In general, yard signage is not a very complicated product. Compared to say, window graphics, custom lawn signs are much more user-friendly. However, there are a few problems that occur when using them to promote your business. By reading this article, hopefully you'll be able to prevent these problems-- if they've already happened, at least you'll know how to avoid them in the future.

No response- The biggest concern when ordering yard signs is that no one will notice them, or that they will be seen but customers won't respond to them. The key to avoiding this issue is to create a design that's eye-catching and compelling. The design should be bold and visually-interesting, but not so much so that viewers are turned off by all the "noise." Make sure your content is relevant and useful-leave the customer with something after they read your message. This could be a great offer, or even a promise of great deals inside the store. You want to encourage your viewer to take action after viewing your ad.
Legal issues- Another big problem that customers sometimes run into is the legality of displaying a yard sign in your preferred location. Many building landlords, and especially neighborhood home associations, have stipulations that advertising cannot be displayed (at least during certain hours). To prevent a citation or even a waste of money from ordering products that you cannot use, always check with the appropriate parties ahead-of-time to make sure you can display your lawn signs.
Signs getting stolen- Some customers report that after ordering lawn signs, over time they find that they are stolen. While it's virtually-impossible to prevent vandalism, you can order a more-secure material as a precautionary measure. Cheap corrugated signs placed on wire stakes are easy to remove by pranksters or even someone unhappy with your message (political signs, for instance, can be polarizing). Instead, use an aluminum or metal sign mounted in an iron frame-this can still be removed, but it's much more-difficult. If this isn't enough, consider mounting your sign to the side of your building so that it cannot be removed.
Weather damage- Damage from storms and harsh weather can sometimes affect your yard signs. All yard signage materials are designed for outdoor use, however some may not last as long as others. Corrugated plastic, for instance, is water-proof, but high winds, hail, etc., could damage your sign or even blow it away. Weather can be unpredictable, but if you know a storm is coming, it's best to bring your signs inside. They're easy to remove, and you'll save money in the long run as you won't have to replace your signs.
Sign won't stay- This depends on how you choose to mount, hang, or frame your sign. If they are placed in a high wind area, it's best to mount them in a frame, as opposed to on wire stakes. In addition, thinner materials like aluminum sometimes move back and forth in a real estate frame. If this is a concern for you, most real estate frames have holes on the top and bottom which allow you to screw the sign to the frame for added stability.

Robert Kinder works as a Production Manager for a local sign company in Dallas, Texas. He has worked in the sign printing industry for over 15 years providing printing and installation for local small businesses and large corporate customers. Robert enjoys passing along his trade secrets and knowledge to help others better understand their signage and their needs. His extensive knowledge about the sign industry and hands-on experience make him an expert on everything signs.

As a veteran sign expert, Robert has extensive knowledge in retail signs and lawn signs. In his articles he covers tips for sign design, techniques for proper sign installation, common signage questions, and the different material choices for yard sign advertising like political yard signs, real estate yard signs and metal yard signs.

Phonetic Spelling

There are lots of instances that a call-center agent must give specific instructions to a client, and must resort to spelling out a word letter by individual letter in order to effectively communicate his exact message. Name verification is one good example; different races often say the same word with nasal and throat sound disparity.

In doing this, a standard set of English phonetic spelling is commonly used:

A Alpha B Bravo C Charlie
D Delta E Echo F Foxtrot
G Golf H Hotel I India
J Juliet K Kilo L Lima
M Mike N November O Oscar
P Papa Q Quebec R Romeo
S Sierra T Tango U Uniform
V Victor W Whiskey X X-ray
Y Yankee Z Zulu

The method is to say first the specific letter, then the word that the letter stands for, "A as in Alpha", for example.

When more than one of the same letter is in tandem, an intervening phrase is utilized: "M as in Mike, and then again another M as in Mike", for example

Granted, some of them already seem archaic in these modern times, six generations after they have been developed for wartime codes, therefore many call-center agents prefer to use presently more recognizable words: "Z as in Zebra", for example.

Furthermore, to prevent some clients from being irritated by words they are not so familiar with; an agent may opt to substitute another, choosing Quota instead of Quebec, Traffic instead of Tango, and Fabulous instead of Foxtrot.

Then again, with the single most important purpose being to avert confusion, especially of speakers of English only as a rudimentary language, the agent is permitted to be creative, as I once had to be:

The client on the other end of the line was quite obviously an elderly Latina matron who had a difficult time talking in English. When dictating to her my instructions wherein I had to spell out words letter by letter, almost instinctively I thought of using Spanish or Mexican first names quite common in Latin America. So, to describe to her the Internet Explorer logo, I told her to look for the "fat small letter E as in Eriberto." When I told her to type the word RUN, I told her "R as in Rodrigo, U as in Unciano, N as in Nicasio". She actually became appreciative of my efforts and I had a lot of fun, too.

