Eco-Friendly Promotional Marketing...and More

Bag it!

2011-03-23T14:07:00.007-04:00

Here's a very eco-friendly way to distribute "boxed" lunches at your next meeting or event -- Bag it!

You've been to a meeting, trade show, or event where a boxed lunch was served. Stacks of plastic or paper boxes filled with ham, turkey, or roast beef sandwiches piled on tables. Attendees grabbing their lunch and taking it with them to the next session or hoping they will find a place to sit. Then when lunch is over there are these empty boxes overflowing out of trashcans. Or maybe piled up on the floor.

What if rather than throwing the container away, the meeting goer took their new reusable lunch sack with them? Think about the trash that would be saved. The goodwill that the recipient would feel. The revenue that could be generated through this sponsorship opportunity. Sound like a win for the environment. A win for the meeting goer. And a win for your bottom line.

Here is just one of several options for your next "boxed" lunch.

As low as $1.94

24 hour rush available

Durable, Recyclable and Attractive!

Features:
• Made of Super Strong 80 GSM Material Exterior with Thermal Food Safe Foil Main Compartment.
• 14" Nylon Carrying Strap
• Velcro Closure on Flap
• 5" Deep Front Slash Pocket
• Reinforced Webbing Handle, 16" Length.

Please note: Imprint Sizes Vary Based On Number of Imprint Colors:
One Color Std Imprint Area: 3 3/4"W x 4"H
Multi Color Std Imprint Area: 3 1/2"W x 3"H

Available colors: Pink, Orange, Khaki, Yellow, Lime-green, Hunter-green, Reflex-blue, White, Burgundy, Red, Purple, Black and Navy

Special of the Week - March 21st

2011-03-21T09:01:00.001-04:00

The tragic situation in Japan with so many victims and grieving families is almost too much to comprehend. Our prayers go out to all hurt by this natural disaster.

The disruption to Japan's high-tech sector has dramatically affected the prices of all flash drives. Many are changing several times a day. K&B has secured up to 20,000 2GB components which are being held for our exclusive sales for the next three weeks at discounted and stable prices. Our prices are 14% to 17% off the best prices being quoted currently. Top tier 1 memory chips.

EKB28

EKB29

EKB30

EKB32

2G

250 min. 500 1,000 2,500 5,000-up

$9.97 $9.59 $9.25 $8.89 $8.59 (4c)

See images for styles and item numbers. Price includes hinged magnetic closure plastic case, setup charge, proof, PMS colors with up to 4 spot colors. 10 day production after proof approval. FOB AL.
Big Sky Trading Company

START DATE: 3/21/11

END DATE: 4/8/11 or until supply lasts

Apparel Case Study - How to create Buzz Around an Upcoming Movie Release

2011-01-12T15:29:00.003-05:00

THE PROBLEM: How to create buzz around an upcoming movie release

Producers of The Mechanic, an action thriller starring Jason Statham as a hit man, needed a unique promo to stand out amid the din of movie madness bombarding the media and consumers today. They were thinking T-shirts, but the promotional supplier they worked with had a variation of that theme in mind.

THE PITCH: Running with the “weapons” theme, Brad White, vice president of sales for San Diego-based supplier AddVenture Products (asi/31940), worked with a distributor to produce a series of unique compressed T-shirts, says Angela Bankston, who heads up marketing for AddVenture and worked with White on the project.

Rather than giving traditional T-shirts to members of the press covering the movie, as well as to other potential moviegoers, Bankston and White had a more radical idea. They suggested that the movie’s marketers should have the shirts shrink-wrapped and compressed into the shape of guns, playing into the movie’s theme to make a bigger impact on T-shirt recipients.

To boost the film’s visibility, AddVenture also suggested adding a quick response (QR) code to the compressed tees, which, when scanned by a user’s smart phone, takes the user directly to the movie’s website and trailer. The technology, in conjunction with promotional items, and particularly apparel products, is an increasing trend, says Bankston – “something that’s going to be huge for 2011.”

The best part? QR codes are free for end-users, making them an ideal marketing tool to combine with product promotions.

THE OUTCOME: The movie was released this month, and the verdict is still out on what kind of box-office draw and revenue it will generate. But the initial promo helped to garner a wealth of media attention for the film’s release.

Special of the Week - January 10th

2011-01-12T14:24:00.001-05:00

START DATE: 1/10/11

END DATE: 2/28/11 OR UNTIL SUPPLY LASTS

E63050 EXTENDABLE SNOW BRUSH & E63044 HEAVY DUTY COMMERCIAL SNOW BRUSH!

MAJOR RETAILER ORDERED TOO MANY! NOW YOU GET THE BENEFIT!

Snow will fly no matter what we do and when it does either of these heavy duty aluminum snow brushes will be a highly valued necessity. Made for the country's largest retailer to sell at $13.95 or more blank - you can grab them now with an imprint at a huge savings.

Exclusively offered by K&B at 29% off the regular blank price of $13.95!

$9.95(c) minimum 24

E63050 is 16" closed and extends to 25". Imprinted in area 3"L x ¼"H either pad printed or laser engraved (engraving is low contrast). Add $60(g) set up. Shipping weight 16 lbs. per 24, FOB NY. Production 7-10 working days. Superex

E63044 is a full 32" long brush perfect for mini-vans, SUVs, trucks and even normal cars! Comfortable foam grip and full brush head make this a commercial favorite. Imprinted in area 3"L x ½"H either pad printed or laser engraved (engraving is low contrast). Add $60(g) set up. Shipping weight 22 lbs. per 24, FOB NY. Production 7-10 working days. Superex

Special of the Week - December 27th

2010-12-29T09:33:00.001-05:00

BEST VALUE ON A SPIRAL NOTEBOOK IN THE COUNTRY!

72 SHEETS OF LINED NOTEBOOK PAPER, 3 HOLE PUNCHED,

PLASTIC NO-CRUSH BINDING

FULL COLOR FRONT IMPRINT

FREE FULL COLOR BACK IMPRINT!

EDB811 is a full size classic spiral notebook with standard 3 hole punch. Pages are 8 3/8" x 10 13/16" with micro-perforation to remove pages cleanly. Covers are white tag weight stock, with full color imprint and plastic laminated both sides!

Add setup of $32(g). If back cover imprinting is wanted add $32(g) setup - running charge FREE! Production 10 working days. Shipping weight 85 lbs./100 FOB GA. LewisColor

START DATE: 12/27/10

END DATE: 3/31/11

Special of the Week - November 22nd

2010-11-22T08:36:00.000-05:00

START DATE: 11/22/10

END DATE: 12/31/10

E2458 MINI CARABINER LED CLIP LIGHT

WITH BOTTLE OPENER

E2458 has solid anodized aluminum construction which guarantees many years of service and logo exposure. Featuring a bright LED so no bulb burnout to worry about; clips to belt loop, backpack or key ring. Has a secure twist on/off and a handy bottle opener built right in. Comes complete with batteries - ready to light up your promotion!

$1.66(c) minimum 200

Overall size: 3.63" x .63"

Colors: Black, Red, Blue, Green

Price includes laser engraving (imprint appears silver) in area .64" x .25". Add $40 (g) setup per location. For second location engraving add $.20 (g) each running plus setup. Shipping weight 9 lbs./200 FOB MO. Production

5-7 working days. Alexander

Special of the Week - November 8th

2010-11-09T12:31:00.002-05:00

MAJOR RETAILER ORDERED TOO MANY! NOW YOU GET THE BENEFIT.

Exclusively offered by K&B at 29% off the regular blank price of $13.95

$9.95(c) minimum 24

E63050 is 16" closed and extends to 25". Imprinted in area 3"L x ¼"H either pad printed or laser engraved (engraving is low contrast). Add $60(g) set up. Shipping weight 16 lbs. per 24, FOB NY.

Production 7-10 working days.

START DATE: 11/8/10

END DATE: 12/13/10 OR UNTIL SUPPLY LASTS

Special of the Week - October 4th

2010-10-04T11:59:00.001-04:00

ELIGHTNING CARABINER FLASHLIGHT

POPULAR, SOLID METAL, MATCHING CARABINER, DISCOUNTED PRICE & SET-UP!!

EVERYBODY LOVES THIS FLASHLIGHT!

Light up promotions with this Laser Engraved retail quality flashlight. With twist on/off action, matching carabiner and included alkaline battery, this is a real crowd pleaser.

Exclusively offered by K&B at 22% off the regular price of $3.00
$2.32(c) minimum 100
Colors: Black, Blue, Green, Orange, Red, Lime (Silver not currently available)
Size: 4 7/8" long

Price includes Laser Engraving in area 3/8" x 1 ½". Add reduced setup of $25(g) a 44% reduction from the regular $45 setup. Shipping weight 8 lbs./100 FOB TN. Production 7-10 working days. Gold Bond.

START DATE: 10/4/10
END DATE: 10/31/10

Special of the Week #2 - September 27th

2010-09-27T08:16:00.003-04:00

THE TIME FOR ALARMING SAVINGS IS NOW!

This is a great alarm clock for home or office. With contemporary design and perfect imprint location, this is bound to be a desktop favorite.

Exclusively offered at 61% off the regular price of $5.75
$2.25(c) minimum 25 - Includes free Gift Box!

EDP456 SWIVEL ALARM CLOCK

Color: As shown
Size: 2 1/8" x 3 ¼"
Price includes 1 color/location imprint in area 1 ½"x ½". Add set up $45(g) per color/location ($22.50g reorder). Shipping weight 9 lbs./25 FOB IL. Production 5-7 working days. Tagmaster.

START DATE: 9/27/10

END DATE: 10/29/10 OR UNTIL SUPPLY LASTS

Special of the Week - September 27th

2010-09-27T08:12:00.002-04:00

OCTOBER IS BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

Here is a long lasting item at incredible savings at exactly the right time! This magnetic bookmark will hug the page and hold the foam awareness ribbon above the book for maximum exposure.

Exclusively offered at 39.5% off the regular price of $1.34

EDP799 PINK AWARENESS BOOKMARK

$.81(c) minimum 250

Color: Pink
Size: 2 ¼"x5 ½"
Price includes 1 color/position imprint in area 1 1/16" x 3". Add set up $45(g) per color/location ($22.50g reorder). Shipping weight 3 lbs./250 FOB IL. Production 5-7 working days. Tagmaster.

START DATE: 9/27/10

END DATE: 10/29/10 OR UNTIL SUPPLY LASTS

Conference Caddy and Other New Products

2010-09-15T16:48:00.000-04:00

Hot New Items

2010-09-01T15:18:00.000-04:00

Special of the Week - August 30th

2010-08-30T14:51:00.003-04:00

GLOVE COMPARTMENT SAFETY KIT

This elegant zippered Glove Compartment Safety Kit was a retail hit with the world's largest retailer at the $20 price point. Exclusively for our customers we have secured a limited supply at the amazing discounted price of

$10.85(c) minimum 12 48% off regular retail!

This is a NO IMPRINT gift item perfect for you to insert a business card, flier, holiday card or other business holiday message.

Color: As shown
Size: 5 ¾" x 13 ¼" x 8 ¾"

High quality & durable stitched case with full zipper holds the following items in individual pockets and loops: Folding umbrella, rain poncho, tire gauge, accident report forms, safety vest, flashlight (requires 2 AA batteries not included) with red flashing safety band and pencil.

Price includes kit as shown. Shipping weight 17 lbs./12 FOB NY. Production 2-3 working days.

START DATE: 8/30/10
END DATE: 9/27/10 OR UNTIL SUPPLY LASTS

Mid-Year New Products

2010-07-28T15:10:00.001-04:00

Special of the Week - July 26th

2010-07-26T14:48:00.002-04:00

START DATE: 7/26/10
END DATE: 8/30/10
EDP529 PEDOMETER

RUN RINGS AROUND OTHER PROMOTIONS AND SAVE 41% OFF CATALOG PRICE!

Accurately count steps and distance up to 20 miles while also tracking calories burned and elapse time up to 59 minutes on the stop watch. This attractive pedometer is a patented design and incorporates a functional compass. Battery included.

ECP529 is a Tagmaster Best Seller offered Exclusively at this price by Kaeser & Blair in Transparent Blue only.

$2.29(c) 100up. Regular price $3.88 - 41% off

Size: 2 ½" x 1 ½"
Imprint Area: 1 1/8" x ¾"

Price includes 1 color/location imprint only. Add set-up $45(g), exact reorders $22.50(g). Individual gift box. Shipping weight 12 lbs./100 FOB IL. Production 5 working days.

Cell Phone Accessories - The Joe Show

2010-07-22T10:35:00.001-04:00

Special of the Week - July 19th

2010-07-19T11:27:00.002-04:00

START DATE: 7/19/10
END DATE: 8/23/10

THE BEST PEN DEAL OF THE SUMMER!
SAVE UP TO AN AMAZING48% OFF
5 GREAT BUYS IN STYLE, QUALITY AND PRICE

You already know the Hub Pen top-of-the-line quality; now enjoy the best value in a pen all summer! Get even more value with a very special Set Up of only $10 (g) - 33% off!!

E468 Havanais a NEW Hub ballpoint with bright white accents and comfortable rubber grip. Imprint area 2" x ½". Black refill only.

Colors: Banana, yellow, petal green, sky blue, berry pink, lavender purple

$.40(c) 250 up. Regular price $.57 - 30% off

E238 Ecologic the "green" choice - made from biodegradable paper and corn plastic. Imprint area 1 ¾" x ¾". Black refill only.

Colors: Fire red, sapphire blue, black, fern green

$.375(c) 250 up. Regular price $.72 - 48% off

E248 Heartland has nothing corny about it - except that it's made from corn! This pen turns to compost when life as a pen is over. Imprint area 1 ¾" x 5/8". Black refill only.

Colors: Yellow with green trim, white with black, green, blue or red trim

$.49(c) 250 up. Regular price $.90 - 45% off

E228 Chalet has sleek European style, vivid colors and generous imprint area of 1 5/8" x ¾". Black refill only.

Colors: Red, blue, black, white, green

$.29(c) 250 up. Regular price $.52 - 44% off

E208 Valet takes affordable to a new level! This slim, stylish twist action pen has gold accents and rich corporate colors. Imprint area 1 ¾" x ¾". Black refill only.

Colors: Burgundy, royal blue, black, white - all with gold accents.

$.22(c) 250 up. Regular price $.40 - 45% off

Prices include 1 color/location imprint in area specified above. Add $10(g) discounted set up. Shipping weight 6 lbs./250 FOB MA. 5 working day production. Hub

Case Study - "Green Queen" Uses Eco Message

2010-07-15T09:11:00.002-04:00

Recycled tote bag is a self-promotion success.

Sustainability has become a key selling point in the real estate industry. This is why Susan Singer, senior vice president of sales for The Corcoran Group and a self-proclaimed “eco-broker,” has branded herself “The Green Queen;” she promotes the sustainability of the properties she is offering, and drives potential clients to her website with an eco-friendly promotional product.

“Years ago, I used refrigerator magnets and a mouse pad, and they both got me a lot of mileage,” says Singer. “But I wanted to do something that was eco-friendly this time and that could be used in an eco-friendly way.”

To help spread the word about her business, Singer ordered plenty of imprinted tote bags made of recycled plastic material. The bags feature a stenciled image of the historic London Terrace apartment building, which she is a broker for, as well as her contact information and branding for Corcoran Group Real Estate. She says she decided not to include the name of the London Terrace building so that the bag would have wider appeal – she wanted it to be, “just about living in New York and having an eco-friendly bag … that way people will want to use them and it’s just free advertising.”

Singer sent the totes to her neighbors, clients and potential clients – and gave one to every unit in London Terrace. She also distributes them at events when the opportunity arises. For example, she recently offered the bags after she spoke at an Earth Day seminar at Baruch College in Manhattan.

The totes direct people to Singer’s website, where they will find information about her properties ranging from Brooklyn to Uptown Manhattan, as well as Tales of the Green Queen, a regular comic strip in which a cartoon version of Singer tours the city, helping people save on energy costs.

While Singer acknowledges that these days the economy often weighs on real estate buyers more than the environment does, she says the totes get an enthusiastic response. “I’ve had people call me or e-mail me saying, ‘I am so grateful for this tote, it’s so sweet and reminds me of the building,’ and people from the building have just stopped me on the street,” she says. “It’s really been very good for me.”

Special of the Week - July 12th

2010-07-12T09:01:00.003-04:00

START DATE: 7/12/10
END DATE: 8/13/10

UP TO 29% DISCOUNT FROM REGULAR PRICE
AND SPECIAL LOW MINIMUM OF JUST 100!

The patented KEEP-IT CLIP™from Evans is perfect for keeping snack bags freshly sealed or notes and coupons neatly under control. Durable construction with internal metal spring.

E404 - 4" KEEP-IT CLIP™ $.63 c 100+ Regular price $.89 min 150

E406 - 6" KEEP-IT CLIP™ $.73 c 100+ Regular price $.99 min 150

Price includes 1 color/location imprint in area ½"H x 3 3/8"W (E404) or ½"H x 4 3/8"W (E406). Add setup $50(v) per color/location. $25(v) reorder per color/location on less than 250 quantity. 250+ Free. Additional color/location add setup plus .15 (v) each. For magnetic back add .08 (v) each E404 or .12 (v) each E406. Shipping weight 5 lbs per 100 FOB CA. 5 working days production.

Solid Colors: Blue, red, white, purple, green, orange, dark blue, dark green, black, pink, coffee, salsa, antique blue, light grey, sage.

Tropi-cool™ Transparent Colors: Blue, red, pink, forest, purple, green, cool orange, cool yellow, smoke, cool aqua, cool lime, sky blue, raspberry.

Recycled Colors: Eco black, eco blue, eco green, eco sand.

Special of the Week - July 5th

2010-07-06T14:44:00.003-04:00

START DATE: 7/5/10
END DATE: 8/6/10

CUSTOM FLASH DRIVES WITH CASE

LESS THAN RETAIL PRICING ON TOP QUALITY FLASH DRIVES

Pay very close attention! These are "First Tier" top quality flash drives with custom imprints 1 to 4 spot colors or laser engraving INCLUDED!

Plastic foam lined storage/gift box with magnetic closure INCLUDED!

PMS color matching INCLUDED!
E-mail proof INCLUDED!
Shipping - INCLUDED!!

5 popular styles all priced the same and lots of colors and combinations:

EBST01: Black/black, black/silver, red/silver, royal/silver, burgundy/silver, forest/silver, navy/silver, yellow/silver, light blue/silver, orange/silver
EBST02 & EBST03: Black/silver, red/silver, royal/silver, burgundy/silver, navy/silver
EBST04: Black/silver, red/silver, royal/silver, green/silver
EBST05: Black/black, red/black, silver/black
Exclusive Kaeser & Blair Pricing - Best in the Nation

Quantity 1GB 2GB 4GB
100 $8.71 $9.97 $13.30
500 $7.55 $8.80 $12.14
1000 $7.39 $8.63 $11.97
2500+ $7.05 $8.30 $11.64

Price includes everything. Production 12 working days after proof OK.

