Kick-Butt Marketing Plan

New Website Launched for ABE Enterprises

2009-11-10T11:23:00.002-05:00

Check out this new website I designed for ABE Enterprises - Kennesaw, Georgia. They are a geotechnical engineering firm and a bunch of great guys to work with!

If you'd like me to work on your next website or graphic design project, email me at mjtommey@yahoo.com. Let's talk!

Visit me online at http://www.matttommey.com/marketing

View my website portfolio at http://www.matttommey.com/marketing/viewer.html

New Website Launched for First Baptist Church Holly Springs

2009-11-10T11:19:00.003-05:00

Check out this new website I designed for First Baptist Church - Holly Springs, Georgia.

If you'd like me to work on your next website or graphic design project, email me at mjtommey@yahoo.com. Let's talk!

Visit me online at http://www.matttommey.com/marketing

View my website portfolio at http://www.matttommey.com/marketing/viewer.html

Updated Portfolio for Asheville Web Designer, Matt Tommey

2009-11-10T11:13:00.002-05:00

I've just updated my website portfolio online so all my new friends and prospective clients can view some of my recent work online! If you know anyone looking for an graphic designer in Asheville, or an Asheville Web Designer, please forward them my name or vice versa!

Over the last 12 years, my experience as a senior level graphic designer and web designer has allowed me to help hundreds of satisfied clients including small businesses, startup companies and major corporations across almost every industry. Now that I'm living in Asheville, North Carolina, I'm looking forward to serving a whole new group of clients as well as retaining many in Atlanta!

View My Web Design Portfolio here: http://www.matttommey.com/marketing/viewer.html

Matt Tommey - The Newest Asheville Web Designer!

2009-11-10T11:09:00.003-05:00

After many years, actually about 12, of being in Atlanta we're moving to Asheville, North Carolina! This opportunity is one that I've dreamed about for many years - getting to live in an uber-creative town in the mountains, while being close to friends and family!

I've launched a couple of new domains to help out with the transition!

http://www.ashevillegraphicdesigner.net
http://www.ashevillewebdesigner.net
http://www.ashevillewebdesign.org

If you know anyone in the Asheville area who's looking for a new graphic or web designer, please pass their name along to me or vice versa!

New Website for Habitat for Humanity of NW Metro Atlanta

2009-05-05T10:46:00.004-04:00

Ok, I was so excited about this new design that I had to give you a little preview... it's not finished yet, but here's the initial design concept! The client wanted a very casual yet modern feel to the website in order to enhance the already strong corporate brand. I took a playful approach, lots of layers and lots of interest, yet with a strong sense of the corporate identity and brand that is Habitat for Humanity. Keep watching for changes and the new site rollout around June 1st!

New Website Launched for CorData.com

2009-04-27T13:29:00.003-04:00

A new website was launched recently for Cisco Registered IT Partner, CorData Incorporated in Kennesaw, GA. All graphic design work on the site was completed by yours truly, Matt Tommey, outsourced marketing director.

For more information on how you can have a great looking website like this one, contact Matt Tommey, Outsourced Marketing Director at info@matttommey.com

Top 10 Signs It's Time To Outsource Marketing

2009-04-21T08:15:00.004-04:00

I've worked with small to medium sized businesses for many years. There are several tell-tell signs that show up when a company is ready to outsource marketing to a professional. Here are my top 10 signs it's time to start outsourcing marketing for your small business. (And yes, these are all actual true 'pre-client' stories):

10. When asked about the last time you updated your website, you said "Oh, you mean I'm supposed to UPDATE my website?"
9. The phrase "Press Release" means conjours up images of Katie Couric getting out of jail.
8. Your corporate logo was designed by your cousin's wife's friend's boyfriend - and you have no idea where he is, how to get in touch with him or if he's even alive.
7. You've ever used VistaPrint free business cards and actually think they look good. (Clue: everybody knows you're too cheap to get real cards... their logo is on the back for goodness sake!)
6. You insist the printer use Microsoft Publisher files and can't understand why your ClipArt images won't convert in to CMYK format!
5. You're idea of spell-checking your writing is when you're friends at the chamber point out all the typos in your new brochure.
4. You've spent way too much money on Google Adwords, only to realize your website doesn't have your phone number or email address listed anywhere.
3. You actually think the brochure you 'designed' using your home computer and printed out on your ink-jet printer looks 'professional'.
2. Your small business marketing strategy is a 2-pronged approach: spend and pray.
1. You finally understand that what you don't know IS hurting you and it's time to outsource your marketing!

