More than just printing…

I was flipping my calendar from May to June to record an appointment, when my eye noticed an unexpected holiday – June 14^th is Flag Day!  Although not an official federal holiday, it had earned its mention on my calendar. Since I did not know much about it I turned to that trusted source of information – Wikipedia.

Flag Day commemorates the Flag Act of 1777 – the date when the Second Continental Congress:  “Resolved, That the flag of the United States be made of thirteen stripes, alternate red and white, that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new Constellation.”.  Although the colors of the flag did not have specific meaning, the same colors are used on the Great Seal of the United States with White signifying purity and innocence, Red, hardiness and valor and Blue signifying vigilance, perseverance and justice.

In Philadelphia, we have been led to believe that Betsy Ross sewed the first flag.  This is disputed by some historians but it does seem that the original design of the flag can be credited to Francis Hopkinson, a signer of the Declaration of Independence and a delegate to the Continental Congress from New Jersey.

Growing up we pledged allegiance to the Flag and when we sing the National Anthem – The Star Spangled Banner – we are singing about the flag surviving the battle of Baltimore in the War of 1812.  Perhaps more than any other symbol our flag represents our nation – the United States of America.

The Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia is lined by flag poles where the flags of different nations fly throughout the summer months.  Shamefully I can only connect a few of the flags with the country they represent.  During the Olympics, we will see athletes stand on the podium to receive their reward for outstanding achievement and then watch as the flag of their nation is raised with the gold medal winner hearing the national anthem of their country.  Tears are a frequent part of this ceremony. A flag is a powerful symbol of a nation.

In the film, The Patriot, the hero of the story raises the Stars and Strips while running across the field of battle, rallying the troops behind the flag.  As a child of the 60’s, images of protesters burning the flag in opposition to the Vietnam War are seared into my memory as are the memory of flag draped coffins filling the belly of the transport planes my husband flew from Southeast Asia back to Dover Air Force Base. Our flag is planted on the moon as well as raised on battle fields throughout the world. Sadly, when protesters wish to denigrate America, they will often burn our flag as an effective insult to our nation.

One of the finest hours for our flag occurred in the aftermath of the terror attacks on September 11, 2001.  While we may vigorously disagree with our fellow citizens, like squabbling siblings, when an outsider strikes us, we stand as one people united against any foe who would seek to destroy us.  Flags became as ubiquitous as dandelions on a spring lawn. Stores quickly sold out of their inventory and it became difficult to purchase a flag.

CRW Graphics responded to this shortage by printing flag posters.  We chose a historical flag poster which was created in the aftermath of Pearl Harbor by Charles Coiner. These posters were distributed free of charge in various venues throughout the Delaware Valley and a small version of it is still available to visitors at some Philadelphia landmarks.

Give it your best!

The American Flag is a powerful symbol.  In the field of marketing we are well aware of symbols and hope to create the next great one. Truly memorable symbols are easy to recognize and tell a message without the use of any words.  Symbols which are universally recognized are rare – in fact here is my SHORT list:

Golden Arches, Skull and Crossbones, Red Cross, Nike Swoosh, Star of David, Dove with Olive Branch, Latin Cross, Olympic Rings, Mac Apple –

Can you add to this list?

One of my colleagues is planning a trip to Alaska soon.  In preparation for this adventure, he will purchase a new, more sophisticated camera which would better serve to capture the beauty of our 49^th state.  He lamented the dearth of camera stores where a knowledgeable salesperson would spend some time asking questions and guiding him in the purchase of the most appropriate piece of equipment for his personal use. His favorite camera shop had recently closed joining the litany of small businesses which have been forced to shutter their doors in recent days.

Another co-worker is interested in purchasing a home.  She has limited funding and yet it is possible to make a deal which will fit her budget.  It will take a savvy real estate professional to scout out the right property, make a viable offer and arrange the financing to make the dream of owning a home a reality.  She informed me that she is currently working with an experienced salesman who expressed confidence that while this task is challenging – it is not impossible.

My designer friend has the opportunity to present concepts to a potential client.  She expresses hesitation to do so since in times past she has seen her concepts utilized in a campaign in spite of the fact that she was not awarded the project.

What do these stories have in common?  Each instance requires the expertise of a professional in a given field of endeavor who is investing time and knowledge without the guarantee of reward.  Unlike the doctor or lawyer who would not think of giving unpaid consulting time to anyone, sales professionals regularly provide valuable expertise in the hopes of winning work. Sometimes this activity is rewarded but on other occasions the expertise is taken but someone else wins the commission.

Every field of endeavor is populated with sales people who want to satisfy their clients.  Each one wants to win the work and earn the commission. Each one will bring something of value to the client.  Yet the one who goes above and beyond the call of duty is sometimes left wondering how much to offer before the sale is completed.

Will the camera store owner invest time discussing the merits of various cameras only to have the customer go online to order the product?  Will the realtor spend countless hours researching homes only to have the client use someone else when finally purchasing a home?  Will the designer win the project based on her concepts or will her intellectual property be utilized without her being compensated?  In other words, will the sales professional benefit from sharing his expertise with the client?

Qualified, experienced, professional sales representatives with expertise in their field of endeavor bring an incredible amount of value to their clients.  It would seem smart to reward them with your business!

What do you think?