Special of the Week - June 28th

2010-07-02T11:48:00.001-04:00

START DATE: 6/28/10
END DATE: 8/20/10

A perfect companion hanging from a golf bag, backpack or stroller - this 16 piece Summer Safety Kit is nicely packed with essentials and will get refilled by the end user keeping your ad message alive for years! Kit includes: .35oz. lip balm, SPF 30 sunscreen towelette, PDI® "Sting Stop" prep pad, 3 bandages ¾"x3", 2 gauze pads 2"x2", 3 bandages 3/8"x1 ½", 3 alcohol prep pads and a First Aid instruction card. All first aid items are secured in an inner resealable plastic bag.

Specify your choice of Mini Backpack (4"x3 3/8") or Mini Barrel Bag (4 ½"x2 3/8") both include a swivel clip and full length zipper for easy access.

Bag colors: Backpack- black, blue, blue & black, yellow & black, orange & black.
Barrel bag - black, blue, yellow, red, orange, all with black trim.

EXCLUSIVE KAESER & BLAIR PRICE 27% OFF CATALOG
AND FREE SETUP - a $50.00 (g) savings!

Regular catalog price $9.30

K&B Special Price: $6.75(c) min 50

Price includes 1 color imprint in area 2" x ¾" on mini backpack pocket area or 1 ½" diameter above pocket. Imprint for mini barrel bag 3" x 2" specify clip to right or left, on left if not specified. Shipping weight 8lbs./50 FOB NY. 5-7 working days. Superex.

Special of the Week - June 14th

2010-06-14T09:46:00.002-04:00

START DATE: JUNE 14, 2010
END DATE: JULY 30, 2010

4 TOP SELLERS FROM A TOP SUPPLIER
SWEDA USA
EXCLUSIVELY FOR K&B UNTIL THE END OF JULY!!
All items 7 to 10 working day production. FOB CA

EFA1004 TRAVELER'S DUFFEL
THIS DUFFEL PACKS A 50% SAVINGS ONLY FOR K&B CUSTOMERS!
This 600D polyester duffel is available to K&B customers at 50% of the normal minimum quantity and at 50% off the regular price! This is a large 20 inch long 10 inch diameter duffel with 2 zippered end compartments and zippered front pocket. It features a grip cover and adjustable shoulder strap.
Colors: Blue, Black, Red
Imprint area: 4"h x4"w
Weight: 55 lbs. per 50

K&B Price $4.99(c)
Min 50

REGULAR PRICE $9.99 Min 100

Includes 1 color/1 position silkscreen imprint. Add $50(g) set up per color/location. Repeat orders $35(g). Additional color/location run charges apply. See Sweda catalog for details.

EDK350 FULL SIZE STAND UP STAPLER
58% EXCLUSIVE PRICE REDUCTION!
A space-saving standard for every office. Get continual advertising impact from the highly visible imprint that stands above any desktop clutter. 5 7/8" high!
Colors: Blue, Green, Orange, Purple, Red, Silver
Imprint area: ¾" x 1 ¾"

Weight: 60 lbs. per 100
K&B PRICE $2.50(c)
Min 100

Regular Price $5.99

Includes 1 color/1 position silkscreen imprint. Add $50(g) set up per color/location. Repeat orders $35(g). Additional color/location run charges apply. See Sweda catalog for details.

EMG24 24 oz SUPER SIZE SPORT TUMBLER
STUNNING 61% OFF FOR K&B CUSTOMERS ONLY
DON'T MISS this one time only opportunity to enhance your marketing with an exclusive design (US Design Patent Pending) and an exclusive deeply discounted price! Double wall insulated for longer hot or cold enjoyment. Easy grip grooves, slide-lock lid to prevent spills and fits most vehicle cup holders even at the massive 24 ounce size. 8 ½"h x 3 ½" dia. Not for dishwasher or microwave use.

Colors: Blue, White, Red, Black
Imprint area: 1 3/8h x 1 ½"w
Weight: 43 lbs. per 75
K&B PRICE $3.49 Min 75
Regular price $8.99 Min 100

Includes 1 color/1 position silkscreen imprint. Add $50(g) set up per color/location. Repeat orders $35(g). Additional color/location run charges apply. See Sweda catalog for details.

EVP600 CALCU-NOTE™ ON-THE-GO
CALCULATE THE 48% EXCLUSIVE SAVINGS FROM K&B

This Sweda exclusive is protected by US Design Patent and only available at this amazing savings from Kaeser & Blair. Dual power calculator has a jumbo display and debossed soft-touch keys. The spiral bound notebook has 100 lines sheets. Cover is handsome and durable leatherette. Overall size 8"h x 6 ½"w x 3/8".

Colors: Black, Red, Blue, Green, Silver
Imprint area: 1"h x 2 ½"w

Weight: 73 lbs. per 75
K&B PRICE $4.65 (c) Min 75
Regular price $8.00 Min 100

Includes 1 color/1 position silkscreen imprint. Add $50(g) set up per color/location. Repeat orders $35(g). Additional color/location run charges apply. See Sweda catalog for details.

Cool Promotions - The Joe Show

2010-06-10T07:32:00.001-04:00

Fun and Sun Promotions - The Joe Show

2010-05-27T15:02:00.000-04:00

Smart Products for Smart Promotions - The Joe Show

2010-05-27T14:50:00.000-04:00

5 Earth-Friendly Options

2010-05-27T13:57:00.002-04:00

When you are looking to make your promotional marketing as earth-friendly as possible, consider these five options:

Biodegradable corn plastic is used for everything from pens to mugs.
Solar-powered technology “fuels” earth-friendly flashlights, calculators and more.
Organic cotton, bamboo or hemp makes apparel “green.”
Recycled PET transforms traditional polyester and plastics into environmentally correct choices.
Naturally appealing products like plant seedlings, seed packets and even imprinted walnuts provide a clever alternative to man-made promotional items.

Top 10 Products to Celebrate Earth Day

2010-03-25T12:41:00.003-04:00

Earth Day Products

Here are the products featured on ASI’s first-ever list of top eco-friendly giveaways for Earth Day marketing campaigns throughout March and April. Earth Day is April 22.

	1. Elephant-Poo Journal. The ultimate recycled item that is made from elephant poo. Great for colleges, trade shows or any businesses using notebooks. From Spector & Co
2. Bamboo Dinnerware. Stop using paper plates and plastic utensils. Great for office picnics, concert venues and fairs. Bamboo, a renewable resource, can grow as much as four feet in one day. From Aunt Beth’s Cookie Keepers
	3. Seed Paper Postcard. Plant the paper – all biodegradable – and flowers sprout in its place. Ideal for environment-themed mailings to prospects and clients, and also comes in other shapes. From Bloomin’ Promotions
4. Shower Timer. Tells you when your five minutes are up. Utilities, local municipalities and environmental groups can promote water conservation by offering this practical item. From All-In-One
	5. Recycled Tires Jar Opener. Made from rubber tires. Auto dealerships, mechanics and tire manufacturers can give these to customers for Earth Day or anytime year-round. From Americanna
6. Pine Tree Seedling. Live pine tree in a container. Employees can participate in a tree-planting day at the office campus, or community organizations can hand out to participants at an Arbor Day event. From Groline
	7. Organic T-shirt. The cotton is certified that it has been grown without the aide of pesticides or fertilizers. Give one to each Earth Day event organizer and volunteer. From Vantage Apparel
8. Compostable Pens. This pen completely breaks down in a landfill in 90 days (except the spring and refill). Hotels, banks and shops can use these and give them away to customers. From Shepenco
	9. Nonwoven Bag. Local grocery stores can eliminate plastic and paper, and exhibitors at trade shows can provide these to attendees to collect literature and samples. From Kool Pak,
10. Hemp-Blend Polo. This cotton and hemp organic shirt is naturally anti-bacterial and companies can use this shirt for summer uniforms. From High Performance

The Power of a Pen

2010-01-20T19:36:00.003-05:00

I recently received a case study from a supplier that I wanted to share. I think this speaks volumes to the power promotional products have.

The following simple stories illustrate the usefulness of promotional products that goes way beyond the statistics. People DO remember what they have been given.

This case study is written by a co-worker of the subject, Alvin Badiner.

Anyone in the upper Midwest either knows or has heard of Al Badiner. Al has been a "peddler" of promotional products for 50 of his 80 plus years. In his early 80's he still maintains being in the top 10 of his company's sales force. Why? Because he believes in what he sells. He promotes the industry by promoting himself.

Anyone who meets Al is immediately given a pen with his famous To a friend of Al Badiner imprint. The longer you know Al, the more and varied items you'll receive with this imprint.

Years ago while trying to obtain a car loan I was at a bank and being asked a series of questions. When it came to employment, they asked where I worked. When I said Spartan Group, the loan officer stopped, thought for a moment , and then lifted up his To a friend of Al Badiner pen and said, "Do you know Al?" After that, my loan process somehow became smoother and much more relaxed.

Al's family was at a hotel and one son received a room less than adequate. After trying to change rooms and the hotel being "full" the clerk was jotting down some notes and asked his name. Once the Badiner name was established, the clerk looked up and said "Oh, are you related to him?" while proudly showing his recent gift, a To a friend of Al Badiner pen. Suddenly a room became available, with a view no less.

At a local store after the holiday I was trying to return an item I was given as a gift. The clerk asked if I had the receipt, as they would only accept the return with an original receipt or gift receipt. I apologized that I had "no receipt" and I understood policy. She looked up studied me for a minute and said "Didn't you give me this pen?" Sure enough, it turned out I had been in the store months before, and when she couldn't locate a pen - I pulled a To a friend of Al Badiner pen from my purse and let her keep it. She proceeded to take the return. Without a receipt. You can imagine how grateful I was.

Just recently at a beloved customer's funeral, I was talking with a woman who said she was a granddaughter of the deceased. I introduced myself and then Alvin. She was beside herself "Oh , you're Al Badiner! I have your pen in my purse. I've used one all my life. My friends want to meet you - they all have your pens as well. I feel like I have known you forever!"

A few years ago, one of our customers-a large national insurance company put on a a vendor appreciation luncheon. Al had attended this for many years. They had collected To a friend of Al Badiner items. As a gift for the 50 or so people being honored as top vendors were a couple of different To a friend of Al Badiner items at each place setting to share and to promote the vendor they knew and loved.

You never know when and how a promotional product will have an impact and be remembered. Think of all the people who believe they are a "friend of Al Badiner," And indeed it turns out to be true.

The industry studies show that over 76% of recipients of a promotional product recall the advertiser's name on the product they received. In addition, over 75% said they actually kept the promotional product - because it was useful!

This study was provided by Sweda USA.

Coffee, Coffee, and More Coffee

2010-01-11T19:50:00.012-05:00

One of my 2010 resolutions was to cut back on my coffee consumption. But so far I haven't made a dent in it. I tried to substitute tea for the morning cup of joe, but there is just something about starting the morning with a hot cup of coffee. I love the smell and that's something that I just don't get from tea, hot chocolate or anything else.

My love of coffee started back in the late 80's. Every weekend a group of friends and I would hit a Denny's somewhere in Southern California after a dance. Several cups and laughs later I'd head home hoping the caffeine buzz would last until I pulled into my driveway. There was also this very cool hangout downtown San Diego called Java. This is where my love of Mochas started. A select group of friends and I would sit around having very intellectual conversations. I remember feeling a bit like a beatnik while I was there. When I moved to Virginia I really missed my local coffee shop. Alas came the 90's and Starbucks started to pop up everywhere. I think this is when my caffeine addiction really started. Not only would I have a cup at home before work, I would grab a cup on my way to work, then in the afternoon for a little pick-me-up. And of course I had to stop again on the way home to make sure my caffeine buzz would last through making dinner, helping with homework, scouts, practices, etc. I am happy to say I'm not that addicted to Starbucks anymore. I still love their coffee, but as an occasional treat when I'm out running errands or have a lot of driving to do. I have found I'd much rather meet my girl friends in the morning or network with a group of business owners at locally owned coffee houses such as Spill t he Beans in Alexandria or Deja Brew in Gainesville.

I know my obsession has been a bit over the top at times, but I also I'm not alone. The coffee craze continues to go strong. Here are some products that will help you get your buzz on.

Lets start with Joe himself.

The Joes

Are your promotional items working hard? Or hardly working? Sometimes you have to bring in a gritty, tough guy to get the job done. Enter ‘The Joes’. This specialty line of coffee is designed for the Financial, Legal, Healthcare and Corporate worlds.

A fun way to promote your company with a unique twist. The custom names and unique back panels make it a perfect employee perk or client gift. Just the right message in a flavorful packet of coffee.

Features: 2 oz. bag of ground gourmet Arabica coffee packaged in a silver foil bag with custom front label. Custom back label is available.

To see each Joe click on his link below.

Where do we put Joe?

No, this is not a paper cup! It's a 10 oz. biodegradable tumbler. It looks like paper but it's really plastic. Save a tree and stop using paper travel cups that you throw away. Show that you care about the environment. small enough to fit in corporate coffee machines. Screw on slide open/close spill proof lid.

The same style is also available in Double walled Porcelain with a silicone lid
• Looks just like a paper cup, but you can use it over and over again
• Environmentally friendly and reusable as well as a great looking desktop item
• Dishwasher safe
• Microwavable (mug only)

Lids come in black, red, blue or green

More info on porcelain tumbler

I need another hand

Have you ever been walking around an airport with your carry-on bag in one hand and balancing your coffee cup, and everything else in your other hand? Here is a new very cool product called the Tugo. The Tugo is a molded, pliable drink holder. It keeps your beverage suspended between the upright handles of your rolling bag. It's unique design helps keep your drink level. It's the perfect travel accessory. It is easily attached and when removed collapses to fit in your carry-on luggage. Fits all size take away coffee cups, small to medium soft drink cups as well as your personal drinkware.

The Tugo is available in retail locations throughout the U.S. To find a retail location near you visit The Tugo website. To order The Tugo with your logo contact Tall Girl Promotions.

Hot New Products for 2010

2010-01-11T18:19:00.004-05:00

I've been catching up on my trade magazines and flipping trough the new 2010 catalogs that are being delivered daily. It's so interesting to see the new products that come out each year. I sometimes get a bit giddy over them. And sometimes I just roll my eyes and think "Really?".

Over the next several weeks I'll post some of the products that really grabbed my attention.

I have to start with this one!

It's called the Butt Station.

My first thought is who would want someone sitting on a toilet on their desk? But then I realized how compelled I was to share this with everyone in the office. How it generated so much conversation. Isn't that one of the reasons we use promotional products, to generate a buzz?

And it's absolutely a useful product. It not only functions as a tape dispenser but also as a memo pad & pen holder. And the best part is the magnetic BUTT holds paperclips inside the bowl. Everything you need is right there at your fingertips. Hmmm?

I should note that tape, paperclips, pens, and memo pad are not included.

Now the obvious industries I see using this product are plumbers, bathroom remodeling companies, bath fixture manufactures, etc. What I wonder is, outside this type of company, who would use the Butt Station to promote their company? And what would their tag line be?

Click the links for more information about the Butt Station and other products from the Minya Collection.

I would love to read your thoughts. Please leave a comment. I'll be sure to let you all know if I get any orders for the Butt Station in 2010.

Happy New Year!

Targeted Group Eats Up Restaurant Gift-Card Promo

2009-11-13T10:48:00.001-05:00

Most people would associate Scotts Lawn Service with a thick, green lawn but probably not with a thick, juicy steak. However, last summer, selected Scotts customers got just that – or any other meal they wanted – when the company paired up with Restaurant.com for a gift-card promotion.

John Lewis, director of segment marketing for Scotts, says the company worked with Anthem Marketing Solutions to identify customers who were likely to cancel their lawn service during the summer. "Our attrition model takes into account historic cancel data to assign a likelihood of cancellation along with a predicted timing of cancel," he adds.

Customers in that segment received a direct mailer that offered them a $25 Restaurant.com reward if they registered with Scotts online or a $50 card if they registered and signed up for automatic payments. Those who did got a gift card in the mail or an e-mail with a code that could be redeemed at more than 12,000 restaurants nationwide.

"Most of our customers who took advantage of the opportunity simply redeemed the card and enjoyed dinner on us," Lewis says, "but the few who we did hear from told us that they were surprised to receive this type of offer from their lawn-service provider and were delighted to receive this extra benefit for no additional cost."

Scotts had hoped the promotion would increase retention 5% over their control group, but the program resulted in a whopping 26% increase versus the control. "This promotion far exceeded our expectations from a results standpoint," Lewis says. "We plan to initiate similar programs in the future."

Muscle Milk Flexes During Fashion Week

2009-11-13T10:35:00.002-05:00

During Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in early September, passersby in New York were asked to pose in front a circus mirror. (You know, the kind that makes you look skinny.) Two brand ambassadors for 100-calorie Muscle Milk beverages then challenged people to make the altered image a reality by trying their product.

At a nearby GNC location, by Bryant Park, live models posed as mannequins in the storefront window. As part of its "From Cute to Catwalk" live window takeover, Muscle Milk's seemingly plastic women posed while brand ambassadors handed out free samples to the public.

The brand then armed 20 key influencers with a Muscle Milk Fashion Week survival pack. It consisted of a Nike sports bag with Muscle Milk Light, Muscle Milk branded lip gloss, a $100 Nike gift card and a Muscle Milk shirt.

All of these efforts were aimed at keeping busy models, designers, celebrities and members of the media fueled during Fashion Week, via CytoSport Inc.'s ready-to-drink protein-enhanced beverage. Samples were handed out at five key locations, including salon venues, the IMG Fashion Lounge and the Lu Biscuit Cafe.

The campaign is part of the brand's commitment to the promotion of a healthy image and active lifestyle. "Promotional items allow us to relay our messages to targeted consumer groups. For example, at New York Fashion Week our shirts read, 'Ready to Wear, Ready to Drink,' speaking about our Muscle Milk Ready-to-Drink Nutritional Shake, which is perfect for on-the-go fashionistas," says Shane McCassy, lifestyle marketing manager for CytoSport.

Jones-ing for Promotional Products

2009-11-13T10:27:00.002-05:00

This summer, Jones Soda proudly proclaimed that it was "the official soda of the road trip." To prove it, the premium soda brand teamed with Griffin Technology to reward people for sharing their most creative photos taken while traveling across North America.