Whether it's time for a contract graphic designer to work on your brochure, or you want to outsource your marketing efforts lock, stock and barrel, it's important to work with a marketing pro who understands the unique things you face as a small business.

Don't keep making the same mistakes over and over. Ask for help! That's what I'm here for. Contact me today for a free consultation. In about 30 minutes, I'll be able to give you a high-level assessment of where you are, some ideas for moving forward and a few great reasons to hire me!

Social Media to Grow Your Business

2009-04-20T09:23:00.000-04:00

This is a great webinar from HubSpot.com. I highly recommend it!
Click Here Now to View!

How I Helped A Cigar Lounge Smoke the Competition

2009-03-27T08:12:00.000-04:00

So one of my latest clients is a new company called Fatty's Cigar Lounge. The approached me with the challenge of developing not only a new logo, website and collateral materials for their company, but something that would stand the test of time, yet be contemporary... something that would look good on the front of a building, on business cards and as an actual cigar wrapper for their 'custom' cigars.

As I began to work on this project, we found the old Alfred Hitchcock silhouette and that began to spark alot of interest on the part of my client, yet we needed more... we wanted style, sophistication and yet a casual tone. The result? A silhouetted logo icon with a nod to Mr Hitchcock, yet a style all his own. His name? Fatty.

You can see in this logo and the supporting art, I've created 2 different versions of the logo... one as the cigar wrapper that could be used in any number of applications and then the actual "Fatty's" icon. This gives the client alot of flexibility with their logo and at the same time keeps the corporate brand intact.

The new website should be launching the end of April, 2009. You can see the 'splash' page here. Just one more way I'm helping my clients 'smoke' the competition through great design and strategy.

Leveraging Outsourcing in Your Marketing Strategy

2009-03-26T21:40:00.001-04:00

Social Networking as Part of Your Marketing Strategy

2009-03-26T21:38:00.000-04:00

Outsourcing Your Marketing

2009-03-26T12:12:00.000-04:00

In today's tough economic conditions, more and more companies are putting the ax to the marketing department, which is a tricky decision. On one hand, the company must be marketing well to survive. On the other hand, if budgets are tight, marcomm has always been the first to go.

For many small business, it's even tougher because they may not have even had a marketing department to begin with. They need the resources that a marketing director can bring to the table, but are unable to bring someone on board full time to do that. It's the age old problem of being too busy working IN your business to work ON your business.

Over the years, I've helped companies solve this problem in a couple of ways. Most companies that I've worked with approach me initially for a simple project, like a new website, logo, or some print collateral. Once they get to know me and find out what I can really provide, the relationship blossoms. Then the relationship can turn into more of a retainer based relationship where I'm not only providing marketing strategy and high-level advice, but also the nuts and bolts of implementing that strategy into the day-to-day operations of the business - on time and within a pre-determined budget.

So what does this mean for you? First of all, as a business owner, take 10 minutes today and think through what you COULD be doing if you had a marketing resource at your disposal... updating your website, writing and implementing press releases, updates marketing materials, measuring your current marketing strategies to see if they are really producing, etc. The list can go on and on. Once you're beginning to see the need, give me a call. I'd love to sit down and talk about how I could help your company go to the next level, without breaking the bank.

Matt Tommey launches new website for HeartFirst Ministries

2009-03-26T11:54:00.000-04:00

Outsourced Marketing Director Matt Tommey worked with Woodstock, Georgia based International Ministry Organization HeartFirst Ministries to develop a new corporate identity and website.

HeartFirst Ministries approached Matt Tommey with the challenge of developing a contemporary corporate image, website and print collateral for their Woodstock, Georgia based ministry organization. The organization serves churches and ministries around the world through seminars, conferences and prophetic ministry. The website is the primary communications tool the company uses to keep in touch with prospective ministry partners around the world.

The new ministry website can be viewed at http://www.heartfirstministries.org along with the new logo.

Matt Tommey is a marketing guru with many years of award-winning marketing and design experience. Based in Acworth, Georgia, he works with clients on a monthly retainer or project basis depending on the need of his clientele. To find out more about Matt and his services, please visit http://www.matttommey.com/marketing.

Matt Tommey Launches New Website for G2 Funding Partners

2009-03-26T11:51:00.000-04:00

Outsourced Marketing Director Matt Tommey worked with Woodstock, Georgia based grant writing firm G2 Funding Partners to develop a new corporate identity and website.

G2 Funding Partners approached Matt Tommey with the challenge of developing a contemporary corporate image, website and print collateral for their Woodstock, Georgia based grant writing firm. The firm works with a variety of non-profit organizations looking for help with grant writing and creative funding opportunities. The website is the primary communications tool the company uses to gain new clients.

