When a local business owner and lifetime Blue Springs resident approached the new executive director of the Blue Springs Chamber of Commerce to help tackle a new ‘buy local’ program, the sparks quickly began to fly.

The result was the formation of a Buy Blue Springs campaign and formation of a local task force.

Mark Whitlow, owner of K&M Office Products and chair of the Buy Blue Springs Committee, said over a period of time he had thought of different programs that may stimulate the Blue Springs economy and help keep more dollars within the city limits.

“I came up with it through my industry trade magazine,” said Whitlow, a 15-year business owner and lifelong resident. “There are communities throughout the country doing this and I thought I would start to look around locally and see what was going on locally and there really wasn’t something of this scale.”

Through its committee and with the help of a local marketing company, Ad Trends Advertising, Buy Blue Springs soon had a mission, logo, slogan and even a Web site: http://www.buybluesprings.com

“Buy Blue Springs. Because Next Door Means More” is the official slogan for the campaign. The task force came up with four goals, including partnering with local merchants, educating the community, establishing a buy local rewards program and bringing members of the Blue Springs Chamber of Commerce. Continued at: http://www.bluespringsjournal.com/home/story/22937.html

Labels: adtrends, marketing

The Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce is holding thier annual business showcase on Wednesday, September 30, 2009 from 3pm - 6pm at Union Station's North Hall.

• Free Admission
  
• Open to the Public
  
• 100 Tabletop Exhibits
  (Including Ad Trends Advertsing)
  
• Networking Opportunities
  
• Build Business Relationships
  
• Purchasing Available
  
• Cash Bar & Free Appetizers from 5p-6p

Labels: adtrends, marketing

The Facts:

• 70% of Americans are online almost everyday.
• 50 Million people will shop online this year.
• Adults spend 3 hours a day more online than watching TV.
• There are over 400 Million websites online.
• Only 3% of all business sell their products or services online.
• 16% of small businesses see the Internet as a threat.
• Only 18% of small businesses have an Internet Marketing Plan.

The Fix:

• Get a professional website and offer your products online ASAP.
  • Add pictures, facts, articles, product benefits, customer comments, stories and testimonials.
  • Have a clear call-to-action or special offer on your home page to get sales.
• Super-charge your website with an Internet Marketing Plan.
  • Start a blog to post articles.
  • Build your own fan club in social networks.
  • Entertain, get feedback, be yourself, show personality, and do something to get attention.
• Keep a customer database.
  • Imagine how easy it would be to sell a prospect if you already knew what they wanted, how much they had to spend, and they already knew your company... Those potential sales are in your existing client list.
  • Re-sell, up-sell, and cross-sell through email marketing and your website.

Call us today and beat 85-97% of your competition with an Internet Marketing plan!

We can make Internet marketing easier by creating an open line of communication where you become more educated on Internet Marketing and we become more educated on your products and services. Working together this process becomes easier and more effective.

Call us at 816.228.1123
or click here for more information:
http://www.adtrendsinc.com/website-development.html

Labels: adtrends, marketing, websites

Even in the best organizations the sales and marketing departments often work in parallel, though separate tracks. And, in most companies the sales and marketing departments actually work against each other, with each group planning their strategy, training their team, and implementing their plan without:

1. Considering each other's plans.
2. Gathering their input.
3. Providing unbiased feedback.
4. Gaining buy-in and support from each other.

How many times have new marketing programs or materials been developed—at great effort and expense—only to fizzle in the sales process because sales refuses to use them? Or how common is the scenario where marketing generates leads they feel sales does not follow-up on and sales deems these leads "unqualified?" Sadly, in these scenarios everyone loses.

Integrating the magic of marketing with the science of sales is KEY to sales and marketing efficiency and effectiveness. Without joining the often-disparate efforts of sales and marketing into one cohesive approach, your strategies are only realizing one-half of the equation.

To avoid this all-too-common trap, start by including the sales perspective into your marketing process by:

Understanding Your Sales Process. We find that the biggest reason sales and marketing teams don't integrate well is because they don't have the same understanding of the sales process and/or they don't have the same defintion of the concepts within the sales process (For instance, what EXACTLY defines a lead? What type of communication is necessary at the lead qualification stage vs. the presentation phase). To remedy this misunderstanding, start by defining and documenting your sales process and make sure both teams agree to operate within and support those definitions and requirements.

Implementing a Sales Advisory Committee. As you begin your annual marketing planning and budgeting, develop a sales advisory committee. The sales advisory committee meetings should be lead by the marketing department, while the sales department should decide sales representation. Use these meetings to strategize, plan, and establish sales buy-in into every aspect of the marketing approach. Also, solicit feedback from individual salespersons by posting a web poll to ensure your plans, materials, and vehicles aren't missing the mark when it comes to actual usability from a sales perspective. Make this poll anonymous so that you get the real scoop (and not just what they think you want them to say).

