Branding Ideas℠

Campaign Swag at the RNC and DNC

July 22, 2016 Advertisting & Marketing / Branding / Cool / Events & Holidays / Promotional Inspirations
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Bernie Sanders mouse padIt’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 portrait 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.

4 Ways to Boost Your Social Wellness

July 6, 2016 Events & Holidays / Promotional Inspirations
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photo credit: Help via photopin (license)

photo credit: Help via photopin (license)

What does wellness mean to you? Often, we think about it in terms of physical health—getting enough exercise, proper nutrition, and of course a good night’s sleep. But there’s a lot more to wellness and even happiness than just those key ingredients. July is Social Wellness Month: an opportunity to focus on social relationships and how they make a difference in the way we enjoy our lives. Our connectedness with others plays a huge role in our health and productivity, so it’s worth taking some steps to better promote that closeness.

In honor of Social Wellness Month, here are some ideas for enjoying better social wellbeing:

  • Really listen to your friends. One of the best ways to show a friend or loved one we care is to listen, really listen, to what they are saying—whether it’s something that they’re excited about or something that’s bothering them. It’s an act of kindness that draws people closer together.
  • Spend quality time with a pet. As avid pet parents know, pets can bring a lot of joy into our lives. In fact, pet parents typically experience less stress than folks who do not have pets in their home. If you have a dog, taking him or her for a walk is also a great way to meet some other people who share a common interest—fellow pet parents. Or, if you have a brick-and-mortar business, you can be more pet-friendly to the community by putting out a pet bowl full of water or give out pet goodies to the friendly dogs that wander by. Their humans will surely appreciate it and remember your thoughtfulness!
  • Join a local community group. If you’re feeling disconnected from others, one way to bridge the gap is by joining a local group where you can meet people who share your interests and values. This could be anything from a volunteer organization through which you tutor kids to a community historical association. People feel a sense of harmony when working together toward a common goal. If you pitch in, you’ll likely feel a sense of connectedness and accomplishment.
  • Join an exercise group. This one offers twice the usual wellness benefits: by joining a running group, for example, you can meet some great new friends (or even business networking contacts—that’s always a possibility as well) while taking care of your body and enjoying the thrill of a good run (don’t forget your sunscreen and exercise accessories!).

Are you thinking of offering a campaign or giveaway that focuses on wellness or social wellbeing? There are a lot of ways branded promotional items can play a strong supporting role. 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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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.

Happy National Outdoors Month!

June 22, 2016 Cool / Eco / Events & Holidays / Promotional Inspirations
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As we welcome the start of summer, it’s an ideal time to celebrate the joy of experiencing the great outdoors. And what better occasion to do so than during National Outdoors Month, which runs through June? Started as National Outdoors Week under President Clinton in 1998 and expanded under the Bush and Obama administrations since then, it’s a yearly event in we celebrate the great outdoors and particularly the enjoyment of our national and state parks.

In honor of National Outdoors Month, we’d like to share some ideas for enjoying everything the outdoors h

as to offer:

  • Go camping. Nothing says summer like camping. Have you taken your family and friends out to the park for a weekend of storytelling and making s’mores by the campfire? It’s one of the best ways you can disconnect from digital overload while reconnecting with nature and the people you love. Settle into your camp chair, enjoy the sounds of the forest, and wow everyone with a good ghost story.
  • Take a hike! Hitting the trails is excellent exercise and can afford you some gorgeous views of the natural wonder that surrounds you. With a trusty water bottle and a compass, you can scale new heights and chart new discoveries in the parks near where you live. Don’t forget the sunscreen and a good pair of sunglasses!
  • Enjoy boating, kayaking, or fishing. A lot of people feel rejuvenated in the presence of water, and boating or kayaking is a great way to get some light exercise while doing just that. For those who like a quiet, tranquil experience, fishing can be a lovely way to while away late afternoon hours at a nearby pond or river. A waterproof phone case can be handy to have on any of these expeditions, as can fishing bobbers and floating key chains.
  • Take a bike ride or a stroll at the park. If your park has biking or walking trails, that’s a lovely way to really take in the scenery on a warm summer day. That can be particularly enjoyable if you’re in a metro area. Here in New York, we sometimes like to bike to the park, getting in a little exercise and sunshine on the way as well. A cycling helmet will keep you safe as you bike the trails, while a pedometer will help you keep track of your steps if you’re walking.

Are you interested in getting more active in the great outdoors? Check out our full line of camping equipment and accessories including camp chairs, coolers, beverage coolers, insect repellent, flashlights, and more.

