Wanted to share this blog by Jonathan at Catspit Productions. It’s well done and answers the question for many of us who are often frustrated with the process. The Catspit Forum is a great place for Q and A.
Thanks for checking out this video and subscribing.
This small, screen printing shop strives to offer sustainable, fairly-traded t-shirts and other products that are screen printed. Check out their website at www.sustainablescreenprinting.com. It’s a great source with lots of practical information besides showcasing their products and business.
This is their Modus Operandi that is: We print t-shirts! (among other things).
We seek to work with businesses, organizations, musicians, artists, crafts-people and anyone who would like to see their vision become an amazing screen-printed reality. We are here to promote beautiful situations and empowering surroundings for whole living.
Sus•tain: v. 1. To keep in existence; maintain. 2. To supply with necessities or nourishment. 3 To keep from falling or sinking. 4. To support the spirits or resolution of; encourage. 5. To endure or withstand: sustain hardships. [< Latin. sustinere, hold up.]–sus-tain´a•ble adj. -American Heritage Dictionary
Sustainability- “…meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet there own needs.” -1987 Report of the World Commission on Environment and Development
What does it mean to use sustainable practice in screen printing?
Small is Beautiful~ 1st we are a small shop. Being small allows for great efficiency in the use of resources and materials, such as water, electricity, ink, and other tools of the trade, while still being able to handle large volume orders.
There are several other practices we use to bring our products closer to an ideal of sustainability.
•We use water-based inks, which have a much lower environmental impact than the pvc-based industry standard.
•We print on garments made of 100% certified organic cotton.
•We print on garments that are sweat-free, either American-made or in foreign facilities using fair-trade standards.
This does not mean our products and our process is perfect. We are always researching and tuning our process to provide a product that creates the least possible impact on our home, the Earth.
Hope you enjoyed this information as we all strive to consciously be sensitive to Mother Earth.
Beware of late night blog attempts to churn out “just one more” even though you believe that you are at the top of your game despite the fact that you’ve been running on high for the previous 15 hours (with no caffeine – based beverages). I share this fresh experience and ask that you please re-read, the MUST DO blog completed in the early hours of 5/23 that now includes the CORRECT link to the American Screen Printing website. Please click HERE to check out this site.
I offer sincere appreciation!
There is a wonderful publication in Sarasota, Ft. Myers and Naples, Florida, and probably others that are similar throughout the country, that specialize in providing the broadest possible amount of information regarding the local area attractions. “Must Do” targets arts venues, festivals, restaurants, the best beaches 
(#1 Siesta Key Beach)
natural attractions, family fun, single fun, night life, shopping, accommodations and more. And it includes a plethora of coupons from 2 for 1 meals to rent one kayak, get the second for half price. The publication is a “Must Do” for both tourists, part-time residents and local residents.
So…in the fashion of this magazine, here is a short list of “Must Do” items for screen/graphics printers:
Attend a trade show. This is where you get revved up. Learn about the latest technologies and techniques, see hands-on demos, meet manufacturers, attend seminars at, for example, ISS/Las Vegas, August 12 – 14, the Chicago/Craft Hobby Association show,July 16 – 19; the NBM show in Philly, September 21-23; SGIA Expo, October 18-20 in Las Vegas.
Invest in becoming educated and involved in Social Media to up your game. Doesn’t matter your age, just get going! Start with Facebook, Linkedin, Twitter, Pinterest, Twitpic, Foursquare, Google+, Orkut. Figure out how to add an e-coupon to your marketing campaign that will help you engage others to learn about what you/your business has to offer.
Learn how to navigate youtube.com and watch hands-on video demos. People love to teach and post on youtube.com/screenprinting and there are plenty of screen/graphics printers out there who relish in sharing their craft and art in step-by-step educational videos or ones that are just plain hysterically funny.
Join a forum such as the one offered by Catspitproductionsllc.com (this site also offers educational videos) and talk to the experts. Reading all the Q and A’s is a great way to figure out how to formulate your own questions, find start-up business equipment and sources for products, screens, supplies, and more.
Join a trade association such as the American Screen Printing Association to read about professional screen/graphics certificate programs, printing techniques, new technology and more.
Research and then institute the use of eco-sensitive, screen cleaning products like RhinoClean Green² to help lessen your carbon footprint on mother earth. The introduction of these types of products into a shop showcases responsible business practices that have enormous advantages for employees and customers, as well.
Read/subscribe to trade publications either on-line or in the printed version. This is where you can receive guidance, read about new printing techniques, learn about all the new innovations on the market. For example, pick from any number of publications such as Sign and Digital Graphics, Impressions Magazine, Printwear, Screen Printing en Espanol.
