image via Starwars.com

It’s May 4th, and the entire internet is in the grips of Star Wars hysteria. “May the 4th Be With You” has become an annual celebration of everything there is to love about the iconic film franchise, from the mystical Force to the thrilling lightsaber battles to the awe-inspiring spaceships. With amateur Jedis all over the internet and the critical and commercial success of “The Force Awakens” and “Rogue One”, Star Wars looks set to remain one of the nation’s biggest media phenomenon for years to come.

It’s easy, then, to forget that things weren’t looking quite so rosy just a few years ago. Part of the reason that Star Wars has seen such a resurgence of enthusiasm is because the much-maligned prequel trilogy went a long way toward erasing the goodwill created by the original films. The poor writing, wooden acting, and ridiculous plot changes (midichlorians anyone?) alienated a lot of the series’ die-hard fans. The backlash was swift, violent, and prolonged. Even with as much equity as Star Wars had built up with their fanbase, it wasn’t enough to keep people from being bothered, even offended, by George Lucas’ prequel trilogy.

How we got from there to here is an interesting story, and an instructive one for anyone who runs their own business. In many ways, the story of the Star Wars franchise has mirrored the plot of the iconic original trilogy. It’s a tale of triumph, failure, and ultimate redemption. Here are just a few of the lessons your business could learn from the rise and fall and rise of Star Wars.

Go With What Got You There

image via Starwars.com
The original Star Wars trilogy was a timeless tale of a relatable hero, capable of greatness far beyond his present circumstances, going out into a dangerous, exciting universe to find his destiny. It’s the stuff that fairy tales and legends are made of, a tale as old as storytelling. The lightsabers and the star destroyers and the aliens were just window dressing for a classic story of a man realizing his hidden potential.

The prequels, on the other hand, are about intergalactic trade disputes, politics, and the vagaries of war. Not that those are inherently bad topics, it’s just not what made the original trilogy so beloved. People wanted a sense of wonder and exploration and instead they got factions bickering about Senate representation and trade policy.

It’s no surprise, then, that “The Force Awakens” recaptured so many wayward fans by recreating the blueprint that George Lucas used to such effect with the original films. There’s a place out there for movies about trade disputes, but what Star Wars fans want is Star Wars. What do your customers want? It’s a safe bet that what they want today are the same things that made you a success in the first place.

Fresh Eyes See Clearly

It’s no surprise that Star Wars’ resurgence came at the same time Disney took over ownership of the franchise. Sometimes, it takes an outside perspective to really identify problems or potential. Being too close to a situations makes it hard to see the forest for the trees.

Now that’s not to say you should do what George Lucas did and sell off your company to the highest bidder. Be aware, though, that another perspective offers valuable insights into why you’re succeeding or failing and makes it easier to devise a proper business strategy. Whether it’s a management shakeup, bringing in outside consultants, or just bringing in some new blood, do something to make sure your perspective on your own success doesn’t become stale.

Merchandising Works

image via ThinkGeek
This is the one thing Star Wars has always done well. From the start, Star Wars was more than just a movie. It was toys, lunchboxes, video games, t-shirts, keychains, and every other thing they could fit a Star Wars logo on. They knew that the more pervasive they made their name and logo, the more brand equity they were building.

If you want to employ the same strategy, head over to our store and browse our custom promos. We’re experts at finding ways to get your branding in front of as many eyes as possible. Who knows? Maybe with a little bit of help from our experts, your business might be the next to get a whole day of the year dedicated to it. In the meantime, May the 4th be with you!

As you are no doubt aware, Tax Day is upon us once again. April 18 has become a modern-day Ides of March, the most dreaded day of the entire year. For the last few weeks, your accounting department has probably been putting in long hours trying to make sure all of your ducks are in a row. The ultimate goal is to avoid the single most ominous term in the world of business – an IRS audit.

Being audited is a nightmare. It’s time-consuming, inconvenient, and expensive. Even if you have nothing to hide, the sheer volume of work involved in being audited can throw a wrench into all of your other plans. You have to prove that you’ve followed a series of increasingly arcane rules to the letter, and for a small business that doesn’t leave much time or energy for the things you want to do, like market, expand, and grow.

The IRS may have made audit a terrifying word, but the fact is that auditing your own business, taking a close look at what you’ve been doing and forcing yourself to defend your own decisions, is actually a great way to avoid waste, focus your efforts, and make sure that every move you make is the right move for your company.