Using Twitter, travelers were asked to make a post with the hashtag #roadtripjones and include their destination or itinerary. Photos and videos could then be uploaded at www.jonessoda.com/gallery and hashtagged through Twitter, Facebook, Flickr and YouTube.

Ten winners received one of 10 Griffin iTrip AutoPilots, and 10 photos from their journeys were selected to appear on Jones Soda bottles internationally. The grand prize winner also received a $500 shopping spree at www.griffintechnology.com. The promotion wrapped up on August 28.

During the summer, the Jones Soda RV hit various locations during a 10,000-mile journey throughout the country, tweeting all the way (@Jones_Soda_RV). Consumers who caught up with the RV or stopped by the soda company's national headquarters received bumper stickers and coupons.

Jones Soda has a long history of giving out branded items and will continue to do so, says Josh Groff, brand manager for Jones Soda. "It is a badge of identity for people who wear and use gear branded with the Jones Soda logo – it's how they distinguish themselves from the crowd," Groff says.

The brand, which has a partnership with the Seattle Seahawks, gave away T-shirts before the NFL team's home opener last year. This year it gave out schedule posters. "By making these personal connections with our fans, they each become brand ambassadors," says Groff. "It is an efficient way for Jones Soda to expand awareness, and it is extremely effective because it is done in a viral and genuine way."

Hanes Wants Us All to Be "Passionately Pink"

2009-11-13T10:20:00.002-05:00

For anyone who has ever wanted to create their own beautiful T-shirt design, Hanes provided their big chance. Through October 26, the top-selling, Michael Jordan-fronted T-shirt brand invited consumers to become "passionately pink" in the fight against breast cancer.

Original T-shirt designs that offered messages of hope, love and support were entered to win a weekly $100 Hanes gift card in mid-August. Twelve finalists' designs will be featured at www.hanespink.com between November 11 and November 25. The grand prize winner will be announced on December 7; the grand prize is a $250 gift card and a T-shirt with a screen print of the winning design.

Entrants were invited to use the Web site's graphics tools to create their own design. Each week the first 30 people who participated received a free shirt from actress Sarah Chalke, best known from the TV series Scrubs. (She got into the act by creating her own design, which was also for sale.)

The competition was created to launch Hanes' Pink Collection, as well as to raise awareness and support for Susan G. Komen for the Cure. The Pink Collection line of bras, panties, socks and shirts was available at select stores and at www.hanespink.com.

Hanes announced earlier this year that it had donated a quarter of a million dollars to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. It became the official apparel sponsor of Passionately Pink for the Cure. Hanes will make a $5,000 donation in the shirt design winner's name to a local affiliate or the Susan G. Komen global headquarters.

Chalke said in a statement that she was excited to be "a part of an amazingly dedicated network. Awareness is the best prevention, and this program encourages people across the country to join the fight against breast cancer in a truly meaningful way."

A Real "Cold Call"

2009-11-11T10:45:00.003-05:00

In all of my years in sales and marketing I think there is one or maybe two people I have come across that truly like making cold calls. For most sales people it's the part of our job we dislike the most. Here's an idea to help you get a warmer reception on your next "cold call".

So you've got your list of prospects that you want to get in and see. You know if they would only spend 5 or 10 minutes with you, they would realize why they should be doing business with you and not your competition. But it's been impossible getting them on the phone. And they never return your emails. It's come down to...THE COLD CALL! Yikes!!!

No biggie. Try this next time. First call the front desk to make sure your contact is in the office. This wont work so well if they are not. Also, depending on the size of the company, find out how many people are in the office or their department. Send your prospect an email saying you hope to break the ice later that afternoon.

Show up about 3PM with a cool treat for your Cold Call. Your prospect will be delighted when they see you've brought an entire ice cream party for them. Serve and clean up from the party. But don't expect to talk business right then and there. However there is a really good chance you'll get an appointment.

List of Supplies for your Ice Cream Party

Ice Cream
Syrup
Sprinkles & Nuts
Whipped Cream
Cherries
Cups or bowls with your logo
Spoons (in your corporate colors)
Napkins printed with your logo
A nice ice cream scoop that your contact can take home after the party

Things to consider

This is a way to get in to your TOP prospects. Be sure to do your research ahead of time to make sure this is someone you want to do business with.
You are giving your prospect a pleasant surprise in the middle of the day. Make sure this doesn't end up being work for them. Set-up, serve, and clean-up so no one has to take time out of their day to do that.
Have your schedule with you so you can lock in a time to meet then and there.
Make sure you have extra time in your schedule in the event that your prospect says that "Now is a good time".
Make sure you are prepared to talk about your company/product/service if you do meet right then.

Planning & Preparation

Creating an "ice cream party prospecting campaign" schedule is a good idea so you stay on track.
Start with 100 or so suspects. (You think they are prospects, but not quite sure.)
Do some research to confirm they are the person you want to do business with.
Based on that research narrow down and categorize your list to A, B, and C groups.
Plan a workable schedule over the next several weeks or months. You may be able to throw a party every afternoon, or your schedule may only allow you to get out once a week.
Start your campaign with your top "B" prospects. You don't want to waste your time on lower level prospects, however you don't want to cut your teeth on the golden goose either.
Make sure to have a follow-up plan in place as well. You've made this huge impact up front, you don't want it to sizzle out due to lack of contact on your part. Remember it takes an average of 7 touches before a prospect will buy.
Speaking of huge impact, you have demonstrated to your prospect that you have a strong desire to do business with them. More so than sending a letter or placing a call. This will go a long way to help you land them as a client.
Don't cheep out on the ice cream scoop. This is a way for your prospect to think about you even when they are not at the office. A nice stainless steel scoop will be used and appreciated much more than a cheep plastic one.
Once you commit to the campaign, buy your non-perishable goods in bulk at a club store or a restaurant wholesaler. This will save you time and money. You'll still need to buy the ice cream and whipped cream right before the party.

Calculating your Return on Investment

After you determine how many prospects you are going to include in your campaign you should do the following:
Get pricing on all of your supplies.
Calculate the average cost of each party. (Include your time in planning, executing, and following up)
Calculate the estimated worth of each new client
Estimate the ratio of turning the prospect into a client based on your history or your industry.
Finally calculate your estimated ROI

Sample: I decide I'm going after my top 40 prospects. I figure each part will cost me $100 in time and money. My average client is worth $20,000 a year. I figure I'll land 20% of these prospects. The campaign will cost me $4,000. I estimate I will gain $160,000 in new sales. After I subtract my cost and take my profit margin into consideration, I come out with a profit of about $62,000 from this campaign. Of course next year I won't have the expense of the campaign and the referrals I get into other departments and other companies will make this even more profitable for me.

Hmmm, maybe a fun way to celebrate our anniversary of doing business would be to throw another Ice Cream Party? This time I wont have to worry about "breaking the ice".

Using Promotional Products Wisely and Creatively

2009-08-19T14:49:00.003-04:00

Conventional and unconventional ideas that work

"Without promotion, something terrible happens ... Nothing!"
-- P.T. Barnum

Try to put yourself in the shoes of a customer or prospect walking the show floor at your next event. You're likely to be overwhelmed by an endless array of Frisbees, coffee mugs, paper weights and squeeze toys. What exactly does it take to catch your eye or to make an impression

Before opening a catalog or visiting a Web site and drooling over all the shiny items available to promote your organization, think about what you can do that will stick in someone's mind and remain cost-effective. Think about what you want the promotional products to do. What do you want to achieve at your next event? Do you want to generate "buzz" and attract attendees to your exhibit? Do you want to make sure every attendee goes home with something in his or her "goodie bag?" Or do you want to be more selective, rewarding actual prospects with something significant?

The best promotional strategies work toward one of two goals -- reinforcing your branding or emphasizing a call to action. Different products work better to help you achieve each of these goals. Let's start considering three types of promotional giveaways: practical, somewhat risky and green products.

Practical and "safe" options with staying power

When branding is your primary objective, give out high-quality, useful, practical items. Choose something that people will appreciate receiving, and will use often -- preferably several times a day. Some popular imprintable options:

Tape measures.
Mouse pads.
Calculators.
Hand sanitizers.
Wine openers.
Key chains.
Magnets.
Suntan lotion.
Ice scrapers.
Flash drives.
Pens and highlighters.

Pens? Doesn't everyone give these out? Aren't they old hat? Well, pens remain popular for good reason. They are cost-effective, come in a wide array of colors, are easy to customize and offer a wide rage of prices. Every time your customers reach for a pen, they'll see your logo, your Web site or your phone number. Whenever customers use it, they'll connect with your company. However, don't be too cheap and buy pens that don't work. Request four to five samples in different price ranges and test them out.

Different than the rest but riskier, too

Creative, whimsical or different items will set you apart and are memorable. But they carry some risk unless you find a way to connect with booth visitors or appeal to sentiment. Otherwise, they may get tossed. If you go this route -- be creative and be prepared to spend a little more to make a statement. Some popular options on the show circuit:

Removable tattoos.
Earplugs in an imprinted carrying case (for the plane ride home).
Business cards that turn into a sponge when wet.
Stress relievers (squeeze toys, Weebles, yo-yos, Rubik's cubes).
Piggy banks.
Mint and gumball tins in the shape of a truck, computer, home, etc.
Chocolate bars.
Gift cards.

If you are a new company, attend many shows each year or have a new product release, take a chance on a different item and see what happens. Whimsical items are often a great idea for customization -- to really fit your target audience. Earplugs are perfect for road warriors while a Rubik's cube is excellent for engineers or others who solve puzzles for a living.

For instance, one successful promotion at a bank involved sending a letter marked "Gift Enclosed" to key clients. Inside was a single dollar bill. Try giving away a silver dollar and business card to a qualified prospect who takes the time to listen to a full presentation. What's the downside -- $100? It's original, and they'll remember you long afterward -- that silver "cartwheel" will go home with them for sure.

And who doesn't love receiving gift cards? You'll want to save these for those you consider "premiere" customers, but a $10 gift card for Starbucks, ITunes or Amazon will make them remember you.

Green -- Good word of mouth, growing list of options

Recycled, biodegradable, organic -- you name it, it's available. Choose a green promotional item, and you make a statement about your organization and your values. You'll enhance your reputation and foster goodwill. Remember those pens and mugs? Both are available in an eco-friendly form. Some other green ideas:

Tote bags. Giving out an eco-friendly tradeshow bag provides attendees with something useful for the show and for years to come.
USB flash drives. Consider offering an imprinted USB flash drive filled with electronic versions of your slide show, printed collateral and an order form. If your budget is tight, hold a drawing, perhaps once or twice a day, for anyone who gives you a business card.
Water-powered calculators. Just fill the compartment with water as instructed -- and they work! Better still, they don't require batteries.
Apparel. For those attending an event, eco-friendly t-shirts and polos made from recycled materials are also very popular and cost-effective.

Green items are typically pricier than standard giveaways -- but shop around, and you'll see a lot more eco-friendly items available from suppliers, which indicates an increased demand from consumers.

Consider your audience -- One size doesn't fit all

Do your booth visitors spend their workday in a cubicle, or are they out in the field? Do they work from home, or are they road warriors who live in hotels and airports? Consider these important questions when purchasing branded items.

Gifts -- like promotional products -- have to be appropriate for the recipient. So, choose them carefully. Tradeshow exhibitors have long known this secret to success, and as an event planner, you can learn a great deal from their experiences.

Here's a sampling of giveaways at a recent high-tech event:

Digital cameras.
Computer accessories.
Ergonomic aids like grippers and "stress-relievers" (mouse pads and wrist rests are a little passé at this point).

Tip: You may also consider two sets of giveaways: 1) those specifically for "good" customers or potential leads, and 2) those for general attendees and other vendors walking the show floor, shoving anything they can get for free into their tote bags.

The Do's and Don'ts of Promo Items

* Make sure attendees cannot remove your name and logo from giveaways.

* Choose items that attendees will keep and use, not throw away or eat.

* Find something relevant to the local market: windshield shades in the hot summer sun, ice scrapers in the winter (remember it snows in over 40 states).

* Give out mugs and cups with your logo when you visit -- or mail them directly to your target group.

* Match your items to your target group's interests (e.g., realtors appreciate a carpenter pencil, tape measure or mini-tool kits).

* If possible, hand out your gifts personally: Shake hands, smile, get a card, give them their reward.

DON'T

* Bother giving anything away if you can't brand the product to your company.

* Be a copycat: Envelope openers are useful; however, seven at one event is too much.

* Give out junk. The little balsa airplane might work well for a company in aviation -- but if it doesn't fly well, it'll come off as junk.

* Pass out items in the hope that prospects will give them to their kids. You want the prospects to remember you, not Junior. What's worse, it may feel manipulative to adult recipients.

Think strategically ...

Looking for products that will act as a call to action? These items should have less clutter for higher impact. They should also be highly visible and contain top-level information about your company. Your logo, a tagline and one or two forms of contact are usually the most information that will fit comfortably on this type of item. Keep it simple. Choose a product that will comfortably hold your message.

Looking to get your attendees really engaged with your promotion? A software company recently found a good way to launch a new product. To boost traffic in its tradeshow booth, staff sent a timed series of mailings to their top prospects. Each mailing contained a unique promotional item. In this case, the recipients really couldn't tell what the product was or how to use it. The only way to find the answer was to come to the booth.

This unique approach got people to the booth, and it gave the sales reps time to talk to the customers. As soon as they were done explaining the promotional product, they had a foot in the door to talk about their featured product. Even customers who took the promotional product and ran were exposed to the company's booth and basic message.

As an organizer, you now have a multitude of options that didn't exist even a few years ago. If price is not a major concern, you can really make your items stand out with your logo. Offering eco-friendly items is a great way to make a statement and set your organization apart -- especially since there's a growing demand for green giveaways. The list of eco-friendly options is long and getting longer. Most promotional-product companies offer some green choices, while other companies devote themselves to them entirely.

Even if you choose to play it safe, you have more resources at your disposal to shop for bargains or off-the-wall ideas until you find what suits your organization's goals. Best of luck!

What would you do?

2009-07-19T15:21:00.002-04:00

In my reading and research on being a more responsible promotional marketing consultant, I came across this analogy. The writer was likening the way we buy promotional products to the morning ritual of getting our caffeine fix.

Each morning on your way to work you stop by the same quick-stop joint to get your cup of joe. It's something you've done for years. It's convenient, it's always just right, the way you like it. But what if you found out that somewhere between the fields of coffee beans and that first steaming sip that touches your lips in the morning, people were suffering and, even worse, dying - Would that be enough to make you switch coffee shops? Would you be willing to pay a bit more? Would it be enough for you to take a left at the corner instead of a right and change your ways?

As salespeople and business owners, there are bottom line choices that have to be made in order to keep the profit and loss in check. But in today's world, there are new options available. And today, that cup of coffee you were looking for doesn't have to hurt anyone in order to provide us all our creature comforts. Now, there is a shop just another mile down the road that offers Fair Trade coffee, which ensures fair wages and a safe work environment for all involved in the supply chain. As for that fashion-forward tee you are looking for, or the hard goods you need in a hurry, there are ethically conscious companies out there with great products - so no more excuses. Just let your promotional marketing consultant know that these things are important to you.

Is that really your Excuse?

2009-07-19T15:15:00.004-04:00

Top five worst excuses not to Go Green, Go Safe, and Go Responsible:

It's too expensive.
One person can't make a difference.
It doesn't fit my lifestyle.
The quality of the products just isn't as high.
I don't know where or how to begin.

Being a Responsible Consultant

2009-07-19T14:09:00.005-04:00

I have spent the last few hours reading an industry magazine supplement on responsibility. Subtitled "The Comprehensive Guide to Maintaining the Highest Safety, Environmental & Social Standards for the Promotional Products Industry". Believe me, it's given me a lot to think about.

When I started working in this industry, I was a bit ahead of the curve. I have always be "Eco Conscious". So when their was a big push about 3 or 4 years ago to start making the industry a bit more "Green", I was already well on that path. In fact, since my very first consultation, I have been trying to make my clients more aware of their choices and how it would impact the environment in relation to their marketing goals.

Some of the things I would have them consider when ordering an item were; What was it made of? How long would it stay in use? Was it recyclable? Was it biodegradable?, etc.

That in itself was a lot to think about. But now, there are so many other areas to be aware of. Certainly, as of late, whether a product is made in the USA or not has been more of a concern. Naturally promoting your own company with USA made goods in better for the overall economy. However there are other reasons to consider where something is made. Product safety concerns is a big reason. Fair wage and working conditions. Lot-to-lot quality is something that recently was brought to my attention. Did you know that some suppliers will pay extra to make sure that there is consistency in the quality of material used in the manufacturing of their goods? I didn't until a couple of weeks ago.

Besides the actually manufacturing of a product, it's important to look at the printing, packaging and shipping methods used. What kind of inks are being used? How does the supplier handle waste issues? Does the supplier use recycled packaging? Where is the supplier located in relation to where the product is being shipped?

Lastly, what does the supplier do to "give back"? Some suppliers give a percent of sales of pink products to breast cancer foundations. Others have organized community outreach events. And some will donate products to charity events and fundraisers.

Does your promotional products consultant council you in these areas? Maybe until the industry as a whole comes around, some of the responsibility should be on the client. So next time you place an order for water bottles or t-shirts you ask your consultant a couple of questions other than, "How much will this cost?"

Top 10 Reasons To Work With A Promotional Consultant

2009-07-17T11:45:00.002-04:00

As I was looking for some information for a class I'm teaching in a few weeks, I came across this list of reasons to work with a professional promotional products consultant. There is a difference in working with a consultant, rather than just ordering from some cyber-store. Here are some of those reasons.

REASON #1: Consultants are the experts in their field. When you’re sick, you want a doctor who has the specialization and training to help you. PPAI consultants meet the highest qualification standards in the industry and display “The Mark of a Professional.” The MAS (Master Advertising Specialist) or CAS (Certified Advertising Specialist) designation after a consultant’s name means he or she has earned one of the industry’s only official certifications. There’s no need to spend all your time on the Internet or searching through catalogs. Your promotional products consultant will come to you—like a doctor who makes house calls!

REASON #2: Good consultants go beyond just selling products. Successful promotional campaigns don’t happen by chance. To realize goals, promotional products programs must be carefully planned, taking into consideration the audience, budget and, of course, the ultimate result to be gained. While it’s true that you can buy a product anywhere, an experienced consultant can help you solve problems, plan a program and get results.

REASON #3: Professional consultants have access to vast product research resources, including an extensive database which contains more than 500,000 products. Yes, you can find a mug online, but a consultant can find hundreds of mugs, in a multitude of colors, sizes, shapes, materials, designs, etc. Have you saved money if you get the mugs and they are not the right color? Is it worth the extra savings if you get the mugs and they are so breakable due to inferior materials that they are virtually unusable?

