Allure Network Marketing LLC

Additions at Allure

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Black) — Fri, 17 May 2013 19:27:00 +0000

We promised there were some pretty interesting developments taking place at Allure Networks and we deliver on our promises...

First, we have added new representatives in the Oklahoma market! These representatives have extensive experience in print and electronic media and understand both public and private sector marketing needs. The benefit to our clients is increasingly efficient delivery of services and print products delivered to their doorsteps. Additional representatives also mean we will have the opportunity to offer our clients more collaborative efforts between businesses within their communities and a convergence of geographic and demographic profiles. In other words, we increase our reach and scope for our clients.

Second, we are very excited to announce that Allure will now be providing print materials in Spanish for all of our clients desirous of reaching the Hispanic community with their products or services. Not only print, but radio production as well. The Spanish-speaking population is a growing segment and politics aside, the American dream is still the American dream and part of that includes selling products and services to qualified customers. Language will no longer be a barrier for clients interested in expanding their potential customer base.

Third, Allure now offers mobile application design. We use a variety of low-cost options for small businesses, providing the art and layout for mobile applications so businesses can stay in touch with their exceptionally mobile customer base. This is a perfect opportunity for retail establishments - particularly for bars, lounges, comedy clubs and others in the entertainment industry. The updates are fast, effective and can be accessible through mobile devices.

Allure Networks sets the bar pretty high - we provide high quality, professional graphic design, amazingly affordable and beautiful printed materials, aggressive and effective social media campaigns as well as marketing strategies, brand recognition awareness campaigns in addition to radio production. We constantly strive to improve our services and products in order to ensure our clients get the very best service and materials.

The aggregate result for our clients is increased revenue for them and customer loyalty.

Contact us today, let's get started. services@allurenetworks.net

Part 2: Velocitatis autem admiratio, vim Actionis (Speed, Surprise, Violence of Action) PART 2

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Black) — Mon, 13 May 2013 21:31:00 +0000

Part II

For Allure, we surprise our clients and prospective clients with launching new product offerings they simply weren't used to expecting from a small business marketing firm. In one case, a prospective client asked us about doing some voice-over work for their on-hold services at their office. One of the founders of Allure has been involved in the radio industry for many years so it wasn't surprising to receive such an inquiry. But upon further investigation, it became clear that there was congruity of message missing, design flaws with their logo and online presence. We showed our client by giving them the opportunity to save cash on their printed materials and not sacrifice any of their quality expectations. The end result of this surprise? Well, they have referred other businesses to us and we're all working together to surprise their competitors each and every day.
VIOLENCE OF ACTION (VOA)
Note - we are not in any way advocating real, physical violence in any way whatsoever.

Political candidates with media savvy consultants understand the concept of VOA and this usually takes place in the last 96 hours of a campaign. Flood the market with a specific, tested, well-received message that will encourage voters to make the "right" decision for their candidate - and give them a reason to feel good about their voting decision. This also translates in the private sector with media messages as well. A great example of an advertisement that changed how computing is done is the unbelievable ad that ran one time during the Superbowl for Macintosh computers (now, Apple). It was graphic, it was cutting edge and it literally exploded off the screen. It worked, it was in-your-face and today, Apple is, well, Apple. Small businesses can accomplish the same VOA by being smart and resourceful.

Let's say a restaurant in a small community has a launch date planned. With innovations such as Every Door Direct Mail through the U.S. Postal Services, every household in that community can be reached with an aggressive message or offer to try out the new hot spot. Consider this, also attributed to Sun Tzu:

“Let your plans be dark and impenetrable as night, and when you move, fall like a thunderbolt.”

To "fall like a thunderbolt" means to act decisively, using all of the resources available to ensure victory. On behalf of our clients, Allure Networks provides timely, affordable marketing solutions that allow our clients to be the thunderbolt. We are infinitely more than just a "print shop," optimizing the use of all of our resources to benefit our clients in their marketing warfare.

When you're ready to get in the trenches, let us know. services@allurenetworks.net

Pt. 1: Velocitatis autem admiratio, vim Actionis (Speed, Surprise, Violence of Action)

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Black) — Mon, 13 May 2013 16:13:00 +0000

Question: When is small business marketing anything like close quarters combat in the battlefield?

Answer: Every single day.

Special Forces uses a slogan, "Speed, Surprise, and Violence of Action" as a stratagem for victory and it most assuredly applies to marketing for a small business. We at Allure Networks use the same on behalf of our clients to ensure the most effective use of resources - large or small. Here are some examples:

SPEED

How long must one wait for a cheeseburger? We're not talking about a cheeseburger from a national chain, but rather a crafted, hand-made specialty burger that delivers something unique. Customers have in mind the moment they order how long the wait should be and if their wait exceeds expectations, the business has failed them and the odds of repeat business diminish greatly. That is but one of many examples of how speed matters and yes, it translates to every business. Making your contact and response time fast and efficient makes your clients know that they matter to you and your business.

One of the biggest complaints we hear about those in our industry is that of delays and slow response time - which is why our clients are often surprised, for example, when they have what they consider to be a complex graphic design project and we deliver most often in the very same day. We ensure our clients know exactly what the glide path for completion will be as well as delivery dates for said projects. We even give advise as to how our customers can use these products in a quick and efficient manner to draw in more new business and encourage existing customers to spend more.

SURPRISE

Businesses that succeed understand the importance of the element of surprise. Surprising customers by exceeding expectations, surprising competition by offering new product lines and value pricing all work to keeping everyone on their toes, creating a sense of expectation and even a little danger - all of which are effective use of the element of surprise. Consider the now legendary "medicine breath" campaign launched by Scope to deal with rival Listerine. It was shocking, surprising and clearly, it worked for Scope. They gobbled up market share and left Listerine dizzy from the aggregate result. Sun Tzu has been attributed to writing the following:

"In any battle the element of surprise can provide an overwhelming advantage. Even when face to face with an enemy, surprise can still be employed by attacking where he least expects it. To do this you must create an expectation in the enemy's mind through the use of a feint. The idea here is to get the enemy to focus his forces in a location, and then attack elsewhere which would be weakly defended."

For Allure, we surprise our clients and prospective clients with launching new product offerings they simply weren't used to expecting from a small business marketing firm. In one case, a prospective client asked us about doing some voice-over work for their on-hold services at their office. One of the founders of Allure has been involved in the radio industry for many years so it wasn't surprising to receive such an inquiry. But upon further investigation, it became clear that there was congruity of message missing, design flaws with their logo and online presence. We showed our client by giving them the opportunity to save cash on their printed materials and not sacrifice any of their quality expectations. The end result of this surprise? Well, they have referred other businesses to us and we're all working together to surprise their competitors each and every day.

