Updating the website in time for re-opening

I’ve just toured a few industry websites. The overall impression is that whatever shop owners have been doing during the lock-down/slowdown, it has not been working on their websites. Outdated information, typos and other shortcomings create a bad impression.

Part of getting ready to re-open should include a website review and update. There’s going to be some uncertainty about who is still in business in the “new reality” and who isn’t. Your website should help get out the message that you are open and ready to roll.

Tell you what . . . if you have an updated website ready to roll into the post-Coronavirus era, let us know and we’ll give it some exposure. Email michael.best@screenflex.ca.

Getting back to printing again!

Stanley’s Cambridge office had to shut down as mandated by the Province of Ontario. Meanwhile, Edmonton, Calgary, and Richmond all remained open for business, as we previously mentioned. Now with Cambridge open again, Stanley’s is able to fully support all its customers through all four branches, albeit with certain Coronavirus precautions in place.

Orders should be called or emailed in for shipping or picking up at an agreed time. In the interest of the safety of all while the possibility of infection exists, if you’re picking up an order it will be set aside and ready for you close to the door. Precautions will be in place during the paying process and please keep in mind the two-meter social distancing recommendation by health officials.

Sure it’s all very inconvenient, but with the right attitude we’ll get through it.

Planning for safe distancing is essential before you re-open.

The purpose of a facility plan is to make the workplace safe for everyone. The first step is a pre-opening assessment of the risk areas with a view to social distancing.

Identify the flow of work and people then re-arrange the location of equipment, install signage, and set up hand-cleaning stations in a way that allows for social distancing. When safe social distancing is not possible, you should provide personal protection equipment. The nature of this equipment will differ depending upon circumstances but could include masks and face shields.

As time passes there will likely be changes in the measures advised by health and local authorities. This means that you need to be aware of these changes and update your facility plan accordingly.

A good facility plan will help everyone get through this difficult time safely.

You need three key things

All regions of Canada are reopening or are at least anticipating reopening. But these are unusual and challenging times. When we reopen things are going to be different from the pre-virus era when we had to suddenly shut down or at least slow down.

You are going to need three key things to effect a successful reopening:

1. Safety (social distancing, hand washing, masks, notices etc.);
2. Liquidity (cash to operate); and
3. Creativity (adjusting to and taking advantage of a changed way of doing business)

If you’re not sure how to deal with any or all of the above, seek advice. They’re all going to be important for your shops’ survival for at least the foreseeable future.

Who knew the wall looked like this?

A wall obviously has to be prepared properly if adhesive is going to have any chance of adhering properly. This then requires a detailed inspection of the wall.

For instance, what type of paint has been used? Keep in mind that washable paints are likely to make it difficult for adhesive to do its job. A textured surface wouldn’t be very helpful either. Both may require sanding or some other treatment for a smooth and more adhesive-friendly surface.

All of this means that an on-site wall inspection is a very important first step in the process of taking on a wall graphics job. Obvious, right? Apparently not to everybody.

Seeking advice from a mentor could relieve the stress.

Right now you and a hoard of other shop and small business owners are fretting over the “new normal” and whether or not they should be part of it by reopening.

For some it’s a daunting question because it’s not just going to be a case of throwing a switch and all will be fine again. There’s going to be a lot of adapting to do.

And as you’re contemplating all of this, people close to you will be offering their opinions, and much of it could be disturbingly negative or critical. But you need to keep in mind that you should take into account all opinions and evaluate their validity.

If you find the process emotionally wrenching get some help from a detached, objective source who can take the emotion out of decisions. Your accountant, financial advisor, or a mentor should be good resources.

Labels, stickers, and decals shouldn’t have to be read like this.

Here’s something your label and decal customers should understand. Some apparently don’t, and it’s costing them.

An elderly family member recently received an innovative gift of candy made into an attractive package. Here’s the conversation that followed:

“Wow, that sounds like great idea! Who made it?”

“Hang on, I’ll tell you . .  there’s a sticker on the back . . .”

“Okay, just give me the store’s name and number.”

” I can’t see it. The print is too small. I’ll see if I can find my other glasses . . . ”

“Oh, never mind.”

A short, simple conversation with a big lesson for your customers — there’s no point to spending money on stickers, labels, and decals if they can’t readily be read. Not only is the cost of the sticker, label or decal wasted, but a business opportunity is lost. A double whammy!

A recent email from a business-consulting firm was suggesting that businesses getting ready to re-open should consider a number of measures to keep everyone safe from COVID-19 infection. They posed a series of questions in this regard.

One of the questions should be of interest to all sign shops because it represents a business opportunity: “Do you have signage in place that will nudge the right behaviors?”