REASON #4: Consultants are in tune with the trends, including hot items and the newest products and processes. A qualified consultant can add creativity, innovation and imagination to your overall program to achieve your goals. Many online services show you the products they want to sell; a qualified consultant will listen to what you want and help you find the right product for your needs. And a consultant can provide tangible samples that appeal to your senses: taste, touch and feel!

REASON #5: Your consultant is more than just a salesperson. Chances are you will buy promotional products more than once in your life. Once a company uses a consultant, that relationship often continues for years—and even decades. Your promotional products consultant is someone with whom you have worked, someone you know and someone you trust. In many cases, companies use the consultant as part of the creative team, even including him or her in marketing meetings.

REASON #6: Personalized service is the role of a consultant. When going online, your selection is what the internet company determines to make available. When you work with a consultant, your selection is determined by your needs and goals, enhanced by the experience, creativity and recommendations of that consultant who has your best interests at heart. Online, you’re a faceless, nameless buyer. With a consultant, you’re a client with your own personal shopper, receiving service along with ideas and prices. When you order online, who monitors your order and your deadline? Your consultant has your interests in mind. Seldom do you receive that kind of personalized, “hand-holding” customer service from an unknown online company.

REASON #7: Industry consultants can offer experienced advice on how (and IF) to imprint items. You may have found the perfect key chain, but will your logo imprint on it? Will it be recognizable? Some things don’t work, or there might be something else that will work better. A qualified promotional products consultant can explain to you the best printing process for your program, your imprint and the product you’ve chosen.

REASON #8: Trained consultants can save you money in the long run. Many times, a price you see in a generic catalog or on the internet does not cover many “hidden” costs involved—set up, imprint duplication, shipping, etc. A consultant can help you avoid unexpected and unbudgeted costs by quoting the total price up-front.

REASON #9: Consultants will work with you to get your artwork imprinted properly. Say you want your company’s logo embroidered on a golf shirt. How do you ensure it will be done properly, and with the correct colors? A trained consultant can work with you to insure accurate transfer of your artwork, including correct fonts, size, spacing and many other important factors. And your consultant’s commitment to quality customer service will guarantee your satisfaction with the finished product.

REASON #10: Professional promotional products consultants can assist you in developing a workable distribution plan for your products. Distribution of a promotional product is as important as the item itself. Research shows that a carefully executed distribution plan significantly increases the effectiveness of promotional products. But what if the cost of distributing your product is more than the product and more than your expected ROI (return on investment)? A consultant can help you avoid unexpected problems like this.

Calling All Connors

2009-06-08T11:07:00.001-04:00

If your name is Sarah Connor or John Connor, you were in luck on May 21. To celebrate the premiere of the movie Terminator Salvation, Pizza Hut offered a free salvation pizza, with one topping, to those with the same name as the movie's character. You just needed ID to prove it.

This was just one part of the pizza chain's massive tie-in with the highly-anticipated summer sequel. On April 6, it launched a sweepstakes at www.pizzahut.com, where one grand prize winner was given the chance to attend the official premiere after-party and take a behind-the-scenes tour of Warner Bros. Studios. And, through May 30, there were a variety of instant-win prizes given out.

The awards included branded T-shirts, logoed Xbox 360 consoles, the Terminator Salvation video game and other merchandise. One first-prize winner even received a replica of the T-600 Terminator.

"Fans strengthen their connection to their favorite movies by acquiring collectables, and as a part of our promotion with Terminator Salvation, we're giving fans the opportunity to win a once-in-a-lifetime collectible – a life-size replica of the Terminator robot from the film," says Bob Kraut, vice president of marketing communications for Pizza Hut. "Anything we can offer our customers that brings the experience of their favorite movies to life will always be a sought after prize."

The Web site also offered a sneak peek of exclusive footage from the film, the movie's trailer and downloadable wallpapers – available whether your name was Connor or not.

Digital Download with a New Spin

2009-05-24T19:50:00.002-04:00

I'm a big fan of the Digital Download card. A promotion that not only gets my message into my prospects hand at an event, but even after, and that is interactive - gets my vote!

If you're not familiar with a digital download card, let me give you a brief summary. Usually it's a plastic "business card" with your message/information on one side and instructions on how to redeem the download on the back. The download could be for anything from a few songs, photo prints, movie tickets, phone time, etc., you decide. So for your prospect to redeem the card, they go to your website, follow a link, fill out their information or even a survey and then get their song, etc.

Now here is where this gets really cool. CFS Promotions has now an Instant Win Mystery Promotion to their cards. Say you get 1000 cards with one song on them. 990 of those cards will have a code for the song download, 6 will have a code for a $20 Starbucks card, and 4 will have a code for a new iPod. Think about it, you give the card to a visitor at your trade show booth and tell them it could be worth an iPod. Do you think they'll take the time to visit your site? My bet is YES!

For more information vist my website or CFS Promotions.

Prime Placement

2009-05-24T19:13:00.004-04:00

Why is it, that when looking for a thank you gift, trade show give away, or sales call drop off people don't think of coasters? Almost everyone drinks coffee, water, etc. at their desk. If they don't have a coaster they either end up with a wet, damaging ring, or place a napkin under their cup. This is a prime place for your message to be. Each time they place or remove their cup they see your logo.

Coasters come in all sorts of material. Leather, brass, ceramic, rubber, sandstone, glass... the list goes on and on. There is a line that I happen to like quite a bit. It's from Buntingware. They are made from an absorbent ceramic material and are rubber backed. The coasters can be imprinted in full color or have an image debossed on the face. You can order them in sets or in bulk or even pair them with a matching mug. They are also made in the USA.

Think about this prime placement next time you want to be remembered while your client or prospect is at their desk.

View Buntingware Coasters or the Full Line of coasters.

Bamboo Shirts! Really?

2009-05-24T18:55:00.002-04:00

Last week I became familiar with this line. It's the Bamboo Collection from AKWA. Golf/Polo shirts and t-shirts made from Bamboo fiber.

Did you know that Bamboo is 100% biodegradable and doesn't harm the environment. Naturally grown without the use of pesticides and fertilizers. The cross-section of the bamboo fiber is filled with micro gaps and holes to promote superior moisture absorption and ventilation. Keeps you cool in hot weather while possessing a permanent anti-bacterial agent.

Most of this line also happens to be USA made!

Check this out for your next golf or corporate event.

May 11th is Eat What You Want Day

2009-03-12T15:23:00.000-04:00

Have salespeople deliver snack baskets to their customers when they visit on this day.
Create a promotion based on the Eat What You Want Day making the connection between feeling like you can't eat what you want and you can't seem to get what you want when it comes to (plug in your product or service category). Tell them that on May 11th they can not only eat what they want, but they can have what they want when it comes to (plug in your product or service) by scheduling an appointment with one of your sales reps. When the rep makes the call on May 11 he or she brings a logoed basket of goodies or cookies.

Some other designations for May that you might be interested in are:

May 2nd: No Pants Day
May 3rd: Free Comic Book Day
May 4th: Respect for Chickens Day
May 5th: Cinco de Mayo
May 5th: Teacher's Day
May 4th - 10th: Be Kind To Animals Week(R)
May 5th - 11th: National Wildflower Week
May 8th: World Red Cross Day
May 10th: Mother's Day
May 11th: Eat What You Want Day
May 12th: Stamp Out Hunger
May 11th - 17th: National Police Week
May 14th: National Receptionists Day
May 16th: Armed Forces Day
May 16th: National Pizza Party Day
May 17th: Armed Forces Day
May 18th: International Museum Day
May 18th: Victoria Day (Canada)
May 19th: Armed Forces Day
May 18th - 24th: National Dog Bite Prevention Week
May 20th - 26th: World Trade Week
May 21st: National Employee Health & Fitness Day
May 23rd: World Turtle Day
May 24th: Brother's Day
May 25th: National Missing Children's Day
May 26th: International Jazz Day
May 26th: Memorial Day
May 30th: Hug Your Cat Day
May 31st: World No-Tobacco Day

The week of April 27th is National Volunteer Week

2009-03-12T15:21:00.000-04:00

Thank all of your volunteers with a small memento of their efforts. Hold a thank-you celebration and include table favors that commemorate their contributions. Select a Volunteer of the Year and award them with a larger commemorative gift. And, be sure to get pictures and send to the local papers.

Some other designations for April that you might be interested in are:

Alcohol Awareness Month
National Child Abuse Prevention Month
Holy Week
National Donate Life Month
April 1st: April Fools Day
April 2nd: International Children's Book Day
April 3rd: Tweed Day
April 4th: Victims Of Violence day
April 5th: National Fun At Work Day
April 6th: Teflon Day
April 7th: No Housework Day
April 9th - 15th: Egg Salad Week
April 10th: National Sibilings Day
April 11th: Trivia Day
April 13th: International Plant Appreciation Day
April 7th - 11th: National Public Health Week
April 13th - 19th: National Library Week
April 27th: National Volunteer Week
April 15th: Income Tax Pay Day
April 17th: International Ford Mustang Day
April 19th - 27th: National Wildlife Week
April 22nd: Earth Day
April 24th: Take Your Daughters and Sons to Work Day
April 27th: Mother, Father Deaf Day
April 28th: Cubicle Day
April 29th: National Dance Day
April 30th: Spank Out Day USA

This One is a Real Cutie

2009-03-12T15:18:00.000-04:00

Cuties, a cross between a sweet orange and a Chinese mandarin, knows that things can go ugly without the right marketing support. That's why when Cuties hit stores in November, it did so with a $7 million integrated marketing plan that included ads, promotions and events that positioned its product as a healthy snack option, especially for children, in a fun, playful way.

Print ads read "Root for the fruit" and show a healthy Cuties mandarin orange chasing away a slice of pizza. T-shirts bearing the ad were also created, as were branded adhesive bandages, custom ice packs that say "Cuties. They're so cool," temporary tattoos and iPod covers that say "Root for the li'l guy."

These items were distributed at American Youth Soccer Organization games, Radio Disney events and other kid-friendly happenings. Members of the press also received these items, as well as Cuties branded lip balm, shoelaces and a USB port shaped like a business card. And, more than 3.5 million first through fifth grade students were exposed to the brand through custom-designed lesson plans, book covers and reward stickers.

As the rollout of the product continues through May (when mandarin orange season ends), other promotions including a Valentine's Day effort will hit markets.

"Cuties are a fast-growing citrus brand," says Dominic Engels, vice president of marketing for Cuties, in a statement. "Increasing our marketing support throughout the season will continue to grow the category, especially in today's market where we know consumers are looking for quality, health benefits and convenience."

Dickies Honors the American Worker

2009-03-12T15:15:00.000-04:00

America hasn't exactly had a strong run of late when it comes to its workers. Many are struggling to make ends meet; others are fighting for their jobs. Dickies, the brand that outfits many of our hardest workers (as well as some hipsters), decided to honor the hard working men and women who give it their all each and every day.

Through the summer months, beginning June 1, consumers were invited to name themselves the hardest worker in the country. Entrants were given the chance to win a grand prize of $1 million and VIP trip tickets to the Dickies 500 race at the Texas Motor Speedway.

The "Dickies American Worker of the Year" sweepstakes honored farmers, builders, teachers, electrical lineman and other strong-willed workers. Six regional finalists were selected. Each received a prize package including a trip for two to the American Bull Riders World Finals in Las Vegas.

Dickies, the "voice of the American worker," also awarded each with a new Yamaha Grizzly 450 4x4, a Dickies gift certificate and logoed bags and clothing.

Hal Hughes was named the winner. For his honest day's work, he received a new 2009 Ford F-150 with a B&W hitch, a Yamaha Rhino 700 FI 4x4 as well as the chance to win $1 million by picking the number of the Sprint Cup car that would win the Dickies 500.

Dickies rep Misty Otto says, "The American Worker of the Year contest really embodies what our company stands for - hard work and determination."

OrangeSoda Uses Promo Products to Make Things Pop

2009-03-12T15:08:00.001-04:00

Small- and medium-size businesses have a lot of online marketing agencies from which to choose. Still, agency OrangeSoda feels it has the best search engine optimization (SEO) and pay-per-click offerings. The problem is how to stand out from the pack. A strong brand name like OrangeSoda helps, but to really drive the point home they decided to give away, well, logoed orange soda cans and bottles to prospective clients, partners and investors.

They also distributed standard promotional giveaways like pens and note pads. But the actual soda works best because it ties directly back to the company’s overall branding and positioning., says Jay Bean, CEO and co-founder of OrangeSoda.

Bean says he didn’t lose a great deal of sleep over deciding which item would be best to use for his marketing efforts. “The choice to give away orange soda as a promotional item was actually pretty simple since it’s in our name. But, more than that, we wanted to give something away that’s nontraditional and would help us stand out like our product and services do.”

Well aware of the pun involved, he says, “It’s also a part of our culture and brand since we try to put some fizz into the online marketing we provide for thousands of clients.”

While many online agencies lean on the Web for their marketing efforts, OrangeSoda has proven its faith in offline tactics. It also runs local billboard ads in Utah that prod drivers to first ask, “What the heck is SEO?” and “What does OrangeSoda have to do with it?” When it comes to promotional products, apparently a lot.

Boru Takes Battle of the Bands Online

2009-03-12T15:05:00.000-04:00

Anyone who has ever attended college has likely experienced at least one battle of the bands competition. The scene generally involves a few wannabe rock stars with semi-tuned instruments and loud amps. Boru Vodka, for the second year, decided to pay homage to these rockers via its online “Defend the Bar Band” competition.

Consumers were invited to visit www.borubarband.com and vote for their favorite bar band. A panel of judges spared viewers’ eyes and ears by selecting 14 semifinalists from among 800 applicants representing 47 states.

To generate interest, Boru brand ambassadors hit the bars hosting “Defend the Bar Band” nights. Patrons were spurred into competing in impromptu Guitar Hero competitions. For their hard work and hard rocking, they received promo kits containing posters, T-shirts, hats, tattoos, coasters, napkins and other items.

A band called The Loveblisters emerged victorious after voting had ended. The band received a professionally produced music video of their song Devotion as well as $10,000 in new equipment. The Castle Brands-owned Irish vodka also delivered the track to 650 radio stations using Yangaroo’s eNotes technology.

“This year’s Boru ‘Defend the Bar Band’ competition was extremely successful, with more than eight times the number of bands participating over last year’s number,” says D’Arcy King from C2 Creative, Castle Brands’ agency of record. “Fan involvement through online voting helped The Loveblisters, capture the top spot in the competition and claim the title of the most passionate and authentic bar band.”

Thanks to the success of the campaign, Boru is looking to vastly expand the competition in 2009 in hopes of finding the next The Loveblisters.

Brown is the New Green - Environmental Entrepreneurs - Entrepreneur.com

2009-02-22T14:01:00.001-05:00

Brown is the New Green - Environmental Entrepreneurs - Entrepreneur.com

Posted using ShareThis

Treeless Paper... Really?

2009-02-05T08:50:00.005-05:00

Here's a new environmentally sound product I recently became aware of.

Green Smart™ Treeless Paper is the best eco-friendly material that not only provides a great product, but also reduces the consumption of two of our greatest resources: trees and water. This factory spent 10 years developing the process to make Treeless Paper. If you are interested in really going GREEN then you need to check out GREEN SMART™ Treeless Paper.

A revolutionary innovation, Green Smart™ Treeless Paper is the newest and most Eco-Friendly material to-date; composed of 80% calcium Carbonate (the main element of stone) and 15% natural resin. The result of this technology, during the production of Green Smart™ Treeless Paper, no wood pulp, no water, no acid, no alkali, no bleach is used; saving tons of wood and water, helping prevent water pollution and ozonosphere. In addition, saving energy because less electricity is used to produce Green Smart™ Treeless Paper than traditional wood-pulp paper. Furthermore, Treeless Paper is waterproof and oil proof and under natural environmental conditions, it will biodegrade in less than one year and is recyclable.

Green Smart™ Treeless paper is environmentally safe. It uses no natrium (Latin for sodium), Hg, Lead or cadmium. It provides an excellent printing surface that beautifully accepts 100% eco-friendly inks, including inks made from soybeans. And it meets FDA requirements. Green Smart™ Treeless Paper is available in a variety of thicknesses and can be used just like paper and cardboard. It is available in press sheets and rolls. Treeless Paper can therefore, be used -- just like paper and cardboard -- to produce a variety of products, like shopping bags or even stickynotes.

What's your next project that involves the use of traditional paper? Maybe it's time to consider Green Smart™ Treeless paper.

Change We Can Believe In - Litterally

2009-01-07T12:59:00.004-05:00

I am so excited about our 44th president. I can't speak for an entire generation, but as a gen-xer this is the first time I've felt connected to our country's leader. He feels like my peer, not my father's or grandfather's peer. He seems to share many of my values. He seems to see the world as I see it.

I was planning on taking my children to the mall on the 20th to witness history in the making. Now that it's going to be a mad house, I'm not so sure. I might just celebrate this historic occasion with my family and friends from the comfort of my living room.

As I was searching for gifts my clients could give to their members or clients who were coming to town, I came across this Obama "Change" Collection.

This commemorative tribute to Barack Obama, our first African-American President, includes the following coins: 2007 Washington dollar; JFK half dollar; Illinois state quarter; Hawaii state quarter. Each coin is colorized with a different Barack Obama image. Each set includes a Certificate of Authenticity and is packaged in a black velvet gift box. Each of these designs have been registered and trademarked.

Own a piece of history. Or give this as a gift to your clients, family and friends.

They start at $26.00 for one set. And are as little as $18.00 for 500 sets. The gift box can be personalized. Call or email for details and pricing.

More Information

A Month’s Worth Of Creative Dates For Innovative Marketing February 2009

2009-01-06T10:59:00.002-05:00

February 20th is MardiGras

Send your salesforce out with logoed boxes of doughnuts to leave with clients on this day that's also known as Fat Tuesday or Doughnut Day
Create a promotion that delivers all the beads and trappings of MardiGras and ties in the carnival atmosphere. Make a connection to how the carnival atmosphere seems great on MardiGras, but when they wake up to the sobering reality of the next day your business, product or service is what will carry them over long haul.

