eyes on greeting cards . . .

Winter Craft Giveaway

2011-12-08T12:28:00.001-05:00

WOW. . .

For all my followers with children take a look at this winter craft giveaway.

Our other big giveaway for the month (make sure to enter our iPhone 4 S giveaway if you haven’t already) is our Winter Craft Giveaway! We decided to put together a craft giveaway for all those families who will have kids on winter break with nothing to do. You can put them to work making wrapping paper, ornaments, snowflakes, gift tags, etc with all these great supplies. Seriously, these packages are huge! And we’re going to pick 3 winners!

Check out what you’ll get in your package if you win -

1 – Mead Academie Drawing Pads
2 – Mead Academie Book of Colors
3 – Carter Red Stamp Pad
4 – Carter Blue Stamp Pad
5 – Carter Black Stamp Pad
6 – Bic Squeezable Wite-Out

1 – Paper Mate Sharpwriter Pencils
2 – Sharpie Calligraphy Markers
3 – Bic Mark-it Permanent Markers
4 – Pilot Precise Grip Extra Fine Rollerball Pens
5 – Pentel Color Pen Sets
6 – Col-Erase Colored Pencils
7 – Pentel Hi-Polymer Block Eraser
8 – Elmers Paint Pens

1 – Reindeer Duck Tape
2 – Candy Cane Duck Tape
3 – Acco Rubber Band Ball
4 – Swingline Hole Punch
5 – Stanley Bostitch Hot Glue Gun
6 – Duck Double Stick Tape
7 – Duck Poster Putty

1 – Bostitch Small Stapler and Bostitch Mini Staplers
2 – Avery Glue Sticks
3 – Avery Iron-on T-Shirt Transfers
4 – Avery Shipping Tags
5 – Avery See-Through Removable Dots
6 – Acco Brass File Fasteners
7 – Acco Regal Clips
8 – Avery Marks-A-Lot Black Permanent Markers
9 – Pilot Medium Point Silver Marker
10 – Pilot Gold Marker
11 – Avery Foil Stars
12 – Trodat Smiley Stamp and Trodat Star Stamp
13 – Pentel Fabric Pastel Dye Sticks
14 – Pentel Oil Pastels
15 – Sanford Red and Blue Pencils

(New items added!)
1 – Westcott Titanium Razor Paper Cutter
2 – Westcott Kids 5″ Blunt Soft Handle Scissors with Microban Protection
3 – Westcott Kids 5″ Blunt Scissors with Microban Protection
4 – Westcott Stainless Steel Childrens Safety Scissors
5 – Westcott Jeweltone Plastic Ruler

(Please note: Each package will be different. There are a few items that will only be in 1 or 2 of the packages)

Ready to win?

Leave a comment on this post telling us about your favorite winter/holiday craft project to do with your kids (or grandkids or nieces and nephews, etc)

Get extra entries by:
1. Subscribing to this blog via Email or RSS – 3 extra entries!
2. Following @shoplet on Twitter and tweeting about this giveaway with #wintercraftgiveaway
3. Linking Shoplet on Facebook
4. Writing about this giveaway on your blog (include a pic from this post in your post) for 2 extra entries!

We will pic 3 winners using random.org on Monday, December 12th! Good luck and Happy Holidays!

P.S. I will be posting different craft ideas to use the items in the giveaway packages on the blog this week.

eye got a feeling. . .

2009-03-08T08:49:00.006-04:00

Today upon arriving at work I stopped at the box outside to get the daily stack of mail before settling into my computer and sorting through the mass amounts of emails waiting for me. It’s unusual these days to have anything but bills, junk or someone else’s mail placed in my box mistakenly. Almost all of our customers are billed to their credit cards taking away the urgency of waiting for checks to arrive.

As I reached for the stack one envelope seemed to jump from the pile. A gray almost stone colored envelope that I quickly identified as one that I had probably sold. The return address confirmed my notion and indeed it came from a customer of mine.

Still, my heart felt the emotion of having received something outside the mundane routine of daily mail. To think someone cared enough to think of me washed over me with a wave of joy. Ok, maybe not in those exact terms but I must admit it was a pretty cool feeling.

