Impression Engineers | Information Design Specialty Products

We celebrate Thanksgiving just one day a year, but studies show that expressions of gratitude have “significant and consistent improvement" on our worldview. Viewing life as a gift "holds considerable sway…on achieving optimal psychological functioning…” in real world words, HAPPINESS.

Oddly enough, this same study found that the kinds of things that most people do to gain happiness, e.g.; new shoes, new car, does not have the consistent effects they assumed—only the expression of gratitude, seemed to have a long-term effect on the happiness and well-being of study participants. (1)

Three things I’m grateful for today and everyday

1. That I have another day to share. Another day to share my passion for life. Another day to explore and enjoy this grand adventure. Another day with my family and friends.
2. My family, friends, associates and clients: THANK YOU for loving (and putting up with) me. You are all highlights in my life.
3. The negative people I have encountered—a generous, heartfelt Thank You! The nay-sayers have been some of my best teachers, in disguise. That’s right, grateful for the nay-sayers—those who are more than happy to say “You can’t do something."

Last week, we talked about the look and feel of your company or brand. If the look and feel is the face of your company, then imagine that the management processes and systems is the skelton, while the service, price, quality, availability, selection, functionality, etc. are the various functions of the body. All should be functioning well to be successful.

It’s always been a competitive world out there. The Internet has opened vast markets for our customers, their attention is being pulled in many ways. Remember, your competitors, most likely, offer quality products, good prices and customer service too. So how do you differentiate yourself?

My friend, Michael Port, creator of the Book Yourself Solid system, calls it the "Who and Do What statement." He suggests, "Keep it simple and straightforward… Whom do you help and what do you help them do." Another term tossed around in marketing is USP—your own Unique Selling Proposition—what creates differentiation between you and your competitors in the mind’s of your clients?

1. What do you do better than anyone else?

Read the rest of this entry »

Most people think of a logo when they hear the word brand. Brands are not just logos. Brands are the intangibles that consumers believe about your company, product or service. When we see a logo, we usually think of a brand—the swoosh and Nike, the golden arches and McDonalds, but brands have many “parts.”

Today, the first part of a three part series, the most obivious part of a brand — the visible part of your brand — the logo, logotype, jingle, tagline, etc; including the color, font, sound, look and feel. When developing this part of our company or brand take care to make the look and feel compatible with the Identity you are nurturing in the mind of the consumer.

Your logo, logotype, colors, the entire look and feel, including the marketing methods, should be consistent with your message and customer promise.

Most important, in developing the look and feel of your brand, keep the visual simple including your logo and logotype. Remember it may need to be embroidered on shirts or put on a billboard. Color selection is important also. The more colors in the logo, the more costly it may be to print. Stay away from “fad” or “in” colors and fonts. Just a couple of years ago, teal and gray were all the rage as was the font Papyrus. Now, they look old and dated.

Read the rest of this entry »