How to Prevent Entrepreneurial Burnout

Tait Shanafelt, MD, was a senior resident at the University of Washington in 2000, and he witnessed incredible burnout among interns.

He did a study to examine burnout trends among medical residents.

Their fatigue affected the quality of care and patients' health. How similar this is to entrepreneurial burnout. But what can be done?

7 Ways to Ensure You Don't Lose Your Edge

1. Burnout isn't a rite of passage.

Recognize you don't need to go through burnout.

It's not a rite of passage, and it's something to be avoided. However, if you are getting burned out, you need to stop the cycle and do something about it.

2. Spend your energy frugally.

Prioritize where to spend your energy.

You don't need to do everything yourself, and not everything requires your energy. Decide what you truly need to spend your energy on.

3. Document your procedures.

Document your standard operating procedures.

Then, if you need to hire some help, you can ensure that they know how you run your business and can carry on with your standards in place.

With documented processes in place, you won't have to think about everything when you start working or need to delegate a task, leaving more time for the important things, according to Marquiste Boyce, author and CEO of Side Hustle Mentor.

4. Anxiety doesn't have to be the norm.

"Running a startup is like chewing glass and staring into the abyss," said Elon Musk. "After a while, you stop staring, but the glass chewing never ends."

So get a handle on it as soon as it shows up by talking to a professional if needed.

Learn to identify the stressors in your business and plan how best to deal with them.

5. Exercise can help avoid burnout.

Carving out 30 minutes a day for fitness can help you avoid burnout, according to Kumar Arora of Forbes Magazine.

In addition, taking a walk around the block and doing yoga or other aerobic exercises can help.

6. Meditation is helpful.

Meditation is associated with decreased blood pressure, lower heart rate, less anxiety, and reduced stress.

Not only that, but you don't need gym shoes, a membership, or fancy equipment to meditate.

Take a break, focus on your breathing and relax for a few minutes.

7. No comparison.

Don't compare yourself to others, and don't judge.

It creates negative self-talk, typically making negative talk about the other company. Either way, it's not a good road to go down.

Nearly half of U.S. employees report feeling burnt out, and 1 in 4 said they're feeling burnout due to the pandemic. With this said, we need to be sure to do all we can to avoid it.

We sometimes need to lean on others, and that's why we support you.Brought To You By The Print Cafe of LI,Inc www.printcafeli.com

 

Brand Your Business with Consistency

We all want to be remembered, and those who succeed know one thing: Consistency is the key.

“A report from Forrester says that 95% of customers use three or more channels to connect with a company in a single service interaction,” according to Grammarly Business.

To get people’s attention, you need several routes and types of interaction.

Businesses that brand consistently are 3.5x more likely to get strong brand visibility than inconsistent brands.

How do you brand more consistently?

7 Top Tips to Stay Branded

1. Brand Consistency.

There needs to be a similar message and experience for your brand.

Brand consistency is important for every business because it directly and immediately impacts the perception of your brand and company, both internally and externally.

If it’s not consistent, it causes mistrust among your customers, which causes them not to want to do business with you.

2. Remember the Rule of 7.

Marketers need an average of seven contacts (or touches, impressions, or interactions) to turn a prospective buyer into an actual buyer, according to Eyal Katz of Oktopost.com.

Of course, you don’t need to take it literally but remember it takes several contacts to reach a potential customer.

3. Use Paid and Organic Material.

Engage customers with ads, but make sure you add your own worthwhile content. Start a conversation about business or strategies with your potential customers to keep yourself in the front of their minds.

4. Create a Great Website and Keep it Updated.

Make sure your website represents your business well and that it goes well with the printed marketing you do. It takes about 50 milliseconds (0.05 seconds) for people to form an opinion about your website, according to IWD Magazine.

5. Build Your Brand With Every Effort.

No matter what avenues you use to promote your business, you will need to be consistent. Make sure the images are similar, the logo is sharp, and the message is the same.

