take note

As a small business owner, I need to promote my company to help create that all-important top-of-mind awareness. When someone is planning a new project, I want them to think hey, I bet Alex would have some good ideas on how to make this work.

So I find different ways to stay in front of my clients. Social media such as Facebook and Twitter along with more traditional vehicles such as newsletters and direct mail are all valid options. But sometimes I like a more subtle approach that still carries a big wow factor.

Presenting...the Defteling Design note book!

I've been using branded note books for years, gifting them to potential clients when we first meet and taking notes in them during client meetings. After I redesigned my logo last summer, I updated my website and business cards but not much else.

Now I finally have new note books to match my visual identity and I couldn't be more pleased with how they turned out! I especially love the blind emboss revealed by the die-cut window in the French fold cover. It adds a tactile quality that really catches your eye.

It feels great to have a promo gift that is well designed, highly functional yet right on target with my brand. So if you're looking for a way to stay in front of your customer, let's talk to see what creative solution lies ahead for your company!

Printed by B&B Print Source.

russell + hazel goodness

I generally am not envious of the various annual conferences my hubby has to attend every year. So when his travels took him to Minneapolis last week, I thought "better him than me!" But when he returned filled with excitement about an über-cool store he and some colleagues visited after the daily workshops had wrapped up, I must admit I felt a tinge of jealousy.

You see, he didn't just visit any old store, he visited the mecca of well-designed desk accessories: Russell + Hazel. You may have seen their binders, planners, note book and pads on the shelves of big retailers like The Container Store. I first encountered R+H online about four years ago and I was so impressed, I promptly ordered some supplies that I use to this day.

"So," I asked full of anticipation, "what was it like? How were things displayed? Did they have an oh-so-cool studio? Show me, show me!"

Well, hubby didn't think to snap any pix but he did bring me back a stash of goodies that more than makes up for the lack of store visuals.

I'm now the proud new owner of a spiral bound note book, presentation folder, note pad and two small daily planner pads.

Everything is so well-designed, all the details well thought out, right down to the cool little envelope that holds the receipt!

And I'm inspired by their innovative tabloid-sized product catalog! Rather than follow traditional catalog design, R+H broke all the stereotypes: theirs is oversized, folded as opposed to stapled, multiple signatures (4-pagers), and printed on uncoated paper that still reproduces rich color and fine detail.


These are so beautiful that I'm seriously considering hanging them on my office wall!