"Branding Your Image"!

I think after yesterdays game the GOAT in pro football has been defined and all discussion ended- As I watched Super Bowl LV, without a dog in the fight, my mind wandered to the fact that I was watching the "game", played by multi-millionaires who probably don't need to work a day longer- The fact that the work effort, the intensity to become masters of their craft, is no different that what we are challenged to do in order to win each day.  T om Brady epitomizes this laser focus, one that raised average players to Champions, that drew the retired, the dissatisfied to the TEAM and helped craft winners.  If we strive to be the best in our trade we can create the same results: attract talent, raise the moral and efforts of others, make a difference helping our clients- BUT are we putting in the time, the efforts to master our craft or just satisfied "getting by" and wishing we could win the big one-  B eing honest maybe the 1st step in this journey, just a though...

My dad worked hard to instill a work ethic in me, one I hope is honoring his legacy this many years later. One of my take-aways that I rephrased is "be faithful in small things, to be trusted in bigger things." So much of business done today misses the attention to detail, the pride in doing a job well- it kind of goes with basic manners, your word your bond, orders confirmed over a handshake and a smile that reveals your true heart. This PPE wild west has brought out some of the shadiest and unscrupulous players possible, people and companies taking advantage of the times- BUT if buyers look harder at the details, the lot numbers, tracking numbers, go to manufacturers websites much of the fakes would be exposed allow those who do it by the book to thrive- Let work to pay more attention and succeed together!

Don't know about you, but I was taught it wasn't polite to ask certain questions, to draw attention to myself or ask for anything. Probably good in most scenarios, but in business that can be a killer- you MUST standout in the noise, or today in the empty, sheltered, closed environment most of us are in. As you go into 2021, make some noise, draw attention- let your team, vendors, clients and prospects know you are still in the fight, still here! What's your purpose, does anyone know? Shout it out, don't hold back least people wonder... "is XXXXX still around?" At NDS, we exist to support you, to help you be successful getting notice, finding the right print or promo product or service to met any need www.printorpromo.com . Let us help you, we are here for you! Wishing you the most successful year ever~ Happy 2021

Rewatching the "How the Grinch Stole Christmas,"  I noted that for most of the movie the Grinch plotted and worked to steal all of the Christmas presents, decorations to make Whoville sad. Seems an appropriate type for 2020, as many only focus on how bad the year was. But like the movie, the best came in the end, that its not the stuff that defines Christmas or even a Year. It's family, memories, a gift of love and life by our Creator which makes Christmas the special event for all, that gives a year meaning. Many don't realize that in spite of the storm small businesses are still being opened, are growing and being dreamt about. Rather than boohooing what behind, let us embrace this week and celebrate, show "Cindy Lou Who" resolve that nothing or anything can steal our joy, our purpose. Together or virtually let us enjoy the blessings of the now, send a note, a card- send an email, call friends, business connections and family- say thanks, offer love and in...

Limited offerings, stock outs, short staffing and product delays are part of a providers "new normal"- chasing some items have become on par with seeking "BIG FOOT"- just yesterday it was outdoor space heaters in demand (FYI, we have access)- medical gloves are still and will remain a long term supply challenge, and extended sizes in may garments (in the promo industry) have been tougher to find. As a provider, it is taking more creativity to find suppliers, often from multiple sources, to fulfill orders than actually making the sale. Now is the time to ensure your product providers are well versed in their industry, have all the tools needed, not to mention financial backing in order to help you face your clients with all that's needed to succeed. Know we are available to offer any insight or direction, at anytime. Maybe if we knew Big Foot personally as Darryl, we wouldn't have such a hard time finding him :)

Nice to be ahead of the curve, a recent news report stated: "Chili pepper consumption could help people live longer, says American Heart Association." Think adding spice to my Taco night kit not only tastes good, IT"S HEALTHY for me :) Maybe you need to send food kits to help improve your teams health- mental and physically! Sometimes it only takes a little spice to improve the situation!

As we race toward the end of 2020 (most of us can't wait)- the reality that 2020 will have long reaching impact. Surprisingly, business is starting to boom which has created a unique set of issues. In my industry, print and promotional products- we are seeing reduced inventories, even heavy stock outs as demand for what was generic products (black tees, black tumblers) has overwhelmed supply. A recent Wall Street Journal article titled "Why You Might Have Trouble Getting the Refrigerator, Can of Paint or Car You Want" share how consumers are buying heavier than normal creating a backlog of orders. Now maybe a good time to order what you think you will be needing by the holidays or into the 1st quarter.

