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[B59]Back To Basics Professional Smoothie

by Janice Jenkins, Jan

Brochure printing is one of the more useful advertising tools for companies because of the versatility. Brochures can be used to provide clients with information to take home at business conventions or in the office. They can also be used as a direct mail piece for sending information in response to queries. The only drawback is that brochures can be difficult to design. There are many choices to be made from the type of fold to the type of layout to how much information should be included. You do not need to be a professional designer, though, to create a stunning brochure. Some basic design tips for brochure printing along with using a template will help you get started. Many printing companies offer free templates, which will help in designing the brochure according to your printer's standards.

The Planning Stage

Begin the design process by determining the audience, purpose, and style of your brochure. All three aspects should be related, and from these vital components should the choices for fonts, colors, and other design functions be made. The purpose could be to inform clients of a product line, services, or the company itself. Is your audience young middle-class married couples or single middle-class senior citizens? Given the purpose and audience, what style would help your brochure best reach your clients? For instance, use fun fonts and family-oriented photographs for a young married crowd.

The Setup Stage

The best step to take next is to choose the size and fold of the brochure. A common size is 8.5x11 and the trifold is a common folding technique, but most printers offer several options, so choose one that will match your style. Next, choose the information and images that you will include, and don't forget contact info. Remember that a brochure is not a manual but rather a short description. Then design the cover. Beginning with the front page will help you determine a "feel" to go by for the rest of the brochure. The cover should include a headline that states the purpose but also piques interest, an image that relates to the topic, and possibly a short statement or two that encourages a reader to open the brochure. Choose two typefaces, three to four colors that contrast well, and two font sizes.

The Layout Stage

Determine which information will go on which panels, and write the text being as brief as possible. Use bullets and headings to organize so that readers can easily skim the brochure and still obtain the most important information. Align the text for symmetry and be sure that pictures are lined up logically with the information to which it relates. Be consistent with the colors, fonts, and alignment to create a layout that is easy to follow and pleasing to the eye. Avoid too many boxes. Instead, use space to limit clutter and encourage movement through the brochure.

Some Final Thoughts

Before completing your brochure printing, create a few different layouts to determine which is the most captivating. Viewing some brochure samples online may also help to give you ideas and know what works and what to avoid. If you are still having trouble with the design, enlist the help of a professional. Sometimes if you have done most of the work, you can get a better deal. Check with your printing company to see if they offer design services, as this can also save money.

The key to this is coming across as well-informed and knowledgeable. This would also involve some effort from your side in the form of research. At any of the professioal conferences come prepared. It won't be a bad idea to be present in a seminar once in a while at your local B2B group. All these instances provide you the chance of showcasing your knowledge and skills so that you can prove to be a valuable asset.

From a business perspective, it is important to connect to and seek out other professionals involved in your field, or in your town. This is in no way to suggest that you forge friendships solely to further your business interests. Only that meeting relevant people is part of your professional networking plan.

You would do this because you see the merits of mutual interest in a liaison with a relevant person, in view of the way your professional environment works. If it is on a national level, your approach is naturally different than it were if you intended to establish and expand your contact base only in your chosen area of expertise.

To find these relevant people, ask people who you know have good networks and be on the lookout for chance mentions in conversations. Habitually scan newspapers to find out who the "players" are, and become acquainted with specific reasons that such people are worth knowing.

One of the most effective ways of contacting these relevant people is to contact them individually. That can also be done through writing. The letter should be short and crisp, having a brief mention about your work and company. It should also mention the aspect or the facet of the person that you happened to like the most. You should also state that you would be interested in meeting or a conference.

Do not try to be cute or self-depreciating. Also, do not flatter the person or gush about how great they are. Keep the communication to the point and professional. Additionally, do not write in a way that seems to demand a response. Be sure to phrase your letter in such a way that lets the person know you would appreciate some insight or a meeting, so long as it is not an inconvenience. And do not take it personally if you do not receive a response. Most of the time it just means that the person is swamped. You can be polite and introduce yourself if you see him or her at a conference or meeting down the road.

Face to face meetings are always a good idea. Seek out relevant people at conferences and meetings, and make an effort to introduce yourself. If you sent a letter beforehand, this acts as a great icebreaker. A face to face meeting will help you build a network that remembers who you are. And make sure to follow up. Plug members of your network, just as you would like them to plug you.

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Both Janice Jenkins & Vlad Ehrsam are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Janice Jenkins has sinced written about articles on various topics from Business Cards, Brochures and Marketing. . Janice Jenkins's top article generates over 550000 views. to your Favourites.

Vlad Ehrsam has sinced written about articles on various topics from Joint Venture, Brochures and The Internet. About the author: Vlad Ehrsam writes exclusively for , visit there today for the latest Business advice, and why not sign up for the free Business new. Vlad Ehrsam's top article generates over 74000 views. to your Favourites.