Archive for the ‘business sign’ Category

Top Five Reasons Why You Should Hire A Professional Business Sign Maker

Why Hire A Professional Business Sign Maker?

There are several reasons why you should only trust your business signs to a professional sign maker, but we thought we should shorten the list and give you the Top Five

Top Five Reasons Why Your Should Hire A Professional Sign Maker

1. They will work with you throughout the entire sign making process for your company signs Whether you just need a exterior store sign or a complete sign solution package, (IE exterior signs, interior signs, vehicle graphics, point of purchase signs) they will take care of you business signage needs from start to finish
2. Professional business sign makers know about sign regulations They can prepare your sign permit documents and let you know what you can and cannot do in regards to signs for your area. Sign permits vary depending on local by-law and zoning specifications, only a professional sign maker can ensure your signs are designed within the proper parameters.
3. A professional sign maker will respect your budget  This can help keep your spending costs down while still representing your company with a professional looking business sign.
4.  Hiring a professional business sign maker gives you a lot of choice Sign professionals are experts when it comes to helping you choose the best materials and finishes to give your business signs a professional look and long-lasting durabilty.
5. When you look good, they look good  We always say here at The Sign Depot “A Good Sign, Is The Sign Of A Good Business” we believe this to apply to our company as well.  Any projects the expert sign makers here complete are a reflection on this company as well.  We always want to put our best foot forward.

We Are Happy To Help

If you have any further questions about professional sign making, feel free to reach out us via Twitter, Facebook or our  Contact Us page.

Build Your Business With JR Waddell

This month The Sign Depot is featuring a few of our Sign Depot Demo Day attendees that are in the Business Marketing Industry.  When we and issue with our industrial dust collector we called on the assistance of JR Waddell.  He and the team at Hogg Mechanical made recommendations that were best for workshop. We chatted with JR Waddell of Hogg Mechancial about the changes in advertising and marketing over the years.

Get To Know JR Waddell

JR can you tell us the nature of your business/job description at Hogg Mechanical and how you got started?

Hogg Mechanical is a 138 year old full service HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) company spanning the era’s of wood/coal/oil/gas/geothermal/solar. We help residential and commercial properties with all of their heating and cooling needs by providing the perfect comfort level!

My title at Hogg Mechanical is Business Development and Communications which is a somewhat fancy name for sales and marketing. Business to Business sales for commercial buildings and marketing for residential houses. I met Ryan vanDyk (Sales and Operations Manager at Hogg Mechanical) in my previous position at the Greater KW Chamber of Commerce. Hogg was aggressively looking to grow their business and knew that online/social media was becoming a huge presence in the area. They wanted to capitalize on this fast paced emerging trend and we came to a mutually rewarding agreement. With this Hogg Mechanical’s online presence was born.

How much time and effort do you think companies should put towards their marketing/advertising?

We think all industries and companies are different. In our industry our leadership team dedicates approximately 45% of our time to marketing/advertising. The HVAC industry is extremely competitive in Southwestern Ontario and we feel that we are doing an amazing job staying ahead of the game. We allocate approximately 6 to 7% of our budget per year towards marketing and advertising.

How often do you see your efforts turn from leads to sales?

We have about a 60% conversion rate of our leads to sales. We constantly strive to generate the best leads and feel that Quality over Quantity is our competitive advantage.

Working for a company that has been in business for many years, what challenges do you face when it comes to implementing changes?

Our first step is to ensure that everyone on our team is brilliant at the basics. Setting realistic change patterns and taking baby steps towards an end goal. We have had success in accepting that co-workers change at different paces and styles. We approach this in a way that allows everyone to adapt and grow at their own reasonably oriented pace and style.

How do you stand out from others in your field?

We truly let our customers dictate what we offer and how we offer it. We found the old approach of HVAC companies selling what was best for themselves as opposed to what was best for their customers inhibited growth in today’s market. Ex. Our generously priced $45 tune up fulfilled a need in the market for homeowners to have a reasonable way to keep their heating and cooling equipment running safe, efficiently and with having an educated piece of mind about their Air Conditioners, Furnaces, Fireplaces, Pool Heaters etc.

Want to learn more about JR Waddell and Hogg Mechanical? Make sure to RSVP for our Sign Depot Demo Day on June 20th to network with JR and many other fantastic business industry professionals. We will have lots of onsite demos and our expert signmakers will be on hand to let you know how we can enhance your marketing through the use of custom business signs.

 

Build Your Business With Roshan Grossman

This month The Sign Depot is featuring a few of our Sign Depot Demo Day attendees that are in the Business Marketing Industry.  Roshan Grossman is a Communications Specialist.  She believes businesses are built by finding a target audience and engaging with experiences. We chatted with Roshan Grossman of Hot Quill Communications to find out how important clear communication is to a company.

