in Common?

For more business strategies or to learn about our print and design services, give Printing Solutions a call at 480-596-6300.

The post 3 Strategies to Build Lasting Customer Relationships appeared first on Printing Solutions.

Fortunately, there’s a lot more to stickers than the arts and crafts aisle, and when it comes to choosing one that’s right for your business, the options are pretty much endless. Read on to find out why stickers are not just for kids.

What is a Sticker?

“We have this definition of ‘stickers.’ Well, ‘stickers’ means so many things,’ says Kristyn Lechwar, Printing Solutions’ Director of Marketing. “An adhesive label is more so the proper term — it can be anything that you would like to stick somewhere.”

BONUS: 5 Innovative Ways to Use Print Marketing

Printing Solutions’ stickers are usually paper-based, and come in a wide variety of stocks and finishes. The most commonly requested finish is a glossy coating that seals and protects, making stickers perfectly touchable and long-lasting. Our paper crack-back stickers are a popular choice, as they are a cost effective and high quality option for someone looking for a large order of stickers to hand out or distribute.

Vinyl is significantly tougher than paper and is great for bumper stickers, outdoor surfaces, or for any situation where the sticker might be exposed to the elements — think of them as all-weather labels. While a little more on the pricy side than paper stickers, the professional look and rugged durability of vinyl makes it worth the extra dough.

But when it comes down to it, stickers really can be anything that sticks — paper and vinyl are the most popular sticker materials, but are far from your only option. We can print on countless labelling materials, each of which can act as a solution for what our clients are looking for.

All of Printing Solutions’ paper stickers come with a UV glossy finish, and can be printed in countless different shapes, sizes, and stocks.

How Should I Use Stickers?

Our clients use stickers for all kinds of purposes — anything from labels for bottles or boxes to placing them on products directly.

Healing Solutions is one of our clients that really has this down. They use an attractive sticker as a label for all of their aromatherapy products.

“We do their labeling as a skinny, long piece,” Kristyn says. “It can’t really come off and it gets wrapped around. Water bottles that have the paper wrapper, they fall off. This is a great, cost-effective solution for the thousands of pieces they do.”

We also offer bumper sticker options, as well as large stickers that clients can actually resell. A bumper sticker we did for U and Improved is a great example. It turned out really well and it was perfect for the owner to hand out.

Several clients of ours love handing stickers out as gifts as well.

“We do a really fun sticker for The Boys and Girls Club,” Kristyn says. “They hand these out at events with a very strong message on them. It really creates a lasting impression.”

Who Should Use Stickers?

The key thing to think about when it comes to picking the right print marketing materials, including stickers, is to see how it would work with your company’s culture overall. For example, a dentist office might want to invest in a kid-friendly sticker to hand out since the dentist is such a scary thing for kids.

“This isn’t just for fun, goofy companies,” Kristyn says. “Anybody could use a sticker.”

Another thing to consider when choosing a sticker is its purpose. Will it be adhered indoors or outdoors? How long do you want it to say there before it is removed?

“Stickers leave a physical impression, so if you are going to be handing them out, once it’s adhered to something it doesn’t go away,” Kristyn says. “It’s permanent.”

BONUS: Guerrilla Marketing — Why You Should Use It

Are you considering investing in a nifty sticker for your business? Printing Solutions can help! With countless shapes and sizes to choose from and a talented design team by your side every step of the way, your final product is sure to be a hit. Give us a call at 480-596-6300 to get started.

The post Stickers: Not Just for Kids! appeared first on Printing Solutions.

We sat down with Printing Solutions’ Creative Director Justin Ketchum and Graphic Designer Chris Danner to get the lowdown on the top cards of the year.

BONUS: 5 Reasons You Need a Business Card

1. The Love Designed Life

The Client: The Love Designed Life
The Design: Client’s own

Printing Solutions: What was the biggest challenge about this project?
Chris Danner: For us, we were really trying to make sure the client was getting her visual needs met, but we also wanted to make sure we were getting the perfect stock she was looking for. The finish of a business card can say a lot about your business. After a couple meetings, we were finally able to choose a stock that was perfect.

PS: Which stocks, finishes, and extra features does this card include? I think I see a bit of embossing there.
CD: This specific card was a cotton card. It has an uncoated finish that is lightweight, luxurious, and absolutely different from anything out there. Cotton cards also come at a very heavy thickness. It was a 45pt card. She also upgraded to having a debossed logo, foil stamping, and metallic colored edges. It really is a one of a kind card. We know she is more than proud to have her name on a piece like that.

