Are Your Meetings Worth Attending?

When asking employees what makes a meeting worth attending, 62% said “clear,” “specific,” “defined,” and “concrete” information should be given.

This may sound like basic information, but many bosses hold meetings that are contrary to these terms. So how can you ensure you’re not making this mistake?

Here are 10 tips to keep your meetings effective and productive.

10 Tips to Make Your Meetings More Effective

1. Determine why you are having the meeting.

Try to pinpoint exactly why you are holding a meeting for these particular people.

Start by identifying the purpose and desired outcomes of the meeting, then include it in both the meeting invitation and the meeting agenda.

2. Determine the appropriate attendees.

You won’t hurt anyone’s feelings if they aren’t invited to the meeting.

In fact, people don’t want to waste their time if they aren’t the appropriate people to handle the topic of the meeting. Only invite people who can implement the changes you seek or offer advice on the appropriate department.

3. Create an effective agenda.

Type up the agenda, and list the topics and the presenters. Also, include start and end times so that the meeting doesn’t go off-topic.

Send out the agenda before the meeting so that everyone is ready to contribute.

4. Vary the presenters.

By including different presenters, you will stir up more interest and invite others to engage.

Having different views and topics by different people is much more engaging, and it may provoke others to share their insights as well.

5. Take breaks.

This is the best way to keep people off their phones. A break is the best time to check their emails and texts, get a drink, and use the restroom.

6. Pass out handouts at the beginning.

Be prepared for all participants.

Don’t expect they will bring their agendas; have enough for everyone in attendance. Place the handouts at each spot around the table to minimize the shuffling of papers. 

7. Don’t recap for latecomers.

This wastes time for all who arrived on time.

No matter the reason, don’t recap during the meeting. Latecomers can catch up by reading the agenda and talking to others during the break.

8. Cover the most important topic first.

Then list the next important topic, and so forth.

This gets right down to business. It’s like reading a newspaper article, in which the most important information is given right away, and then the subsequent information is disseminated.

9. Try to hear from everyone.

If it’s a small enough group, allow for input from each person. Give time to ask relevant questions and hear them out.

10.  Assign jobs prior to the meeting.

Have someone take notes, which involves mainly writing down the main talking points and actions that were brought up.

Have a timekeeper who can kindly keep everyone on task. Have a director who introduces each speaker. This keeps the meeting organized and effective. 

These tips should help you review your meeting process and possibly improve it a little if needed. Getting the most out of your meetings will ensure more success for you personally and for your business.

Our goal is to help you be successful as well. Our printing firm knows your time is valuable, and we are here to help you streamline your business. We will get right to the point, create an action plan and get your printing done on time so you will continue to be successful. 

Contact us today to get started! 516-561-1468 or FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ANY OF OUR MARKETING PRODUCTS GO TO: www.printcafeli.com

 

Re-evaluate Your Time Management Skills

 

Time management is something we all strive to improve.

When you think you have it down to a science, a big project comes along and stretches us. But we all know that time management is the key to being successful.  

These tips will help you re-evaluate your time management skills in case you have been bombarded by stress.

Delegate. Okay, we said it. Delegation is key but make sure you give the job to the right person so you don’t feel like you have to micromanage them.

Don’t multitask. It feels like we are being more productive, and people often applaud it but don’t fall into the trap of multitasking. Studies show we are actually less productive when we spread our attention among several projects. Instead, make a list of things you need to do and cross them off as you go. That way, you won’t forget a project, but you can get it off your mind right away.

Deal with stress positively. We all get stressed out at times, but it’s how we handle it that counts. Exercise helps us deal with stress in a positive way. Other ways to deal with stress: meditate, call up a friend, listen to a podcast, get outside in nature, and write in a journal.

Set both short- and long-term goals. Your goals should be measurable, specific, relevant, and time-based. For example, if your goal is to get a raise in six months, figure out the specific steps you will need to achieve in order to do this. Then tackle it head-on.

Don’t overbook your calendar. Make sure that not every second of every day is taken. You will need some downtime, as well as time for phone calls and meetings that pop up. This will help you stay on track and not get discouraged when you can’t stick to the actual schedule.

Get up early. Most successful people start their day with a little extra time in the morning. Just getting up half an hour earlier will help you be more productive throughout your day.

Take regular breaks. Schedule these in so you are sure to take them. This ensures you don’t get distracted and helps you push on when you are tempted to look at your phone. Just 10 or 15 minutes is all it takes. You can get something to drink, go for a walk, check your phone, or talk with a coworker or friend.

