Instant Custom Signs – Drew Brims' Blog

The other day, someone asked me what I was most proud of in the time we’ve been operating Instant Custom Signs. I had to think for about half a second and then replied, “it’s the people who work here and the people who’ve worked here over the years”.

Unlike the “other” airlines (and I think you know to whom I am referring) Porter offers small luxuries that individually don’t cost a lot but will keep me coming back to fly with them whenever I have to travel to one of their destinations. I think Porter is a case study that is worth reading. Great customer service, efficient passenger movements, luxurious seating on the planes and in the lounge, free snacks while you wait all add up to an airline that you look forward to taking. When was the last time you said that about traveling?

Athletes and business people who consistently practice, train, prepare and research, rise to the top and are sought after as team members and team leaders.

Today, a customer came in to pay for a job we installed a few days ago. He wanted to shake the hand of the person who installed his sign and thank him for doing such a fine job. Such praise from a customer meant a lot to the person who did the installation. This was one more accomplishment for this person who has risen in our company and is taking on more and more responsibility.

We get excited about the signs we produce. Just this week we made a huge banner for a customer that we thought was exceptional in design. A picture of it is here at the top of the post. It sits on a wall outside his boutique and looks dynamic. You can’t help but notice this banner if you are in the area. It’s a lifestyle image and the colours are spectacular! And the cost was very reasonable compared to the alternative of layers of coloured vinyl on a white background. It’s a far superior product at a very reasonable price!

Taking ownership for our mistakes and resolving the problem without question so that the client becomes a champion of your product rather than a detractor. Yes, here at ICSigns, we stand behind everything we sell, even if that stance costs us time, material and money. We will not compromise on quality or customer satisfaction. To me, that is more important than anything.

I am convinced that sustained success cannot be achieved in the absence of consistency. Consistency is one of the cornerstones to success in any enterprise be it business, or sport.

Consistency in the face of adversity is also important. Managing staff issues or equipment failures sometimes requires us to adapt to ensure that the end result is a positive experience for our clients.

The real heroes in all this are the athletes who worked two jobs and sacrificed careers to compete for their country. Through the “Own The Podium” program, the Canadian government coughed up some decent coin so that athletes could concentrate on their discipline and hire the coaches and support staff they need to perform at world-class levels. That was an excellent investment in the future and the results speak for themselves as Canada was first in gold medals and third over all. How many young people will be inspired to try out for sports they might have ignored before these games? It’s about time we inspired young people to get off the couch, move away from computer games and encouraged them to get outside and enjoy every opportunity this great county of ours has to offer. And these Olympic games have provided them with wonderful role-models. Articulate, humble, skilled at their craft and generous with their time to speak to the media.

It may cost us a little to give these extras but what it does for us in customer relations is priceless!

Have you forgotten what it’s like to be treated to great customer service? Or perhaps you are trying to find a business that believes in good, old-fashioned care for the client. If so and you need great signs, please put us to the test.

We had professionals teach our children to ski because professionals have unique skills, knowledge and experience required to do the job. I hadn’t considered it much until that moment, but it became clear to me there and then.

We will pay for driving lessons, post-secondary education, tutors, music lessons, gymnastics and other sports or endeavours at which they want to become proficient. Professionals can do this – I can’t. Well, I could try but I wouldn’t do a good job and we both would be poorer for the experience.

Some businesses do not need a full-blown illuminated sign. I’m talking about non-retail businesses that operate only during the daylight hours. Some new start-up businesses may wish to mitigate the cost of signage until cash-flow allows them a little more flexibility in their sign choices.

For both of these examples, the “Face and Frame” sign is a great alternative to more expensive signs. The term “Face and Frame” refers to the aluminum frame that is exactly the same materials as used in an illuminated sign box (without the box and electrical components) and the acrylic face that is again, the same as would be used in an illuminated sign.