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  Audience with the Queen: 7 More Questions

  05.04.10 | This post was written by: admin | Permalink | Comment?

  Today’s post features Part 2 of an online discussion conducted with Dux Queen, Debra Shafer during our recent Online Women in Business Forum. Held exclusively on Facebook in collaboration with our our friend and colleague Jennifer Wyatt of Her Executive Coach, this 2-part live “mentoring session” with Deb featured her insights on  conducting business as a woman for 30 years as well as her advice for marketing a small business. Take a look!

  1. How important do you feel it is to bring back the “fun” at work? Do you find that your employees are more creative when you have a relaxed environment?

  Queen: Fun is very important … unfortunately, we were more fun [or funny] when we were younger and the business was smaller, but we try very hard to have fun in the office. The creativity business can, at times, be very stressful … keeping it “light” can be a challenge, but we do our best. We like to keep the office as relaxed as possible, but more importantly, “drama-free.”

  2. If given a do-over with your business, what would you choose to do differently and what would you choose to do the same?

  Queen: A do-over would be interesting … and I would be 29 years old again, I like that! The realty is that I wouldn’t change anything. My reason for going into business was to satisfy my need to “do something” and in the process, I would like to believe that Dux D’Lux made a difference in how the businesses that we have worked with over the many years present themselves and their products.

  3. There are always ups and downs in business, and I’m sure you have to keep things in perspective– and in a sense take things as they come. What do you think has been the single most difficult decision you have had to make in the development of Dux D’Lux over the years?

  Queen: Actually, I have made 3 really difficult decisions – the first to move to England for 6 months – the business was very young and small, I could put Dux under management and “run” it from abroad with the help of the phone & FedEx. 

The second was the choice to spend another year+ in England. Dux was a bit more complex and I took on a partner [for 2 years] and again relied on phone, fax & FedEx [and a few return trips to the US] to “run” the business. With each of the moves, I gave a great deal of thought and had many “soul-searching” conversations with my husband on whether to remain in business upon our return. Needless to say, the business won!

The third decision was to build our current location to expand our showroom and production facilities – that was in 1997 … and fortunately, we’re still up and running.

  4. What do you think are the biggest issues facing women in the business marketplace?

  Queen: In this economy, the biggest issue is the business marketplace itself and not just for women. That aside, the biggest issue from my perspective is that women need to do business as women. I am not being negative about the way men do business, but women are different and our difference is our strength … we juggle better and may be a bit more sensitive to client and employee issues. This, of course, is a gross generalization, but this is a Women’s Forum and I am a woman and we are looking at the big picture. 

Women in business may face more challenges [especially if also raising a family] however, I had never really considered the “pitfalls” of being a woman starting a business. Over the last decade or two or three, doing business as a woman has been afforded many advantages. My first “contract” was awarded to me because I was a “woman-owned” business and that relationship has continued for 30 years. The business world is difficult enough to navigate without the worry of gender inequities and actually, woman are doing pretty well in the business world as illustrated by the statistic that Jennifer Wyatt [Her Executive Coach] pointed out “that 1 in every 11 adult women in the US are business owners.”

  5.For a small business in particular, the mix and personalities of team members can really make or break productivity and success in the office. What criteria do you consider when choosing team members?

  Queen: Any business owner knows that your employees can make or break your business – no matter how strong the BRAND, if your employees are not “on board” your business is at risk. My criteria for choosing the Dux team is fairly simple, all the personalities must be able to work together. We are a very small “creativity” business. And, creativity thrives when all the “stars” are aligned. I have learned over my 30 years that every now & then the person you interview is not the person who shows up for work after the first few weeks. My “mistakes” in hiring have allowed me to tweak our interview process to include our staff. The first interview is with me but, the follow-up interview is a roundtable discussion with staff members. The insight from other staffers has been very valuable in selecting the “right” team members for Dux. The right “team” will give you the advantage in the business “game.”

  6. What is the one single marketing item every small business should implement – regardless of cost?

  Queen: Ahhhhhhhh…the one that costs NOTHING…wonderful customer service. It’s true that you can have a great brand, a terrific logo, first class marketing materials, but if “wonderful customer service” is not available your business will be in trouble … and … we’re back to “team-building.”

