Labels: Embrodery, embroidered logo, indianapolis, Kristie's Kreations, monogram

Do you purchase solely on price?

Do you purchase based on the sales person or company?

Do you shop around and find the cheapest product?

How much do you research a product before you purchase it?

Do you only buy from those that you are comfortable with?

Last week I received an email from a potential customer.  At the end of the email, she asked me if I would be willing to put together a quote for her.  Of course I responded.  I called her back instead of in an email so my questions were not as confusing.  At the end of our conversation, of course I told her that I would be more than happy to give her a quote.  I ended up stopping by her office later in the day to drop off a catalog.  I sat in her office and had a great conversation with her and one of her coworkers.  It was very nice!

During the conversation I found out that she knew a lot about me and we had just met.  How did she know so much about me?  I asked and found out that she had really researched me.  She checked out my website and read several of the posts on my blog.  She knew more about me than some of my existing customers!  It was great!  This was proof that what I am doing and spending my time on . . . IS WORKING!  Now we have not completed an order for her yet but it is moving in the right direction!

Then today I had a conversation with a great friend, Amy Stark.  During this conversation, I found out that she feels as if most people do business with those that they like and are comfortable with.  For me, this is very true!  I will do business first with my friends, those that I have met networking or from a referral!

Does everyone else feel this way?  Unfortunately I am not so sure that they do.

What do you think?  Who do you like to purchase from?

Labels: Amy Stark, blog, Competition, Embroidery, Fishers, Friends, Indiana, indianapolis, kristie, Kristie B, Kristie Bradford, Kristie's Kreations, logos, Networking, Promotional Products, Purchasing, Stark Reality, Website

Have you ever thought about putting you logo on toys?

Are you a fan of Rubik Cubes?

Did you grow up trying to figure out how to make all sides the same color?

Did you keep it original or get frustrated and change the stickers so they were the right color?

This game game has came back into popularity!  Just go to Target and you will see them available in different sizes.  Guess what, you can now have ones made in what ever color you want with whatever imprint you want on the different sides.

Here are two of the many different styles available.  I just love Rubik Cubes!  In fact, we have my old one as well as a new one. . . which the stickers have not been removed and replaced! :)

[caption id="attachment_445" align="aligncenter" width="250" caption="Rubik Cube"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_447" align="aligncenter" width="250" caption="4 Boxes Cube"][/caption]

One more thing that I always loved playing with and still have my original one. . . The snake!

[caption id="attachment_446" align="aligncenter" width="175" caption="Snake"][/caption]

Have you ever thought about a Rubik style UPS drive?  Those are also available.   I just do not have the picture available right now.  If you are interested, let me know!

What do you think about the toys listed?  This can also be imprinted with you logo on it.

Labels: Fishers, Indiana, indianapolis, Kristie's Kreations, promotional product, Promotional Products

What do you think about promotional products?  Are they useful or throw aways?

Do you feel as if they are a waste of your money?

Do you think they are not worth your time to look into them, order them and then pass them out?

Have you ever thought about all the promotional products that you have in our house?

Today I was browsing through one of my supplier's websites.  On this site I saw so many different items that I use on almost a daily basis.  I often times will hear my potential customers or competition say that promotional products are 'trinkets and trash' or other similar terms.  In some ways, I have to admit they are right.  BUT in so many ways they are wrong.

Here is just one pure example:

What do you use when you are trying to open a new jar such as pickles?

I can tell you what I do . . . I open up the top drawer next to the stove and pull out one of my three jar openers.  I wrap it around the lid and turn it.  It easily opens right up!  I did not purchase any of these three grippers.  In fact, they are promotional products that were given to me.  They are such a useful item!

This is an excellent way to put your logo in front of your customers, or future customers, on a daily basis!  Yes, it might be put back in the drawer but when they are finished with it, but they will pull it back out again to use it!  Each time your logo is right in front of them!  An even better reason to go with something as simple as a gripper is that you can put it in their hands for under a quarter each!!

[caption id="attachment_428" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Jar Openers"][/caption]

As I was reviewing the many different varieties of simple jar openers I found a new on that I have not seen before.  It is a great idea!  Why not put it on the door knob, on a hook inside the cabinet or on a handle on the cabinet?!?  It is always conveniently located and proudly showing your logo!

[caption id="attachment_427" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Door Hanger Grip"][/caption]

Do you use a promotionall product on a daily basis and have not ever really given it much thought?  What is it?

