Category: Advertisting & Marketing

photo credit: Walnut Studiolo ErinBerzelPhotography-4428 via photopin (license)

The way we network and connect may have massively changed in the past few years thanks to an explosion of social networking tools and apps, all ready to help us collaborate with a single tap, but one staple of old business practices remains: the humble business card. A simple, elegant slip of paper featuring a person or business’ name, branding, and contact information is still a very common tool for making important business contacts and establishing potentially fruitful relationships.

Business cards have evolved in the last few years. On the one hand, there’s a nostalgia for the elegance of old. Lately we’ve noticed a trend in letter press business cards, which have a sophisticated, textured presentation. There are also a wide range of different sizes and formats, and special die cut shapes and effects like foil stamping, or super thick cards made possible with new printing technology. On the other hand, business cards have also gone digital, and some of them offer digital engagement features like QR codes that you can scan with a smartphone to download contact info or visit a website. There are also several apps out there to help you scan and organize the business cards you receive, some of which sync with popular cloud-based contact databases you may already use, and startups are busily creating apps that all hope to become the digital business card of the future.

If you’re looking to shake up how you make business contacts, drop us a line! We also create unique and memorable business cards, and we’re here to help.

Top 10 Winter Promotional Gifts

November 2, 2016 Advertisting & Marketing / Promotional Inspirations / Wearables

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Halloween is in the books, and that means we are heading directly into the festive winter season. Holiday decorations are already going up here in New York! As the season revs up, you may be wondering how to decide what promotional gifts to pick for your staff, clients, and business partners. As we often say, promotional products are especially popular when they are useful—and gifts that are perfectly suited to winter are more likely to be appreciated for seasons to come. With that in mind, here are the top ten winter promotional gifts that we recommend for the blustery months ahead!

Top 10 Winter Promotional Gifts:

#1. Blankets. Ask a busy professional to picture their dream winter vacation and chances are it involves a fireplace and a cozy blanket? Blankets are a crowd-pleaser. Cozy, snuggly, and comforting, they make a thoughtful winter gift for your valued employees and treasured customers.

#2. Mugs. As the temperatures drop, your customers will probably reach for a mug of hot tea or cocoa to keep warm. A high quality mug with your branding on it is a thoughtful gift they’ll appreciate for years to come, whether they’re enjoying a cuppa at home at breakfast time or sipping some green tea at the office.

#3. Candles. If your customers and employees could add one item to that cozy winter scene, it would probably be a candle. They’re relaxing, lovely, often fragrant, and create a perfect atmosphere for the holidays.

#4. Ice scrapers. If you like in a cold climate like we do here in the Northeast, then you know anybody who drives needs a trusty ice scraper to get them up and running after a snow or ice storm. Business partners and customers will appreciate having one of these on hand, compliments of your company, as winter approaches.

#5. Gloves. If your clients are going outside to scrape the ice off their windshield, chances are they’re going to need a nice pair of gloves too! They’re essential for protecting our hands from the elements in the dead of winter.

#6. Lip Balm. As the weather gets colder and drier, your clients, staff, and business partners may find the delicate skin on their lips is prone to chapping or even cracking. Lip balm comes in very handy on freezing, blustering days and is particularly useful for travel.

#7. Hand sanitizer. Cold and flu season is already well underway. Hand sanitizers are handy for guarding against seasonal bugs, especially since they’re so convenient and portable. They make a great promotional gift since they show care and concern for your clients’ and employees’ well-being.

#8. Beanie caps. When it’s frigid outside, beanie caps keep your clients’ ears and heads warm. Whether they’re out running errands or catching a football game, a tasteful logo will on the cap will be a positive reminder of your business.

#9. Fleece Jackets. These are very convenient to have when winter rolls around, as they keep the wearer toasty and comfortable even in cold weather. Fleece jackets are a great choice for both men and women, and they come in a range of styles and colors—even co-branded fleece jackets from the popular outdoors brand Columbia are available.