  7. What insights can you share about best business practices that can affect your marketing efforts?

  Queen: Best business practices … the first thing that comes to mind is respect. The client or customer is the reason you are in business … so listen to their needs, wants, problems and deal with them the way you would want someone to deal with you. Respect goes hand-in-hand with “wonderful customer service.” This will keep your client/customer coming back time after time.

• WELL-DESIGNED WORK, dux insider, specials

  Friday Lunch

  04.30.10 | This post was written by: Haley Montgomery | Permalink | Comment?

  We have a tradition here at the office. For the past five or six years, through the inspiration of one of our former designers, we eat lunch together. We lovingly call it “Friday Lunch,” and it’s open to those on our staff who want to join in. Usually around 10am, we start contemplating our favorite local restaurant choice. We have our favorites, and we usually choose by the process of eliminating what we’ve already had recently and by the process of passing the buck to whoever feels like a decision-maker for the day. Realistically, Friday Lunch usually ends up being just the girls. For some reason, the men on our staff don’t seem to want to enjoy our company around take-out boxes. That could have something to do with the years we used the hour to discuss the various stages of pregnancy or applicable wedding plans going on in the office. I guess I can understand their reluctance to join the discussion. Still, it’s a tradition we’ve kept going for a while, and we sometimes have former staff or even clients stop by to join us.

  As I was anticipating our lunch discussion this morning, I was thinking about this tradition. We look forward to it now. We sometimes talk about on-going projects, but more often than not, it sparks conversation about life outside the office. It has afforded us the opportunity to build office relationships, to foster teamwork and to be more involved with each others’ lives. It’s helped us to be a better team.

  What team-building practices does your business or organization have in place?

  SPEAKING OF LUNCH…

  Miss Jen rustled up a very nice special on an outstanding lunch product. This to-go lunch container is a truly versatile promotional item. It fosters a sense of environmental responsibility and conservation. It’s practical and useful — the hallmarks of a quality promotion with the potential to offer great marketing rewards. Check it out:

  LUNCH TO GO

  No more messy ice packs, leaking bags or soggy sandwiches! This lunch on-the-go box includes a divided compartment to keep food separated. The bottom container is microwave safe. Snap closer hinges keep the lid secure. The lid has a utensil compartment and contains built-in freezer gel. This is a great item for maintenance or construction crew gifts, student organization incentives, employee reward programs, company picnic give-aways and more.
  Pricing includes 1-color imprint in 1 location.
  Set-up = $50

  Qty = 48
  Price = $11.50

  Qty = 72
  Price = $10.99

  Qty = 144
  Price = $9.58

• WELL-DESIGNED WORK, dux insider

  An Audience with the Queen: 10 Questions

  04.26.10 | This post was written by: admin | Permalink | 1 Comment

  Our resident Queen, Debra Shafer, recently participated in two online mentoring sessions in conjunction with the Facebook-centered Online Women in Business Forum. Dux D’Lux hosted the Forum in March in collaboration with Her Executive Coach, a Paducah, KY executive coaching company. In case you missed the opportunity to chat with Her Majesty, take a look at these 10 Questions to enjoy the insights of a 30-year veteran of small business entrepreneurship.

  1. Thinking back to the early days of Dux D’Lux, what kept you energized and enthusiastic about your business? What brought you the most joy?

  Queen: The early days, wow, I was young and absolutely fearless … I had the design skills and the screen printing skills, lived in a place that was a bit lacking in “arts” opportunities [and didn’t really offer the services I wanted to provide], few employment opportunities [and already knew I was not the employee type], and a wonderful husband who was as optimistic [or foolish] as I. So, why not start a business – the ultimate creative process and it was [and is] fun.

The joy has always been in the challenge of a new project and the successes.