Time Zones

The bulk of call-center customers reside in the United States, which due to its extended width covers six time zones, starting from the Atlantic Coast going eastward to the Pacific: Global locations must therefore take into account these time differences especially when the clientele reside in the whole length and breadth of the continent.

To enumerate and compare time differences:
Eastern Standard Time - Today 2:30 am
Central Standard Time - Today 1:30 am
Mountain Standard Time - Today 12:30 am
Pacific Standard Time - Yesterday 11:30 pm
Alaska Standard Time - Yesterday 10:30 pm
Hawaii Standard Time - Yesterday 8:30 pm

In addition, Daylight Savings Time, usually implemented from the last half of October to the first half of March to take advantage of longer daylight duration, advances by one full hour all the time set in the continental United States except Arizona.

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When making cold calls, there is one thing that you can be certain of and that is that you will run against some sort of objections from the prospect. Objections are like mini "stop signs" and the prospects use them to try to end the call. At some point on a cold call, an objection will come up and your ability to deal with it will dictate your sales effectiveness.

While you never know exactly what objection you will face, you are really only likely to face a defined set of between five to ten objections. With that being the case, you can make a list of the most common objections that apply to the products that you sell and you can script out the responses that are most likely keep the call going. If you memorize that list, you can drastically improve your cold calling effectiveness.

Below are examples of very common objections that come up on cold calls with some thoughts on responses that can keep the conversation going.

I do not have time.
The people we sell to are typically very busy and we are calling out of the blue. With that being the case, we must confirm that they not in the middle of something. If we identify that they do not have time to talk, a good response is that you can be very brief or you can ask them when the best time to call back is.

I do not have money.
When making cold calls, if the subject of not having money or budget comes up, you can redirect away from a purchase and move toward a demo or trial. Depending on what you are selling, you can state that you are not looking to sign them up and would simply like to set them up with a free trial for now.

I am not interested.
When someone says they are not interested, redirect by asking questions as to what they are doing today. This does not give fuel to their point that they don't have interest, nor does it try to overcome by trying to get them to have interest. It simply keeps the conversation going past the objection.

I am already using something today.
If they say they are already using something similar to what you are making cold calls about, redirect by asking them what they are using and how it is going. What is working well about it? What is not working well?

I am not looking right now.
If they are not looking now, position yourself as not trying to sell something now. Communicate that you are simply trying to begin a discussion and open the dialogue between you and them so they can be knowledgeable when they are ready do something.

Just send me information.
If you hear this when making cold calls, you can avoid complying by telling them that you do not have enough information to know what to send and then redirect with information gathering question.

Michael Halper is an ICF certified coach that works with individuals and organizations helping to drive growth and improvement. For more information about coaching and development visit Compass Coaching you can read more about Cold Calling Objections or Sales Coaching.

1. Differentiate:

No matter if your product is a radical innovation or a me-too product, you should be different (cheaper, more premium, tastier, bigger, smaller, etc). Remember that the #4 law (of Al Ries and Jack Trout's The 22 Immutable Laws of Marketing) says that it's more important what consumer perceives of your product than reality.

2. Novelty:

In the FMCG Industry, there are thousands of references in a typical store and you have to be able to communicate that your offer is NEW using proper packaging, design and POP.

3. Sales people ownership:

A new product won't achieve the right shelf space or get free exhibitions because it's new... Your sale force it's an important player in the early results stage, so you must involve them and get them enthusiastic about the launch.

Create an event: Sales people like to feel important, encourage their trust. Create a contest: the better they do, the better your results, little prices. Educate them: Give your sales force enough information so they can be creative, gain spaces and be ambassadors of your product.

4. Distribution:

It's easier to succeed if your product is sold where your consumer is buying... this is only possible with the effort of your sales force. It's important because if you don't have enough ND, ATL Advertising is a waste of money and could lead to consumer frustration; if you don't promote, you will hardly get your product rotation to optimum levels.

5. Point of Sale Support:

How many consumers do you think buy on "automatic mode"? (plenty) Do you think they explore every product on the shelf before picking one? (not likely). You need to get the consumer's attention so designing an impactful POP and use them wherever possible is a success strategy. Keep in mind that proper timing before launch is fundamental to see an impact on sales.

6. Consistent Message:

If you're using several channels of communication and you probably are (package, POS material, ATL, PR Event, etc) you must ensure that every channel offers the same benefits regardless of the media. One clear message is more effective than several competing benefits (Law of focus #5 - Owning a word on consumer's mind).

7. P.R. Event:

If you're launching a radical innovation, you should use Public Relations to help your product come to life. If you have your objectives clear, a PR event can create the necessary buzz for the product to become trendy. Word of advice, don't be cheap with the invitation nor the souvenir, they are key to success. ALWAYS include a product sample and if you're selling a co-dependent product, also include the required appliance (unless it's widely available)

8. Create Awareness:

You need for consumers to know your product to be successful; hence you're investing in some ATL. This is the moment to "put the fish in the table" don't keep some budget for the extra shot, this is the time to get results, whether Reach (if you have an impactful ad) or repetition (if your benefits are common). This is also the time to give samples or perhaps a free-trial to get some word-of-mouth.