Follow/subscribe to this blog and others. You’ll find who/what to follow on Twitter, Facebook and all the other social sites.
Best of luck on your adventure and, as always, thanks for reading and subscribing.
The question is: why should screen and graphic printers participate in 
?
Simple put…because Pinterest is a gold mine of ideas, a prime place to display your creative genius, another avenue in which to engage and exchange with others in the screen and graphics printing worlds, to maybe even sell some of your t-shirts, hats, hoodies, pillows, invitations and more to new clients you’ve gained as a result of your involvement (pillow screen printed by Emily Chushman, Living Room Board via Pinterest).
To join, however, you must first be invited. Once you’ve been invited per email, its NBD to begin.Just follow the prompts and read everything to ensure frustration-free Board creations. Site creation begins with a series of Boards that showcase your company’s screen printing work and/or, for example, community events you’re involved in, travel, art, adventures, fashion, fair trade clothing, architecture. From your boards, you can view all types of sites and “repin” other photos from Pinterest that pique your interest to your boards. Slowly, your repertoire will be constructed and your step into this new world of liking/repinning will evolve into fresh e-social circles. It’s motivating, too.
Uno Estudio is a great example of how this company is using Pinterest. The company has a board that displays grafica (that gives credit to the artists – # 1 in etiquette). It also has one titled Screen Print complete with a video, a small screen printing project and more. RhinoTech recently had its RhinoBond Crystal, an adhesive catering to craftsters, jewelery-makers and hobbyists, repinned from its Jewelery Board to another jewelery designers board. And the 300 people following her will now have the opportunity to read about this product and …. on it goes from there.
This excerpt from a New York Times article, Drilling Down: What Small Businesses Should Know about Pinterest, helps answer the initial question:
Q: How do you determine if Pinterest may be right for your business?
A: Can you answer yes to these questions: One, do you have, or can you create, interesting and sharable content on your Web site? Two, do you have products to sell that can be presented visually? Three, are you willing to devote the time that it takes to market on Pinterest? Businesses are lured into social media marketing because it’s free. But the primary investment in social media marketing is time, not money. If you are not willing to devote the time to Pinterest, or any other social media, it’s not right for your business. It must be a scheduled business activity, just like opening the doors or doing payroll.
Be bold and may you reap intense exposure.
Thanks for reading and liking this!
Map invitations courtesy of Carisa Lee via Pinterest.
Thanks to BrandLove for the incredible 9 tips toward Building Your Personal Brand on LinkedIn. I worked the tips on my personal page to highlight my business and business page on LinkedIn. Here are the results:
Tip # 1 regarding Completeness of Profile: I agree that you should complete each section on the profile, but because I really want to highlight my business and not my personal profile, some sections (sadly) are not as complete as I’d like them to be. Following Tip # 4 (rearranging profile), however, I moved the incomplete sections to the bottom of the page to emphasize a focus on my company and key words. Eventually, all sections will be finished.
Tip # 2: Regarding a Vanity URL. I created one. It was easy by just following the steps, as described. And I agree, it will be so much easier and less time consuming to find me and my business on LinkedIn.
Tip # 3: Regarding the creation of “sexier, more appealing links, again, I followed the directions and named my sites instead of just using the plain old Blog moniker. I used all three website links; though I’m not sure they’re sexier, at least they now have a more explicit description. These changes should definitely “help optimize my profile and drive Google PageRank to our other web properties.”
Tip # 4: Rearranging my Profile was easy. Again, I just followed the steps and moved the areas that I felt weren’t as complete to the bottom of the profile. Now my profile is highlighted with all complete sections at the beginning. And my business information, including the blogs I’ve posted, will also show up more clearly.
Tip # 5: Regarding Search Engine Optimization of Your Profile, I took this to heart and went to town. Each section now focuses on key words used in my business and industry. I want our business to be easily extracted from all other companies in my industry and by increasing the number of key words we have the potential to be found by increased numbers of people. I’m excited about the new format.
Tip # 6: I changed my headline to emphasize key words closest to my business and industry. In this way, LinkedIn is more likely to pick up my profile/business for those searching for screen or graphics printing or similar words. Optimize, optimize, optimize!
