Creative Suitcase Gets Carded

Creative Suitcase has recently been generating some attention, both online and at award shows, with a unique, interactive business card design for Impact Salon in Colorado. Impact Salon requested a business card that would create an impression with the public and deliver a memorable experience for their clientele. Creative Suitcase designed a two-piece business card. As you pull the appointment card out of a business card sleeve, a man’s hair transitions from gray to brown or a woman’s hairstyle goes from straight to wavy.  The cards have gone viral and have appeared on such sites as Digg, Polish Money and FaveUp. The cards have also been included on multiple lists of top business card designs. The Impact Salon business cards were recently awarded an American Graphic Design Award from Graphic Design USA.

In addition, Creative Suitcase’s own business card was published in Rockport’s Best of Business Card Design 8, a respected anthology. Creative Suitcase’s marketing materials were also awarded an American Graphic Design Award from Graphic Design USA.

About Creative Suitcase

Creative Suitcase is an award-winning graphic design, advertising and Web design studio located in Austin, Texas. They have produced a wide variety of projects, including branding, logos, identity systems, brochures, Web sites and print campaigns for clients ranging from non-profits to Fortune 500 companies. By studying your business, your market and your goals, they’re able to create the marketing twist needed to unpack your potential.

Creative Suitcase is owned by TAB Member, Rachel Stikeleather. Creative Suitcase gets its name from Rachel’s two biggest loves: graphic design and world travel. She’s worked on three continents and traveled to over 25 countries, learning the cross-cultural aspects of great design. Rachel’s found influence in everything from Slovenian graffiti to Australian aboriginal art and believes that when you experience creativity it follows you everywhere.

For more information, please check us out online at Creative Suitcase or give us a call at (512)326-3667.

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Some Good Tips for Weathering an Economic Downturn…

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TAB helps small business owner members overcome tough times with sound business advice and emotional support from other non-competing business owner peers.  Watch how!

Dallas-Fort Worth WFAA TV (ABC affiliate)

Wall Street Woes Hit Small Business

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Most Americans share a concern over where the economy is headed.   However, operating from a perspective of CONCERN will not place a business into a position of power.  Conversely, operating from a perspective of INFLUENCE can turn an uncertain economy into extremely opportunistic times.  While many spend time worrying, those CEOs and sales executives who plan and choose wisely stand to prosper greatly.  If sales at your company seem to be stalling, what should you do to pump up revenues?  One choice is to hunker down, succumb to economic forces and hope for the best.  Another approach is to ask and address some empowering questions…

• Should I dig deep into our pipeline to see what is forthcoming?
• Is my forecast real?
• Are there hidden opportunities with my existing clients?
• Should I provide some additional incentives?
• Am I effectively holding my team accountable for activities and results?
• Am I tolerating under-achievers?   If so, what actions can I take today?
• Should I hire new people to bring new life and to the organization?
• Should I perform more coaching and training?
• Should I go out and close opportunities myself?
•  Should I go on calls with my salespeople to help close?
•  Should I create a tactical plan to create urgency?
•  What can I do to improve motivation?
•  Is my sales manager doing an effective job of coaching and developing?
•  Is my sales manager effectively holding the team accountable?
•  Are expectations clear?
•  Are rewards and consequences clear?
•  Should I offer customer incentives or run promotions on slow moving items?
•  Should I evaluate the sales force to learn for sure why things aren’t better?

In a slowing economy, it is vital to carefully manage the bottom line, but it is silly to ignore your top line.  There are some things you can’t control, there are many things you CAN control.  Focus your organizational energy in areas that you do have influence, instead of worrying about areas that you have none. 

What will you do next???

© Copyright 2009 Joe Zente

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TAB helps small business owner members overcome tough times with sound business advice and emotional support from other non-competing business owner peers. Listen how!

An excerpt from The CW 11, St. Louis, MO , featuring The Alternative Board:

Written by: Theresa Petry

September 17, 2008

The steep slide of stocks on Wall Street isn’t just affecting large corporations like Lehman Brothers and AIG. The ripple effect is shaking up small local businesses.

This latest blow for small local businesses has loans being pulled and credit lines cut. While you won’t see a government bail out here some are getting a boost from each other.

“It has caused me some sleepless nights,” stated Catherine Yank.

She took over her dad’s business, Taylor Roofing in Belleville, Illinois, 8-years ago when he passed away. She can’t bear the thought of losing the company.

“Oh my gosh it’s my father’s legacy” she exclaimed!

But as the bottom drops out of businesses like Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Lehman Brothers and now AIG it means small businesses are faced with higher rates on credit cards and loans - if they can even get one now.

“The challenge today is to make sure I maintain a good banking relationship - that probably causes me more grief than anything,” said Catherine.

With the failing housing market she can forget about a home equity loan or using it for collateral. Instead many are deciding to delay projects or hold off on purchasing merchandise.

“There is uncertainty in business in terms of inventories - just being more conservative,” said Gregory Yank of The Alternative Board.

The Wall Street woes leading to main street blues.

“It’s the big guys who get bailed out not small companies like me,” said Catherine.

Small companies, the backbone of America, are searching for support. Catherine is reaching out to a peer group called The Alternative Board - which was started in the 90’s.

“Emotionally this has been a roller coaster and one of the things the TAB process helps business owners to provide support to each other,” explained Gregory Yank.

The Alternative Board is a private paid peer group. Small businesses must apply and be accepted into the group. There are monthly dues and meetings. For more information log onto http://www.sba.gov.

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