More to come...

When you're ready to get in the trenches, let us know. services@allurenetworks.net

Special Week Specials

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Black) — Wed, 01 May 2013 11:21:00 +0000

May 1st through 7th 2013 Specials!

Business Card Magnets:
500 full-color,17pt UV coated business card-sized magnets only $117.99!
These are spectacular for electricians, pharmacies, medical supply stores, restaurants or anyone who wants to be seen at the one place in a customer's home that is used often - the refrigerator!
(Includes delivery to your door as well as graphic design work if needed!)

1,000 full-color,17pt UV coated business card-sized magnets only $199.99!
(Includes delivery to your door as well as graphic design work if needed!)

ALWAYS LOW PRICES!

Business Cards:
1,000 full-color two-sided, 14pt UV coated business cards only $34.99!
Everyone needs a good looking, versatile business card that portrays an accurate image of what you do. Ours are not only good looking, but the quality is superior and our graphic designs make our competitors green with envy. Your prospective clients will admire your eye-catching paper handshakes designed and delivered by Allure Networks.
(Includes delivery to your door as well as graphic design work if needed!)

2,500 full-color two-sided, 14pt UV coated business cards only $69.99!
Great for appointment cards, generic business introduction cards and distribution.
(Includes delivery to your door as well as graphic design work if needed!)

Postcards:
1,000 full-color two-sided, 14pt UV coated postcards only $60!
Politicians use them for "push cards," nightclubs and bands use them to get information about upcoming shows, web promotion and band autographs for keepsakes. We can design a postcard that will get you noticed and make your customers want more of you.
(Includes delivery to your door as well as graphic design work if needed!)

2,500 full-color two-sided, 14pt UV coated postcards only $120!
(Includes delivery to your door as well as graphic design work if needed!)

Insider Information

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Black) — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 21:39:00 +0000

Small business marketing isn't what it used to be. Once upon a time, a proprietor could hang their shingle, take out a small ad in the local paper and then, customers would just simply show up. It's not that easy today and small businesses have to work hard to grow and flourish.

Here are a few ideas as to why things are different and what small businesses can still do to be successful. Consider it your "Allure's Insider Information."

1. Technology. To say that the Internet has been a major force in commerce is tantamount to saying that the sun is, well, hot. No need for the profound grasp of the obvious - it's important to note that social media, web sites and Google have created a Pandora's Box of opportunities for consumers to spend their money. Small businesses can harness this same technological power to create new revenue streams and broaden customer appeal. Through the use of strategically placed social media and Search Engine Optimization, a skilled business owner can use technology to expand.

2. Diversity. Let's say a consumer is in the market for a coffee pot. Many will just make the trip down to the local shop and pick one out, but before hand, they will take the time and use technology (see above) to determine product brand, selection and features. Once armed with information, they will sort through the diversity of product choices and identify with the features most likely to make their lives easier. By creating an eye-catching branding campaign, these consumers can be enticed to purchase a specific brand with specific features and small businesses have to understand fully what the impact of attractive branding can be to cut through the clutter. For every product, there are dozens of suppliers. In our industry, there are plenty of people who can "print business cards," but not everyone has the creativity, price quality and marketing savvy that we do.

3. Old Media Malaise. There was a time when newspapers and other traditional media outlets were the ultimate resource for consumers to get information about products and/or services. "Back in the day," newspapers would write evaluations of products and they were reasonably reliable. Today, many traditional media outlets have gone the way of "pay to play" - meaning that if you want a write-up in the local paper, you have to buy an advertisement from them first. This is true in urban as well as rural settings. What is the alternative? New media (see #1).

4. Direct Mail. What was once "junk mail," is now a treasure for businesses that have a creative flair and use things like the Postal Service's Every Door Direct Mail program. It is cost effective, relatively targeted and gives small businesses an opportunity to look as big as national chains.

If you want more inside information, contact us today.

services@allurenetworks.net

Like Mr. Wolf, We Solve Problems

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Black) — Sat, 13 Apr 2013 02:16:00 +0000

Let's cut to the chase: Many of our clients have come to us as a result of their previous vendor either charging them too much, not getting their order right, or surprising them with hidden fees that are not only in the fine print, but are actually written in a forgotten language (such as advertising a price, but not including design and shipping fees).

When we tell you a price, that includes the price for shipping, design and development. Period. We believe in truth in advertising because we are experienced in advertising.

Some problems are easy to fix, others require more time and effort. But in every single case, we're up front with our clients and prospective clients - which is one of the many reasons we get repeat business.

We have literally decades of problem-solving experience under our belts at Allure, and we're not too shy to tell you about it. We have worked with political candidates, nightclubs, durable medical equipment suppliers, beauty salons, Chambers of Commerce, hotels, motels, comedians, musicians and even photographers (just to name a few) - and we have done so successfully and every single one of our clients have been more than satisfied. We do this because we love it and we love seeing our clients happy and their customers spending more money with them.

Because at the end of the day, isn't that what it's all about? We believe that our success is contingent upon YOUR success.

We solve little problems as well as big problems. So, what is YOUR problem? Are you truly satisfied with the company you've worked with for your print, radio or social media marketing tools? Do you need a fresh look for your business cards, postcards, brochures or even banners? Would you like to have better creative minds at your disposal AND save money? Or is your problem a little more complex - maybe you're not sure even where to begin with your marketing strategy? Let's chat.

Time is short. Let's not waste it. Contact Allure today and let's solve these problems together.

services@allurenetworks.net

Nice Package

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Black) — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 22:39:00 +0000

Business cards are a necessity, the starting point of the marketing outreach - a "paper handshake," if you will. They set the tone, the introduction to you and your business. From there, you can consider other options like one of our personal favorites, postcards.

These postcards are not the type of card you pick up at the local Dollar Tree, but rather are customized 4"x6" cards with glossy, UV coated stock that allows you to further explain your message and drive home the hot selling points of your brand. These are perfect for just about any business, particularly for those in the political realm who are looking for a cost-effective alternative to what the local political hipsters have roped you into.

Then, how about using some colorful, long-lasting outdoor banners that are also cost-effective? Banners are effective, draws attention to your business location and are an exceptional tool for price-point advertising. Say you're running a special on (fill in the blank), but it's a special you run more than once a year - a banner is an excellent alternative. And, if you live in one of those whacky communities where you can't wear denim jeans without a permit from the oligarchy that is City Council, banners can replace the incredibly high cost of permanent signage.