6. Keep the Same Tone and Voice.

When you create your copy for social media, print, or even the spoken word, ensure the tone is the same. If you want to be taken seriously, make sure the style is professional. If you are a fun, dynamic business, use those words. Just make it consistent.

7. Send Direct Mail.

Direct mail has a more believable delivery. Therefore, people are apt to read it and believe it, which leads to more sales for you.

Whatever you do to be consistent, know that we are consistently here for your printed marketing efforts. We are on time, reliable, and produce high-quality pieces.

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

Top Offline Marketing Tips in 2022

The digital marketing age has become an essential component of any company’s marketing strategy.

Since much of the world has moved online, search ads, blog content, email newsletters, and social media posts are relatively inexpensive and practical tools to increase a marketing plan’s reach.

Although we find many of our clients and customers online, we must not forget the importance of having a non-digital marketing strategy and getting out face-to-face with our potential clients and customers. 

What Is Offline Marketing? 

Essentially, offline marketing is any advertising, marketing, or promotional practice using channels that are not online or accessible via cell phones, computers, or tablets.

Though many do not always consider offline marketing because they feel it is an outdated practice, it can be somewhat effective. Using both online and offline marketing strategies, businesses can expand their reach and capture the attention of many more clients and customers.

Offline Marketing Tips for 2022

There are many things you can do offline to help market your business.

It may seem primitive to some to get out and meet others face-to-face, but in the long run, doing so, along with a solid digital marketing plan, can take your business to the next level. 

Some of the best offline marketing tips for 2022 include:

• Join your local chamber of commerce and attend meetings and events.
• Business cards work well, especially when wanting to set your business apart using a unique design reflecting your brand values.
• Printed pamphlets and flyers offer an informational marketing tool that you can hand out at exports, events, and during networking meetings.
• If you own a business, you are an expert in your field. Write and publish a book sharing your expertise with a larger audience.
• Offer existing customers loyalty rewards and coupons and send unique coupons to attract new customers.
• Send seasonal cards and gifts to your loyal customers and members of your mailing list.
• Find another business that shares your values and business model to work together to co-develop products, cross-promote each other’s company, and co-sponsor events.
• Get involved with the community by setting up a booth at local events, sponsoring local nonprofits, volunteering, attending government meetings, networking events, etc.
• Host your community events and workshops, inviting other local businesses to join in for cross-promotion and providing entertainment for residents.
• Send out press releases to local media outlets, including radio stations, new stations, and newspapers.
• Try a local billboard to reach a new market and help your business stand out. 

There is a lot of untapped marketing potential in offline advertising. So take your business marketing efforts offline and get more involved in your local community. If done correctly, both digital and offline marketing can be very beneficial for businesses. 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 Tips for Effective Product Packaging

Product packaging can be just as important as your product.

The packaging is what the potential consumer sees, influencing their purchasing decision. In fact, 72% of Americans say the product packaging influences their purchasing decision. Check out these five tips for effective product packaging. 

1. On-brand product packaging 

Your packaging should be a consistent extension of your brand. 

Your brand is how your company looks and feels. Follow your brand style guide when designing the packaging. If you don’t already have a brand style guide created, now would be a great time to get started. 

Your brand style guide is used throughout your business to create general guidelines for the look and style of your brand. It establishes colors, fonts, and much more to ensure the consistency of the brand. It should portray your brand’s personality and values. 

Just as important as staying on brand is functionality. 

2. Functional product packaging 

Your product packaging should fulfill its function before all else. 

Consider the product packaging’s use within the life of your product. 

First, it must adequately protect the product. You should be prepared for both gentle and hard handling. Make sure you account for any special care of the product, including light, ventilation, water, and heat concerns. 

Second, it must include all important information to abide by rules and regulations to avoid a potential lawsuit. 

Third, the packaging must fit within the size, weight, and volume constraints. Consider making it stackable so it can be easily stocked. 