Say no sometimes. When people ask you to do something, if possible, examine your schedule and workload first. Don’t just take on new assignments that you don’t have to. This also applies to get-togethers as well. If you are busy, don’t feel bad telling someone you are not able to go right now. But be sure to follow up with them later when you are free.

Don’t procrastinate. This is a good rule for both the office and in your personal life. Procrastination causes unneeded stress. We tend to procrastinate when we are overwhelmed or bored. Whatever the case, try to overcome it by making yourself start right away on a task.

Be realistic in how long a task takes. If you have a task to schedule, make sure you accurately estimate the time it takes to accomplish it. Will it take an hour to write that speech? Or will it take a week? Be realistic so you can stay on track.

Time management is something we can all work on daily. It’s important to keep honing those skills because we won’t be successful if we don’t. When you work with us, we will keep you on track with our on-time delivery and great products. Contact us today to get started! 516-561-1468 or FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ANY OF OUR MARKETING PRODUCTS GO TO: www.printcafeli.com

 

Do Millennials Still Buy Print? [With Statistics]

 By Haidan Dong

Print has been around for hundreds of years (arguably even thousands), but with the rise of new digital technology, many print professionals are concerned about the future of print demand. A new demographic is moving into the market. They’re Millennials, the generation that reached adulthood between 2000 and 2010. They are estimated to have a buying power of $1 trillion by 2020, when they will make up a third of the American population. Despite having grown up in a time when smartphones and social media were still rare, the Millennial generation is now a major user of digital media and it readily embraces technology. This begs the question: do Millennials still buy print? The answer will affect the future of the printing industry.

Let’s take a look at the data.

Do Millennials read printed books?

To begin, we first looked at how Millennials feel about traditional printed books (as opposed to ebooks or audiobooks). Neil Howe, who coined the term “Millennials”, cites the following numbers in his article Millennials: A Generation Of Page-Turners:

• 92% of college students prefer reading print material to digital material
• If the cost of the print and digital copy of a leisure book were the same, 80% would pick the paper version
• Young adults are no more likely than their elders to read digital books exclusively (around 6%)

So we know that Millennials are still buying print in the form of books, but what about their relationship to print in advertising? With Millennials becoming 50% of the world’s workforce by 2020, they’ll be making key buying decisions for businesses. Would they still invest in print advertising? Let’s look at the results of print marketing to Millennials.

Do Millennials respond well to print advertising?

There have been a number of studies on the Millennial’s relationship with print advertising, but they have all come to a similar conclusion. Take, for example, the Quad Graphics customer focus study Millennials: An Emerging Consumer Powerhouse. The study found that Millennials like to “hold print in their hands, read it, smell it, use it to link to a video or coupon, save it, take it to the store with them, and share it with friends.” Furthermore, they pay attention to print, as shown in the following graph from their report:

The next chart tells even more. Here are the types of ads that Millennials ignore:

It may not come as a surprise to you that Millennials pay attention to direct mail. After all, USPS published a study that found that Millennials were actually more likely to engage with direct mail than non-Millennials. The graph below was taken from their study:

In addition, the same study found that:

• 50% of Millennials ignore digital ads but only 15% ignore direct mail
• 90% of Millennials think direct mail advertising is reliable
• 57% have made purchases based on direct mail offers
• 87% of Millennials like receiving direct mail

Why?

These findings had researchers asking the next question to better understand the relationship between Millennials and print. Why do members of this tech-savvy generation still prefer paperback books and glossy brochures snail mailed to their homes?

Because of Neuroscience

The science behind print helps us understand why. Canada Post published a fascinating scientific study behind how the brain reacts to print. They found that it requires 21% less cognitive effort to process printed direct mail than digital media. Hence, it is also processed quicker. Together, these factors make printed materials more persuasive and therefore likely to drive behavior. In fact, 23% of Millennials say they bought or ordered something as a result of receiving direct mail in the last 12 months, as reported by Royal Mail MarketReach.

Because of Trust

Another reason is simply that as a society we tend to trust print more, and that Millennials are no exception. MarketingSherpa’s Customer Satisfaction Research Study found that US internet users still trust print ads more than any other type of advertising (see graph below).

It’s therefore little wonder why Millennials love print, and why most of the population does too, even in the age of digital advertising.

Yes, Millennials still buy print, and will keep buying print.

