"Branding Your Image"!

  Feels like we all need something to take the edge off, though we can't hand you a plush animal (but have many available)- accept this virtual bear and take a moment to enjoy a hug. Breathe, refocus on smaller moments of joy, peace and the blessings of the day- in the end we become better coworkers, employers, clients and just people. If a "soft answer turns away wrath," imagine what an act of kindness can do, rippling beyond our vision to make a difference. What can we choose to do today to start the movement- maybe give a hug, a bear, be patient and slow down enough to take-in the moment.

  The "Dog Days of Summer" are soon to end BUT the seemingly unending "shortage economy" is ramping up and is expected to extend into the 1st quarter of 2022. From Taco Bell not having large cups, to McDonald's running out of paper to-go bags... retail consumers are starting to feel what business clients have been experiencing for the last few months. The old Boy Scout motto- "Be Prepared" is more relevant today, be prepared (not saying hoard), review what you think you may need for the holidays, for key home/ auto repairs now- inventory maybe available now that will not be by the 4th quarter. From business holiday gifts to personal items now is the time to ramp-up and not let the opportunity to be in control slip away.

  Oh look a squirrel ... seems so much harder to stay the course and focus on work when there seems so many distractions coming at us... oh a squirrel, wow! From clients juggling too many tasks, to fighting to keep our own businesses alive daily distractions chip away at our time, attention and ultimately our resources. Now is a great time to watch some of the Olympics and learn how single minded, focused athletes overcome challenges that would break most of us and set amazing standards of success. Say no to things that take away from your success, focus on what you will achieve for your self, family and business- and when it happens, cause it will- celebrate the what you have achieved, maybe go watch a squirrel! "Central Park Squirel"   by  Cecil Sanders  is licensed under  CC BY 2.0

  Wow, from sheltered to limited seating- and now to everything is open and most all mask free- Yet I found there are still many needs surrounding us- We have been blessed to survive 2020 as a business, and as I looked at our "covid mountain" of PPE supplies, we moved to actively try to bless others, to that end, NDS has donated all of our cloth and window masks to a local group working with the farming community. In addition we have donated sanitizer, gloves and our Vaccinated pin inventory to a special team of heroes- Dr. K. Carter (not shown), Nancy Bui-Thompson and others who are voluntarily holding vaccine clinics, even going to the homeless where they live, at their own expense. If you have extra supplies, checkout who has needs in your community and share- this is the fastest way to heal, recover and be blessed- better to give than receive.

With temps about to hit the century mark, businesses reopening 100% (with or without permission) and the parks full- this maybe the last time I can use our No Covid logo in a post. Regardless of the contrasting talking points, political views in the streets- BUSINESS is happening, there is pent-up pressures to reignite the economy in a big way but are we as businesses ready to handle the outpouring client needs? I suggest a refresher of company goals, purposes and plans for all associates is in order, a refresher of your industry and how these may actually be some of the best times to be in business.  Shortages of supply creates even more desire, and starts the supply/demand cycle which is better than a glut of product needing to be dumped at a loss.  So with Covid behind us, let's refocus on why we are in business in the 1st place, for us "to provide incredible serve and support, utilizing create solutions to help others (you!) be successful." Let's go, lets find eve...

  It is always easier to work a formula, a systematic method to try and ensure the same result each time- I do find it amazing when this is attempted to "unlock" some new means to successful selling. None of us what to be seen as a "clone," we are and should be engaged as individuals with unique needs and priorities. Much like a jigsaw puzzle, we maybe one of the "wishy washy blues" (as a friend called out the most recent and difficult puzzle we finished)- BUT we are different, sometime we can follow a pattern, a color or statement, but often only the shape, the purpose defines what is will be needed for a perfect match. Much like a doctor, we need to do a better job of diagnosing the needs, how the solution to be offered fits, before we launch a product, service out of a cookie cutter sample bag. In today's business environment a more deliberate and paced interaction will result in longer lasting and better fitting relationships.

Years ago I heard this story- "A king need a driver for his carriage. A contest was arranged to determine who should be selected.  To test the candidates the king selected a road that ran along the side of a high mountain. On one side of the road was a cliff that dropped straight down a thousand feet to a rocky bottom. The first contestant was a driver of extraordinary skill, whipping the horses to an incredible speed. He successfully guided around the twists and turns of the road with the outer wheels a mere 6" inches from the edge of the cliff. The next contestant was also an extremely skilled driver. He mounted his carriage and, like the first, whipped the horses to a blinding speed, he raced along the road with the carriage wheels only an inch away from the edge. The 3rd contestant, decided on a different strategy. He urged the horses into a leisurely gallop & steered them as far away from the edge of the cliff as he could...this was the driver the king selected, ...

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...