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No Comments Signs of Professionalism From Sign Making Professionals Creating the Handshake 2.0
Where did your last friendly handshake come from?
Was it at a meeting? A business lunch? A formal gala? If your handshakes are only reserved for these occasions then you may want to extend your reach a little farther. A warm friendly greeting is basis of a great first impression. That first impression often leaves a lasting impression on those you meet. Now with the world becoming more connected that “1st handshake” may take on a different form than what you expect. It may be a referral from existing client, welcoming entrance-way signage, or through a Like/Follow on a social site . Creating that memorable greeting is what is most important. Its a sign of what can be expected of you. Professionalism and courtesy count! Try finding new ways to tell everyone how much you would like to meet them.
Four Ways Your Business Can Make An Impactful First Impression
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Ensure your entrance-way is clear and inviting.
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Find out if your business is visible during daytime, twilight and late night hours.
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Look at neighbouring businesses and take note of what the busy ones are doing differently. See if their strategy would work for you.
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Ask your current customers how they first found out about your business and focus your efforts on what is working.
Just for fun I thought I would throw in this funny video from the always entertaining kitestring studio . This skit was originally created for the 140 Characters Conference but because of its popularity it was recorded and screened at Tweetstock. The video has a funny take on how the handshake could become an unknown greeting to those immersed in the world of social media, but at the same time it gives you a great first impression of the Kitestring team and what a wonderful, creative group they are.
What is your greeting saying about you? Do you live the way you want to be perceived? Is your impression impressing? These are some questions to think about when you arrive at your entrance-way. Is your custom business sign giving that impactful first impression? While you’re here we would love to hear your impression of us! Feel free to leave a comment in the reply box below. Thanks again for stopping by!
The Sign Depot Makes It A Movember To Remember
If you stop by The Sign Depot this month you’ll see that things have gotten a little HAIRY!
Yes we’re busy working away as always, but the Hairy I’m referring to is the facial hair kind. You know the fuzzy stuff on the upper lip.
What Does Movember Have To Do With Custom Wood Signs?
Peter Moir the Owner/President of Sign Depot has signed on to participate in Movember Canada this year. Being that the main logo for The Sign Depot Inc. features a Moustached fellow it makes for a perfect fit! What else do moustaches and signs have in common? A custom carved sign makes an impression the way a well groomed Movember moustache does. They both get people talking and raise awaremess. Whether it is for a business or for an non-for profit, getting noticed is an important part of making a great impression.
More About Movember
For those who have not heard about Movember, it is a charitible organization formed to raise awareness about Men’s Health issues. Being part of a community of those willing to help others is something we here at The Sign Depot can get on board with! Being supportive to those is need is a great way to connect with the community you are based in. Find ways to get involved and you will know what it feels like to be part of something bigger. All it takes is a little initiative and some creative thinking.
Rick Mercer is known for his rants, but see what he has to say about Prostate Health and his involvement with the Movember community.
Want to be more involved in Movember? Join a team and follow all the fun on the facebook page
See what you can do to raise awarness about Movember and Prostate Cancer Canada. Help make this a Movember To Remember
How The Sign Depot Artistic Sign Makers Get Inspired At An Art Gallery
Paradigms of Perception
It’s amazing what you can find in your own back yard just by looking a little bit harder.
Here at The Sign Depot we believe in investing in our Company Culture and work hard to have a harmonious environment for our artistic staff. We always look for ways to inspire their craft while supporting the community we are situated in. We find that the mix of inspiration and giving back sparks creativity. Friday we took a look at the newest art gallery exhibit at Jennifer Gough‘s Mindseye Studio in Kitchener. PARADIGMS OF PERCEPTION It definately made us look deeper. It may be difficult to see here but many of the pieces were created through the use of texture, light & shadows & even QR codes! Only in Kitchener Waterloo can art & tech blend together seamlessly. Did I mention that Jennifer is also raising funds for the CNIB with this show? We were supporting Arts and Culture, Company Culture and Community Charity all in this one trip to a gallery. That’s why we are so glad she invited us to come on board as sponsors. Creating & collaborating are things we know very well. We provided the sign banner shown above and created vinyl graphics to post the artists’ names by their artistic pieces in the show, and made sure to make a donation to the CNIB as well. Make sure to support your local arts community and visit a local art gallery. Keep culture alive where you live. Find ways to be creative and use your talents to help others in your community, especially when it comes to charitable efforts. We had a great time and it made for great conversations back at The Sign Depot workspace. It was great to experience the art studio show with my co-workers and see everyone’s take on the pieces displayed. If nothing else, I hope you know Seeing Is Believing
Top Five Signs of Halloween
As fall sets in you’ll notice many decorating their yards to celebrate Halloween. Want some inspiration on signs to compliment your spooky decor?
Here’s our Top 5 Faves
No we didn’t make any of these, BUT WE COULD.
