Quality book printing and binding for self-publishers.

Writing well is difficult. Transforming the words you’ve written into a beautiful, high quality book is easy!

Writers who wish to self-publish a book have an outstanding printing and binding resource. For over fifty years, the friendly professionals at Allegra have helped authors convert their unique ideas and stories into tangible form.

Allegra will be pleased to produce your self-published work in any quantity, large or small. We offer full bindery services and the ability to print on special papers and unique materials. Whether you wish your book to be hardbound or softbound, we have the equipment and experience necessary to ensure your complete satisfaction.

Your beautiful new book, produced with the same high quality offered by mainstream publishers, will be ready to shine in any bookstore or on any bookshelf!

Please give us a call. Turning your words into a high quality book is more affordable than you might think!

To learn more, phone Tom at 619.295.8307 or email Tom@allegrasandiego.com

Quotes about pursuing and achieving success.

They succeed, because they think they can.

…Virgil

That some achieve great success, is proof to all that others can achieve it as well.

…Abraham Lincoln

Nothing succeeds like success.

…Alexandre Dumas

The toughest thing about success is that you’ve got to keep on being a success.

…Irving Berlin

I have learned that success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has had to overcome while trying to succeed.

…Booker T. Washington

Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm.

…Winston Churchill

Fall down seven times, get up eight times.

…Japanese proverb

Happiness lies in the joy of achievement and the thrill of creative effort.

…Franklin D. Roosevelt

There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure.

…Colin Powell

Eighty percent of success is showing up.

…Woody Allen

I don’t measure a man’s success by how high he climbs but how high he bounces when he hits bottom.

…George S. Patton

Without continual growth and progress, such words as improvement, achievement, and success have no meaning.

…Benjamin Franklin

Don’t confuse fame with success. Madonna is one; Helen Keller is the other.

…Erma Bombeck

Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value.

…Albert Einstein

Make your business pitch in a San Diego elevator!

Opportunities to pitch your business, product or service in San Diego are endless. After all, there are hundreds of elevators!

Exactly how do you formulate an effective elevator pitch?

Think of your pitch as a quick verbal summary of your business plan. What does your company do? How is its product or service unique? How is value added for your customers? Why is your company best?

You must also answer the following two questions: Why should the conversation be resumed at a later time? Why are you trustworthy?

Being personable will help to establish trust. Being positive will help to create interest. Being clear will help to get your message across. But brevity, like the soul of wit, is of the utmost importance. You must convey the critical information in a few memorable words to make a lasting impression. Elevator rides last one minute or less.

Your firm handshake and business card should also be at the ready.

Practice your pitch in the elevator or the lunch room at work. Friendly coworkers will give you spirited feedback!

Errors to avoid when writing business copy.

Nothing damages credibility like poor writing, or a careless error. Your company will not be portrayed in a good light if blunders show up in your copy writing.

You’ve spent hours crafting a careful message, so don’t be impatient with your proofreading. Your business depends on communication. Perfection should be your goal.

What are some common errors?

Run-on sentences.

Sentences composed of many clauses quickly become confusing. It’s often better to transform those clauses into individual sentences. Your writing must be easily understood by any reader.

Dangling modifiers.

While casual speech often contains dangling modifiers, written language should not. Grammar is important. A sentence should never be ambiguous or susceptible to misinterpretation.

Misspellings.

Don’t rely entirely on your spell-check program. The words “there” and “their” are both spelled correctly, but if you use the wrong one, many readers will wince.

Overused words.

You know how, like, certain people use the word “like” frequently? It, like, really annoys me. Watch out for the repetition of words–even when it’s accidental.

Inappropriate words.

Don’t try to impress your reader with big words that don’t fit. Be clear and precise to make your message easily comprehended. Use fitting words.

Empty words.

Don’t waste your reader’s attention with pointless words. These typically are adjectives or adverbs which add nothing of substance to your copy. Be concise. Cut them out.

