Happy New Year and New Web Site!

Check it out!

New and improved web site!

Linsgraphics.com updated!

Check it out: linsgraphics.com.
Please send me your feedback. Thank you!

New Web Site

I'm currently working on updating my regular web site. Stay tuned!

Good site, Bad site

Just a good reminder.
Don't scare people away from your site because it's so painful to look at. Here are some beautiful, classic black and white sites and here are some examples of what NOT to do...
Some websites can actually induce seizures! Don't let yours be one of them!

How much does a logo cost? I'm often asked this question. It can vary... a lot!
Check out this blog post from stock logos
http://stocklogos.com/topic/famous-logo-designs-and-how-much-did-they-cost

Don't Be Late!

There are few good excuses for being late, and sometimes the best thing to do is to cancel if you can call with enough advance notice. But being late shows your guest, client, friend, potential customer, that you don't respect their time, or that you are very disorganized. Be early if you need to be.
I recently went to support a business acquaintance by attending an event she put on. She was an hour late. That meant, by the time she was ready to begin her product presentation (after an initial introductory portion of her event), I had to leave. Someone else did to. So she lost two potential customers because we had prior commitments planned for after her function.
Remember to consider that other people are busy too, and let them know when your presentation begins and BE THERE. Also, let them know when it will end, so they too can tend to other obligations.

Lose any Data Lately?

I love these tips from Manta, and this is a good one!

Check your data!

There are two types of people: those who have lost their data, and those who will!

I'm not just saying this because I'm a designer and it's my livelihood... but if you need to promote your business, use a professional - whether you hire a designer or find a professional template online for a flyer, brochure or business card - whatever it is, you want to present your business professionally and with style, class and a clear message. I am seeing so many people trying to 'do it themselves' with Publisher or Word and these are not professional layout programs. They don't give you the control to design something that really works, even if you do have an eye for design. The type and image controls are limited. Plus, your fonts may be limited and instead of looking contemporary, your piece may just be "fine" like the materials a school teacher hands out to students.
Do you want to introduce people to your business like that?
There are plenty of student designers, or people who will work with you on price, as well as online resources for templates with design elements and fonts to make your business stand out and your information to be picked up by a potential customer.
Don't hurt yourself because you don't want to spend a few bucks.
First impressions are very important when it comes to a printed piece.
Good luck!

I really enjoy these Manta tips, and I agree with this one strongly. I haven't missed a deadline in years (in 15 years, I missed 2 - ask me about those situations), and I have NEVER come in over budget.
Deliver on your commitments

Have you checked out my Facebook page, and "Liked" me?

Please do! Facebook.com/linsgraphics

Thank you!

I'll return the favor.

I'm glad I didn't charge for the Facebook Fan Page Banners I designed...

Since, they are making mandatory changes...

Here is a good article about how the changes affect us, and may benefit us too. I like how she lists PROS and CONS of the new changes...

I want to grow my business - and I'm ready!

How do I go about finding a good sales person? All advice welcome! Thank you!

Do unto others... you know the rest...

When someone does a job quickly for me, I try to pay them quickly. It just makes sense to me...

So, if I'm asked to create something for someone because they need it 'now' (so, usually within hours, or at most, a day or two, depending on the size of the project), the least I ask is that they pay within the 15-30 days of receiving my invoice.

Am I asking for too much? I'm serious - this is not a rhetorical question...

Thank you to YOU and Happy Anniversary to Lins Graphics - 15 years!

I'm a little melancholy this week as my 15 year anniversary approaches and it will be the first year I have NOT thrown a party: here are some past parties and go to linsgraphics.com under "fun" for more...
http://www.linsgraphics.com/fun_.html - enjoy!

2012 is already rocking!

We are three weeks into the new year and I've been sticking to my daily checklist (pretty closely - no one's perfect!) of following up with past and current customers to keep on track for my annual goal. The response has been very positive. I've already got a new a client and a few new projects.

Plus - it's very encouraging and therefore keeping me in a good forward-moving momentum!

Trust yourself and your decisions, it only increases your confidence!

Reminder: Format your emails so they are easy to read and follow

Your email program more than likely allows you to indent paragraphs and bold words for emphasis.

Take advantage of your program's formatting tools. Experiment. But keep it simple.

• Don't type in all caps if possible; it's considered yelling.
• Avoid dark backgrounds with light type (yes, just like on web sites)
• Use an easy-to-read font. Stay away from scripts unless you are using it for one or two words.
• I keep emails from people that I think are effective so that I can learn from them.
• Keep it short too - if you want a reply within a reasonable amount of time. (you don't leave long voice mail messages, do you?)

We all communicate with email a lot more than we used to, so keep these tips in mind.

Valuable tips - especially this one - Keep web site simple

I love these daily tips from Manta. This one is especially helpful and reminds me that I'd like to eliminate Flash from my web site.


Time is a precious commodity these days. More than ever before, website visitors are looking for a solution to their problems in a quick and timely manner. They don't have time to dig. So keep your web copy concise and to the point using short paragraphs, bulleted lists and bold text to highlight items of importance.