Labels: Fishers, Indiana, indianapolis, Kristie's Kreations, Promotional Products

Well, another one is here! It is Friday the 13th.

I find it interesting but I am not concerned about it.  In fact, what perfect timing.  The last week while I have been working out, I have been reading Indiana Ghost books that I checked out of the library.  They are interesting!

Here is  a little bit of trivia about Friday the 13th and the year 2009. . . Which months in 2009 have a Friday the 13th?

Should we be worried that it is Friday the 13th??  No, because tomorrow is Valentine's Day!  Are you doing anything special for Valentine's Day?  I am pretty sure that in the Brandford's house we will not be doing anything too special.  Nathan has a birthday party to go to for one of his classmates.  Unfortunately, it is at one of my least favorite kid party places.  Oh well, the kids love it!

After the party, or maybe even during, Mark, Lisa and I will go out to dinner since the party is at 5:00.

What are your uplans for Valentine's Day?  Did you get our Valentine's Day Newsletter this week?  If not, let me know and I can send you a copy and add you to the list for upcoming newsletters!

Happy Valentine's Day!

By the way, the answer to the trivia questions is. . . .February, March and November!

Did you know the correct answer?

Labels: Embroidery, Fishers, Indiana, indianapolis, Kristie's Kreations, Newsletter, Promotional Products

Labels: Embroidery, Fishers, Good Embroidery VS Bad Embroidery, Good VS Bad, Indiana, indianapolis, Kristie's Kreations, Logo, logos, Networking

Have you seen the cooler scooter? It is a cooler with a seat, handle bar, foot pedals and a motor. You can ride around on your cooler! It is very unique.

Originally I saw it on the The Ellen DeGeneres Show but recently I found out that it is one of the unique promotional products that I can offer to my customers!! The Cooler Scooter (item 51-300XE) is a 300-watt electric ride-on cooler from Cruzin Cooler. You can check it out at: http://www.cruzincooler.com.

[caption id="attachment_423" align="aligncenter" width="235" caption="Cooler Riding"][/caption]

It is such a unique item! You can use it for so many different things. Here are just a few ideas:
*Use it as a giveaway at your trade booth
*Use it as an incentive for your sales staff
*Use it as a golf outing give away
*Use it for the company picnic
*Use it for your own personal prize

What a great way to show off that logo! You will be remembered that is for sure!

Ride away with pride!

What do you think about this cooler?

Labels: Embroidery, Fishers, Indiana, indianapolis, Kristie's Kreations, logos, Promotional Products, Trade Show

Check this out. . . I will be the facilitator for the Panel on the 25th!! Come check it out!

For Immediate Release Contact: Brett Healey
February 9, 2009 (317) 223-7143

Confluence North Network Educational Session Announced
How Corporations Can Use Twitter

(INDIANAPOLIS)— The new Confluence North Network will host a panel discussion on how corporations can use Twitter, a micro-blogging tool, to better communicate with customers and improve customer relations.

The event will be held on Wednesday, February 25, 2009, from 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. at the Manhattan Restaurant, 3902 E. 82nd St., Indianapolis, IN.

"Our newest network was created to help people learn to use technology to help them do business better," said Brett Healey, president of Confluence. "Our members are interested in social networks, blogging, and Web 2.0 technology."

This month's event will feature a one hour educational session on how corporations can use Twitter for business applications. Panelists will include Jeb Butler of Small Box, Erik Deckers of Pro Blog Service, Colin Clark of Brandswag, and Twitter Ninja: Amy Stark.

"Judging from the post-event social media buzz on Twitter & Facebook our last event on blogging was very successful," said Healey. "Based on discussions with our members, they wanted to hear more about using social media technology like Twitter. We're going to focus on specific technologies each month during our educational sessions.

Confluence is the newest business-to-business networking association in Indianapolis. It is focused on bringing together networkers from mid- to large-sized businesses, and help them create new opportunities, and learn about new developments in technology, sales, marketing, networking, and human resources. In the first six months Confluence has hosted over 700 first-timers at its events and over 500 members have joined the organization.

For more information, visit www.IndyConfluence.com or contact Brett Healey at (317) 223-7143.

