A Peek Inside Rizzi Designs

Touching Base

2008-05-01T00:14:00.003-04:00

I'm currently working on a campaign for a client that involves baseball. As I dive into the campaign planning every day, I come up with more and more analagies for baseball and business, baseball and relationships, baseball and goals... but, what's really coming out full strength is The Journey. There are bench warmers and home run hitters in every industry.

We all need a coach and Rizzi Designs aims to be your marketing coach. Our extensive research in general marketing practices and current market trends gives our team the tools to generate creative ideas for any campaign. You're up to bat. The umpire (your critics, your clients, yourself) is tough on you. The bases are loaded. The crowd goes wild. The pitcher (the economy, changes in your industry, your strategic plan) throws a change-up pitch. A CURVE BALL! You didn't see THAT coming. Two more chances for Creative Coaching from the Rizzi Team. Don't wait until it's too late. Market yourself now!

Industry Term: Constructive Criticism
Rizzi Designs Vocab: Optimal Perspective

We're your marketing department.
Call us today for a consultation.
866.44RIZZI
Marketing fits every budget.
No marketing. No business. No lie.

Announcing Rizzi Designs Special Events Division

2008-03-04T13:11:00.006-05:00

Rizzi Designs will design your special day around YOU! The team at Rizzi Designs Special Events Division is classy and professional - We won't skip a beat on the details! Your special day will be truly unique with our creative ideas:

Carlson Craft Specialized Invitations

Personalized Gifts for Guests or Bridal Party

Creative Shower or Tabletop Favors

For more information on how Rizzi Designs Special Events Division can help you design your special day, call us today at 866.44RIZZI.

Team Rizzi Supporting JA at Crazy Bowl

2008-01-29T09:35:00.000-05:00

Numerous locals supported Junior Achievement last weekend through Crazy Bowl. Hundreds of people were bowling backwards, between legs, and sideways! It was a fun filled afternoon of friends and laughter. Team Rizzi bowled an unsurprising high score of 102 while chanting “R-I-Z-Z-I, R-I-Z-Z-I”! Scroll down to our Crazy photos.

Are you thinking about hosting a fundraising event – simple and crazy or complex and sophisticated? Rizzi Designs is a "full-service" marketing firm; we take your concept to completion and handle every aspect of marketing your company. We will assist you with every aspect of planning your event, from developing itineraries, designing presentations and confirming logistics, to coordinating the catering/hosting/decorating details. Rizzi Designs will provide the promotional products and the campaign materials as well as assemble a team of specialists to manage all key functions of your event, ensuring quality and professionalism every step of the way.

New Marketing Trends for 2008!

2008-01-02T15:56:00.000-05:00

"In 2008, you can expect major marketing trends to include:
A shift from traditional to "alternative" media advertising in newspapers and magazines, and on radio and TV will continue to be marketing staples, but spending in new media will show the biggest growth as advertisers move money into online, mobile and alternative out-of-home advertising.

In 2008, the major marketers who set the trends will help consumers adopt new media consumption methods. And they'll pave the way for small business owners to follow suit without the risk or heavy financial outlay.
Here are four ways to increase sales and your advertising ROI by capitalizing on the hottest trends for 2008.
1. Engage the customer. The move toward alternative advertising versus some of the more traditional methods coincides with the emergence of technologies that enable a one-on-one dialogue with customers. For example, follow the trend of social media by posting your products on sites that encourage customer or peer reviews. Social media add an element of impartiality and are increasingly looked to as reliable sources of information.
2. Integrate your off-line and online campaigns. Look for ways to use off-line media to drive traffic to a website with specialized landing pages that tell a deeper story. Use print and TV ads to start the customer education process and direct potential buyers online to learn more and take the next steps in the purchase process. And direct an e-mail campaign to your current customer database to offset the cost of direct mail. Simply alternate e-mail and postal mail for a cost-effective one-two punch.
3. Move some off-line dollars online. Online advertising now offers a strong alternative to some traditional media, such as print yellow pages. Consider moving some of your traditional directory advertising dollars into online directories and search engines. The vast majority of Americans research their products online before making purchases, so a paid search campaign is an ideal way to make sure you turn up at the top of search results.
4. Follow your customer. Alternative out-of-home advertising opportunities let you place your message wherever your customers go. You can put your name and company logo on the umbrellas used by urban street vendors, or name hiking trails in wilderness areas. The key to using these new opportunities effectively is to place your message where it will appear in the proper context and reach your potential customers when they are in the right frame of mind.
The new year comes full of high-return marketing opportunities. By closely watching the hottest trends, you can make smart choices that let you step ahead of your slower-moving competitors.

http://www.entrepreneur.com/marketing/marketingcolumnistkimtgordon/article188282.html

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2008-01-02T09:11:00.001-05:00

Happy New Year from Rizzi Designs!

Ring in 2008 with new marketing collateral from Rizzi Designs! We can assist you in all areas of marketing and design to better brand your business!

Check us out for weekly updates on industry trends, interesting facts and marketing tips for your business.

Motivating Marketing Tips!