  2. Tell us why you’re called QUEEN?

  Queen: As for the QUEEN! When I decided to incorporate Dux D’Lux there was the question of title. Having spent a bit of time in England and not wanting to take the title issue too seriously, I decided I wanted to be the Queen of Dux D’Lux. The papers were filed [my articles of incorporation, written by my very creative attorney, are amazing] with the State Attorney General and I was officially and legally titled the Queen.

  3. Looking back to the 80s when you were building a new business and juggling the responsibilities of having very young children, do you have any advice for those of us who are in a similar juggling act now?

  Queen: Self-employed was the key for me and I had a wonderful older woman as a housekeeper – -kind of cheating, but it worked out very well. We didn’t have as many child care opportunities at that time and when the business was young I had more flex-time. Most importantly, the time spent with your children should be quality time. I’m not sure if that gives you any HOPE.

  As your children get older and are involved in more activities, it is important to carve the time our of your day to take them to dance class, watch soccer practice, etc. You may need to work a little later more often than you like, but the rewards of raising your children will off set the lack of sleep. As our children got to middle school age we began the tradition of “Sunday Dinner.” Every Sunday they each could invite several friends to Sunday dinner, which was always served family style at the dining room table. It was fun for them and gave us valuable insight in to there lives. The tradition continues and whenever they are in town, our dining table is full.

  4. What have been some of your favorite “success” stories with clients? How have you WOW-ed them?

  Queen: Dux D’Lux has worked with a restaurant group for over 24 years and helped to create the brands for three different restaurant concepts. Logo design, website design, collateral & ad design along with the T-shirts and products. The restaurants are successful and we feel that Dux D’Lux has been instrumental in that success. For us, the goal is to build long term client relationships. We learn the client’s business over the long haul which puts us in a better position to design and market their brand for success.

  5. Being in a creative business, where do you and your employees look for inspiration and information to keep things “fresh” for your clients?

  Queen: Of course, there is a steady stream of paper flowing through our office … magazines, journals, white papers, etc. The internet also provides a wealth of information on just about any subject you can imagine. Read, research and observe are the keys.

  6. How has your business grown and adapted to the changes in marketing and advertising? What was the first website that Dux designed?

  Queen: In the early years of Dux D’Lux, the computer didn’t factor into the studio environment. Bringing the “new” technology on board probably was the most dramatic change of my business career. Now, so many years later, I can’t imagine how we produced all of the work we did by hand. The internet also has changed the face of advertising and over the past several years social media has once again “rocked” the way we do business. Fortunately, with the younger generation of designers, Dux D’Lux is able to keep pace with the changing technology – a special thank you to our amazing Art Director & Creative Wizard – Haley Montgomery.

  7. Do you have a mentor and if so, how has your mentor inspired and encouraged you?

  Queen: I don’t have a mentor in the formal sense of the word. My mentors were my father & father-in-law both were self-employed and an example for me of strong work ethics and business practices. My husband has always been a mentor of sorts, always encouraging me to challenge myself. 

When Dux D’Lux decided to take on the Promotional Products side of the advertising business, I had a wonderful advisor in that industry that helped to soften the “out of-the-design-realm” reality of advertising specialties. Under his guidance, I learned to appreciate the importance of promotional products as a critical part of a successful marketing campaign.

  8. I know you have been active in the community in a number of ways. What do you feel is the importance of being engaged in organizations like the Chamber of Commerce, and other local business or civic groups?

  Queen: The community is very important to your business and interacting with your community is necessary for business growth. The Chamber of Commerce and community organizations provide a wealth of networking opportunities. It’s often difficult to find enough time to be involved in all organizations .. my advice would be to choose one or two and participate as much as you are able. Your input will be very much appreciated.

  9. As a female business owner, what has been your strategy to enjoy both personal and professional fulfillment? What advice would you share with other female entrepreneurs?

  Queen: Travel. Early in my business career, my husband had the opportunity for a teaching exchange with a university in Great Britain. Our children were very young; the business was very small, so I put Dux D’Lux under management and moved to England for six months. Best move we ever made … so, when the opportunity presented itself again several years later, we made the move for a year. This time Dux D’Lux was a bit more complicated; I took on a partner and did a lot of telephoning and FexEx-ing, Once again Dux D’Lux survived and here we are today. 

