When and what is the right amount to give as gifts?

So I think it’s the when that matters in the first place. So there is the basic holidays the 12 federal ones anyway! But there is also the important ones of Weddings, Birthdays, Anniversary’s, Retirements, New Babies, and Graduations. This is really the fun part of my art because people really help with designing the perfect gift. We have lots of customizable features to add to our Foldin Money Product.

The how much question is not hard I use the SUE System which is anything unrelated to a wedding or anniversary can use the $25.00 amount, because who does not like cash and when it comes from Foldin Money you’re giving it with class. However if it is a wedding or anniversary I say no less then $50.00 makes you look more like you care. But this is the world according to the SUE System!

So the real trick is being organized and remembering to prepare for the upcoming gift giving occasions and remember the Sue System I will be in the studio working on my of your orders. Hope that helps.

Sue

Designing on speculation.

This is a very interesting thing that seems to occur more and more often in my business. Although I have many designs already available, people like to challenge me!!

Like this picture of a cutomized woman's birthday shirt.

If you are in a business like mine, I had to learn to get paid upfront! I charge a $20 concept creation fee. Your time and skills are important whether or not your design or what have you works for the customer.

Generally these requests come from businesses looking for unique gift ideas for their customers or employees such as our Holiday House is a great hit at Christmas time for Realtors.

I am frequented asked for custom designs that "match" the companies product, these are always the most fun to do and at the same time the most frustrating! Such as phone, fire extinguisher, guitars, to name a few.

The best advice I can give you if you are in this situation is get paid for your time, it's your most valuable asset! Happy designing!

EVENTS

In a brief history of events Foldin’ Money has attended we have had the most success and fun when attending smaller and more intimate events. Because there more of an opportunity to make a connection with customers. An example of this is when we were first started out we attended The Port Gamble County Christmas. (http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2007/dec/02/kitsap-adventures-port-gamble-country-christmas/ ) . We had a great time for the two days we were there, enjoying the show as well as the people, place and activities. Even though it was cold, the orders made up for any frostbite we suffered! This was a highly successful opportunity and one we look forward to attending in the future.

When Foldin’ Money has attended larger events, we have had difficulty because people have a short attention span. But with adding technology to our display and having more promotional items to give away, we feel prepared for our upcoming event at the Taste of Edmonds.

This is a three day event happening August 8-10, for more information check out the web site(http://www.edmondswa.com/Events/Taste/index.html ).

Hope all of our fans will see us there!!!

Networking?

Since starting Foldin' Money I have been experimenting with several networking ideas, these include face to face and digital formats. With regard to face to face I have been to chambers, BNI groups, private networking groups and trade shows. These have been marginally effective to say the least. I have found that trade shows have been the most effective, but most time consuming to attend. It maybe my product, but my new pricing will overcome this huddle.As to digital formats I use facebook.com, http://Youtube.com, and http://Linkedin.com. So far the most effective has been my Youtube posting http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Awqo47XSIdY, I had this video shot by a professional, similar to an infomercial. It was fun, interactive and has brought a lot of hits to our website foldinmoney.com. The second most effective has been our facebook page http://www.facebook.com/pages/foldinmoneycom/15708766335, where we have a developing fan base. Last but not least, I am now using linkedin to reach corporate clients and expand my network http://www.linkedin.com/in/suetrapp. I prefer the benefits of digital networking because of the response and effectiveness of these tools. Come join me on any and all of these tools!! Just a few thoughts...I'll be in the studio working on orders!