Start the new year off right from Day ONE - set your goals and intentions NOW.

I spent today improving a few things to make my business run better in 2012 and one of them was to set goals that I can start taking the steps to achieve on January 1... or at least Monday, January 2...
I downloaded this SMART goals worksheet from "Coaching for Impact" and have it filled out and ready to go. I am accompanying it with a list of daily, weekly and monthly steps to help me reach my goal of earning $150,000 by the end of 2012. There, I said it. Now you can set your intention too.
Good luck. Let's support one another. What is YOUR goal for 2012?

Merry Christmas!

My Favorite Winter Time Cookie Recipe...

CHINESE SPIDER COOKIES

1 (12 oz.) bag of chocolate chips
1 (12 oz.) bag of butterscotch chips
2 c. Chinese noodles
1 c. dry roasted peanuts

Melt chocolate chips and butterscotch chips in a double boiler. After chips have melted, remove from heat and add Chinese noodles and nuts to melted chips. Mix and drop by teaspoons on wax paper. Let cookies set and harden. Store in an airtight container. Makes 4 to 5 dozen cookies.

Enjoy!

Small Business Saturday...and beyond...

Happy Thanksgiving!
I hope you all avoided the craziness in the malls on Friday and slow Cyber space on Monday, but I especially hope you shopped locally and supported smaller businesses on Saturday. Of course, you don't have to stop with Saturday. I encourage you to continue supporting your local small businesses and vendors.

So I don't double dose you with info...

Look to the right - my twitter feed. I post things on Twitter that show up here too.

Have you missed me?

Shame on me. I have not posted in a couple of months. This is a good thing. It means I'm busier so I'm just going to go ahead and say the economy is strengthening!
Has your business gotten busier in the past few months? Please share!

Do the people who want your services for FREE...

Give you THEIR services for free?

It's not too early to think about the holidays...

Custom holiday cards are a nice, personalized way to tell your clients "Thank you for the business all year long".

QR codes are growing hotter - learn how to use them

Here is an interesting article about Best Practices for QR codes.

Facebook pages for business

Did you know if you have 25 likes or more, you CAN change that URL on Facebook to a simple business name? Under "user name" in "edit page". Go to "basic information".

It's nice to eliminate the "/pages/" and then all the numbers after your business name:

http://www.facebook.com/linsgraphics

http://www.facebook.com/tikastrinkets.com

Please LIKE my jewelry Facebook page

Tika's Trinkets! Thank you!

Also, check out TikasTrinkets.com...

Oh - and TELL YOUR FRIENDS!

Thank you and have a great weekend!
:-)

Resizing photos in Photoshop

I'm sharing this valuable information from a colleague: Basic Steps To Resizing Photos using Photoshop.

Fun way to get kids outdoors: coax them with great prizes!

This is a project I recently completed for the Big Bear Resort Association call Kids. Get Outdoors. Win. I designed the printed brochure that is being distributed, but here is a link to the RA website with the details - my artwork is used here too: http://www.bigbear.com/thi​ngs-to-do/recreation/kids-​get-outdoors/

Celebrating our Independence Daily, in more ways than one...

Check out this logo I designed...

and LIKE my client's page at the same time!

Altitude Distribution

Thank you!

Time to redesign or improve your web site?

I know even I need to upgrade mine... but at least you can read my words, find my contact information, and view it without having a seizure.

I can't believe some people still use white - or neon green - type on a black background. Looks cool, maybe to some, but have you tried reading the words? Ouch!

Here is fun site to check out what NOT to do!
Web Pages that (aren't very good)

Have fun & enjoy!

Creating a directory for our networking group

If you are looking for more clients, I can recommend joining, or starting, a networking group. It's a great way to meet local business owners whose services YOU may need, and they may need you. But the idea of a networking group is that even if NONE of these people give you work, they will know someone who may need your services or product. By having a directory, we can easily refer people in the group, or invite new members.
Check out my work-in-progress.

QR codes are hot!

Everyone is using them!
Incorporate yours into your print pieces...

There's mine!