Then, there's the use of the wonderful world of social media - Facebook in particular. Facebook is much more than a gossip-fest, cluttered with pictures of cute kittens and political messaging. People connect on Facebook and often search businesses on Facebook before they even perform a Google search. If your business wants a real interactive media wherein a message is cost-effective to promote and reaches a large segment of your potential and existing customer base, you have to have a decent presence on Facebook.

Now that we have that four-pronged approach nailed down, where do you go to get all of it in one place? Well, you contact Allure Networks, of course. And here is our little special, just for you through April 15th:

So, do the math: You get all of the above for one low price of $350 - which is a $150 dollar savings. You get congruity of message, continuity of branding, and a company working for you and your business that understands marketing strategy.

When Did You Give Up?

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Black) — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 19:02:00 +0000

From a classic Seinfeld episode:

Does your website, your graphic design or even your printed materials tell your customers and prospective customers that you've given up? That you've made the decision to sacrifice quality for expedience?

Let's say for a moment that you're exceptional at what you do - that your company is unique, you provide legendary service and quality at respectable prices. Word spreads about you and people want to know more, so what do they do? They check out your web page, they look at your social media presence. If they find the graphic and grammatical equivalent of sweatpants, it detracts from your reputation and diminishes your brand - the brand you have worked so hard to build.

In this day and age, there is literally no excuse whatsoever to settle for anything less than spectacular where graphic design, composition and detailed marketing strategy is concerned. Technology has been created to assist at every step of the process and the work that can be done on your behalf should never, ever be presented in anything less than a professional and excellent manner.

Which of the below is more visually appealing to you?

Both illustrations were composed using graphics software. Both images are striking, but for different reasons.

You no longer have to settle for "adequate" where design, composition, and production of printed or electronic marketing materials. Just say, "no" to bad production.

Social Problem

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Black) — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 20:39:00 +0000

People just do not trust the mainstream media very much these days. Conservatives believe there is a liberal bias in media, and liberals believe that media is owned by massive corporations whose end is the dollar sign rather than providing real "news." Even small town local papers are becoming increasingly suspect in the Internet age and if the papers find themselves with a website, they'd darned well better keep it up to date if they are to manage anything that even remotely translates into reliability.

So, where do the Internet-savvy consumers get their news? Whether we like it or not, consumers get their news from social media. Facebook, Twitter and even Google+ are places where friends, family and colleagues post stories near and dear to their hearts so they are becoming increasingly selective about where they get their information and which "news" stories are distributed. Never mind the fact that these same stories are generated in large part by the media sources consumers so vehemently rail against, but it is important to remember that social media is here to stay and it is growing in power and influence.

Many small businesses have taken the proverbial bull by the horns and have generated their own "buzz" through social media and are creating quite the name for themselves and at the end of the day, it makes the cash register ring. Nothing else matters.

On the other end of the spectrum, there are businesses who (try as they might) just don't "get it." Their usage of social media is sporadic at best, and when there are updates, many of these updates contain incorrect grammar, horrific spelling and unsightly graphics. We call this a "social problem" of epic proportions.

We have written about this issue previously (here) and recommend a long, hard look at your small business marketing portfolio and determine whether or not the strategy is working. It's more than just getting people to "like" your page on Facebook, it's about engaging consumers and giving them reasons to purchase your product/service and develop a relationship.

Social media can be a powerful tool to generate interest in your brand, resulting in increased cash flow. And yes, that's where Allure Networks comes in to help. You see, YOU know your business better than anyone and YOU know the value of your product. We evaluate your marketing message and your social media efficacy to determine where changes need to be made and we help you actually make those changes. We provide suggestions and tools to maximize the use of social media resources and ensure the branding message is consistent and is sales-driven.

Contact us today to find out more. Turn your social problem into a social solution.
services@allurenetworks.net

If You Remind Them, They Will Come

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Black) — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 19:55:00 +0000

Appointment cards: Something the patient/client hangs on to as a means to remind them of an upcoming event wherein the two of you meet. An opportunity for your services to meet a need for that client. In some cases, it may be an appointment that one does not look forward to. For example, you're a radiologist and you need to meet with your patient to discuss findings. The news could be either great or horrific for your patient. What do you do? You set the appointment, write it on a plain, boring appointment card that they may or may not keep lying around. Sure, the patient may remember the appointment, but why underscore the potential gloom of the meeting?

For attorneys, a scheduled appointment may also represent either a good or bad meeting. In divorce or probate cases, it's not going to be a fun meeting. Again, why leave a solemn reminder in the hands of your client?

Are you getting the picture yet? Of course you are.

For the next week, Allure Networks is going to be giving you an opportunity to do something different, challenging, creative and yes, affordable. We are running a special until the 27th of March on full color (both sides) appointment cards. Here's the deal:

1,000 full-color (both sides) Appointment Cards
Heavy Stock
Delivered Directly to Your Door
Free Graphic Design

Only $32.

You have to place your order not lather than COB March 27th to be eligible for this exceptional offer.

Contact us today.

services@allurenetworks.net

Banner Beginnings

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Black) — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 23:55:00 +0000

The strip mall was located in a suburban setting, modest signage with finely manicured landscaping that was inviting but only marginally so. The shops within the strip mall had more than their fair share of battles, but not with the owner of the building, rather the difficulty was presented by City Hall itself. In an effort to curb what they deemed to be "unsightly signage," the affluent suburb had passed strict regulations pertaining to signs. The restrictions dictated the size, colors and even the duration the signage was allowed to be displayed and if a business decided to use any signage, there was, of course, a fee to pay the city for such a privilege.

A new salon opened in the building, home to exceptionally talented stylists and affordable pricing. A perfect locale for ladies on their way home from work, desirous of a little cut and color before the weekend. The business owner needed to do more to let people know about their burgeoning new business so what was she to do?

First, she contacted Allure Networks and we evaluated her marketing plan from top to bottom. We determined her branding goals, her advertising goals, the projected growth pattern, the executive summary and after that was complete, we took on the second task: Determining a budget. Typically, businesses do it exactly the opposite - they first determine a budget without any clearly defined goals for marketing and then try to shove it all into the same change purse. It's lazy and it is rarely effective.

