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!