You had me at hello!

You’ve heard it before. You never have a second chance to make a first impression. Think about the first time you did business with a company. If you had a bad experience, you may not give them another chance. What impression does your business give? Here are some tips to leave the right first impression with your customers.

Consistency
Whether it is with your marketing materials, your physical location or your employees’ appearance and service, you need to send a consistent message. If you want to portray a professional image it is important that your advertisements look professional and that your business and employees are presented in a professional manner. This is important because there are multiple ways for a customer to discover your business and with a consistent message they will know exactly what to expect from your company.

Employees
You aren’t the only one that works with your customers. So it’s important to train your employees to give the same level of service you would give. It is important to make sure each customer has a pleasant experience so they will want to do business with you again.

Get feedback
Want to truly know if you are making a good first impression? Then ask your customers for their opinion. Surveys are easy and effective in finding out what your customers think on a variety of topics. Ask them about their experiences with your business. Then you will know where you may need to improve.

The Minuteman Press Bath 2010
Personalised Greeting Card Brochure is out now

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Your company logo added
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Your personalised greeting
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You name it, we'll do it

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Order the full brochure to be posted to you or emailed as a pdf today
Email: christmas@minutemanbath.co.uk

Web: www.minutemanbath.co.uk
Tel: 01225 442000

You Know It’s Time for a Rebrand When...

Your customers don’t recognise who you are anymore.
Pull out your business card right now. Compare that to the last direct mail piece you sent. Now take a look at your signage. Are they all sending a consistent message? Would your customers understand what your company does if they encountered your marketing? If the answer is “no” to these questions, it’s probably time to consider a rebrand of your business.
Rebranding can be a scary process. It could take a lot of time, cause confusion with your customers and cost you some money to make the transition. But it may be worth it if you’re not delivering the right message to the right audience to get more business. Before you take the leap, consider these rebranding tips.

It’s not me. Or is it?

Many people think that their brand consists of a logo, some signage and a business card. While these elements are key in indentifying who you are, the brand goes well beyond a look. Your brand is your customers’ perception of your company, what their expectations and experiences have been in their interactions with you. Your brand is also the promises you make and deliver on everyday. Before you start making cosmetic changes, make sure you take a holistic approach to how you do business.

Get over yourself.

While it’s your brand, it’s not about you. It’s about your customers. Take a top-down approach and analyze your entire business, and who you want to be. Talk with the type of customers you want to attract and find out what they know about you and what they need from you. Look at what your competition is doing and differentiate, don’t copy.

Plan. Plan. Plan.

The rebranding process takes time and “flipping the switch” on a new brand could cause some issues. Make a transition plan and get key stakeholders involved such as customers and prospects. You have to get your employees behind the process and get them excited about their new image and, possibly, new attitude.

Finally, don’t cling onto your history, but make sure you take the good things you’re doing and keep them so your customers can still get a sense of familiarity. This will keep the customers you want coming back to do business with you.

Where we can we will!

Even if that does mean stopping late tonight to get jobs out of the door.

Printing in a hurry? Give us a call on 01225 442000!

Improve Your Communication Skills and Influence Others

All we’ve wanted to do since we’ve been a baby is make a connection with another human. If you thought it was hard when all you could do was babble, it can still be a challenge as an adult. It doesn’t matter what career path you’re on, your communication skills will be tested. Those skills may just determine whether you move up or stay put. Here are a few tips to improve your communication skills.

Listen Up. You may think that communication means you should do all the talking. But the key is in listening. Save your judgment until the other person has been heard. You don’t have to be ready to respond right away. Stephen Covey says, “seek first to understand.” Pause and listen without thinking what you’re going to say next. Repeat what they’ve said to ensure you have understanding.

You’re a Ventriloquist. You constantly give and receive wordless signals in your body language. Your facial expressions, posture, gestures and eye contact are often saying more than your verbals. Give your attention to the person with good eye contact. Show that you’re listening with good nonverbal gestures, such as an occasional head nod or uncrossed arms. Think about your nonverbal cues as you’re speaking.

Stay Present. If you’re not ready for the conversation because of other distractions, it will only cause problems. Ask to defer the conversation so you can both be emotionally available. Then, understand why you’re trying to communicate in the first place. There’s no need to bring up the past as it does nothing but confuse the issue at hand. If you’re having a difficult conversation, focus on “I Statements” that remove any accusatory tone.

Communication is often to blame for many issues. Be the one that makes a difference and practice good communication skills. Accept responsibility for poor communication, apologise and now the real communication can begin.

Thank you for the feedback!

We always like to make life a little easier here at Minuteman Press. So following the phone call we have just taken it was mentioned that our opening could not be found easily on our website, they are currently two clicks from the home page to find them.

We have therefore made it easier by adding these details to our home page.

Our opening hours are 9am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday.

Of course ou can request a estimate or place a print order anytime day or night through our website www.minutemanbath.co.uk

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Minuteman Press Bath are the most loved printer in the UK as voted by local people on The Best of!

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