An eye-catching logo saves you money 

Agents who have invested in a highly visual and appealing logo are a step ahead of their competitors.  Here’s why. .  Your logo is like a well-cut suit.  It makes a favorable first impression on prospects. And, as we know, first impressions are often lasting ones. 

.  Your logo can attract attention to your name instantly. 

.  Your logo differentiates your agency from all others. 

.  Your logo saves you money.  

How a distinctive logo saves you money 

You can run inexpensive small space newspaper ads, online banner ads or 15-second TV spots with short copy (maybe just your Web address) with your  logo as the dominant illustration. You'll make a memorable impression. 

Another important advantage: you can run more ads.  Remember, the name of the communications game is favorable REPETITION! 

Check it out 

Scan your local newspaper or a newspaper Web site.  Which sponsor names stand out?    

Answers are key to success 

How did you hear about us? 

Why did you come to us? 

Why do you stay with us? 

Why are you leaving us? 

Promote your agency with mobile billboards 

This is a low cost way to stand out in the crowd and create favorable recognition for your agency.  Creative bumper stickers, giant vinyl decals, and full vinyl car wraps can turn your vehicle into a driving  billboard.  All you need is a high- resolution digital design or photo to produce big decals or a wrap. You can do any design you want--- within the bounds of good taste, of course. 

It’s advertising that demands attention whether your car is parked downtown or rolling on the interstate or just sitting in front of your agency office.  What’s more, your car ad is a one-time investment that returns dividends for weeks and months!  

Your own personal stamp 

Yep, you can do that.  You can feature your visage or a photo of your office or your favorite pet!  Costs a bit extra for these personalized stamps, of course.  Check www.usps.com for production details and costs. 

This is a terrific way to create a memorable impression for special message, low-volume mailings.  Could also be an effective “surprise” reward for agency staff members or a “thank you” tribute to your best referral sources.    

Commemorative stamps are attention-grabbers 

Most commemorative stamps are priced at the same rate as regular first-class stamps. But you will gain a bigger bang for your buck when you use them.  

2009 promises to be a banner year for commemoratives. The Postal Service plans to produce several new series:  Early TV Memories (including the famous candy factory scene with Lucy and Ethel and Sergeant Joe Friday, Jack Webb);Supreme Court associate justices; and pioneers of the Civil Rights movement. The Civil Rights series is scheduled for release in New York on February 21.  The TV Memories series August 11, and the Supreme Court series in September. 

Customer service from home 

Could you employ customer service and sales reps who work from their homes?  According to a recent Associated Press article, companies that supply customer service agents to businesses around the world say they are saving money and attracting better employees by allowing them to work at home.   

And apparently, there is a huge labor market for this approach.  The customer call center companies quoted in the AP article said they are being swamped with applications. Depending on the need and type of customer service information being handled, some at-home calling is being handled with Internet telephone technology that includes firewall protection; some with regular phone technology.  

Does “home customer service” have possibilities for your agency in these difficult financial times?  There are obvious time and cost advantages---for your agency and for individuals working out of their homes. Possible at-home employee functions range from cross-selling, upgrades; to pure “howdy calls” for customer satisfaction and retention; to prospect database research.