Thursday, December 31, 2009
Custom Holiday Cards
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Friday, November 20, 2009
Ten New Leadership Skills for an Uncertain World
Like many professionals today, I sometimes find it challenging to get through all of the books I'd like to. One way I'm able to stay on top of the latest business books is with Soundview Executive Book Summaries. One I recently read featured the above-mentioned book by Bob Johnson. Here's a quick summary of the ten skills he references.
First, as an introduction, Mr. Johnson explains that today's leaders need new skills to make a new future. Because we live in this world of VUCA (volatility, uncertainty, complexity and abiguity), the discipline of foresight can help leaders make better decisions today. It can also help them move from a negative VUCA (see above) to a positive VUCA (vision, understanding, clarity and agility).
1) Maker Instinct
2) Clarity
3) Dilemma Flipping
5) Bio-Empathy
6) Constructive Depolarizing
7) Quiet Transparency
8) Rapid Prototyping
9) Smart Mob Organizing
10) Commons Clearing
My synopsis of the Ten New Leadership Skills Executive Book Summary is only the tip of the iceberg. If you'd like to learn more about this book or the service itself, check out www.summary.com.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Just another touchpoint...
Should you consider an e-newsletter for your business in 2010? Perhaps. And how can you tell if it's being successful? One key is the Open Rate, which is the number of people who take the time to at least open your newsletter. According to the vendor we use to distribute our e-newsletter, there are statistics that show how you perform compare to others in your industry. In the Marketing/PR area, the average Open Rate is 13.5%. DLA Creative's average Open Rate is 43.2%. Are e-newsletters appropriate for YOUR organization? They could be - since a basic premise of marketing that you often have to make six contacts before a prospect takes action. This is just another touchpoint among those six. If you want to find out the average e-newsletter Open Rates for your industry, click here. We''ll see if we can help you beat the averages. Accountant 14.0% Crafts 27.0% Education 18.6% Gov. Agency 23.0% Legal Services 18.2% Marketing/PR 13.5% Medical Serv. 16.7% Non-Profit 20.0% Profess'l Serv. 15.4% Real Estate 14.8% Religious Org. 22.4% Retail 17.7% Salon/Spa 15.0% Technology 15.0% Travel/Tourism 15.5% Web Developer 17.4% |
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
What is Redbox? And what does it mean to me?
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Make a Difference in Someone's Life
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Shoe Sales Rise - Woo Hoo!
Monday, November 2, 2009
My advertising isn't working!
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Are you being sold?
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Customized Service
Get the most for your money Per-Project Approach For clients who have either short-term or up-and-down marketing needs, this approach is often the most cost-effective. We have many clients we've worked with this way for many years, completing various projects as they come along. The Center for Health Ambulatory Surgery Center is a good example of this. When they needed a professional web presence, they contacted us as the result of a referral within the medical community. We recently completed our first project with them which was a comprehensive website requiring project planning, copywriting, on-site photography, design, coding and custom content management. CEO Thomas Feldman explains how the process worked, "DLA jumped right in, handled the project start to finish quickly under a tight deadline, worked professionally and did not impede patient care whatsoever. I would use them all over again." Retainer Relationship Other organizations have ongoing marketing, advertising and public relations needs. For these businesses, a retainer can be the answer. It gives them access to a full team of copywriters, media buyers, creative staff, web developers, PR professionals and other marketing staff. One of the key elements of the retainer relationship is a discounted rate for services in exchange for a commitment of both number of hours per month (and number of months for the contract). This retainer relationship allows medium-sized businesses that can't afford an in-house marketing department to compete with those businesses who do have the advantage of an in-house staff. Pam Schubach, the YWCA's CEO, shares how it has worked for them to have access to our services on a moment's notice. "The staff at DLA are very responsive to our ongoing needs at the YWCA. They have also the ability to tailor the message to the media to position our information to receive the best coverage." Bottom Line So, which option is right for you? That all depends on your needs and goals. We can discuss your needs and help you decide on the best way to meet your marketing objectives. In the meantime, here's a quick look at the two options. Per-Project Approach · Best for occasional needs · No long-term commitment Retainer Relationship · Best for ongoing needs · Reduced hourly rate |
Thursday, October 22, 2009
8 Things Killed by the Internet
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
No Contest!
Friday, October 16, 2009
Peoria #5 Among Mid-Sized Cities to Start a Business
CNN/Money ranked Peoria fifth among mid-sized cities that offer the best opportunity to launch a business. In a listing of U.S. cities of all sizes, Peoria was ranked 15th.
Not bad, if you ask me. Sure, it's been a challenging year as a business owner – especially since we're in the advertising biz which is one of the first things to get cut when budgets get tight. Of course, I strongly believe that companies need to maintain a strong marketing commitment in order to remain competitive. But that's not the point of this post.
Here are several reasons why I personally agree with the study:
• Peoria is comprised of people, families and businesses that give everything it takes to get the job done. We don't quit.
• We have a true business community. Not just individuals and companies that work side-by-side, but people that work cooperatively to help each other. Sure, there's a squabble here or there, but in general it's a community of support.
• Even when things are bleak, there's a generous spirit in Peoria. Just watch the annual St. Jude Telethon – you'd never be able to tell there was a recession. And that's just one example. Every weekend (and many week nights) you'll find people at charity events, donating their time, money and passion to help those in need. That demonstrates the character of people and businesses in Peoria.
• The cost of doing business in Peoria is reasonable.
• We don't have ridiculous commutes, causing us to waste precious time fighting traffic.
And that's just the first few reasons that came to mind. But beyond my own reasons for being an entrepreneur, you can click here to read the Journal Star article and find out what others have to say. You can read the original article here. Congratulations Peoria!
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Marketing Don'ts
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Patient-Focused Website Launched
This will serve as a great resource for surgeons and their patients with information about location, billing and preparing for surgery. It will also provide the CFH ASC staff with efficiencies including the online Employment section which is easily updated in-house using a simple browser-based Custom Content Management System.
Gaining Control of Your Website
DLA, however, finds out exactly what you're looking for and creates custom CMS. The end result is a system that's easily maintained by people with even the most rudimentary computer skills. At the conclusion of this article, you can click to links of websites we've created with Custom Content Management Systems. If you want more information, call Marc Lefebvre directly at 309.693.1975.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
GOT JOBS? We Do!
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Did you get that? Ever floated a div? What about masks? Do they scare you? If you’re still with us, then read on. For more than 16 years, DLA Creative has been pushing the envelope of creative genius and now there’s room for you.
We’re looking for a Graphic Designer who can handle both web and print design.
Qualifications: Must have excellent design skills and be experienced in Photoshop, Quark, InDesign, Dreamweaver and Flash. Terms like CSS, Ajax, kerning, symmetry and white space should be part of your everyday vocab.
Photography skills and an understanding of dynamic web content would be way cool. Need to multitask, have a keen attention to details, great people skills and be willing to learn new things. We know we’re asking a lot, but our clients deserve the best! Must love Macs and M&Ms.
Relaxed, yet professional, environment in brand-new office in north Peoria. Check us out – while we do the same to you!
Full-time position with benefits. Interested? Send your resumé, samples and salary history to us. You can find contact info on our website.
R U a Righter?
We need help with are righting. We mean our writing. Business has been picking up lately and we need a reliable freelance writer who can work with us on an ongoing basis. Projects include websites, collateral materials and ad copy.
We’re looking for someone who can provide us with detailed research, quick turn-around and superior accuracy. Can you deliver?
Send resumé, samples and pricing structure to us. Contact info is here.