Information Desk

Postcard Tips

Postcards aren’t just for vacations anymore. In fact, they’re one of the fastest, easiest and least expensive ways to promote your business. To help you tap into the power of postcards, MailShop USA offers a free Postcard Production Kit that includes a handbook packed with useful, moneysaving tips. You also get a handy production checklist designed to help you launch a flawless direct mail postcard campaign. For your free kit, write to Free Postcard Production Kit, MailShop USA, 2495 Boulevard of the Generals, Suite 1024, Norristown, PA 19403. Or call 800-432-9870, ext. 3536.

Lights Out

The high cost of electricity is enough to give any small-business owner the shakes when the bill rolls in each month. But just because energy expenses contribute to the cost of doing business doesn’t mean you have to let them gobble up a significant chunk of your profits. Energy-Saving Tips for Small Businesses: Hands on Solutions to Improve Your Profits and Productivity is a free booklet from the Department of Energy that lists simple steps you can take to create a more energy-efficient office. By choosing the measures that fit your situation, you can save your business a bundle in energy costs. For your free copy, write to: EREC, P.O. Box 3048, Merrifield, VA 22116. Or call 800-363-3732. You can also read the booklet online at www.eren.doe.gov.

Air Traffic Control

Whether you’re flying for business or pleasure, the skies aren’t always friendly this hectic time of year. Increased seasonal traffic coupled with heightened security and the usual obstacles -- lost luggage, overbooking and delays -- can create headaches for any traveler. Before you book your next flight, get the free Air Travel Consumer Report, published each month by the U.S. Department of Transportation. This report gives you the latest information about the quality of services provided by the 10 major U.S. airlines. It’s divided into four major sections: flight delays, mishandled baggage, over-sales and consumer complaints. Get your free copy by writing to: Office of Aviation Enforcement and Proceedings, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 7th Street SW, C-75/Room 4107, Washington, D.C. 20590.

Marketing Cures

Quick prescriptions for ailing marketing programs can be found online at the Promotion Clinic. This Web site, launched by the Promotional Products Association International (PPA), offers workable ideas to boost floundering marketing campaigns through the use of promotional products. At the clinic, you get information by visiting different rooms, including:

  • Diagnosis Room -- “prescriptions” in the form of case histories of successful promotional products campaigns
  • Promotional Clinic Library -- user-friendly information about the promotional products medium
  • Emergency Room -- snappy ideas and clever tips for successful promotions
  • Outpatient Services -- links to the promotion doctor’s favorite Web sites

In addition, if you select the medicine bag, you can fill out a form to receive a free doctor’s kit packed with a sampling of promotional products and information about the industry. Visit the Promotion Clinic at www.promotion-clinic.ppa.org.

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