Aug. 29—Sept. 4
RETAIL September and October can be the busiest months for sign companies completing projects for stores in time for “Black Friday” promotions and graphics.
MARKETING Launch “Project Tell-a-Friend.” Encourage top customers to tell their connections about your business. (For more, see this page.)
Sept. 5—11
TRADE SHOWS With PRINTING United set for Oct. 6-8 in Orlando, FL, finalize any plans for travel, hotel and most of all, what you want to see and accomplish at the show.
SEASONAL For sign companies located in northern states or areas with heavy winter weather, now is the time to revisit any pending work and get contracts approved, so you can push to manufacture and install as much as possible before it starts snowing.
Sept. 12—18
MARKETING Change your ringtone to something more business-appropriate like “Signs of the Times” by Harry Styles, “Sign o’ the Times” by Prince or 1993 number-one single “The Sign” by Swedish group Ace of Base. Then, when your phone rings at the Kiwanis Club dinner, your reputation as the ultimate sign pro will be cemented.
Sept. 19—25
STAFF What?! Not everyone on your staff is signed up for Signs of the Times’ 3x weekly emailed newsletter? Do them a favor and register them at signsofthetimes.com/bulletins.
SMALL BUSINESS On days like Small Business Saturday (Nov. 27), independent retail businesses in your neighborhood are going to be pleading with their customers to support local small businesses when making their holiday purchases. Which makes this a particularly good time to remind those same retailers that, now, while they are considering seasonal signs and promo materials, they should support their local independent sign company rather than the major national chains.
Sept.. 26—Oct. 2
MARKETING Some clients didn’t start dispersing their 2021 budgets until later than most years. Consider sending an e-blast, especially to your larger clients, who may have “use it or lose it” dollars to spend before year end.