You've gotta have heart.....

I want everyone to like me.  I understand this is a fault when running a business.  Because I want everyone to like me, I sometimes make decisions that are not necessarily in my company's best interests.  

When someone doesn't like me, then my feelings are hurt - even though (as I am told) it is just business, not meant to be taken personally.  I've been told these feelings have no place in business.   However, I want eStyle Caps to be known as a company with a heart.  So, my company's heart may have a few cracks in it - but it's in the right place!

We need more heart in business these days. 

My philosophy....

We ebb and we flow....

I am, by nature, one who responds best to CHAOS.  If life is filled to the brim, business is over flowing and opportunities abound - then I am happy.  However, when the reverse is true, I am practically paralyzed.  Why is this I wonder?

Too much time on my hands and I sit and stare ahead, trying to think of things to do or words to write.  Should I use this time to look for new business, correspond with old friends or customers, work on my book?  Yes!  Do I - no.

Not sure what it is about activity that breeds activity and stagnation that breeds the same.  It should, in my opinion, be vice versa.  When you aren't busy - do a flurry of things that will generate business.  When you are, learn to find the space and time to relax.  But no, right now my nose is to the ground looking for the next crisis so I can get motivated again.

I suspect there are more out there like me....and if so, please share what you do to put the car back in gear.  Mine - right now - is in park.


Faye
815.861.2967

Custom Design

MARKETING 101

Do you want your package to stand out from competitve packages in your product category?  Or, is your preference to mimic your biggest competitor?   These are questions that all marketing departments analyze when building a brand. What are the PROS and CONS of custom design?

PROS: Your product will...

1.  Stand out on the shelf if the design is well thought out and consistent with your industry profile (read that customer appeal).

2.  Set your position in the buyer's mind.  Certain brands have become iconic with a particular cap design.

3.  Encourage the consumer to pick it up to look at it - chances are they will not put it back into their cart.

4.  Integrate package design which can reduce the overall cost of production and distribution.

5.  Have the right look and sell.

CONS: You could have:

1.  Potential for slightly higher component costs.

2.  Longer lead time to start production.

3.  Possibly higher piece part pricing and/or capital investment.

Sometimes something as small as the overcap makes all the difference in a successful launch.  Rather than spend a lot of money changing cans, labels and/or cartons - make that one small change to the cap and see how it enhances the look of the package.  A custom cap and/or actuator can make a brand iconic - see Fabreze or Axe as examples. 

Make that small investment in your brand.  You will not be sorry.

Faye Haber   815-861-2967

To Grow or Not to Grow.....

I have been blessed with a business that has shown substantial growth over the years - even during the small "recession".  My niche business is based on custom products, shorter leadtimes and smaller minimum order quantities.  Of course, it goes without saying that we offer excellent quality and customer service.

In the past, our focus was on growth.  We are now shifting our focus to innovation and continuous improvement.  Wth innovation, we will get new customers.   With continuous improvement, we make the customers we have happier.  By doing this, we will be able to continue to offer quality custom products and maintain our core values.

Business in the Year 2013 will go to those who continuously monitor the market, make changes quickly and are willing to step outside their box.  That is what we do.

Faye
eStyle Caps and Closures, Inc.
815-861-2967