Based on numerous studies, it is evident that Millennials still buy print and continue to be influenced by print. As they gradually make up more of the workforce, they will likely translate their positive views on print media into purchasing decisions. The demand for print is here to stay, at least for another generation. Contact us today to get started! 516-561-1468 or FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ANY OF OUR MARKETING PRODUCTS GO TO: www.printcafeli.com

How to Write an Effective Email

Communication is the key to running a business, and writing emails is one major way we communicate.

So it is worth saying that writing a good email is key to getting your initiatives out and in keeping customers happy.

Here are some tips to consider when writing an email.

Think of Your Audience

Who are you writing to?

Is it your coworker? Your boss? Your friend?

These all deserve a well-written email, but the tone of your letter will vary depending on whom you are writing to. Keep the tone similar throughout the email.

For example, if it’s for a friend, it’s okay to be light-hearted and funny. But if it’s your boss, and you’re inquiring about something for work, you probably want to keep the tone professional and more serious.

What do you want your audience to do? Make sure you keep your goal in mind while writing your email. This will help you not to wander and get off track.

Proofread Your Email

Don’t just send your email right after typing it.

Look it over again to make sure that nothing can get misinterpreted. Emails are hard to determine tone sometimes, so choose your words wisely. Read your email again, but think of it from an outsider’s perspective. Pretend you don’t know what your email is about, and read it with fresh eyes.

Use Spell-Check

For that matter, use grammar check if you need it, too.

You don’t want to look incompetent if there are misspelled words or grammatical mistakes. People will judge you on your wording, so be thoughtful.

Be Courteous

Use an opening and closing that is appropriate and kind. You want to build relationships through your writing.

The Email Basics

Here are the basic parts to a great email:

1. Subject line

Make sure your subject line matches the text of the letter so that your recipient can know right away what it’s about. Not only that, but when you are hunting for that email later, you will be able to find it quickly.

2. Greeting

Have a nice greeting and closing statement to set the tone.

3. Body

Keep it to a few sentences, rather than a novel. Keep it succinct and focused on what you want to communicate. Save the extra’s for later.

4. Closing

You will want to have a friendly closing, such as, “thank you,” “wishing you well,” “take care,” or other closings.

No matter what your message is, you will have a well-written email long as you follow these steps. After all, good communication is important no matter whom you are sending it to.

We welcome emails from all our customers, and we respond quickly to your questions and prospective jobs. Feel free to shoot us email today to get started on your next project.

Contact us today to get started! 516-561-1468 or FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ANY OF OUR MARKETING PRODUCTS GO TO:www.printcafeli.com

 

 3 Tips to Improve Your Print Marketing Strategy

Print is a powerful marketing tool.

People trust print more. In fact, 82% of consumers say they trust print ads more than digital ones. This is one reason why print helps generate loyal customers. 

Print is also more likely to be noticed and has a higher response rate, growing your client base. Although print is intrinsically powerful, there are actions you can take to grow its effect further. 

Include a Call-to-Action

Perhaps self-explanatory, a call-to-action is when you call on your client to act. 

Call-to-actions are often included within your advertisements. They ask the client to check out the business website, follow the social media account, or sign up for a newsletter. 

Often, customers’ interests are piqued by your print campaign, but they’re not sure what to do next. A call-to-action solves this problem, increasing the likelihood of customer interaction. 

Call-to-actions can reside within a plethora of print forms. 

Utilize a Variety of Print Mediums

Print comes in all shapes and sizes.

Keep your target market interested by adding variety. Brochures, business cards, and postcards are all extremely effective forms of print advertising. 

• Brochures are small pamphlets that advertise the products and/or services of your business. A compelling design will help keep your customers engaged. Brochures also provide you the opportunity to share your business’s brand with consumers. Your brand is the intangible concept of your business that consumers use to distinguish you from your competitors. Brands are important because people often attach loyalty to brands. 
  
  
• Business cards are small, easy-to-carry cards you can hand out at promotional events. It helps improve the brand recall of prospective customers because these handy business cards stick around the customers’ houses for quite some time. In other words, business cards help customers remember your business. Business cards also help customers stay in touch with you.
  
  
• Postcards are medium-sized cards with a picture or design on the front and a message on the back. They are effective because people are especially attracted to pictures. Just like brochures, these allow you to share your brand with your prospective clients. 

Some forms of print are more effective than others. That’s why it’s important to acquire data. 

Track Your Results

To improve your future print marketing campaigns, it’s imperative that you track the results of your past campaigns. 