The new corporate website can be viewed at http://www.g2fundingpartners.org along with the corporate logo.

Matt Tommey is a marketing guru with many years of award-winning marketing and design experience. Based in Acworth, Georgia, he works with clients on a monthly retainer or project basis depending on the need of his clientele. To find out more about Matt and his services, please visit http://www.matttommey.com/marketing.

80% Of All Marketing Fails... Do You Know the 20% That's Successful?

2005-07-24T08:41:00.000-04:00

As we work with hundreds of small business each year, one thing remains the same... Call it a truism, a fact of life or just plain depressing, but the fact is 80% of marketing fails.

Knowing the 20% of YOUR marketing plan that's really producing for your business is a major key to having a profitable return on investment. However, we've found that most companies are in one of two categories: 1) they have no marketing materials and are "hoping for the best", or 2) they have decent marketing materials but have no clue how to get them out to the market place to work for them. Here are 2 incredible tips that can help you leverage your marketing dollars for maximum impact.

Track Your Leads
Keeping Up With Where Business Comes From

As I interact with many small business people in developing successfull marketing plans for their companies, one thing is almost always true... they NEVER track their leads. Ask your average business owner where their leads are coming from and most of the time you get a blank stare.

Starting a simple Excel spreadsheet of where your leads come from, how many you converted and what the average sale was for each lead is a great way to start. It costs nothing and can save you a bundle when it comes time to invest in your marketing budget next quarter.

Need Help Tracking Your Leads? Contact us at kairosdesigns.com/july2005.html

Target Your Best Prospects
Getting Specific with your Marketing Efforts

One of the questions I ask people alot is "Who's a good lead for you?". 90% of the time I hear one of two answers: 1) Everyone is a good lead for us or 2) Small Business Owners. Unless you know SPECIFICALLY who you're going after, you're wasting time and money.... thus the 80% rule. Developing your Unique Selling Proposition and Target Prospect Profile are a must when building a successful plan of action. It's not rocket science, but it does take some time. It's also not a bad
idea to get a "third party opinion", just to make sure you're on the right track.

Need Help Targeting Your Best Prospects? Contact us at kairosdesigns.com/july2005.html

Consistently Branding Your Company

2005-06-11T23:16:00.000-04:00

When it comes to marketing, many small business owners do it themselves and discount the importance of branding and corporate image. Here's how to avoid that trap!

Corporate Identity for the Small Business: Image is Everything...

In real estate, it's "location, location, location". In today's marketplace, it's "image, image, image". First of all, that doesn't mean that you should sacrifice the core of your business just to "look great". It does however, mean that many of your prospective clients may not even CONSIDER you if your corporate identity is lacking or non-existent.

Having a solid corporate identity is the basis for solid marketing pieces. Most small business owners make one of 3 basic mistakes: they do it themselves because they think they "can't afford a professional", they do nothing, hoping for the best, or they "just start somewhere and try to get better as we grow." I've seen it time and time again... without a solid corporate identity, many small businesses never get the chance to grow. They are eaten alive in the fierce marketplace we all operate in today. You must be noticed to be considered. That's why a solid corporate identity is crucial to your business success.

How to Have a Strong Corporate Identity

One of the first things that a small business owner can do is work with a firm like Kairos Designs that will help you develop a strategy. What's the focus of your marketing plan? What do you want to accomplish? By When? What's your investment budget and target Audience? The list goes on... Based on that strategy, then we develop marketing collateral to support and communicate the company's marketing goals. Now your creating marketing materials on purpose and with ROI in mind.

Lastly, one of the most basic things a firm like ours can help you develop is a "Corporate Image Style Sheet". This is a document that controls what we call the "look and feel" of every marketing piece that goes out of your company, including memos, brochures, business cards, sales sheets, websites and more. It's a simple document, but CRUCIAL to making sure your corporate image is solid and consistent.

It's All About Relationship

2005-06-11T22:59:00.000-04:00

The power of relationship to generate business for your company can't be underestimated. Today I'm talking about 3 major topics: joint ventures & partnerships, referral networking and farming your current database. These are simple yet highly profitable ways to market your business... Read on!

Joint Ventures & Partnerships: It's What You Know AND Who You Know...

An old adage says "It's not what you know but who you know..." I'd have to say it's a little of both. You can be an expert in your field and even have a great product, but unless you're aligned properly with strategic parters, your business will not reach it's full potential.