Keep doing your best to avoid those IRS audits, but starting this year, we recommend you use Tax Day as a reminder to audit yourself. Look at everything you’ve been doing critically and figure out what should stay, what should go, and where your resources could be reallocated for maximum effect.

To help you get started, here are a few quick ways you can audit your own business and stay on the path to success.

1. Marketing

Marketing is probably the easiest part of your business to audit. You have a solid record of exactly where and when you spent your money. Compare that to your customer records. Notice a big spike after you ran those radio spots, but less movement when you took out an ad in that local weekly? Sounds like it’s time to put more of your budget into radio ads.

Online marketing is even easier to track. You can see exactly how well your click ads are performing with a simple glance at your analytics. Are you driving enough traffic to your site? If not, consider trying different keywords or rewriting your ad copy.

All it takes is a little bit of research to get the most out of your marketing plan. And if you’re looking for new ideas, consider trying some of rushIMPRINT’s custom branded merchandise. It’s one of the most proven, effective ways to advertise your business.

2. Expenses

It sounds obvious, but you’d be shocked how many businesses fail to properly track their expenses. Sure, there’s an accounting department that keeps painstaking records of those things, but oftentimes the company’s leadership is uninformed or uninterested when it comes to total expenditures.

Don’t let a dollar slip past you that you don’t know about. The IRS certainly doesn’t, and this is one case where you could really stand to take a page from their book. Spend a few days closely examining your expenses. You might be surprised what you’re still spending money on. Chances are you’ll find dozens of places to cut that will improve your profitability and make your whole business more efficient.

3. Operations

It’s easy for an office to fall into the mindset of doing things a certain way because that’s the way they’ve always been done. This path of least resistance creates inefficiencies at an alarming rate. This year, take a look at everything you do in your office, from how you handle break times to office hours to scheduling. There’s no doubt you have a good reason for the way you run your business, but by forcing yourself to defend your own practices, you might be surprised how many little things you find that could be done better.

Obviously, this is just a start. By taking a look at these three areas, though, your audit will be well underway. The key is to leave no stone unturned when examining your own company. It’s just as important to make it an annual event. A lot can change in a year, and what’s best for you today might be a hindrance in 12 months. A yearly self-audit is a great way to turn the terror of tax day into a hopeful future for your business.

It’s April 1st, better known as April Fools’ Day, and you’ve no doubt spent the entire day looking over your shoulder. This is, after all, the one day of the year that it’s not only acceptable to pull pranks, it’s expected. You’re not about to fall for it again, so you’re going to spend all day with your head on a swivel and your skepticism on full power.

In other words, goof or get goofed…

It’s a good idea to stay vigilant on April Fools’ Day, because no one wants to wind up on the wrong end of a prank. Merry japes are all well and good, as long as you’re not on the receiving end. Here’s the thing, though. A lot of business owners fail to apply that same level of caution to their business dealings, where the stakes are a lot higher than maybe sitting on a whoopie cushion.

In honor of April Fools’ Day, here’s a list of common business pitfalls to keep an eye out for. With a cautious, measured approach, you can avoid being a fool the other 364 days of the year too.

1. Believing Everything You Hear

This is the foundational mistake at the heart of most April Fools’ Pranks and a lot of business failures. A lot of business owners have been burned by taking contractors or third parties at their word without doing their due diligence. If someone calls you on April 1 and tells you that your house is on fire, you’re probably going to take it with a grain of salt because your defenses are already up. Treat all of your business relationships the same way. Don’t accept promises, demand proof. Not only that, make sure you are contractually protected if anything does go wrong.

2. Missing Opportunities

The key to a successful April Fools’ Day prank is knowing where your friends are vulnerable and capitalizing on those weaknesses. Believe it or not, succeeding in business operates the same way that succeeding as a prankster does. You have to look at your market and figure out the soft spots and then target them aggressively. By addressing concerns that aren’t being met or filling important but neglected niches, you make your business indispensable to your customers. A good prankster sees an opportunity and grabs it with both hands. A smart business owner does the same thing.

3. Going Halfway

The biggest difference between a failed prank and a successful one is commitment. Think of all the times you’ve been made an April Fool. I bet the times you really fell for it all had one thing in common. It’s the elaborate, out-of-the-box pranks that really reel us in. You don’t really embarrass your friends and family by going with the old standbys or half-heartedly coming up with something. The pranks that live on in legend are the result of thought, planning, and fully committing to the joke.

