Shoes and a Mission

A funny thing happened on the way to buy some shoes. I suddenly found a good start to my mission statement. Even though I don't have it all figured out yet with my new business I feel like there should always be a map of guiding principals to get you where you want to go. So, I've been pondering my mission statement and my business plan. I have several bits of paper with notes, but nothing formalized.

I work a part time retail customer service position that requires long hours of standing. No longer being in my 20's, I refuse to wear shoes that look good but feel terrible. I am quite willing to turn that around and wear ugly shoes that feel good if I must, but I still prefer at least reasonably cute shoes. Hours of shopping and trying on things is not really my idea of fun anymore either so I decided to go online. I had heard good things about Zappos.com and took a look. Now I have several pairs of shoes to choose from by brand names that have a reputation for comfort and style, but the best part of the experience so far was checking out the Zappos Family Core Values.

1 - Deliver WOW through service
2 - Embrace and drive change
3 - Create fun and a little weirdness
4 - Be adventurous, creative & open minded
5 - Pursue growth and learning
6 - Build open & honest relationships with communication
7 - Build a positive team & family spirit
8 - Do more with less
9 - Be passionate and determined
10 - Be humble

I don't think I can do any better than this. At least for the moment, I'm adopting the Zappos Family Core Values. Now, I haven't made up my mind on which shoes to get yet so the customer service hasn't been tested. I will let you know how it all goes.

Please keep my friend Bill and his family in your thoughts and prayers on the loss of his daughter. As I have this on my mind, I wish you all health, peace, love and laughter and never take a moment for granted.

Christel

Where are we going?

How are things going at your business these days? Is your job secure or is it gone already? Is the marketing you've been doing for years still working for you?

I have been in the printing industry for over 20 years now. On the news the other day I heard that it is now much more cost effective to send a Kindle (if you don't know what that is, look it up. Online, not in the dictionary) loaded with 10,000 books overseas than to actually send 10,000 books overseas. The days of actually holding a real book in your hand are disappearing. Ink on paper is disappearing. What do you do when your industry is disappearing or shrinking dramatically?

Most of you reading this are in my generation. We still like paper and ink. Now, I haven't actually tried to read a book on a Kindle so I can't say that I dislike the experience, but I do know that I love books. When I've tried to read a book on my desktop computer I found it uncomfortable and eyestraining.

So, do I continue to work in the same way I always have and wait until there is no more work available? The conversations I have had recently with my peers have us all competing for the position of Walmart Greeter in a few years. I have been listening and watching my two teenagers. Yes, that's part of my job as a parent, but I have noticed that they are watching more TV on the computer, keeping up with friends on Facebook and texting, doing all their homework research online as well as often turning in their assignments online. They do not have the attachment to ink and paper that I do, so I decided to do what I always do when I want information. I headed to the library (I love those too) and got some BOOKS!

I just finished reading "Six Pixels Of Separation" by Mitch Joel. If you are willing to be open to new ways of reaching and connecting to potential new customers, I highly recommend you read this. It is written in conversational language, not IT talk. It makes you think about where things are headed. Our kids are not becoming socially inept. The opposite is happening. They are able to reach people a world away and grow the relationships. They do it differently than we do, but remember when our parents didn't like (understand) our generation? Do you really want to admit that you have become your parents?

Here is your first lesson on connecting online. Below is a place for comments. Please contribute your thoughts. I would love to hear them and I suspect so would others. An economist I heard speak yesterday doesn't hold out much optimisim for the economy to turn around in the next two years. We need to help each other not only stay afloat, but to grow and thrive.

Have a great week,
Christel

Save your files, money and hair.

This week I would like to share some information to save you money and hair. Printing companies don't really want you to know this, but I keep hearing enough complaints that I think it's time you start doing this if you are not already.

Any files that are used to have printing, advertising, t-shirts, etc. done, YOU need to keep a copy of! Vector files of the company logo are especially important. Yes, I understand that most of you cannot open those files on your computer. Don't worry about it. Just do it!

Printing companies are closing left and right these days. Depending on the circumstances, you may find yourself without any files to take to a new printer and then incur more art charges to recreate them. When you get a final proof of a new business card, brochure, or even labels please, please save that proof to a file called "Art Files". That is all you have to do. Those of us in the printing business can take your file and use it even if it needs corrections. A small correction is much less expensive than totally recreating a brochure.

Now, here is the tricky part. If you have files with your printer that you do not have a copy of then go request a CD of all your files. You have already paid for this artwork. The only thing it should cost you is the price of the CD to be burned. That should not be more than $10. Printers don't want to part with your precious files because it would be very easy for you to switch to a competitor. For that reason, I have heard horror stories over the years. One company was charged several THOUSAND dollars to get their film (ok, we don't use film anymore, so it's been awhile). They had already paid for all this. TOTAL rip off. I have heard of printers who will give the files back to the customer but with photos or fonts missing. That creates a major headache for the next printer and once again incurs more cost on your part. When you get your file take the time to have someone (designer or printer) check that everything is there that you need.

Now, backup everything on the computer before you put the CD into a file and forget where it is when the boss wants embroidered shirts for the golf tournament. That would be those vector files again.

I will be shunned at the next printing convention for exposing this to you, but my loyalty lies with my customers. Save your art and you will thank me one day as well as avoid pulling your hair out in frustration.

Have a great week,
Christel

A New Direction

Most people have done at least some planning before they start a new business. Maybe in the depths of my brain there was a sketch of a plan for Bloomtown, but for the most part, life circumstances have given me the opportunity to jump in with both feet and plan as I go. For this reason I have decided to use this blog instead of a conventional website for now. This allows me to keep in touch with you and let you know what exactly I'm doing to improve Bloomtown Studio and how it can help you.

I have been asked about the name "Bloomtown Studio". Bloomtown is the name of the road I grew up on. The Studio part originally was used to promote my artwork. You can check out my earlier two blogs. My sister has Bloomtown Acres, which is a farm. Since the business name was already registered it just took a mind switch to change the direction of the business.

My goal is to continue to offer to meet your company's printing needs as I have for many years now. The new opportunity is that I am no longer tied to one company and have the ability to find the best quality and pricing I possibly can for you. For awhile the estimating time may take a little longer as I work out the details.

At the moment I am concentrating on the business cards, brochures, envelopes, etc. as well as advertising promotional items such as pens, cups, and magnets. Bloomtown Studio can also handle your t-shirt printing and I'm working on adding embroidery soon.

My past experience has included working on marketing strategy which I intend to branch into more as Bloomtown Studio matures. My business card also mentions writing as a service. There are many opportunities for websites and printed materials to be updated since everyone seems to be overworked and these things get left behind.

My brain has ideas going off like popcorn right now so I will let you know as new things happen. Please feel free to contact me, give me your input and to find out if I can help with ideas you have for your business.

As always, I appreciate your business, friendship and the support you have given me over the years.

Christel Williams