9. Inventory management:

Breaking the flow of new products to the end consumer is something a few brands are allowed to err (Apple). You're probably not immune to this, so Try to best forecast your early sales and be certain that an un-forecasted over-demand can be met within a few days of the launch (you could lose the launch inertia). If you need to over produce at first, it's OK even if you have to dispose some product (but avoid this if possible).

10. Timing:

You have to know your timings, be consistent and stick to them... This is probably why most launches fail. You can use the STAGE-GATE process to keep record of everything that's happening and what to do next. Remember, good planning is better than good improvising.

Gustavo Valencia is an international, award-winning, multi-lingual Group Brand Development Manager - with the commercial and market insight, strategic timing and creative flair to project lead differentiated brand development, product positioning and marketing plans to optimize consumer awareness and GP of world-class premium brands. He writes on his blog about his marketing views.

You get your clothes cleaned when they’re dirty. You pay your bills each month. You see your doctor once or twice a year. You send cards to family-members at each birthday. So, why is it that most people (maybe even you!) don’t integrate career management into their regular routine?

Most individuals have a reactive – not a “proactive” – approach to their careers. Thinking that you only need to “fix your career when it’s broken” (i.e., when you’re laid off, downsized or just plain miserable) is a very unfortunate misconception that will seriously limit your career success!

Here are 10 other common misconceptions about career management:

1. The most qualified candidate gets the job offer.

WRONG! Many times candidates with lesser qualifications get job offers simply because they’ve prepared and presented themselves in a more compelling way. In other words, they’re better self-marketers! Being "qualified" is not enough. You must CONVINCE the employer that you're the best candidate for the job.

2. As long as I have a job, I don’t have to work on my career.

WRONG! Even if you’re employed today, you never know what may happen tomorrow! To avoid a career disaster, you should incorporate “Perpetual Career Management” into your professional life. Vital tasks like keeping your Accomplishment Stories up to date, or networking regularly with professionals in your industry, should be incorporated into your regular routine.

3. My professional education stopped when I graduated from school.

WRONG! You should always look for ways to advance your professional knowledge. Attending seminars, reading trade journals, pursuing certifications, etc. – these activities should be a part of your ongoing professional development process. It’s imperative that every professional remain current in his or her field.

4. Employers always offer the most generous compensation they can afford.

WRONG! Employers expect that you’ve done salary research, and they anticipate dynamic negotiations. In fact, they’ll often be disappointed and question your candidacy if you DON'T negotiate. Employers usually state a low salary offer merely as a “trial balloon,” to see how you’ll react – and there’s almost always room to improve on the initial compensation offer.

5. If I just do a good job, my position will be secure.

WRONG! With corporate mergers, downsizings, outsourcing and a shaky economy, NO job is secure. You must take full responsibility for your own career security.

6. My résumé is the only document I need to search for a job.

WRONG! Your résumé is just one of the 10 “tools” you need in your “Job Seeker’s Tool Kit.” In order to land a quality position in today’s market, you’ll also need Accomplishment Stories, Positioning and Exit Statements, a Professional Biography, a Target Company List, and many other vital components.

7. Recruiters will find me a job, so I don't have to search for jobs myself.

WRONG! Although recruiters can be helpful, the most successful way to find a new opportunity in today’s job market is through networking. It’s fine to use Executive Search Firms, but they’re just one vehicle for you to leverage. Only YOU can find you a new job.

8. Employers are responsible for managing my career path.

WRONG! This statement might have been true in our father’s or grandfather’s time. But now, it’s “every man for himself.” Only YOU have the power to take control of your career and manage it for success. So, make the most of it! Get support and guidance from a qualified Career Consultant if you feel that this would be helpful.

9. Networking is only for entrepreneurs and jobseekers – I don’t need to network now.

WRONG! It’s a smart career move to ALWAYS be networking, no matter what’s going in your professional life. If you don’t need help at this time, build-up your networking power by helping others. Consistent, effective networking will always pay big dividends! It’s just a natural part of ongoing career management.

10. Most good jobs are listed on Internet job sites and in newspapers, so they’re easy to identify.

WRONG! Only one percent of job postings that are on the Web or in newspapers are any good! And that’s where you'll be competing against 99% of all the other job seekers! Since these odds are not in your favor, you should spend VERY LITTLE time on this search technique – and instead, focus almost all of your time and energy on networking!

Now that you’re familiar with these deadly career misconceptions, you can easily reverse them to have a very positive impact on your career. The first step is to change your thinking, and then to practice productive new behaviors in a consistent manner!

Permission to Reprint: This article may be reprinted, provided it appears in its entirety with the following attribution: Copyright ? 2006, Ford R. Myers and Career Potential, LLC.

Ford R. Myers, career expert and author, is creator of The Ultimate Career Guide. Visit