Savoring the moment I sat down to immediately type this blog. I have yet to open this grand item caring almost less about what it contains but rather enjoying the current emotions just receiving it have brought me.

I share this with you in the hopes you might understand the importance of how this simple gesture on the senders part has come to brighten my day. I’d like you to imagine how incorporating this into your business and personal life may change the dimension of what you do.

Today, right now, find any type of greeting or note card you have around the office or home. Take two minutes and fill it out with a simple hello if nothing else. Address it to the first person that comes to mind. Get it stamped and in the mail box before your postal carrier arrives.

Right you’re probably thinking I don’t need to send a card, I understand the point he’s making. Actually you’d be wrong. What I want you to experience is how it feels when you send that greeting card to someone. Then, only then will you truly understand the simplicity of how all this works. When you’re done please email to let me know how you felt. Include your name and address and I promise to drop a card in the mail to you sometime in the near future. I’d do it today but would rather catch you off guard like I was today. daniel@izongreetings.com

remember me?

2008-12-01T04:03:00.001-05:00

Here we are; t-minus 31 days and counting till the New Year. Lately I have heard too many stories about what 2009 is going to bring. Everyone keeps saying how next year things will be different, how we’re expected to turn this thing around like nothing has happened.

Well folks, I’m here to tell you that in one short month if you are still in business now you may not make it until the ball drops. In the next fours weeks you could find your loyal customers lost forever. Like you, each of them is witnessing countless businesses closing up. Major chains going out of business and huge companies letting thousands of employees go.

I have a simple solution that is proven time and time again to work no matter what line of work you are in. The effort and commitment have to be yours though. Try to think of what sending out resumes is like, or trying to explain your situation at the unemployment office or worse…okay, I won’t go there.

Dan's 3 step approach:

1. Reach out a single customer each day letting them know you’re alive and still in business. Make a call, a quick email or my favorite, send a greeting card.

2. Next, find a past customer and touch them in the same way.

3. For each holiday card you get in the mail either at home or at work take the time and immediately respond in the same fashion. Remember, you may not sell to family members but they sure sell you.

Does all this seem like a lot of work? It is, at first. I said it was simple not easy. I guarantee that with this effort you will have reached out to almost 100 people who will remember you come January 1^st.

As for me, I am alive and still doing business. Feel free to respond to me today as your first day kicks off to making it great in 2008.

don't make me get my flying monkeys

2008-09-26T13:00:00.005-04:00

Is this what the world is coming to these days? I see news reports about banks that are closing. how the price of houses have gone in a double digit decline. We knew the mortgage industry was going to be bad but never this crazy. And can someone let me know about the tidbits of information I am getting today about Hillary replacing Biden due to his health. Then I hear that Bill was on TV seen chumming up with McCain looking to have his wife take Palin's spot. WOW, my head is spinning.

So now our country is finally figuring out that we can't live beyond our means. What does that mean? What really are means? Why does everyone seem so mean? Know what I mean?

Meanwhile (sorry) I sit here trying to sell greeting cards to help spread goodwill and cheer, thinking I am offering a much needed service or is it a false sense of hope?

To find out, I took matters into my own hands and started mailing cards to random friends, family and business acquaintances. I even used them instead of those window envelopes to pay monthly bills. Can you imagine what happened?

(pause to imagine)

Almost everyone (except utilities and the IRS) had something to say about how it made them feel when the card arrived. Sure they're in the same boat as everyone in this country. But it felt just a little bit better knowing that I took the time and effort trying to make them smile and forget about their worries.

(pause for sniffle)

Who can predict what the days ahead have to offer us. What I can predict though, is how you can help make others feel this special. I guarantee you it will change your outlook on life. Take a peek at some of the great cards we offer at www.izongreetings.com Get out there and spread some cheer one card at a time.

(pause to shop)

My plan B is to have the bushes below my window padded in the event I have to jump like they did during the Great Depression. (what was so great about it anyhow?) Oh, and I have a line of doomsday cards in the works to cover myself should my idea of spreading joy turn sour.