Some other designations for February that you might be interested in are:

American Heart Month
National Pet Dental Health Month
National African American History Month
National Cherry Month
February 1st: Women's Heart Health Day
February 1st: Super Bowl
February 2nd: Ground Hog Day
February 4th - 10th: National Consumer Protection Week
February 5th: Mexico: Constitution Day
February 5th: Mardi Gras
February 6th: Ash Wednesday
February 7th: Wave All Your Fingers At Your Neighbors Day
February 8th - 19: Florida State Fair
February 8th: Boy Scout Day
February 9th: Corvette Day
February 10th: Pro Sports Wives Day
February 11th: White Shirt Day
February 11th - 17th: Jell-O(R) Week
February 12th: Darwin Day
February 13th: Get A New Name day
February 14th: Valentine's day
February 15th: Flag Day (Canada)
February 15th: Susan B Anthony Day
February 16th: Family Day (Canada)
February 16th: Crown Royal International Race Of Champions
February 16th: Louis Riel Day (Canada)
February 17th: Daytona 500
February 17th: My Way Day
February 18th: Chinese New Year
February 18th: President's Day
February 19th: Chocolate Mint Day
February 21st: International Mother Language Day
February 23rd: Anniversary: Iwo Jima Day
February 24th: Mardi Gras
February 25th: Ash Wednesday
February 26th: For Pete's Sake Day
February 27th: Spay Day USA
February 28th: National Chili Day

Video Store Promo Puts Excitement in the Air

2009-01-06T10:50:00.003-05:00

Making a storefront stand out from all the others in the same strip mall isn't easy to do – or is it? John Pflughoft, owner of Jodati Inc., dba Blockbuster, distinguishes his video stores with SkyDancers – "dancing" inflatables featuring a fan inside that continually pumps air through their bodies, making them sway, bend and "dance."

SkyDancers are typically 20-plus feet in height, come in the shape of either characters or straight tubes and can be imprinted with custom logos or messages. "We custom-ordered ours in colors to match our corporate logo," Pflughoft says, "so in addition to driving customers through our doors, these inflatables also support brand awareness."

Pflughoft is using the SkyDancers at two stores and is convinced they're driving traffic to both locations. "We noticed a near instant response to our use of dancing inflatables, as they really help a business to stand out amongst the many," he says.

In fact, he was so happy with the results that he has recommended SkyDancers on a Web site for Blockbuster franchise owners, plus two other stores had put up inflatables on his recommendation.

A Sharp Approach to Baseball

2009-01-06T10:41:00.003-05:00

There's a pretty good chance that if you went to a Major League Baseball game this year after the All-Star break, you were exposed to a Sharp Aquos high-definition television. Sharp Electronics, which spent its second year as the official HDTV of MLB, ran a complete lineup of fan activities and promotions throughout the second half-season.

Much like the Philadelphia Phillies, Sharp ended the season with a serious playoff push. "The Sharp Aquos Instant Replay Roadshow" appeared at every postseason game. The effort, which debuted during the All-Star Game, allows consumers to be the umpire by watching replays on Aquos displays to make the call on controversial plays.

"The Sharp Aquos Experience Mobile Tour," meanwhile, used a 53-foot double-expanded trailer to create the ultimate showcase for its products at postseason games. "At all of our activation points, Sharp gives away promotional items emblazoned with a specially designed logo that features both of our brands and the MLB silhouetted batter," says Judah Zeigler, associate vice president for the retail and marketing group at Sharp.

At the in-stadium kiosks during the post-season, Sharp gave away branded cinch sacks, soft baseballs and playing cards. "Because we give away items that can be used over and over, like the cinch sack and playing cards, we're able to keep Sharp's association with MLB in the mind of the consumer, not just at the point at which they're interacting with our brand at a special event, but for days, weeks or even months afterwards," says Zeigler. More than 5,500 retailers participated in MLB-themed Sharp promotions.

The Athlete's Foot Gives Its Brand a Kick

2009-01-06T10:28:00.004-05:00

Hoping to add a little spring to its step, The Athlete's Foot began a rebranding effort earlier this year. The venerable athletic shoe and sportswear retailer has opted to move away from its name (which is also an itchy fungus) and toward the acronym, "TAF."

To help consumers become familiar with its altered name and new logo, the company offered a free drawstring backpack as a gift-with-purchase during the back-to-school shopping season. Consumers who spent more than $75 received one of 11,000 free backpacks.

"If the branded item makes sense to the overall strategy, then it can help build a brand," says Darius Billings, director of retail brand marketing and merchandising for NexCen Franchise Management, parent company to The Athlete's Foot. "For TAF, we have committed to a strategy of serving the everyday athletes of the world – the student athletes, the before-breakfast athletes, the after-work athletes and the weekend athletes. To do this, we need the TAF brand to speak their language and live in their world. A TAF coffee mug isn't necessarily going to do this, but the drawstring bag can, because it is an important element of the everyday athlete."

It was a perfect fit because it jives with TAF customers' athletic routines, says Billings. "For the student athlete, it's their second bag, the first being their book bag," he says. "The drawstring bag is something that travels with them to practice, to competitions and to games. For after-work athletes, it replaces the briefcases at 5 p.m. And so the brand, which aims to serve the everyday athlete, is also a part of the everyday athlete's life."

The bag helps the brand raise awareness in an organic way. A simple gift-with-purchase "may not seem like much, but next time you're near a weekend soccer tournament, a 10K run, or a pickup basketball game, look around." Billings says. "The drawstring bag is everywhere. It only makes sense that TAF should be a part of that space."

Chiquita's Fresh Idea

2009-01-06T10:11:00.002-05:00

We all know it's good to eat our fruits and vegetables. Now, Chiquita Brands is trying to make it even better. Consumers who purchase Chiquita and Fresh Express fruits and vegetables can earn "Fresh Funds." This "Healthy Rewards for Healthy Living" consumer loyalty program, launched in September, presents consumers with points redeemable for a host of prizes.

Fresh Funds participants can redeem their points for a branded tote bag or free Chiquita or Fresh Express products. They can also use their points to participate in auctions, for items like a Cannondale bicycle, as well as make donations to charities.

Chiquita hopes the program, will help its products stand out in the produce aisle. It also expects Fresh Funds to increase frequency of purchases as well as promote awareness. "This program fits the direction we're headed as a consumer-focused company," says Bryan Brown, corporate communications director for Chiquita Fresh Express. "It connects with our Chiquita and Fresh Express brands, and just as important, it attracts consumers to the produce aisle and encourages a healthy lifestyle habit of eating fresh fruits and vegetables."

Chiquita Brands, a $4 billion company, is using direct mailers and in-store displays as well as an online push to get the word out. Leading up to the launch of Freshfunds.com, the company launched an online teaser campaign. Six viral videos drew 400,000 views of the site. It also leveraged Facebook and MySpace to get social with consumers.

A QUESTION EVERY BUSINESS SHOULD CONSIDER DURING TOUGH TIMES

2008-11-06T16:24:00.002-05:00

DO YOU PLAN TO BE IN BUSINESS WHEN THIS SLOW DOWN IS OVER?

If so, then doesn't it make sense to advertise, maybe even more than normal, because your competition may go out of business or cut back their advertising. Advertising now will allow you to gain exposure in the market place, reach potential new customers and stay in front of your current customers making sure they know you appreciate their business.

Or, the reverse could be - your competition increases their adverting while you cut back, allowing them to gain exposure with your customers and gain a stronger foothold in the market.

DO YOU PLAN TO BE IN BUSINESS WHEN THIS SLOW DOWN IS OVER?

If so, take advantage of the opportunity to reach out and let the market know you are healthy and anxious to do business.

DO YOU PLAN TO BE IN BUSINESS WHEN THIS SLOW DOWN IS OVER?

If so, start now to strengthen you position and be poised to have a bigger market share when the economy picks up.

DO YOU PLAN TO BE IN BUSINESS WHEN THE SLOW DOWN IS OVER?

Yes or No?

A GOOD QUESTION TO ASK OURSELVES....ESPECIALLY IN THESE ECONOMIC TIMES

2008-11-06T16:14:00.003-05:00

WHY IS IT?

When a person wakes up in the morning after sleeping under an advertised blanket, on an advertised mattress and pulls off advertised pajamas, takes a bath in an advertised bath tub, shaves with an advertised razor and lotion, puts on advertised clothes, sits down to a breakfast of advertised coffee, rides to work in an advertised car, writes with an advertised pen - then he refuses to advertise, saying advertising doesn't pay.

And then, when the business doesn't make it he advertises it for sale.

Seems ironic, doesn't it?

Now is the time to keep the advertising going. Or even increase it. Do you plan to be in business when the slow down is over?

IF YOU BELIEVE IN YOUR BUSINESS AND WANT TO BUILD IT...ADVERTISE!!

A Month’s Worth Of Creative Dates For Innovative Marketing

2008-11-06T14:25:00.001-05:00

January 2009

By Mae Fairfield

National Thank-You Month - “Thanks, thanks a lot”
This month is a great time for you to shower your employees, vendors and clients with two simple words, “thank you.” You can do so with a mid-January thank-you party. Let everyone know their work and business is appreciated with a thank-you gift that could vary from a mug filled with treats to crystal wine glasses and a custom-etched bottle of wine.

January 1: New Years Day - At the strike of midnight…
Happy New Year! No matter where your clients are in this global marketplace, you can help them usher in 2009 with promotional party poppers, New Year’s resolution journals, and light up accessories.

January 2-5: Someday We’ll Laugh About This Week - “ha, ha, ha…sigh”
So, a 13-year old boy chucks a baseball through a window at his house. Then, $250 later, his father reasons that “someday we’ll laugh about this.” Well why not just laugh about it now? Give employees logoed stress relievers and journals for jotting down life’s ups and downs in an effort to ease their everyday stresses.

January 4: Trivia Day - “The million dollar question is…”
How many witches were executed during the Salem Witch Trials? Today is the day for tough questions. Celebrate trivia day with promotional puzzles and games that really test the mind.

January 16: Hat Day - “What’s that on your head?”
Observe this day by letting your employees wear funky hats to work. Have a contest at the end of the day when everyone votes for the best hat. Prizes can include company headwear.

January 20: Rid the World of Fad Diets and Gimmicks Day - “How many pushups am I supposed to do?”
Say goodbye to all of those diets that don’t work. Rather, encourage your employees to lose weight the healthy way – through diet and exercise. Start a work program and give all participants personal pedometers, food journals and eating healthy guide books.

January 28: Fun at Work Day - “That’s the working spirit”
Commemorate this day by creating a fun activity for the office to do. How about a trip to the zoo? Perhaps an afternoon matinee is in the works. Team T-shirts or photo albums to house those pictures they took are perfect items to give out.

Ask The Experts – Party Favors

2008-11-06T14:16:00.001-05:00

Promotional specialists solve your toughest problems.

By Matthew George

There’s nothing bad about these goodie bags. this month, our experts provide answers to four readers who all are looking for the perfect parting gifts.

Q. We’re a Fortune 500 firm that’s having a huge holiday soiree for our best clients in December. It will be held in a nightclub and have a disco theme. What kind of parting gifts can we give to clients that will help them remember us in 2009?

A. A parting gift is a perfect way to ring in the New Year. But one that helps a client remember a certain company must have some sort of significance. The most important factor is the message you’re trying to express. “You want to leave your client with a gift that has meaning behind it,” says Diana Martin, founder and president of Prezents Inc., a promotional products distributor. “A gift that can be used over and over again, such as a vase or a salt and pepper shaker, is ideal. Use a message such as, ‘Shakin’ things up in 2009,’ to help generate that lasting impression.”

Or, try a gift that is colorful to grab the client’s attention year-round. “Gifts that illuminate are very hot these days,” she says. “Something like a candle, which is small but meaningful, is enough to keep a client’s interest in your company at an all-time high.”

Kathy Gregorio, a promotional products distributor for Imperial Marketing Inc., says your gifts should have some sort of value to the client, so it’s not put in a box and forgotten about.

“You want something that can be used daily or even used when a similar event comes along,” Gregorio says. “A disco ball keychain and a lava lamp that plugs into a USB port are two gifts that are not only nice enough to keep around, but they are also constant reminders every time the client views them.”

Another idea: Give the clients a CD with disco music on it. “It’s a great way to address the theme of the party as well as give the clients a resource to be revisited,” she says.

As an additional bonus: You could even go as far as decorating the gift bag. Michelle Altobelli, CEO of Altobelli Advantage and a promotional products consultant, says although the necessities inside the bag should be of importance, the gift bag itself can be used to show your company put a lot of time in planning this event.

“The gift bag should also be of high quality, not just the gifts inside,” Altobelli says. “The gift bag could have your logo on the outside with an array of tissue colors coming out of the top.” Of course, you’ll want the goodies inside to have your logo on them too, so your client knows exactly where they got them from.

Q. I work for a charitable organization and am planning our annual holiday tea for our volunteers. Most of the 100 attendees are executive women. I’m looking for an upscale gift for each. My budget is $25 per person. What can I give them?

A. A volunteer is someone that works for a community primarily because they chose to do so. These good-hearted individuals should be appreciated. And it’s good you are going out of the way to do just that. The most important component is to thank each one for the amount of service they put in.

“In this situation a thank-you gift makes the most sense,” Gregorio says. “I would highly recommend a tea traveler mug filled with teas carrying a thank-you message on the outer package.”

Gregorio also recommends giving the volunteers something to satisfy their appetites during the event.

“The attendees could have an edible treat, such as tea cakes, which would serve as a gift and also symbolic to the tea event itself,” she says.

Other food products might include rich chocolate truffles, chocolate wafer cookies or even petit fruit candies as delectable treats.

Karen Sherrill, director of marketing for a promotional products supplier, believes each person has a budget flexible enough to work with multiple gifts. “The budget allows you to make a huge impact on the volunteers,” Sherrill says. “From imprinted gifts such as mugs or pens to something more elegant like a wine carrier gift set, the budget leaves enough room for you to please each person.”

Sherrill also suggests gifts that can be used for the volunteer’s family members to let them know the organization runs solely on the kindness put in by someone from their home.

“Gifts like an FM radio, a highly functional clock, or retractable ear buds are ones that can be brought home, so even the ones who weren’t there know the volunteers are appreciated,” Sherrill adds.

Q. I’m planning a festive beer bash at a local bar for a group of 20-something customers. Can you suggest some fun, or even interactive, giveaways that will help get the party started?

A. To some, the hardest thing to do is get comfortable in a room full of strangers. It’s difficult at times to begin introducing yourself without having a cup of liquid confidence first. But a simple game can help break the ice. “The easiest way is to start with social interaction,” Martin suggests. “The host could create groups of five customers who have to generate answers to some beer questions with the winners getting prizes.”

Martin suggests prizes such as a high-tech bottle opener, a grooming set or even a Swiss Army knife.
Altobelli also agrees a game is the best way to start this particular event. “Assign certain people a lighted blinking button and make a match-making game out of it by finding the person with your color,” she says. “The winner could get some lighted shot glasses, a hat that lights up or even some shirts that light up with your company’s logo on it.”

Adding to the game idea: Get the customers involved with every college dorm room’s rapidly growing game, “Beer Pong” (must be 21 or older to play).

“It’s a game that is extraordinarily popular right now,” Gregorio says. “The balls could also have the company logo on it as a way to advertise your company.”

Beer nuts, towels and light up ice cubes are also some great prizes Gregorio believes will contribute to the theme.

Q. I’m planning a black-tie, end-of-year awards event for our best employees. What type of item can we put in a gift bag to let the employees know how much we value them?

A. Finding a gift to let your best employees know they’re appreciated is easier said than done. After all, a gift sometimes leads to employees knowing exactly how valued they are. Since these are your best employees, you want to make them feel extremely important. “In this particular situation, less is more,” Martin says. “Employees tend to measure what their employer thinks of them, so something luxurious should factor in.”

Martin suggests something that lets the employee know they’re exceptional such as a leather briefcase, a set of napkin rings for four or even a coupon for Omaha Steaks. It doesn’t have to cost much. But it should leave the employee with the feeling of acceptance.

Altobelli explains that the gifts should show a tremendous amount of quality and should be elegant enough to show the importance of your employee to your company.

“Something such as the annual Swarovski ornament, a set of crystal glasses alone or packaged with a bottle of wine, or a set of champagne flutes with a bottle of champagne are classy gifts,” she says.

She also suggests offering candy as fillers that could be placed in the glasses or its own separate candy dish. “A crystal candy dish filled with expensive truffles is always a gift that shows significance and value,” she says.

Fillers could also include fancy jumbo cashews, jumbo California pistachios, crunchy English butter toffee, pecan turtles and even chocolate covered raisins to add to the implication of elegance.

You may even want to personalize the gift. By personalizing a gift you are showing how worthy your employee is to the company. “An etched bottle of wine with the corporate logo on it and personalized with each employee’s name is showing you care,” Gregorio says. “Packaged in a single wine carrier with a cork screw or a bottle opener and your employee will know why they chose a career with you rather than any other company.”

Matthew George is an editorial intern for Successful Promotions.

Turn The Page

2008-11-06T14:12:00.001-05:00

By Katherine Schneider

With millions of how-to marketing guides, it can be difficult to choose one that is worth your time. We’ve elicited a team of experts to do the legwork for you; see what they recommend for your next good read.

It seems as if every day a new marketing book pops up on Amazon.com. But not all are worth your time. In order to save you some legwork, we’ve assembled our own book club of sorts. We asked five marketing pros to each review one of the latest reads and give us their unadulterated opinions. Read on as they share their thoughts.

The Book: All You Need is a Good Idea: How to Create Marketing Messages That Actually Get Results by Jay H. Heyman

The Reviewer: Tom Carroll, vice present of marketing and sales at Selco Custom Time, Inc. Carroll has 25 years of marketing experience.

The Verdict: Thumbs up. According to Carroll, this book shows business owners, entrepreneurs and marketers crafty ways to create strong marketing and advertising ideas that increase sales without having to invent new products, increase sales forces or find new distribution channels.

Each chapter features a real-life case study where the principles Heyman highlights have been implemented. In chapter six, “Where Do You Find a Good Idea?” the author explains how not being a golfer was a challenge in creating an ad for golf caps. By stepping outside of his sphere, the author soon found a common element among all sports: better players all had enormous awareness and focus. Thus, the ad copy came to read: “What’s the most important thing in golf? How you use your head.” This copy was joined by a close-up of a model wearing the specific cap brand.

In addition, Carroll liked the fact that the author also includes “good idea” exercises designed to get the reader’s synapses firing. Carroll is actually using several new ideas gleaned from these exercises at Selco. For example, he and his staff have taken the author’s advice to look at products with fresh eyes and no preconceived notions. Recently, an inspired Carroll took to reviewing features about the company’s products; as a result, he and his staff found holes in their current promotions. “In talking with distributors of our product, many were amazed to find that we set the time of all the watches being shipped to the time zone of the ship to address,” Carroll says. This information has always been in the company’s catalog, but hidden in the fine print. “We realized what a great selling feature this is and are planning on using it in future marketing efforts and not taking it for granted anymore that our customers know it,” Carroll says.

Carroll’s only complaint with the book? “It required me to stop and think so many times that it was often difficult to keep reading,” he says. His recommendation: Have a notepad handy so that you can jot down thoughts as you read.