We determined that the branding and marketing projections were spot-on, all of the logo design was complete and the color palettes matched the overall concept as derived from the salon's executive summary. Once we identified the strengths and weaknesses therein, we looked at the budget closely and determined that three things could be utilized to provide an effective and fast information blast, as it were:

A. PUSH CARDS/POSTCARDS
B. OUTDOOR VINYL BANNERS
C. BUSINESS CARDS

What? No advertising to speak of? No "traditional" advertising at this juncture, no. The reality is that the ownership and partners of this salon are high-energy, attractive individuals with no fear whatsoever in meeting new people. They were and are willing to canvas the local area, shake hands and see people face-to-face and talk about their offerings with no fear whatsoever. Confident that their product/service matches their branding and marketing goals, they become their greatest marketing tools.

The push cards/postcards we created are exceptionally colorful, providing discounts to the individuals who receive them and as new customers, the postcards serve as a tool for the stylists to know that this is a first impression and while every impression is important, that first experience is critical to bringing in new business and establishing long term relationships.

The business cards matched the color scheme for the salon, elegant and stylish but also practical. The cards have on the back side, appointment information. This serves multiple purposes. First, it gives the customer something to hang on to, something to remember the name and location for her appointment. Second, it provides a "paper handshake" to be shared amongst referrals.

The outdoor vinyl banners were designed and created in a custom fashion to ensure city guidelines for outdoor advertising were met as well as draw attention to the salon itself. Including the logo, the color scheme, address and an invitation, it does exactly what it is designed to do.

So, now you're probably wondering what it cost for all of these services? We were able to accomplish all of these goals, share ideas and develop tactics as well as provide high quality printed materials and banners for less than $500.

And the beauty of it is that yes, it works. Short-term problem, short-term solution and the registers are ringing.

Contact us today to get things rolling along. services@allurenetworks.net

Warning: This Will Make You Angry

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Black) — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 13:19:00 +0000

DISCLAIMER: What you're about to read is very difficult to digest for most decision-makers in the business community. It contains strong language and is not suitable for decision-makers who create marketing strategies that tickle their fancy a whole lot more than their respective customers. Some of the names have been changed in the case studies so as to not create even more public humiliation for them than does their so-called "creative campaigns." Take aspirin for headaches, Midol for cramps. Good luck.

Before we get started, let's be clear about what marketing is supposed to do. It is intended to increase revenue. Period. End of story. If you're not getting a return on your investment for your marketing dollar, you're doing it wrong and spending more than you should be spending. In the most simplest of terms, if you spend $1 on marketing and you see a return on your investment of $1.01, it worked. If you spend $1 on marketing and you get less than that in return, it was money wasted.

Marketing is NOT intended to give an advertising agency awards to stick on their walls on the dime of their clients when the clients aren't receiving a return on their investment. Marketing is NOT intended to be passive, to be product or service-driven - it is designed to be SALES-driven. A marketing campaign can be designed with brilliant creativity, effectively communicating the wonders of a company's product or service and still not generate revenue. At the end of the day, what good did that brilliantly crafted campaign produce? Nothing.

Now that we've gotten that out of the way and have thinned the proverbial herd, those of you who remain for this dialog are serious about marketing. More than likely, you've been burned in the past or are looking for a sales-oriented way to craft your marketing plan. Allure Networks thanks you for staying with us. Let's take a look at a couple of case studies, shall we?

Case #1: Professional Nothingness
The company branded itself as "marketing experts," established a social media presence first, then went about using a boiler plate format for their web presence replete with spelling and grammar errors. A casual glance at the clientele of said "marketing experts" indicated that it the company had merely been marketing to, not for, friends and close family members. But to see their press releases (none of which, by the way, received real media attention), one would think that they themselves were responsible for the invention of the movable type press.

Lesson: Buyer beware. If the marketing company spells "beware" incorrectly, it would benefit you to actually beware.

Case #2: Money Can't Buy You Love From Your Neighbor
It was a local ballot initiative, hotly contended wherein it represented the classic "David versus Goliath" story. A group of developers had purchased land adjacent to a local park, and had plans for retail development. Mind you, the development would be aesthetically pleasing, be consistent with the the architectural design of many surrounding buildings and shopping centers in the area. The developers had spent tens of thousands of dollars in print materials and had considered even running television commercials to communicate their intentions to the property owners and lovers of the park. The opposition was under-funded, but brilliant with their tactic. They posted hand-made yard signs throughout the area that simply said, "Save Our Park." It began to catch on and before long, the developers were getting their rear-ends handed to them in the polls. The problem was that the premise of the opposition was lying. They were wrong in claiming that the development would, in any way, encroach upon the park. Oddly, the developers and their army of exceptionally expensive marketing consultants had missed that fact - until one of the Allure Networks founders got involved.

Sitting at the table, there were talks of more television, tens of thousands of dollars to be spent...but it was unnecessary. You see, people abhor being lied to. We suggested a run of radio commercials, targeting the primary voting demographic (soccer moms) with the voice over of a little girl saying, "My mommy told me that people who lie should have their mouths washed out with soap. The people who are saying that our park would be destroyed are lying. They need their mouths washed out with soap." It saved the day.

Lesson: Marketing consultants get a percentage of media placed with them to the tune of 10-15%. Of course spending lots of money in various forms of media is at the tip of their forked tongues because they get a cut of it. Money isn't everything - an effective marketing campaign needs to contain the truth, targeted demographic and a good sales pitch. Anyone who tells you differently should have their mouths washed out with soap.

Allure Network's Marketing Trifecta
1. Quality Product/Service. Not every person who mows a lawn is a landscaper, neither is every person in possession of a copy of Microsoft Paint a graphic designer. Ask yourself whether or not your product or service accomplishes what you claim it will.

2. Sales-Oriented Message. The message your business communicates should have meaning and that meaning should result in sales. In other words, without a call to action that includes fear of loss, inherent gain or satisfies a need or desire, the message is useless.

3. Sales-Oriented Marketing. All of your marketing efforts must be cohesive, with an underlying foundation of sales generation. Your business cards, your banners, your mailers, your radio, your television, and yes, even your social networking should be designed to increase sales. The strategy of your marketing should be to get new clients or to encourage clients to spend more money with you because your product or service meets a need.

For those of you who braved the strong language and stuck with us, thank you. When you're ready to do some aggressive marketing that generates more revenue for your business, do the smart thing: Contact Allure Networks. services@allurenetworks.net

Keep It Fresh

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Black) — Sat, 09 Mar 2013 22:23:00 +0000

A consignment shop in the University District had developed a reputation for being the "go-to" location for vintage clothing. We're not talking about your standard second-hand shop here either. They have a selection that is mind-bending and no, hallucinogens are not necessary. Ranging from Gothic clothing, to Steampunk to classic 1970's era garments, the shop understands its clientele exquisitely and it shows in their merchandise.

