Pro Urban Gardening Tips

The founder of Mesh Creative Group and Aris Graphics, James "Jim" Alton Bechand caters to various clients' creative needs by improving their marketing plans and offering a one-stop shopping approach. Outside of his professional pursuits, James Alton Bechand enjoys golfing, cooking, collecting art, and gardening.

Gardening is a great activity that not only offers relaxation but also an ideal method of sourcing organic and freshly grown produce. People with limited or no balcony space can start container gardening.

Containers can grow a variety of fruits and vegetables as long as the plants are spaced properly and receive enough nutrients and sunlight. Don't forget to water and apply fertilizer as required. Also, go for perennials instead of annuals since they are cost-effective and last longer. You can also use seeds from already eaten fruits or vegetables to cut down on expenses.

To maximize space, be strategic in the choice of plants to grow and consider vertical gardening since most plants like tomatoes and cucumber grow upwards. If permissible, convert the lawn, perennial flower garden, and other forested areas to an edible garden. Edible permascaping involves replacing ornamental flowers in gardens with edible plants. 

Three Types of Competitors to Search for in a Competitive Analysis

With extensive sales and marketing experience, James Alton Bechand worked as a salesman for almost 20 years before establishing his first company, Aris Graphics. In 2004, he founded Mesh Creative Group, a marketing agency for small to medium-sized corporations. At Mesh Creative Group, James Alton Bechand helps companies in developing strong brands.

One of the first steps to build a strong brand is to research and study competitors within the same industry. This process is called competitive analysis which involves the evaluation and categorization of all competitors to compare their weaknesses and strengths.

There are mainly three types of competitors: direct, indirect, and tertiary. Direct competitors are those that offer the same products and services in the same industry. These companies target exactly the same audience as the business doing competitive analysis.

Meanwhile, indirect competitors offer the same product or service within the same geographical area. However, indirect competitors target a different audience or serve a different need.

Lastly, tertiary competitors sell products or services similar but not equal to the business doing the competitive analysis. Although tertiary competitors cannot be considered a threat, they can quickly choose to become indirect or direct competitors with a few strategy changes.

Expected Advancements in Graphics Production

In 2000, James Alton Bechand founded Aris Graphics, Inc., a full-service firm that produces graphical marketing displays and provides consultations for a growing clientele, which includes Fortune 500 companies. Before setting up the company, James Alton Bechand worked in the graphics industry for more than fifteen years.

The graphics industry has evolved over the years. But, the pace of change is set to quicken as we enter another decade. New technological advances in graphics production are expected to change the industry in the nearest future. One of the anticipated changes is the integration of augmented and virtual reality into print production. Incorporating these elements is expected to heighten users' experience. These changes will enable customers to interact and immerse themselves with the subject matter of the print product.

Another expected advancement is the spread of 3D printing in graphics production from the niches it serves presently to the mass market, as costs are driven downwards by technological evolution. Also, expect minimalist designs to come up sharply in the next few years, with more images and icons replacing word content, adhering to the saying 'less is more.'

On the economic front, there could be increased reliance on outsourcing to freelance professionals instead of utilizing in-house staff. Such a trend would be in line with the rapid growth of freelancing and the gig economy. It's also crucial as a cost-saving strategy and an avenue for obtaining fresh ideas.

Designing an Effective Point of Sale Display

The founder of Mesh Creative Group, James Alton Bechand is an expert in sales and promotional advertising with numerous awards for excellence in graphic production. James Alton Bechand offers clients a comprehensive brand-building solution through the company, including digital branding strategy, advertising, and point of sale marketing design.

Point of sale displays can be a crucial part of your brand’s success and there are a few important elements to consider when building one. First, you should understand your product and how best to present it to your audience. Failing to understand how customers expect to find your product can lead to a large reduction in engagement.

Also, think about how the display will impact the shopping space. Products should be easy to restock and the display itself can’t take up too much space. Remember, a good display doesn’t rely on obstructing customers. Rather, you want to catch their eye and draw them in to convince them to buy. Focus on practicality and good design.