This, more than anything, is where a successful prank and a successful business come together. Sure you can open a business and do what everyone else is doing. You can fail to innovate, fail to do all the hard work required to really stand out from the crowded pack. Maybe your business will manage to scrape by. If you want real, lasting success, though, you can’t settle for half measures.

It’s difficult to pull off a really successful prank on a day when everyone is expecting it, but it still happens year after year. That’s because with smart planning and creative thinking, there’s no obstacle that you can’t overcome. It’s true in the world of pranks, and it’s true in business.

Just watch out for these pitfalls and your business is on the road to success. Spend the entire year with an April Fools’ Day mindset, and next April, you’re sure to be the one laughing.

You might not realize it if you don’t live in New Orleans, but Fat Tuesday is here again. For the uninitiated, that means that America’s most famous party, Mardi Gras, is in full swing. Whether they’ve experienced it or not, everyone is familiar with Mardi Gras, the street carnival that takes over Louisiana once a year, filling the French Quarter with parades, masks, flying beads, and thousands of enthusiastic visitors. Mardi Gras started as a quaint local tradition, but it’s grown to become big business and an integral part of Louisiana’s economy. How did Mardi Gras go from a New Orleans tradition to a national industry? There are some instructive lessons for anyone looking to grow their business in how it happened.

Everyone Loves an Event

Quite simply, people love Mardi Gras because people love parties, and Mardi Gras is the biggest and most flamboyant party you’ll find anywhere in America. The sheer volume of people, the historic setting, and the famous traditions like parades, beads, and masks, all make Mardi Gras one of the biggest tourist events of the year.

Now, it might be difficult for you to recreate Mardi Gras in your own store. After all, a parade down your aisles or through the parking lot might lack some of the impact. The fundamental fact, though, is that people love events. They love any excuse to get out and party, to mingle with other people, and to have a good time.

Why not take advantage of that impulse at your own business? Special events, parties, cookouts, you name it; all are effective ways to get people through your doors or onto your lot who might not come otherwise.

Fun Sells

Mardi Gras has become a national event because people love to spend money to have fun. Once again, that doesn’t mean you should try to recreate Mardi Gras on your own, but there’s definitely a lesson in how many people travel to New Orleans from across the globe just to participate.

By thinking outside the box and doing something fun and quirky, you attract customers who might never have given your business a second thought. The unique local flavor of Mardi Gras is what makes it more than just another party. Try to plan events at your business that incorporate some of your area’s local traditions, or just think of ways to make your sale, event, or giveaway stand out from the crowd.

Free is the Most Attractive Price

If there is one thing everyone immediately associates with Mardi Gras, it’s the beads. They fly fast and free throughout the festival, and people are ecstatic every time they catch a strand. Partygoers will scream, dance, sing, and even enter various states of undress just to get a string of beads. It’s the best example imaginable of how much people love getting things for free, no matter what they are.

If people will go to such lengths just to get a strand of beads, it stands to reason you should have no trouble getting people through your doors if you offer them something they can actually use. Try hosting a giveaway, and you’ll be shocked at how many customers you can attract. If you aren’t sure what to give away, check our page of best-selling promos. We have hundreds of useful, cost-effective items that will get customers through your doors. Best of all, our custom branded merchandise is emblazoned with your logo, so they’ll have your business on their mind each and every time they use it.

Whether you’re planning to hit the streets for Mardi Gras or just spending another night at home, there’s a lot you can learn about how to grow your business by looking at the success of Mardi Gras. Throw your own party, do something fun and quirky, and give your customers something free to remember you by, and your business might just become the next national phenomenon.

It’s Presidents’ Day, the day we set aside to honor the great men who have led the United States. The history of the Presidency is one of colossal triumphs, memorable failures, and endurance in the face of unimaginable obstacles. As managers and business owners, there are countless lessons we can learn from the decisions made by these giants.

George Washington: Make the Most of What You Have

Washington is arguably the most famous man ever to hold the office of President. He’s become as much a folk hero as an actual man at this point, but there’s no doubt he had some very real accomplishments in his long and storied career. As great a President as he was, though, he was probably an even better General. As the head of an outmanned, outsupplied army, Washington routinely made the most of a bad situation through tactical genius and a clever allocation of resources.

