HALLOWEEN Yard GHOSTS and MORE
Patterns Include: 23 " GHOST, 23" TOMBSTONE, 15" Ghost Crossing Sign (point to sidewalk), small designs for Bat, Cat, Trick or Treat Bag, Ghost with pumpkin and baby ghost.
FUN and EASY to Make!
Instructions and colored photos of extra sample Ghosts included.
$18--Includes shipping ORDER
Your Kit will be sent within 2 days of order receipt.
Visa and MC are accepted. Questions: call Marty at 303-979-6551 (owner of Lawn Expressions, CO)
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Monday, September 20, 2010
START A YARD CARD BUSINESS
The Yard Card Business is a great venue. Questions you should think about before starting a this type of business:
* Do I have a large enough vehicle to carry signs or yard display items?
* Am I willing to deliver the signs/displays after dark or early morning?
* Do I want to make signs from a start-up Kit or do I want to use the pre-made or plastic props?
* Do I have artistic ability and would I like to paint signs?
* Do I have a plan to market, network or advertise my business?
* Am I good at speaking to people on the phone?
* Do I have a computer? Email?
* Can I keep good business records?
If you can answer “Yes” to these questions than this may be the business for you.
If you enjoy celebrations this is a great “social expressions” business. If you have a young family, having a business like this helps teach children about responsiblity and advantages of being your own boss. Having a business is a great teacher and motivator for children & they usually love to help. (Depending on your children’s ages you might not want younger ones actually doing the sign painting—you might end of with something you don’t want. (smile).
It is a fun business and a way to make a little extra money.
One of the places to look for a reputable company that is selling start-up Kits or Franchises is Yard Card Start-ups These companies had to apply and be approved by Entrepreneur Magazine. I sell a Start up KIT which is detailed on www.yardcards-business.com/ and is on
Entrepreneur.com website.
" Although no one can go back in time and make a brand-new start,
anyone can start from now and make a brand-new ending." Author unknown
Get your new Business started and be prepared for a Great Spring!
Marty Miller www.lawnexpressions.com/
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Copyrighting your Designs or Artwork
When we spend the time to create our own designs, we want to make sure that they stay our own and are not copied by others. It is important in the Yard Card Business to copyright your designs. I have given some information below, regarding copyright process and laws.
COPYRIGHT LAWS (resource) www.copyright.gov/ The following are exact excerpts from the Copyright Publication. This is a very large document, so I will summarize and you can go to the site for more information. What is Copyright: Copyright is a form of protection provided by the laws of the United States to authors of "original works of authorship, "including literary, dramatic, musical, artistic, and certain intellectual works.
How to secure Copyright: The way in which copyright is secured is frequently misunderstood. No publication or registration or other action in the Copyright Office is required to secure copyright. Copyright is secured automatically when the work is created. The use of copyright notice is the responsibility of the copyright owner and does not require advance permission from, or registration with the Copyright Office.
Form of notice for Visually Perceptible Copies
The notice for visually perceptible copies should contain the following three elements:
1. The symbol for copyright (the letter C in a circle), or the word "Copyright", or the abbreviation "Copr"
2. The year of first publication of the work. (there is more description here about different types of materials in the publication)
3. The name of the owner of copyright in the work or an abbreviation by which the name can be recognized, or generally known alternative designation of the owner. (company name)
SO here is what I do: *Each pencil design that I make is dated. *When the design is made into a sign, I date the sign with the same month/year as the original design. With the copyright symbol on the FRONT of the sign so that it is large enough to see.*I take a dated photo of the sign and attach it to the original design. With the above info. displayed you have exclusive rights to the designs & may take legal action if your designs are copied in any form.
If you have comments regarding "copyright" of your materials, please be sure to comment.
JOIN THE YARD CARD DIRECTORY for GREAT VISABILITY!
Sincerely,
Marty Miller http://www.lawnexpressions.com/ www.yardcarddirectory.com/
"Your outcome has much to do with your attitude" author unknown
COPYRIGHT LAWS (resource) www.copyright.gov/ The following are exact excerpts from the Copyright Publication. This is a very large document, so I will summarize and you can go to the site for more information. What is Copyright: Copyright is a form of protection provided by the laws of the United States to authors of "original works of authorship, "including literary, dramatic, musical, artistic, and certain intellectual works.
How to secure Copyright: The way in which copyright is secured is frequently misunderstood. No publication or registration or other action in the Copyright Office is required to secure copyright. Copyright is secured automatically when the work is created. The use of copyright notice is the responsibility of the copyright owner and does not require advance permission from, or registration with the Copyright Office.
