August 7th, 2009
Here’s something I expect we’ll see more of…
The last time I was home – and, yes, it has been awhile – my mum had the coolest bag from TESCO, one of the UK’s largest supermarket chains.
I couldn’t take my eyes off the print. It was a classic floral and instantly recognizable as a Cath Kidston print.
For the uninitiated, Cath Kidston is a designer who transforms traditional English prints into smart, modern home goods, clothing and accessories. Colorful fabrics and designs are her signature.
That’s what made the tote so desirable.
My mum’s bag was one of eight Cath Kidston-designed reusable totes that TESCO introduced last year. Each bears one of her signature vintage-inspired prints, including a classic-looking holiday tote. According to the TESCO Web site, each bag is made from nine recycled soda bottles. They even include an illustration depicting the transformation from soda bottles to eco shopping bag.
The story doesn’t end there. For each bag purchased, neither TESCO nor Cath Kidston profit from sales of the eco bag. Instead, the companies are contributing 50p per bag (approximately 75 cents) to the Marie Curie Cancer Care Charity – with more than £400,000 (approximately $635,000) raised and 6 million plastic bottles saved from the landfill.
I’ll be surprised if designer-inspired eco totes don’t start popping up all over the place in the not-so-distant future.
–Suzanne
July 17th, 2009
In a worldwide economy with rapidly changing conditions, when competition for business is not only fierce, it can be deadly for organizations that enter the battlefield unprepared, it’s more important than ever to make certain your employees are ready. Many companies have encouraged their employees to stretch themselves mentally and hone their skills with continuing education.
June 30th, 2009
Maximizing performance should be every company’s top priority. But when
it comes to performance, we must look beyond our daily to-do lists toward
big picture results.
June 29th, 2009
With the announcement of the ‘50 Best Small & Medium Companies to Work For’ today at the SHRM Conference, many of us were debating and sharing ideas about what makes a company a truly ‘great place’. I posed this question via twitter:
“in 140 characters or less, what makes a company a great place to work?”
Here are a couple of the responses:
@imbrimful said: What makes a place one of the best places to work? Flexibility and caring, kind managers that take interest in their employees
@tlcolson said: decision autonomy within your sandbox, results oriented culture, “right-sized” company, market based comp/benefits
Jack Welch (at the Sunday keynote) stressed trust and communication (amongst a few other more colorful thoughts!).
What’s your take? Comment here or let me know via twitter: @4imprintklt. It’s an important topic.
Especially in today’s economic climate.
April 28th, 2009
With all of the business decisions that you face in a day, focus on the one element which serves as the lifeblood stage for business differentiation, growth and success.
April 8th, 2009
We’ve added several new ‘Blue Papers’ (our version of white papers) for you on a wide variety of topics. None of them are out to sell our products – they are 100% useful, actionable content for your organization. Topics range from ‘Getting Started with Word of Mouth Marketing’ to ‘Memory Training’ and ‘Wellness Programs’ to ‘Teamwork’. We’ve got more than 40 of them out there – all free and no strings attached (won’t even ask for your email!). Many of them are available as MP3’s and you can subscribe to the podcast versions on iTunes.
Have a look (or listen!) and let me know what you think. If there’s a topic you’d like us to cover let me know that too!
March 19th, 2009
If memory were a muscle, you”‘d enroll your employees in regular strength-training exercises. You might even lead morning calisthenics! After all, memory can help your sales staff seal the deal by forging stronger personal connections with clients.
March 13th, 2009
Hearing form more business start-ups as a result of my post earlier in the week. Have to say we’re having some fun with this. We just put through an order for a gentleman named Zoltan who has recently started a non-medical senior care business (which sounds like something that will have great growth potential). Had another for a new photography studio.
The passion and excitement these folks have for their new ventures is uplifting and gives me great confidence in the future!
March 11th, 2009
In my last post I offered 250 free pens to the first 100 people who let me know that they are starting a business in this tough climate.
I put the offer out there just to celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit that is the engine that always moves us forward. It was also our own little way of getting some good news circulating. A nice reminder that there are some great things going on out there!
Got a great email from Rob and Dustin who are starting Town Accounting. They’ve got a great business model and business plan (the business plan is actually award-winning!) offering web-based accounting solutions to businesses and municipalities.
Good luck – and thanks – Rob and Dustin. We’re all rooting for you!
Starting a business? Know someone who is? Have them drop me a line at startup@4imprint.com. First 100 new businesses get 250 pens – no strings attached – with their logo to help the spread the word.
January 20th, 2009
Recently asked some of our customers to share any ideas they have about marketing in the current climate. Debra works for a Credit Union and says:
“Review, review, review. Review types of products & inventory offered, review customer service & customers, review costs & pricing, review hours of operations, review employees and review competitors.”
Good advice. It’s always a good time to lay everything you’re doing on the table – all of it – and see if it all still makes sense.