Follow his example in leading your own business. Sometimes, it’s not about how much you have, it’s about how creatively you can put your resources to use. Know when to make a tactical retreat and when to charge forward despite long odds. You might start out as an underdog, but marshal your forces properly and you could become a legend.

Jefferson, Madison, & Monroe: Be Growth Oriented

Obviously, the Declaration of Independence is the seminal moment in United States History. In terms of shaping the country that we know today, though, nothing rivals the importance of The Louisiana Purchase. Where France saw the opportunity to make a quick profit, these visionaries saw a future bound only by geography. Their foresight, going deeply into debt in order to massively expand the fledgling country’s territory, created the America we know today, one that spans from sea to shining sea.

Apply that same big thinking to your business. Don’t be content with what you have. Look for every opportunity to grow and expand your company. Take big risks in order to reap huge rewards. Carve out a bigger space for yourself in the current business landscape.

Teddy Roosevelt: Speak Softly & Carry a Big Stick

This phrase has become a time-worn cliché for a reason. Some leaders choose to rule through fear, constantly making threats and using derision as a motivational tool. Effective managers, as Teddy Roosevelt could have told you, lead by example and always handle their subordinates with a deft hand.

To get the most out of your employees, treat them respectfully and give them room to maneuver, but make your expectations clear and back them up with definite consequences. It’s good to be permissive to a point, but only as long as the necessary work is getting done.

Obviously, these are just a few examples of the lessons you can learn from America’s Presidents. Each President has similar lessons, and a good manager could pick up some invaluable advice by following their examples. You’ll gain inspiration to move forward and learn quite a few pitfalls to avoid. Just remember that, regardless of their legacies, each of these men achieved something amazing, so look to them for example.

February is here, and love is in the air. Cupid’s bow is strung, florists are getting ready to work overtime, and the lovebirds are chirping. That’s right, it’s Valentine’s Day, the holiday where we celebrate love in all its wondrous forms, from schoolyard crushes to golden anniversaries.

Obviously, Valentine’s Day is mainly for couples, but there’s no reason your business can’t get in on the fun of the season. Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to host a romantically themed promotion that will have your customers head over heels. After all, who doesn’t love a gift on Valentine’s Day?

A free giveaway is the fastest way to any customer’s heart. Whether it’s an item designed to get them in the door or a free gift with purchase, no one has ever struck out offering something for nothing. It’s a proposition that’s sure to please your customers, no matter who they are.

One of the best ways to entice customers to your store for Valentine’s Day is to sweeten the deal. After all, nothing tugs at the heartstrings quite like chocolate. Why not hand out some chocolate candies with your logo prominently displayed to get people in the door? After all, the best way to close a deal is to seal it with a kiss.

Speaking of smooches, isn’t stealing a kiss what Valentine’s Day is really about? Your customers have been waiting for weeks for the chance to lock lips with that special someone. Help them get ready for the big moment with some custom gum or custom mints. They’ll appreciate you coming through for them, and they’ll know exactly who to thank, since your logo is right there on the package. Talk about positive mental association.

When you picture a Valentine’s Day celebration, you see white tablecloths, candlelight, roses and a good bottle of wine. With your help, your customers can enjoy a romantic two-for-one thanks to our custom Rosewood Bottle Opener. And since it’s not very debonair to drink right out of the bottle, why not toss in some custom wine glasses?

The ultimate goal of Valentine’s Day is to set the right mood for romance. When it comes time for your customers to set the tone, why not do your part and secure your company’s spot as the ultimate wingman? With our line of custom aromatherapy products, your customers are going to have no problem putting a little romance in the air.

Valentine’s Day is about sharing the love, and a free giveaway is an amazing way to set customers’ hearts aflutter. It’s a fun, effective way to drive business to your company and build some goodwill with current and potential customers. When you can generate new business, attract new customers, and spread a little love in the world at the same time, that’s amore.

A new year is finally here. The gifts have been given, the champagne toasts have been made. Now, things are starting to get back to normal. We’re all back at work full time and ready to start making this the best year yet.

The only way to make sure your next year is always your best is to take some time and look back. What about 2016 do you wish had come out differently? If you could do it all over again, what would you change? Every mistake and shortcoming is a learning experience.