Form of notice for Visually Perceptible Copies
The notice for visually perceptible copies should contain the following three elements:
1. The symbol for copyright (the letter C in a circle), or the word "Copyright", or the abbreviation "Copr"
2. The year of first publication of the work. (there is more description here about different types of materials in the publication)
3. The name of the owner of copyright in the work or an abbreviation by which the name can be recognized, or generally known alternative designation of the owner. (company name)
SO here is what I do: *Each pencil design that I make is dated. *When the design is made into a sign, I date the sign with the same month/year as the original design. With the copyright symbol on the FRONT of the sign so that it is large enough to see.*I take a dated photo of the sign and attach it to the original design. With the above info. displayed you have exclusive rights to the designs & may take legal action if your designs are copied in any form.
If you have comments regarding "copyright" of your materials, please be sure to comment.
JOIN THE YARD CARD DIRECTORY for GREAT VISABILITY!
Sincerely,
Marty Miller http://www.lawnexpressions.com/ www.yardcarddirectory.com/
"Your outcome has much to do with your attitude" author unknown
Friday, August 6, 2010
ETIQUETTE in responding to EMAILS and PHONE CALLS
ANSWERING EMAILS & PHONE CALLS, PROMPTLY
Not geting a prompt response to a phone call or email is probably the # 1 complaint among customers; when it comes to Customer Service. I have experienced this "lack of response", even with Companies within this industry. I send emails requesting an answer and do not hear back. Sometimes there may be a valid reason, but without that information you waste your time trying to contact the person or company. I consider it my "Pet Peeve" in business.
Communication is one of the most important parts of any business and the old saying applies here. "Do unto others as you would want them to do unto you". PLEASE RESPOND to other companies and customers in a timely manner.
Since so much is done via email or mobile devices, we sometimes do not realize the value of a personal phone call.
From "Business Quotes" "Anyone who thinks the customer isn't important should try doing without them"
Enjoy the remainder of your summer!
Sincerely,
Marty Miller, www.lawnexpressions.com/ www.yardcarddirectory.com/
Not geting a prompt response to a phone call or email is probably the # 1 complaint among customers; when it comes to Customer Service. I have experienced this "lack of response", even with Companies within this industry. I send emails requesting an answer and do not hear back. Sometimes there may be a valid reason, but without that information you waste your time trying to contact the person or company. I consider it my "Pet Peeve" in business.
Communication is one of the most important parts of any business and the old saying applies here. "Do unto others as you would want them to do unto you". PLEASE RESPOND to other companies and customers in a timely manner.
Since so much is done via email or mobile devices, we sometimes do not realize the value of a personal phone call.
From "Business Quotes" "Anyone who thinks the customer isn't important should try doing without them"
Enjoy the remainder of your summer!
Sincerely,
Marty Miller, www.lawnexpressions.com/ www.yardcarddirectory.com/
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Features & Benefits of Your Business
BENEFITS and FEATURES of your Lawn Display Business
Make sure your website & marketing materials contain Benefits more than Features. What is the difference between benefits and features? Features are a description of your product-- (ie) 5-6 ft. colorful Yard Signs, Personalized message sign, 30-40 pink flamingos, many critters or props from which to choose.
Benefits would be-- what is the benefit to your customer in using your business? (ie) "Make a friend happy with a unique early morning surprise", "Let the whole neighborhood know of your Graduate's Big Day!”,“Surprise a new Mom with a Stork in the Yard” Announce the New Baby” “Celebrate that BIG birthday with a Yard Card”
People are more interested in the benefit to them & the recipient than a long description of your product. In the Celebration Lawn Greetings business, it is all about recognizing people!
"A simple act of kindness has a beauty of it’s own".
Hope your summer is going well!
Marty Miller www.lawnexpressions.com/ www.yardcarddirectory.com/
Make sure your website & marketing materials contain Benefits more than Features. What is the difference between benefits and features? Features are a description of your product-- (ie) 5-6 ft. colorful Yard Signs, Personalized message sign, 30-40 pink flamingos, many critters or props from which to choose.
Benefits would be-- what is the benefit to your customer in using your business? (ie) "Make a friend happy with a unique early morning surprise", "Let the whole neighborhood know of your Graduate's Big Day!”,“Surprise a new Mom with a Stork in the Yard” Announce the New Baby” “Celebrate that BIG birthday with a Yard Card”
People are more interested in the benefit to them & the recipient than a long description of your product. In the Celebration Lawn Greetings business, it is all about recognizing people!
"A simple act of kindness has a beauty of it’s own".
Hope your summer is going well!
Marty Miller www.lawnexpressions.com/ www.yardcarddirectory.com/
Monday, July 12, 2010
Preparing a BUSINESS PLAN
BUSINESS PLAN:
Do YOU have a Business Plan? Although there is SO much on this issue, I am taking quotes from a seminar I attended several years ago given by Courtney Price, Director of the Institute of Entrepreneurship and Creativity at Metro College in Denver, CO.
Entrepreneurs frequently delay writing business plans because they are uncertain how to write and prepare the planning documents essential to a successful venture.