The Book: Branding Only Works on Cattle: The New Way to Get Known and Drive Your Competitors Crazy by Jonathan Salem Baskin

The Reviewer: Lauron Sonnier has 20 years marketing experience. For the past 13 years, she has operated Sonnier Marketing & Communications Inc., and writes a daily marketing guide.

The Verdict: “Any reader who follows the advice and teaching of this book will make and save a ton of money,” Sonnier says. Baskin opens the book by debunking multi-million dollar ad campaigns. “Branding is a tax that your company pays for all the smart and creative people who could be delivering lots more value if they weren’t wasting their time trying to hypnotize consumers,” he writes.

While useful, the book is not a quick read, Sonnier warns. “Baskin delivers a meaty, thorough, though sometimes tedious, explanation of the demise and ineptness of traditional branding,” she says, “It might require a couple readings to digest it, but the richness of the material makes it completely worth the effort.”

Calling Baskin “brilliant in some respects” Sonnier says she admires his insight and moxie in calling the bluff on branding. For instance, in chapter one, titled “Your Branding is Useless,” he writes about Burger King’s recent campaign featuring the slightly deranged-looking King. “You know who I’m talking about. The mascot dude in the cape and crown, with that eerie plastic face frozen in a blank half-smile,” he writes. “The company’s top branding guru explained that the company had surrendered the brand to the collective conversation. And it spent many, many millions of dollars to do it. The only problem is that the King never sold a single hamburger.”

The Book: Building Buzz to Beat the Big Boys: Word of Mouth Marketing for Small Business by Steve O’Leary and Kim Sheehan

The Reviewer: Marc Kramer has been in marketing for 27 years and is the president of Kramer Communications. He also teaches at Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania.

The Verdict: Perfect for newbies. “The book is very good for people at the beginning of their marketing careers or technical professionals who don’t know a lot about marketing,” Kramer says. “It provides examples of different ways to use the Internet to build relationships and drive potential customers to your business by getting people to talk about and recommend a company’s product or service.” In one example, the authors talk about the importance of online communities and blogs, using a vitamin store as an example. O’Leary suggests building a Web site with a focus on health issues, selecting one specific area each day and then posting information from your vendors that may be of interest to the community. Having a source of reliable information will keep customers coming back to your site.

Kramer says the book’s basic language makes it an easy read and that the information is presented in a logical, clear format. “I would take some of the concepts for building awareness and use the ones that best fit my type of business,” he says. “For example, if I ran a craft shop I would run contests where customers would post pictures of their crafts and have other customers vote for which ones they thought were the best.”

Kramer recommends this book to “people in their twenties who are early in their marketing career and non-marketing people who want to learn about ways to leverage the Internet to market products and services.”

The Book: Relevance: Making Stuff That Matters by Tim Manners

The Reviewer: Lori Anderson is marketing manager for River’s End Trading Co., a supplier of promotional apparel.

The Verdict: “I really love the ideas in this book,” Anderson says. For example, at one point the author talks about all of the ways marketers try to gain people’s attention, including bad jingles and irrelevant direct mailing pieces. “We have spent so many years trying to catch attention with our marketing efforts, creating anything that will make someone stop and look,” Anderson says. “Most of the time the techniques are just irritating people.”

She recommends the book to anyone who is looking to delve further into what their customers are really looking for. “The book has really made me ponder topics such as: What makes my customers happy? What simple, relevant things can I do for them that would help them build their business and increase their sales? What types of apparel or what brands should we carry that would make them happy?” Anderson says.

The book offers tips for anyone interested in serving customers – from C-level executives to first-time salespeople, Anderson says. “There’s really something here for everyone.”

Katherine Schneider is staff writer for Successful Promotions.

Promos That Rock

2008-11-06T14:09:00.001-05:00

By Matthew George & Kenneth Hein

After all of these years, Madonna is still a master marketer. Here’s how the pop star, and her counterparts in the music world, use promo products to stay fresh.

Madonna has always done things her own way whether it comes to fashion, music or in-your-face sexuality. So why should her recording contract be any different? The longtime pop star made headlines by signing a $120 million deal, not with a record label, but with concert promoter Live Nation. Live Nation will not only handle her tours, they will also be responsible for selling merchandise bearing her likeness and licensing her name.

Madonna knows the power of a well-placed image. Part pop-star/part pinup girl, keeping her image front and center though posters, shirts and other merchandise has served her well. Her current “Sweet and Sticky” tour in support of her release of the album “Hard Candy” (which hit #1 on the Billboard charts in May) stays true to this formula. There is no shortage of posters and promotional materials featuring the Material Girl looking the part of a dominatrix. For her release parties attendees were given giant lollipops with the image of her album cover on it.

“The Madonna deal with Live Nation, in this case acted like the merchandise item. It got her a lot of attention,” says David Katznelson of Birdman Recordings, who spent 11 years at Warner Brothers.

And it seems as if her fans will do anything to get their hands on Madonna memorabilia. At the annual amfAR Cinema Against AIDS benefit, Madonna auctioned off a 334 diamond-encrusted black alligator bag donated by Chanel, but it was what the bag contained that made it sell for $472, 000. When she emptied the purse to reveal a magnifying mirror, hair clips, skin blotting tissue and some used lip gloss, the bids began to skyrocket. Pretty impressive, although she failed to beat out George Clooney who sold two kisses raising $700,000 for AIDS research the year before.

Still, most artists can’t make headlines by auctioning off personal belongings because, well, they aren’t Madonna. That’s why promotional products serve as an important weapon in a band’s marketing arsenal. “They serve three roles,” says Katznelson, “to stick in the minds of retailers, to work as incentives to get people to buy early and to garner press.”

Some of Katznelson’s favorite promotional items have been logoed rolling papers distributed by the drug-friendly band the Black Crowes and miniature body bags that read “Cop Killer” in support of Ice-T’s band Body Count. “The guy who created the body bags almost lost his job. It helped sell records, but people said ‘If you get pulled over, don’t tell the cops you work for Warner Brothers.’”

But that’s not the only unique way to increase album sales. The rock band White Stripes customized USB drives to resemble the rock duo and had their full-length album on them. Nine Inch Nails’ Trent Reznor went a step further by placing data storage devices that contained unreleased songs from his album Year Zero in restrooms where the band performed. This smart marketing campaign would have fans that discovered these drives buzzing about what they’ve found.

And it doesn’t hurt to have a strong logo. Whether it is Kiss, the Rolling Stones or Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, “it is visual branding,” says Carianne Laguna Brinkman, vice president of Blackheart Records. “It goes beyond brand recognition to conveying a lifestyle, an energy or even a history.”

For other bands, the name in and of itself plays right into the merchandise space like The Plain White T’s. To promote the Sept. 23rd release of Big Bad World, the platinum-selling band partnered with retailer Aéropostale. When teens buy the record at Aéropostale locations they received a free T-shirt. “Hollywood Records and Plain White T’s are always looking for innovative ways to connect to their audience,” says Ken Bunt, senior vice president of marketing of Hollywood Records in a statement. “Aéropostale offers an exciting and direct link to a consumer that is passionate about style and music.”

But for solo artists, sometimes you have to attract your fan base with a different approach. Hip-hop artist Juvenile’s record label found an interesting way to promote his album Reality Check. With each purchase of the rapper’s CD, fans would receive checkbook covers with the album name on it. Of course, fans wouldn’t receive his bank account with the free gift, but the purpose of creating some media hype for the release was accomplished.

When it comes to reaching the media, even concert promoters rely heavily on promotional products to get the word out. Comcast-Spectator, owner of the Wachovia Center in Philadelphia, is no exception. To promote Pink Floyd front man Roger Waters’ show it sent out commemorative bricks and custom-made cigars – a nod to Pink Floyd’s songs “Another Brick in the Wall” and “Have a Cigar” respectively.

For the Genesis reunion tour “Turn it on Again,” it gave out light switches. “We find dropping gifts to the media creates a visual and reinforces the importance of the event,” says Ike Richman, vice president of public relations for Comcast-Spectator. “The gifts are often collectors’ items or something that makes an impact when delivered.”

Matthew George is editorial intern of Successful Promotions and Ken Hein is a contributing writer based in New York.

READY, SET, RELAX

2008-11-06T14:03:00.002-05:00

12 hot spas that will deliver the goods for your next meeting or incentive trip.

By Denis Jensen

Anybody can book a Swedish massage or a run-of-the-mill facial at a local day spa. But how about a Native American body ritual or a chocolate ice cream pedicure? Caviar facial, anyone? Well, these treatments might be a little more difficult to find. If you have a group that you want to reward for a day (or even an hour or two) at a spa, check out one of these 12 destinations – and book a signature treatment.

HOT Destination
View Central Park, the Manhattan skyline and the Hudson River from New York City’s Mandarin Oriental Hotel. Located high above Columbus Circle, the hotel has 248 guest rooms and more than 93,000 square feet of meeting space.

The Spa: On the 36th floor, the spa at Mandarin Oriental (shown here), is an Asian-inspired oasis. Guests are welcomed with slippers on a tray decorated with an orchid. There are separate male and female “heat experience” rooms equipped with large stone whirlpool tubs, an iridescent amethyst steam room with New Age music and a rain forest shower. There are six regular treatment rooms, a Tai yoga room, and a VIP couple’s suite.

Book This Treatment: Treat VIPs to the Time Ritual, a two-hour treatment that begins with a soothing foot bath. Attendees consult with a therapist on their needs and then receive customized exfoliation, massage and facial treatments ($410 for two hours).

Group Specials: Groups can book private Tai yoga classes followed by individual treatments or time in the relaxation room. Spa lunches and customized amenities can also be arranged.

HOT Destination
Austin, TX, is the setting for the Barton Creek Resort & Spa, which has 303 spacious guest rooms, including 16 suites and more than 43,000 square feet of flexible meeting and conference space.
The Spa: Located in the main resort building, The Spa at Barton Creek is connected to the health center and contains 27 treatment rooms.

Book This Treatment: The spa specializes in selecting a different product indigenous to Texas each month for its signature offering. For the winter months, for example, pumpkin and cinnamon-spice enzymes are used in treatments. Packages are named for their native flowers. For example, the Lazy Daisy package includes a therapeutic massage, facial, manicure and a pedicure, all using daisy oils ($350 for 50 minutes).

Group Specials: Options can include nutritional therapy, make-up consultations and indoor spa pool activities.

HOT Destination
The Hyatt Grand Champions Resort, Villas and Spa in Indian Wells, CA, has 428 spacious guest rooms, 26 penthouse suites and 43 villas, plus 88,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor function space.
The Spa: At the resort’s Agua Serene Spa, incentive winners can sip lemon water and relax next to the trickling waterfalls at the reflection pool. Each of the 17 treatment rooms has a secluded patio and shower, plus a walled terrace and floor-to-ceiling windows.

Book This Treatment: VIPs will love the signature Dessert Stone Massage, which utilizes porous hot stones from India, creating harmony and positive energy flow to relieve muscular tension ($140 for 50 minutes; $190 for 80 minutes).

Group Specials: The spa offers up to a 20% discount for groups, depending on the number of attendees. Customized activities include fitness classes, yoga or a fitness walk, followed by individual treatments and group lunches indoors or outside on the patio.

HOT Destination
The Trump International Beach Resort on Sunny Isles Beach in Miami offers 390 rooms, many with ocean views. The 22,000 square feet of meeting and function space includes the 5,075-square-foot oceanfront ballroom and 16 meeting rooms.

The Spa: The Aquanox Spa offers six private treatment rooms for massages, facials, hydrotherapy and waxing. The separate women’s and men’s facilities are complete with showers, steam room and sauna.

Book This Treatment: The Passport to Bliss massage begins with a star-fruit hand and arm exfoliation, followed by a custom foot treatment and a full-body Swedish massage ($168 for an 80-minute treatment).

Group Specials: The spa will work with meeting planners to customize group events. Options include a poolside yoga class followed by smoothies, or a spa luncheon followed by massages and a group happy hour.

HOT Destination
Surrounded by the red rock formations of Boynton Canyon, the Enchantment Resort in Sedona, AZ, offers 220 guestrooms, plus 12,000 square feet of indoor meeting space and 8,000 square feet of outdoor sites.

The Spa: The resort’s Mii amo Spa is a separate pueblo facility with 19 indoor treatment rooms and five outdoor treatment rooms shaded by wooden trellises.

Book This Treatment: Help frazzled sales stars relax with Inner Quest, a treatment which uses plants sacred to Native Americans and is based on the four directions of the Medicine Wheel. Guests are wrapped in the Circle of Life blanket (to mimic the warmth of a Native American sweat lodge) as the therapist burns sweetgrass (to help cleanse negative energy) and incorporates it into a soothing massage ($205 for one hour).

Group Specials: Mii amo Spa can arrange group meditations, yoga, aerobics, mountain biking and cooking demonstrations with emphasis on healthful, balanced meals.

HOT Destination
Located in a quiet, palm-tree-lined neighborhood, The Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills offers 285 guest rooms and suites, and meeting space of over 12,817 square feet.

The Spa: Located on the fourth floor, it includes eight intimate treatment rooms, and provides six cabanas surrounding the pool for guests who prefer outdoor pampering. The hotel also offers in-room massages, foot reflexology, full-service Swedish or deep-tissue massage, manicures and pedicures. The signature offering is the Kerstin Florian Caviar Facial Treatment – a luxurious facial loaded with protein-rich caviar and powerful antioxidants. Results are immediate, leaving the skin looking healthy and luminescent ($260 for 90 minutes).

GROUP SPECIALS: No group customizing is offered, as this is an intimate spa.

HOT Destination
The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, near Charleston, SC, overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and has 255 rooms and suites. The resort offers 14,000 square feet of indoor meeting and event space, plus the 18,500-square-foot Grand Lawn overlooking Kiawah’s private beach.

The Spa: With a total of 17,920 square feet, The Luxury Spa still manages to impart the sense of a grand Southern porch and garden by using natural elements such as trickling water, native wood and resident stone. Both the men’s and women’s lounges feature an aqua retreat complex complete with a mineral whirlpool, steam room and sauna.

Book This Treatment: The signature massage utilizes heated grain- and herb-filled wraps placed on key tension areas and muscle groups to increase the benefits of the therapist’s massage strokes ($165 for 60 minutes and $240 for 90 minutes).

Group Specials: While the Sanctuary does not offer discounts on spa treatment for groups, it does offer packages for individuals that are priced at a reduced rate. One example is the Sanctuary Journey, which includes choices of massage types, followed by a one-hour facial for $270.

HOT Destination
Located above Scottsdale, AZ, the Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa has 98 luxury casitas. Meeting space includes a 3,200 square-foot ballroom and two intimate lawns.

The Spa: Sanctuary Spa provides a menu of Asian-inspired treatments in 12 indoor and outdoor treatment rooms and a relaxation meditation garden and reflecting pond.

Book This Treatment: Luk pra kope (a massage with medicinal herbs) is a two-hour treatment which begins with a foot soak in a fresh lime and essential-oil bath. Then, feet are cooled and exfoliated with fine, white Thai clay. Finally, fresh lime and organically-grown herbs are massaged and pressed into tight muscles as part of an hour-long Thai massage ($260 for two hours).
Group Specials: The spa offers Pilates, Reiki and acupuncture sessions for groups.

HOT Destination
Located about a mile from Orlando’s Walt Disney World is the Gaylord Palms Resort Hotel and Convention Center, which boasts 1,406 guest rooms and suites and 400,000 square feet of flexible meeting and exhibition space.

The Spa: The resort’s Canyon Ranch Spa Club has 25 massage, body and skin-care treatment rooms, plus separate men’s and women’s locker rooms with saunas. A Living Essential spa boutique and a fitness facility with cardiovascular and weight-training equipment are part of the complex.

Book This Treatment: Euphoria is a 100-minute treatment that begins with a massage accompanied by soft music and candlelight. An aromatherapy scalp massage is followed by a warm botanical body mask. After the mask is gently buffed away, the guest is immersed in a soaking tub for a revitalizing bath. This service concludes with a light, soothing massage, using warm, herb-infused oil ($250 for 100 minutes).

Group Specials: Service discounts depend on the size of the group and timing. Group fitness classes can be arranged.

HOT Destination
The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco, is a tranquil Nob Hill hotel with 336 guestrooms, including 60 suites and more than 23,000 square feet of meeting space.

The Spa: Located on the hotel’s first floor, Spa De Vie has five treatment rooms, men’s and women’s locker rooms with steam and a coed Jacuzzi.

Book This Treatment: The spa’s signature treatment is the Caviar Pearl Anti-Aging Facial.The process lavishes one’s skin with caviar pearl extract, which is billed as producing a “botanical Botox effect” ($250 for one hour).

Group Specials: The spa offers customization and discounts to groups. The spa also offers chair massages after meetings, stretching and yoga classes and group jogs.

HOT Destination
Great Wolf Lodge, located in the heart of the Pocono Mountains in Scotrun, PA, is one of the area’s newest destinations. It includes 401 themed suites and a 91,000-square-foot indoor entertainment area featuring a grand-scale water park. The resort also has 6,670 square feet of meeting space.

The Spa: The full-service Elements Spa Salon has eight treatment rooms with more than a dozen massage selections. Guests can relax before their treatments with soft music, aromatherapy candles and trickling water.

Book This Treatment: Inside the Elements Spa, the Scoops Kids’ Spa offers a chocolate-covered strawberry pedicure or manicure, where children soak their hands or tootsies in a real chocolate ice-cream fizz and enjoy a strawberry foot- or hand-scrub while eating ice-cream sundaes. ($35 for a 30-minute manicure; $45 for a 30-minute pedicure).

Group Specials: Discounts can be arranged by contacting the sales and marketing department in advance. They will also customize spa activities, particularly in the area of team building.

HOT Destination
Royal Palms Resort and Spa in Phoenix, AZ, is situated amidst lush hidden gardens, and resembles a Mediterranean villa. It has 119 casitas and guest rooms and 20,000 square feet of meeting space.

The Spa: The Alvadora Spa features a two-level open-air facility with 10 treatment areas. Two heated stone tables are situated under custom overhead showers, and there’s a Watsu pool with an eight-foot grotto waterfall shower in a private garden terrace.

Book This Treatment: Alvadora’s signature treatment is a customized bathing ritual, where clients can choose from a bath in either mineral or botanical waters, followed by a light massage ($200 for 90 minutes – $210 on weekends).

Group Specials: The spa offers 15-minute chair massages (ideal for check-ins or coffee breaks) for $50 per therapist, meditations or stretch breaks, and private group fitness classes. Discounts and add-on services are available for groups of more than 10 ordering 60-minute services.

Denis Jensen is a Pennsylvania-based free lance writer.