How To Customize The Look Of Your Halloween Display
Finding a good mix of spooky and goofy will make sure that each trick or treater has a favorite item in your Halloween display. It shows signs of artistic talent and a bit of Halloween spirit at the same time. Finding ways to shock and delight on Halloween might just make you the toast of the neighbourhood, or the most feared on the street.
Other Halloween Display Considerations
Always make sure your display can be easily navigated and well lit. Remember the little ones will be trying to get around in costumes and masks and obstacles can cause tripping hazards if there isn’t a well laid path.
Look for ways to differentiate your yard from your neighbours. Give it a personalized touch you will be sure to be memorable.
Be generous. No one looks forward to visiting the house that gives out one lollipop. After all it’s supposed to be all in the spirit of fun.
Find out what people liked most in your display. It is always a good idea to get an outside opinion
Start planning next year’s Halloween display. A well thought out design can last for years, but it is always a good idea to tweak things along the way.
Whatever you decide make sure you enjoy the process. Planning, creating and displaying a fantastic Halloween display should delight those who stop by as well as well as yourself. If you need a little assistance with your custom Halloween signs, make sure to contact us in early fall to be sure your items are ready in time for Oct 31st.
Signs That Good Neighbours Make Good Neighbourhoods And Can Create An Artistic Community
Creating A Design Community
When Karl & Amy of Cutegecko Inc. first arrived in Kitchener Waterloo, we were ecstatic to find another company that is just as artistic and detail oriented as we are here at The Sign Depot. Waterloo Region is full of excellent design talent and we are so happy that creative people and companies are calling this community home. Over the past few years we have colaberated on projects with Cutegecko and became “almost” neighbours as they moved into their office further down on Charles St. in The Tannery Building. We love working with designers in all industries whether it be graphic design, web design, building design or interior design. Anyone who appreciates good design is alright in our books. We are always happy to help designers create custom artistic signs for their clients, and in the case of Cutegecko Inc we have created items for their own company’s use. Reception signs and vinyl car graphics are just a few ways we help designers turn their creations into branding tools and business advertising elements. Great design and professional sign makers can give companies a big advantage over their competition when it comes to visibility and recognition. They are just a few ways to be top of mind to potential customers. Cutegecko knew that and that is why they came to use to create a dimensional reception sign featuring their logo.
As Seen On TV
One year after moving into their office Karl and Amy became local stars by appearing in a televison commercial and talking about their business, their backgrounds and their life together. The add really captures what they are all about, but there was one stand out moment for us here at The Sign Depot
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l4OE9nIRg3k&featureImagine our surprise when the custom logo sign we constructed from their design made an appearance at the 34 second mark! It was a thrill to see their multi-material Cutegecko reception sign on the television screen and being shared across the web.
But that’s what Good Neighbours do! They look out for one another.Conference and Community Seminar Signs – How To Play A Starring Role From Behind The Scenes
The 140 Characters Conference Arrives in Canada
I might not be the biggest, but sometimes it pays to be small but mighty!
This was the case for me last week. You see I never have attended a 140conf before & like most I wasn’t sure what to expect.
Infact I wasn’t even sure what I should wear!!!
I decided to cover myself in Magenta to match the conference’s branding.
At first I felt all alone but soon I had so many people find me in hopes that I could help them find what they were looking for.
I had some very prominent speakers and the rock stars of social media look to me for guidance.
Soon I had my own Paparattzi courtesy of Transitions Photograpy & Sean Yo.
They caught all my best angles & I was even brave enough for a close up.
Even my cousin enjoyed himself. He’s the one in the top right corner. He always wanted to be on the Big Screen!
It just goes to show you that although you don’t play a starring role, you can still be use and an intricate part of something much bigger. Choosing how to display your a custom sign is just as important as where you display it.
Logos and A-Frame signs make a big impact at conferences and seminars. They are versatile are create a lot of visibility for your business. They also can help with findabilty and wayfinding issues at the event. Creating a clear message is also key when it comes to community conference signs. Less is more, but remember to be bold and beautiful at the same time. You want to stand out from everything else around your business logo, but never be an eyesore.
To learn more about the 140 Characters Conference happening in our community make sure to follow the #140confONThashtag on twitter or join their facebook page
Heritage Signs, Traditional Signs, Re-Purposed Signs And Historic Sign Replications
Sometimes Its About Making Old Things New and Sometimes Its Vice Versa
Upon entering our showroom you will notice the newest edition of the Sign Depot crew. ‘Roman’, as I’ve named him, was created from several rusted gears, scrap metal & imagination.
Projects like this pop up all over the shop, as we have a very creative bunch here. You never know what materials are going to be re-purposed to create something entirely different.
But that’s not always the case. Sometimes the client needs something new to replicate something old. This happened recently when Doon Heritage Crossroads required a new sign to match their Historic surroundings. The local attraction is a replica of a 1914 village where guests are invited to experience A DAY IN THE LIFE…
In order to achieve an authentic look the letters were hand-painted and the script was very basic, as was often the case for that era. Creating this sign to easily match the other buildings on site would be a challenge for many, but through the use of the staff’s lettering techinques and fine craftsmanship they gave the sign the look of days gone by. Heritage sign replications give sign makers a chance to use traditional sign techniques with modern materials. This gives the heritage sign a historic look while making it a low maintenance sign through the use of present day sign materials.