Meet Roshan

Roshan can you tell us the nature of your business, Hot Quill Communications and how you got started?

Hot Quill Communications offers marketing and employee communications services to help businesses communicate more clearly with the people who matter most to them – employees and clients. We do this by creating experiences that get people talking about your business…in a good way.  I launched Hot Quill in January 2013 following my maternity leave with my son. I spent the first part of my career working in a number of different financial services companies, and 8.5 years working for Sun Life Financial…and I decided I wanted to branch out on my own to see if I could bring my experience, creativity and ideas in communications to other businesses. I decided to focus on working with mid- to large-size companies in the tech sector because this was an industry that I hadn’t worked in before, but in which I was keenly interested.

 Why should companies have a community manager/communications specialist?

Whether a company is large or small, bringing in a communications specialist is never a bad idea. The work arrangement will vary depending on your resourcing requirements and budget, but at the bare minimum it is useful to have someone either consult for a short period of time or come in for a longer-term to focus on audience/community engagement and strategic messaging. And, most seasoned business communicators will be able to add value beyond a communications perspective. As a communicator, you need to understand how businesses work, how people think and respond to ideas, and how to motivate people to take action – all of this requires strategic and critical thinking, and high social skills which are worth their weight in gold if you’re just starting a new company or if you’re looking to make an impact in a larger organization.

How do communications services differ for small business vs. large companies?

With larger companies, you’re usually dealing with integrated communications strategies and programs that span a number of months or years, depending on the business strategy. As well, you may have more time to build a relationship and rapport with your audience. With smaller companies, there is usually a tendency towards running shorter campaigns and addressing immediate needs of an audience, in addition to looking out over the next few months to see what’s coming over the horizon that needs to be anticipated and planned for from a tactical perspective.

 

What are some great ideas you have noticed companies launch with the help of a communications specialist?

There are too many to count or mention, but I will say that some of my favourite campaigns involve high audience engagement using a number of in-person and virtual events, as well as really clear and energetic messaging.

 

How do you stand out from others in your field?

There are some really excellent communicators in the Waterloo Region. While it would be tempting to look at this as a field of competition, I’m more inclined to see these people as part of my community of practice. My goal is to connect with and learn from the really excellent communicators as much as possible. If I’m learning and growing, my work will benefit from this expansion of ideas and thinking, and it will speak for itself. I also like to spend time with people and get to know them so that we can deepen our relationships rather than just skimming the surface. My hope is that by striving for excellence in generating and taking action on ideas worth pursuing, and in building solid relationships, people will naturally recommend me and my work to others.

Want to learn more about Roshan Grossman and Hot Quill Communications? Make sure to RSVP for our Sign Depot Demo Day on June 20th to network with Roshan and many other fantastic business industry professionals. There you will see how important your business messaging is to your brand.

Business Sign Permits, Sign Regulations, And Variances – What You Need To Know

Where To Start With Business Signs?

If you are looking to put up outdoor business signs you chances are you will need a sign permit.  A professional sign  shop will be able take care of the paper work to make sure that you are following sign regulations and can make the sign permit process go smoothly.

Why You Need A Sign Permit For Your Outdoor Sign?

That’s any easy one, so you don’t get a fine!  If the sign inspector realizes that you do not have a permit for your sign they can fine you and have it taken down at your cost.  This is why you need to have a professional sign company prepare your sign permit.  They know which drawings and documents are required for your corporate business signs.

It is also a good idea to make sure your company is in a properly zoned area.  Most sign permits will go through quite easily if they are in a retail, corporate and/or industrial zoned area.  If the sign permit does not fit the parameters of the sign permit, a sign variance may be required.

What Is A Sign Variance?

A sign variance is an approval for a sign that does not fit the set sign permit requirements.  In other words it varies from the sign permit regulations.  This process often requires approval from a sign variance committee.  This is why it is very important to have your sign documents prepared by a professional sign maker that is making the business sign for your company.

Remember you are better safe than sorry when it comes to the outdoor business signs for your location(s).  Always make sure that you abide the areas bylaws and get the required permits prepared by professional sign company that is familiar with sign permit regulations.  Also factor in that there will time required to prepare the sign permit documents and there will be a wait for approval.  Here at The Sign Depot we know the saying  dotting the “I”s and crossing the “T”s applies to more than fonts.  Being thorough and precise in all aspects of the sign making process is something we take pride in and how we became an Award Winning Sign Company.

 

Brands And Business Sign Solutions For Companies in Kitchener Waterloo

Do You See The Signs Of  A Good Business?