Co-traveling with sales representatives. Attending all the trade shows and industry events in the world will never provide the same perspective and opportunity to understand your customers' and prospects' needs from your marketing efforts, as calling on them. Ask the territory representative to plan a day (or two) for calling on a mix of current and previous clients and prospects. Be specific about who you want to call! Otherwise, you'll end up with a tour of the "A" accounts, with very little insight beyond your top customers.

Sales and marketing are not independent disciplines. And, it's not enough to "be friends." Integrate the two disciplines in a meaningful way and you'll find your sales and marketing efforts will be all the more successful.

Ad Trends Advertising, Inc. has it's own partner
in the Sales Department.

We highly reccomend Effective Sales Development for Sander Sales Training in Kansas City. We can help make the phones ring and the customers coming in, but eventually you have to sell them something to grow your business. We believe there are two easy ways to be more profitable in any market climate:

Get More Prospects or Close More Sales!

Labels: adtrends, marketing

Ad Trends Advertising, Inc. creates custom promotional products for every occasion. Whether you need something for a trade show, referral reward, client gift, employee incentive, or marketing program, we can get you the perfect product at an affordable price. We have access to over 500,000 promotional products that can be imprinted with your company logo or message. Best of all, we have been in the promotional product industry for over 18 years, and we know where to find the best product for the best price.

Custom promotional products can be some of the most effective advertising available. Depending on thier lifespan, the cost per exposure can be hundredths of a penny. They are affordable and offer a repetitive reminder of your company to an ever-growing audience. As the quality and usefulness of promotional products continues to improve, what was once an afterthought is now the centerpiece of an important message or marketing program.
Promotional Products are great “In Your Face” marketing tools when delivered and positioned creatively. They are also a great medium to drive traffic to your website. Ad Trends Advertising, Inc. can show you how Promotional Products help put your company’s name in front of your target market.

• Corporate business gifts
• Tradeshow giveaways
• Employee incentive programs
• Brand Name Corporate apparel
• Ideas for special event promotions

Contact us with information regarding your event or your marketing plan and we will research creative ideas just for your company. We offer extremely competitive pricing by leveraging our production volume with the production source that best fits your needs. We can make recommendations on size, types, and suggest order quantities which make your job run more efficiently and lowers your printing costs.

Here is a short list of some of our best promotional products:

• 3-Imprint Koozies - about $0.59 each
• Stadium Cups - about $0.59 each
• Bottled Water - about $18.99 per case
• Car Coasters - about $1.59 each
• Die Cut Handle Plastic Bags - about $0.99 each
• Lip Balm - about $1.65 each
• Password Books - about $2.65 each
• Logoed Packing Tape - about $2.25 per roll
• The Quasar Pen - about $0.59 each
• Polyester Lanyards - about $1.49 each

Labels: adtrends, products

Ad Trends Advertising, Inc. is proud to announce we have partnered with the Blue Springs Chamber to help create a buy local campaign for the Blue Springs area!

We are currently developing the logo and website, and heading up the Marketing Committee. If you are interested in joining the Buy Local Task Force, or just having your business be a part of the Buy Blue Springs campaign, please email: Jeff@AdTrendsInc.com

For more information, look here or on the Blue Springs Chamber of Commerce Website: www.bluespringschamber.com

Labels: adtrends, marketing

Retailers Use Long Weekend to Lure Customers

KANSAS CITY, MO -- Stores desperate to see customers walk in the door are using the Martin Luther King Jr. Day three-day-weekend to entice people to spend some money. Car dealerships like Rob Sight's Ford Lincoln Mercury are doing the best they can to stay afloat in this market. So, they're making the most of the holiday weekend by going heavier on TV advertising right now.Retailers all over have been offering huge sales incentives this MLK weekend to get you in the doors.

Mark Cromwell, the President of Ad Trends Advertising Inc., said that even though retailers are offering great sales now, wait until the market finishes adjusting. "I think you're getting really good deals. But I think that you'll find some of those sale prices become '09 prices," said Cromwell.

Cromwell said the market is adjusting in a couple of ways. He said it used to be that retailers could get the price they asked for. But, he said those days are coming to an end. "I think the market is going to back down to adjust that a $2 product is worth $2 not $3," said Cromwell.

And, as things continue to balance out, Rob Sight said he's staying optimistic. "With the changing of the guard tomorrow, and just a little positive thinking... will go along ways and hopefully we'll start seeing some incremental increases."

Cromwell said there may be more bankruptcies as 2009 settles in. He said companies who've been operating with products with inflated values won't be able to survive as the market adjusts.