Knowing full well that they must still keep up with the times in order to maintain new customers while not sacrificing the quality of their merchandise, it was time to make some changes to their image. They began with a quick logo redesign that suited them perfectly, they then asked us to revamp their social networking presence and from there, develop like-minded print materials they could give to customers in appreciation. It worked for a number of reasons and it continues to work.

They are not afraid to keep things "fresh" - which sounds like an oxymoron in their line of work, but the lessons learned from them are quite universal.

1. Don't fear good change.
Not talking about the kind of "change" that's promised every election cycle and rarely delivered upon, but rather the kind of change that improves image and expands potential market share. For example, a logo redesign that includes a new color scheme. Let's face it - there is a reason NFL teams change so frequently...it's all about selling new merchandise.

2. Be creative.
Creativity is at our very fingertips and being creative shows customers a desire to remain relevant and flexibility to meet their needs. For retail, changing merchandising options is always beneficial if it meets the needs of customers. A retail pharmacy often keeps their foot care products close to diabetic supplies. Why? Because people with diabetes often have problems with their feet. Changing the colors of the displays, wearing funky outfits to work once a week can shake things up a little bit and cause staff members to think outside the proverbial box.

3. Read, read, read.
Whether it be Mashable.com, retail merchandising sites, books from the library on marketing, sales and trade industry publications, the more good information that is taken in, the more sales will reflect. Staying knowledgeable will give small businesses an advantage in the long run.

4. Know your limitations.
Sounds simple enough, but many businesses fail when they expand their product or service line too quickly. Also, if creativity is not a strong suit or negotiating vendor contracts is a weakness, never be afraid to contract with outside help. We at Allure have a number of clients who ask us to do more than just printing, graphic design and social networking for them - we actually write, produce and negotiate electronic media buys for some of our clients who would rather do what they do best, than to spent countless hours on the phone trying to learn the "lingo."

5. Build it, watch them come.
Increasing traffic is what business is all about. Increasing revenues, hiring more staff, saving the environment, doing right by the public is why we do what we do and if we do it right, if we build our businesses on a firm foundation of common sense, creativity, quality products/services at the right price, clients will come. And they will bring their friends.

If you desire assistance in any of these areas, we challenge you to keep it fresh by allowing us to help. Contact us today. services@allurenetworks.net

Why Did You Do That?

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Black) — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 20:05:00 +0000

Every now and again, it is necessary for the small business owner to think about the reasons he/she decided to go into business. It could be anything from the desire for independence, to generating wealth, to providing a unique service or to simply fill a niche. The reasons are unique for each business owner, but it is important to take a step back and survey the landscape and reevaluate the goal, the purpose of the business.

We've done just that at Allure and we thought we would share some of our insights with you.

Independent Spirit
Matt and Ron share more than just genetic material, they share an independent spirit, an understanding of what it means to have the drive and motivation to take a stand. This translates into freedom for Allure's clients. You can rest assured that designs will be unique, the messaging directly related to the business in question and certainly no cookie-cutter approaches to marketing a small business.

Creativity
Matt and Ron are both creative souls, possessing abilities to communicate a message that cuts through the clutter that exists out there right now in media. Ron's background in radio and television coupled with Matt's amazing technology and comedy experience makes for a delicious cocktail of creativity for clients.

Gaping Holes
When they surveyed the land, they saw an abundance of marketing firms providing a virtual smorgasbord of services to businesses, but very few have the creativity and independent spirit needed to truly be effective. Matt and Ron developed a turn-key operation to fill in the holes where others lack and Allure does it affordably without compromising professionalism.

Diversity
Matt and Ron don't agree on everything political, religious or otherwise, and that dynamic tension works to the advantage of the client. Rather than being stuck in a mold, fresh ideas are hashed out and a diversity of opinions are formed, providing new insight for effective marketing strategy. Small business owners, generally speaking, are interested in efficacy, not politics. Allure desires to meet those challenges head-on, and if we do say so ourselves, we're darned good at it.

Frustration
America was founded largely by a group of men and women who were frustrated and extremely angry with the tyrannical rule of England over the colonies. The end result? This exceptional exercise in self-government called the United States of America. Similarly, Matt and Ron have seen small businesses over charged, gouged, and just plain ripped off by other print, media and advertising firms. Sure, some of our competitors really dislike us because we're honest, affordable and professional - but we rather like it that way. If they are mad, we're doing something right.

So you see, Allure Networks is much like you - a small business, providing superior service and quality products to like-minded businesses. We succeed when you succeed and that, friends, is our business model and it has worked well so far and we're not planning on changing a thing.

Contact us today. services@allurenetworks.net

Kick Start for Spring

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Black) — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 20:51:00 +0000

Winter is coming to a close, Spring is right around the corner and it's time to get a jump on the competition. Small business owners who are aggressive, consistent and determined will always win out over those who make excuses for not marketing. Frankly, in this business climate, it's ludicrous NOT to market your brand.

Allure Networks has put together a Kick-Start Small Business Package that we firmly believe will give every one of our clients an edge - a fresh look at the year and a reason to embrace the season. Here's what it includes:

Business Cards
1,000 full-color, two-sided business cards with a gloss finish for only $40. And yes, we'll do the layout and design for you at no charge.

Postcards
1,000 full-color, two-sided 4x6 postcards that are great for your customers as well as prospective customers to learn more about you and your business. They are only $60 and yes, we'll do the layout and design for you as well.

Social Media Build Out
Facebook, Twitter, Blogger build-out, growth and design for 90 days. Build your fan base, communicate using the most aggressive and interactive models of media available and we'll do it for only $250. That's right...$250 and we build and develop your social media monster and then turn the reins over to you.

Contact us today to get YOUR small business kick-start package rolling.

services@allurenetworks.net

We Have Always Done It That Way

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Black) — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 23:29:00 +0000

It was a family owned business, one that had existed in the neighborhood for two generations. Famous for generous portions, friendly service and a palate-pleasing experience coupled with an festive environment. The neighborhood grew, the demographics became more diverse but the business stayed afloat, using word of mouth to maintain growth and keep customers loyal. Their reputation was impeccable and the term, "we have always done it that way," aptly underscored their brand. It is a great example of how doing something the same way for generations can be a good thing.

But then, times change, tastes change and a competitor moved in down the street with similar quality, newer furnishings and offering this new thing called "free wi-fi." Before long, the established business began to see their customer base diminish, losing business to the new location just down the street.