Tip # 7: Regarding Joining other Groups, I followed this tip prior to reading the tip by initially joining groups as soon as I developed a LinkedIn profile. I continue to learn how to navigate the four groups I’ve connected and have to say that I have connected with some exceedingly helpful group members. I intentionally kept the original number small until I learned the basics of belonging to groups. The only downside (that is also an upside, I suppose) is that I was overloaded initially with requests to follow/like members on FB and Twitter. It’s calmed down a bit, but seeing all those requests initially upped my anxiety level too much. Now it’s under control.
Tip # 8: I love this tip about adding Applications! Again, I followed the directions and immediately became linked. Some great links are listed and I encourage you to try this step. I’m going to add more.
Tip # 9: I’m taking the liberty of just sharing the tip in its entirely because it’s great the way it was written. Here’s how to Build Your Network. Once your profile is in good shape, work on building your network. Here are some things to keep in mind: when asking to connect with someone, use “we’ve done business together” rather than “friend.” Be sure to personalize any requests to connect with how you know the person or where you met or who you have in common. If you do decide to try to connect with someone who may not know you well, be absolutely sure that you defend your network invite in the personal note section, such as saying you just purchased their book or saw them speak at a major conference. If you invite people to your network and they mark your invitation as someone they do not know, you will be banned (temporarily) from inviting new people to your network unless you know their email address.
Thanks for following. I hope this industry-related news will help you be even more successful.
Been working so hard … Been punching my card… Eight hours, for what… Oh, tell me what I got… I’ve done this feeling… That times just holding me down…I’ll hit the ceiling… Or else I’ll tear up this town… Now I gotta cut loose…..
When I saw the flyer stuck in my car door that screamed “Work Less, Make More Money” all I could think of was – SERIOUSLY?
I often wish it were true. But…I know that’s not the case and besides, I like my job, I like the screen and graphics printing industry, I like going to trade shows, especially when I get to talk to the “artists” in attendance. A standout was the tall, extremely tattooed guy from Hawaii who had the most strikingly beautiful, vibrant peony tattooed on his hand and a tribal tattoo on his throat (he said that those two hurt the most, but were worth it). I get such a kick out of talking to the youngest, just- starting- out- printers and students who are unable to hide their enthusiasm and are adorned with their creations that sometimes just stop me in my tracks due to the language or graphic nature of the t-shirt design. And I love the 60’s husband/wife teams (with the really long gray braids down their backs) who have been printing for all these years and remain interested and excited by industry advancements.
But work less and make more money? Seriously? Too much juggling of marketing, social marketing, sales calls, designing equipment, developing new products, keeping employees happy, traveling to trade shows, creating ads, taking orders, building equipment, orchestrating partnerships, AR/AP, answering customer questions juxtaposed with meeting production schedules and keeping customers happy. The youngest printers are entering an incredibly changing industry and will have to work long hours, do all of the aforementioned in combination with upping their business-savvy to have an enduring platform for their creations. As a result, they will have possible opportunities for fame, an appearance on Shark Tank and prosperity while fulfilling the needs of businesses who will always need screen and graphics printing projects.
As it has been through the ages, it will be through sheer determination, ingenuity and working long hours that will enable printers to “make more money” and, hello retirement, to eventually work less. And those enticing flyers? There is a prominent place in reserve for them. It’s called the round file. Have a great week!
After all the arduous work – or just great luck - of coming up with a brand and slogan that will burn into brains of potential consumers, now comes the “follow-up” part. And this is the part that will help to ensure longevity of your company and what it sells, sustainability of your livelihood and customers; excitement and encouragement to meet the beginning of each new business day. It’s called INTERACTION! And this needs to be accomplished each and every on-line day via all your current and new social interaction tools such as Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, Pinterest, Foursquare and all the other sites you use to attract and keep customers interested, informed and excited about your company.
And now we diverge. Please click on the “new rules of branding” as compiled by Inc.com (even though this was written a year ago, it still holds true). And be sure to watch for these words: Consistent, Excel, Dive in, Social Media, Respond and Showcase, because these are the words, thoughts and deeds that will keep us all up and running on a spectacular course in the business world, no matter the size of the company.
And I have just one more tip to add: as part of the follow-up, become hugely thank you-based. That means, send out thanks for comments/posts, include a TY note w/a packing list when an order is shipped and again when you know it’s been received. And, if an option, dare I say, actually telephone in a personal thanks for the customer’s business.
It’s good to share your thoughts and experiences. Thanks for reading and subscribing, as always.
See the U.S.A. in your Chevrolet!
