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SMALL BUSINESS, BIG IMPACT

A few days ago, a coworker and I were chatting, per usual. I told her, “Hey, it’s National Small Business week. I had no idea that was even a thing.” She agreed, then proceeded to describe this idea she’s always had concerning ASAP, “You know, we are a small company, but think about all the jobs we offer thousands of local installers all over the US. Our small business contributes to other small businesses.” Pure brilliance.

According to U.S. Small Business Association, “more than half of Americans either own or work for a small business, and they create about two out of every three new jobs in the U.S. each year.” What! That is awesome. And so very relevant to us. Our clients should feel proud knowing that every time they choose to partner with us, our small businesses partners across the nation are supported as well! In turn, they are creating jobs here and in their own communities.

It’s like a win-win for all.

U.S. Small Business Administration. N.p., n.d. Web. 03 May 2016.

STAFF SPOTLIGHT – L’ARTISTA

Aesthetic flaws beware – she will find you, and she will perfect you. Brooke is a visual purist – this can be observed in her Excel spreadsheets and notes, all which follow strict font and color rules. Her desk is in a state of beautiful disorder.

A crookedly hanging picture is Brooke’s version of nails on a chalkboard.

She an expert at taking an idea and bringing it to life. Working in harmony with the other sales team members to develop out of the box marketing ideas to accomplish what ASAP does best – garner attention.

Her realist attitude balances her imaginative side. She understands which product will complement each piece of a client’s brand image. That a roadside flag needs to be simple enough for motorist to read, but unique enough to catch their attention. How a horizontally oriented logo can work in harmony with the vertical layout of a flag.

She an essential part of the well-oiled machine that is ASAP. Our own “advertising signage Michelangelo”. For as much art as she creates, it makes sense that the entire US is essentially her gallery. Just look for our Adverflags® to find her work!

SEE, WE GOT YOUR ATTENTION!

See, we got your attention.
Now let us get your future customers’ attention as well.
Imagine you are driving down a busy road full of retail shops, restaurants, banks, gyms, gas stations – you name it. How many do you pass by without giving a second glance? Now imagine you catch a glimpse of something colorful ahead. As you get closer, you notice bright flags waving in the wind, pennants bursting through the parking lot, and giant balloons grazing the sky. “Wonder what’s going on in there?” you think, “I should check that out”.

If you are thinking it, chances are others are too.

Garnering attention is what we do.

Our outdoor marketing campaigns harness the power of human curiosity. Our clients have seen an increase in same store sales by up to 25%, with minimal effort on their part.

We are flexible and can meet almost any budget.

Curious? Great! Check out our gallery – We are so confident in our products and services, we offer a free trial location for you to put us to the test.

Contact me me to see how we can help!

CURIOSITY KILLS CATS, LURES HUMANS

It’s true. Curiosity has been known to claim the life of a feline or two. But, it’s also true that it has led to increases in store sales (on an average of 18%). Here, let me explain.

About the sales, not the cats. I don’t pretend to know what the cats are getting into.

First, I have a few questions that I need you to answer honestly. Have you ever eavesdropped on a private conversation? Or read the last page of a book before starting? What about sneaking a peak at your birthday present? Or rubbernecked? Come on – I know you’ve rubbernecked.

Another question. Why you are still reading this? Because you’re curious. And cats aren’t the only ones falling prey to the lure of the Curiosity Temptress.

My team has figured out how to harness this power. And we do it by utilizing outdoor attention-getting devices that get results. Results that lead to a bump in your store sales from inquisitive pedestrians, motorists, and aviators alike.

At the crossroads of imagination and reality, my team is hard at work. It’s a place where roadside flags capture unique brand images, while remaining simple enough to be read by motorists. Where a horizontal logo can live in harmony with a vertical flag. Where anything from a dragon to a duck to a doughnut can be transformed into colossal inflatable monuments.

Curious? Thought so. Visit our website or reach out to me personally at mmarck@asapevents.com. I can help you and your team harness this power, on time and on budget.

WE KNOW. WE’RE LOUD. (SORRY, NOT SORRY.)

We get it, some of our decorations are, how can I say this nicely – tacky. Why would anyone want their storefront looking like a carnival?