# # #

Labels: Amy Stark, Confluence, Embroidery, Erik Deckers, Fishers, Indiana, indianapolis, Kristie's Kreations, moderator, panel, social media

Today I was in a meeting with a client and he mentioned Mr. T and then followed it with, 'You may be too young to know who he is".  Well, I am definitely not too young to know who Mr. T is but I have to admit I did not remember the Mr. T quote he was mentioning.  Then later in the day, Nathan, my soon to be 6 year old, was watching Scooby Doo.  As I sat with him, I starting thinking about all the things that TV characters can teach us.  Then I remembered a conversation that I had with Erik Deckers about what Gilligan's Island can teach you.

I wondered, in a weird sort of "spent too much time in the Mystery Machine" way, what could Scooby Doo and the gang teach us about promotional products.  Here's what I came up with:

[caption id="attachment_400" align="aligncenter" width="163" caption="Scooby Doo Backpack picture"] [/caption]

1.  Scooby-Dooby-Doo, Where are you?. . . make sure others can find you from your imprint on the promotional product!

2.  Logos mean everything for Name Recognition. . .even 'Scooby Snacks' have a logo!

3. Keep trying different things until you find just the right one that works for your company. You may make a few mistakes along the way but something will always work out!

4.  Get away from the monsters (your competition) by standing out in the crowd.

5.  Promotional Products are like "Scobby Snacks". . .everyone loves them. . .  even Shaggy!

6. Even the littlest promotional product can 'catch' your business. . . just like Scrappy!

7.  Don't run away from something different and unique. . . it may come back to haunt you!

8.  Be like Freddy. . . .Always have a plan!

9.  Confront danger with a hearty "Zoinks!". . . or better yet, don't get discouraged, you will find the right product for your business!

10.  Have a great tag line. . . Scooby Dooby Doo

Maybe this wasn't such a bad idea after all!  Not only do some of them really make sense but it was also fun doing it!  In fact, I had Nathan help me write some of them!   Great job Nathan!!

Labels: blog, Embroidery, Erik Deckers, Fishers, Indiana, indianapolis, Kristie's Kreations, Logo, logos, Promotional Products, Scooby Doo

Sunday morning Mark brought me the Business section of the Star Newspaper and said look at this.  In the upper right hand corner of the newspaper was a small picture of one of our clients, Steve Gray of  Steve Gray Renovations!  How exciting!

[caption id="attachment_387" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="        Steve Gray with GREAT Embroidered Shirt!         The picture found on www.indystar.com."][/caption]

Steve had a very nice article in the Business section about how he started his business five years ago and how he has been able to see it continue to grow! If you would like to read the article, here is the link.  I am sure you remember Steve because I have spoken about him several times on my blog.  The first one is found right here on this link.  He is the reason that I had to get the Wii for Christmas!!

Congratulations Steve!!

By the way, I LOVE the embroidered Turtleneck!  I hope it is keeping Steve's Neck Warm!!  Where did you have that done. . . Kristie's Kreations?

Labels: Accomplishment, blog, Embroidery, Fishers, Indiana, indianapolis, Kristie's Kreations, Logo, Newsletter, Steve Gray Renovations, Website

Labels: blog, Embrodery, Embroidery, Fishers, Indiana, indianapolis, Kristie's Kreations, logos, Newsletter, Website

Today I had several fun things planned including a few networking events.  We got at least 11 inches of snow yesterday, last night and this morning!  Check out my picture on TweetPic!  I added it to Twitter this morning about an hour ago if that and there have already been 44 views!  Awesome what Twitter can do!

[caption id="attachment_369" align="alignleft" width="225" caption="Nathan and Lisa in the snow!"][/caption]

Because of this beautiful snow. . . Mark is working from home today. . .  School was canceled for Nathan. . Day Care closed for Lisa . . . and my events have been rescheduled!!

I have decided that it will be a napping, pj, catchup day!  Of course we have some embroidery to do but that can be done around the naps and of course in pjs!

Some of the fun embroidery we have to complete today and tomorrow are t-shirts for Nathan's K-Plus Program.  This Saturday is the World Fair for the YMCA.

Because one of the assistants in his class is from Somalia they have chosen Somalia as their country.  They will be presenting songs and food from Somalia.

Kristie's Kreations offered to embroider 'SOMALIA" on the front of the shirts that the kids and teachers will be wearing.   Nathan is very excited because he loves telling every about Kristie's Kreations!  And what is better than everyone in his class wearing shirts embroidered by Kristie's Kreations??!!??  I will post a picture after this weekend!

