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Return to fastprintinc.com.

FAST PRINT, INC. PRESENTS
FEB
4
PRINTING IS OUR PASSION.
WELCOME TO TEN MINUTES OF GOOD NEWS AND FUN STUFF FROM YOUR FAVORITE PRINTER!
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A Message from Dan Metzger
The Way I See It
 

In business and life, we sometimes focus too much on the end goal and overlook the progress we’re making along the way. Each step—no matter how small—brings us closer to our vision. Whether starting a new project, building relationships, or growing your business, consistent action turns dreams into reality.

While the grandeur of Rome inspires awe, it was the consistent effort of laying bricks every hour that made it possible. So, celebrate the small wins, stay focused on the task at hand, and trust that steady effort will yield remarkable results.

Here’s the way I see it: The road to success is paved with perseverance, one brick at a time.

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Idea of the Week
How “Category Creators” Inspire and Empower Customers
THINK BIGGER WITH YOUR NEXT DESIGN

If a picture paints a thousand words, a stellar design is loaded with personality, sensory experiences, and paradigm-shifting ideas.

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Rather than focusing solely on building an image, some design strategists suggest that carving out a unique niche is more valuable. These visionary individuals, known as category creators, are like "missionaries" who envision markets as they could be, introducing fresh ideas and experiences while guiding others toward new possibilities.

Instead of viewing the profit pie as having limited slices, category creators produce net-new resources—innovative assets and ideas entirely novel to the market—and boldly share a vision for a future that's not quite visible to others.

Think Bigger with Your Next Design

As you aspire to design striking ads, websites, or print marketing pieces, ponder these questions:

  • What is the niche your business "owns?"
  • What are you on a mission to do? How are you creating brand-new, never-before-done resources or opportunities that will fundamentally change people's experiences?
  • Do your marketing pieces reflect this?
  • How will your designs create a sense of wonder about reality as it "could be?"

Here are three real-world applications:

1. Instead of fighting over a "one pot at a time" coffee market share, Keurig generated billions by offering the single-serve freedom of a personalized cup. 472-Coffee.jpg

2. Rather than battling for an inch of the cut-throat hotel industry, Airbnb unlocked real-estate sharing and revolutionized travel.

3. Breaking out of the personal computing market, Apple embodied the essence of category creation with its iconic "Think Different" campaign.

Learning from Apple's Evolution

Consider Apple's evolution from a focus on computers to broader technology. During this time, its branding entered an awkward stage. PowerBooks, iPods, and other products had a monochrome logo. Meanwhile, iMac designs and their operating systems were more colorful and translucent.

In 2007, as Apple sought to forge an industry-transforming identity, it brought flat and flashy together with a chrome logo. Apple used the logo online, in print and advertising campaigns, and on every product. The clean, minimalist concept communicated the essence of Apple's growing category dominance: its products were pristine and elite in form and function.

Communicating Category Creation in Your Designs

To communicate the spirit of category creation in your designs, try these angles:

1. Celebrate and share greatness and beauty. The initial success of TOMS shoes came from elevating Argentina's national shoe and pairing it with philanthropic enterprising.

2. Give customers the power of choice. Just as Keurig puts possibilities in customers' hands, how can your design inspire and empower people to enjoy something perfectly tailored to their preferences?

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3. Highlight messages that inspire and create abundance. Uber created income for drivers everywhere by sharing its profitable niche with millions of car owners. Its vision? To "ignite opportunity by setting the world in motion."

Meaningful categories propel meaningful companies. Design yours today!

See more great ideas like this!
Click here to visit the Fast Print, Inc. - Ideas Collection.
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MARKETING
Marketing Tip
Turn Customer Stories into Marketing Gold
YOUR BEST ADVERTISEMENTS MIGHT ALREADY BE CUSTOMERS

Your happiest customers are your best marketers. Their success stories build trust and attract new business—so don’t be afraid to ask for them! Here are three easy ways to collect powerful testimonials:

  1. Add a Review Link to Your Email Signature: Make it effortless for customers to leave a review by including a direct link to your Google Reviews in your email signature. A simple line like "Loved your experience? Share your thoughts here!" can go a long way.

  2. Include a QR Code in Your Packaging: Add a small insert with a QR code that links to a quick testimonial form or your review page. A message like "We’d love to hear your feedback! Scan to share your experience." makes it easy and engaging.

  3. Follow Up with a Thank-You & Request: When customers pick up an order or after a service is completed, send a friendly follow-up email or text thanking them and asking for their feedback while their experience is still fresh.

Once you have great testimonials, let us help you showcase them! We can print testimonial booklets, posters, or marketing materials to highlight your happy customers. Reach out today to get started!

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Uncommon Product
Custom Gatefold Brochures
BROCHURES THAT WOW YOUR AUDIENCE

A custom gatefold brochure is the perfect way to combine style and functionality in your print marketing. The unique design opens like double doors to reveal a stunning interior, while a custom shape adds intrigue and sophistication.

Examples of creative applications:

  • Wedding Venue Brochures: Use a chapel or floral-shaped die cut to create an inviting first impression.

  • Auto Dealership Promotions: Showcase a car silhouette, with the gatefold unveiling feature highlights of the latest model.

  • Healthcare Campaigns: Create a heart-shaped brochure to emphasize wellness messaging, with details about services inside.

  • Event Invitations: Use a star or spotlight shape for a gala or award ceremony, with the gatefold revealing event details and RSVP instructions.

If you’re ready to make your brochures more captivating, let us help you create a brochure that wows your audience. Contact us today to get started!

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Tech Tip
Organize with Free Online Mind Mapping Tools
SIMPLIFY COMPLEX IDEAS WITH VISUAL MIND MAPS

Have you ever struggled to organize your thoughts or plan a big project? Mind mapping tools like MindMeister and Miro can help you visualize ideas, goals, or workflows in a way that’s easy to follow. Best of all, many of these tools are free and straightforward to use.

Here are a few ways you can use them:

  • Brainstorming Sessions: Capture ideas during a team meeting and visually connect related concepts to identify patterns or solutions.

  • Project Planning: Map out the phases, tasks, and deadlines for a large project, ensuring every detail is accounted for.

  • Creative Writing: Outline story arcs, character connections, or themes for your next novel or screenplay.

  • Personal Goal Setting: Design a roadmap for personal growth by organizing short-term and long-term goals with actionable steps.

These tools are perfect for streamlining ideas, fostering collaboration, and bringing structure to any project.

If you’d like help translating your creative ideas into printed materials, our team is ready to assist!

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Fun@Work

Spotlight Recipe

Idina Menzel’s Green Goddess Smoothie

Did You Know?

Penguins' Secret to Warm Feet

Printing Quiz

When your printer refers to “pH,” they really mean…

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