#10. Scarves. As soon as the season changes, you’ll see people donning scarves before heading outside. Scarves are a practical means of staying warm as well as an elegant fashion statement. As a corporate gift, they can also be an elegant reminder of your business.

Wondering if there are other promotional products that might be a good fit for a winter campaign or holiday event you have in mind? Don’t hesitate to reach out to us for advice. If you could benefit from some creative and collaborative brainstorming, we’d be happy to share some recommendations. Connect with us on Twitter and Facebook or call us at 877-881-6845 and we’ll be glad to advise you on custom branded promotional products that can represent your brand with style and grace.

Top 10 Fall Promotional Gifts

September 28, 2016 Advertisting & Marketing / Promotional Inspirations / Wearables

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Fall is in full swing as of last week, and we’re beginning to notice a change in the air. Are you ready for the season? As autumn gears up, you may be wondering what promotional gifts are best for this time of year. As we’ve mentioned before on this blog, promotional products are especially popular when they are useful—and gifts that are perfectly suited to fall are more likely to be appreciated for seasons to come. With that in mind, here are the top ten fall promotional gifts that we recommend for the chilly months ahead!

Top 10 Fall Promotional Gifts:

#1 – Gloves. As the weather gets colder, your clients, staff, and business partners will soon need gloves to keep their hands toasty. A pair of smart touch gloves (for using smartphones) is a perfect fit for the approaching cold season and will no doubt be appreciated by customers or employees who are always tapping away on their mobile devices.

#2 – Beanie caps. Just like gloves, beanie caps are great to have on hand—not to mention stylish—when the temperatures drop and the wind whips up. They’ll keep your clients’ ears and head warm whether they’re out running errands in the neighborhood or enjoying a nice fall run in the park, and a tasteful logo will on the cap will be a positive reminder of your business.

#3 – Lip balm. This is a must-have in the fall. Lip balm soothes lips, prevents chapping, and often comes with SPF protection as well. It’s great for a giveaway, a trade show or conference held in a cold location, or a staff gift. It’s available in classic stick form, as part of a convenient combo with sunscreen, or in a small tin. Organic lip balm is also an option. There’s even glow-in-the-dark lip balm, which is perfect for Halloween!

#4 – Thermos® Drinkware: Mugs, Tumblers, & Bottles. As the air outside gets brisk, your customers will find themselves yearning for a sip of hot tea or cocoa to keep themselves warm. Thermos® drinkware is a classic choice for keeping a beverage hot and portable while on the go. There’s a wide variety to suit any need or lifestyle including travel mugs, tumblers, and bottles, and it makes a perfect gift to warm up for the holiday season.

#5 – Blankets. Who doesn’t love snuggling up under a warm blanket on a crisp fall night? Blankets are an ideal gift for anyone since they’re ideal for the season, useful, cozy, warm, and comforting. They might make a nice reward for your staff or a thoughtful gift for your treasured customers. Stadium blankets are perfect for the avid sports fan, fleece blankets are great for any situation, and there are even travel versions available for staying bundled up while on the road.

#6 – Flashlights. A flashlight always comes in handy and makes a great promotional gift. These days there are as many flashlights as you can think of—from heavy duty durable flashlights to petite LED keylight flashlights, USB flashlights, mobile power banks that double as flashlights, lantern flashlights, hanging flashlights, camping flashlights, and more.

#7 – Hot chocolate. Although fall is renowned for the pumpkin spice latté craze, hot chocolate isn’t far behind! This soothing, comforting drink is perfect for the cold weather ahead, and it’s great for a trade show or holiday gift. It comes as an individual bag of instant hot chocolate, in K-cup form, or as an eight-ounce bag.

#8 – Vests. Apparel is one of the most popular types of promotional products today, and with good cause—everyone needs attractive, well-made clothing. As fall approaches, vests are an especially good pick for both men and women. They’re great for an outdoor staff retreat in cold weather, for example, and they make a thoughtful gift for valued clients. Vests come in both fleece, knit, and down versions.