Fourth, the packaging must be easy to open. There’s nothing more frustrating than trying to open a package that makes you think the company doesn’t want you to get to the product. 

Fifth, if the packaging will be used throughout the product’s life, then make sure the packaging is adequately made for this purpose. For example, make it resealable and durable. 

Over-the-top packaging which does not serve a functional purpose can be a waste of money due to environmentally conscious consumers. 

3. Environmentally friendly product packaging

Consumers are becoming increasingly environmentally conscious. 

Many are looking for ways to reduce their environmental impact on the earth, including reducing their waste. Therefore, they’ll want to look for companies that align with their goals. Environmentally friendly product packaging can have many different faces. 

• Use recycled materials.
• Use recyclable and/or reusable materials.
• Reduce the weight and size of your product packaging.

Environmentally conscious product packaging can help it stand out, among other methods. 

4. Product packaging made to stand out 

Your packaging is the face of your product. 

Little things can make a big difference in customer purchasing decisions. Effective product packaging can trigger impulse buying from customers. If you can find ways to differentiate your product packaging from your competitors, you’ll be better able to stand out, increasing sales.

Research your competitors to see what they are doing. Brainstorm ways your product packaging can stand out. Consider: 

• Shape
• Presentation
• Color
• Design
• Layout 

However, there are some things you don’t want to change. 

• Keep your packaging within your industry parameters.
• Include your product, brand name, and one to two main selling points.
• Be honest. You’re going to want to present your product in the best light, but there’s a line between positive framing and lying. With great products, there’s no need to stretch the truth. And in the end, it’s counterproductive because you’ll anger customers who don’t get what they thought they bought after they’ve unboxed the product. 

5. Product packaging for unboxing

Lately, unboxing videos have risen in popularity. 

Unboxing videos include customers buying products and then filming themselves unboxing them. They rose in popularity because the viewer could receive second-hand satisfaction from unboxing new products. It also highlighted the importance of the unboxing experience for customers.

From a business’s point of view, unboxing videos provided authentic, customer-produced marketing. Products with unique packaging provide material for great unboxing videos. Get creative and try to generate ways you can enhance the unboxing experience. For example, include a thank you card or stickers.

Unique product packaging examples

Guidelines and tips can be vague, which is why examples are useful. 

Check out a few examples of creative product packaging. 

• NYC Spaghetti. The designer created product packaging so the spaghetti resembled the Chrysler Building. This catches customers’ attention.
• Butter! Better! Here, the butter container comes with a knife so the user can easily use the butter. This will fix the frustration of lacking utensils. The design expertly combines function and form.
• Görtz 17 Shoelace Box. Here, the company developed more environmentally friendly bags while also keeping things creative. Being a shoe store, it perhaps wasn’t innovative to put a shoe on the box. But it was innovative for them to incorporate real shoelaces that extend from the box’s design. 

Hopefully, these examples can spark some product packaging creativity. 

Consult your printer about product packaging 

Product packaging can get overwhelming. 

There are so many details involved. But, we can help the printing be the least of your worries. We can point you in the right direction to avoid printing challenges resulting from your design not quite matching your material. We can also discuss costs and lend our general expertise. Happy product packaging printing! For More Information on Custom Packaging go to:https://www.printcafeli.com/store/product-view.html/70-Packaging

 

Decrease Clutter for a Happier, 

Healthier, More-Productive You

Clutter can be detrimental to your success.

A messy desk and office may seem normal, but it is a problem that can make you less successful.

According to the National Association of Professional Organizations, paper clutter is the number 1 problem for most businesses. Studies show the average person wastes 4.3 hours per week searching for papers, which not only adds stress and frustration, but it also deters concentration and creative thinking.

Studies also show that 75% or more of all physician visits are stress-related, so when you unclutter your office, you will not only increase productivity, security, and profits but reduce overall stress and medical care costs.