Yes, that's a bold statement, but I'm seeing it come to fruition, both positively and negatively in the businesses I work with every day. Imagine the opportunity of aligning your company or organization with one who complements your areas of weakness. In our company, we aligned with a data management company about a year ago to be able to provide full list procurement services for our clients. This is a HUGE value add to our clientele, while also being another stream of revenue for our firm. In addition, we are able to reciprocate work back and forth, making it a fruitful relationship for both companies. It's not hard to do... and it's a great way to enlarge the scope of your business, while "keeping the main thing the main thing".

Referral Networking: Networking or Notworking?

When I first started Kairos Designs almost 3 years ago now, we had few resources within the business community to meet new prospects and find new business. This is the case with many new businesses... great concept and skill to boot, but where are the customers?

We learned early on to get involved in some sort of regular networking opportunity, where we could meet high-quality b2b referral partners. Within a short time period, we began to develop many 'strategic alliances' and were able to both give and get and endless supply of referrals on a daily basis. It's one of the cheapest and easiest way to find new clients and build a volunteer sales force without breaking the budget of a new business.

Farming Your Current Database: They already love you... Just ask the question.

The last, and I believe most effective/cheapest marketing tool out there for any business is cultivation of your current client database. These clients have already bought from you one or more times, like you, know you and just need and excuse to purchase again.

You can contact your database in many different ways... some ways that are extremely effective include personlized direct mail, e-newsletters, special offers via mail or email and last but not least, telemarketing. You'll be amazed how many of your current clients are needing your services on a regular basis and are just waiting on your call, email or postcard.

Getting 7-20% Response Rates with Direct Mail

2005-06-11T22:55:00.000-04:00

Did you know that Variable Digitial Printing Technology that allows you to leverage your marketing dollars in a huge way. Industry wide, this technology is being used in companies large and small, producing direct mail response rates from 7-20%. Sound too good to be true? Read on....

Using Personalization

Digital technology allows us to do things we've never been able to to before... bring the power of one-to-one marketing to direct mail. Through mining literally thousands of databases, we are able to find information on prospective customers. Using this information within a direct mail campaign is invaluable when it comes to leveraging higher response rates.

Personalization can include using a name, title, business name, industry... the list goes on. This immediately grabs the attention of the reader and causes them to want to look further. In addition, statistically is increases the response rates almost 10 times over static printing where there is no personalization. Visit the link below to find out more.

Color vs Black & White: Does it really matter?

Many small businesses will print simple letters and postcards out on their office printers, mail them out and hope for the best. Most of the time, these wasted efforts produce little to no results. Which brings us to the question, "Does Color Really Matter?"

Using color in a direct mail project is very important. In fact, statistically, color increases your response rates by at least double in static campaigns (where everyone gets the same thing) and triples your response rates in variable campaigns. This is a simple change that can yeild major results in your campaigns.

The Offer: Make 'em an Offer they can't refuse!

Lastly, one of the most important things you can do to leverage higher response rates in your direct mail campaigns is using an offer. This could be a complimentary item, a discount on services, a first time customer discount, free with a purchase of... the list goes on. The important thing is to use one! Statistically, using an offer doubles the rate of response in color, variable direct mail. That's HUGE!

Be creative with your offers and make sure it's something your prospect wants. Again, on of the cool things about using variable digital printing is that you could literally send out a run of 1000 postcards and everyone have a different offer, based on the demographic of who you were trying to reach.

Starting a Kick-Butt Marketing Plan

2005-06-11T22:33:00.000-04:00

Working with small business all across the country for the past 3 years and allowed me to see so much junk masquerading as marketing, it's not even funny. And then people wonder why their foolproof marketing disaster didn't produce results. I wonder?

Funny enough, as I begin this blog, I was just in a client's office this past week here in Atlanta. They are about a 5 million dollar technology company and great at what they do. However, marketing has never been a strong point for them because it 'costs too much'.

So I was called in to consult on a new project last week. After becoming friendly with the new rep heading up the project, he said "come in here" for a second. We walked into the storage room where I saw 10,000 11x17 full color brochures stacked in boxes, along with several other collateral pieces. "All of these are obsolete" he said. In fact, they were getting ready to throw them all out and do something new. This was due to the fact, he went on to explain, that the brochures were developed in a departmental vaccum and were not a part of a comprehensive corporate marketing strategy. The worst part was... they cost roughly .$75/per and they were printed last year. That's $7500 down the drain... so long, farewell and goodbye. They might as well have thrown it out the window.

This is a perfect example of why companies NEED, MUST HAVE and CANNOT DO WITHOUT a Kick-Butt Marketing plan. I'm passionate about not only helping companies have GREAT marketing collateral, but also having a solid strategy by which to get it to the marketplace. That's what this blog is all about... bringing you our thoughts on having a Kick-Butt Marketing strategy for your business.

Check back often! Matt