Promotional Products

I mentioned before that I used to work for JH Studios, Inc.

I am still good friends with the owners and wanted to mention them today. You see, while I was with them the company evolved from a print broker and web design company into a promotional products distributor. It may seem an odd development, but since I lived it, I can see the logical progression in it.

JH Studios provides excellent customer service with a thorough step by step process to ensure the customer's order is delivered on-time with the correct imprint.

You'd be amazed at the amount of clients that found their way to JH Studios after another company had let them down.

Google Voice

I'll try to give an actual review later on, but I just wanted to post here that I am trying Google Voice. If any of my customers stumbles into this site looking for me, or one of my readers would like to become a customer, my Google Voice number is 813-551-BRAT (551-2728)

I was at first happy just to get a number in my area code. (I am near Tampa, Florida) Then, I was doubly glad to get a mnemonic that fits my company.

So, there it is. Call me if you need me!
813-551-BRAT

In case you don't know, Google voice is, among other things, a call forwarding service where a user can have whatever phone they choose ring when a call is received on the GV number. For me, that's typically going to be my personal cell-phone. I give my customers fairly direct access to me if they need me.

UPDATE:
I forwarded my G Voice number to my cell phone with call screening turned on. By the time I could answer my cell phone and listen to the caller's name, it had gone to voicemail. This only happened once, but that was enough. Can't inconvenience my customers like that. I turned off call screening and so far I like this service.

Tampa CPA

There's a client I have not said much about because I haven't had the opportunity to meet her face to face. I know her only through Cynthia Alloway, of whom I've written quite a bit,

This client is Tanya Higginbotham.

Because of her affiliation with Cynthia, I have complete trust in her. She has 30 years of accounting experience, with 15 of those as a Certified Public Accountant. Remember, a CPA is more than just an accountant. A CPA must have at least a Bachelor's Degree specifically in Accounting and they must pass a four part exam about tax prep, accounting, auditing, business law and lots more, plus require continuing education.

Tanya was a partner in an accounting firm where she managed operations and staffing, was in charge of software integration and built client relationships. 

You can find out more about Tanya on her profile page here: Tampa Area CPA

Business Advisor

I'd like to talk more about my client, Cynthia Alloway.

She's been in the business coaching and advising industry for over 20 years, helping hundreds of small businesses survive and thrive in Hillsborough County.

Before that, she worked in construction, managing a 40 man group of engineering technicians. She led them from a position of least profitable to one of the most profitable teams nationally in just one year.

She realized she could translate this success into other industries and help a multitude of clients. She began her own business that later became knows as "Common Sense Business Solutions." That name was chosen after hearing over and over from clients that her service injected much-needed common sense into otherwise difficult business situations.

With a teacher's heart and years of experience as a QuickBooks Pro Advisor and a Dave Ramsey Financial Counselor, Cynthia is determined to help her clients succeed.

Advertising Results

Online, the most important aspect of marketing is probably SEO. Well, you have to have an intelligently designed website that's attractive and easy to use, but if no-one can find it, it doesn't do you any good. People have to know you exist before they can give you any business.

Offline, there are other ways to get results from your advertising efforts. I often write about my client, GiantBalloonRental, because in spite of the name, this company offers just about any kind of outdoor advertising you can think of.

Just like  a nice website is important, a nice office or showroom is important to your customers, as is a great selection of merchandise or services, and a great customer experience with friendly helpful people. But, if no one knows you exist, they never have a chance to experience your excellent products.

A multi-pronged approach is most likely to be effective. If you don't have a website, get one. If you do, make sure it has good SEO. (SEO is Search Engine Optimization.) Make sure your storefront is clean and presentable. Make sure your permanent sign is clean and well lit. Find occasions to rent giant balloons and set them up in front of your store. Try the flailing wind tubes and tube men too. Once you have your customer's attention, give them a little more information and enticement with a full color LED sign. If you're store is open after dark, it's time to bring out the big guns, Skytracker Searchlights. Some call them Spot lights.

Spotlights are often used for grand openings and premieres,  but they are excellent for any event where you need to draw attention from miles away.


Orlando Spotlight Rental