Sundial Blog

Sundial is proud to announce the launch of a sister company Sundial Publishing.  As the publisher of “Commercial Space” and “Canadian Foreign Investor” magazines it was time the publishing branch of the business took on a life of its own.  While the Sundial design and production team still supports both publications, the new company will be focused on marketing, editoral, ad sales and new opportunities. 

Check it out online at www.sundialpublishing.com.

Unless you are in retail, in which case December can be a flurry of activity, many businesses view the last month of the year as a bit of a “half-month.”  With so many minds on the holidays, personal plans, time off and year end tasks it is easy to let the month be absorbed by these concerns.  Even if December does come with its share of distractions, there is a great opportunity to connect with client, suppliers and partners and solidify those relationships.

With somewhat uncertain economic conditions ahead, strong relationships are as important as ever.  From maximizing sales to your current clientele to establishing credit arrangements with vendors, these relationships can be a huge asset when times are tight.  Simple gestures of acknowledgment and follow up can go a long way in maintaining top-of-mind awareness and appreciation.  While these should be attended to year-round, the holiday season is a convenient time to make some extra efforts.

Here are five points to consider when choosing a client relationship program during the holidays and so on:

1.       Who qualifies for the program?

You will need to set some cut off points or qualifiers to identify which clients, vendor or other parties will be included in the program.  Obviously lower cost items like greeting cards can be extended more widely, where you will be more selective with larger items such as clocks, USB drives and the like.  You might consider a tiered program plan to allow some contact with all parties but particular reinforcement for select individuals or companies.  This planning will also help assess your quantity needs for the ordering process.

2.       What is your total program budget?

Having identified your target group you should assess a total budget in order to guide item selection and to ensure your allocated funds will cover the group for the desired timeline.  For example, you want to avoid exceeding your budget for a year long program mid-year due to poor item selection.

3.       Who is your intended recipient?

Consider who these people are.  Are they business executives who would appreciate a portfolio case?  Or are they specialty retail shoppers that would prefer a technological gadget of some sort?  Do you need to supply gender specific options or a neutral item of mass appeal?  By considering your audience you will ensure maximum perceived value for the expenditure.

4.       How will the items be distributed?

If they are to be mailed out, you will have to allow time and budget funds for distribution.  If they will be delivered with orders, how will this affect your fulfillment process?  Carefully consider the logistics of the program to ensure timely execution and avoid boxes of unsent product.

5.       What follow up will be executed?

Any marketing effort should be tracked for effectiveness.  Will your staff be instructed to confirm the item was received and solicit feedback?  Is there a way to drive traffic to your web site using the item to allow you to track response?  You should always be conscious of the ROI on any program, including corporate relations programs.

Sundial offers a wide range of options to accomplish this goal ranging from simple customized greeting cards, to branded corporate gifts to fit any budget and promotional printing for staff parties, in-store events and so on.  Contact us to review your goals and audience and our staff will be glad to assist in reaching out to the people who help make your business a success.

Ok…there’s a rope involved…don’t get too excited!  We just needed your attention. J

Ben Block, the Founder and Director of Sundial, has just registered for the Drop Zone www.thedropzone.ca and will be repelling off the Sutton Place Hotel on Sept. 8 in support of Easter Seals.  Although we found out about this operation a little late in the game but we’ve decided to aim high for the company fundraising goal.  Presently Easter Seals is only 33% of the way toward their goal of $75,000 with just over 3 weeks left.  Since they still have a ways to go we are hoping to directly raise at least $3,750 or 5% of their total.  With time running short we could use your support to reach this goal for a great cause.

Money raised from the Drop Zone will help Albertans with disabilities and special needs get the equipment they need to live a more independent life. It also supports the Easter Seals Camp Horizon in Bragg Creek. For more information on their programs and services, please check out their website at www.easterseals.ab.ca.

Secure online donations can be made with your credit card and an electronic tax receipt will be sent to you by email at: http://my.e2rm.com/personalPage.aspx?SID=1903545.  Otherwise, in person cash or cheque donations can be made as well and we can arrange for a tax receipt manually.

If you are able to lend any support it would be greatly appreciated, otherwise thank you for your time and wish him luck. J

Thanks,

The Sundial Team

Edmonton, AB (March 3, 2008) – Ben Block, owner of Sundial Graphics and full time student at the University of Alberta, has been named the 2008 Alberta Student Entrepreneur Champion by national charitable organization, Advancing Canadian Entrepreneurship (ACE) and proud program supporter, CIBC Small Business.

Since 2005 Ben, a Law student, has owned and operated Sundial Graphics, an advertising and design firm that has developed a keen expertise in the planning, development and production of business promotional projects. Ranging from web sites to large event promotional material production, Sundial has completed many successful projects for businesses of all sizes in Edmonton, throughout Canada, the U.S. and abroad.

Now in operation for three years, Sundial Graphics has experienced 190% average year-over-year monthly sales growth since opening their doors, has a team of dedicated employees and has completed several projects for clients including large national brands.  

“I’m very grateful to be named the Alberta Student Entrepreneur Champion by ACE as I know their programs open many doors for student entrepreneurs”, explains Ben. “It is great encouragement as I continue to pursue my personal goals and develop my business.”

For the first year, the Alberta Provincial Student Entrepreneur Competition was a live presentation based round of competition taking place at the 2008 Regional Exposition in Calgary on February 29th. After competing in the provincial round of competition during the morning, Ben moved on to the regional round of competition in the afternoon and was also named one of two 2008 Regional Student Entrepreneur Champions. Ben will now travel to Toronto on May 14th to compete in the final round of competition at the 2008 ACE National Exposition. 

“2008 was a record breaking year for the number of student entrepreneurs who will move on to the regional round of competition,” explains ACE President Amy Harder. “Once again we are inspired by the level of entrepreneurial activity among youth who will drive the Canadian economy into the next century.”

For more information about the 2008 Student Entrepreneur Competition, taking place regionally and nationally, please visit www.aceexpos.ca.

About ACE
Founded in the mid-1980s, ACE is a national charitable not-for-profit organization that is teaching and igniting young Canadians to create brighter futures for themselves and their communities. Working in partnership with business and higher education, ACE provides post-secondary students with the opportunity to gain entrepreneurial and leadership skills, outside of the classroom, through a team based program, Students In Free Enterprise (SIFE) and an individual based program, Student Entrepreneur. Due to direct involvement with ACE, students move on to become entrepreneurs and business leaders who will make a meaningful contribution towards a better Canada.

Operated by ACE and proudly presented by CIBC, the Student Entrepreneur Program is the only National program to solely focus on full time Canadian post secondary student entrepreneurs. It is a program that strives to enrich participant’s lives through recognition, networking opportunities and educational tools. 

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FOR MORE INFORMATION:    
Jaime Szegvary
Director, Events and Communications
ACE (Advancing Canadian Entrepreneurship)
(P) 416.304.1566 ext 220
(C) 416.529.4093
jaime@acecanada.ca
www.aceexpos.ca

Sundial Graphics
780.438.3197
info@sundialinc.comкомпютри втора употреба
www.castyourshadow.com

Edmonton radio personality Fearless Fred, from 100.3 The Bear is now online.  Check out his new site by the Sundial design team at www.fearlessfreduniversity.com and listen in to his show weekdays from 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm at 100.3 FM on your dial.