Maui Printing Company

Have you ever been introduced to an overly chatty person? They pause briefly to learn your name, then launch into an extended monologue about their life and interests. After finally "escaping" the interlude, you realize they didn't ask you a single question. When you meet someone like this, does it raise a red flag? This pushy demeanor causes you to lose trust in their entire character. The same can be true in marketing when companies spend too much time talking about themselves instead of authentically connecting with consumers. Without building adequate rapport, marketers prematurely oversell or repel prospects for good. How can you avoid this mistake? By building connections through story. The Human to Human Connection Building brand stories sets buyers at ease and creates the best possible customer experience. Today's consumers prefer an increasingly personalized experience, and sharing your brand through story is one of the best ways...

Millennials and their Gen Z siblings are the first truly digital generations, some learning to swipe a screen before they could wipe their own faces! Millennials are a particularly powerful bunch, currently holding more spending power than Baby Boomers. By 2020, this group will have a collective spending power of $1.4 trillion . What does this look like in a daily snapshot? More than nine in ten millennials own smartphones, and 90% of millennials have at least one social media profile. Of that majority, 52% are active on 5 or more social media sites Millennials make up 58% of mobile shoppers and are 2.5 times more likely than the average shopper to be influenced by a mobile app. 73% of online millennials believe that internet has been mostly a good thing for society, and they certainly believe their gadgets bring personal benefits: 53% of Millennials said they would rather give up their sense of smell than their technology!  While young people love being onli...

Authenticity is a hot word in business. Today's consumers don't want to be told how to think or what to do. Instead, they want businesses that inspire them, and customers are demanding greater purity and consistency in the products, messages, and values a company represents. What is Authenticity? Some define authenticity as being consistent in word and deed or having a fundamental character that doesn't change based on circumstance. Inauthentic companies may come across as artificial, timid, fake, or gimmicky, while words associated with professional authenticity might include transparent, original, boldly unapologetic, legitimate, or truthful. Authentic brands are those that stay true to who they are, what they do, and who they serve. This means that, in an age of unprecedented consumer empowerment, understanding your customers and what they expect from you is critical. But in crafting authenticity in marketing, entrepreneurs should understand that ...

Work and sleep are two of the most time-consuming things we do. The average American will spend nearly 90,000 hours at work over a lifetime, so the way you approach your job can have a huge impact on your quality of being. As Annie Dillard famously said , "How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives." Do you want your experience at work to be as happy and anxiety free as possible? If so, perhaps it's time to put the scalpel to some of your less-than-desirable work habits. Here are just a few ways bad choices might make your life more difficult at work. Habits that Hurt You Personally Skipping Breaks Sometimes we think we're too busy to take breaks or grab some fresh air. But this simply isn't true. Research shows productivity is highest when people work in "sprints" with frequent breaks (around 90 minutes with 15-minute rests). Winging it on Mondays Do you struggle to get down to business at the s...

Social media is an increasingly popular way for brands to connect with consumers. Almost 60% of Americans engage with brands on social media between 1 and 3 times daily . But pinpointing the right strategy for your business can be a challenge. Need inspiration? Here are three practical examples of entrepreneurs who are jumping off the screen to convert and keep customers through Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Edge Body Boot Camp Edge Body Boot Camp (EBBC) uses both Instagram and Facebook to create a vibrant, friendly social media presence. EBBC uses social media to create a sense of community by incorporating members into their content. Using photos of individuals holding "I survived" chalkboards, personalized posts congratulate people for things like finishing their first workout, completing a 30-day fitness challenge, or achieving a specific goal over time (pounds lost, miles run, etc). Takeaways: EBBC uses social media to create brand loyalty...

What is the value of print in an increasingly paperless world? An international 2017 study revealed print brought readers greater enjoyment, deeper understanding of a product, and more willing engagement. 68% of people say they do not pay attention to online ads 57% do their best to avoid them. Conversely, 52% prefer to read product catalogs in print 45% of consumers said they like receiving personally addressed advertising or leaflets 46% said they would be more likely to respond after seeing a newspaper or magazine ad (versus viewing the same copy online). As you craft print messages, how can you build rapport with readers? A 2014 Edelman Brandshare survey found that the majority of consumers are suspicious of brands' intentions (only 30% believed companies had a sincere commitment to customers). With this in mind, your marketing should focus less on giving information and more on building trust. Make Your Marketing All About Your Customers ...

Once there was a businessman on a routine domestic flight. Though a seasoned flyer, he felt tense when, shortly after takeoff, the pilot asked everyone to stay in their seats with belts fastened. Moments later the pilot announced there would be no beverage service due to unexpected turbulence. People looked worried, and soon some were shrieking with alarm as a storm bounced the plane erratically. Nearby, the man saw a little girl sitting all alone, but acting totally calm. When the plane jolted she closed her eyes briefly but eventually started reading, looking out the window, or fiddling with toys until the shaking subsided. After the flight, the girl waited quietly as others exited. When the man approached and asked how she could be so brave, she said: "My dad is the pilot, and he is taking me home." Weather the Storms Does your team trust that you are taking them home? When the clouds form and turbulence comes, do your people trust you to guid...

When you call someone on the phone, are you glad when they pick up? If you had to pay for each call, would you be especially glad when they picked up? Marketing is essentially a call to your customers, a financial investment you make in hopes that people will "pick up." And print is one of the best mediums for engaging your audience. Direct mail response rates for print are much higher than e-mail response rates (4.4% versus 0.12%). 60% of consumers said receiving and handling tangible objects leaves a lasting mental impression on them. And 57% of people say they feel more valued when they receive print marketing from brands. When you place a call, are your customers picking up? When you send advertising through print, you'll have a better estimate if you are tracking responses. Every business using print marketing needs an effective testing system. Tracking your marketing will help you answer two questions: Are your marketing dollars ...

In 2014, an animated film titled "Super Amma" was created to teach mothers in rural India the importance of consistent hand-washing. Because families had no running water (and typically only used soap when dirt was visible), changing mindsets was a daunting task. The solution? Health officials put together an inspirational animated film starring " Super Amma ," a mother who loved and cared for her son, eventually helping him grow up to become a doctor. Dubbed "an extraordinary tale of an ordinary mother," Super Amma used the powerful appeal of a nurturing mother to forge an emotional connection between regular handwashing and a mom's desire to care for her children. Initially rolled out in 14 villages, the results were better than expected. Six months after the first campaign, 37% of families were regularly washing their hands with soap. Emotional Connection Rules All All of us understand the power of emotions. They drive us to ...