Hope is around the corner. In just a few months we could have Sarah and Hillary in the White House. Martha can do her shows from the main kitchen, the cast of the View can bring their couch and Oprah can be Queen. Hannah Montana will sing the national anthem.

(pause for flying pigs/monkeys)

This has been just a bit too much for me today (I need a nap). I can't imagine how you must feel, thanks for staying with me. Bottom line, we all have enough love to see us through this. Share the love, send greeting cards.

falling for greeting cards . . .

2008-09-22T12:07:00.009-04:00

Here it is - the official first day of fall. One of the seasons that many people either love or hate; both generally based off of changing weather conditions. Personally for myself, after years of dreading fall have grown to embrace what it represents. A time of year to accept the elements of my business and life that are now about to show their true colors before fading and falling aside, leaving open possibilities of what a new year can offer.

Each day of the season I look at all the great things I have accomplished this year as they fall to the ground and wait to be raked up or if the mood strikes me; made into a pile suitable for jumping in. Embracing the season, reflecting on the past and preparing for the challenge of what the future holds.

Enjoy your family with the many holidays ahead and never forget it’s your roots not the leaves of your life that make you who you are each day. Leaf yourself (sorry couldn’t resist) open to bare branches and welcome the buds of what will become yet another chapter in your life.

For those that do not have the wonderful colors of fall that bless us here in New England, please email me your name and address and I will gladly send you a little slice of what you’re missing.

it's about time. . .

2008-09-17T04:22:00.004-04:00

One would think that if you’re reading this blog you must already know us. Forgetting that www starts with the world. So for those that have stumbled upon our little section of the web we’d like to say hello and welcome.

I’m Dan, the blogger, creative director, lackey, chief cook and bottle washer. Along with my wife Amy we spend what little time we have from raising five children operating a few different businesses. Our passion (and bread and butter) comes from working here at iZon Greetings.

It would take too much time to cover the rest of the introduction so we invite you to read some of our past blog entries (feel free to comment) and subscribe to this blog so you’ll be sure to never miss a word of wisdom, support, business advice or maybe just something to make you smile.

If there is anything you’ve always wanted to ask us we’d love to know and would be happy to have any subject matter we can get. Little by little we’ll try to unfold the story of our lives. We often feel we should have our own reality show on TV but the good names were all taken, The Amazing Race, American Idol, America's Got Talent, America's Next Top Model (LuLu’s dream), The Apprentice (only for hair style tips), The Bachelor, The Bachelorette, Big Brother (if he ever visits us), The Biggest Loser, Dancing with the Stars, Extreme Makeover, Hell's Kitchen, Kitchen Nightmares, Nashville Star (just to be with Jewel), The Real World, So You Think You Can Dance (have you seen our cruise video), Supernanny (we really need her), Survivor (for certain we’d win), Top Chef (hands down), Wife Swap (hmm).

For our friends that do know us perhaps you can help here with your own title suggestions.

memories of DiBellas. . .

2008-09-14T08:53:00.005-04:00

Watching some of the footage of Hurricane Ike totally devastating Texas reminded us of how exactly one year ago we were on the Island of Galveston. It was the first time we were ever there and had no idea what to expect. We will never forget the eerie Hobby airport that was like an episode of the Twilight Zone to the numerous black and white photos that lined the hotel hallways, the monuments and the famous “Seawall” erected to protect the residents. This small island seemed to have been set in it’s past never having fully recovered from the Great Storm of 1900, the nation’s most deadliest natural disaster in history killing over 6,000 people.

On a selfish note if anyone has news of how a small family home on 31st Street faired the wrath of Ike. The home of the DiBella Family and their famous italian restaurant. Talk about history; this place brought us back in time and showed generations of family traditions with food that seemed to have been prepared as if we were relatives ourselves.

Hey Galveston, hang in there, never forget and know that we finally get it; family and history is what keeps us going no matter what life delivers us. You are in our prayers.

greeting cards deliver emotions. . .

