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September 27, 2013

Building Customer Loyalty One Birthday Card at a Time

Filed under: Marketing & Sales Promotion Techniques — Tags: — PDWriter @ 7:18 am

Birthday Gifts Deluxe Greeting Cards by PaperDirectBuilding loyalty with customers means compelling them to buy into your business and brand as much as your products. Offering a stand-out product or service that meets a genuine need is primary, but building loyalty with customers runs a close second.

Marketing researchers have found that brand loyalty can run very deep; customers develop a sense of commitment to businesses they feel connected with. Scott Davis, author of Brand Asset Management, describes a successful brand as credible, unique, sustainable and as having a valued place in the customer’s mind. The loyal customer perceives the brand and business as having benefits that set it apart from competitors.

Birthday Balloons Custom Greeting Cards by PaperDirectOne powerful way to connect with your customers on a personal level is by remembering their birthdays. Linking your business with the thoughtful gesture of a tangible, paper birthday card will make an impact humanizes your business in a memorable way.

Direct mail, including birthday cards, reaches closer to 100% of your target audience than e-mailed messages. The main hurdle to direct mail marketing is getting your envelope opened and read instead of tossed into the recycle bin… but who would risk throwing away an envelope resembling a birthday card? A birthday card would never be considered “junk mail.” It’s pretty much a given that a mailed birthday message will be opened, appreciated and remembered.

A typical direct mail response rate is around 1%; Birthday Card marketing could quadruple that. Even a 4% open rate could potentially bring your business an exponential number of new sales. Most importantly, the gesture will cultivate a sense of ongoing goodwill about your business.

Here are some tips for successful Birthday Card marketing:

• Start collecting the birthdays and mailing addresses of all of your clients. Ask them to opt in to receive a free birthday offer. (Not many people will say no to this!)
• Choose a pre-printed birthday card design that conveys the heart and warmth you’d Dancing Gifts Birthday Deluxe Greeting Cards by PaperDirectlike your business to convey.
• If your business is small, have all your employees sign their names to each card mailed. If this is not practical, have a heartfelt general message printed onto the card.
• Include a free offer or discount coupon inside the card that is valid during their birthday month.

Sending birthday wishes is a simple and affordable gesture that can go a long way in building loyalty with customers.

September 25, 2013

5 Awards Ideas for Students that Say “Keep Up the Good Work!”

Filed under: Student Recognition Ideas — Tags: , , , — PDWriter @ 2:13 pm

When it comes to students, a little award can go a long way. Whether you’re emphasizing behavior or trying to motivate students to be good friends, awards for students should be part of your day-to-day teaching, outside of the awards for academic achievement that are built into the school year. As you consider creative ways to award your students, consider these five award ideas for students:

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The “Faithful Friend” Award

Reward your more social students with their very own “Faithful Friend” award. When you see students going above and beyond for friends, consider awarding them. This is behavior you want to encourage, as being a good friend is a valuable life skill, so have a stash of “Faithful Friend” awards to hand out.

The “Happy Helper” Award

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Teachers and educators want to foster a sense of community in the classroom, and one way to do this is to encourage your students to help in the classroom. Rewarding those who help with an eager attitude will create a community of helpers. Add some “Happy Helper” student awards to your stash.

The “Excellent Effort” Award

If you’ve been teaching for long, you know that all your students are different, and they all learn differently. Sometimes, a simple “good job” or “excellent effort” goes a long way to boosting a student’s confidence in the classroom. When you catch them giving their all, they should be awarded for this, even if you can’t give them an “A” on the grade card. Reward them for their effort with an “Excellent Effort” certificate showing them that you noticed.

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The “Classroom Creativity” Award

Creativity is sometimes stifled in the midst of the daily grind of the school year, but you want to foster it in your students. Purchase some “Classroom Creativity” award certificates to give out to those students who show superior creativity in art, imaginative play, or writing activities. The more you reward creativity, the more it will grow.

The “Class Citizen” Award

Do you have a student who is careful to follow the rules? This student may not get much positive reinforcement from peers, especially if he is apt to tattle. Reward the good behavior, while working on the tattling at another time, with the “Class Citizen” award. This will show that you value a student who pays attention to the rules and tries to follow them, and it might encourage other students to follow.

Students who do well academically are rewarded many times throughout the school year. You can ensure that others get awarded for their strengths as well with these creative award ideas for students. Ordering them couldn’t be easier with the help of PaperDirect. Simply find the award you love, customize it for your specific category and order conveniently online!