Understand that this scenario is a bit outside good business sense, but my point is that you must make time for yourself and your family. Now that we are empty-nesters, my husband and I still set aside time for us – it’s life-balance.

  10. What has been the most exciting way that technology has changed the face of marketing?

  Queen: Hands down the Social Media explosion. It is hard to grasp the networking & marketing opportunities available. The possibilities for marketing and growing a business are limitless.

• dux insider

  Work, Waddle & World

  03.31.10 | This post was written by: Haley Montgomery | Permalink | 2 Comments

  

  Whoa! Another blog post! Quack! has been sorely neglected over the last few months as the Sitting Dux have been focusing our attention in some other areas. I’ve been fine-tuning thoughts on how this blogging venue can best serve our clients and reflect the unique Dux sensibilities. The hiatus has been partly planned to facilitate a more refined and refreshed view of what we want to communicate with Quack! It’s also been partly haphazzard as we’ve been experimenting with other creative ways to market our services and engage with our customers.

  As with most companies this past year, the challenging economic climate has affected our business. It’s caused us to rethink some of our strategies, up our level of service and attention to detail, and look for ways to fine-tune our message. Those are the same areas of exploration most of our clients are going through as well, and we’ve been learning a lot in the process. This year, 2010, marks our 30^th year in business. That’s quite an accomplishment for an operation that began in Debra Shafer’s bathroom back in the day.

  As we’ve been evaluating our history and thinking about our future, a consistent phrase from the Queen has emerged. “It’s about quality versus quantity.” In the 16 years that I’ve been a part of the equation, I have realized how much that statement represents the crux of where Dux began and the crux of where we still are today. Our growth has been slow and steady through the years. Our engagement with customers has been centered on developing relationships for the long haul. Our approach to design has been to produce quality and effective pieces regardless of the budget. Our approach to creating wearables has been to offer the quality and attention to detail that only a personal touch can provide. It’s quality versus quantity. Again and again. It’s where the heart of our business lies. It’s what makes the Dux show up each day and fire up the computers or the screen printing plattens.

  

  As we re-envision the Quack! blog, that’s where we’ve landed. We want this venue to showcase our commitment to quality–quality design, quality ideas, quality products, quality living. To that end, we’re re-launching Quack in April with a new mission for content, and hopefully a new vision of design for our visitors….

  Postcards from a Well-Designed Work, Waddle and World

  A Well-Designed Work: Yes, our business is marketing. Clients call upon us to put a face to their businesses or organizations through image development, marketing pieces, websites, wearables and promotional items. It’s what we do. And, we believe you can do that with quality. We believe you can do it in an intentional and well-designed way so that your “work” reflects your true mission and responds to your target audience. We’ll post ideas, expertise, research and inspiration that can inform that process, and maybe give our customers that extra wind to make their marketing efforts take flight.

  A Well-Designed Waddle: Let’s face it. Quack is one of our marketing tools. Sure, we use it to promote ourselves. What self-respecting duck doesn’t have a well-designed waddle. We’ll use this venue to strut our stuff a little. And, by doing so, we’ll strut some of clients’ “stuff” as well. Our clients are doing amazing things, and we want to tell you about it. We’ll also let you know what’s new in the Dux pond and offer some quality ways to spend your promotional dollars, courtesy of special pricing and our team’s creative eye.

  A Well-Designed World: We are firm believers that everyone can appreciate great design, and that filling your life with quality doesn’t have to be expensive. It all waddles back to a perspective that values quality over quantity. Well-designed experiences and lifestyles can be found in equal measure in your own backyard and in destinations across the globe. We’ll use Quack to share the places, activities, artwork, products and experiences that are inspiring us. We hope that inspiration will spur a little extra waddle in YOUR step as you seek out your own well-designed corner of the world.

  So, there’s the plan. The mission: quality versus quantity in a well-designed experience. We can’t promise a post every day, and we can’t promise you’ll be inspired by everything that shakes our feathers. But, we hope you’ll enjoy joining the flock!