Businesses in this ever-changing climate can effectively maintain its history and product credibility while adapting to change. Let's look at some of the good and bad ways to look at "We have always done it that way."

Good
Our recipe has been handed down, generation after generation. We have always done it that way.

Bad
We have used the same print shop for all our printed goods and yes, we pay more. We have always done it that way.

Good
We personally greet each customer at the door, let them know they're welcome. We have always done it that way.

Bad
We use word of mouth advertising, it has worked in the past. We have always done it that way.

Good
We have been innovators, willing to adapt with changing markets. We have always done it that way.

Bad
The Interwebs scare me. I like waiting for customers to come here. We have always done it that way.

We at Allure understand how difficult change can be because we have experienced it ourselves. When we made the decision to add traditional print materials to our services lineup, we weren't sure if it would be a success and sure enough, it has. Our growth has been substantial and our customer base increased exponentially. We still maintain exceptionally high standards, we've kept our traditions and branding consistent, but we've ventured out and the aggregate result is a savings for our client base who no longer have to say, "We have always done it that way."

When you're ready to do it your way, with a twist, let us know. We can help.

services@allurenetworks.net

A Beautiful Brand

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Black) — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 23:46:00 +0000

There is a great deal of talk in marketing circles about "branding," but what exactly is branding? Most of us know what a brand is - beyond that which involves hot irons and seared flesh (though sometimes, that is an apt analogy) - we can identify readily many brand names. McDonald's, Burger King, Budweiser, Facebook, Twitter, Toyota, GoDaddy.com, Drudge Report and even Microsoft are all familiar to us. We know those brands because we can identify with them because their "branding" has been effective.

A concise definition is provided by BusinessDictionary.com:

"The process involved in creating a unique name and image for a product in the consumers' mind, mainly through advertising campaigns with a consistent theme. Branding aims to establish a significant and differentiated presence in the market that attracts and retains loyal customers."

Simple enough.

The key operative phrase here is the "aim to establish a significant and differentiated presence in the market that attracts and retains loyal customers." This is accomplished through many means, including marketing and advertising that is consistent, effective and reasonable. Effective branding must, by absolute necessity, include a product that delivers what is marketed/advertised in a timely and accurate manner. In other words, don't advertise "delicious cheese pizza" and deliver Pop Tarts and Cheese Whiz. Got it?

Marketing and public relations firms often differ in terms of how they define branding and to accomplish effective branding. When you run into conflicting or confusing data, just remember the BusinessDictionary.com definition as a baseline and remember that everything else is pretty much jibber jabber.

Hopefully, this brief outline will help you in the future. And if you really want to push your brand with effecting branding, let us know. We can help and we'll leave out the jibber jabber.

services@allurenetworks.net

7 Deadly Sins of Social Media

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Black) — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 00:21:00 +0000

Anyone who tells you that social media marketing is ineffective and not to be considered a reliable part of an overall marketing plan, probably owns a TRS80, plays video games on his/her Commodore 64 and believes Mr. Rogers is "edgy." Social media has dominated in the last few years and will continue its growth as an every day part of life in America.

But before we jump on the bandwagon too quickly, there are plenty of mistakes being made in marketing via social media. We had the opportunity to speak to a luncheon group hosted by the Goldendale Chamber of Commerce and we discussed the Seven Deadly Sins of Social Media, and we present them to you here.
END
Social media is not and end of itself and cannot be considered to be a silver bullet, fending off the werewolves that are competitors. It is, however, a critical part of your outreach, your branding and familiarizing prospective customers and existing customers with your products and services.

INCONSISTENT
Lack of consistency is intensely problematic for businesses or entrepreneurs trying to grow. Once a social media campaign is begun, it must be committed to or it results in a massive waste of time. You build followers, readers and friends through communication. Be consistent in message, timing and development.

SERIOUS
Remember what social media is all about - it's about social community. Taking moments to laugh at yourself and with your customers makes you approachable and shows that while you take your business seriously, you don't take yourself too seriously. The reality is that people like to interact with people they perceive to have the same sense of humor they do. Humor helps. Use it.

DUMBER
Grammar and spelling matter, period. Whether the business is located in downtown Boston or rural Washington, the Internet is a global community and what you put out there will be seen. The question you have to ask is whether or not it is even worthy of being seen. While it's true that each of your postings on Facebook, for example, need not be a Pulitzer Prize winning anecdote, knowing the difference between, "your" and "you're" is rather important.

BLIND
People retain about 80% of what they see and only 20% of what they read and hear, so don't be fearful of visual appeal. Photographs of employees, product, services in action can greatly assist in promoting your brand.

STATIC
Again, social media is, by nature, a social environment. Many companies, organization and salespeople forget that the forum is designed to be interactive. Never be afraid to communicate with customers and prospective customers. Answer your emails, answer your messages on social media and allow for human interaction.

FAITHLESS
Facebook has over 1 billion members. Over 500 million are on Twitter. LinkedIn has over 200 million. Some YouTube videos have already had over 50 million views. If you say you don't believe in the power of social media, you're in big trouble because you can rest assured that your competition understands it and is taking advantage of this growing source.

We can help. services@allurenetworks.net

Bloggy Blogerton

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Black) — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 22:14:00 +0000

Blogging. The word alone invokes the image of some Internet savvy college graduate hiding in his basement wearing his grandmother's underpants and rubbing peanut butter in his hair while watching reruns of Star Trek on YouTube, angry with the world, wondering why he has no social life and determined to repay society one word at a time. Another image that comes to mind is that of the bored housewife with more time on her hands than sense who believes her prose to be the more important to the salvation of the planet than even oxygen.

Both of those images are right, and they are wrong.

Blogging has transformed itself into an exceptional tool for business owners, managers, marketing professionals and brand managers to more effectively communicate the efficacy of their product and services in an approachable, and often interactive source of information. While traditional media limits a brand message to a short clip, blogs can go more in-depth, create awareness and believe it or not, actually serve to educate customers and prospective customers on the subtleties of a particular product or service.

Objection!
"No one will read my blog."
If you don't have one, there's nothing to read. But seriously, creating a blog is not that difficult and can be integrated into your existing website and presuming you have traffic going to your website, people will read it.

Objection!
"I don't have time to write a blog."
You have two options - First, if you don't have 30 minutes a week to dedicate to a blog about your business, what you do, customer relations and the like, you're doing it wrong. 30 minutes a week is all it takes. Second, you can hire companies such as ours to write, build and market on your behalf.