September 18, 2013

Dental Appointment Cards That Won’t Get Lost in Their Wallet

Filed under: Marketing & Sales Promotion Techniques — Tags: — PDWriter @ 9:23 am

Dental Smile Magnet by PaperDirectDental appointment cards can help to keep any dental office’s chairs full and busy. They also assist clients in keeping their teeth and gums their healthiest. According to the CDC, good oral health has been linked with a lowered risk of major chronic illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes and stroke.

Although most people know that oral health is crucial to a high quality of life, unfortunately many of them can be resistant to going to the dentist on a regular basis. Reminder cards make it much easier for your patients to stay on track and be aware of their next appointment. Dental Logo Business Card by PaperDirectDental appointment reminders come in several different types:

• Mailed dentist appointment reminder postcards.
• Magnets.
• Standard appointment cards.
• Sticker appointment cards.

Dental offices should consider making use of several of these types of reminders for maximum exposure, response and results. One powerful approach is to use an Appointment Sticker Card along with a mailed dentist appointment reminder card. Here is an overview of both types and how they can be implemented in tandem:

Smiling Tooth Postcard by PaperDirectDentist Appointment Mailer Postcards.This type of dental reminder is the more traditional of the bunch. It is usually filled out by the client when they arrive for their appointment so that it has their current address. It is then mailed to them a week or two before their next regularly scheduled appointment.

Appointment Sticker Cards.Unique and so convenient, Sticker-style dental appointment cards make for an unforgettable way for patients to recall, remember and be on time for their next dentist appointment. Sticker Appointment Cards help to reduce patient no-shows since the patient can stick the round diecut sticker wherever they choose — on their calendar, desk blotter, date book or appointment book — wherever it will best help them to remember their upcoming appointment.

Handy Appointment Sticker Cards won’t get lost in their wallet; the sticker feature sets it apart from the rest, and it’s far more likely to do what it’s supposed to do — keep your clients on track with their dental appointments. Appointment Sticker Cards feature:

• Bold, colorful, appealing design.
• Micro-perforated 65 lb. cover stock paper includes round diecut sticker for your client’s calendar.
• Can be easily personalized with PaperTemplates.

From now on, have your patients leave with sticker dental appointment cards, then follow up later with printed postcard mailers. Order today at PaperDirect.

September 12, 2013

Program Designs for Your Church’s Christmas Events

Filed under: Christmas & Holiday Party Tips — Tags: , , , — PDWriter @ 7:20 am
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Program designs are must-haves for your church’s Christmas events. They also send a very important message. Most people who see the programs will no doubt be church members. However, others will be newcomers and/or members of the community. They might be scoping out a new church to attend all year round, and Christmas is the most common time of year to do that. What do you want to say to your current, and possibly future, congregation?

The message you send might depend on the situation. A program for a children’s church event should bear a less structured motif than the overtly religious one used for a Christmas Eve service. One decorated with snowmen lends itself well to the time of year while letting those who see it know the event is centered around children. The children’s portion of your church’s Christmas pageant, special sales to benefit the less fortunate, and other child-focused events could even have their own program.

Christmas Scroll Programs by PaperDirect

A community Christmas program should include a festive and more fanciful design. A pretty poinsettia swirl would work perfectly for your church’s Christmas fair. Or perhaps you might prefer a simple Christmas scroll instead. No matter which design you choose, these programs can list what’s for sale at Christmas fair booths, or direct fair-goers to food stands, rest rooms, or the information booth.

There are program designs perfect for every Christmas event that your church hosts. Ask your pastor or church secretary to check out the wealth of ideas for programs available through PaperDirect – THE source for all things paper.

September 10, 2013

Holiday Card Sayings for Your Business: Now’s the Time to Order

Filed under: Designing Your Business Communication — Tags: , , , , — PDWriter @ 7:44 am

Peridot Stars Deluxe Holiday Greeting Card by PaperDirectSending out holiday business cards is a simple way for business owners to express to clients and employees how their impact on your company is truly appreciated. However, many people are unsure what to say when sending out holiday cards for a business. As a business owner, you want your message to be impactful, yet simple and sincere at the same time.