When you think about it, re-opening businesses are going to want signs to remind staff to wash their hands, keep a safe distance, and so on.

A bit of proactive inquiring could result in sign-printing opportunities for your shop.

Don’t freeze like a deer in the headlights

I was in a discussion expressing concern about the fact that while a lot of small business owners were facing uncertain futures the longer this virus situation drags on, they don’t seem to be doing much about it. For instance, they’re registering for helpful (even free) webinars in much smaller numbers than I would have expected.

The response I got was insightful and I want to pass it on (slightly edited): “We talk about the fight or flight options in challenging situations but currently there’s a third option being adopted by small business owners—freeze.” The explanation continued . . . “Most (small business owners) are paralyzed from uncertainty and exhausted by the change. The variables of a fast-spreading pandemic and an economy that was already slowing have collided at dizzying speed. People are also exhausted by the volume of webinars and even if they want to learn, they do not know who to lean on for information. It’s a disorienting time.”

Here are some suggestions for considering your business’s options:

• The freeze option is not an option.
• “Fight” sounds brave and macho but a realistic assessment might suggest “flight”.
• Objective, realistic input by a third party may be what you need.
• An accountant or financial adviser can help you decide between fight or flight.
• Read as much objective material as you can about the economic outlook.
• To understand the virus and its impact, consider the opinions and assessments of scientists.
• Stay in touch with as many trusted and knowledgeable sources as you can about all matters pertaining to the current circumstances.

These are difficult times but, to repeat, freezing in the headlights is not a good option.

Matt Symes of Symplicity Designs is offering this important no-charge webinar as a service to small businesses. Matt has kindly agreed to include Stanley’s customers.

You can register here for this webinar that shouldn’t missed . . .

Here’s a tip for designers or anyone working on a large scale design at this time.

Thanks. Great tip!

A mistake that people make with colour when designing large-scale prints is that they neglect to set their design software to CMYK mode rather than RGB.

It’s true that RGB features more colors, but printers use CMYK colors. Also, CMYK ensures that you’ll have more accurate color rendition on your large­ scale print. 

If, like most designers, you use Photoshop, in order to switch, choose “Image” then “mode” and select “CMYK color.”

Happy designing while we endure this “lock-down”.

Useful information will engage your audience.

Lets’s take a bit of a break from the COVID-19 thing for a moment. Well, somewhat of a break because this topic is relevant to these times when many small businesses are turning to digital and online platforms to make up for the access to customers lost because of the virus.

Crystal Lengua writing for Sign Media Canada addresses what she calls the “Social Media 80/20 Rule”. This rule holds that for social media to work for you there has to be a proportionate balance between useful content and promotion. In other words, bombard your readers with promotion and you’ll lose them; you must offer useful content.

Lengua’s model is 80% quality content and 20% business promotion.

So, as we work on the transition to a greater online and social media presence, this is useful advice to keep in mind.

Not all lending sources are legitimate (or safe)!

I received an unsolicited email with this subject line two days ago:

“Does your business require FAST capital due to the COVID 19 virus epedimic?”

Among other things, the email said: “Call me today to discuss the next steps towards relieving capital obstacles. I handle all A, B, C, and D credit situations.”

First of all, the careless typo “epedimic” doesn’t do much to convey confidence. Also, the content of the email brought to mind an image of a lender with a disfigured nose, in a beige raincoat, black and white brogues, and carrying a violin case. You get the picture . . .

PLEASE take advice from an accountant or reliable financial advisor before being panicked into borrowing to help your business survive at this time. And if you do decide to borrow, beware the wolf in sheep’s clothing.

Prof. Lea Waters

An Australian psychologist, Professor Lea Waters, recently released a video in which she offers some good advice for keeping ourselves on an even keel during the current Coronavirus crisis.

Here are the key things she urges that we keep in focus:

• Happiness
• Joy
• Awe
• Wonder
• Love
• Compassion

Want to see her entire talk? You should be able to find it quite easily with Google.

Stanley’s offering curbside delivery.

Stanley’s Edmonton, Calgary, and Richmond offices are open to serve printers but Cambridge is still closed per an Ontario Government directive.

Orders are being taken on the phone and by email. The open offices are working on a reduced schedule so it’s wise to call before picking up an order.

Curbside delivery is available. If you make your presence known when you arrive for a pickup and open your trunk, someone will bring your stuff to your car and put it in the trunk. This is all in the interest of social distancing to keep everyone safe.