PS: What was your favorite part of this project?
CD: I think the best part about working with Paige was knowing that she had a vision and that we were a part of making that vision come to life. After going over different options here and there, the end result was a memorable one. We use her business card as a sample piece in our office now for other clients.

PS: What was the client like to work with?
CD: Very easy going. Because her vision was clear and on point, so was the print job. She also had a really fun and creative mind that is always admired.

PS: Why does this card beat all the others as one of Printing Solutions’ favorite business cards of the year?
CD: This specific card was not only designed well, but it was printed onto one of the most unique materials out there. Her card is going to stick out above all other cards. Because she was in a creative environment, she was free to present creative ideas, and that is what makes this all worth it.

2. Launch Financial

The Client: Launch Financial
The Design: Client’s own

Printing Solutions:  What was the biggest challenge about this project?
Justin Ketchum: I think the biggest challenge was making sure we could get all the content to fit on a smaller business card. Sometimes we need to rearrange the layout or take out verbiage for someone’s card based on the size.

PS: What was your favorite part of this project?
JK: Being able to see the end project is always a win for designers. Taking something from a computer monitor and being able to hold it and feel it makes it all worth it.

PS: Which stocks, finishes, and extra features does this card include?
JK: This business card was a silk laminated finish on a 48pt card stock. We also added an embossment and Spot UV on both sides to give it that extra flare. This card also was not your traditional size. Most business cards a 2.5X3 size. The client in this case wanted a perfectly square card that was 2.5X2.5.

PS: What challenges come with a square card that don’t exist in a standard size card?
JK: Very limited with space obviously. The solution? You use a minimum amount of contact information. In this case, web address, email, and phone number.

Bonus: What Information to Include on Your Business Cards

PS: What was the client like to work with?
JK: Eazy peazy. The client knew what they wanted and we knew how to give it to them.

PS: Why does this card beat all the others as one of Printing Solutions’ favorite business cards of the year?
JK: This card is unique in the sense that it is not traditional is shape, there were upgraded features, and the design itself really worked will with the upgrades that were added. It is a bombshell of a business card. You are going to want to keep this card as a reference for your next business card.

3. City Looks Barber Shop

The Client: City Looks Barber Shop
The Design: Printing Solutions

Printing Solutions: What was the biggest challenge about this project?
Chris Danner: This particular project had a lot of moving parts. It is one of the thicker card stock options, so we needed to make sure everything was flowing and made sense. Not everything needs to be over the top when it comes to design. A lot of times, simpler is better. With a company like City Looks Barber, we needed to make sure the design was not getting lost in noise.

PS: What was your favorite part of this project?
CD: Seeing the end result of a product is always the most exciting part. When all was said and done, it was really great to see the card come to life. That first time the clients sees the finished product is always such a proud moment for a designer, especially when the client is ecstatic about the result.

PS: Which stocks, finishes, and extra features does this card include?
CD: This card was a silk laminated finish with a 48pt card stock. One side has a silver foil stamp while the other has a debossed cutout of their logo with a white background in the second layer. It’s a very intricate card.

PS: What was the client like to work with?
CD: Simple, direct, and knew what he wanted. It was nice to have a firm hand in the process. We had room to be creative without being limited, but we were given some direction, which is always helpful.

PS: Why does this card beat all the others as one of Printing Solutions’ favorite business cards of the year?
CD: This card was such a intricate card that we had to make it a top choice for the year. This card in particular has so many fun and interesting features to it. It’s a card that will surely stick out and be remembered.

Bonus: 3 Signs That it’s Time to Update Your Business Cards

Have a business card you’d like updated? Our talented team can help take your card to the next level. Give us a call today at 480-596-6300 to start the journey.

The post Our 3 Favorite Business Cards from 2015 appeared first on Printing Solutions.

Studies show that having a business card is important. Sales increase 2.5 percent for every 2,000 business cards passed out, according to a recent survey, but that’s far from the only reason to have one.

If you’re considering purchasing business cards — a bestseller in our rebranding department since our company began — then these five reasons you need a business card are just for you.

1. Branding

For the biggest reason to have a business card, look no further than recognition. Your business card is often one of the first points of contact that people will have with you, and from that first introduction, it subtly says something about you.

“It’s the one thing that you can hand out that’s not expensive and is branding yourself and showing who you are,” says Kristyn Lechwar, Director of Marketing at Printing Solutions. “I can’t imagine not having even something simple.”