Objection!
"I don't need a greater web presence - I already have my website."
That is tantamount to saying, "Gee, I don't want new customers - I like the ones I have." The American consumer is transfixed by everything Internet and the advent f the smart phone makes your web presence even more critical. The more an individual sees your company or product brand, the more likely they will be to purchase your products or services. If you're out of sight, you're out of the consumer's mind.

Blogging provides additional insight into your business, your business model and your corporate culture - the end result being increased consumer confidence and it shows that your brand is more than just a brand, it's about the people involved. Much in the same way social networking does, blogging can allow your customers and prospective customers to peek behind the curtain and see you for who you truly are and what you truly provide. And that, friends, is a very good thing.

For more information about blogging, contact us today! services@allurenetworks.net

Sales Strategies From Tommy Boy

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Black) — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 01:57:00 +0000

Tommy Boy (IMDB) is one of our favorite movies, it makes the Allure crew laugh out loud every time we watch it and yes, we've watched it a bunch. While it may not be considered a cinematic classic, nor could it be contrasted with Tin Men, or Glengarry Glen Ross as motivational sales movies, Tommy Boy does provide some very interesting sales tactics. Let's take a peek, shall we?

Set up:
Tommy Callahan is the son of the owner of Callahan Auto Parts, "Big Tom." Big Tom dies of a heart attack at his own wedding, leaving the future of the Sandusky, Ohio auto parts manufacturer in Tommy Boy's clumsy and woefully ridiculous hands. The brake pad division was Big Tom's dream and what he considered to be "the future of the company," and in order to keep the bank from foreclosing on the shop, Tommy Boy must sell 500,000 brake pads. Certainly a difficult task.

Road Warrior
Tommy Boy and his co-worker Richard Hayden hit the road, ready to take on the competition, meet with existing clients and push some brake pads. While Tommy Boy is not an incarnation of Zig Ziglar by any stretch of the imagination, he is not afraid to get out there and save the company. Getting out of the office, spending time in front of prospects makes your business Road Warrior-worthy.

True Believer
Tommy Boy believes in the quality of his product and his father's dream for the company. His tactics are abysmal, his appearance laughable, but his belief in the quality of his father's brake pad design keeps him going, passionate about making the trip a success. Believing in your product, your company vision can encourage you to first become a Road Warrior like Tommy Boy, and drive you to meet with clients and prospective clients. Armed with your belief, your passion, your clients will sign on the line which is dotted.

Limited Capacity
Tommy Boy understands his limitations, and his fellow traveler is not shy about pointing them out. Rather than being completely dejected by rejection after rejection and his companion's non-stop ridicule, he embraces his limitations and finds his own inner sales guru. We can learn from this that knowing exactly what our product or service limitations may be can empower us to communicate effectively to our prospects without fear of over-selling or even under-selling.

Fearless Determination
Tommy Boy ends up at the offices of his key competitor who is about to buy out Callahan, and after a few slapstick comedy moments, it comes down to the brass tacks. Tommy refuses to give up, never stops and even after believing that he hit the sales goal only to be told that it was a useless effort, his determination to save the company at all costs and sell those brake pads wins the day. And of course, he wins the girl in the process. During these so-called tough economic times, our sales staffs will hear the word "no" countless times before we hear the delightful ring in our ears...the word "yes." And it will be worth the effort. Being fearless, being determined and focused on the goal is what makes a difference and our prospects feel it and when we project ourselves as winners, our prospects respond favorably.

Sales is not an easy profession but if Tommy Boy can do it, so can we.

And yes, as always, we can help you.

services@allurenetworks.net

Humor Sells

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Black) — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 07:10:00 +0000

There are two things we human beings enjoy more than almost anything: Being scared out of our wits, and laughing. We part ways with literally billions of dollars of our hard-earned cash to be entertained by zombies, ghouls, vampires (yes, even the sparkly ones) and creepy ghosts in the hopes of having our blood pressure skyrocket. We also enjoy a good laugh - a perfect example of this is Superbowl commercials that tickle our funny bone and as a result, they are the most memorable. Another piece of evidence to make this case is that of the resurgence of comedy clubs throughout the country that have been untouched by the otherwise difficult economic (and most assuredly, political) times in which we live.

Using humor in your marketing campaign can tap into that innate human desire to be entertained and the aggregate result is growth in your bottom line. The use of humor in your marketing can bridge the gap that sometimes exists between the proprietor and the customer. The customer comes to know a side of the business personality, the corporate environment wherein even the most emotional draining environments can be handled with a smile and give the customers who may be experiencing a tough time, smile for just a moment. In that very moment, a bond is established that cannot be easily broken.

Case In Point
A durable medical equipment retail establishment serves individuals who may be facing a literal battle for their lives. In some cases, the medical supply store is the first stop after receiving exceptionally difficult news of a potentially terminal disease. On one afternoon, an elderly couple entered a retail establishment after learning that the wife had been diagnosed with cancer. Their faces solemn and demeanor sad, the retailer had ensured that all of their staff were sensitive to the reality that many of their patients would be facing struggles, and should be handled with the utmost care. One clerk in particular took the time to care for this couple, talked for a few minutes, provided them with some casual conversation and before long, they were laughing hysterically - so much so that the elderly woman had to stop and use the restroom before leaving. The husband looked at the clerk and said, "Thank you. We needed a good laugh."

While the situation described above required a great deal of sensitivity, it does represent how a positive attitude and an environment where taking the customer and his/her needs seriously does not necessarily mean that it has to always be a somber situation. Sometimes, a little humor can build customer loyalty while meeting needs at the same time.

So, ask yourself this question: When is the last time you had a good laugh with your customers?
Now, ask yourself: What will you do today to make a customer smile?

If you need a good laugh yourself and want to incorporate a good sense of humor into your marketing plan, you can call us. We're always good for a laugh. Or two.

services@allurenetworks.net

Chain Reaction (Not What You Think)

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Black) — Sun, 27 Jan 2013 22:47:00 +0000

There can be no doubt that sports franchises have a significant impact on local business. When the Seahawks are playing at home, all of downtown Seattle experiences an increase in foot traffic and therefore, an increase in revenues. But this is not to say that rural communities are isolated, unable to experience much of the same growth factors. This chain reaction, as it were, can have a negative or positive impact on local business. Let's review a couple scenarios.