We call it "Covid Mountain"- over the last 6 months NDS has been building a local inventory of PPE supplies for immediate or urgent needs  (see Local at www.ppe4covid19.com).  Can't say thanks enough to our UPS, FedEx and other daily delivery workers, through it all they have been courteous, sensitive to my team regarding spacing and masks, and found humor in our loads in and out when I was working alone the 1st four months. Like our restaurant and grocery workers, these special people need a hearty applause and gifts for their heroic efforts.  Going door-to-door, from business to homes, never knowing who they will see or be exposed to. Thanks all! Stay safe, be well!

My wife and I drove from Sacramento to Seattle over the weekend- as this is a 12-14 hour trip, depending on stops, we played the old license plate game. Who can find an out-of-state plate before the other does- What was so surprising after almost 30 hours of driving, was the number of States represented in that short window of highway, we found 30 different States and one Canadian providence. From Hawaii (really rare) to Alaska, Maine to Virginia- In the midst of COVID, we are still a people on the move, people sharing a common bond, enjoying a unique place in a troubled world. As we work together, mask wearing, hand washing- let's remember WE are united under God and start our Thanksgiving season now with the brethren that travel the same roads we all share. Be well, stay well!

I have been reading that many of us, sheltered at home, or working from home, are bored! Bored translates into buying, seems especially Christmas presents! For those with a "to do" list, this seems like the ultimate task to check off, for business needs, now is the time to buy. Business buyers need to plan ahead, as lead times are lengthen and inventory is short for branded product offerings. For the rest of us, maybe we need to take a breath and enjoy the season we are in, at least get out of September :) This rush has motivated big box stores, as I have seen locally, to already have Christmas decorations on display, for sale- sure makes it harder to draw lines for the kids and keep each season special.  Just a thought~ Happy 2021 (now that's something worth pushing!)

Who knew that we'd move the best ad spot to the center of our face?!  The promo industry just shared over 60% don't have a customized mask but over 50% would wear one. Now is a great time to offer packs of 3-5 units so you or anyone can keep track of which they have worn on what day, to make a fashion statement, give a shoutout to favorite teams, companies and more.  To really make a statement, let your smile shine out, makes it easier to read emotion, read lips, diffuse confusion- great for teachers, servers- just for fun. So for a small investment you can make a BOLD statement! Have fun as you impact the new in-person non-verbal branding opportunity!

As I was recently enjoying dinner, dining out, I became aware how I and so many others just kicked back and slowly finished my meal, stalled after paying our bill before leaving- for a restaurant the ability to turn a table one more time could mean up to 50% more revenue, for the servers could mean double their income. This caused me to work on creating a weather-proof label for tables- a soft message to help out. Though we are so excited to "get out" and enjoy being served, now is a great time to let your "brand" come forth, be known as the kind guest, the attentive customer- one they want to see, who is generous (with tips) and who cares to help others succeed. A joke, a kind word, leaving sooner (don't miss the experience, but know when you have overstayed)- offering more than asked for will help all of us restart, rebuild and find solid ground again in our country. This is a part of the NDS culture, to "provide incredible service... to make others succe...

Based in California, we are enduring another week of smoky skies, if you are inside, you'd think its a late October foggy day, not end-of-summer 95+ humid cooker. Driving around one needs daytime running lights in some areas, and you find you are looking for company lights to know whose open and to identify where you are, esp. later in the day and early evening. The question we face, "does your clients know you are still in business, still ready to step-up and serve them?" The easy way to try and gain attention is an email blast, but how many have you gotten today alone? I've already deleted over 50 and its not even 10:00 am, with an expected 250 more to come in (this is after all the rules and blocks on my account)- not very effective, though inexpensive. In the past we'd go see our clients, and we pray that day will be coming again soon, but a limited option-  Do we try to run a non-stop series of web conference calls? Doable but still we may face limited access...

