Advertising Agency Blog - Inspired 2 Design, LLC

As fear grips many Americans today in the face of rising prices, higher unemployment, bank failures, and gas shortages, there is much to be said for moving forward and onward with our lives in an ordinary way despite extraordinary circumstances. While the financial times are tough, there’s no doubt, there are unique opportunities created by them.

Opportunities for personal growth through self-control, family togetherness through cooperative reliance, increased faith through trust in God, more joy through returning to the basics in life, even improved financial status through selective spending and debt reduction. All of these things can be the result of looking at the current situation through not rose colored glasses, but through clear eyes. Take for instance the credit freeze, what better way to reduce Americans need for living beyond their means - for making purchases based on true need and not just desire. And what better time to take your spending to local companies, people just like you and me who are struggling to make it a go with a small business.

It’s a great time for families to sit down at meals together, home cooking can return to the family table as gas prices and shortages force people to reconsider that trip through the drive-thru. Families and neighbors will need to rely on each other for support and encouragement more than ever. What better time to meet your neighbors, to have a cookout or block party and get to know the folks right next door. What better time to reach out to God in prayer and ask Him to consider our nation and our own situations, putting our future in His hands, and trusting Him to provide as His Word says He will. And what better time to express our faith through optimism and joy as we talk to others.

Rather than cower in fear at the times we’re facing, rather than look to one man who may be elected president in a month as the changeling or savior for it all, rather than stay hold-up, worried and afraid to spend a dollar to support a local business, put your faith and trust in God and look for the positive ways to get through these tough times. This is the United States of America, where “In God We Trust”, and we will get through this as a nation, and as families, friends, coworkers, and business associates.

Ever see tacky wax? Even know what it is?

In the ancient days of graphic design BEFORE computers, (yes there was a time when we did things manually)… tacky wax was used to hold graphical elements in place on a mechanical board. The wax was similar to a glue, but allowed repositioning of the type or image. Forms of tacky wax are still used in making stained glass, and other creative arts… even advertising.

But for this application, consider tacky wax as a process, not a physical thing you can roll up in a ball and flick or throw at someone. Tacky wax in this case refers to a company which “tacks” itself onto the advertisement or promotional piece designed and very often, paid for by another company. We’re not talking about cooperative advertisement where it’s clear that two companies or more are sharing ad space to promote, but just plain tacky.  Take those ‘free” business cards for instance (you know the ones with the great big ad on the back), if you are serious about being in business, be serious about your marketing and promotion.

If you haven’t seen signs of this around town, be on the lookout. It’s out there. Be wary, and don’t let companies stick to you, no matter how free the service or product is.  Inspired 2 Design wants to talk to you about your company’s marketing. Call or contact us for a FREE consultation - and that’s 1 full hour talking about your company. FREE (period) 770-781-3452.

The press can work for you or against you - just depends on the media outlet, your position and your relationship to the press.  It’s our goal to help you position yourself, and your company, around media sources that will be of benefit to growing your business and getting the word out.

Currently, we are actively drafting press releases for a client on a monthly basis. It’s been six months or so since we began the program which includes a monthly newsworthy event, activity, or milestone, that’s written about in a press release and issued to the local media. Since inception, this program has helped the client get FREE, yes, that’s right, FREE exposure to the local market. This exposure has come via TV news magazine interviews, community news magazine feature articles, a Publix magazine story, and more.

What’s most important about all this is that while the FREE exposure is a great product of the strategy, the regularity of the campaigns creates a familiarity with the media (or should I say them with you). Once the movers & shakers in the press (both print and electronic), know your name, you become the local expert in your field. Why’s that important? Whenever the media is doing a story, say… about computer repair… they’ll know who to call for input and quotes to add to the story.

There’s nothing quite like news coverage to validate a business, and a business professional. Consumers believe what they read in the paper, or see on TV. Why shouldn’t your company be the one they see most often?

Interested in getting a campaign started? Contact Inspired 2 Design for more info on public relations as a means to promote your business - especially at a time when saving money is very politically correct.

Happy Fall!