Here is contact information you may need:

Edmonton: 780 446 4238; doug@stanleyssigns.com; barb@stanleyssigns.com; rob@stanleyssigns.com; sandy@stanleyssigns.com

Calgary: 403 243 7722; wendyw@stanleyssigns.com; graham@stanleyssigns.com

Richmond: 604 873 2451; howard@stanleyssigns.com

Cambridge: 519 620 7342; craig.blais@stanleyssigns.com

Outside sales: 416 832 3162; alfredgunness@gmail.com

Are you appealing in the right verbiage to to the right audience?

So you’re quite happy with your shop’s website and you’re actively promoting your shop on Facebook.

But who is your audience? Do you in fact know for sure and are you targeting that audience appropriately?

Social media experts tell us that in order to get the message right and directed at the right audience, we need to create an ideal customer persona. With that persona in mind we can then craft our marketing messages to maximize appeal and reach the widest, most relevant audience. And it’s okay if you find that you have to use verbiage not commonly used in the sign industry.

So, to repeat, who is your audience and are you targeting them appropriately with your website and social media platforms?

What does this trend mean for the future of my shop?

We’ve mentioned the diversifying trend among sign shops before and now Sign Media Canada Magazine is reporting on a great example in Alberta.

Under the title “Colour Overdrive” in the April edition, they tell the story of how Lygas Co. is offering textile and signs locally and online. In addition to the diversification aspect, the online aspect is actually another lesson that shops should be considering. And this is not only because you may also be in a small place like Didsbury, but because regardless of where you are, the Coronavirus experience has highlighted the value of offering product online when the traditional brick and mortar way of doing business is compromised.

Read the article and consider the concept for your shop.

CAUTION! CAUTION! CAUTION! CAUTION! CAUTION!

Stanley’s is taking special precautions to protect staff and customers while this COVID-19 crisis continues. This applies to the Edmonton, Calgary, and Richmond branches until further notice. The Cambridge office has been closed for two weeks at least per an Ontario government order.

These are the changes that have been implemented:

• • Face to face contact between customers and staff is being avoided. Orders and consultations are being conducted by phone or email only.
  • Staff in attendance are being limited and members are being rotated.
  • The office doors are being kept closed and orders are placed in the foyer for pickup.
  • Door handles and all other items likely to be touched in the course of business are being sanitized regularly.

Customers can boost these precautions by bringing antiseptic wipes with them and wiping down containers and boxes when they pick up their orders.

It’s a bit inconvenient for everyone but it’s in the interest of being able to service printers’ needs safely.

Just days ago we published a post on the textile blog about appropriate business practices in this time of crisis. You can read it here.

Then at about the same time the sign in the illustration with this post appeared outside a mall in Calgary. Complaints followed in short order and the sign was removed and an apology issued. This is good but one must ask, what was this business thinking?

It of course also raises a question we’ve explored before about whether a sign shop should take orders for obviously problematic signs. Should sign shops impose standards on their customers or at least try to talk them out of potentially problematic signs?

This is not only a moral issue (in this case using medical materials in critically short supply to sell sandwiches) but a business issue if a problematic sign becomes associated with the printer. All it will take for that to happen is for a journalist to include the print shop’s name in a report.

All stuff to contemplate.

If you’re still busy during this period of isolation, good for you. But if you’re not so busy with your usual business activities you’ll have time to attend to other, sometimes neglected, matters.

Some of those things include working on your business model, re-thinking plans, cleaning up the shop, and making sure your accountant is helping you participate in the various government assistance programs.

And since design is a key element in running your sign shop, here’s something from art designer and director, Mike Monteiro, to reflect on too: “A good designer finds an elegant way to put everything you need on a page. A great designer convinces you half that s*** is unnecessary.” It applies equally to signs.

Some, but not enough businesses are addressing coronavirus uncertainty as it affects their customers.

Are you open for business? Are you shut completely? If so, for how long? Are you operating but on a limited scale? Customers have questions in this rapidly-changing situation and you should do what you can to keep them informed.

Tell them what you’re doing or not doing, and update your information daily. This is where your social media platforms, email, blog, and even the telephone, can be useful tools at this time. Use them.

When all this is over, don’t you want your customers to remember that during a time of confusion and uncertainty, you cared enough to keep them informed?

It’s smart business.

Diminished optical clarity. Out-gassing is essential when laminating.

We’re constantly told that procrastination is a bad habit. But in the sign industry, in some circumstances, it’s a good habit, in fact, an absolute necessity. We’re talking about laminating solvent-based ink prints.

The solvent in solvent-based inks penetrates the print media and carries the resins below the surface. The solvent then evaporates leaving the colour behind. It’s the evaporation process that requires you to wait about 24 hours before laminating. This solvent-escaping process is referred to as out-gassing.

Laminating before the out-gassing process is done will result in diminished optical clarity.

A banner year in the making?