Here are a few simple holiday card sayings that are perfect for any business; yet customizable to suit your needs and the needs of your company.
10 Holiday Card Sayings for Your Business

1. Warmest holiday greetings and best wishes for the New Year

2. Wishing you a happy holiday from all of us at (your company name here)

Colorful Globes Deluxe Holiday Greeting Card by PaperDirect3. Sending you sincere thanks for your loyalty and business this year. Happy holidays and best wishes in the coming year

4. Best wishes for health, happiness, and prosperity in the coming year

5. From our family to yours, wishing you a happy holiday season

6. Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year

7. Seasons greetings and best wishes to you and yours

8. Wishing you a year of peace, love, and hope. Merry Christmas!

9. ‘Tis the season… Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

10. Wishing you good tidings, from our family at (your company name here) to yours.
Berry Tree Deluxe Holiday Greeting Card by PaperDirectWhatever message you send, your efforts are sure to be appreciated by everyone who receives your holiday card.

Now is the perfect time to order your holiday business cards; before the hustle and bustle of the busy holiday season takes over. Too often, waiting until the last minute forces us to scramble to order and get cards out on time. Don’t let that happen this year; order your customized holiday cards today!

September 5, 2013

A Holiday Checklist for Church

Filed under: Event Planning Tips — Tags: — PDWriter @ 7:30 am

Bethlehem Star Programs by PaperDirectA holiday checklist for church ensures all those little details that make the holidays so special will be minded so members and guests enjoy the full meaning of the Christmas holiday season.

Tops that list are newsletters and programs. Order both with holiday motifs to convey the essence of the holiday to attendees, as well as the surrounding community. Starting in September, church secretaries are busy asking committees and branches of the church what they will offer to both holiday bulletins and newsletters, so that these supplies can be ordered early. Perfect options for your church include the Bethlehem Star Programs and Lion Lamb Newsletters.

Don’t forget to order certificates for all Lion Lamb Newsletter by PaperDirectchurch members who take part in either annual Nativity scene or church Christmas Pageant. Certainly, members perform these roles out of the goodness of their hearts, but Christmas is the perfect holiday to let them know how much their participation means. These certificates are an important part of your holiday checklist for church. When they are handed out, especially by the pastor, members feel a sense of pride and honor, knowing they have participated in something very special.

Wise Men Vinyl Banners by PaperDirectMake sure your Christmas banner is on that checklist, too, so that once Advent begins, members and guests will feel the anticipation of the celebration of Christ’s birth. The date and time of your church’s Christmas program lets everyone know what to expect as Christmas approaches.

These items certainly don’t make the holiday, but with this holiday checklist for church items, the days leading up to Christmas will be filled with far less angst for the pastor and church secretary. If other items turn up on your holiday checklist, be sure to check out PaperDirect for all your church’s holiday paper needs.

September 3, 2013

Holiday Party Networking: 9 Dos and Don’ts

Filed under: Christmas & Holiday Party Tips — Tags: , , , , , — PDWriter @ 7:25 am

Swish Business Cards by PaperDirectWhen the line between personal and professional blurs at an evening company holiday party, know how to act. Remember: The boss is always watching. Holiday party networking should be causal and simple, with respect to the company hosting the gathering.

  1. Do talk with people from other departments in the company. This is a great way to learn more about the business and meet more people, especially if you’re a newcomer.
  2. Don’t linger by the appetizers or bar all night. Although you should have a good time, limit yourself to two alcoholic beverages and a few plates of hors d’oeuvres or you might start acting a little too casual.
  3. Do share your business card with outside guests at the party. This helps them easily connect with you later during business hours to follow-up on ideas discussed at the party.
  4. Don’t run to your office for paperwork or reports. Holiday party networking is about establishing connections, not doing the dirty work in a social atmosphere. Plan a lunch date later to go over documents.
  5. Do learn names. After chatting a while, thank the person for his ideas or express gratitude for the chat, and use his name. This creates a personal connection and shows a genuine interest.
  6. Don’t do all the talking. Listen to what others are saying and doing at the party. When in doubt ask an open-ended question and sit back and listen.
  7. Do have a two-sentence explanation for your position and goals. What will you say if the boss introduces you to a new colleague? Know your role well.
  8. Don’t dress too informally. This is still a business function–with flair. Think business casual with a nod to the holiday. A shimmering metallic purse or sequined seasonal top is an appropriate touch. Leave the jeans and funny holiday sweatshirts at home for the weekend.
  9. Do take notes about people you want to connect with later. Use a simple notepad app on your cellphone to write down topics, interests, or follow-up questions for people you’ve met.Blue Carrara Business Cards by PaperDirect

As the invitations start stacking up, get ready to RSVP. You’ve got this! Be sure to make a statement with a professional business card from Paper Direct. A variety of full color, bordered, and patterned business cards are available to print from your desktop or have shipped to the office. It’s your choice!

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