Well, honestly, because it works. It’s simple human nature really. Curiosity is a very powerful thing, my friends. And in a tough economy like today’s, businesses can use all the help they can get, while sticking inside a budget. Why shell out thousands on expensive TV ads or take a gamble with a coupon deal when you can grab customers where it matters most? At your door.

Sure, your store might look like a clown threw up on it, but loud is good. How else can you be seen and heard amongst the others in the concrete jungle? So if you prefer, you can go ahead and keep it “classy”. We’ll be over here, creating excitement and drawing in crowds.

*Side note: If the festival look isn’t your thing, we are happy to cater to your taste and brand image! We realize having a distinct, cohesive image is important and we are happy to tailor to it!

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5 WAYS TO INCREASE SALES WHILE ON A BUDGET

Make no mistake – it’s tough for businesses out there. From big name box stores turning out the lights and local businesses closing their doors, it seems no one is immune. So what can be done? There are numerous ways to increase sales, but one of the simplest and most cost effective is to grab customers in their most important decision points – outside your store and inside while shopping. We’ve assembled five ways to wrangle in customers, while keeping an eye on your budget.

  1. Utilize your window space. Displays are a perfect way to spark your customers’ interest if you are in an area with lots of pedestrians, like a mall or popular strip center. Assemble a display that highlights how your product or service can be used. Window clings are also an affordable to way to change up your look on a budget and *bonus* most local municipalities do not regulate signage on the inside of windows.
  2. Keep your parking lot and store front clean and well maintained. Manicured landscapes and a fresh façade give off a look of success and is inviting. It portrays to customers that you care about your store, and you’ll care about them too.
  3. Employ the help of attention-getting devices. It’s not as hard or expensive as it sounds. Promotional flags, banners, pennant lines, and balloons are inexpensive ways to draw attention to your location by peaking the curiosity of all who pass. They can be easily seen from far away, so your location isn’t lost in the crowd. Zoning regulations can apply, and some decorations can be tricky to install, so be sure to do some research or hire an outside company to help.
  4. Once you’ve got costumers inside, are there signs clearly identifying which section is what? How are you communicating current specials, promotions, or holiday deals? Chloroplast and foam board signs are affordable ways to communicate with your customers. They can act as mini sales people, directing and informing patrons. If you have an effective sign hanging system, such as Clik-Clik™, employees can easily switch out signs without having to get on a ladder.
  5. Offer free samples, put on demonstrations, or display your best product outside your store front. This will create a low pressure, welcoming feel and encourage consumers to interact with your products. It can generate interest without even getting them inside. If they like what they see, this will get them in the door!

Spread Some Love

With all the negativity swirling around as of late, I’d like to take a second to spread some love a little bit. This last holiday season, ASAP “Adopted a Family” through the Salvation Army, as well as made donations to theses amazing organizations at the suggestion of ASAP employees:

Childhelp – helps victims of child abuse

Alex’s Lemonade Stand – raises money to fight childhood cancer

Alzheimer’s Association – dedicated to education, support, and fighting Alzheimer’s disease

P.A.W.S. of Dearborn County – saves unwanted and abandon animals

LuvFurMutts Rescue – dedicated to rescuing and rehoming animals from high-kill shelters

Malala Fund – works to secure girls’ rights, particularly in the global south

Childhood Food Solutions – develops solutions for childhood food insecurity

Atrium Medical Center Foundation – HEAL Program – provides emotional support for families who have suffered the loss of a child

Wesley Community Services – PetKare Services – assists seniors with the care of their pets by providing them with free pet food and veterinary care

Check these organizations out, people, they do amazing work!

And soon it will be time to get our hands dirty at the Freestore Food Bank’s Giving Fields, which has nearly 6 acres where produce is grown for local agencies and those in need.

What are some of your favorite charities or volunteer activities? Let us know, we’d love to come join!

Harnessing The Power of a Flag, Using It for Good

Flags are our livelihood. And while we use them mostly for advertising purposes, once in a while a unique opportunity presents itself. This Memorial Day, we got to use flags for a different purpose than we are used to! The ASAP team assisted in installing 800 American flags to honor those who served. Each flag represented a veteran, active duty soldier, policeman, or firefighter. The flags could be seen by thousands of passing motorists throughout the week, as a humble reminder of the true reason we observe Memorial Day.