#9 – Stadium cups. Stadium cups come in handy for all kinds of scenarios, including holiday or staff parties and trade shows. They’re sturdy, attractive, and a great choice for branding your logo in a prominent way. People tend to hold on to drinkware that they find useful, and stadium cups will be a handy reminder of your brand every time your clients reach for them.

#10 – Hand sanitizers. As the temperatures drop, you can be sure that people are going to start getting colds. Hand sanitizers are a smart way to guard against seasonal bugs, especially since they’re so convenient and portable. They make a great promotional gift since they show care and concern for your clients’ and employees’ well-being. There are a few different varieties available, too: credit card sized hand sanitizer, hand sanitizer spray, and hand sanitizer gel.

Wondering if there are other promotional products that might be a good fit for a fall campaign or event you have in mind? Don’t hesitate to reach out to us for advice. If you have an idea in mind that might benefit from some creative brainstorming, we’d be happy to share some recommendations. Connect with us on Twitter and Facebook or call us at 877-881-6845 and we’ll be glad to advise you on custom branded promotional products that can represent your brand with style and grace.

The Power of Branded Apparel

August 18, 2016 Advertisting & Marketing / Branding / Promotional Inspirations

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Apparel items and wearables such as t-shirts, caps, and outerwear are among the most popular promotional products available to companies wanting to reach customers. Each of us has seen a nice t-shirt with a logo on it, and we probably have one at home ourselves (I know I do), but at the end of the day we might still wonder: how effective are they? Well, the research is in. People love promotional products in general and branded items of all types attract new customers to your business, but wearables have a special place in the heart of the American consumer. Here are some data points that show just how powerful t-shirts, caps, hats, and other wearable branded items can be in promoting your brand.

Recall is highest for apparel items. According to a 2014 study, 88% of people recall the advertiser that gave them a t-shirt or hat. 57% of U.S. consumers feel more favorable about the advertiser who gave them a promotional shirt.
Wearables are extremely popular. 48% of Americans own logoed t-shirts. They are the second most popular promotional product in America after writing instruments (56%). 25% of us own logoed caps and headwear as well.
Attractiveness is important. 42% of people who keep promotional hats do so because they are considered attractive, and 54% of people who hold on to outerwear for the same reason.
Outerwear has staying power. On average, U.S. consumers keep outerwear for a year and a half. When asked why they hold on to it, 75% say they do because it is useful while 52% say it’s because they find it attractive. 49% simply say that they enjoy having it.
Certain demographics especially enjoy t-shirts. Interestingly, men (52%) are more likely to own promotional t-shirts than women (46%), while African-Americans (46%) are the most likely of all ethnic groups to keep their t-shirts, citing attractiveness of the t-shirt as a reason for holding onto it.
Even certain regions have specific preferences for wearables. T-shirts are especially popular in the Southeast, where they generate nearly 4,000 impressions over their lifetime. Folks in Minneapolis enjoy logoed hats—they wear them as much as six times per month, creating impressions every time they go out. Outerwear is especially popular in the Midwest, where 15% of consumers report owning an item, likely due to the cold weather in winter.

Everybody loves a good t-shirt, as it turns out, especially if they think it’s attractive or useful. And in a sense, everybody wins: someone gets a new piece of apparel that they’ll enjoy and keep for a long time, and the business knows they’ll remember who gave it to them and look on them a little more favorably, perhaps even think of doing business with them. If you’re thinking of smart ways to get the word out about your company, wearables are a great choice.

We should also mention that there are a lot of different kinds of wearables you can pick from when thinking about a possible campaign or giveaway: t-shirts, sweatshirts, polo shirts, caps & hats, sweatbands, sunglasses, bandannas, flip flops, handkerchiefs, scarves, socks, gloves, jackets, earmuffs, and plenty beyond that. You can get creative with your choices and pick something appropriate for the season, a particular holiday, obviously your brand, or a special event like a trade show or a conference. Promotional products work best when they’re considered useful, attractive, and relevant (to a season or event, for example), so it’s a good idea to keep that in mind when planning your promotion.