Obtaining data will help you pinpoint what went well and what needs improvement. This will significantly help you in the future when you decide what to include. Include more of the factors that were widely successful. For the parts that didn’t go well, you could brainstorm why and how to improve them. Or, you can forgo the faulty technique and bring in another one instead. 

You want your marketing attempts to have the most impact possible. Adding a call-to-action, mixing up your print marketing variety, and tracking your results will help you develop a more effective marketing campaign.  Contact us today to get started! 516-561-1468 or FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ANY OF OUR MARKETING PRODUCTS GO TO:www.printcafeli.com

 Lol! The Pros and Cons of Adding Humor to Marketing

Getting people to laugh can be a highly effective marketing strategy.

However, before you jump right in, it’s imperative to decide if humor in marketing is right for you and your business. After all, the best marketing is engaging, memorable, and shareable. Humor, when done correctly, checks all these boxes. 

Pros to Incorporating Humor into Your Marketing Strategy

• Humor helps your advertisement stand out by grabbing people’s attention. This is why it is often easier for people to remember comedic advertisements.
• Your company becomes more relatable and trustworthy.
• Your marketing will become more likely to be shared because people like to spread laughter.
• Some companies have gone ‘viral’ for their humorous marketing advertisements. 

Cons to Incorporating Humor into Your Marketing Strategy

• Not everyone has the same sense of humor. Something you find hilarious may flop on your audience, causing your company to appear unprofessional.
• The seriousness of your business will be decreased. For some, this may not be a problem.
• Humor requires cautiousness because it has the potential to offend your target audience, which is the last thing you want. Testing your content on employees and letting it sit for about a week before releasing it can help you avoid this. 

Is Humor Right for Your Business?

Try asking yourself the following questions: 

• Will my target audience appreciate comedy?
• Would comedy complement my current brand?
• Do you, or your employees, have the skills to create humorous content?
• Are you confident in your ability to create comedy without offending your client base?

Reflect on your answers to the above questions as well as the information stated earlier. If you believe comedy has a place in your marketing strategy, great! Before you get started, it’s worthwhile knowing the various types of humor you can utilize. 

Humor Comes in All Shapes and Sizes

Try these on for size if you’re looking to add a few laughs to your marketing strategy. 

Irony

Irony usually implies the opposite of what is directly at face value for comedic effect. 

Perhaps you remember learning about irony and the different kinds of irony in English class. You’ll be happy to know that this information does indeed have real-world applications. 

There are three primary forms of irony: situational, verbal, and dramatic.

• Situational irony happens when the opposite of what is expected occurs.
• Verbal irony is like sarcasm in that the person’s words contrast with their actual meaning.
• Dramatic irony occurs when the audience knows something the character(s) don’t. 

Dry Humor

Dry humor is all about delivery: a deadpan facial expression with a matter-of-fact voice. 

Although dry humor jokes are usually inherently funny, the delivery elevates the comedy. Sarcasm, cynicism, and irony are often utilized within dry humor. 

Visual Humor

Visual humor creates comedy through a picture. 

Your business can utilize visual humor by sending out postcards with a visually humorous picture displayed. It’ll be sure to catch your client’s eye and make them laugh, making your business stand out and be memorable. 

Call-Back Jokes

Call-back jokes refer back to a previous joke your company has made.  

Call-back jokes are beneficial for making your clients feel closer to your company because they are now part of an inside joke. This improves customer retention and brand loyalty. 

This strategy is best used when your business had a previous widely successful joke. You don’t want to use this strategy on an obscure joke your company previously made because the joke might be lost on your audience. 

Humor in marketing is quite prevalent, causing many fine examples. 

Comedy within Jake from State Farm

Jake from State Farm was a widely successful ad that utilized irony.

It highlights State Farm’s availability to help its customers. In the commercial, a husband is talking to a representative from State Farm at three in the morning, but the wife thinks he’s having an affair.

She asks Jake, whom she assumes to be a female, what he’s wearing. Jake from State Farm responds, “Uh, Khakis.” The wife remarks to her husband that she (Jake) sounds hideous. Her husband responds with the punchline, “Well, he’s a guy, so...” 

Because of the wide success of the ad, State Farm used a call-back joke in a later commercial. Here they play the same clip, but this time a new agent, also named Jake, is on the phone.

When asked by the wife what he’s wearing, he also responds with, “Uh, Khakis.” However, this time he leans over to his coworker and asks him if State Farm Agents often get asked what they’re wearing. His coworker replies with, “Uh, yeah.” 

State Farm isn’t the only company with great examples of comedic ads. If you need inspiration, it may be beneficial to look through ads other companies have released. 