2007-12-19T09:08:00.000-05:00

Motivate Your Employees, Boost Morale and Increase Productivity with Promotional Products from Rizzi Designs

Utilize Promotional Products In Your Company Today!

Staff appreciation gifts to brand your company’s image. (Polo’s, Jackets, Hats).

Fun favors for staff meetings to boost attendance and participation. (Stress Relievers, Bouncy Balls, Chocolate Candies).

Sales incentives to raise performance levels for a single goal or for a reward program. (Engraved awards, etched wine glasses, embroidered golf towels).

Employee’s anniversaries (hire date), birthdays, promotions, annual company day or special holidays.

“Monday’s Motivational Gift” (Once a month incentive program, for example, an imprinted sponge “Great Work! Let’s Soak Up Some New Ideas/Clients This Month!”)

Creative, valuable and interesting gifts will stimulate innovative ideas and performance. (Imprinted itunes Card).

Please read this article by Chris Posti for more motivating tips for internal branding!

http://www.oandp.com/edge/issues/articles/2005-11_01.asp

We Support Our Local Economy, Do You?!?

2007-12-19T08:46:00.000-05:00

Rizzi Designs are proud members of the Capital Area Local First organization in Lansing, Mi.

"Capital Area Local First (CALF) is a collaborative effort between local independent business owners, non-profit organizations and individuals in the Capital Area to support local ownership, a sense of community, and financial, environmental, and social well-being, to educate our community about the multiple benefits of locally-owned independent businesses, and to nurture relationships among locally-owned businesses."

Check us out in the "2008 Capital Area Local Business Guide" in the City Pulse this week!

When You Buy Locally:
-It Creates More Money Circulating in the Region.
-Supports Businesses Are Essential To Lansing's Local Charm.
-You Receive Customer Service From People that Care About The Product/Service.
-Local Owners Invest and Care About Our Community.

To learn more about CALF, check out its website at www.localfirst.info !

Some older pictures!

2007-12-16T23:30:00.000-05:00

Jessica and Laura, former Rizzi Designs’ interns, volunteer in the VIP Tent at Festival of the Sun 2006

Jennie E. and Megan Phee Volunteering at Oktoberfest 2006!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

2007-12-12T10:47:00.000-05:00

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas from the Rizzi Designs Team!

We will be out of the office from December 24 till January 2, 2008 to spend time with our families. Please continue to call and email us and we will get back to you as soon as possible!

And for your reading enjoyment....I found some interesting holiday shopping facts from
SeeSaw Research.

$634- The average amount of money spent by 16 to 24 year olds this holiday season, up 10% from last year – Media Post
$31.4B-Retail sales by the nation’s department stores in December 2006 – US Census Bureau
2.5%-Projected percentage growth in 2007 for US holiday sales over 2006 - Clear Thinking, Inc.
57%- The percentage of 18- to 24-year olds who report seeing digital out-of-home media in malls in the past week. – SeeSaw Networks - OTX Digital Out-of-Home Media Awareness and Attitude Study 2007
58%-The percentage of adults surveyed who report that they find digital out-of-home media unique. – SeeSaw Networks - OTX Digital Out-of-Home Media Awareness and Attitude Study 2007

How Will You Reward Your Valued Clients and Employees This Holiday Season?

2007-11-12T12:10:00.000-05:00

Are you looking for a unique, custom designed and high quality gift to give to your clients to show your appreciation this holiday season? Reward your top sales person with a 4th quarter gift with one of our custom corporate gadgets or gifts. Rizzi Designs offers creative promotional products in addition to design and marketing services. Our quality ad specialty products will generate superior brand recognition for your business or event. Visit our website at www.rizzidesigns.com and click on the promotional products link to shop online!

Call us today at 517.337.4469 and receive 10% off your first order!

Visit RD at the Get IT Growing Seminar on November 8th

2007-11-06T11:13:00.001-05:00

Rizzi Designs is a proud sponsor of the Get IT Growing Seminar Series at L.C.C. West Campus on Thursday, November 8 from 8-1 p.m. For more information and to register for the seminar please check out www.getitgrowing.info.

Hope to see you there!

Rizzi Designs Volunteers In Action!

2007-10-15T16:52:00.000-04:00

Christina, a Rizzi Designs Intern, Stands Vigil Inside the VIP Tent at Old Town's Oktoberfest 2007....More Team Pictures to Come!

Danielle working the tent at Oktoberfest.

Sandra pours some drinks.

Megan and Carla host a booth during the Grand Affair Bridal Show at the Radisson Hotel!

Old Town's Oktoberfest!

2007-10-02T14:15:00.000-04:00

Mark Your Calender for Old Town's Oktoberfest on Saturday, October 6 from 2- 10 p.m on the corner of Turner and Grand River.

Check out http://www.oldtownoktoberfest.com/ for more information.

Tickets are now available online!

Rizzi Designs Takes Branding to Another Level!

2007-09-24T11:23:00.000-04:00

Rizzi Designs understands the importance of branding your business or organization. Therefore, RD is applying the same rules of corporate marketing to help brides brand their wedding! RD will work with the bride and groom to create a theme as well as help manage the event. RD will create custom invitations, RSVP cards, reception cards, thank you notes etc to correspond with the wedding's theme. We also offer custom wedding favors and speciality gifts.