• dux insider

  What’s Tailgating without Food?

  09.30.09 | This post was written by: admin | Permalink | Comment?

  Tailgating just wouldn’t be tailgating without delicious munchies on the grill or off! This week we thought we’d share some of our favorite recipes from the Sitting Dux kitchens to fortify your team. Yum!

  Miss Jenn’s 7 Layer Dip

  Ingredients needed (size to fit your team):

  Refried Beans

  Shredded Cheese

  Lettuce

  Tomatoes

  Guacamole

  Sour Cream

  Salsa

  Tortilla chips

  How to make:

  First, get a serving dish!  Something that chips can easily scoop a messy dip out of.

  Layer One:  The refried beans.  I heat these up a little bit in a microwave safe bowl.  Typically about a minute.  Then I mix a little shredded cheese into it and put it back in the microwave for another 30 seconds.  Place this first layer in the serving dish.

  Layer Two:  Cheese, you will see cheese repeat itself in other layers, but this is one for itself.  Smother the refried beans in a layer of shredded cheesy goodness.

  Layer Three:  Cut up the lettuce into small bits to layer on top of the dip.  People need to be able to scoop it up easily, so no salad size pieces of lettuce.

  Layer Four: The tomatoes can be cut to your liking.  I dice mine to be able to sprinkle them over the top of the dip.

  Layer Five:  Before I put the guacamole on top I lay a little more cheese down.  I told you it would come back.  I place the guacamole over the top of the dip.

  Layer Six:  I am not a fan of sour cream, but many of my friends are.  When making this, they say it tastes great to have sour cream spread over the top.  I like to just put a dollop on the top of the dip for people to eat as they see fit.  Either way works for this tasty treat.

  Layer Seven:  Drizzle salsa over the top of the dip for a finishing touch.

  Serve with tortilla chips and enjoy!

  Other good items to mix in: Hamburger meat with the refried beans.  Sliced jalapenos to accent the top.

  It’s halftime in our special Tailgating Week, and tailgating just wouldn’t be tailgating without delicious munchies on the grill or off! Miss Jenn is quite the munchie aficionado, so eat up! Kids, go ahead and try this at home.

  Miss Jenn’s 7 Layer Dip

  Ingredients needed (size to fit your team):
  Refried Beans
  Shredded Cheese
  Lettuce
  Tomatoes
  Guacamole
  Sour Cream
  Salsa
  Tortilla chips

  How to make:
  First, get a serving dish!  Something that chips can easily scoop a messy dip out of.

  Layer One: The refried beans.  I heat these up a little bit in a microwave safe bowl.  Typically about a minute.  Then I mix a little shredded cheese into it and put it back in the microwave for another 30 seconds.  Place this first layer in the serving dish.

  Layer Two: Cheese, you will see cheese repeat itself in other layers, but this is one for itself.  Smother the refried beans in a layer of shredded cheesy goodness.

  Layer Three: Cut up the lettuce into small bits to layer on top of the dip.  People need to be able to scoop it up easily, so no salad size pieces of lettuce.

  Layer Four: The tomatoes can be cut to your liking.  I dice mine to be able to sprinkle them over the top of the dip.

  Layer Five: Before I put the guacamole on top I lay a little more cheese down.  I told you it would come back.  I place the guacamole over the top of the dip.

  Layer Six: I am not a fan of sour cream, but many of my friends are.  When making this, they say it tastes great to have sour cream spread over the top.  I like to just put a dollop on the top of the dip for people to eat as they see fit.  Either way works for this tasty treat.

  Layer Seven: Drizzle salsa over the top of the dip for a finishing touch.

  Serve with tortilla chips and enjoy!

  Other good items to mix in: Hamburger meat with the refried beans.  Sliced jalapenos to accent the top.

• dux insider

  Calling all Fans! For our Most Valuable Team Giveaway

  09.24.09 | This post was written by: Haley Montgomery | Permalink | 5 Comments

  CALLING ALL FANS!