Are you looking for branded apparel or other branded promotional items to help your company stand out from the competition? There are a lot of ways they can draw attention for your business. Get in touch with us on Twitter and Facebook or call us at 877-881-6845 and we’ll be glad to advise you on exceptional promotional products that can represent your brand with style and grace.

At the Rio Olympics, It’s All About That Swag

August 11, 2016 Advertisting & Marketing / Branding / Cool / Events & Holidays / Promotional Inspirations

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Team USA gear created by Ralph Lauren for the Rio 2016 Olympics.

Have you been watching the Olympic Games in Rio this week, cheering on the U.S. women’s gymnastics team and chuckling at #PhelpsFace memes? If so, you’ve no doubt noticed some of the interesting branding stories coming out of Rio too. The Olympics are an incredibly high-profile sporting competition, playing out on just about the biggest stage there is, and the IOC is guarding its branding very carefully. It’s been notoriously strict about use of official Rio 2016 logos and even GIFs (yes, believe it or not, you’re officially not allowed to share animated GIFs of the Olympic Games on social media… though that didn’t stop clips of #PhelpsFace from going viral). Not surprisingly, the IOC has also taken a dim view of unauthorized swag being peddled during the two-week athletic event.

Still, there have been some really interesting and even surprising branding stories coming out of Rio, along with some pretty covetable swag we can all appreciate whether we’re into sports or not. Here are some of the most intriguing types of Olympic branded products—or stories about Olympic swag—that have gotten our attention as the Games have gotten underway:

Custom Nike swag for Olympic athletes. Preparing for the Games takes many years, as Olympic observers know. Tokyo 2020 organizers are already deep into planning for their turn in the Olympic spotlight. Brands are no different. Nike spent three years preparing custom swag for Team USA and Team Brazil, designing individualized gifts tailored to each athlete’s specific schedule and needs. That incredible attention to detail no doubt left a strong impression on the athletes, and it’s smart Olympic branding. When giving promotional branded gifts, it’s always a pro move to make sure that your gifts are useful, helpful, and relevant to the people receiving them.
The IOC is making its own knockoffs. This is fascinating! While actively going after unauthorized vendors for churning out counterfeit merchandise, the IOC itself is getting in on the act, selling cheaper versions of its official Olympic branded goods in downtown Rio. One good aspect of this development is that it makes Olympic gear accessible to Brazilians who might not otherwise be able to afford it, but it’s also an impressive display of chutzpah and branding control at the same time.
Fashion-forward team gear. Swag and high fashion have been converging in an interesting way lately—Justin Bieber’s new line of tour-inspired merchandise is just one example. Not to be outdone, the Olympics are featuring some attention-getting team gear created by famous fashion brands such as Ralph Lauren, Lacoste, and Christian Louboutin. If there’s a particular look you like or a team you want to support, you can buy the same swag online and rock a cool Olympic pose yourself.

We’ve got just over a week to go, with more intriguing examples of Olympic swag and interesting branding stories sure to come out of Rio as the Games continue. They’ll be worth keeping an eye on as you cheer your favorite athletes to victory!

Are you looking for branded promotional items to help your company stand out from the competition? There are a lot of ways branded goods can draw attention for your business. Get in touch with us on Twitter and Facebook or call us at 877-881-6845 and we’ll be glad to advise you on exceptional promotional products that can represent your brand with style and grace.

Campaign Swag at the RNC and DNC

July 22, 2016 Advertisting & Marketing / Branding / Cool / Events & Holidays / Promotional Inspirations

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It’s convention time! The Republicans have been gathering in Cleveland this week to formally nominate Donald Trump as their candidate for President, and next week the Democrats will officially give their nod to Hillary Clinton in Philadelphia. This has been an unusual campaign season to say the least, and as we’ve talked about before here on the blog, one of the most interesting and unique things about it has been the campaign swag. Promotional branded products are one of the most effective methods that candidates are using to advertise their campaigns, and supporters (or, in some cases, just really clever entrepreneurs with a good sense of humor) are getting in on the act too.