Stop the Clutter

Here are a few ideas on stopping the clutter and getting organized practically.

• Make a commitment to getting clutter under control. Make an appointment with yourself daily and weekly. Every night before you go home, unclutter your desk so that 80% of your desk shows. Every week, pick a day to organize your desk a little longer.
• Get rid of anything on your desk that you don’t use regularly. This is the first step to uncluttering your office area.
• Limit the number of personal items, such as photographs and knick-knacks. Try to stick with one or two items so you don’t get distracted and to free up more space.
• Instead of dumping papers in piles on the desk, use a desktop organizer and color-coded files. Be diligent about filing when new papers come into your office. If you get behind a little, try to end the day by organizing them into the appropriate folders.
• Try to handle emails and papers only once. Decide how to respond right away, so you don’t have to rethink it and stash it somewhere on your desk.
• Have permanent places to store ink cartridges and other office supplies so you can easily see what you need and what you already have. When things get messy, it’s easy to re-purchase items because you aren’t aware you already have them.
• Shred old papers that are no longer needed. This is a great way to stay on top of the clutter.
• Try to eliminate sticky notes, as they make things messy and cluttered. Make files on the computer if you need to recall something. Or have a notebook with passwords and other important information you may need.

No matter if your desk and office are slightly messy or are disaster areas, learning to unclutter will help ease your mind and make you more efficient. At our printing firm, we get things done efficiently and professionally. We are here to help you stay on top of your latest projects. Reach out today! Call 516-561-1468 or FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ANY OF OUR MARKETING PRODUCTS GO TO:www.printcafeli.com

 Using Public Relations to Your Advantage

Public relations help your company look good in the eyes of the public and create more sales.

PR can be a powerful marketing tool because it is regarded more highly by consumers, given that it is a third party advertising your business.

Even better, it can sometimes be possible to use unpaid tools, such as media, the internet, and business networks. 

Marketing vs. Public Relations

On the surface, PR and marketing may appear to be the same; however, there are key differences.

• Marketing promotes your businesses’ products and/or services.
• Public Relations focuses on promoting a positive reputation for your company.

The goal of marketing is to increase sales, while PR’s goal is to generate a positive reputation. Marketing generally targets the consumers, while PR aims to reach the public, especially stakeholders and media. 

3 Tips for Developing a PR strategy

A good PR campaign will cause the public to think more highly of your business, increasing their likelihood of doing business with you. Here are some tips to help you create a PR campaign of your own.

1. Develop your goals.

Make sure your goals are SMART goals.

SMART is an acronym that stands for specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. According to Chron, some beneficial PR goals include “raising awareness; generating interest; promoting goodwill; reinforcing/burnishing brand image; providing information; and creating demand.”

2. Create a budget.

PR campaigns can be costly.

Start with a budget and then research various PR strategies. Choose the ones that will accomplish your goals and within your budget.

3. Cement your key messages.

Key messages are the main points you want your audience to remember.

These messages consist of five to six sentences clarifying your goals while answering the who, what, where, when, and why. Be sure to mention these message points in all press releases and keep them concise, memorable, and relevant. 

Where to Get Your Message Out

There are several places you can get your message. Check out these public relations outlets.

Media.

The media loves to report on interesting happenings.

If your business is doing something newsworthy, the media is going to want to report on it. You want the media to report because this equates to free advertising that customers will likely trust more than marketing campaigns.

Get the attention of journalists by releasing media statements and fact sheets. Even better, offer on-site media tours.

Newsletter, brochures, and catalogs.https://www.printcafeli.com/store/product-view.html/38-Catalogs

These are all useful ways to utilize the power of print.

Inform current customers and draw in new ones by disseminating these tangible printed works. Customers will enjoy looking through these. Plus, customers will leave these around their house for quite some time.

Sponsorships or partnerships.

People love it when businesses support non-profits.

