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Please take a few moments to enjoy the most recent issue of Printer@Work below before you
Return to strahmcom.com.

Strahm Communications September 07, 2010


A compendium of strange-but-true recent events as reported in the legitimate press.
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The world of business and finance gets skewered, as Bottom Liners tackles subjects such as foreign takeovers, office policies, getting a raise, and the fast-paced world of Wall Street.
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A wry look at the absurdities of every day life.
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News From
Derek Knell
Idea of
the Week
Marketing Tips
Uncommon Product
of the Week





The connection between creativity and commerce.


Bring Life to Your Site


A Note of Thanks
A Message From Derek Knell
The Way I See It

Planting a Seed

A friend of mine decided they wanted to grow an apple tree in their back yard. They had never planted anything before, so they started researching all they could about growing an apple tree. they learned about sun light and site selection, training and pruning, adequate fertility, pest control, and other factors helpful for creating a healthy apple tree. Every time they went out in their yard, they pictured the tree already grown with rich, beautiful apples all over it. Because of their determination and ongoing nourishment, the seeds planted grew into a flourishing tree.

Here's the way I see it: You can't plant apple seeds and expect oranges. However, with a little determination and effort, you may be amazed at what you can grow. We plant "seeds" in life more often than we realize, and sometimes these ideas flourish into great accomplishments. If you're looking for creative nourishment, give us a call. We'd be happy to help your ideas grow.


Idea of the Week
What Is a Creative Solution?

The Creative Process
Graphic design brings together two different things: artistic creation and the practical world of commerce. Put simply, it is intelligence made visual. A designer is a creative artist who deals with the realities of planning, from assessing client needs and crafting a solution to selecting appropriate materials (papers, inks, glues, and varnishes), maintaining strict budgets, and understanding visual communication.

Creative Solutions
A designer must make connections in the mind between creativity and process in order to successfully communicate a message to an audience and answer a client’s needs.

What Is a Creative Solution?
At its core, a creative solution solves a client’s problem through the design medium/language. It is...
  • appropriate for the client’s product, spirit, and objectives.
  • communicated clearly.
  • functional. A package has to open. A pictogram has to identify. A map has to direct.
  • impactful.
  • memorable.
  • original.
  • fresh, stimulating, exciting, and stunning.
  • executed appropriately and well.


See more great ideas like this!
Click here to visit the Strahm Communications Ideas Collection.

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Marketing Tip
Promoting Web Sites On & Offline

You may have a wonderful web site, but if people don't know about it, they aren't very likely to visit it. Here are a few ways to promote your web site on and offline:
  • Offer a chance to enter a free giveaway via your web site. Not only will you draw people to your site, but you can also increase your database.

  • Offer monthly coupons and special offers available only through your web site, encouraging prospects and customers to revisit your site on a regular basis.

  • Direct people to your web site through your on-hold messaging or via live operators, and promote your web site in your e-mail signatures.

  • Be sure your web site is listed in the phone book yellow pages for those who search the traditional route.

  • Send a postcard with a teaser of an article or white paper posted on your web site, and redirect readers to your site to read "the rest of the story."

  • Is your web site long and impossible to remember? Use a URL shortener (such as TinyURL.com) to easily transform any web site address with the click of a button into a short, unique address.
If you'd like other ideas on how to promote your web site through creative marketing materials, stop by today. We're full of great ideas to help boost your online audience.

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Uncommon Product
Thank You Postcards

Thank you postcards are not only a great way to show your appreciation, they are also an affordable marketing tool that increases front of mind awareness. Here are a few tips for creating thank you postcards that are appreciated:
  • Show sincerity by hand writing a note on the postcard whenever possible and addressing the customer by name.

  • Entice customers to return again soon by including a valuable coupon or discount promotion for an upcoming purchase available exclusively with your postcard.

  • Offer a perforated, tear-away business card so customers can keep your contact information within reach.

  • Encourage recipients to visit your web site and enter a code printed on the postcard to see if they're an automatic winner for a prize giveaway.

  • Include a reminder for an upcoming appointment date/time.

  • Invite customers to an exclusive friends and family discount night.

  • Consider creating an over-sized or folded postcard if you need increased marketing space.

  • Be sure to include your company logo and contact information should a customer wish to reach you.
If you'd like help creating the perfect thank you postcard or need other ideas for creative printed products, give us a call today!

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