By Jay Jenson
Tradeshows are a great opportunity for small business owners to find major clients and expand their business. Unfortunately, your competitors know this, too. The fierce competition present at tradeshows is evident in the millions of dollars spent on trade show marketing materials such as custom booth designs and extensive business brochure printing. To give your business a fighting chance, you need to be well prepared with an informative and attractive brochure printing design. In addition, you need to prepare a brochure printing display that is easily accessible and aesthetically pleasing. Here are a few tip on how you can maximize the effectiveness of your business brochure printing.
1. Custom folds will make your brochure stick out in a sea of tri-fold and bi-fold brochures. Consider developing a fold that will add excitement and suspense to the information being presented in your brochure printing. For example, a rolled fold is a great way to present information in a structured order. As the rolled fold opens up, you are able to see one panel at a time. This is one example of how you could make a custom fold brochure that leaves a lasting impression.
2. There are many paper stock options for brochure printing. Common paper stocks are great for cost savings, but they tend to make for boring brochures. If your brochure has the same texture and gloss as 20 others, what is the unique value of your brochure? Try using custom coatings on your paper stocks for a unique presentation. Also, for those who are environmentally conscious, consider a paper stock that recycled and uncoated. This can help you convey your environmental responsibility while presenting a unique brochure printing design.
3. Brochure printing displays are one of the most overlooked tools in tradeshow marketing. Businesses and retailers are well versed in creating exciting and attention grabbing point-of-sale displays, but they fail to transcend that concept to brochure printing displays. Your brochure printing display is the best method for effectively distributing your print marketing materials. Invest in brochure stands and sales people to distribute materials while supporting their endeavor with poster print and vinyl sign displays.
Innovative thinking and solid business principles will go a long way to creating effective business brochure printing designs. Tradeshows are the setting for of your greatest business opportunities. Don’t fall short of your competition in any area, especially brochure printing! Remember that trade show attendees most often leave with only business cards and brochures. A business card is great for sharing your contact information, but a brochure will be your only way to provide a lasting information source.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
The $700 Billion Bailout Plan - A Good Idea?
By Markus Heitkoetter
We have all heard plenty of talk, both positive and negative, about the $700 billion bailout plan, and there are now rumors of similar plans in the works. The discussion dominated the recent election, and it continues to be a primary concern both on “Wall Street” and “Main Street.” Many people who have never concerned themselves with high level economic issues are finding themselves writing, or being solicited to write, letters to their congressmen and women in support of or opposition to the plan.
But with this high level financial decision and high level of potential effect on individual taxes, it is important for those of us who do not spend our days reading about the Secretary of the Treasury to know what is involved with this plan. Many people continue to wonder if investing $700 billion to rescue the U.S. financial system, and as a result the U.S. economy, is really a good idea.
A little perspective helps us see what is really involved with this plan. $700 billion is of course a huge amount of money. But in 2008 alone, the U.S. Treasury Department and the Federal Reserve already committed more than $900 billion dollar to bailouts. Since they did not all happen at the same time, you were unlikely to have heard about them, nor to have realized the magnitude. There are reports that over the past three years, bailouts already on the books have exceeded a total of $4 trillion. But most of the deals either went unreported in the mainstream media or you might have forgotten about them already. With all of this in mind, $700 billion, while still huge, is not so unusual as it might otherwise seem.
But even if it is the timing, rather than the amount, that makes this bailout plan unique, where does all this money go? The new $700 billion in particular is supposed to be doled out in the following amounts:
. The Federal Reserve will loan $85 billion to Insurer AIG.
. $200 billion will go to Fannie Mae and Freddie Max at $100 billion each.
. $300 billion is for the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) to refinance failing mortgages.
. $4 billion is for local communities to help them buy and repair foreclosed homes.
. $87 billion will go to JPMorgan Chase & Co to help them bailing out Lehman Brothers.
. $29 billion will go to JPMorgan Chase's for the buyout of Bear Stearns & Co in March.
. $200 billion will be loaned to various banks issued through the Fed's Term Auction Facility.
When we look at the details of where the money is going, it is harder to be for or against the plan as a whole. Many people find certain terms reasonable and others unfair. But looking at an itemized summary of where the money goes can help us be more sober when we think about whether or not the plan, or plans, are a good idea. $700 in one chunk may initially invite fear and skepticism, but, when we see the details, it makes more sense.
Personally, I would like to see a list like this created that consolidates all of the bailout plans, from the past, present, and future, into one solid plan. This will make it easier to manage the huge amount of money that needs to be committed. And let's face it: These bailouts will happen anyway, whether the Senate and the House of Representatives approve the bill or not. The only difference is that they will happen behind the scenes and in smaller portions, and we might not even notice it.
I for one would like to have more transparency, and a consolidated plan is one way to achieve it.However, before committing any money, certain key people need to be held accountable for their actions. Saying that the money will not be used for "Golden Parachutes", though necessary, is insufficient. Those who put our economy in the position of needing to be thrown a costly lifesaver by the American taxpayers need to be fired at the least and probably put in jail. The worst possible outcome is that this bailout money could go to the same people who created this mess. Having a more transparent account of where the money goes will help us all be sure that this does not occur.