Free marketing consultation for your business.

Does your business or organization require a comprehensive marketing analysis and makeover?

The experienced professionals at Allegra Marketing – Print – Web – Mail, San Diego would be pleased to help you. Learn how you can achieve your business goals with a free strategic marketing consultation.

Small businesses and nonprofits that have been relying on random acts of marketing — with disappointing results — can look to Allegra as a one-stop resource for effective strategic marketing services.

“Changes in the marketplace have made more sophisticated marketing strategies a necessity for companies of all sizes,” John Ferrari, Allegra President, has explained. “For some smaller organizations, accessing the talent and tools that they need can be cost-prohibitive. We are able to pass along numerous efficiencies in time and dollars by having in-house graphic designers, full-service printing technologies and mailing services that reduce postal costs.”

The recent economic challenges have driven some small businesses to scale back their marketing efforts. Those who stay active with their marketing come out much further ahead in a recovery.

In a study of the 1981-82 recession, McGraw-Hill Research analyzed 600 companies representing 16 industries. Firms that maintained or increased their marketing presence averaged significantly higher sales growth, both during the recession and for the following three years. By 1985, the sales of companies that were aggressive recession marketers had risen 256 percent over those who were not.

Allegra San Diego offers a full spectrum of marketing services. In addition to consultation, we offer copyrighting, brand development, graphic design services and targeted direct mail marketing. We provide assistance with the building, updating and maintenance of websites, website promotion, search engine optimization (SEO), email marketing and the implementation of social media such as Facebook and LinkedIn

To complement your marketing campaign, we offer full service printing, including offset and digital printing, large format signs, posters and banners, complete finishing services, promotional products and print management solutions.

Allegra San Diego has been a leading marketing solutions and graphic communications provider for over 50 years. We are a member of Allegra Network LLC, one of the world’s largest marketing, print and graphic communications franchises linking more than 500 locations in North America.

For your free strategic marketing consultation, please call Jen Smith at 619.295.8307, or email Jen@allegrasandiego.com.

Celebrate small business week in San Diego!

National Small Business Week kicked off on Monday in San Diego, and across the nation. This week was officially designated to recognize the important contributions of small business owners. It celebrates entrepreneurship and job creation.

According to the Small Business Administration, over 50 percent of Americans either own or work for a small business. Every year these businesses are responsible for two thirds of all new jobs created.

Congratulations to those people who work hard, take risks and sacrifice in order to pursue their dreams! Continued success and enjoy your week!

How to find media outlets for a marketing campaign.

Do you want to grow your business? Are you contemplating a marketing campaign using local media, but don’t know where you might advertise?

To find useful information on prominent local media outlets, check out the following:

–Wikipedia.org offers information on print and broadcast media per city/metro area.

–Mondotimes.com covers newspapers, magazines, radio and TV stations in most major markets.

–Chamber of Commerce sites often list major media outlets.

–City websites often have a section dedicated to a review of local media.

…

We all know it’s not smart to make ineffective investments. So how do you get the most bang for your advertising dollar? To research the price to performance ratio of various media types, you can check out:

–Web Marketing Association at webmarketingassociation.org

–Direct Marketing Association at the-dma.org

–American Teleservices Association at ataconnect.org

–Constant Contact Email Marketing at constantcontact.com

–Newspaper Association of America at naa.org

–Magazine Publishers of America at magazine.org

–Yellow Pages Association at buyyellow.com

–Radio Advertising Bureau at rab.com

–Cable Television Advertising Bureau at onetvworld.org

Which font conveys the most authority?

Both writers and graphic designers want to make an impact. They want their words to seem truthful and authoritative. The written word is a form of communication that tends to convey authority, but which font does this best?

Here’s an interesting article that explains why the Baskerville font is believed to create the most credulity among readers. This unadorned font allows almost unconscious absorption of information, making statements more likely to be accepted and less likely to be dismissed.