Of course Donald Trump’s “Make America Great Again” hat is the most iconic and readily recognizable piece of campaign swag out there, but there are others worth mentioning. Here are some of the most intriguing types of swag—or stories about swag—that have gotten our attention as the election has heated up this summer:

Make America Great Again spinoffs. One of the most effective things about Donald Trump’s “Make America Great Again” slogan is that you can spin it off into many different versions. We’re seeing that this week, as the RNC presents a different theme each night (Make America Safe Again, Make America Work Again). Some merchandise sellers are putting an ironic twist on the famous catchphrase with tongue-in-cheek products such as the Make Coffee Great Again coffee mug.
Magical Bernie gear. Although Bernie Sanders may be out of the race, his supporters are still buying up plenty of swag—including really fun, kitschy items like a 80s portrai t style mouse pad showing Bernie holding a cute cat and a Bernie Sanders Is Magical onesie depicting the Bern riding triumphant atop a unicorn graced by a rainbow. Not to be outdone, 90s girls saying #ImWithHer can make a statement with throwback Hillary scrunchies.
Unique, local swag from Philly artists. Conventions such as the RNC and DNC are big opportunities for cities to draw attention to their special attractions and what makes them unique, and Philadelphia is no exception. To welcome the DNC next week, Philly artists have designed a set of exclusive clothing, pins, magnets, and other souvenirs sure to attract visitors to the city of Brotherly Love. This is a nice change of pace from the same-old same-old, ubiquitous Liberty Bell goods you typically see throughout the city.

Whoever you support in this year’s campaign, there’s likely some swag out there with your name on it. Have you seen a piece of swag that has particularly caught your eye lately? Snap a photo of it and share it with us on social at Twitter, Facebook, or @branding_ideas on Instagram! We’re always on the lookout for examples of cool, funky, or interesting swag.

Are you looking for branded promotional items to help your company stand out? There are a lot of ways branded goods can draw attention for your business. Get in touch with us on Twitter and Facebook or call us at 877-881-6845 and we’ll be glad to advise you on exceptional promotional products that can represent your brand with style and grace.

July Holidays, Events, and Awareness Dates to Keep on Your Radar

June 30, 2016 Advertisting & Marketing / Branding / Events & Holidays / Promotional Inspirations

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photo credit: Kalender / calendar via photopin (license)

Can you believe we’re almost at July? This year is going by so quickly. If you’re here in the States like we are, we hope you have a wonderful 4th of July planned. As we get into the full swing of summer, here are some great opportunities to keep your business or organization top of mind with clients and business partners all month long. These are some upcoming holidays, events, and awareness dates coming up that you might want to have on your radar for promotional campaigns and giveaways—from quirky, fun occasions to more serious, meaningful remembrances.

July!

Holidays and Awareness Days

July 4 – Independence Day

Celebrated each year in the U.S. with fireworks and parades, Independence Day marks the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, proclaiming the thirteen colonies’ independence from England and establishing the United States as a sovereign country.

July 11 – World Population Day

Observed every year on July 11, World Population Day seeks to draw awareness to global population issues. Established by the United Nations Development Programme in 1989, back when the planet’s population was roughly 5 billion people, it has become a more widespread international observance since then.

July 14 – Bastille Day

This French national holiday, known in France as la fête nationale or le quatorze juillet, commemorates the storming of the Bastille prison in Paris on July 14, 1789. That event signaled the start of the French revolution. Celebrations and parades are held throughout the country on this day.

July 18 – Nelson Mandela International Day

Observed each year on Nelson Mandela’s birthday, Nelson Mandela International Day honors the iconic South African leader’s dedication to the service of humanity in the fields of conflict resolution, race relations, and many other important issues facing communities around the world.

July 24 – Parents’ Day

Established in the U.S. in 1994, Parents’ Day promotes recognizing and supporting parents in rearing children and contributing to a better world. It’s commonly celebrated here each year on the fourth Sunday of July; in Korea, a similar holiday is observed on May 8.