"Can I come by and see you?" that phrase almost feels threating to many, you want to "see" me- like be in person, in contact, cross the invisable barrier we have now created?!  From working at home, to web meetings we have adjusted (pivoted :( to finding ways to stay connected. NDS has made the shift, doing all of the above and now offering our own virtual Branding Expo which you are invited to- BUT is this really the new norm?  We are social creatures, we need contact, a touch, a smile- a shared bond of real life experience. Novels and movies have been made around the punishment of isolation, being socially distanced, being put into solitaire. If you are like me the isolation touches you softly and dulls your energy and vibrancy.  Do I have the solution, not exactly- I do have my relationship with a living Lord who guards me and does bring comfort, have a loving family (that we are no longer isolating from 'cause that adds salt to the wound)- and friends to c...

Wow, finishing the month of July, NDS would have hosted our 2-day Branding Expo this month (one in the Bay area and one in Sacramento)- really a bummer as we miss our clients, vendors, and friends who make it an amazing event. We look forward to resuming a live event in 2021, over 100 companies represented. Like most companies we have had to make the change our format, we are hosting a virtual Branding Expo - Your are invited to join us online for great ideas in a quick to watch format at your convenience. Comment on five of your favorites and you will receive a special food gift box :) Wishing you a great Expo and to be well!

Bet you're as tired of this mess as I am- being relocked down is like needing a filling redone (lived through that in my youth, replaced a full mouth of poorly installed filling- another story), painful, a waste of emotion, energy and efforts. Now is a time to show love to our neighbors, support local businesses (buy gift certs even more takeout), tip heavier, smile more, share small glimpses of joy, hope and life! With the over abundance of social media, there are a number of funny posts that anyone can snap and share (just look at the " funnies " section on our PPE site, wwwppe4covid19.com), I am amazed the positive responses when I share with others. We launched the NO COVID19 symbol mid-March, it has become our stand to remind one another- the need to physically distance (stay emotionally and socially connected), to wash often, and now wear masks. Not hard, just needs to become second nature for all, by all, to support all. May you find new joy, new optimism even wi...

Regardless of our personal viewpoint, face coverings- masks or face shields are now a part of our daily fashion statement. For some, the utlitarian paper blue masks have become the go to, function over fashion. For some, sublimated full color masks allows for a wilder side to be presented, or for team or brand loyality to be announced. With the loss of almost 55% of the non-verbal communication that some experts say we lose when we can't see a persons lips, the advent of the windowed mask gives a partial view of a persons face and what they are communicating. The face shield offers full face visability and is now being seen as a strong safety contender With a goal to help you be successful, NDS can supply any and all of these styles- let us help you find a face covering that send the right message and keeps everyone as safe as possible.

Branding comes in all sorts of styles, images and colors- to be know immediately is the ultimate of any marketing plan. Speak of the "Red, White & Blue" or the "Stars and Stripes", you and most of the world knows immediately what country your talking about, the United States, a symbol or Brand of hope, opportunity and freedom readily identifiable- Regardless of world events, the United States brand is still strong and the beacon of better things, may we all take time to thank God for opportunities and even the challenges because in the midst of them we still have choices. Let us not forget the choices made by others so we can have the choice to celebrate or not, the sacrifice of blood, sweat, tears and possessions. Happy 4th of July to all!

Just Breathe~  I don't know about you, but I feel like I been in a marathon that keeps being extended mile by mile with no end in sight! Or as my brother-in-law called it, the "endless desert". Yesterday I realized we are 50% through the year and business is starting to come back. As hard as its been, take a breath- in through your nose and out the mouth (assume without a mask :) and relax... I know I need that message, that reminder to not let the journey rob me of the life I am blessed with. Business is coming back, reopening and smiles are returning. Let's just breath and take it all in!

In today's tough market place, you have to keep the proverbial neon sign flashing- "I am in business, I am in business, I am in business" Keeping your brand visible, strong, positive and focused will set you apart, maybe even be the key difference in being selected verses overlooked. Step back from your business, walk back in (mentally or physically) and review what you see with new eyes, the eyes of your prospective buyers. Does it make a statement of clean, fresh, edgy, top-of-the-line or seem raveled at the edges, sad or even desperate? Can you identify the "core value" which the business operates from- what is your primary focus and goal; does the client know it without a lot of words and explanations? How does your "brand" confirm or deny the message? Hard questions, harder answers which are required to send the most impactive message possible! Cutting through the clutter and showing value starts with the first impression- your signature...