Creating Your Businesses’ Sense Of Style (NAPSA)—The look of your business—and a great design con- cept—can make a powerful impact on customers and help generate revenue. That’s the word from Susie Mendive, a graphic designer who has spent years helping brands—from nonprofit organiza- tions to large beauty companies— create their own unique image. Mendive believes it is importantto cre- . Mendive ate an image that is consistent throughout—from Website to letterhead to the storefront window. The image should clearly commu- nicate what it is your company does. Here are her five tips to step up your business style: Observe, observe, observe. Consider your favorite clothing designers, boutique hotels you love and your must- have magazines. Each of these can provide clues to how they created their business style through hangtags, labels, menus, drink napkins, font choices, color schemes and Websites. Get organized. Every small business hasa similarlist of tools, includinga logo or specialized ver- sion of their company name, letterhead, stationery, business cards and a Website that shows current and potential customers that it is in business. Take timeto think about your customers and what they need from you and your business. Go digital and save money. Forrester Research recently found that 42 percent of small businesses are marketing or advertising their business online. A Web site and F rm i ‘ Susie translates her personal style into SUM, a signatureline of homeandlifestyle products. e-mail address are musts. Find the right partners. It can save time and money to have an outside expert help with the process. For example, a company such as Network Solutions can help you create a Website, design a logo and even drive traffic to your business. You can even design your Website yourself with their Do-It-Myself easy-to-use Web templates, or have one of their Web designers create a site for you. e Style equals advertising. Makesure yourstyle is consistent across all elements of your busi- ness. This conveys a sense of attention to detail and helps build consumer confidence. It’s also important to use that style wherever you can—a branded envelope may be seen by more than just the recipient of your invoice. For more tips on how to “style your business,” visit www.style yourbiz.com or www.network solutions.com.