For RhinoTech, the race to cure Type 1, insulin-dependent diabetes is more than just a great cause to support. It’s personal. So…to help spur efforts that will eventually enable researchers to find a cure, RhinoTech sponsors Team Michael in the annual Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Walk for the Cure. Held on April 14, 2012 in Sarasota, Florida, the team walked in solidarity with thousands of other walkers/fund raisers from two counties in Florida and from around the world (it’s high-season in Florida w/vacationers and students on spring break). On behalf of children and young adults living with Type 1 Diabetes and who must take insulin several times a day in order to stay alive, the money collected will go toward life-saving research leading to the eventual cure.
Team Michael extends immense thanks to all friends/supporters in the world of screen and graphics printing. We are grateful for your support.
To learn more, please contact Gregory Markus, president of RhinoTech and member of Team Michael/RhinoTech at gregory@rhinotechinc.com, 651-686-5027 ext. 2. You can reach RhinoTech in all the right places:
A brand is the icing on the cake, the queen of the ball, the home run king. It is the defining hallmark of a company, the icon that presents your company on grandma’s great big silver platter. And how about that Xerox (hey, can you Xerox me a copy? Or hand me a Kleenex?) Who were those people who came up with these brilliant monikers that have become just regular, everyday language that we all know what we’re talking about when we ask for one? Were they highly paid ad people or just a one woman/one man show who hit upon them accidentally?
A brand must set you apart from your competition and offer the reasons why a customer should give their business to you. This is very different from a logo or tag line/slogan that was discussed in the previous blog. A brand has the potential to have a powerful impact on your business and your pocketbook. Like Kleenex, you want the consumer to know that they can be confident in your brand so that a loyal customer base starts to build; that they can trust that buying from you is not risky business.
I have to believe that most brands are hit upon quite by accident; when during a drive home or a night of insomnia, it…that perfect word or words pops into your.
Here is some information that I hope will help you come up with that perfect, descriptive, one of a kind brand that will help you blaze a trail in the screen printing and graphics printing worlds.
In StartupNation: Open for Business, Step 9, Establishing a Brand, they introduce the concept of a “marching brand”—a consistent, immediately recognizable mental imprint that delivers a clear and compelling message. I took the liberty of shortening the following, but you can always read it in its entirety at Startup.nation.com. Please read on….
Branding consultant and author Karen Post, compares this notion to a “brain tattoo”—put there by choice, but which certainly can be removed at any time. In this step, we look at some of her recommendations and action items for establishing a super brand: 1) draft your brand DNA or essence; 2) define and relate to your target audience; 3) choose a brand name; 4) create a logo; 5) make a list of all your other touch points; 6) create a demand for your brand
Draft your Brand DNA or Essence—Purpose, Points of Difference, Personality, Promise: This is the foundation for everything you do and should guide your business, marketing, and communication decisions. But at the end of the day, you should clearly define:
Your brand purpose: a logical snapshot of what you provide the market.
Choose a Brand Name: While your name is certainly not everything, it is an important piece to building a lasting brand.
Great brand names: are EMOTIONAL; stick on the brain; have personalities; have depth to tell stories and communicate with. Leaning toward the obscure and emotional can lead to very distinctive brands that the literal and descriptive can speed up the process of communicating your message to your audience.
Be original: Generic names like Computer Solutions, Performance Printing or Innovative Technologies will just make you spend more and work harder at building a brand. They don’t have legs and will likely drown in the sea of sameness. Being descriptive – as opposed to being generic – is not a bad thing for names. Given your limited budget, it can actually be a great way to go. Try to be original so your name stands out, so it means something, so you can own it, and so it will be much harder to copy. Avoid names that are hard to spell or pronounce.
Name availability tools: BizFilings provides inexpensive solutions to check for and reserve your business name. Ask yourself, how will the market receive the name? With supporting context, will the market get it? Will it jive with your strategic positioning of the brand? Are there negative connotations or associations with the name?
Is there a magic, fool-proof method for testing names? No. In fact, sometimes too much analysis just delays decisions and defeats the whole mission of naming your brand before the next decade. I recommend that you test a little, listen a little to people you respect, listen to your gut feelings, and proceed with a choice. While the brand name is very important, a brand cannot survive on name alone. The brand name and how the brand is executed are equally vital for a successful and sustained brand life. A great brand name can serve as the anchor to your cause, a symbol to your story, a point of difference in your marketplace, a memory trigger, or just one important part of your branding arsenal.
Create a Demand for your Brand: Your product’s performance, your customer service, follow-through, and your communication add up to a brand experience. Great experiences turn your brand into a magnet for new and repeat business. Buyers will seek you out, tell their friends, and remain loyal. Your brand can make the buyer’s choice easy. That is the power of the brand.
Would love to read some “brands” that you think are great. Good luck out there!
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