Crystal Clarity Treasure Necklace

Lookie what I made in Janet Grace Nelson's class. Check out her schedule of classes... at bvcse.org or here, loveshac.net/workshops_3.html

Photography Contest at Moonridge Zoo

I entered a photo contest as a novice. Learned a lot about my camera that day, and how your hand can cramp up after 6 hours of shooting! The contest only allows 4 entries... so have to narrow it down from here: Check out my pics...
I'm allowed to do minor retouching only.

Weekly post

I'm trying to be really good about posting weekly, but it's HARD! I'll just say it's been a good week. I got my first project from the Big Bear Lake Resort Association. It's a fun brochure encouraging kids to get active OUTSIDE.

Then, this past Saturday, I entered a photo contest at the Moonridge Zoo/Animal Park. I entered as a novice. Here are some of my shots. I took 770 total!

Have a great week!

To trade or not to trade

Is this another sign of the times?: trading services for things we may not NEED but do want; lowering prices; working for free because you are creating a piece you know 'you'll' love and will be happy to show off?

Meanings of Colors

This is helpful when designing product or service promotional materials: Color Chart

For your information:

Believe it or not - I work EVERY day (and enjoy it) AND I have time for other fun. Life is GOOD! :-)

Happy Easter, Happy Spring, Welcome new beginnings

It's fun how everyday we can start anew. But we choose certain times of the year to really make that a priority. I hope you had a nice Easter and move forward with new ideas, new experiences and a new appreciation for life... again.

50 Reasons NOT to date a Graphic Designer...

This is funny: 50 Reasons Not to date a graphic designer...

This is kinda cool...

Instagr.am

Appreciation is appreciated!

I got a new client a week or so ago. It's always a new experience working with someone for the first time. Art and design is very subjective and different people like different things. My job is to create something that sells your product or service to varying individuals, but it's still YOUR piece and you should happy with the end product. There is nothing more rewarding than designing something for someone for the first time and receiving a reaction of such great appreciation. It makes me feel so good about what I do. So, thank you for your appreciation - I appreciate it more than you know!

Do you go above and beyond what you are paid for?

In this day and age - no, wait - at any time in life, we should go above and beyond what is asked of us. If you love what you do, it's actually easy... or should I say, it's hard to avoid. When doing a project you love, it's impossible not to add a little here, fix a little there, or provide several more options than you "quoted" on. That is what sets us apart from people who are just doing a job. If you aren't driven to give more than you have been asked for, then look at what you're doing and ask "is there something else I would love more?, or somewhere else I should be?" Find your passion and work no longer feels like 'work'.

Graphic designer is just another word for artist...

I do other things than print graphics. It's fun and keeps my mind open. I love making jewelry, and this weekend I baked homemade dog treats for my Tika girl. I put a T on each one to personalize them for her! The recipe is easy and would be a great thing to do with your kids. Now I just need to get fun cookie-cutter shapes like squirrels, cats and bones!

Please "Like" Lins Graphics on Facebook!

I'm trying to grow my network and web presence:

Please "Like" Lins Graphics on Facebook!

Thank you!

Money advice you know, we just need reminding...

Live BELOW your means,

But WITHIN your needs.

If you don't have enough money to buy it, don't. Do NOT put it on a credit card.

Build up an emergency fund.

This advice applies to your business sometimes as well...

Only you know if you really NEED something...

May you have a prosperous year!

Spend money to make more money

They say money is just energy and the more we exchange and the more we use, the more we create. Are there areas in your business, or life, where hiring someone else to do something for you actually saves YOU time, and therefore, money?

I use freelancers to help with my work load: I am a source of income for them and that leaves me free to use my time on other things, either more work, or maintenance of the business. I bill them out at a higher rate and everyone is happy: they generate income, I am able to take care of other things to keep my business growing while making money, and my clients get what they need, when they want it.

It creates positive energy flow all around.

Where can you put your energy today?

Keep Positive and Continue To Push Forward

One of the things I find hardest about being self-employed is having to sell myself to strangers. It's always nice to get referrals, so I continually ask my current clients to tell everyone about me, but there are times I just need to go out and find new business on my own.