Labels: adtrends

Dear Customer,

The month of October is nationally recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In recognition of this great cause, Ad Trends Advertising, Inc. is donating 1% of all October sales to the American Cancer Society. Cancer is a devistating disease that has affected many families including mine. The research and support that the American Cancer Society offers to promote early detection and prevention of this killer disease is my reason for supporting them each year during the month of October.

Feel free to browse our website at http://www.adtrendsinc.com/ and find out how many ways your company can get involved in the Think Pink Campaign. We have hundreds of Pink Ribbon products to choose from, or you can give us a call and see how one of our Marketing Executives can assist you with implementing a Think Pink Campaign for your company.

As 4th Quarter is upon us, it’s never too early to be considering Year-End gift ideas for your customers and employees. Purchasing your appreciation gifts in October will not only give you the satisfaction of getting this task completed early, but it will also give you the satisfaction of helping out a great cause.

In closing, I want to personally thank you for your continued support. I look forward to further assisting your company in the New Year.
Sincerely,


Mark Cromwell
President
Ad Trends Advertising, Inc.
816.228.1123

Labels: adtrends, marketing

Head Golf Professional of Blue Hills Country Club and part-time Account Executive for Ad Trends Advertising, Todd Lechler, proved to be one of the best golfers in the Kansas City area this past weekend. Todd and 47 other professional and amateur golfers were invited to participate in the 2nd Annual Watson Challenge at Milburn Golf & Country Club. The mission of The Watson Challenge is to conduct a quality championship to determine who is the best player in Kansas City. And although Tom Watson is that player for 2008, Todd finished the 3-day tournament in a tie for 6th place shooting a tournament score of +7 and finishing a mere 9 strokes back of Tom Watson who finished at one under for the event.

Todd was one of only four golfers to have a final day round under par which helped solidify his top ten position. Tom Watson will issue the challenge to the best players again in 2009 when The Challenge will be played June 13-15 at Shadow Glen Golf Club in Olathe, and you can bet on Todd being prepared to compete at the highest level and hopefully come out of it with the trophy.

http://www.kansascitygolfer.org/twc/scoreboard.htm

Labels: adtrends

Surely by now you are aware that Blue Springs, MO native David Cook has been named the newest winner of American Idol. What you might not know is that local advertising company, Ad Trends Advertising, Inc. was right behind him (literally) in his return trip home.

Ad Trends Advertising, Inc. graphic designs were showcased on banners and other various print media for David’s return trip home. Most noticeable was the backdrop for the local concert held at Blue Springs South High School. This backdrop was showcased nationally on Fox television as well as in People Magazine. The main banner 230 square feet in size was hung across the football goal post, truly enormous. It was a gift from Ad Trends Advertising to the Blue Springs School District for the concert.

Chances are, if you paid attention to David Cook’s road to superstardom this year, you also saw local company, Ad Trends Advertising’s artwork and print designs along the way. Blue Springs based Ad Trends Advertising runs marketing campaigns and promotions for local and national companies on an ongoing basis. However, thanks to David Cook’s help, this is the first time many people have been aware of Ad Trends Advertising’s work in our own back yard.

Labels: adtrends, products

Todd Loechler has been invited to compete in The Watson Challenge to determine the best golf player in the greater Kansas City area! Players must have a permanent address in the eight county region of the Greater Kansas City Metropolitan Area and be among the top 20 ranked. In addition, Tom Watson along with seven other special invitees will be playing the Challenge.

The tournament will be held at Milburn Golf & Country Club, June 7– 9, 2008. Only 48 players (Professionals and Amateurs) are invited to compete for the $48,500 prize purse. The event benifits The First Tee of Greater Kansas City charity.

For ticket information, click here: http://www.kansascitygolfer.org/twc/Spectator.htm

Help a great charity and cheer on Ad Trends' Marketing Executive, Todd Loechler! Last year Todd finished tied for 24th...

Labels: adtrends

Ad Trends Advertising welcomes American Idol's David Cook back home to Blue Springs.
David is in the finals of american idol, and coming home to see his family, and drum up support and votes for the big finalle!

Ad Trends Advertising made these banners and special t-shirts for David and Blue Springs South High School. Look for them on next weeks American Idol on Fox.

We can do printing of any size for any ocassion. If you need banners, signs, promotional products or apparel, give us a call 816.228.1123.

And don't forget to call in and vote for David Cook next Tuesday on American Idol!

Labels: adtrends, products

Ad Trends Advertising, Inc. has revamped and relaunched its website to ensure better customer service and the highest quality information for their clients!

New features include: Two apparel catalogs, email newsletter, full explanation of graphic design and website services, this news blog, and special pages for business start-ups, franchises, and trade shows.

We are interested in your opinion. If you have any ideas on how we can improve our site, please direct feedback to webmaster@adtrendsinc.com.

Labels: adtrends, apparel, products, websites