You can watch the Jake from State Farm ads here. 

Laughter is a Powerful Marketing Tool

Knowing when and how to do so effectively can do wonders for your marketing campaign. 

 Spot UV Coating Makes Your Images Pop

Business people collect a lot of business cards; in fact, there are so many that sometimes these items get lost in the shuffle.

But there is a way to print business cards to let your message not only dazzle the recipient but help you get truly noticed.  

Let’s take a look at spot UV coating! It is a magical way to make your images and message pop and get noticed.

What is UV Coating?

UV coating is a clear compound that is applied to wet paper, then instantly dried by ultraviolet light.

The UV portion of spot UV comes from the ultraviolet light that is used to instantly cure the glossy varnish. And there’s no need to worry about toxicity because UV coatings are environmentally safe. They are free of solvents and do not emit volatile organic compounds or VOCs when cured. It dries at a fast speed, making it easy to add detail to your marketing materials.

Due to its eye-catching appearance and versatile applications, spot UV is one of the most popular printing techniques available. Even if you’ve never heard of it, you’ve no doubt seen its effects. It’s the shiny part of an otherwise matte page. It shines and puts your marketing in a class above ordinary printing.

The Best Ways to Use UV Coating

UV coating can be used on a whole page to protect your entire message or as a spot coating.

Using the spot coating not only protects your logo or name, it also shines bright when the light catches it. It is a decorative feature that many businesses are starting to use.

The great thing about using spot UV is that you can use it on a variety of paper stocks, from heavy 24pt cardstock to a thinner 100# text. No matter what paper you use, choosing a matte finish will contrast nicely with the spot UV coating: the more contrast, the better. 

Some people use the spot UV coating as a way to create their image or logo instead of printing it in another color. For example, you could use shiny black with matte black paper to show your logo off or a portion of an image.  

No matter where you use the spot UV coating, you are sure to make a significant impact and be remembered. Check out our website to get more options for paper and printing, and we will make sure your spot UV coating makes the most of your marketing materials. Set up a time to talk with one of our printing specialists, and let’s get to work. Contact us today to get started! 516-561-1468 or FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ANY OF OUR MARKETING PRODUCTS GO TO:www.printcafeli.com

 Your Mini-Guide to Business Branding

Branding helps your business create the desired image of your company by clarifying and expanding what your company stands for.

According to Kotler and Keller, "Branding is endowing products and services with the power of a brand." It helps put your business above the competition by giving customers an idea to attach themselves to. It affects consumers, employees, and shareholders. 

Brand vs. Products 

Branding can be challenging to understand, it helps to know the difference between a product and a brand.

A product is an item or service your company is selling. Although unique products or services are excellent, they can usually be easily copied by other aspiring entrepreneurs.

A brand is the idea and image behind the product. It is the promise made to the customers regarding what the product can deliver. It fulfills the customers' desires while creating an emotional appeal for customers to attach themselves to. 

Why Focus on Branding? 

So, what's the big deal about branding? Well, branding has many advantages. Here are just a few of them.

Branding makes your business unique.

In saturated markets where similar products or services are being sold, it can be too easy to get lost among the many other businesses.

However, branding gives you the chance to stand out. Customers may prefer the image and idea you are selling above that of a competitor. 

Branding creates greater customer loyalty.

Although quality products and/or services will be what keeps the customer coming back, you can strengthen that loyalty by giving the customer a brand to attach themselves to.

It is easier for people to connect to ideas and images over products. The customers you bring in through your branding are going to be your ideal customers. Why? Because there was something about your brand that they loved and will most likely continue to love for a long time!

Branding generates consistency.

Consistency is important because it better helps consumers identify your products by giving your company a unique look that can be attributed back to you.

Developing a great brand will make it much easier to release new products or services and provide a framework for your company to work under, alleviating the pressure of figuring out the little details. 

Developing a Brand Guide

The purpose of a brand guide is to solidify your company's visual design and the voice, tone, and messaging.

Brand Guides include creating and finalizing the logos, color palette, typography, and voice and tone. This can be overwhelming, especially if you don't have professional design skills. So, don't be afraid to hire a professional when developing your brand guide. Great designs can really make a difference. 

Where to Apply Branding

Advertising

Your advertising campaign should incorporate consistent designs and messages.

Some great ideas for advertising include large print advertising, including banners and posters. When designing these, refer to your branding guide to create consistent color schemes, fonts, and messaging.