It elevates the business’s image in their minds as they’re happy to see a company caring about its community. It’s a win-win because you get the chance to help others, while goodwill and loyalty towards your business are elevated.

People will begin to associate your business with selflessness and good ethics. It will give them a greater motive to do buy from you. 

PR strategies can be an extremely effective way to increase sales in the long run by positively influencing the public’s view of your business. We’re here to help you get there. Check us out today! Call 516-561-1468 or FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ANY OF OUR MARKETING PRODUCTS GO TO:www.printcafeli.com

7 Facts About Offline Marketing 

You Probably Didn't Know

1. It’s not online versus offline

It’s not a competition between online and offline marketing as both have their pros and cons.

Plus, your marketing strategy is usually more effective when utilizing multiple platforms, leading to greater brand exposure and returns on investment. Offline marketing effectively brings people to your business’s online website and social media platforms. This is why 58% of offline retailers use offline marketing to build online customer engagement without being too invasive. 

2. Offline marketing is not invasive 

As the market becomes more competitive, marketing strategies are becoming more intense. 

However, this can lead some consumers to find marketing to be invasive. 91% of survey respondents agreed that ads are more intrusive today than two to three years ago.

A potential client who finds your advertising invasive may not want to purchase from you. A helpful way around this problem is through offline marketing strategies such as direct mail, which tends to have a more positive reception. In a study conducted by Epsilon, 59% of U.S. respondents agreed with the statement: “I enjoy getting postal mail from brands about new products.” This positive reception is partly because offline marketing is less common.

3. Offline marketing stands out

As some companies move away from offline marketing strategies, a space reopens for your company to stand out. 

People naturally remember less common things. Think of all the ads you see and hear on social media, email, and your internet searches. You may struggle to remember them all. Now think of the advertisements you’ve received in your mail. They’re probably easier to remember because they’re less prevalent and because people remember print better than digital. But, just because it’s less common doesn’t mean it’s a dying business. 

4. Offline marketing is a growing business

Going off the language used around offline marketing, it may come as a surprise that it’s a growing business. 

In 2020, the spending on offline media in the U.S. was 182.2 billion. In 2021 it was 196 billion. In 2022, it’s projected to reach 207.6 billion. Thanks to its persuasive attributes, offline marketing has recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic. 

5. It is possible to track offline marketing 

Although offline marketing can be challenging to track, it’s not impossible, thanks to some creative solutions. 

The success of any marketing campaign is primarily measured through analytics and data and then using that data to inform your future decisions. Check out the following methods to better track your offline marketing. 

• Custom landing pages. Insert a custom URL in your offline marketing campaigns. This will take the potential customer to a custom landing page, allowing you to track your offline marketing.
• Discount codes. Distribute unique discount codes depending on the means of advertisement. For example, a direct mail discount code could be “DIRMAIL201,” while an online code from Instagram could be “INSTA202.” When the consumer uses that code, you can track the sale back to the advertisement method. 

However, it is important to remember that customer journeys are becoming more complex. Usually, a customer will see your company through many channels before looking the business up and buying. Allow room for this ambiguity by asking customers how they found the business and allowing them to select more than one option. 

Gaining new customers through offline marketing is wonderful, but those that stay are even better. 

6. Offline marketing boosts brand loyalty 

Various marketing methods are useful for specific purposes. 

Offline marketing is especially beneficial for building trust, brand loyalty, and customer engagement. This is why 60% of primarily online retailers use direct mail to build brand loyalty and awareness. 

7. Offline marketing is more versatile.

The non-online world isn’t constrained to a screen, allowing for greater opportunities.

Offline marketing allows you to get more involved in your communities by attending local events. It also allows you to play with the texture, size, and smell. 

The majority of people’s lives are spent in the offline world. Therefore, what better way to reach them? We can help you with your offline marketing campaigns by providing for your print needs. Reach out today! Call Us today at 516-561-1468 or Visit Our Website at:www.printcafeli.com