We have all heard plenty of talk, both positive and negative, about the $700 billion bailout plan, and there are now rumors of similar plans in the works. The discussion dominated the recent election, and it continues to be a primary concern both on “Wall Street” and “Main Street.” Many people who have never concerned themselves with high level economic issues are finding themselves writing, or being solicited to write, letters to their congressmen and women in support of or opposition to the plan.
But with this high level financial decision and high level of potential effect on individual taxes, it is important for those of us who do not spend our days reading about the Secretary of the Treasury to know what is involved with this plan. Many people continue to wonder if investing $700 billion to rescue the U.S. financial system, and as a result the U.S. economy, is really a good idea.
A little perspective helps us see what is really involved with this plan. $700 billion is of course a huge amount of money. But in 2008 alone, the U.S. Treasury Department and the Federal Reserve already committed more than $900 billion dollar to bailouts. Since they did not all happen at the same time, you were unlikely to have heard about them, nor to have realized the magnitude. There are reports that over the past three years, bailouts already on the books have exceeded a total of $4 trillion. But most of the deals either went unreported in the mainstream media or you might have forgotten about them already. With all of this in mind, $700 billion, while still huge, is not so unusual as it might otherwise seem.
But even if it is the timing, rather than the amount, that makes this bailout plan unique, where does all this money go? The new $700 billion in particular is supposed to be doled out in the following amounts:
. The Federal Reserve will loan $85 billion to Insurer AIG.
. $200 billion will go to Fannie Mae and Freddie Max at $100 billion each.
. $300 billion is for the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) to refinance failing mortgages.
. $4 billion is for local communities to help them buy and repair foreclosed homes.
. $87 billion will go to JPMorgan Chase & Co to help them bailing out Lehman Brothers.
. $29 billion will go to JPMorgan Chase's for the buyout of Bear Stearns & Co in March.
. $200 billion will be loaned to various banks issued through the Fed's Term Auction Facility.
When we look at the details of where the money is going, it is harder to be for or against the plan as a whole. Many people find certain terms reasonable and others unfair. But looking at an itemized summary of where the money goes can help us be more sober when we think about whether or not the plan, or plans, are a good idea. $700 in one chunk may initially invite fear and skepticism, but, when we see the details, it makes more sense.
Personally, I would like to see a list like this created that consolidates all of the bailout plans, from the past, present, and future, into one solid plan. This will make it easier to manage the huge amount of money that needs to be committed. And let's face it: These bailouts will happen anyway, whether the Senate and the House of Representatives approve the bill or not. The only difference is that they will happen behind the scenes and in smaller portions, and we might not even notice it.
I for one would like to have more transparency, and a consolidated plan is one way to achieve it.However, before committing any money, certain key people need to be held accountable for their actions. Saying that the money will not be used for "Golden Parachutes", though necessary, is insufficient. Those who put our economy in the position of needing to be thrown a costly lifesaver by the American taxpayers need to be fired at the least and probably put in jail. The worst possible outcome is that this bailout money could go to the same people who created this mess. Having a more transparent account of where the money goes will help us all be sure that this does not occur.
Create a Think Tank and Create a Business Revolution
By Rosemary Rein
10 ways to bring creative ideation to your organization
We all know that it's no time for Business as Usual. The good news amidst the bad economic news is this: "Revolutionary Business Ideas-- if not miracles are certain to occur during this economic crisis" and the reason is Painful. Organizations and individuals need Pain to Change. Pity but it’s true. We don't give up smoking until we can no longer endure the cough. We don't diet until we see the painful picture and we don't change our business model until we have enough pain/loss to look at other options. Or is there another option? Imagine having a Think Tank before you need one? Imagine creating one now. Imagine Creative Thinking as a Year-Round Process and not a Crisis Situation Room.
For years I have been asked about the ROI on "Business Ideation and Creativity Sessions" that force Executives and Teams to "forget about what is and imagine what could be". While many companies talk about having innovation and creativity in their organizations and in their annual reports, the number of companies that host annual ideation sessions or think tanks and have a Chief Creativity Officer is much smaller. Note: Those that do, tend to be on the list of the most progressive companies. That is until now....Now there is sufficient pain to seek creative solutions and business revolutions in just about every industry and company.
Here are 10 ways to bring creative ideation to your organization and move from pain to solutions:
1. Make “Creativity & Solution Finding” a Core Employee Competency. Emphasize that all employees are expected to be “Solution Oriented, Not Problem Focused” and provide at least one potential solution for each identified problem.
2. Establish a Chief Creativity Officer responsible for an ongoing creative process within your organization.
3. Include a quadrant of time (20percent) on every meeting agenda for “Creative Ideation” using ideation/think tank tools to improve an existing idea or create a revolutionary new idea.
4. Start planning how your company will participate in the World-Wide Celebration of Creativity and Innovation Day—It’s actually a whole week April 15 – 21st, beginning on the birthday of Leonardo Da’Vinci. Set aside time this week to train your leadership team and employees on creative thinking processes, unveil a creativity room, or host a creative customer event.