A fantastic design will catch potential customers' attention, and the incorporation of your branding guide in your advertisement will help them better identify your products in the market. 

Product and Packaging Design

Try to apply your brand guide to your products and packaging.

Again, it'll significantly help your company's consistency, making your business and products easily identifiable to customers. 

Branding helps your business stand out among the competition by generating consistency and amazing design throughout your business's endeavors, translating into more outstanding sales and customer loyalty. Contact us today to get started! 516-561-1468 or FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ANY OF OUR MARKETING PRODUCTS GO TO:www.printcafeli.com

 Hard vs.Soft Selling

Selling isn’t easy, no matter what you’re selling. How do you know which tactics work best and in which situations?

Check out the difference between a hard sell and a soft sell below to determine which approach will work best for your business.

In Corner One: The Hard Sell

The hard sell is used to close a sale quickly and is often pushy and aggressive.

It’s not uncommon for the salesperson to keep pushing until the customer has said no three times. The hard sell method has actually fallen out of favor with most businesses because it can leave the customer feeling unsatisfied and regretful, causing them to share their negative experiences with their friends and acquaintances.

Despite this, the hard sell is still utilized today because it provides immediate rewards and is great for 100% commission jobs. Hard sells also minimize the competition because the customer has little to no time to compare your product or services against another business. 

Despite its potential drawbacks, the hard sell can still be productive if it’s not done too aggressively.  

In Corner Two: The Soft Sell

The soft sell is generally favored over the hard sell.

The soft sell uses subtle persuasion and casual language in a low-pressure environment to close the sale. However, this approach usually takes longer, causing the seller to have to follow up multiple times.

The soft sell is somewhat counterintuitive because the sales representative focuses more on building a relationship with the client rather than selling the item.

Because of this, the sales representative must be persistent, frequently checking back on the customer. However, it is quite effective because customers like doing business with people they know and trust. The customer is more likely to keep coming back because they’ve had a good experience with you. 

6 Tips for a Successful Soft Sell

1. Do Your Research.

Researching your client before meeting them will give you a better idea of their needs and how you can best help them. You’ll also be better prepared and equipped to meet their needs.

2. Develop a Relationship.

Customers like doing business with people they know.

You want them to see you as someone they can trust, so take the time to get to know them. Ask your customers and prospects questions and truly listen to their responses.

It can be challenging to remember everything your customer says. Keeping notes you can refer back to in your future meetings will make following up with them easier. In addition, they’ll be surprised and happy that you remembered.

3. Give the Customer Space to Choose.

Don’t ask for a response right away or pressure prospects into buying.

Give them time, about 48 hours, to think it over. Then, follow up with them to inquire if they need any extra assistance from you.

4. Develop Your Emotional Intelligence.

Emotional intelligence is the “ability to perceive, manage, and regulate emotions” according to verywellmind.com.

This intelligence involves five components: emotional awareness, self-confidence, self-regulation, adaptability, influence, and leadership.

Having high emotional intelligence better equips you to understand your customer and their needs. You’ll be able to better direct your questions and advice based on how your customer is feeling.

5. Utilize Print.

The soft sell can be challenging because customers don’t feel pressure to close the sale in the near future.

Distributing business cards or brochures or leaving behind your print marketing collateral can help solve this problem. The prospect will have something physical to hold onto that will remind them of your business and keep your business top-of-mind.

6. Stay Resilient!

The soft sell does not happen right away.

It requires checking in with your customer and following up with their questions and concerns. Sometimes, the sale never happens. But, what matters is that you provided the customer with sound advice and connected with them to feel valid. This helps build the reputation of your company. Maybe the sale didn’t happen this time, but it will in the future. 

The Choice is Yours

Between the soft sell and the hard sell, the soft sell is generally recommended because it allows the customer to make an informed choice that they are happy with, ensuring a good company reputation and a loyal customer.

However, aspects of the hard sell can be beneficial to incorporate into your business when the circumstances call for it. Just don’t be too aggressive and pushy. Contact us today to get started! 516-561-1468 or FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ANY OF OUR MARKETING PRODUCTS GO TO:www.printcafeli.com

                 The Pros Cons And Uses Of Coated Vs Uncoated Paper

All paper is just the same, or is it? When you are designing printed pieces, one of the most important decisions to make is what type of paper they will be printed on. Apart from your personal preferences, there are several other things to consider. For instance, the differences in the type and quality of paper you will use could make all the difference. Paper is usually classified into two categories. Each type of paper has its own set of unique qualities which make it suitable for certain tasks. So here are some pros, cons, and uses of coated vs uncoated paper

Coated Paper

Coated paper will give you a sharp, crisp result. You will also get a lot of contrast between the printed photos. Its coated surface offers an excellent vehicle for images, allowing you to view all the finer details with greater contrast between the printed area and white space. That’s why it’s favored by most magazines and high-end catalogs. Most people also like it because of its “glossy” prestigious surface. So if you are looking for a prestigious canvas to use for images with high-quality detail, and you are thinking about whether to use coated vs uncoated paper, then coated paper is the way to go.