The second most authoritative font is Computer Modern.

How to prepare for a successful trade show.

Trade shows are an excellent opportunity to make sales, build relationships and collect qualified leads. To prepare for your successful participation, you should consider following these steps:

1. Set specific goals.

Have a plan outlined with measurable goals. Are you introducing a new product or announcing an improved service? Are you prospecting for new business? Set your objectives, then track the results.

2. Develop a follow-up plan.

Make sure you have a lead fulfillment system already in place. You might prepare a follow-up package ready to mail after the trade show. Include a letter that can be personalized with a hand written note referencing your initial conversation at the show. Industry statistics reveal that 89 percent of exhibitors go with the intention of gathering leads, but only 21 percent of the leads are followed up on. Prepare ahead!

3. Build pre-show interest.

Know your audience. Request a registration list from the event organizer and try to identify suitable prospects. Create buzz about your participation prior to the show by sending a mail piece to targeted prospects. Include a simple card that can be redeemed at your booth for something of value.

4. Use public relations.

Many organizations will publish a guide for attendees that includes exhibitor profiles. Contact the event organizer well in advance of the show to see how you might be featured. Learn the editor’s name and forward a news release focusing on what’s new about your products and services. Be sure to follow up with the editor to offer additional information if needed.

5. Choose your staff.

Your enthusiastic staff should be easily identifiable through dress and present a professional image. Use your top salespeople. Encourage personal goals and have rewards and recognition for a job well done.

6. Select printed materials.

Determine the amount of business cards, brochures and flyers you want to have on hand. Save your high quality brochures that show off your capabilities for qualified leads or a follow-up mailing. Provide compelling reasons for future contact.

7. Choose premiums.

Some shows are marketed with a specific theme. You can tie into the overall theme or create your own. Your giveaways should be memorable and complement your marketing message. It’s best if they are used as a “thank you” for participating in a demonstration or survey.

Increase the online visibility of a small business.

When potential customers search the internet, do they immediately see your business? Or do they see the competition?

Today, it’s essential to have high visibility online. Particularly if you’re a small business. To be successful, consumers must find you.

Millions of consumers regularly use online searches to find local information, including local products and services. There are over two billion unique searches with local intent each month on Google. On mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets, over 50 percent of all searches have local intent. Research shows 82 percent of consumers have used the internet to find a local business.

Your online visibility is critically important, and it is impacted by something called Local Search.

Local Search is today’s Yellow Pages. It is a prominent part of many search engine results. You’ve probably seen it while using Google.

Local Search occurs when someone types a geographic keyword in a search to find a nearby business. Take, for example, the search “San Diego collision repair”. Local Search will not only deliver the websites of individual businesses, and a map of those located nearby, but also listings for San Diego body shops on popular directory sites such as Yelp.com, Superpages.com and Yellowpages.com.

Claiming your business listings on these internet directories will lead more customers to your door.

By claiming these listings, you will be seen by consumers who utilize online directories. It will also improve your website’s SEO, boosting the position of your company’s website in organic search engine results. In addition, your business will have a greater chance to appear in the prominent Local Search results, and on the resulting map of local businesses.

Allegra Marketing – Print – Web – Mail, San Diego would be pleased to help you. We offer a low-cost program designed to improve your online visibility. We will:

1. Provide a full review of your presence on up to 12 local search engines.

2. Assess industry specific online directories that are targeted to your business type.

3. Create a comprehensive profile for your business listings.

4. Implement an improved online presence through population of your local business listings on the following directories:

Google+
Yahoo Local
Bing Local
Best of the Web
HotFrog
Foursquare
Local.com
Yelp
Super Pages
YP (Yellow Pages)
City Search
InfoGroup
PrimePlace

To learn more about this affordable program and increase your visibility on the internet, please call Jen Smith at 619.295.8307, or email Jen@allegrasandiego.com