Scenario 1: Attack of the Killer Diner
The Smith family heads out on a road trip for their family vacation, with plans to hit all of the small towns and burgs along the way, sampling a little bit of Americana. They cruise the highway and spot signs for a local diner with "world famous burgers" and decide that would be their stop for the day. They arrive to a very well-kept and clean establishment that is anything but crowded, seating is a breeze for the family. The waitress saunters over to the table, smacking her gum like a cow chewing its cud, checking her new iPhone for texts from one of her many friends, no doubt. Her less than enthusiastic attitude causes concern for the family as they tentatively place their order for these "world famous burgers" and when they arrive, they realize that perhaps they are "world famous" for all the wrong reasons. They can only choke down part of the hog feed posing as burgers and decline the invitation to package what's left for the road. The waitress takes their payment, snorts at the family as they head out of the door. The family decides, then, not to take a scenic tour of the little community, taking their money and good tidings with them.

The impact is clear - the small community lost out on potential tourism dollars because this little diner chose to make the customer experience less than favorable and the quality of their product was far less than what advertised. The antique shops, museums, theater and other attractions missed out on making a positive impression and lost much-needed revenue.

Scenario 2: Shock and Crawfish
A community in Louisiana hosts an annual Crawfish Celebration that is billed as a family-friendly, entertaining venue replete with live music, rides and of course, every crawfish recipe known to humanity. It's organized by a small group of local business owners, the Chamber of Commerce and local residents whose goal it is to emphasize the spirit of their community and their heritage. They reach out to musicians statewide, inviting their attendance, offering them a cut of the take at the gates and oddly enough, it works. The excitement of the event alone creates a waiting list of musicians hungry to participate. The food, prepared by local chefs as well as residents steeped in the southern tradition is served with spirit, with enthusiasm and the taste buds are not disappointed. They have created a brand, including a logo that is sold on well crafted marketing plan and though small, it ends up being one of the largest events of its kind in the state.

Who benefits? Everyone in the community. The vendors, the local businesses, the community and even the town coffers are filled because of the influx of new revenue. The difference in the two scenarios presented is stark: In the first, there is no open communication of community spirit, the products delivered are not the products advertised, and there is an overall apathy. In the second, however, there is a common goal and it is one that most people in the community get behind with vigor.

How your business operates is a direct reflection on the community in which you do business and the aggregate results are in your hands. The person you sit in the pew next to on Sunday mornings could be losing money because your son's girlfriend is a lousy waitress and that, friends, is no way to run a successful business. However, if there is a positive, friendly atmosphere and creative marketing plan, the chain reaction is exceptional.

Contact us today! We can help.
services@allurenetworks.net

Rules of Business Card Club

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Black) — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 03:55:00 +0000

As we have said previously, business cards are your "paper handshake," your first greeting with your prospective customer. Business cards are an inexpensive and effective way to reach out to your customers and prospects. There are rules to the Business Card Club, however. Know them. Remember them. Live them.

First Rule of Business Card Club: You must show everyone your business cards.

Second Rule of Business Card Club: YOU MUST SHOW EVERYONE YOUR BUSINESS CARDS.

Third Rule of Business Card Club: If someone is in business, has a job, or deals with people, you must have business cards.

Fourth Rule of Business Card Club: No less than two colors to a business card.

Fifth Rule of Business Card Club: Only one business card style at a time.

Sixth Rule of Business Card Club: No low-resolution photographs on your business card.

Seventh Rule of Business Card Club: Business cards will work as long as you have them.

The Eighth and final Rule of Business Card Club: If you need business cards, you HAVE to contact us.

Contact us today. services@allurenetworks.net

January Hot Deals

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Black) — Thu, 17 Jan 2013 23:47:00 +0000

Most of the Allure Networks service area is experiencing a bit of a winter chill, so we thought we'd heat things up a little bit with some great offers for the rest of the month of January. Sure, the weather is cold, but these offers are pretty hot.

Business Cards:
1,000 full-color (both sides) for only $45!
Postcards:
1,000 full-color (both sides), UV coating for only $70!
Trifold Brochures:
500 full-color (both sides), 100# glossy for only $159! (1,000 for only $199)
Letterhead:
500 8.5x11 full color, 70# uncoated stock for only $105!

Of course, we have volume discounts as well as special pricing if design work is necessary.

Now is the time to start afresh, to begin a new year with new printed materials as well as a new look at how you approach your media campaigns. Allure Networks also provides:

Blog Design
Social Media Management & Consultation
Web Content Management Services
Logo Design
Radio Script Development & Production
Advertising Consulting...and more!

Contact us today! services@allurenetworks.net

Does Spelling or Grammar Matter?

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Black) — Thu, 17 Jan 2013 18:28:00 +0000

Social media is replete with horrific spelling and grammar errors and the masses seem not to care too much. The age of the smart phone has served to dumb down the quality of our communications and while there are a vast number of websites dedicated to the pesky "auto correct" failures, the fact that auto correct even exists should be an indictment of our ability to effectively communicate thoughts and ideas as well as our slothful attitudes toward the same. Sadly, social media is a breeding ground for slothful communications and the problem is only going to worsen as social media expands.

Before the accusation of "Grammar Nazi" is leveled, take heart in knowing full well that our intentions are not to belittle or in some way denigrate the effectiveness of communications in a casual register rather than formal register - quite the contrary. If your business model targets the moderately literate, party-going masses whose brains are clogged with malted hops and bong resin, march on smartly. If, however, your desire is to project an image for your non-profit, your business or even your entertainment venue, consider the limitless possibilities of creating a visage for yourself that transcends mere casual dialog but rather tantalizes your reader, inviting them to engage in a more meaningful, committed relationship with you...

For example, which of the two following pubs would you prefer to patronize?

#1: "We have cold Beer and Hotwings until the Kitchen closes and we arn't shure when that willbe."

#2: "Enjoy our outstanding selection of deliciously cold draft beer, complimented by our spicy hot wings tonight, until 11pm!"

The argument could be made that if yours is the only proverbial game in town, it matters not how you communicate, rather it matters only that you do in fact communicate. This is simply a fallacy. Your messages, particularly where social media is concerned, speaks directly to who you are and what services or products you provide. When your business is unwilling to put forth the effort to do something as simple as proofread, one can immediately call into question your ability to deliver what you promise.

Of course, this is not to say that every external communication should be worthy of a Pulitzer.

Allure Networks has been assisting small businesses and non-profits with their communications and we do so because we believe in their products and services and we extend this invitation to you as well. Whether it is blogging or creating a social media presence that speaks to the very heart of what you do and offer the public, our commitment to your excellence will be unsurpassed. Our service, our dedication to ensuring your image is preserved and your customers remain loyal, will exceed even the loftiest expectations. And better yet, we are exquisitely affordable.

Contact us today: services@allurenetworks.net