A business plan forces you to consider every facet of your proposed business and places funding decisions on paper where they can be evaluated and considered by all involved.
The outline should include: summary and executive overview; concept; management and organization; product/service; production plan; competition; pricing; marketing plan; financial plan; operating and control system; schedule; growth plan and a contingency plan.
The Best news about developing and writing your own business plan: once you have been through the process, additional plans take half of the time to write and you discover you lave learned valuable planning skills that will be critical to your success.
*******
From Marty: I considered doing a business plan as a daunting project for my Corporation & my d/b/a "Lawn Expressions YardCard Business", but I did add things to my business as I went through the process of preparing the Business Plan and found it fun and enlightening. My Business Plan was simple and was only 5 typed pages long, but was acceptable to get a "Line of Credit". If you plan to get Financial help at any time during your business, you WILL need a business plan.
Reference Book : "How to Write a Business Plan" by Mike McKeever.
I am sure there is an updated version.
Please leave a comment if this has helped you.
Sincerely,
Marty Miller http://www.lawnexpressions.com/ http://www.yardcarddirectory.com/
Do YOU have a Business Plan? Although there is SO much on this issue, I am taking quotes from a seminar I attended several years ago given by Courtney Price, Director of the Institute of Entrepreneurship and Creativity at Metro College in Denver, CO.
Entrepreneurs frequently delay writing business plans because they are uncertain how to write and prepare the planning documents essential to a successful venture.
A business plan forces you to consider every facet of your proposed business and places funding decisions on paper where they can be evaluated and considered by all involved.
The outline should include: summary and executive overview; concept; management and organization; product/service; production plan; competition; pricing; marketing plan; financial plan; operating and control system; schedule; growth plan and a contingency plan.
The Best news about developing and writing your own business plan: once you have been through the process, additional plans take half of the time to write and you discover you lave learned valuable planning skills that will be critical to your success.
*******
From Marty: I considered doing a business plan as a daunting project for my Corporation & my d/b/a "Lawn Expressions YardCard Business", but I did add things to my business as I went through the process of preparing the Business Plan and found it fun and enlightening. My Business Plan was simple and was only 5 typed pages long, but was acceptable to get a "Line of Credit". If you plan to get Financial help at any time during your business, you WILL need a business plan.
Reference Book : "How to Write a Business Plan" by Mike McKeever.
I am sure there is an updated version.
Please leave a comment if this has helped you.
Sincerely,
Marty Miller http://www.lawnexpressions.com/ http://www.yardcarddirectory.com/
Monday, June 21, 2010
Starting a Website or Blog
When you start a website you must first make sure that you have a passion, product or service that will be interesting to people. Research the other websites in your area of interest. If you are unsure of what you might want to start as a website, try blogging www.blogger.com until you decide what you are truly passionate about. You might set up a blogger.com account, which is free. Start blogging about some of your passions; whether it be art, music, health, people or a business you already have or one you wish to start. As you blog, you may find a certain subject, product or service that is really interesting to you or one that you already have that consumers find interesting.
Make a list of domain names that you would like to use. They should be relevant to the subject of your Website. (i.e.) www.yardcarddirectory.com/ refers to a US and Canada Directory for those in the Lawn Display and Yard Card business. You can easily search for domain names by typing in "domain name search" in the search area. You have several options of registering your website name – try for a .com unless you are an organization and then .org would be best. Profits and non Profits typically use.org.
Once you decide that you are headed in the right direction, then you need to research how to start a website. An excellent website to view is http://www.2createawebsite.com/ Lisa is very knowledgable in many areas of websites, blogging, U-tube and so much more.
You may have a hosting company that sets everything up for you, or you may wish to try something like www.snapmonkey.com/ where you can make changes for one price.
Another great learning website is www.visionofsuccess.com/
Questions or comments are always welcome. marty@lawnexpressions.com
Sincerely,
Marty Miller, www.lawnexpressions.com/ or http://www.yardcarddirectory.com/
Make a list of domain names that you would like to use. They should be relevant to the subject of your Website. (i.e.) www.yardcarddirectory.com/ refers to a US and Canada Directory for those in the Lawn Display and Yard Card business. You can easily search for domain names by typing in "domain name search" in the search area. You have several options of registering your website name – try for a .com unless you are an organization and then .org would be best. Profits and non Profits typically use.org.
Once you decide that you are headed in the right direction, then you need to research how to start a website. An excellent website to view is http://www.2createawebsite.com/ Lisa is very knowledgable in many areas of websites, blogging, U-tube and so much more.
You may have a hosting company that sets everything up for you, or you may wish to try something like www.snapmonkey.com/ where you can make changes for one price.
Another great learning website is www.visionofsuccess.com/
Questions or comments are always welcome. marty@lawnexpressions.com
Sincerely,
Marty Miller, www.lawnexpressions.com/ or http://www.yardcarddirectory.com/
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