5. Post a “Problem” of the Week and “Solutions” Board in a Central Communications Area. You can use a Visual Collage and/or Mind-Map that will stimulate both Left and Right Brain Thinking. Ask employees to post their creative ideas and recommendations to a clearly stated problem of the week and watch the magic/solutions unfold before your eyes! Note: Include sticky notes or a special sticky board that is used by creativity facilitators and keep a supply of, markers and a stack of old magazines to encourage the creation of visual problem/solution collages.
6. Give employees an hour or two each week to work on a project of their choosing. Working on not what they have to do, but what they could do to improve your company’s production and/or services. Companies who have incorporated this strategy report that their greatest innovations have very often been from these “self-directed employee creativity hours”.
7. Introduce the Strategic and Creative Problem Solving Process to your organization. Yes there is an art and science to creative thinking along with tools and techniques used by professional facilitators in organizational think tanks.
8. Shake up Creativity with an “Employee Brain Gym” Today’s savvy educators incorporate brain gym activities so students test better and get the left and right brain working. Yes, it also works for employees. Unleash the genius with mind-body/creativity exercises.
9. Consider carving out a “Creativity Room” free of technology which provides a stimulating thinking environment for employees. Environment affects mood and yes Creativity. Look at Google if you want to see a mind-blowing model for fostering innovation in the workplace through design of creative spaces.
10. Post Questions for Continuous Business Improvement such as “What are we doing that is just plain stupid? If you were in charge what are the top 3 things you would do to improve sales, service, communication, etc? How can we be more effective?
10 ways to bring creative ideation to your organization
We all know that it's no time for Business as Usual. The good news amidst the bad economic news is this: "Revolutionary Business Ideas-- if not miracles are certain to occur during this economic crisis" and the reason is Painful. Organizations and individuals need Pain to Change. Pity but it’s true. We don't give up smoking until we can no longer endure the cough. We don't diet until we see the painful picture and we don't change our business model until we have enough pain/loss to look at other options. Or is there another option? Imagine having a Think Tank before you need one? Imagine creating one now. Imagine Creative Thinking as a Year-Round Process and not a Crisis Situation Room.
For years I have been asked about the ROI on "Business Ideation and Creativity Sessions" that force Executives and Teams to "forget about what is and imagine what could be". While many companies talk about having innovation and creativity in their organizations and in their annual reports, the number of companies that host annual ideation sessions or think tanks and have a Chief Creativity Officer is much smaller. Note: Those that do, tend to be on the list of the most progressive companies. That is until now....Now there is sufficient pain to seek creative solutions and business revolutions in just about every industry and company.
Here are 10 ways to bring creative ideation to your organization and move from pain to solutions:
1. Make “Creativity & Solution Finding” a Core Employee Competency. Emphasize that all employees are expected to be “Solution Oriented, Not Problem Focused” and provide at least one potential solution for each identified problem.
2. Establish a Chief Creativity Officer responsible for an ongoing creative process within your organization.
3. Include a quadrant of time (20percent) on every meeting agenda for “Creative Ideation” using ideation/think tank tools to improve an existing idea or create a revolutionary new idea.
4. Start planning how your company will participate in the World-Wide Celebration of Creativity and Innovation Day—It’s actually a whole week April 15 – 21st, beginning on the birthday of Leonardo Da’Vinci. Set aside time this week to train your leadership team and employees on creative thinking processes, unveil a creativity room, or host a creative customer event.
5. Post a “Problem” of the Week and “Solutions” Board in a Central Communications Area. You can use a Visual Collage and/or Mind-Map that will stimulate both Left and Right Brain Thinking. Ask employees to post their creative ideas and recommendations to a clearly stated problem of the week and watch the magic/solutions unfold before your eyes! Note: Include sticky notes or a special sticky board that is used by creativity facilitators and keep a supply of, markers and a stack of old magazines to encourage the creation of visual problem/solution collages.
6. Give employees an hour or two each week to work on a project of their choosing. Working on not what they have to do, but what they could do to improve your company’s production and/or services. Companies who have incorporated this strategy report that their greatest innovations have very often been from these “self-directed employee creativity hours”.
7. Introduce the Strategic and Creative Problem Solving Process to your organization. Yes there is an art and science to creative thinking along with tools and techniques used by professional facilitators in organizational think tanks.
8. Shake up Creativity with an “Employee Brain Gym” Today’s savvy educators incorporate brain gym activities so students test better and get the left and right brain working. Yes, it also works for employees. Unleash the genius with mind-body/creativity exercises.
9. Consider carving out a “Creativity Room” free of technology which provides a stimulating thinking environment for employees. Environment affects mood and yes Creativity. Look at Google if you want to see a mind-blowing model for fostering innovation in the workplace through design of creative spaces.
10. Post Questions for Continuous Business Improvement such as “What are we doing that is just plain stupid? If you were in charge what are the top 3 things you would do to improve sales, service, communication, etc? How can we be more effective?
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