As Justin pointed out in the last Designer Sobriety post, submitting your work to design shows can be a great way to market your company. The big question is how can you stand out in a crowd of hundreds or maybe even thousands of entries? Simple: make your entry easy to judge. Judges are reviewing tons of work and if yours is the easiest to read, review, and toss into the win pile, then you have a greater shot at winning. Below are a couple tricks from @Rule29:

1.) Follow the Rules - this is the easiest way to make sure you get in. Scour the rules and follow them to the T, double- and triple-checking your work.

2.) Envelopes Galore - Give each entry its own envelope. This will make sorting your entry easy and ensures that the corresponding forms will not get lost. Try ordering from Envelope Mall.

3.) Seal It With a Sticker or Two - Print out a label with the title of the entry and correct category, again for easy sorting. Also be sure to seal the envelope with an additional sticker. We do this not just for security but for an additional branding opportunity.

4.) Post-It Tape - Always adhere your entry forms to the back of each piece. Use an x-acto knife and nice tape for the exact measurements. Be sure to tape down every side as if you are framing your entry form. It will look nice and won’t fall off!

5.) Additional Entry Forms - Always include an envelope with a copy of all of your entry forms, receipt for payment, and business cards nicely clipped together. (We like clipiolas.)

6.) Many Business Cards - Be sure to attach a business card to your forms and toss one or two more into the box. This will help the judges get a hold of you with any questions or additional requests. Plus, you never know where your card may end up, so toss a couple in.

7.) CD Label & File Structure - If you are entering a show that requests digital files be sure you use a CD label with your contact information on it along with a list of the contents included. Additionally, make sure the files are easy to find. Perhaps they are organized by category or entry number. Also be sure to include a .TXT file with your contact information on the CD.

8.) PDF Form Detection - Even a designers’ hand writing can be tough to read! With most show entry forms being available in .PDF, you can use the Acrobat Pro auto-form detection tool. By using this, you’ll be able to type every entry form to be sure it is legible and easy to read. You can even take it one more step and use your brand’s font across all forms and labels.

Some of this may seem redundant and maybe even a little over the top, but just keep in mind those judges and the large amount of entries they have to judge. The entry process is just as important as the work you are submitting. Do not wait until the last minute and try not to rush!

Do you have any additional tips? If so, leave us a comment!

#66 Promoting through design shows can be a good marketing, PR & team boost. Some shows cost money, some are free, like books. Start local.

There are a variety of opinions on this topic and there are a couple simple rules of thumb. For starters only enter shows you can afford or that you think your work has a chance of winning. Beyond that we think design shows or design books are a great way to create reasons to talk about work. And we are not talking about for your ego, we are talking reasons to reach out to clients and talk about accomplishments. Clients like to work with successful people. They also need to hear from you on a regular basis, and having the opportunity to mix in accomplishments with project news is a great way to stand out. Another reasons to enter, other than for marketing or PR, is to pat you and your crew on the back. Even though we think ego should take the back seat to new business we all like to be recognized for the work that we pour our hearts into. Employees like being recognized and being a part of a company that cares about doing great work and is recognized for it. Additionally it is a great way to attract future employees!

Ready to get started? or to look at more shows to add into your marketing plan? Well we suggest looking at your budget and the time you have available to enter first. There are endless shows and books to be a part of. Where do you start? Our thought is start with shows or books that align with the ideal types of work you want to be recognized for, or are really passionate about. Additionally some markets have market specific shows, those are also great because you can then say you are a leader or recognized in that particular space. Along those lines, entering local shows are typically more cost effective, if that is a concern. However, those shows are more likely to get you additional local publicity with clients and potential clients. Always be honest with the work, look at past show winners, is your work at least that good? If so enter it.

Here are some links for design shows: HOW, PRINT, CA, GRAPHIS, American Design Awards, GD:USA, Coupe, AIGA

Here is a site with design shows listings: Dexigner, Notes on Design

Some great resources to follow on Twitter: @HowMag, @Dexigner, @LogoMotives

Here are some publisher & paper company links for calls for entries that are FREE: Rockport, Crescent Hill Books, Neenah Paper, Appleton Coated - U Be the Judge

Tips on how to enter design shows, or things to know are coming up next week. In the mean time what shows or books do you participate in? Any stories of how they have directly brought you work or new employees?

The Meeting. It’s an essential part of everyday business. Whether you are gathering to pitch your work, discuss a project, or just have a friendly update, here are our top ten tips for making a good impression at your next meeting.

1. Bring One for Everyone - Oftentimes when meeting potential clients for the first time, you will bring samples of your work, brochures, business cards or other swag. Be sure you know who is attending your meeting and always pack a few extras so no one is left out.

2. Allow Time for Setup - Getting to the meeting location on time is one thing… But walking across a large campus and setting up takes time as well. Give yourself enough time so that your meeting starts right on time.

3. Always Respect Their Time - At the beginning of each meeting be sure to ask how much time you have to meet. Be mindful of this and adjust your agenda as needed.