Signwarehouse.com estimates that on average 40% of a sign shop’s income is from custom-made banners. Priced correctly, they can be a substantial bottom-line contributor.

The market is apparently large and includes high volume sales to retail stores or lower volume sales to institutions such as schools, municipalities, and corporations.

The key of course is to have the appropriate equipment and materials and then learning to install banners properly. You probably have the equipment so perhaps all you have to do is research the other requirements.

And finally, appropriate pricing is important. Apparently banners can yield higher margin percentages than other sign products. Local market conditions will have to be researched to ensure that you neither leave money on the table nor price yourself out of the market.

Maybe 2020 can be your year of banner sales!

As with all major disruptive events, businesses seek to exploit them for sales. The coronavirus epidemic is no exception with the most commonly-reported instances being those of people attempting to gouge consumers for in-demand items such as hand sanitizers and masks.

However, there is legitimate business to be done by sign shops as a result of this virus. You’ve probably seen signs in news reports advising the public of where to be tested, or full vinyl signs on elevator doors reminding people to wash their hands. This is legitimate sign business which addresses a need rather than taking unfair advantage of one. It’s business that can legitimately be pursued provided it’s done tactfully and there’s no gouging involved.

A tactless, insensitive approach could backfire and shops need to be aware of this and do business at this time accordingly.

Book image courtesy of Amazon.ca

Under the heading: “Your words say one thing while your design says something else” a  signwarehouse.com article promotes the book Before & After How to Design Cool Stuff by John McWade. It’s available from Amazon in hard copy and on Kindle.

The book is a compilation of some of the articles from past editions of Before & After magazine.

So, if you want to avoid having your words say one thing and your designs something else, this book sounds like a great resource.

This is one for the many small Canadian sign shops . . .

“When you’re small, being faster than your competitors is your biggest and sometimes only advantage.” – Eric Ryans and Adam Lowry, The Method Method. 

So true. Nothing more to be said.

It’s time to remind you to check out Roland’s website again because you probably haven’t been doing it lately, have you? Thought so!

Not only can you find information about new products, enhancements etc. that you may want to Explore with Stanley’s but there is also useful technical information and tips from time-to-time. Take just this one example, Kevin Rosen followed up his webinar, “How to prepare your files for VersaWorks 6 using Adobe’s Illustrator”, with an article on how to do the same thing with CorelDraw.

You have Roland equipment, now all you have to do is stay in touch with Roland and Stanley’s to get the most out of it. Remember that technology changes as it progresses—keeping up is important.

Cut out the unnecessary complications. Simplify!

Large organizations and governments frequently undertake simplification exercises or projects which they like to refer to as “red tape reduction.” Essentially it’s a process of eliminating unnecessary activities and streamlining others to achieve the simplification we all crave when things just seem to get so darn complicated that they waste our time rather than deliver value.

Well, the concept and process of simplification applies to businesses such as even the smallest graphics shop as much as it does to any other organization. Not on the same scale of course, but it still offers benefits. And we’re talking about everything from operations to administration.

Here are some inspiring quotes to get you thinking about simplification from a well-known advocate of simplification, Edward de Bono:

• “If something is not a problem it does not get any thinking time. A search for simplicity should enable us to rethink everything—not only problem areas.”
• “As a ship’s hull attracts barnacles, so all processes attract complications which add little value.”
• “If you are too good at adapting to the current system you may never realize that the system needs changing.”
• “We should not assume that simplicity always depends on major changes. Slight changes in small things can sometimes make things much simpler.”

Stanley’s Edmonton office  is offering a Mactac Roodle printable media deal. A  54″ x 100′ roll has been reduced from $307 to $275.

Roodle printable media has some great features:

• removable adhesive
• removable for up to 2 years
• suitable for indoor and outdoor signage
• ideal for tiled wall murals
• good for bumper stickers
• can be printed to the edge

In addition to these benefits, Roodle can be laminated, if needed.

Call any Stanley’s branch but the quickest is to call Edmonton direct at 780-424-4141

In November last year Stanley’s announced that they now have Apolan squeegee blades. If you’re a graphics screen printer and you haven’t yet tried Apolan composite squeegees, you’re going to appreciate the solvent resistance of these blades.

The range of profiles and durometers is also extensive. There’s a squeegee for every requirement you may have, including special squeegee needs.

The Stanley’s staff at all four branches can tell you what you need to know about Apolan squeegee blades and help you find the ones best suited to your needs, both standard and special.

Call any of Stanley’s 4 branches and ask for about Apolan squeegees: Edmonton 780-424-4141; Calgary 403-243-7722; Cambridge 519-620-7342; Richmond 604-873-2451; or call Alfred Gunness directly at 416-832-3162.