2008-08-07T04:22:00.002-04:00

Remember the last time you got your mail and tucked inside all the advertisements, credit card offers and bills was a brightly colored envelope that by all standards looked like a birthday card. Hold that thought for a moment.

Now, are you one that grabs it, rips it open before everything else? Or do you wait until all the other mail is sorted, trashed or filed for later viewing? Not to worry you’re not alone; many people like to savor the moment until they open their new surprise.

Are ya’ll ready? I’m sure the suspense is starting to build. Could this be the card from a distant relative with a big check inside from settling your great someone’s estate? Okay, you can dream a bit.

Well if the person that sent it to you took the time to pick out this card, hand sign it and added some unique and colorful postage I’m sure you’ll open it to find the card has the same excitement as a million dollar check. Imagine a bright bold picture (suitable for framing) and a message inside that not only grabs your attention but makes you smile and maybe outright chuckle. (no snorting allowed)

I know, all of this can be exhausting but imagine having the power to deliver those same feelings to each and every person you know or hoping to connect with and changing their lives forever (maybe that’s a stretch). But you can, you really really can. How you might ask. . .

By having a real company (not a MLM) with dedicated people who believe in the magic and are devoted to helping you build your repeat and referral business. With almost 75 reps and counting across the United States and Canada you have someone on your side.

Email us today, (info@izongreetings.com) we’d be thrilled to put you in touch with someone who can assist you all the way. Don’t be fooled, there is no investment, you will not have to enter the all the info yourself and these will be real hand signed cards (your mother couldn’t tell the difference) with actual postage no meters or pretend stamps. Back to the hand signed signature. Do those other companies believe we’re from bikini bottom and dumb enough to fall for a font or scan of their signature that clearly was printed? (sorry pet peeve)

Are you still here, sorry to be so passionate (and long.) Did you click the link and send your info in an email? If you did make sure to watch your mailbox, not for junk (we won’t send any) but look for that colorful envelope and thrill you’re going to have. (smoking afterward is optional)

If you didn’t reply, well chances are you’re not even still reading this but I’ll say it once and maybe you’ll snap to your senses. Making customers and prospects feel connected like friends is the secret many successful business people before you learned and practiced. So scroll back up and click the link or sit back and wait for retirement. (or fire-ment)

a picture is worth a 1000 words. . .

2008-06-15T15:34:00.003-04:00

We've all heard this many times in our life and if you're like me truly believed in this myth. Could it really be true that one single picture can bring to mind a thousand words? For a moment try to put yourself in my shoes where each and every day I am challenged to come up with words that will make the picture on the front of a greeting card jump out at the receiver and translate the message or deliver the desired emotion needed.

Take the picture here of the toy trucks (oops that’s two words) and try to think of as many different single words, phrases or clichés possible. Is it possible that together we might come up with a thousand words? Could it be that not every picture is worthy of the quote?

Feel free to email me your list as this one is a favorite of ours but really has me stumped. The next time you come across a great picture you feel would make for a winning card, stop and count just how many words come to mind. If you have one of those rare pictures that could break the mark then please, email it to me. You never know . . . fame and fortune (ok maybe just fame) could be yours. That and a boxed set of your very own special card custom imprinted with as many words as you’d like.

envelope hope. . .

2008-05-12T10:11:00.004-04:00

Looking for a reliable source for colored A-7 envelopes? Look no further, we think you’ll be pleased with our pick of Heinrich Envelopes of Minneapolis. They've been around since 1898 with service that exceeds our expectations and prices that agree with our wallets.

Our past envelope vendor could win the award for the most unusual way of operating a company. I'm sure you know the place. We never knew if our order was received, would it be shipped or the classic last straw was when after leaving dozens of messages we get a call four months later as if we called the day before wondering what we wanted. Man that dude took some long vacations.

A true lesson in "getting what you pay for".

Heinrich offers a variety of Bright and Pastel colors, straight flap and easy online ordering. Take a look at www.heinrichenvelope.com you won’t be disappointed.

If you need to speak directly to someone I suggest calling Wesley in sales Toll-Free: (800) 346-7957. Currently the cost for an A-7 envelope is .037 each or $37.00 per 1000.