I also try to meet other people within the design industry thinking that we can possibly collaborate.

Sometimes I get a warm response, or friendly rejection, but there are those times when some people are downright rude or insulting. The only explanation I have for that is that they are paranoid (if we are looking for similar clients - like I often look to printers for work) or they are not very confident in themselves and what they do.

Confident people tend to be friendlier in my experience. They know they don't need my services, maybe because they have another graphic designer, so they may nicely say "Thank you for inquiring, and good luck in your search."

I never understand people who come across as condescending or offended and practically insult me. The sad thing is THEY could have been MY vendor, or a referral source for my clients. I don't want to do business with someone like that, and certainly not be the one who refers them if they treat everyone that way.

My opinion is that there is enough work to go around, and there are varying personalities - some who may not want to work with me, may love one of my colleagues, and vice versa.

So, I go forward, with a positive attitude and a smile on my face (you can HEAR that on the phone, you know!)...

Bear Valley needs a networking group...

So, I'm starting one!

Name to be determined, but for now I'm calling it the Bear Valley Business Bunch.

If you, or anyone you know, would like to get together with other business professionals to network, share ideas and resources, and support one another in the Big Bear Valley, please check us out. Our inaugural meeting is March 14th, at 5:30pm at The Old Country Inn in Big Bear.

Please RSVP on meetup.com.

I hope to see you there.

Thank you!

Thank you!

Thank you to those who came out in torrential rains and monsoon winds to celebrate Lins Graphics' 14th Year in Business last Friday night in Burbank. You are troopers!

Photos are on Facebook:

Happy 14th Anniversary to Lins Graphics!

Thank you for your continued support. We could not have made it 14 years without all you wonderful clients, colleagues and friends.

Remember - the celebration is this Friday, February 25th at 6:00pm at The Castaway in Burbank. We'll be in the lounge toasting to long lasting success!

Happy Valentine's Day!

To all those lovers or lovers lacking - Happy Valentine's Day! May you find love in yourself and all that you do.

Super Bowl Sunday

I took advantage of the fact that most people would be preparing for parties to watch the Super Bowl and I went skiing for a few hours in the morning. It was beautiful, and peaceful.

Of course I then went to a party...

Which was your favorite Super Bowl commercial?

SAVE THE DATE! (and tell your friends)

LINS GRAPHICS HAS BEEN IN BUSINESS FOR 14 YEARS THIS FEBRUARY!

Come join us for drinks at Castaways in Burbank, Friday, February 25 at 6pm.

No host bar and order off the menu.

It's the bash of the year!

See you there!

Business already picking up for 2011!?

I've been speaking to various clients, vendors and colleagues and it seems everyone has received an influx of new business already since the first of the year. It would sure be great if that's the trend. Please post whether or not you are experiencing the same thing.

New Year’s Resolution #2

Stop multi-tasking!

I find that when I concentrate on one thing at a time, I am more focused on THAT, therefore, eliminating mistakes and actually getting it done faster. I give each task it's own personal attention and importance, and in the long haul, everything gets done more efficiently.

Of course, I still eat my cereal while I'm steaming the milk for my latte...

Networking is fun and it works...

Thinking of ways to grow your business in 2011? Try networking. There are groups like MeetUps, or Yahoo! Groups that get together with other professionals in various industries. The more people that get to know you, the more that can refer you. Because these groups meet on a regular basis, you get to know the people on a more personal level and can feel more comfortable referring their services to friends, family and colleagues. Plus, they are fun. You will meet great people, learn about resources you didn't even know were available out there, and grow your contact base at the same time.

So, check with your local chamber, or look up some networking groups online and get out there and tell people about your business!

New Year - New Possibilities

Are there certain services you provide that you may not advertise as well as others? Maybe it's not your main focus, but in slow times, it's good to let people know of the other things that you do.

For me, its email blasts. Most of my clients know me for being a print production specialist - but I know html too and can take care of a lot of web needs, like email blasts. I also design web banners and buttons.

Think about how you can expand your client base with other things that you are already doing.

Happy New Year!