A plain, black-and-white version with just the basics — company name and logo, your name and title, and your contact information — will do the trick. But to really wow new contacts, you’ll want to opt for something a little more rare. The stock of paper, the finish quality, and even the colors you choose to print in all play a role in how your business card is received.

“You only get one first impression. You don’t get a second one,” Kristyn says. “If it’s all about getting your name out there in the community, you better make sure it’s top-notch, because you’re only going to get to do that once.”

BONUS: 3 Reasons Why Your Business Cards Aren’t Working

2. Credibility

Business cards lend credibility to your work and show that you’re serious about what you do.

The thickness of a card plays a large role here. Thinner cardstocks tend to feel cheaper, which simply doesn’t convey the authority and austerity of a thick, luxurious card. If the latter is the impression you’re looking to make on new clients and contacts, our cotton card may be the one for you.

“It’s actual cotton that’s compressed, and it’s a super thick card,” Kristyn says.

If cotton cards sound like a bit much for you, there are other ways to establish credibility with your business cards. Extra touches like embossing, glossy finishes, and high-resolution colored graphics all point to extra care taken in the impression you’re making.

3. Personality

Showing that you mean business is all well and good, but serious doesn’t always fit a company’s culture. That’s where design comes into play to create a business card that expresses your personality.

“It’s an insane number of different types of business cards that we can do,” Kristyn says. “I know we can do over 30 different types of business cards for sure. Anything that you’ve ever Googled about cool business cards, we can do it.”

Depending on the message you want to convey, you may want a business card that makes strategic use of finishes, paper thickness, or holographic details. You may want to consider embossing, foil accents, or rounded corners.

Or if you’re like one of our clients, you may steer clear of paper entirely.

“The client actually bought a plastic fake cassette that had a USB that popped back inside of it,” Kristyn says. “It looked like a cool USB that you would just have in your backpack but it was printed with their company’s business card on it.”

Whatever your own taste and personality may be, a business card is the perfect way to express yourself from the moment you make a new acquaintance.

BONUS: Make a Lasting Impression with Unique Business Cards

4. Reference

A business card isn’t just a statement piece — it’s also a handy reference tool for the person who receives it.

Nearly every business card printed includes at least one form of contact information for the person handing it out, and usually lists several ways to get in touch. For a business with a heavy social media presence, it may be wise to include the company’s Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts along with the traditional email and phone number.

If you frequently meet with clients or patients, you may also want to include a space for notes or appointment information on the back of your card. This gives your clients a bit more context as to why they have your card, and it encourages them to engage with it. It also makes them less likely to throw it away, ensuring that your name and business will stick around in their homes for longer.

5. Longevity

As simple as it is to email or text someone your contact information, sometimes it’s nice to hold a piece of paper now and then.

This is where business cards come in handy. The nicer the stock and finish of your card, the longer it tends to stick around on someone’s desk. And the more your new contacts see your card, the more likely they are to act on the prompts it carries.

This is especially true if you’ve incorporated color into your business card design. A recent study shows that while 88 percent of business cards will be thrown out in a week, prospective clients hold onto a color card 10 times longer than a plain black-and-white card.

BONUS: 3 Signs That It’s Time to Update Your Business Cards

Need A Business Card Designed?

To learn more about our many options for business cards, or for help designing your own, give Printing Solutions a call at 480-596-6300.

The post 5 Reasons You Need a Business Card appeared first on Printing Solutions.

Goals

To begin with, it is crucial that your team is very aware and focused on your objectives for being at the trade show. Be sure they understand not only the goals for your business, but also any show-specific goals you might have as well. These may need to be broken down to individual goals to ensure everyone stays on track. Don’t hesitate to be very specific so they know exactly what you are expecting. Unless there are clear expectations, your staff may not be able to achieve your objective.

How to Engage

Of most importance is training your staff on how to first engage with a potential client as they pass by your booth. This is a very important moment, one that can make all of the difference. Practice good opening lines that are both confident and clever. Teach your staff how to greet professionally and with a smile. Remind them how important first impressions are.

BONUS: How to Efficiently Network at a Trade Show

Use the Booth

Effective trade show booths are not just pleasing to the eye. They should also be able to convey basic information that they can expound upon by your team. Make sure your staff knows the layout of the booth well. Also make sure they are able to direct your potential buyers to the right place at the right time. If you segment your booth by products or services, train employees on how to use it effectively to get the appropriate information across. Everyone should know where you keep additional promotional items and brochures when supplies run low.