Whether you choose Cedar, MDF, Acrylic or HDU these materials when treated properly add longevity to your sign and keep it from looking weathered. Now if you are looking for the weathered look, we can help with that too. Once you have decided on the sign finish you want we are able to create it from a variety of custom crafted sign materials and sign finishing techniques. This will give you a unique, one of a kind heritage-look sign.
Custom Business Signs – UPDATING DOWNTOWN
Façade Grant Program For The City Of Kitchener’s Downtown Core
For the past few years The City Of Kitchener has been making changes to create a new streetscape. Wider sidewalks, and better lighting are just a couple of ways they are creating a new look for the downtown core. Many business owners are taking notice and relocating their shops to the area. Others are upgrading existing buildings to match the surroundings. The City Of Kitchener has created a Façade Grant Program to assist business owners with this transition.
We’ve been involved with three of these Grant recipients GLOSS, THE SILVER SPOON, and THE SPORTSLINK. Each of these store changed their entrances to best reflect their unique businesses, and people are taking notice of their custom business signs.
The Feedback
Judy Horn, of Silverspoon Chocolates, had this to say
Just wanted to let you know we love the teapot. There isn’t a day that goes by without someone commenting on it. It has really made a difference to our visibility on the street. Thanks again to Amos and Peter and everyone else who worked on the sign and tea pot. We are really pleased with the way it turned out.Now her Artistic Feature Teapot is featured in the news where they had this to say about her business storefront
Bright red paint, big windows and the hanging teapot sign make it one of the most inviting spaces along the main street.
That’s what it’s all about. Inviting people to the area, welcoming them into the shops and creating a pleasant place to be. To find out more about how to start planning your custom business sign updates, take a look at our post on Sign Permits, Sign Regulations and Variances then contact us to get started on your company’s new custom business signs.
Custom Business Signs – You Want To Go Where Everyone Knows Your Name
Or At Least Your Business Name
So many businesses don’t realize they are missing out on the advertising opportunities that are right outside their door. You need to really assess the area surrounding your location to figure out the best way to draw attention to your store front. This is where you custom business sign can make a big impact.
Down On The Corner, Out In The Streets
If you call in for directions to The Sign Depot, we’ll tell you we’re at the corner of Borden Ave. & Charles St., but really we’re not. That is the closest intersection to our locale & as you can see it’s a very busy place to be.
We take into account that many will see that corner because they are either waiting at the stop light or in line at the drive thru. Which is why we are featured here
& chose this wayfinding text and image to describe where we truly are located on the street
From there it only takes a quick glance to notice our custom sandblasted wood sign from that corner as it’s protruding off the wall.
As you can see we also have a flush-mount sign to attract walk by traffic as well as window graphics for a welcoming entrance.
Sometimes you only have seconds to make an impression. Make sure to use that opportunity to it’s full extent by choosing your signage accordingly. Visibility is the key to getting your company noticed, and custom business signs are what makes the biggest impact on passers-by. Grab their attention and you may see some new customers walk through your door!
Need suggestions on how you can improve your business visibility? Make sure to contact us via twitter, facebook or email & We’ll make sure EVERYONE KNOWS YOUR NAME
The Sign Depot’s Community Involvement – The Fans Have Spoken
Opening the Door
Last week the question was asked our SIGN DEPOT BLOG VIEWERS what they would like to see covered on the blog. We receive answers on both the Facebook Fan page as well as on Twitter.
The answer with the most votes was OPEN HOUSE INFO.
We are holding our next Open House on Friday Sept 9th from 6:30-9:30pm in conjuction with the
140 Characters Conference Meetup
The 140 Chartacters Conference is coming to Canada for the first time and the event is being held at The Tannery. We’re very familiar with that building in regards to reception signage, window graphics and wayfinding signs.
To celebrate the arrival of the 140 Conference in Canada, there are meetups being held all over Ontario this summer. The final meetup will be held here 51 Borden Ave S. Kitchener Ontario. Once again we are partnering with Little Mushroom Catering and I’m sure a few other friends will be involved along the way.
If you are interested in meeting lots of people from different parts of the province, please plan to drop by! Make sure you RSVP at this link http://guestlistapp.com/events/64371 so we can ensure there are enough munchies for everyone!
If you’re interested in learning more about the 140 Characters Conference make sure to watch the video below
You can see more vids about it in the playlist found here
You can also learn more by following #140confONT hashtag or becoming a fan of their page on Facebook.
You can learn more about The Sign Depot’s community involvement by visiting out Sign Blog and searching community. You will quickly see how involved we are in our community. We pride ourselves on being helpful to both the business and not for profit community.
As for our part in the 140 Characters Conference we will be providing wayfinding signage for the Conference and a great meetup leading up to the Conference. We hope you’ll join on here on Sept 9th