Over the holidays, our show was Nathan counting in Somalia.  Of course this will be one of the things that the kids will be doing for the parents.  Hopefully my parents will be able to come up and see the show!  They are in the Evansville, Indiana area and did not get as much of the snow that we got but they got 1 1/2 inches of ice with additional snow on top.  They are without power because of all the limbs that fell out of trees and broke their transmitter!  Because my dad is an electrician, he has Macgyver fixed it so they have temporary electricity.  His Macgyver move was to attach two wires with jumper cables.  I am so proud of my electrician, Macgyver Dad!

I am off to start working!  If you are in Indiana, enjoy playing in the snow!

Labels: blogging, Embroidery, Family, Indiana, indianapolis, Kristie's Kreations, logos, Networking, Photos, Snow

Today has been quite the day!  As I am typing this, the snow is coming down.  Depending on where the front goes, we could get almost a foot of snow by tomorrow afternoon!

Today I started out my day at a Confluence Board Meeting.  Tomorrow is the first event for the Confluence North Side Network!  It will be a great event, I just hope that the weather will not detour people from coming!  This event will focus on Social Media. This is an area that I have really gotten involved in.  I love all the different things involved in social media.  I am not sure how it will help my business, but I am more than happy to learn!  One of the ways is with this blog.  Another is Twitter. . . which I am totally addicted to!

After the Confluence Board meeting, I headed to Starbucks.  Erik Deckers and I had a short meeting before my next with Greg Cooper.   Both were excellent meetings!   I found myself talking to both of them about social media!

They are both very active in social media.  Erik is across the board active.  He has started his own business, Deckers Marketing.  He has been trying to help me with my blog.  He has a wealth of information and is always giving me suggestions on what I can do to improve my business blog and website.  We also have great conversations about kids!  He has a very interesting story about his three great children!  I loved hearing about it!

After meeting with Erik, I had my scheduled meeting with Greg.  I basically met Greg via Twitter and then in person last week at the Smaller Indiana 4,000 Member Event.  He is also very active in social media but takes a different approach.  He is a local Realtor here in the Indianapolis area and understands how important social media is to businesses.  Not only is he very active but he is trying to get other Realtors involved as well as he is a speaker about the importance of social media.  He has a great story about a house he sold yesterday and twitter had a huge part in it!  It is a great story and you should ask him about it!

Greg suggested that I add a videos to my blog.  I do not know much about this so I am definately going to look into it!  It sounds like it would be fun and a great way to actually show off embroidery and promotional products!!

So what do you think about Video Blogs?  Should I start adding them to my blog?

Labels: blog, blogging, Embrodery, Embroidery, indianapolis, Kristie's Kreations, logos, promotional product, Smaller Indiana

Just yesterday one of my wonderful customers came over to pick up his order.  We got into a discussion about how I gave him his completed order.  This particular one I folded up his shirts and put them into plastic bags.  Because there were so many, I was not able to put them into one bag so he received several.

He told me that it would be much easier for him if I ironed and hung up his shirts before I gave them to him.  My response to him was that there would be an additional fee associated with this request because this was more time that I would have to dedicate to the order.  He was very understanding of this and, in fact, he said he had no problem paying extra for the service.  He would not even question the amount (except to give me a hard time) I charged for this service because it was something he felt was a necessity.

I then asked if he washes his shirts before he wears them.  He said that typically he does not.  He just puts the shirts in his closet still hanging on the same hangers that I presented the shirts to him on.  You see, I usually do hang his shirts on hangers but for some reason this time I did not.  My reasoning for this, if I remember correctly, was that after there are several shirts then they get heavy on the hangers and hurt my hand.  (I am probably being a baby but this was my thinking! :) )

Now before he arrived I debated over how I should present his final product to him. . . Should I fold them and put them into bags?. . . . Should  I fold them and put them into a box?. . . .Should I hang them up on hangers?  I never debated as to whether or not I should iron them because I have not done this before for shirts.

It really varies as to how I present completed orders to customers.  The three mentioned are the top ways that present a finished order.

How would you prefer you receive your finished embroidered order?

Would you be willing to pay extra for the shirts to be ironed/steamed?  If so, what is the maximum that you would be willing to pay?

I am really looking forward to hearing your thoughts!  Please let me know what you think!

Labels: bag, Embroidery, finished product, folded, hangers, indianapolis, Kristie's Kreations, logos