Major league tie-in

2008-11-06T13:56:00.001-05:00

Majoring with MLB, A Wise Move

New York Mets and Boston Red Sox fans were treated to more than just a riveting run at the Major League Baseball World Series title. They were also given the chance take batting practice at Shea Stadium and Fenway Park, respectively, and win baseball-themed prizes thanks to Wise Potato Chips.

The East Coast potato chip brand deployed “The Snack Squad” to two of its top markets from June 24 to July 13 to hand out 25,000 Wise-branded “Snack and Score” game pieces. Wise, which is the official potato chip and Cheez Doodle of the two teams, hit surrounding neighborhoods to promote its popular snack brand.

“Wise is a great street brand, and our business is primarily done in delis and bodegas,” says Amy Erlich, account director at Source Communications which handled the promotion. “It is important to take it to the streets and have fun at the same time.”

Game piece recipients had the chance to win an HP computer, go to an away game compliments of Amtrak, win game tickets as well as logoed shirts and mouse pads. The promotional products “raise brand awareness,” Erlich says. “The shirts looked like rock concert T-shirts. The image on the front was of David Ortiz and Jose Reyes. They’re cool shirts.”

Wise has given away the game pieces for three years. This year was the debut of The Snack Squad. Radio ads as well as subway and platform signs supported the promotion. Wise also has signage in both stadiums.

“The association with Reyes, Ortiz and Wise is impactful,” Erlich says.

Back to school promo

2008-11-06T13:52:00.002-05:00

Office Depot Packs it In for School Kids

For 2,250 kids in the Indianapolis area who love NASCAR, July 24 is likely not to be a day they will forget any time soon. They will store it in their memory banks as the day Carl Edwards gave them a free Office Depot backpack.

As part of the office supply giant’s “2008 National Backpack Program,” the driver of the No. 99 Office Depot Ford in NASCAR Sprint Cup Series traveled to various cities to hand out free backpacks. Inside the logoed school bag, students received a pencil pouch containing a ruler, four crayons, glue stick, pencil sharpener and eraser. Students were able to choose from five colors including pink.

“By placing backpacks containing essential school supplies into the hands of children, we are giving them important tools they need to start school with confidence and to succeed throughout the year,” says Mindy Kramer, director of public relations at Office Depot.

The Office Depot Foundation is donating 300,000 backpacks this year to an array of non-profit organizations and schools. The chain kicked off the program in 2001. Since its inception, it has given out 1.8 million free backpacks.

In Indianapolis, kids from the Urban League, Educational Choice Charitable Trust, The United Way, Drug Free Marion County and a number of other organizations were treated to a bag and a lifelong memory of who gave it to them.

Edwards is an old hat at handing out school supplies, as the NASCAR star was formerly a substitute schoolteacher in his hometown of Columbia, MO.

Flavorful Restaurant Celebration

2008-11-06T13:49:00.001-05:00

IHOP’s Most Valuable Pancake Butters up Baseball Fans

For half a century, the International House of Pancakes has been stacking them tall or stacking them short. To celebrate its 50th anniversary, the popular breakfast chain has hit the road. From May to September, “IHOP’s Discover America Road Tour” will hit 61 Minor League Baseball games in 27 cities across 8,500 miles. The trip will not only promote IHOP’s golden anniversary, but also its nine new pancake flavors.

The Most Valuable Pancake (MVP) mascot will entertain the crowd at each game and hand out collector’s cards and T-shirts. All baseball fans receive the cards when entering the stadiums; they include information about the new “Discover America Pancakes” and a buy-one-get-one-free offer.

Fans get the chance to win a T-shirt, which bears the chain’s 50th anniversary logo on the front and the cities the tour visited on the back, by interacting with the MVP and participating in games. “The promotional aspects, particularly the baseball cards, help generate additional awareness before and during the games,” says Jennifer Pendergrass, communications manager at IHOP.

Consumers can also participate online at IHOP.com. Here, they can enter the “Discover America Sweepstakes” and vote for their favorite new pancake flavor and answer state-themed trivia questions for a chance to win prizes. Grand-prize winners get a trip to Chicago, New York or Los Angeles. Other prizes include a $50 IHOP gift card redeemable at any of the 1,300-plus participating IHOP locations and baseball memorabilia contributed by the minor league ball clubs. The contest ends September 7.

Team sponsorship - The Skinny on the St. Paul Saints

2008-11-06T13:47:00.001-05:00

On any given night, the clean-up hitter on minor league baseball’s St. Paul Saints likely wouldn’t be called skinny. Muscular maybe or occasionally a tad overweight, but from August 3 thru 9, all of the players were dubbed the “Skinny Saints.” This was part of a unique naming rights deal that the Skinny Water (asi/90296) brand struck with the team.

Visitors to the ballpark that week found that it was renamed “Skinny Water Field.” Here, the Skinny Water flag flew next to the American flag, and logos adorned the field. Behind home plate, the beverage’s tagline “0 calories 0 sugar 0 guilt” was emblazoned.
The roughly 10,000 fans that watched the team daily were handed free samples of Skinny Water as well as mementos such as rally towels and water bottles. “We are looking for promotional opportunities that not only give us an opportunity to promote the brand, but let them experience it and taste it in an environment beyond just handing them a sample,” says Michael Salaman, chairman of Skinny Nutritional. “Minor league baseball is a great environment to have them experience Skinny Water.”

The enhanced water brand, which includes multi-vitamins, antioxidants and an energy boost, is working to expand its distribution across the country. The Saints were chosen because distribution “is really starting to take off in the St. Paul/Minneapolis market,” says Salaman.

The samples, promotional products and naming rights “introduce the product to a large number of people and support our retail partners,” Salaman says. Now that’s phat.

Telecom Gets Creative

2008-11-06T13:44:00.002-05:00

Can you hear me now?” We’ve all heard that Verizon expression more times than we’d care to.

Repetitiveness is a key driver of the strategy behind wireless providers like Verizon and AT&T’s media plans. That’s why no category spends more on measured media. The $5.4 billion, per TNS Media Intelligence, shelled out for ubiquitous ads last year that tell us brands like AT&T has “More bars in more places” far surpass most other segments put together.

AT&T, which rebranded itself from Cingular, spent $1.86 billion on media last year, per Nielsen Monitor-Plus. While Verizon wasn’t too far off at $1.43 billion. Sprint Nextel was third at $988 million. After that the drop off is steep with T-Mobile doling out $500 million and Alltel budgeting for $200 million.

Why so much money? “Repetition drives memorability,” says Roger Entner, senior vice president of the communications sector for Nielsen IAG. “You need to hammer it home over and over again.”

Every year up to 20 million people are changing carriers, says Entner. “It’s an intensely competitive industry. The pool of subscribers that is up for grabs is huge. A small difference in the effectiveness of the advertising can have a massive impact.”

What’s more, the landscape keeps shifting. One day, it’s “all you can eat” data plans, the next it’s the LG Chocolate phone and then its AT&T’s iPhone. “They need economies of scale to spread their message,” says Entner.

Products Help to Differentiate
Some brands, such as Virgin Mobile, Tracfone and MetroPCS, are using creativity to gain an edge in this competitive space.

Virgin Mobile, for one, has differentiated itself by leveraging its heritage as a music retailer. It created the Virgin Mobile Fest. Unlike some of the other concerts put on by challenger brands, Virgin’s concerts are the real deal. This past year, the show was held at the Pimilco Race Course in Baltimore August 9-10. Acts included the Foo Fighters, Bob Dylan, Iggy and the Stooges, Kanye West and Stone Temple Pilots.

The thousands in attendance took refuge, during the festival, in three domes. Two were sponsored by Kyocera and one by Dell. Within the Kyocera “recharge dome” consumers received co-branded bamboo fans and towels as well as sunscreen.

Virgin gave its VIPs a pack that included a concert branded shirt and backpack. “We try and surprise them with Virgin giveaways,” says Laura Jordan, director of events for the Virgin Mobile Festival. “When you give them a tube of sunscreen when they’re freaking out because they forgot to bring it, they think ‘wow, they thought of me.’”

Most of the items Virgin selects “are to remind concert goers of their experience,” Jordan says. “We see people bringing back the towels we did last year or the fans we gave out.”

While Virgin is never going to spend a billion on ads, the festival and promotional products distributed at it “is more a sticky experience than a traditional media play,” Jordan says. “People have positive associations with the brand because of the experience they had. If you come up with something innovative that they will hang on to, it becomes viral in nature.”

Six ways to use promotional advertising

2008-11-06T13:15:00.002-05:00

Here are six way you can use promotional advertising. These ideas will increase your exposure to guard against the competition, increase sales and gain market share. During the current economic slowdown/recession is your competition cutting back? Maybe or Maybe not.

SALES CALLS: Support sales calls by leaving a promotional product with the buyer keeping your marketing message alive.

TRADE SHOWS: Use promotional products to encourage attendance at the booth prior to the show, at the show and in post show follow-ups.

BUSINESS ANNIVERSARY: Use this event to thank customers, employees, vendors and the community for their part in making this event and your success possible.

CUSTOMER RELATIONS: Now is the time of year to say "Thank You" with an appropriate gift. Make sure your customers are not among the 7 out of 10 lost because of indifference.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF SALE: Let customers know their business is appreciated by sending a "Thank You" at the time of a purchase in the form of a letter or card with an appropriate promotional product. This is especially true with big ticket items.

REACTIVATE DORMANT ACCOUNTS: Revisit those firms who were once customers, find out what went wrong, ask for their business again and put a promotional product in from of them to keep the message alive. Their new source may not be performing to expectations.

Good Times, Slow Times, Recession Times... Every business can benefit from the most effective method of advertising - PROMOTIONAL ADVERTISING - Especially when it is directed at customers and prospects. Plus it eliminates waste - So the environment benefits too.

December 1st – 7th is Cookie Cutter Week

2008-09-19T09:20:00.025-04:00

Hold a contest for new cookie cutter designs or other uses for cookie cutters besides cookies. Draw people into your place of business to pick up entry forms and again for the awarding of prizes. Use imprinted kitchen items as prizes.
Use cookie cutter week as a backdrop for business-to-business promotions based on the negative connotation of cookie cutter. The idea is that your product or service isn't "cookie cutter." Include shapes appropriate to your industry or business or have custom shapes made to be sent in direct mail pieces.

November 29th is Electronic Greetings Day

2008-09-19T09:20:00.021-04:00

Invite employees and customers to participate in World Kindness Day by doing random acts of kindness. Provide bowls of fortune cookies with suggested acts of kindness inside, or gum imprinted with acts of kindness, etc., for people to choose from.
Give customers or clients almost any imprinted item as an act of kindness on November 13.

October is National Book Month

2008-09-19T09:20:00.020-04:00

Adopt a first-grade in a school or schools and provide a book for each child along with an imprinted pillow so they can make a cozy reading nook. Imprint the pillow with your company name and logo and a phrase about reading such as, "You can go anywhere in a book." Include imprinted book plates in all of the books.
Create a business-to-business promotion around National Book Month. Use copy to the effect, "You won't have to read between the lines if you do business with us. Book a sales presentation today and you'll receive a complete set of ...(you fill in a book set)."
Hold a family read-a-thon. Give away imprinted book sleeves, book marks, etc.

Rockin’ Multi-Media Campaign

2008-09-19T09:20:00.019-04:00

7-Eleven Rocks Out with Branded Guitar Picks

Convenience store chain 7-Eleven was looking to get consumers to ‘walk this way’ right into its stores with its May Guitar Hero: Aerosmith promotion. To promote the debut of its Full Throttle Frozen Blast Slurpee, it partnered with Coca-Cola, Microsoft and Activision’s top-selling video game Guitar Hero.

Throughout May, consumers could enter codes on Slurpee cups onto Slurpee.com for chances to win the game, an Xbox 360 and other prizes. To promote the sweepstakes and new Slurpee flavor, the popular convenience store chain created a mobile tour. Media vans with 6-foot by 12-foot video screens visited select stores where consumers could play the game live.

More than 10,000 custom guitar picks printed with Full Throttle Frozen Blast on one side and Slurpee.com on the other side were handed out. “One of the top ways our core customers for Slurpee drinks, ages 13-24, like to spend their leisure time is playing video games,” says Stephanie Hoppe, senior director of marketing of 7-Eleven, Inc. “So it was natural for 7-Eleven to tie-in with the game.”

Giant tear-off pads of posters featuring Guitar Hero and the Slurpee were posted at 484 locations near schools, train station, beaches and other locations. Coupons were also distributed through college newspapers.

The end result: more than a quarter million fans entered the sweepstakes. “We expect to do more online and guerilla marketing as we continue our ‘Summer of Slurpee,’” says Hoppe. In June, 7-Eleven offered Incredible Hulk movie Slurpee cups and miniature character straws. “Customers seem to be coming back this month,” she says, “because sales are up.”

Lookin’ Good On The Links

2008-09-19T09:20:00.015-04:00

By Shane Dale

The right apparel can help complete a top-notch golf event. And, don’t forget the logoed golf club covers.

From a high-end polo shirt to a $1 bag of golf tees, every giveaway on the golf course is important. Here are five pieces of advice to consider before choosing apparel and other promotional items for your next golf event.

1. Determine the Crowd
The number-one thing is, you have to consider what kind of people are going to the event,” says Michael Kaufman, owner of Wear It’s At, a promotional apparel distributor. He notes that the type of golf event typically determines the amount of money you can spend on it. “You have to consider budget, too. How much are you prepared to spend per person? A lot of times, these things are for charity and you have to be a lot more frugal.”

Ryan Andrews, president of Venture Marketing, a promotional products distributorship, says it’s important to ask yourself these questions, particularly about the centerpiece of all golf outings: the polo shirt. “How are the shirts being used? Are they handed out at an event to clients, or are they client gifts, or for internal use, or sales rep uniforms? Usually, if it’s a client gift, you’ll want a higher-end shirt than if the shirts are worn as part of an internal uniform.”

Andrews points out that all the big-name golf brands, such as Ashworth Inc., Greg Norman, Cutter & Buck, Tehama, Ping and Nike, have entered the promotional products world. “After you know the usage, determine if a particular brand is important,” he says.

2. Go High End
Many golf events are part of an expensive gathering for valued sponsors or top employees. As such, attendees are going to expect high-quality items, says Ford Smith, a rep for American Solutions for Business, a promotional products distributor. “When you’re doing country club-type deals, you’re going to want to get into some really nice glassware, plaques and different awards,” he says

Kaufman works with real estate companies, home builders and apartment associations that embrace the high-priced products. One of his clients is Peirce-Phelps, a residential heating and air conditioning distributor that hosts a golf event for its “Million-Dollar Club,” a collection of top sales reps. “We did a high-end Ping golf shirt with the logo on the chest, an embroidered ‘Million-Dollar Club’ logo on the chest and a Carrier air conditioning logo on the sleeve,” he says. “It was very, very well-received.”

Many of the classier golf outings feature additional festivities. Pam Bennett, another client of Kaufman’s, is the executive director of the Apartment Association of Greater Philadelphia. Bennett has been running an annual golf tournament for her company’s sponsors for 19 years. “I always give out a very good golf shirt. I’m talking stuff that retails for $60 to $75,” she says.

But the AAGP’s outings are most famous for their luxurious post-tournament dinners, which feature whole lobsters and filet mignon. Accordingly, Bennett orders lobster bibs and cocktail napkins from Kaufman. “We have really nice cloth bibs for each person at the table, and we have the platinum sponsors’ logos screened on to the cloth,” she says. “These sponsors have paid $10,000 a year to have those sponsorships, and in a room with 250 people, to have their name plastered across them makes them very happy.”

3. Be creative
While golf polos are the staple of any golf apparel program, there’s plenty more out there. Kaufman suggests also considering items such as golf umbrellas, rolling cooler bags and gift kits that feature a divot tool and a ball bag clip.

Andrews recently distributed a hybrid golf club – a club that combines the characteristics of an iron and a wood – as a giveaway for the Ronald McDonald House Golf Classic. “All the players were amazed at such a high-end gift, and several players actually used the club during the round,” he says. “This was a high-perceived-value gift, as the charity spent less than $40 for a name-brand hybrid with a logo on the head cover.”

4. Provide Non-Golfing Items
As evidenced by Kaufman’s bibs and cocktail napkins, a great golf apparel program isn’t limited to golf-exclusive items. “Another good suggestion is to throw in some small items if you have an additional $5,” Andrews says. Products like logoed sunscreen bottles that golfers can attach to their bags, or a first-aid kit that fits in the bag.

Smith has done work with a company that sponsors golf outings in Mexico. Many of the company’s employees like to head to the beach when they’re done golfing. He makes sure to cover those needs, too, by providing low- and mid-priced products. “For the beach, consider nice beach towels and tote bags to put everything in,” he says. “Another popular item is oversized T-shirts – a lot of women like those – and of course, sunscreen and lip balm.”

Smith points out that while some may see these items as independent from a trip to the golf course, a lot of folks choose to keep them securely in their golf bags for future outings. “Most people keep an item in their golf bag or their trunk,” Smith says. “These are some really nice items that people keep.”

5. Don’t Forget the Ladies
In the past, nearly all golf wearables were geared toward men. Not anymore, Andrews says. “All clients will enjoy getting a nice name-brand golf shirt, but now the ladies are happy as the apparel manufacturers have greatly improved ladies’ apparel over the last few years,” he says. “It’s more fashion forward, and the sleeves and waists are more fitted.”

Women may be more selective about their attire than men – many women prefer sleeveless golf shirts, for example. So it’s good to get input from the recipients, if possible, before making a selection.

Shane Dale is an AZ-based freelance writer.

Shopping List

Here are the essential items for any golf outing:.

Polo shirt: A necessity for the golf course. They are comfortable, performance-based and affordable. They bring company awareness and allow advertising to a limitless client base.
T-shirt: Great for giveaways at golf tournaments, and an inexpensive way to promote your brand.
Ladies’ golf shirt: Women need a performance-based shirt. They want to be trendy but comfortable.
Jacket: This item is always needed any time of year for weather changes. In the fall, golfers will use their jacket in the early morning and evening tee times.
Gloves: A staple that every golfer needs and will always use.
Hat: Everyone wears a cap while golfing. It’s the perfect accessory to complete your golf apparel.
Hat clip: A trendy way to carry your ball marker.
Visor: Women prefer a visor to a cap. They’re comfortable and a great look for golfers.
Shoe bag: Many golfers find this a useful item, but not necessarily one that they’d buy.
Golf clubs: Every golfer wants to find that “magic” club and will always use the one that works the best.
Golf club cover and headcover: Like the golf bag, custom covers offer great visibility, especially when they are creatively done.
Golf bag: Custom golf bags offer maximum visibility.
Golf balls: Like the glove, golf balls are a staple item that every golfer needs and uses.
Clear grip: A very cool, unique way to brand a golf club.
Divot tool: Every golfer should repair their divots, but they may need to be reminded to do so. This gift is good for the game and the course.