The proceeds for this event went to Operation: Ramp It Up for Veterans, which assists disabled veterans receive wheelchair ramps. For more information, please view the links below.

Check out the event photos: #FieldofMemories2017

See a great clip of the event here

Adopt a Family Program

Sometimes, tis better to receive than to give.

Being 100% honest here, getting stuff feels pretty good. You know the feeling – being so touched that someone put thought and effort into thinking of you. That’s really why it feels so good to receive, that idea someone cared enough to not only think of you, they made a trip out to search and search and search for the perfect item for you. Then they handed over their hard-earned cash for it! Inside of that gift box is more than a just a thing – there is love.  

I am hoping *fingers crossed* that this is exactly how the family receiving all this good stuff, right here, is going to feel. Because they deserve it. And while the ASAP Team does not personally know this family, we feel like we do now. We know the mom and dad must work day in and day out for their five kids. And that the four girls are probably so pumped to have a baby brother this year. We hope they love the outfits we picked out (and we’re honestly a little jealous of) and, of course, hand-picked toys for each of them. We hope the father enjoys his new baking pans, and the mother the fresh towels and sheets!

Now, I’m not trying to discredit the spirit of giving. Clearly, writing this, you can tell we feel humbled and grateful for the means to do it. I truly hope this holiday season is full of joy, generosity, and gratitude for all – givers and receivers alike!

For more information on the Adopt-a-Family Program, please visit The Salvation Army: http://swo.salvationarmy.org/SouthwestOhio/christmas-assistance

What a Disney Movie can teach you about Life

If you are anything like me, you grew up on Disney Movies.  Hard to pick a favorite, right?! Even as an adult, you can sing every line to A Whole New World, put off the trip to Costco when you notice The Little Mermaid on ABC’s Family line up and are totally okay with your kid watching Rapunzel for the 3rd time that weekend.

Disney can teach you a lot about life – mainly for me, they show children that while life does, well suck, sometimes, there is always a light at the end of the tunnel.

Here are some of the biggest take aways from our beloved classics:

  • Cinderella
    Kindness conquers all. Act appropriately, even when surrounded by bad behavior.
  • Sleeping Beauty
    Bravery can lead to the greatest rewards. Do not let the failures of those that came before you decide your path in life.
  • Pinocchio
    Be honest. And remember – achieving success through another person’s misfortune is never worth it.  
  • The Jungle Book
    Keep your chin up! No matter what life throws your way, don’t get to down on yourself – pick yourself up and try, try again.
  • Robin Hood
    Have courage. Fight for what you believe is right and true.
  • Peter Pan
    Be a leader! Sometimes in life you have to take charge, which means taking risks.  Push the boundaries – success comes to those who take risks.
  • The Little Mermaid
    Follow your heart. “Have the courage to follow your heart and intuition, they somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.” – Steve Jobs
  • Beauty and the Beast
    Don’t judge a book by its cover. True beauty comes from within.
  • Aladdin
    It’s OK to ask for help. It does not mean that you are a failure, only that you are human.  
  • The Lion King
    Bad things happen. Unfortunately, this is life.  Don’t run from your past, learn from it and have the courage to face it!  
  • Pocahontas
    Be open to things you don’t understand. “…put yourself in other people’s shoes – to see the world from their eyes. Empathy is a quality of character that can change the world.”  – Barack Obama
  • Brave
    You can always change your story. You are in charge of your fate – rise above and take charge of your own destiny.
  • Frozen
    Let it go. Don’t let your past, stop you from being happy in the present.

As Walt would say;
“I only hope that we never lose sight of one thing — that it was all started by a mouse.”   

One ripple, creates a wave.  
One spark, a wildfire.  
What can you accomplish if you just take that one step?
Too often fear is the leading decider in some of life’s biggest choices. Take a cue from Disney, and take that leap!

Did I miss one?  Let me know!  Dust off those old VHS’s, pick out your favorite Disney Classic and curl up on the couch this weekend – hey, it’s going to help your career.