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3… 2… 1… BLAST OFF. WELCOME TO THE NEW R2!!

Hooray! And welcome to the new R2. For those who DON’T know, R2 Media Group is a full service creative agency specializing in graphic design, web design, photography and marketing. For those who DO know us, thank you. It is only because of our uniquely loyal and diverse client base that we have been able to stay in business doing what we love to do for so long. So for that, again, thank you.

This website symbolizes the re-introduction of R2 on the world stage and with that we are chomping at the bit to see what we can do for you (and everyone you know) in 2010. With a client list that rivals those of much larger firms you can rest assured that R2 is capable of taking on your project, and knocking it out of the park. Whether your business needs a new look, a new book, or a fancy new website, R2 is capable of creating a world-class solution for whatever you can throw at us on time and on budget.

So take a look around, get a feel for what we have to offer, and give us a shot. Then get ready to be thrilled with the end result.

 
Ryan Roghaar
Ryan Roghaar
Principal

IF YOU DON’T PROMOTE YOURSELF (SHAMELESSLY), WHO WILL?

Everyone in small business has seen the stats, it is startling the number of new businesses that fail. The owners are always surprised when failure occurs because they are so confident in their product or great idea that they cannot realize why everyone isn’t going along with it. However, in most cases the reason they find themselves unsuccessful is because most forget to simply ‘promote themselves.’

If you don’t effectively promote yourself and your business how can you expect people to take an interest in your product or service? The failure to apply this simple principle is especially tragic because it really is so easy—and cost effective—to promote yourself.

By putting the following self-promotional tools to practice you will be rewarded with more, and more loyal customers—and that leads to increased revenue!
HERE ARE 6 SIMPLE, LOW COST METHODS YOU CAN USE TO PROMOTE YOURSELF:

  1. Get into directory listings. Utilizing the internet you will find that there is a plethora of industry and product specific online directories, and the beauty of the thing is that most will list your business for FREE! Take advantage of these free chances to promote yourself.
  2. Speak on what you know. Take every opportunity you can to pass your knowledge along to those seeking it. It defies logic, but many people in business—especially small business—covet their knowledge and skills and maintain a high level of secrecy. However, getting out there in your community and sharing your knowledge will not only cultivate your name and your business, but increase your knowledge by encouraging open communication.
  3. Sponsor a contest or event. This can be a fun and effective way of spreading your name, products, and services. Events that you can sprinkle your name around like block parties, softball games, or whatever, really work to get people involved and align people with your cause. “Corporate” sponsorship of people, events, teams, etc., can be a relatively low-cost way of getting your name out there.
  4. Network, network, network! There is quite possibly no more effective way of building your reputation than networking. This can be done with anyone, clients, classmates, or people at the grocery store. The more people you can meet the better. However, one specific way to really capitalize on networking is to organize groups of business and community leaders and get together to discuss the current state of things. Different businesses can share information about their companies and you about yours. This will help to build a level of camaraderie among local business owners and ultimately generate leads and income. In some communities groups like this have already been organized so if you can’t make one, join one!
  5. Get testimonials from your past and current clients. A strong testimonial is worth its weight in gold, and can really do wonders for building the confidence of prospective clients who are on the cusp of hiring you. Also, you can take this a step further and cultivate key clients into referrals that prospective clients can contact prior to deciding to do business with you.
  6. Business cards. I can’t make this point bold enough. If you don’t have a strong business card you may as well count yourself out of the running when competing with other businesses who have come prepared. If you are hoping to pitch a product or service to a prospective client or customer and cannot provide them with a clean and professional business card you are setting yourself up for failure. Business cards are relatively inexpensive to produce, and the cost of having them professionally designed is worth it. Do this and watch your leads develop into customers in no time!