Successful business owners examine those bumps in the road and use them to draw a better map for the future. What better time to look forward than at the start of a new year? We all make “New Year’s Resolutions” in our personal lives, and it’s a great idea to bring the practice to your office as well.

Obviously, you know your business best. You know better than anyone what your strengths are, where your weaknesses lie, and what is going to be most effective for you. Still, there are a few easy resolutions that are beneficial for any business.

1) Dial it Back

Ultimately, you want to grow your business. Sometimes, though, you have to take a step back to take two steps forward. The unfortunate reality is that not every idea works. Savvy business owners are constantly looking for ways to streamline their operation.

Sometimes, the best thing you can do is pull the plug on a product or a project that isn’t performing. That way, you free up resources for other, potentially more lucrative uses. Constructive trimming of your business practices is one of the most effective ways to keep yourself headed in the right direction.

2) Pay it Forward

No business exists in a vacuum. Employees, customers, clients, vendors, and contractors all play an important role in making your company a success. This year, resolve to do everything you can to strengthen those relationships. One of the best ways to show your appreciation is with a tangible display.

Our line of custom branded merchandise helps business owners cement those important business relationships. Whether you’re running a free giveaway, holding an employee appreciation event, or looking for the perfect gift to seal a big business deal, we have the right item to you. If you resolve yourself to celebrate your business relationships, we’re the perfect strategic partner.

3) Keep it Moving

This is the most important resolution you can make. It’s important to look at where you’ve been and to celebrate what got you there, but this is about what lies ahead. Take a brief time to consider the year that just passed and then keep your eyes firmly on the road.

Whether it’s a new product launch, a new hire, a new location, a new product, or a new marketing campaign, resolve to grow your business this year. Don’t rest on your laurels, don’t be content. We can all do better. Your resolution should be to make this year the biggest year possible.

By making these simple New Year’s Resolutions, you’ll be taking the first steps toward a prosperous year. It’s a great way to focus your attention and help you plan the best possible strategy. When you look back next year, you won’t believe how far you’ve come.

From late November through January 1, the United States is fully immersed in what is generally called “Holiday Season.” It starts with Thanksgiving and doesn’t stop until we ring in the New Year. In between, we celebrate Hannukah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, and a host of other festive events.

One international Holiday that’s never really caught on in the United States, though, is Boxing Day. Widely celebrated in the UK and Canada, Boxing Day is a day set aside to celebrate professional relationships. What began as the traditional day for employers to provide gifts for their servants has grown into an opportunity for business owners to honor their employees and independent tradesmen with whom they do business.

Traditions Have to Start Somewhere

Boxing Day may not be widely celebrated in the United States, but there’s no time like the present to start a new tradition for your business. Think of all the hard work your employees, contractors, and clients have put in to make your business so successful. Boxing Day is a perfect opportunity to celebrate their hard work in a way that is unconnected to any of the religious or cultural significance of the more widely-celebrated holidays. In a diverse workplace, it gives you a chance to show some extra appreciation for your employees and clients without stepping on any toes.

A Modern Twist

Regardless of its origins, the spirit of Boxing Day is giving something back to those who help you every other day of the year. For a modern business owner, that could include everyone from your valued employees to your building’s maintenance staff to the freelance contractors you use from time to time. All of these people are part of making your business successful, and Boxing Day is the perfect time to show your appreciation.

Rush Imprint offers a full line of custom products that will help you show your appreciation to customers and clients alike. From golf balls to delicious towers of yummy treats, these custom-branded gifts are the best way to let the people who help propel your business forward know how much it means to you.

For your employees, we offer custom-branded outerwear that will help keep them comfortable during the cold winter months. These are a perfect way to show a little Boxing Day appreciation and build team spirit in your office at the same time.

Gifts on the Go

Let’s face it, it wouldn’t be a proper holiday if you didn’t sometimes forget a gift until the last minute. Have no fear, though. Thanks to our line of custom products with free rush production, you can make sure your employees, clients, and customers go home with a box full of treats no matter how late you put it off. They’re a perfect way to squeeze in a thank you during your hectic holiday schedule.

While you’re already in the Holiday spirit, why not add a new one to the calendar this year? There’s no such thing as too many gifts, and Boxing Day is a great, fun way to spread some holiday cheer around the office without making anyone feel uncomfortable. It’s something your entire company can enjoy together and adds just the right amount of extra flavor to the most wonderful time of the year.