  For our Most Valuable Team Giveaway

  For all those sports fans out there, Dux D’Lux is celebrating Tailgating Week beginning Sept 28. We’ll be sharing great Tailgating promotional product choices, yummy recipes, school fundraising ideas and more on our social media profiles, ezine and blog. The week will culminate in a Virtual Tailgate Party Facebook event on Friday, Oct 2.

  We’re looking for contenders for the school team most deserving of custom-printed team spirit give-aways. What makes a team the most deserving? The number of fans of course! “Fan” the Dux D’Lux Facebook page Sept 28 – Oct 2 and leave a comment about your favorite high school, junior high or pee wee team — football, soccer, volleyball, cheer squad… any sport, any age! Just include your school and your sponsor organization. The team with the most endorsements will get their choice of 100 FREE custom imprinted 22 oz stadium cups or megaphones to use for fundraising, game tosses, pep rallies, etc. We’ll announce our Most Valuable Team during the Virtual Tailgate Party on Oct 2.

  More of a college or pro sports lover? We have some fun prizes for lucky fans posting the best smack-talking, pom-pom waving cheers during the Virtual Tailgate Party on Oct. 2. Don’t miss it!

  And don’t miss the opportunity to get your favorite school team some freebies!

  For more information visit fans.duxdlux.com or login to our Facebook page at facebook.duxdlux.com.

  For all those sports fans out there, Dux D’Lux is celebrating Tailgating Week beginning Sept 28. We’ll be sharing great Tailgating promotional product choices, yummy recipes, school fundraising ideas and more on our social media profiles, ezine and blog. The week will culminate in an Online Tailgate Party Facebook event on Friday, Oct 2.

  We’re looking for contenders for the school team most deserving of custom-printed team spirit give-aways. What makes a team the most deserving? The number of fans of course! “Fan” the Dux D’Lux Facebook page Sept 28 – Oct 2 and leave a comment about your favorite high school, junior high or pee wee team — football, soccer, volleyball, cheer squad… any sport, any age! Just include your school and your sponsor organization. The team with the most endorsements will get their choice of 100 FREE custom imprinted 22 oz stadium cups or megaphones to use for fundraising, game tosses, pep rallies, etc. We’ll announce our Most Valuable Team during the Online Tailgate Party on Oct 2.

  The Most Valuable Team will have their choice of these two great spirit-building give-aways:

  22 oz Smooth Stadium Cup
  Available Colors: Red, white, royal blue, yellow, green, orange, black, beige, natural, pink and purple
  Cup size: 5 5/8″h x 3 5/8″t x 2 5/8″b

  Megaphones
  Colors: red, white, royal blue, yellow, purple, orange, black and green
  Megaphone size: 7 1/2″ x 2″ x 5 1/4″

  More of a college or pro sports lover? We have some fun prizes for lucky fans posting the best smack-talking, pom-pom waving cheers during the Facebook Online Tailgate Party on Oct. 2. Don’t miss it!

  And don’t miss the opportunity to get your favorite school team some freebies! Bookmark this link for the play-by-play: fans.duxdlux.com or login to our Facebook page at facebook.duxdlux.com.

• dux insider

  Flying High & Flying the Coop

  08.07.09 | This post was written by: Haley Montgomery | Permalink | Comment?

  This Freaky Friday post gives you an inside look at a much-anticipated Dux family wedding! And, flying high is the best description of these Shafers! With great fun, sun and a few acrobatic tricks our former Marketing Director (and son of the Queen,) Austin Shafer married his love, Blair, in Florida on July 4th. We share their joy with a few photos and extend our high-flying congratulations. Austin finished his tenure at Dux D’Lux in June and the happy couple will soon be feathering their nest in Houston, TX. Best wishes, you two!

  

  

• dux insider

  Don’t Forget $1 Tees Today!

  08.07.09 | This post was written by: Haley Montgomery | Permalink | Comment?

  Dux D’Lux is hosting our First Friday Tee Shirt Sale today from 11am – 3pm at our office. If you’re in the Starkville area, don’t forget to stop by to get $1 tees from our overrun and test tee inventory as well as browse other overstocked items. See you on the lawn!

  Click here for a map to our office.