4. Never Interrupt - The worst thing to do is interrupt someone who is speaking. Write down your thought and save it for when they’re done. Interruptions often lead to tangent conversations ultimately getting off topic.

5. Always Take Notes (or be prepared to) - Whether or not you intend to take notes, always make sure you are ready to. Take notes of your thoughts, ideas, what others say and what you say. Being able to review these later will help immensely.

6. Stick to the Agenda - Whether your agenda is verbal or written be sure to state what will be covered in the meeting. This will help everyone stay on task and on topic. At the end of the meeting it will be easy to recap the meeting and discuss next steps.

7. Always Allow Time for Discussion - When pacing your meeting make sure you leave time at the end for discussion. Give the opportunity for questions from everyone involved and have a couple questions prepared to ask.

8. Never Chew Gum - Fresh breath is important; however, chewing gum during a meeting is simply unprofessional.

9. Don’t Text - Make sure your iPhone/Blackberry is tucked away and on silent. Texting, emailing, and paying more attention to your phone than the meeting will make a very bad impression.

10. Follow Up With A Thank You - After your meetings be sure to follow up with everyone involved to say thanks for their time. This is a great way to ask additional questions if need be or propose next steps.

Those are just a few simple ways to improve your meeting style. What types of things do you do? Any do’s and don’ts that you stick to? Let us know.

#65 Consolidate & promote your social media with apps like extendr & card.ly by using as links in email signatures, website or other networks

One of the best aspects of social media is the sheer amount of options you have. But, at the same time, it can also be the most overwhelming. How can you promote your Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, blog, etc. all in one place? Should you? I’ve found that our clients and friends want to connect with us in various ways, but was having trouble finding a good way to consolidate our web footprint.

That is when we found Joseph Rueter’s extendr product. We have used extendr as a corporate wide email signature promoting our social media footprint and other sites. It has been great to give clients access to all of our networks in one simple spot. (We also have a version just for our websites.) Another interesting idea is the online business card. I have not used it as much yet, but check out card.ly. Although it seems a little limited right now, it’s a nice, simple set up. We put a quick one together here.

So if you want to simplify your promotion of the various sites you are on and have a more robust email signature, consider using something like extendr and card.ly to make that easier. Any other options out there? How do you promote your sites now?

I admit it. When first introduced to Twitter I quickly passed it up because it was hard for me to find value. I thought it was just another way to communicate your status like “just had pizza for lunch” …. and what is the value in that? However, after much debate, I forced myself to tweet, and use Twitter until I understood exactly what was happening. That was 2,000 tweets and about 600 followers ago… Now I get it. I can easily point out the value to coworkers, friends, and most importantly clients. In the past 3 months Twitter has seen incredible growth and it is not just because @Oprah joined. There is an incredible number of businesses, media outlets, brands and peers out there sharing much more than what they just ate for lunch and the coolest part it is in real-time. Let me share a great example:

While out at a very important meeting the other day I had an unfortunate accident. There I am sitting in the boardroom of a large financial institution as my favorite Sharpie Pen leaks all over my hand… I frantically try to start wiping it off on my Moleskine trying not to make a scene and interrupt the presentation. My hand turns black and my pants catch a bit of permanent ink but I manage to stay unnoticed. Shortly after the meeting I tweeted @sharpiesusan, the head of Social Media at Sanford, about my situation including a picture of the damage. WIthin 24 hours I had a response from her and a person from customer relations will be contacting me. WOW. All of this in the matter of a few hours. What a great way to control brand perception and create word of mouth advocates for your product, all through Twitter.

I have multiple other stories from a personal thank you from Tony Hsieh for ordering shoes through Zappos.com to interacting with the Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks).

If you have not started to tweet you should. Below are some tips for things you can tweet if you are new to Twitter.

@ / # - Twitter is a great way to participate in realtime conversations about current events, industry news, and everyday banter. You can reply to users with the (@) like - @DesignSobriety or follow conversations by using a hashtag (#) like #followfriday. Keeping your eye out for tweets to respond to and hashtags you can participate in will help grow your network. Most importantly you can start your own hashtag for conversations your would like to track. Check out the most popular hashtags here.

Pic - Showing off pictures from live events, interesting parts of your day, where you are will be interesting to your followers but also act as a chronicle of your events. It is fun to look back at past tweets & pictures.

Tip - Twitter is a great way to share some quick tips about something your doing, whether it is work related, or about a hobby people will find value all in 140 characters.

Links - Where do you find information? ideas? news stories? Share the links that you are reading.

Review - This might be a quick review of an article, a book or a news story. You could include a picture.

Thought - This can be anything - Like that pizza your eating for dinner.

Reading/Watching - Suggestions for your followers on what to read and watch - magazine articles, blogs, books, TV shows, movies, and TED Talks are a couple options.

Suggestion - This might be a great restaurant, vacation spot, or other consumer related decision.