Coated paper is ideal for:

• Varnishes
• UV coatings
• Gold or Silver foil stamping
• die cutting custom shapes.

Drawbacks of Coated Paper

There are a few drawbacks when it comes to coated paper. For instance, writing on it using a pen can be a challenge. Apart from that, if you are printing something with lots of text or small details, the shininess of the gloss-coated paper can make it very difficult to read. This is one of the advantages of uncoated paper when comparing coated vs uncoated paper.

Uncoated Paper

The uncoated paper has a warmth and tactility factor to it. It implies a sense of authenticity and respectability, and that’s what makes it a perfect choice for resumes, non-profit reports, and annual reports. In most instances, it is also used for letterheads, envelopes, and some catalogs. There are also several variants of uncoated paper, each with a different finish.

Uncoated paper is used for several purposes, including:

• Embossing/debossing
• Letterpress
• foil stamping.

The uncoated paper provides a smooth contrast between the paper surface and the embossing or foil stamping. It is also ideal for folding. Even when dealing with heavier weights, it can be quite easy to fold. This is what makes it ideal for custom packaging projects.

Drawbacks of Uncoated Paper

It is not advisable to use uncoated paper for images with great detail. It can present a challenge, especially in the mid-tone areas. You will notice that they can sometimes appear “muddy.” Apart from that, uncoated paper usually requires additional drying time. This means it might not be ideal for tight turnaround projects.

Aesthetics of Coated Vs Uncoated Paper

The surface of the coated paper provides an ideal canvas for high-resolution pictures with fine detail. This is why it is perfect for prestigious applications like magazines, automotive catalogs, and flyers. Coated paper also offers an excellent ink holdout. It performs rather impressively with regions of heavy solid color and metallic inks.

On the other hand, because of its qualities, uncoated paper is well suited for educational, non-profit, and environmental projects. Uncoated paper will give the best aesthetic outcome with pressure-based print techniques. In those applications, it will give a nice contrast between the surface of the sheet and the impressions. However, because of the way it absorbs ink, you might want to work with smoother options within uncoated papers.

These are some of the pros and cons of coated and uncoated paper. Because of their qualities, these papers are used for different applications. So, if you have a project in mind and you are wondering whether to choose coated or uncoated paper, you might want to put these factors into consideration first.Contact us today to get started! 516-561-1468 or FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ANY OF OUR MARKETING PRODUCTS GO TO:www.printcafeli.com

5 Ways to Reconnect To Your Audience

The last year and a half with the COVID pandemic has been highly disruptive, breaking relationships and forcing distance between people in all facets of life.

Business hasn't been excluded from that effect.

That's why it's more important now to reintroduce your products and services to clients and remind them that you exist, you can help, and you're available for them.

Remember, out of sight is out of mind; clients forget why they used a service when there's a lack of contact and frequency. And that leaves room for your market to erode and someone else to fill the gap if they happen to be present.

5 Ways to Reconnect To Your Audience

1. Be Proactive

Part of reconnecting means being proactive and reaching out again, even without an invite.

A client will be fine with communication most of the time, noting they forgot how much they relied on your service. Use that opener to remind them how valuable your support was for their needs. Even if they don't need an order right away, get your presence and recognition back on their radar with a simple meet and greet through direct mail or an office visit.

2. Take the Blame for the Disconnect

Blame yourself for not staying in touch instead of letting the client feel guilty.

With so much happening, the last thing anyone wants is to feel criticized for not staying in contact. Instead, carry the blame and let them feel better about the disconnect, as well as note that you're making amends and reaching out again.

It reframes the discussion, making the client feel comfortable and noting you want their attention and communication. You want them to feel valued.

3. Reposition Your Value

Clients can begin to forget why partnerships and support relationships existed.

As clients come back into the office again, you want them to remember why they used your service in the first place. Don't let them guess, show them and reinform again.

4. Make Sure Contact Info is Updated

Most reconnects are not about a sale; they are about re-establishing a relationship.