Of course you do.  Signs are meant to be noticed.   Choosing the best way to show off your branding is where we come in.  Creating business signs that make an impact is The Sign Depot’s specialty.   Being a full service sign shop with options for store front signs, reception signs, wayfinding signs, vehicle signs, and temporary promotional signs, we can cover your business branding across the board.

Where To Start With Your Business Signs

Here are some questions to ask yourself when it comes to selecting business signs for your company

• Is my business recognizable?
• What is unique about my location?
• Is my business dependant on walk in traffic?
• Would potential clients notice my business when driving by?
• How does my brand stand out from my competitors? 

These are just a few things to consider when choosing signs that will represent your business.  There are some great examples of Kitchener Waterloo businesses that used signs to stand out in the video below

As you can see there is a lot of choice when it comes to selecting your company’s business signs.  To see more examples please visit the PORTFOLIO on our website.  There you can see how others are using signs to rise to the top of their business sector.  The sign experts at The Sign Depot can help choose the right style, size, materials, colours, text and graphics that will increase the find-ability of your business and help you grow your client base with better brand recognition. 

What We Do

When it comes to Outdoor Store Front signs we take into account where your business is located, how it will look amongst the surroundings, and how far the visibily reach can be. 

Reception signs are designed to focus on your logo, be a greeting for clients and show off what your company does best. 

Wayfinding signs become a guide for your business.  We cover eveything from Parking Lots to Building Entrances and Exits

Vehicle signs are mobile promotion for your business we make sure cars/trucks/vans look great driving by and parked.

Temporary Promotional signs can cover everything from SALE window graphics to A-Frame side walk signs with today’s specials

These are just some of the business sign solutions we offer.  We want to ensure you business looks great in all aspects of you branding.  As we say here at The Sign Depot

A Good Sign is a Sign of GOOD BUSINESS

 

Who You Know and What You Know Can Create A Business Sign of Delicious Proportions

Referrals and Recommendations

Earlier this year we had to opportunity to work on a project for Stephanie Page.  It wasn’t business related, but when she needed a hand we were happy to lend one.  We were pleasantly surprised when we received follow up emails letting us know that she recommended our work to her employer PINTY’S DELICIOUS FOODS.  Pinty’s was in the midst of a business re-brand and needed someone to step in and take their designed logo one step further and create large exterior sign for the business.

Today we are proud to present Pinty’s newly installed building sign on the exterior of their building.

The Pinty’s outdoor business sign was designed to be very visible during the day and included a lit up feature for the building after the sun goes down.  We are grateful for this opportunity to create a long standing business relationship with Pinty’s and thankful that Stephanie brought The Sign Depot to their attention.

We welcome your referrals as well.  A great referral for us would be someone who is

• Starting out in a new business
• Rebranding a current business
• Moving locations
• Updating a building’s interior or exterior
• Has an existing logo that needs to be constructed
• Needs a logo to represent themselves or a business

They say it’s not what you know, but it’s who you know.  Here at The Sign Depot we say it’s a bit of both!  Want to get to know us better? We can connect with you and your business in several ways.  Just send an email to sales@sign-depot.on.ca we can create a custom quote to meet your budget and exceed your expectations. We ship across Canada too! See why we we are Canada’s Award Winning Sign Company and lets chat about how we can help you with your upcoming sign needs.

CRFA We Are Heading Your Way – Business Signs for the Restaurant Industry

Canadian Restaurant And Food Services Association Show

March 4-6, 2012

We’re ready to get in the SPRING OF THINGS by Springing Forward to the CRFA Show happening at the Direct Energy Centre in Toronto Ontario.

This will be a top notch event for those in the Restaurant And Food Services industry.   This exhibitor show is open to trade professionals only and the registration cost is $35 but FREE ADMISSION is granted to CRFA members.

You can find some of the Highlights of this year’s show through the online guide

Here’s a look at what you can expect from the CRFA Show

Additional Highlights Include

• Hockey great Bob Pulford to appear at 2012 CRFA Show
• Sportscaster Ron MacLean to join restaurant industry leaders at CRFA Show’s Breakfast with Champions
• Wine and glassware with Georg Riedel at the 2012 CRFA Show
• As well as several seminars and demonstrations throughout the show
• UPDATE  The Stanley Cup will be at the CRFA Show on MONDAY

 

Solutions for Business Signs and Signage Systems

Solving the Signage Dilemma

Often we have business owners walk in knowing they want a sign, but don’t what would be best to represent their business. We’re hear to help solve the problem. Being a FULL SERVICE sign shop means we can incorporate your brand message across the board.