Looking for some ideas for promotional products that might be a good fit for your business this summer? Check out our Fun Promotional Summer Gifts board on Pinterest! Or 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 Tips for Hosting a Company Gathering That’s Actually Fun

June 16, 2016 Branding / Events & Holidays / Promotional Inspirations
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Is your company or organization planning a retreat or a picnic this summer? We’ve got some good news and some bad news for you. When the staff finds out that there’s an organization-wide event planned that they have to attend, you’re going to see a couple of people rolling their eyes and muttering about “mandatory fun” while looking for the exit. And it’s understandable—such gatherings can often be pretty boring and feel contrived.

But here’s the good news: they don’t have to be! If you feel like you’re fresh out of ideas for ways to actually make your summer get-together enjoyable for all involved, don’t worry. We’ve got you covered. Here are 6 tips for hosting a company gathering that’s actually fun!

6 tips for hosting a fun company gathering:

  1. Let employees have input into the day’s programming. Company-wide events aren’t usually met with much enthusiasm when they’re planned in a top-down or hierarchical manner. You may want to create a planning group to organize the event. That way the responsibility won’t fall solely on one person and you’ll get more creative suggestions for fun things to do that a range of people will actually like.
  2. Allow people to enjoy the event in their own way. Chances are, your company or organization has a mix of personality types in it. Some folks love to be a part of large groups; others are more likely to enjoy themselves in one-to-one conversations with less noise and bustle. Consider these dynamics when planning your event and avoid making it a one size fits all affair.
  3. Offer games and contests with fun prizes. Everybody loves a good contest, especially when they win! If you’ve got a picnic planned, that might be a great opportunity for a softball game or a relay race. Not all contests have to be sports-related, though–you could host a trivia challenge or a game show! Events that are relevant to your company culture and brand values are especially likely to be a success. Whatever you choose, offer meaningful prizes and gifts that your staff will enjoy—a battery pack for gadgets like smartphones is a crowd pleaser, while Bluetooth speakers are also a hit (and may get some great music going later that day!).
  4. Provide branded gifts that the staff will enjoy. Contests are great, but there’s also another opportunity to increase the excitement at your retreat or picnic. Many companies and organizations give out special branded items at these events as a thank you to the staff. Such giveaways include temporary tattoos, caps, sunscreen, sunglasses, water bottles, picnic blankets, duffel bags, tote bags, or coolers—all items that come handy during the summer months. As with contest prizes, it’s a good idea to make sure that your branded giveaways are consistent with your brand image and values.
  5. Have entertainment or an educational component. If you’re hosting a picnic, your focus should be on providing a relaxing, fun experience for everyone. Consider providing some entertainment such as live music or a magician. If you’re hosting a retreat, then you might want to have an educational offering. This could be an excellent, inspiring speaker or a presentation on something truly innovative that is happening in your industry. You could also take a moment to recognize staff that have been with the company for many years or that have made remarkable contributions with an award certificate or an award plaque.
  6. Provide good food and beverages. If someone’s been working hard on an important project all week, the last thing they want is to have another task added to their plate. This includes cooking or preparing a dish for a mandatory company get-together. If you’re requiring that everyone at the company or organization attend your event, lighten the load and the atmosphere by providing good food and beverages that they can responsibly enjoy.

Planning a summer gathering? We have protective branded items for summer corporate outings, summer camps, company retreats and picnics. Looking for some ideas for promotional products that might be a good fit for your business this summer? Check out our Fun Promotional Summer Gifts board on Pinterest! Or 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.

It’s National Sun Safety Week!

June 8, 2016 Cool / Eco / Events & Holidays / Promotional Inspirations
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Summer is right around the corner, with beaches and pools getting ready to welcome sun worshipers and vacationers alike. We’re also looking forward to soaking up some rays, but safely—that’s why we’re paying special attention to National Sun Safety Week, which is this week (June 5-June 11). Here are 5 tips on how to make the most of the summer months while protecting yourself from harmful UV rays and sun damage that can lead to skin cancer.

5 summer sun safety tips*:

  1. Don’t skimp on the sunscreen. When heading out for some summer fun, make sure to load up on sunscreen first—SPF 30 or higher with both UVA and UVB protection is best. Re-apply sunscreen after you’ve been out for two hours or after you’ve been swimming. Also check the expiration date to make it’s still effective; otherwise it may not give you the full protection you need.
  2. Wear protective clothing. To protect your skin from exposure to the sun, consider wearing comfortable, loose-fitting clothing with long sleeves or long pant legs. A good hat is also a smart idea, as it guards your scalp from sun exposure. A hat with a wide brim is an especially good choice since it gives your face, neck, and ears full coverage. If you prefer to wear a ballcap instead, don’t forget to apply sunscreen to those areas.
  3. When going out, try to avoid peak hours. The sun is at is most potent between the hours of 10am-4pm, so if you can, try to avoid standing outside in the direct sunlight during those hours. If you must be out then, seek the shade.
  4. Stay cool in the shade. Not only is it often more comfortable sitting in the shade than it is sitting out directly in the beating sun, but it’s better for you, keeping you safe from harmful sun damage. When resting and relaxing, seek a shady spot under an umbrella (particularly a UV umbrella, which can give you extra protection) or a tree. This applies even on cool or cloudy days, too.
  5. D46E92C3-D211-48F2-9D46-FFE8F6434A55Keep your sun safety accessories handy. Do you like to head out on your bike at a moment’s notice? Then make your life easier by having all your accessories, including sunscreen, lip balm, sunglasses, and a hat ready to go in a bag. A sun kit is another convenient way to keep everything you know on hand.

Planning a summer gathering? We have protective branded items for summer corporate outings, summer camps, company retreats and picnics. Looking for some ideas for promotional products that might be a good fit for your business this summer? Check out our Fun Promotional Summer Gifts board on Pinterest! Or 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.

* These tips were sourced from The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. They do not constitute professional medical advice. For guidance specific to your own personal health needs, be sure to consult your medical care provider.

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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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 20th 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.

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.

It’s Promotional Products Work! Week!

May 25, 2016 Advertisting & Marketing / Branding / Cool / Events & Holidays / Promotional Inspirations / Wearables
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Promotional Products Work!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:

  1. 8 in 10 people own a promotional product.
    1. Consumers especially like promotional products that are useful, attractive, informative, desirable, and fun.
  2. 88% of people who receive a promotional product remember the advertiser.
    1. That’s incredibly powerful brand recall and a very cost-effective investment.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
Promotional Products Work

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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Promotional Products Work!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.

  1. 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.
  1. Promotional Products Work

    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.

  2. 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
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  1. 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.

4 Personal Branding Tips for Business Owners

May 12, 2016 Advertisting & Marketing / Branding / Promotional Inspirations
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Personal brandingPersonal branding is a hugely popular topic these days. As everyone’s busy curating and refining their online presence in an attempt to stand out from the crowd and attract more attention to their company, business owners wonder whether or not they should incorporate personal branding into their overall business branding strategy. If you haven’t considered exploring personal branding to benefit your business, you may want to give it a look. Here’s why.

How can personal branding help my business?

For starters, personal branding can establish you as a leader in your field and highlight your strengths as a businessperson. It also gives you more opportunities to promote your business—each time you appear in the media or write a blog post about an industry topic, for example, is a perfect chance to highlight your company’s products and services in an entirely natural and genuine way. And if you’re an entrepreneur who plans on starting more than one business, personal branding can help shine a spotlight on any venture you put your name behind.

So if you’re interested in developing a personal brand, what sorts of guidelines or best practices should you keep in mind? Here are a few bite-sized tips to get you started:

Personal branding tips for people running a business:

  1. Be authentic. Now more than ever, people want to see authenticity from the brands that they do business with—particularly Millennials. It creates trust, which leads to more enduring business relationships. Think of the personal brands you most admire. What do you appreciate about them? Is it their slightly quirky sense of humor, their realness, or the values they embody? Share what makes you unique with your audience and you will inspire greater loyalty in your customers.
  2. Highlight your vision and your values. Why do you do the work that you do? What are your goals, and what are your values? What are you most passionate about? Make sure that you communicate your purpose with your personal brand. Rather than dealing with a faceless corporation, people want to make a connection with the person behind the business. Giving them a chance to know you in a genuine way makes that possible.
  3. Tell your story. Storytelling is one of the most effective forms of branding, and people who have strong personal brands do it very well. Telling your story gives people a chance to make a connection with you and possibly even identify with you, which is very powerful from a brand perspective. People also tend to remember stories, which aids in brand recall.
  4. Make sure your personal brand syncs up with your business. Is quality a particular value that you’ve decided is important for your personal brand? Then you’ll want to make sure that your business delivers exactly that—quality—whether that’s in the form of a product or a service. If you don’t, you risk running afoul of tip #1 (Be authentic). Your personal brand should naturally flow through and be reflected in your business.

With some thoughtful care and attention, you can develop a personal brand that draws more interest and attention for your current business as well as any future ventures you may choose to launch down the line. Have you considered trying personal branding for your business? If so, how did it go and what did you learn? Feel free to share your experiences in the comments section below.

Looking for some expert guidance on promotional gifts or products might be a good fit for your brand? 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 business with style and grace.

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