Awareness Weeks July 2016

July 11-15: National Therapeutic Recreation Week. Established in 1984 by the National Therapeutic Recreation Society, National Therapeutic Recreation Week recognizes the importance of “therapeutic recreation”—the use of leisure activities as a way to aid in patient recovery. Benefits include an enhanced sense of well-being as well as teaching and reinforcing everyday behaviors necessary for a good quality of life.

July 20-24: Comic-Con International. Founded in 1970, Comic-Con International is a massively popular yearly entertainment and comic convention held each year in San Diego, California. Known simply as Comic-Con to aficionados, it lasts for four days and draws large crowds of sci-fi, comic book, and pop culture enthusiasts.

July 25-31: World Youth Day. Also known by the acronym WYD, World Youth Day is an international Catholic event centered on faith and how it impacts young people. Celebrated in a different location each year, it will be observed in Kraków, Poland this July.

Awareness Months July 2016

– National Grilling Month

National Grilling Month is pretty much what it sounds like: a month-long celebration of the pleasures of grilling outdoors in the summertime. It’s also a good opportunity for grilling enthusiasts to refresh their safety practices with some helpful grilling safety tips.

– National Cell Phone Courtesy Month

Ever been annoyed by someone treating the local Starbucks like their personal office, yelling loudly into their cell phone while everyone else is trying to enjoy their coffee in peace? Then this awareness month is for you. It’s a good opportunity to brush up on and promote proper cell phone etiquette.

– UV Safety Month

As more of us spend quality time outdoors reveling in the warm summer sun, it’s important to protect our skin and eyes from the harmful impacts of UV rays. Load up on sunscreen, make sure you have a trusty pair of UV sunglasses at your side, and enjoy a cool breeze in the shade of a UV umbrella.

– Social Wellness Month

In our always-on, frenetic world, it’s sometimes hard to pause and take stock of what wellness means to us. Social Wellness Month explores ways in which we can improve our wellness—as well as others’—by connecting better with the people around us.

– National Culinary Arts Month

Anyone who loves food or dining will appreciate National Culinary Arts Month, which exists to celebrate the talents and skills of the chefs and cooks who prepare our food when we go out to enjoy a meal—whether that’s in a fancy restaurant or at the unassuming food truck down the street.

– National Park and Recreation Month

What better way to enjoy the summer months than outdoors at one of our many beautiful local, state, and national parks? National Park and Recreation Month seeks to promote the enjoyment of our local parks and recreation centers and the many ways they contribute to our health and wellness both individually and as a community.

Wondering if there are promotional products that might be a good fit for the season or a particular project or campaign you might have on your radar? Don’t hesitate to reach out to us for advice. If you have an idea in mind that might benefit from some creative brainstorming, we’d be happy to share some recommendations. Connect with us on Twitter and Facebook or call us at 877-881-6845 and we’ll be glad to advise you on custom branded promotional products that can represent your brand with style and grace.

June Holidays, Events, and Awareness Dates to Keep on Your Radar

June 2, 2016 Advertisting & Marketing / Branding / Events & Holidays / Promotional Inspirations

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photo credit: Kalender / calendar via photopin (license)

June is here, and with it, the arrival of summer! Here in New York, we just enjoyed a lovely Memorial Day weekend and are getting excited to enjoy all that the warmer months have to offer, such as sunny bike rides and picnics at the park. As we did for May, we’d like to give you the heads up on several great opportunities to keep your business top of mind with clients and business partners during the month of June. Here are some of the upcoming holidays, events, and awareness dates coming up that you might want to have on your radar for promotional campaigns and giveaways—from lighthearted humorous occasions to thoughtful remembrances.

June!

Holidays and Awareness Days

June 5 – Ramadan begins

Ramadan, celebrated from June 5 to July 5 this year, is an important month in the Islamic calendar devoted to prayer, fasting, acts of charity, and self-accountability. The final third portion of Ramadan, in which the Prophet Muhammad was said to have received the first verses of the Koran, is an especially holy moment for people of the Muslim faith.