Become a Show Off

Just because you have a logo on your business card, doesn’t mean that’s the only place it belongs.
Great places to put your logo are

• All sides of your building that have walk & driveby traffic
• On your front entrance
• On all business vehicles
• Inside of office buildings on directories and for wayfinding

Make sure you know what information you hope the passer-by will remember.  A memorable logo is a great way to start, but you should decide what take aways should go along with it.  Business name is the obvious answer, but what else?  Do you want them to see what you have to offer from your website?  Does your messaging direct them there?

Less is more

You want your sign to serve a purpose, but not be over the top.  Too much information cluttering up up the face of the sign will make it difficult to convey the message in the short time that people will see it.

Freshen Up

Make sure your signage is a representation of the type of service clients will expect from you.  If your sign is broken, chipped, weathered or burnt out, you will want to have it repaired right away.  Otherwise your disregard for upkeep could be mistaken for lack of professionalism.  A  food critic once told me that clean restaurant windows are something they take note of first.  If an food establishment has trouble keeping what customers can see clean, then imagine what the behind the scenes kitchen looks like. Show your customers that you care about the details.

Stand Out but Don’t Stick Out

Make sure you take a look at your surroundings.  Think of ways your sign can be unique enough to stand out, without looking intrusive or out of place.  Style over shock value is how you want to be remembered.  You should want your signs to please the eye, not be known as an eye sore.

When you take all these factors into consideration, you can start to see your signage take shape.  Now you just have to decide the shape of your sign!

Five Hot Trends To Watch In 2012 – See How They Can Impact Your Business

Start The Year Off Ahead Of The Curve

Want to get a jump on the latest trends before they take off?  We’ve gathered a great list for you to start from.  See if any of these trends make an impact on your business.

Gardening Trends

According to The Vancouver Sun this year’s trend will be plants that require less water, but bring birds, butterflies and insects back to gardens.  As well plants that thrive well in small spaces and on a trellis will be quite popular this year.  What ever you decide to plant make sure it ads to your curb appeal.  Take a look at your surroundings.  A little upkeep can go a long way.

Car Trends

USA Today lets us know that emphasis is still on safety but environmental has not taken a back seat.  Vehicles that shut off at stop lights, powerful small engines that are fuel efficient are just a couple of the latest car features we’ll see in 2012.

Font Trends

Ready challenge yourself, while out-performing the rest? It sounds like you have the Olympic Spirt.  With that comes a Colossal FONT to match.  Keep the London Olympics 2012 Font  in mind before it starts popping up everywhere this summer.

Colour Trends

As mentioned in a previous post, TANGERINE TANGO is the 2012 Pantone Colour of the Year.  Make sure to include this vibrant splash of colour to your home, marketing materials and fashions to let others see just how trendy you are!

Restaurant Trends

In 2011 many restaurants focused on the importance of local food.  That trend will carry on into 2012 with the additions of food sensitivities and allergies being addressed.  Gluten-free being one of the top trends in the food service and restaurant industry right now.

What steps will you be taking to follow these trends, or will you be creating trends of your own?

Make Marketing Matter And Start The Year Off Right For Your Business

Get Your Goals In Place

The best way to start off the new year is to get your goals in place.  Where does marketing fit into it all? Many think that Marketing and Sales are the same thing.  They definitely are not.  Marketing is about using tools to attract customers, which in turn may lead to sales.

Last year Sign Depot posted this on the WaterlooMIN site

You may want your website to be a good representation of your products, but did you strive for a GREAT representation your business? Your website must catch the eye of someone who is unfamiliar with your business.  Just like the tale of the Three Pigs your solid based website may take a lot more effort, but in the long run you will outlast the quick setup ones.

The word “marketing” can easily be substituted for “website” in the statement above.  You want to market your business well and show potential clients that you represent the answer for what they are looking for.  If your You want to market your business well and show potential clients that you represent the answer for what they are looking for. .  Make sure you stand out from the rest and really think about what best represents what you do.  If you’re in the service industry make sure your marketing reflects that the potential client is in good hands by choosing your company.  Make sure your whole team is on board with the marketing goals you have set and lead by example.

Get Some Advice

Not sure how to start your marketing goals this year?  Look to your local organizations to see what presentations/meetings/groups are available to you.  If you are in the Greater Kitchener Waterloo area and a Chamber of Commerce member several new Peer2Peer groups are starting in 2012.  The Sign Depot is heading up the Marketing Peer2Peer group as the business lead and if you are a Chamber Member it may be a great place for you to start.

If updating your logo, entrance-way or reception area is part of your Marketing Plan Goals, we’d love to help.  If you have other suggestions about ways to Market yourself we would love to hear them too.  Just leave a comment, send a tweet or post a message on the facebook page.