Be Bold, Make a Statement

WHO: Stephanie McCue
WHAT: Imprint and Promotional Products
WHERE: Yorkville, IL
WEBSITE: www.onQpromotions.com
QUOTE: "We provide unique solutions that make a statement about your business"

How did you start doing what you are doing today?
After being laid off in 2001 from the telecom industry downfall and being a new mom, I wanted to venture into the mysteriousness of marketing / advertising. I wanted to know why it is so important in everything we do.

Tradeshow Booth for the Food Industry

Who has been your inspiration throughout the journey of your career?
Well, I wouldn’t have been introduced to this field without the support of my both my mother and father in law. They have been very instrumental in guiding me along the way with the in’s and out’s of every order. Believe me there is a lot of background work that we alleviate our customers from having to deal with.

What is your primary role at this point? Where do you hope to be in 5 years?
My primary role is to introduce clients to the power of marketing in their everyday lives even in tough times. I can help any client make sure that their name is the one remembered through the use of promotional products. We provide unique solutions that make a statement about your business.

In 5 years I will have doubled if not tripled my business from where it is today.

What types of projects do you currently take on? What is the goal of your business?
Currently, I’m working on a few different projects. One was to help a client expose their business to their community at their neighborhood 4th of July celebration through the use of beach balls at their lake. Another is a nurse recognition program at one of the hospitals that I work with. I am also helping create a fundraising campaign for another hospital to recognize the different donor levels. I just did a project for a client who is attending a benefit for an animal welfare event, they are handing out Frisbees to everyone they meet.

Lip Balm Wrapper for the Food Industry

The goal of my business is to make sure that for those who utilize my services see the benefits. I want my clients to be one step ahead of their competition in today’s market. I love to hear other people talking about or showcasing things that I have done for them. If there is a smile on my clients face you can rest assured there is a smile on mine too ☺

Who is your ideal client? Ideal project? Or ideal service to offer?
An ideal client for me is someone who wants to grow their business. Someone who needs help finding creative ways to make sure their name is the one remembered over their competition.

My ideal project is helping a client introduce or reintroduce their business to the marketplace through the use of a creative direct mail campaign. In other words, from start to finish. All of the items would relate to one common theme which we would work together to determine the best items for each mailing. Then in the end, we would be able to track the success of their campaign. I love these projects because when a client can see how far their investment has gone first hand, then they start to understand what I do.

Do you have any life experiences that other business owners may benefit from?
My one piece of advice is that you can never be over prepared. Take those few extra minutes to do research about your prospects and their competition. It can only help you to put yourself in the shoes of who you are working with.

What are the challenges of owning your own business? What are some strategies in dealing with them?
Balance is the key to any business. Lots of planning, calendars and to do lists are what keep me on track.

Post-It Note for the Food Industry

Up to this point, what has been your most significant moment in your success?
I would have to say when I first got started after being laid off it was a challenge. But with lots of persistence and a no fail attitude when I got my first $100K order it felt good. I still to this day have a copy of the check hanging in my office. It proved to me that even the smaller companies can work with the big fish.

How do you market yourself and keep your name in the forefront?
Very creatively! First and foremost I show my face to everyone that I meet. Even if someone calls me on the phone, I still want to meet them so that they are comfortable with who I am and are confident that I can help accomplish their goals. I always make sure that every time someone sees me, they leave with something new that has my name on it for them to remember. Depending on the audience and who I’m talking with that day, I will gear my giveaway towards them.

How does ones business image, impact your decision on whether or not to do business with them?
Those companies who take the time and money to invest in their business truly believe in their business. For those companies who don’t think their image or impression matters, check out your competition and see first hand how they are getting ahead.

You have most recently updated your stationary, website ( in progress), why is that?
Consistency is key! Consistency with look, colors etc...I may not have a gecko or a caveman but I’ll make sure you remember my logo!