June 14 – Flag Day

Observed every year on June 14, Flag Day commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States (which originally took place in 1777 by resolution of the Second Continental Congress). Although it’s not an official federal holiday, Flag Day is often marked with parades and other special observances nationwide.

June 19 – Father’s Day

On Father’s Day, people celebrate fathers and fatherhood, recognizing the positive influence fathers have on society. Originally conceived as a counterpart to Mother’s Day in the early 20^th century here in the United States, Father’s Day is now recognized across the globe on varying dates.

June 20 – World Refugee Day, Summer Solstice

The United Nations’ World Refugee Day is observed on June 20 each year. It honors the strength and courage of women, men, and children who are forced to flee their homeland under the threat of persecution, conflict, and violence. It is also an opportunity to honor the contributions that refugees make to the communities in which they live.

Also on June 20 this year is the Summer Solstice, which in the Northern Hemisphere marks the longest day of the year (it is also the shortest day of the year, or Winter Solstice, in the Southern Hemisphere).

June 21 – International Day of Yoga

First adopted in 2004 by the United Nations General Assembly, the International Day of Yoga honors the ancient and enduring tradition of yoga as well as its many benefits to our lives and the world as a whole. It’s a perfect moment to practice yoga and celebrate wellness of both body and mind.

June 24 – Take Your Dog to Work Day

First created by Pet Sitters International (PSI) in 1999, Take Your Dog to Work Day celebrates how wonderful dogs are as companions and friends. It’s also an occasion to promote the adoption of dogs into loving homes.

Awareness Weeks June 2016

June 5-11: National Sun Safety Week. Organized by the Sun Safety Alliance, National Sun Safety Week highlights the importance of safe sun practices in an effort to reduce the number of incidents of skin cancer and other harmful effects of overexposure to the sun.

June 14-21: National Nursing Assistants Week. Celebrated each year in June, National Nursing Assistants week honors the nursing assistants who care for us and tend to us when we are in ill health or need of medical attention.

Awareness Months June 2016

– Effective Communications Month

Effective Communications Month emphasizes the importance of relating to and fully engaging with others through effective communication, improving mutual understanding in the process.

– LGBT Pride Month

Celebrated each year in June to commemorate the Stonewall uprising in 1969, LGBT Pride Month honors LGBT history, accomplishments, and important achievements on the path to full civil rights and equal participation in society for all Americans, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

– Great Outdoors Month

First begun in 2004, Great Outdoors Month celebrates the value and importance of outdoor adventures during the summer—whether that’s hiking along trails in our national parks or rock climbing challenging cliffs. It’s a perfect opportunity to appreciate the natural beauty of our environment while engaging in healthy outdoor activities.

It’s Promotional Products Work! Week!

May 25, 2016 Advertisting & Marketing / Branding / Cool / Events & Holidays / Promotional Inspirations / Wearables

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Did you know it’s Promotional Products Work! Week? It is, and we’ve been celebrating with the industry. Promotional Products Work! is an annual event dedicated to showing how powerful and effective promotional products are in promoting your business. Last week we shared 6 ways promotional products can benefit your business right here on the blog, and this week we are running special social media posts on our Twitter and Facebook profiles to highlight the many ways in which promotional products can make an impact.

So what’s Promotional Products Work! Week all about?

This yearly event is a chance to showcase how well promotional products get the word out about your business, generate customer interest, and create increased opportunities for sales. The promotional products market is booming, too: promotional products advertising is the fourth-fastest growing advertising medium, ranked right after mobile and digital. Here are a few stats that illustrate its popularity and effectiveness:

8 in 10 people own a promotional product.
1. Consumers especially like promotional products that are useful, attractive, informative, desirable, and fun.
88% of people who receive a promotional product remember the advertiser.
1. That’s incredibly powerful brand recall and a very cost-effective investment.
Promotional products create a favorable view of your company and lead to sales.
1. 59% of people who received a promotional product had a more favorable view of the company.
2. 85% of people who received a promotional product did business with the company after receiving the product.
They’re especially popular in the kitchen and workspace.
1. 91% of people keep promotional products in the kitchen.
2. 74% keep them in their work area.
3. 55% hold on to promotional products in their bedroom.
People hold on to promotional products for a long time.
1. 47% of consumers hold onto the promotional products they’ve received for a year or more.
Wearables and writing instruments are hot.
1. Wearables and apparel, including t-shirts and hats, get a 41% brand recall.
2. Writing instruments draw a 35% brand recall.
3. Drinkware is also quite popular, at 19% brand recall.
4. Sporting goods (15%) and pocket/purse items (13%) also do well.

Infographic: Promotional Products Work!

Promotional products can really make a difference for your company, creating increased grand recognition, a favorable view of your company, and new business opportunities. If you want to learn more about how promotional products can have an impact, check out this handy infographic or the Promotional Products Work! Week website for more information.

Looking for some expert guidance on which promotional products might be a good fit for your business? Get in touch with us on Twitter and Facebook or call us at 877-881-6845 and we’ll be glad to advise you on exceptional promotional products that can represent your brand with style and grace.

6 Ways Promotional Products Can Benefit Your Business

May 18, 2016 Advertisting & Marketing / Branding / Promotional Inspirations

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If you’re like most business owners, you’re wondering what smart, cost-effective investments can get the word out about your company and attract new customers. There are a lot of ways to do that today, of course, and promotional products are among the most powerful options you can choose. In fact, according to recent research from Promotional Products Association International, promotional products advertising is the fourth-fastest growing advertising medium, ranked right after mobile and digital.

Why are promotional products so popular, and why are so many companies including them in their strategy? Here’s a look at five ways promotional products benefit businesses.

People remember your company from a promotional product and think about it positively.
1. 83% of consumers in a recent survey they enjoy receiving a promotional product with an advertising message.
2. 2% of people recalled the product, advertiser, and the message.
3. That’s powerful brand recall that companies only have to pay once for, as opposed to digital advertising that charges per exposure.

Infographic: Promotional Products Work!

Promotional products increase the likelihood of purchases and referrals. According to a study from Georgia Southern University, not only do promotional products contribute to a more positive brand image and perception, but people are also more likely to recommend a business or even patronize it themselves upon receiving a promotional product from them.
People keep promotional products for a long time.
1. 80% of people own 1-10 promo items
2. 6 in 10 keep them for up to 2 years
If you give out items for the kitchen or work area, people keep them around and remember your business.
1. 91% of consumers have at least 1 branded item in their kitchen.
2. Of those who did, nearly 82% could identify the promotional product and 42% could also name the advertiser
3. 74% of consumers have at least 1 branded item in their work area
4. Of those who did, 90.3% could identify the promotional product and 49.4% could also name the advertiser
5. 55% of consumers have at least one branded item in their bedroom.
Businesses get better trade show booth traffic with promotional products. Businesses that included promotional products with a pre-show mailing or offer saw more traffic to their booths at trade shows according to a study by Georgia Southern University. 76.3% of attendees who received a promotional product at trade shows had a favorable attitude toward the company that gave them the product.

Promotional products offer budget flexibility. There are often solutions to fit any budget while still offering the benefits of lasting brand recall and positive brand association. Promotional products can be used as a stand-alone advertising medium or as part of an integrated marketing mix. Perhaps most importantly, they contribute to consumer intent to buy.

Promotional products can make a big difference for your company, creating lasting awareness, increased goodwill, more referrals, and new business. If you’re curious to learn more about how promotional products can help your business achieve its goals, stay tuned for next week’s post in which we will be covering Promotional Products Work! Week and how businesses get powerful results with promotional products.

Looking for some expert guidance on promotional products might be a good fit for your business? Get in touch with us on Twitter and Facebook or call us at 877-881-6845 and we’ll be glad to advise you on exceptional promotional products that can represent your brand with style and grace.