Keep The Customer In Mind

One way to keep your potential customers at your booth longer is to be knowledgeable and helpful with other questions that might come up regarding the location. If your staff is able to help those who stop by with directions to the airport or the basic layout of the center, they will have an advantage in engaging in other topics of conversation.

Remember to keep a full stock of marketing materials such as business cards, brochures, postcards, and other promotional giveaway materials. Contact Printing Solutions for quotes and rates to print materials or for help with design of your booth. We have been in the business of helping companies present themselves professionally at trade shows for many years now. And we are happy to share our insight and expertise with you.

The post Train Your Staff to Get the Most From Your Trade Show Booth appeared first on Printing Solutions.

Put simply, a marketing partnership is an arrangement made between two businesses to join forces in the pursuit of new business, clients and customers. Working together, you and your marketing partner build strategies that increase your exposure, broaden your marketing strategy and expand your knowledge and influence.

Start By Finding the Right Partner

You can’t just form a partnership with anyone. There should be some thought and strategy that goes into choosing the right partner that will be mutually beneficial. For one thing, both parties involved must stand to gain something from the relationship. In the best-case scenario, these benefits are as equal as possible. One common mistake some businesses make is rushing into a partnership just for the sake of forming the alliance without carefully considering how it will benefit them.

Choosing the wrong partner can lead to a loss of resources, time and money. You may find yourself in a situation where you are actually losing by having a partner.

Show Your Value

At the same time you are carefully avoiding the wrong partners, be sure that you are putting your best foot forward to attract the type of marketing partners you do want. You’ll want to be crystal clear with all potential partners in explaining exactly what they stand to gain by becoming your partner.

You can also show your value by being prepared with the work and tasks required to form a partnership when the time comes. Make the process as simple as possible and expect the same from whomever you are working with.

BONUS: Help Your Employees Focus on Your Business Core Values

Commitment is Key

Showing your commitment and hard work is crucial in the success of any marketing partnership. Be willing to do your share and then some in the beginning stages to show your willingness to make this partnership work. This will dispel any skepticism and build trust between you are your partner.

One way to show your commitment and eagerness to make the new partnership work is to have some business ready to go right away. This is sure to get the attention of your partner and demonstrates your seriousness.

Not all marketing partnerships work in the end. Many fall apart due to unrealistic expectations as well as failure to live up to promises. Remember that it takes patience and discipline to make a partnership work. If you are simply looking for some quick business or a one-way referral connection, a marketing partnership is probably not the answer.

The post How You Can Get The Most From Your Marketing Partners appeared first on Printing Solutions.

Both trade shows and business expos have proven in the past to be an excellent way to introduce your business to others while collecting leads and contacts to follow up with. In many ways, how you present your business at an expo is microcosm of your entire company. Your presence, your message, your look and even your ability to work with others are all highlighted in one way or another when you participate in an expo.

Do You Fit In?

In the sea of booths and displays that makes up a business expo or trade show, it would seem counterintuitive to want to “fit in.” However, you do want to be sure that you are participating in the right type of expo. Make sure that you choose expos that will provide contact with the right type of people. Some businesses have found that, instead of buying space at every expo, they hold off and only participate in expos that will give them the best ROI.

You also want to be sure that you look the part. Having correct signage, displays and marketing collateral is essential at any trade show or expo. You want to walk into your next expo feeling confident that you can hang with other participating businesses because you have the right materials.

Do You Stand Out?

Once you have the basics covered for your next expo, it’s time to start thinking about how you can set yourself apart from the many other businesses that will be represented there. Most importantly, you want to know that you are clearly different from any other competitors that may be at the same expo.

Standing out really comes down to leaving an impression. You can make a strong impression by paying close attention to the details of your message and your display. For one thing, it is absolutely imperative that you present a uniform and deliberate look and feel to your business. Having banners, signs, table displays, swag and other collateral that match and work together can help to leave that powerful impression.

Make sure that any employees participating match too with coordinated shirts, business cards, and a concise message that reinforces what your signs and banners are saying. If the average person at an expo is only spending a few precious minutes at your booth or display, then you want those few minutes to convey the most powerful message possible, one that will stick with them long after the expo is over.

BONUS: How to Efficiently Network at a Trade Show

Not sure exactly how to go about designing effective signs and banners for your expo? Not to worry! Call Printing Solutions at 480-596-6300 and let us work with you on developing an effective presence for your next expo.

The post What to Bring to an Expo to Fit In and to Stand Out appeared first on Printing Solutions.