RD will be showcasing its unique gifts and beautiful invitations at a Grand Affair Bridal Show at the Radisson in downtown Lansing on Sunday, October 7 from 12- 5 p.m. Please come check it out and you may enter to win gift certificates for H&H Jewelry Designs.

For more information please call RD at 517.337.4469, send us an email at info@rizzidesigns.com or check out www.agabridalshow.com!

Hope to see you there!

A Month of Celebration!

2007-09-17T08:09:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to the Old Town Commercial Association for winning the Ikea Business Makeover Contest. 10 small business in Old Town will split the $50,000 makeover from Ikea, which includes design consultation and Ikea products! Way to go!!!

On September 12, 2007, Rochelle and Brian Rizzi welcomed a healthy and happy baby boy into the world! Rochelle is doing well and will be hanging with baby Benjamin at home for a few weeks.

Important Tips to Pump Up Your Marketing Muscle!

2007-09-04T13:47:00.000-04:00

After reading the article, "10 Steps to Building Your Marketing Muscle" by Joey Iazzetto, I've learned a few key tips. He recommends that businesses buy from a broker(RD for example) because direct purchasing of an outsourced service(like printing) is often more expensive than using a broker. A good broker has the expertise, personal contacts and relationships to optimize production which results in lower costs for you and a higher quality product without the hassles. He also recommends to "use other people's money". In other words, look for respected business professionals around you magnify your co-marketing opportunities. Along the same line, look at other businesses that are non-competitive but serve the same target market as your business for marketing opportunities. Another tip is to befriend the media(RD can help you with this!) to ensure that you are getting your marketing message out effectively and accurately. Lastly, evaluate your marketing efforts. RD can help your business measure the ROI of your marketing efforts.

Go Spartans!

The Holiday Season is Quickly Approaching!

2007-08-30T16:23:00.000-04:00

Before you know it, the holiday season will be upon us! Are you ready?! Call Rizzi Designs if you need gift ideas for your friends, family, coworkers, employees or even your BOSS!

We offer thousands of brandable products to fit within your budget! From sweatshirts to crystal awards, our product selection runs the gamut.

Already planning your marketing budget for 2008? Good for you, but don't forget to leave room for self promos for your clients, both new and old or giveaways for upcoming trade shows.

An Interesting Quote

2007-08-17T17:04:00.000-04:00

Rochelle Rizzi, Owner and Creative Director of Rizzi Designs, recently shared this quote with me....."The business enterprise has two – and only two – basic functions: marketing and innovation. Marketing and innovation produce results, all the rest are costs.” Peter Drucker.

I like it, what do you think?

16 Tips to Building a Winning Brand

2007-08-10T08:34:00.000-04:00

1. Brands are personifications of organizations, products, services and experiences and they are the source of relationships.
2. Top management support is crucial to a brand’s success.
3. A brand’s identity must be frequently and consistently presented.
4. Profound customer knowledge is essential to building winning brands.
5. The brand and its products and services must exceed customer expectations.
6. Brand building begins with awareness.
7. Relevant differentiation drives customer brand insistence.
8. A brand should strive to evoke emotions and create sensory experiences.
9. A brand should exhibit admirable human qualities.
10. A brand must stand for something.
11. Constant product and service innovation build strong brands.
12. A brand should strive to create a sense of community.
13. The corporate culture must reinforce the brand essence, promise and personality.
14. Internal brand building is essential to external brand building.
15. Front line employees are key to a brand’s success.
16. Co-creating a brand with its customers will help the brand continue to thrive.

You will know that your brand is winning in the marketplace when...

The brand is mentioned to customers and potential customers, and they brim with enthusiasm in their response.
Your brand’s external messages “ring true” with all employees.
Employees are enthusiastic and consistent in recounting what makes their brand special.
The brand’s market share is increasing.
Competitors always mention your brand as a point of reference.
The press can’t seem to write enough about your brand.
Your CEO has a strong vision for the organization and its brand. He or she talks more about the vision than financial targets.
Your organization’s leaders always seem to “talk the brand” and “walk the brand talk.”

Article from Brad VanAuken, http://www.brandingstrategyinsider.com

Email Marketing Webinar Info

2007-07-19T12:38:00.000-04:00

Hello!

I recently received an email about a new webinar to improve email marketing. It will be held on Wednesday, August 8th at 1:00 p.m and hosted by 1to1 Media, LivePerson, and GOT Corporation. The experts will address common problems and offer solutions to frustrations regarding email marketing. They will tell us:

Ways to improve deliverability.
The importance of trust and reputation.
Best practices.
Keys to better reporting.

Click on "Email Marketing at a Crossroads." to enroll!

Hello Fellow Bloggers!

2007-07-17T09:49:00.000-04:00

Welcome to the Rizzi Designs Blog! Thank you for coming. In this blog you will see posts from me about the marketing industry, new trends, hot promotional products to boost your business, photos from inside the RD office and more! So stay tuned!

Drop me a line, I'd love to hear from you!