Ideally, you want the client to have the latest means and contact info to reach out when their need is realized, and they have to act on it. People are more prone to work with a tried and true path. Make sure they have your current information, and it's readily available to them.

5. Remind Your Clients Why You Appreciate Them

If one of your clients generated a referral over the last year, let them know you appreciated the help and support.

By communicating your gratitude for a referral or past sales, clients will likely do business with you again and send new referrals, both activities positively affecting your bottom line.

Contact us today to get started! 516-561-1468 or FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ANY OF OUR MARKETING PRODUCTS GO TO:www.printcafeli.com

 

Your Guide to Advertising on TikTok

TikTok is a fast-growing social media platform that your business can incorporate into its marketing strategy.

TikTok is an optimal marketing platform because it has a large, highly invested user base. For example: 

• In 2018, 5% of global internet users had TikTok. In 2020, that number grew to 18%. That number is projected to grow to 26% by 2024. 
• Currently, TikTok has 689 million monthly active users spanning 150 countries worldwide,making TikTok the 7th largest social media app.
• 50% of TikTok users are aged 18-34. The other 50% are ages 35+
• TikTokers are highly invested, spending an average of 52 minutes per day on TikTok. This makes TikTok the best platform for audience engagement, meaning your business will have a good ROI (Return on Investment).
• TikTokers have the money to support your business. 51.8% have a yearly salary of $75,000+
• TikTok users will most likely be swayed by advertising. The majority of them agree that they tend to buy brands they see advertised. 

Getting Started 

TikTok is very user-friendly.

Just download the app from the app store, put your account into a business mode, and start creating content. To post, click the + button, film the video with the effects you want, and then add a description, links, hashtags, and @ people. Your video can be between 15 seconds to 3 minutes. 

The material your business will post should look slightly different than that of your other social media sites. TikTok is a casual, fun, and humorous environment. The more your content aligns with these values, the better you’ll do. Brainstorm ways your content can be funny. Bonus points if you can add something cute (such as animals or children) into your videos. Finally, try using TikToks filters and jump on some TikTok trends. 

Advertising on TikTok

Running a successful business account is wonderful advertising as is. Plus, it’s free!

However, TikTok also offers a wide variety of paid advertising methods that your business may want to take advantage of. 

• In-Feed Ads: these ads blend with other videos in the user’s feed. Users can like, comment, and share. However, they can also scroll past. Keeping your ads entertaining to watch will increase the likelihood that people will stay and watch.
• Brand Takeover Ads: these pop up right when users enter the app and visit a specific category. Your ad will be the only one that users see in that category for that day. They come at the hefty price of $45,050 because your ad will reach a high volume of users. They also take up the entire screen. 
  Top-View Ads: think of these as delayed brand takeover ads that don’t cover the user’s fullscreen
• Branded hashtag ads: these ads boost UGC (user-generated content) by challenging users to make content with your product and then post with your hashtag. Other users will then see these videos. Hashtag ads can be highly effective. For example, Samsung used the branded hashtag challenge to advertise their new Galaxy A. TikTokers were challenged to post when using features of the Galaxy A phone. This resulted in lots of UGC and over 158 million views. That’s a lot of advertising!
• Branded effects ad: these allow businesses to advertise their product by creating a filter. It helps your business take advantage of the wide popularity of filters on TikTok. Users can then use this filter and post for others to see. It again helps generate UGC.
• Influencer Advertising: You also have the option to reach out to influencers for them to advertise your product. This method can be quite effective. People look up to various celebrities and influencers. Therefore, when an influencer mentions liking or using a certain product, it can do wonders for your business. For example, in 2014, Kim Kardashian posted a picture of herself in a waist trainer. Prior to that day, not many people even knew what a waist trainer was. Afterward, waist trainer sales skyrocketed. The bottom line, having influencers promote your business can be widely successful. Just make sure the influencer aligns with your business’s product and values. Also, be cautious of your budget. More popular influencers charge more money. 

Pair TikTok with Print Advertising!

Don’t only rely on one form of advertising!

TikTok is ideal for targeting a young, international market. To have the most effective advertising campaign, utilize various advertising modes.

For example, pair print advertising with social media advertising.

Print will attract loyal customers who trust and support your business. It is cost-effective and diverse. You can advertise using banners, flyers, or even promotional products! 

Contact us today to get started! 516-561-1468 or FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ANY OF OUR MARKETING PRODUCTS GO TO:www.printcafeli.com