More Links For Twitter Help:

Mashable Guides to Twitter

Twitter For Business

#64 Think about ways you can connect your clients with each other. There are some great opportunities for you to create deeper relationships.

We all feel good when someone recommends us to a potential client (and even better when it happens to be an ideal client or a great connection). But have you ever stopped to think about yourself as the connector? Consider your vendors and clients. Do you have one that can help another out? Perhaps their products and services will be mutually beneficial, helping them become more efficient or successful. Maybe it won’t work, but it could be within your power to create a strong and lasting partnership.

Take some time and think about how utilizing your network can benefit your clients. Don’t expect anything in return, but more often than not the result is a stronger relationship that will reap much more than you can imagine in the end. Whether it’s through email, LinkedIn, coffee, hosting a lunch or other social avenue, there are many ways you can do connect your amigos for the greater good.

Do you do this already? Any great stories of success? Failures? Let us know.

#63 One of the greatest sources of inspiration is simply meeting new people. So…are you out there introducing yourself?

For some of you this is easy. Going to social events or client “mingling/networking” events, you find it almost second nature to work your way into conversations or opportunities. But for some of you, this experience is like getting hot pokers stuck into your eyes. Either way, getting out to inspiring lectures and going to networking events are crucial to building your personal and professional networks. I have come to love meeting new people and hearing their stories, what makes them tick and what inspires them in life. That gives me energy, ideas and exposure to different ways of thinking that makes me a better designer and communicator (especially when the people are very different then me).

Still not sure where to start? You can join your local AIGA chapter, Art Directors Club, Marketing Associations, or a community organization. Or you can meet new people through your favorite social media or build up courage by reading books. We recommend a combination of all of it.

For some book inspiration it’s hard to beat this classic:
How to Win Friends and Influence People

Something more recent:
Never Eat Alone

What do you do to get out and meet new people? Any great book suggestions? Who is the most inspiring person you have met or that is in your life?

#62: Have a good supply of unique gift items to send to clients & business amigos for birthdays, anniversaries and any sort of special occasion.

As we all are becoming more “wireless,” we must remember gifts, especially for business. Who doesn’t like getting a personalized care package recognizing an anniversary, promotion, new birth, or a random occasion? We talked about personalized notes a few tips back, but giving gifts is also a great relationship builder (plus it’s fun!). For more along these lines, we have a post coming up about listening to and “dating” clients, but for now we just recommend taking notes on clients’ unique interests. Then when a special occasion comes up you will have a better idea of what will really make their day.

Also, keep on hand a collection of your own note cards and other swag to send along. This adds a personal touch as well as extending your brand. One of the things we do is we buy several copies of our favorite something - usually a business book or a great kid’s book for our clients’ kids.

Some of our favorite business gift books are:
Brand Gap, Zag, The Designful Company, Made to Stick, Groundswell

Some of our favorite kid’s gift books are:
Where the Wild Things Are, Little 1, Charley Harper ABCs

We also send gifts that are special or unique from our locale. We have a great caterer/deli/sweets mecca in Geneva called Movable Feast. We send their brownies whenever we need to. We also will send Lou Malnati’s pizza or Eli’s Cheesecake.

Anyway, I think you get the point. Take a few minutes to brighten your clients’ days. I guarantee they will appreciate it.

Any other suggestions? What do you send to your clients?

#61 Think bigger & think beyond the world of design. Participate as a team in a community event that will impact others & escape the studio!

Admittedly this year I have been more stressed than usual. I think most of us have, due to the current state of things. Busy or not, it has just been an odd year so far. I’ve found that doing something to benefit others, more than anything gives perspective, but also helps to get my mind off the minutia of work, bills, clients, etc. Better yet, rather than doing something just yourself, get your team involved with an event or cause you all can rally around and be a part of.

Now I’m not talking about pro-bono work, or some design project, I’m talking about something completely different. Help raise money by doing a walk, ride, or run, or volunteer at a food bank – something other than a design project is the best. Now admittedly I have not done this yet with my team yet, only with family members and friends, but I plan to.

Their is no better “team builder” than doing something for someone else. Some of you may already… what do you do? Or what events can you recommend?

#60 Try to make time to do an assignment with a college class - maybe even overseas using SKYPE. Teach and learn. Inspire and be inspired.

Someone once said that you’re never too old to learn. I would add that it’s also never to late to teach.

I recently was asked to participate in a class project next year that we will do primarily over Skype. We’ll define the scope and goals and then be the “client” and “teacher” on the project. I’m excited for this opportunity, both for my team and for the students. While we get a chance to go back to school, we’re helping the future leaders of our profession learn some practical wisdom with some real-world wonderfulness sprinkled in.

So if you are itching to teach, want to try it, or just think giving back to your profession is something you want to do, contact a design professor. It can be anywhere in the world with the internet and the need to bring practicing designers into students’ curriculum.

I’m curious – how many of you out there do this already? Any professors want some volunteers? Come on and let’s connect.