Tee It Up!

2008-09-19T09:20:00.013-04:00

These brand-new golf resorts all offer something new for meetings and incentives.

By Gioia Macey

If golfers love something more than golf (if that is even possible), it’s the opportunity to brag about playing on a new course. To score big with meeting and incentive winners, plan an event at one of these about-to-open resorts, all which boast brand-spanking-new golf courses.

Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain
Located in the Sonoran Desert just 30 minutes from Tucson, this 250-room golf and spa resort is scheduled to open in late 2009. Besides offering 226 guest rooms and suites with expansive views of the desert terrain (including rugged rock formations), the resort will include 24 individual casitas (perfect for incentive winners and VIPs). Meeting space will include a 9,000-square-foot ballroom and a 4,800-square-foot ballroom.

The golf course: The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club will feature 36 holes of golf, all designed by Jack Nicklaus; 27 holes are already under construction and are scheduled to be completed by the end of the year; nine more holes will be added by 2010. The $60-million club will also feature an elaborate clubhouse complex (great for 19th hole events), complete with swimming pools, dining and a fitness center. Bring your cameras for this outing: Expect challenging play and spectacular desert vistas.

After tee time: The resort and setting are all about relaxation. Treat incentive winners to a special day at the resort’s 17,000-square-foot spa, or arrange for a group hike through the 20 miles of hiking trails that wind through the desert.

Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek/Waldorf-Astoria Orlando
Hilton Hotels’ new two-in-one resort scheduled to open in September 2009 will include the 498-room Waldorf-Astoria Orlando and the 1,001-room Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek. Surrounded by Walt Disney World Resort, the complex will offer a combined 150,000 square feet of meeting space. Our pick for an event: an outdoor “island,” surrounded on three sides by a lagoon, would be the ideal setting for a cocktail reception.

The golf course: The 18-hole Rees Jones Golf Course will open later this fall. Its builders say it’s so close to Disney’s Epcot Center that golfers can practically walk from the course to the theme park.

After tee time: This resort is in the center of everything Disney, so booking evening events at one of the theme parks is a hot option. The resort will also have an on-property heliport offering convenient service to Orlando attractions like Cirque du Soleil, Orlando Ballet and the Orlando Museum of Arts.

Westin Roco Ki Beach & Golf Resort
Set on 2,500 acres and located about 19 miles from the Punta Cana Airport in the Dominican Republic, this new 315-room resort (including 20 “jungle Luxe” bungalows, which are on stilts) scheduled to open in mid-2009 is bordered by a three-mile-long, white-powder beach and will include five fresh-water swimming pools. Meeting space ranges from a 7,000-square-foot ballroom to its Great Lawn (a spectacular setting for large outdoor gatherings) to its lagoon-side 2,000-square-foot Palapa, which overlooks the beach and dramatic cliffs.

The golf course: A Nick Faldo championship course’s layout takes duffers through rugged cliffs, palm trees and a mangrove forest. Bring out cameras for the 18th hole, which requires shots over the incoming surf.

After tee time: Water sports are paramount here. Book a group dive or deep-sea fishing trip, or work with the hotel’s meeting planner to organize a beach Olympics event.

Campeche Playa Golf Marina & Spa Resort
The first phase of this new resort complex on the Gulf of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula includes a 500-room hotel and a Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course. This phase will open at the beginning of 2009; a second phase to include 3,000 private residences will be completed in 2010.

The golf course: The 18-hole course will be a must-see for eco-friendly golfers. Set adjacent to a mangrove forest, and offering views of nearby beaches, the course was designed to preserve the environment. As an example, the irrigation system uses water purified by a plant being built for the purpose, and chemicals will not be used to maintain the course.

After tee time: Deep-sea fishing promises to be a popular group activity here; the resort has its own marina and yacht club. Attendees who head to the seas can expect to catch grouper, tuna, shrimp and shellfish (and have plenty of stories for “the one that got away”) Don’t forget the disposable cameras so attendees have a record of their excursion.

GOLF TOP 10

If you’re looking for some tried-and-true golf courses, check out America’s top 10 as voted on by Golf Digest magazine.

PINE VALLEY (Pine Valley, NJ)
SHINNECOCK HILLS (Southampton, NY)
AUGUSTA NATIONAL (Augusta, GA)
CYPRESS POINT (Pebble Beach, CA)
OAKMONT (Oakmont, PA)
PEBBLE BEACH (Pebble Beach, CA)
MERION (Ardmore, PA)
WINGED FOOT (Mamaroneck, NY)
SEMINOLE (Juno Beach, FL)
CRYSTAL DOWNS (Frankfort, MI)

Plan a Golf Event in Six Easy Steps

2008-09-19T09:20:00.012-04:00

Planning a golf tournament well creates good memories for attendees, and boosts business, too.

Here’s how to plan a golf event that will stand out from all the others your attendees might attend this season.

Step 1: Plan Four Months Out
Most golf courses are ready to help you with the planning task, as their golf shops likely have a few dozen group events come through each season, and so have a system for handling groups, from the golfing to the food and beverages to the gifts and awards. But you must contact the pro shop at your desired course at least 120 days out; not only do you have to ensure that the course is free on the day you want it, you and the staff will need that much time to create your itinerary, coordinate the details and help market the event.

The golf shop will usually assist any group that has 16 or more players, and can accommodate as many as 144 players on a course for a single event. But groups generally need to have at least 60 players – and sometimes 80 – to secure what’s called a “shotgun” start on a course, though the figure can be flexible depending on the season and the time of day. A dual start from the first and tenth tees is also possible for smaller groups, if the event begins early in the morning.

Step 2: Launch Marketing Effort
To drum up that many players, you might have to market aggressively. One tool that helps planners boost attendance at low cost is the Internet. “I’m seeing many organizations create individual Web pages for their golf events,” says Walt Galanty, founder of AIM Meetings & Events, a meeting planning firm. “A golf-events site can be used for registration and for keeping up interest of attendees by letting them find out who else is playing,” Galanty adds. “We can also post names of the winners and the prizes they won, post photos from last year’s event and allow attendees to order photos directly from the photographer. Not only that, but it can allow hotlinks to your event sponsors’ Web sites.”

Step 3: Choose Foursomes Wisely
Once your attendee list is set, there are several things to consider when grouping players into foursomes. The first, of course, is business interest. People come to business-golf events to meet others with reciprocal business interest, so allowing folks to choose on their registration forms who are in their group, or which type of buyer or supplier they’d like to be paired with, is wise.

The other consideration to make regards players’ handicaps. By having players list their handicap (a measure of how well they play on average) on their registration, the golf shop can determine who should play with whom so that the pace of play does not get too slow (four poor players in any one group is a bad thing). Also, handicaps help the golf shop determine which playing format would be best (scramble, modified scramble, low ball)

Once the format and the pairings are established, you must share other attendee information with the pro shop, such as whether anyone needs rental clubs or shoes, as well as each person’s golf-shirt size and hat size, which they’ll need to help you order merchandise with your firm’s logo on it.

Step 4: Drum Up Prizes
Four months’ lead time also helps when you need to secure prizes not only for the event’s winning foursome, but also for the winners of the longest drive, straight drive, and closest to the pin contests. Plaques and crystal can be customized with your firm’s logo, the year of the event, the name of the resort, and the category for which it was won, but these must be ordered at least six weeks in advance.

Logoed apparel, such as golf polos and imprinted sports bags also make terrific options.

Step 5: Consider Food & Fun
Next, you need to plan for providing food and beverages to your players. Most courses have refreshment carts roaming the course, though players sometimes won’t see one for several holes. In light of this, you should contract with the pro shop to have enough carts on the course so that players don’t go more than three holes without being offered food and drink. Also, let players know either that they must pay for what they consume or that the organization has a running tab. Be careful with the latter option, though, since any on-course accident or injury that occurs due to consumption of alcohol will leave you and your company liable.

Planners can boost entertainment value (and lower the cost) of their event by enlisting the help of sponsors, who “can be creative with their presence on a hole while also maintaining the integrity of the game,” Galanty says. For instance, having a skill contest on each sponsored hole will intrigue less-than-proficient golfers and interest decent golfers too. Possibilities include having players try to chip a ball into a bucket several feet away, or having a variation of “beat the pro” where a sponsoring firm’s sales rep tries to hit his tee shot closer to the pin on a par-three hole than each player. “A sponsor can put a rep out there who’s a decent golfer, unless they are purposely looking to give away a lot of free stuff with the company’s name on it,” Galanty notes.

Conversely, contests need not involve golf at all. Over the years, Galanty has seen sponsors use the Tic-Tac-Toss beanbag game and others to make sure everyone has a chance to go home with a prize.

Once play ends, there should be a post-tournament cocktail reception and dinner where you can thank sponsors and recognize contest winners. It’s best that these events are informal; the cocktail reception should start right after the last group comes in, and be close enough to the scoreboard that players can eat, drink, and mingle while the golf-shop staff posts the scores. Then, rather than having a formal sit-down dinner and awards ceremony, something like a buffet or a barbecue with carving stations would be a better idea, especially since folks won’t have much time to freshen up or even change out of their golf attire.

Step 6: Create a Contingency Plan
Remember that all of this planning will go out the window if the weather doesn’t cooperate on the day of the event. To combat this, you must have backup plans to keep people occupied. For instance, an indoor event space can be quickly and easily configured to become a putting course where you can offer a mini-tournament. Or the golf-shop staff can set up mats and nets in the space, and critique players’ swings and give personalized lessons as they watch folks hit balls into the nets. At the same time, have the golf-shop staff bring in a few televisions with VCRs, and show highlight videos of memorable pro tournaments. Finally, you could even bring in a few Sony Playstations, Microsoft Xboxes, or other home video-game machines; they run excellent golf games that folks can learn to play in minutes.

In the end, expect to pay anywhere from $150 to $275 per person for what resorts call the “tournament services” package, which includes greens fees and carts, player pairings, tournament scoring, complimentary range balls, access to locker rooms and assistance in the event’s coordination. Of course, the awards and prizes, refreshment carts, and other amenities will cost extra, though they are negotiable.

Pump Up This Promo

2008-09-19T09:20:00.007-04:00

Fun Video Game Launch

2008-09-19T09:20:00.005-04:00

Wall•E Sees Trinkets as Treasure

For many video game marketing programs, choosing the right promotional product takes a little creativity. Marketing the latest action game or kids’ title may not offer some obvious choices. This wasn’t the case for video developer THQ Inc. when it came time to promote its Wall•E video game which hit shelves June 27.

The game is based on the futuristic robot character’s adventures in the Disney/Pixar movie of the same name. In the film, which debuted June 24, Wall•E went on a fantastic journey across the universe. Along the way, he often turned trash into treasure.

THQ leveraged some of the items that were prominent within the movie to reach out to members of the press. For example, Wall•E is fond of a paddleball so THQ sent 500 plastic logoed paddleballs to consumer, trade and enthusiast press.

“We ordered the paddleball after seeing Wall•E interact with a similar one in the film trailer,” says Karen Fujimoto, spokesperson for THQ. “It was too good to resist. The paddleballs were effective because they captured an element of fun, while serving as a leave-behind reminder that the game would be coming out soon.”

THQ also borrowed the idea of using an Igloo cooler from the film. Wall•E carries around a cooler throughout the film and places trinkets in it. The video game company held an event at the New York Hall of Science for dozens of members of the press and their families. As a thank you for attending, it gave away logoed coolers, hats, shirts and posters.

The gaming company is no stranger to such tactics. For Ratatouille it held a cooking event at the Institute of Culinary Education in New York and gave away logoed chef’s hats, aprons and bottles of thyme, a key spice for making the dish Ratatouille. “It’s a fun way to build some buzz with our press,” says Fujimoto.

Cool Consumer Promo

2008-09-19T09:20:00.004-04:00

Tecate Gets a Kick Out of Authentic Soccer Promos

With category leader Corona experiencing soft sales, Tecate is looking to take the opportunity to establish itself as the authentic Mexican beer. One of its strategies to show consumers its heritage was by holding its “Futbol Tecate” events throughout the month of July.

The beer brand brought the Mexican First Division Club Soccer teams to four of its key markets to play exhibition games against local teams. The first match pitted the Colorado Rapids against the Tigres on July 9 at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, CO.

Tecate understands how important futbol is within Mexican culture. It saw the exhibitions as a way to solidify its credibility with Hispanic consumers and prove its authenticity to other demographics.

At soccer games, Tecate gives out a flurry of premiums to the fans in attendance. “We always try [to ensure] that the items we use are a reflection of the brand’s character and of the specific event/promotion we’re participating in,” says Tecate brand director Carlos Boughton.

During soccer games, Tecate offers soccer keychains, soccer balls and even genuine soccer jerseys signed by the Mexican stars. “We want to make sure that consumers see or take items that are reflective of Tecate’s bold personality as well as our involvement in soccer,” says Boughton.

Tecate also regularly partners with boxing matches where it gives consumers related promotional products like branded towels, framed shorts and gloves autographed by superstars like Oscar de la Hoya.

Heineken USA, which is the exclusive importer of Tecate, signed a new 10-year deal with parent company Femsa which became effective this year.

Candy Still Sweet With Consumers

2008-09-19T09:20:00.003-04:00

Many analysts have called the gum and candy category recession proof. Consumers who are watching their budgets will often allow themselves “mini-splurges” on impulse items like a Snickers bar or the new Starburst Gummi Bursts candy.

That’s why it’s important as ever for candy makers to continue to market themselves to this eager crowd looking for a treat. Companies like Mars, Inc. and the Hershey Co. spent about $900 million on traditional media between April 2007 and April 2008, per Nielsen Monitor-Plus. (Plus another $1 million advertising online, per TNS Media Intelligence.)

The important aspect of any ad campaign for candy brands is differentiation, says Pat Conroy, consumer products practice leader at Deloitte, New York. “Consumers have access to more and more information, so then it becomes, ‘do I pay an extra 50 cents for a brand-name candy or buy a lesser one?’”

In one of the most high-profile candy campaigns this year, the Wm. Wrigley Co. tried to combine nostalgia and star power. It tapped pop superstar Chris Brown to re-record its famous jingle. The song “Forever” would go on to become a top-10 hit during the summer by borrowing the familiar refrain “Double your pleasure/double your fun.” In August, the song was repackaged for a massive ad campaign. Wrigley also had recording artist Ne-Yo redo Big Red’s “Kiss a little longer” jingle, and country singer Julianne Hough recorded, “The taste is going to move ya” for Juicy Fruit.

Tasty T-Shirts and Logoed Candy
For a smaller brand like the Jelly Belly Candy Company, it is less about signing high-profile stars and more about making its logo the star. The jelly bean company offers a host of logoed items available for sale in its company store.

“When consumers wear the branded clothing they take the name and populate the brand throughout the world,” says John Jamison, director of retail for the Jelly Belly. “It’s a happy brand and the logoed products keep the name on the tip of the tongue.”

M&Ms hasn’t been afraid to license its products. So much so, it has an entire store in Times Square full of dolls, banks and many other products based on the characters in its ads. The candy brand, which is owned by Mars, has even taken the idea of branding a step further by allowing consumers to place their own words, favorite sports team’s logo or even their own face directly on custom-made candy M&Ms.

“It’s not just about selling chocolate. It’s about building relationships,” says Ryan Bowling, a rep for Mars.

High-Tech Marketing Promo

2008-09-19T09:20:00.002-04:00

USB Ports Prove to be the Right Choice

Human resources professionals are busy people. Besides hiring and firing of employees, quarterbacking 401(k) programs and spearheading training initiatives for the company, they are also responsible for health-care decisions. To separate themselves from the many other health-care providers out there, Right Choice Health looked to promotional products.

In May and June, it gave out 1,500 branded USB ports to HR executives, personnel departments and company controllers. “They were very pleased with what they were able to get out of the program,” says Phil Masiello, vice president of sales at HyGrade Business, Clifton, N.J., which created the effort. “They were looking for a marketing tool that could carry the brand name, that salespeople could give out to clients that wouldn’t just end up in the desk.”

The USB ports contained materials that were helpful to the sales staff’s presentation and also functioned as a powerful leave behind chocked full of information about Right Choice Health’s offerings.

What’s more, it contained a widget. This branded piece of software, which functions when the logoed USB is plugged in, offers the user the chance to get up-to-the-minute information about traffic, weather and other news through the Web. “It’s useful,” says Masiello, so the client is more likely to use it again and again.

“This way they always have the brand in front of them,” he says. “It’s a very inexpensive tweak to a standard USB that provides a bunch of other marketing tools for the client. In the grand scheme of things, it’s an inexpensive upgrade that adds in impressions. In promotion, you are always looking for something that will have retention power. This particular USB will take precedent over any other item you could possibly give them.”

25 Incentives For Under $50

2008-07-22T18:37:00.002-04:00

By Denis Jensen

Don’t let the price tag fool you. These on-the-cheap motivational items are guaranteed to wow employees.

Gas prices are skyrocketing. So is the price of milk, bread, and even a bright, shiny apple. These days, consumers are feeling the pocketbook pinch everywhere. But those planning incentive programs needn’t feel the pain. Successful Promotions went in search of unique incentive items that won’t bust even a tiny budget. Here are our top 25 picks that all have a price tag of $50 or less (note: contact Tall Girl Promotions for exact prices).

1. GRILL THRILL Summertime is the perfect time to offer this gleaming, stainless-steel 6-piece barbecue set to members of a high performing team. Couple it with some barbecue sauce (choose one with a customized label featuring your company or team logo) and you’ve got one hot incentive. Or, use the set to “fire up” sales for 2009. It comes in a nifty aluminum case that can be engraved with your logo. asi/36988

	2. Flash That Flask Heading to the links on an incentive trip? This tarnish-proof, stainless-steel flask combo is the perfect pillow gift to give attendees the night before the outing. It’s encased in a leather holder lined with tees and ball markers and it comes with a belt loop for easy carrying. asi/40445

3. Time to Pick a Winner Women on your team will vie for this women’s analog watch. It’s an ideal item for a monthly sales contest or for whomever contributes the best idea in the company suggestion box. The watch features a cut mineral glass dome and precise quartz movement. asi/66887

	4. Bragging Rights This gyroscopic clock has a beautifully crafted wood base which can be engraved to represent team achievements or inscribed as an individual award milestone. In addition, the spincast medallion can be customized for a variety of industries and awards. asi/63110

5. Go for the Gold This premium gold gift box comes loaded with a generous assortment of individually foiled Gevalia coffee pouches, Ghirardelli chocolates, luscious cookies and a host of other gourmet goodies. Perfect for the employee who just closed a big deal or was named “employee of the month.” Deliver it to employees’ homes so they can share the goodies with their families. asi/74390

	6. The Great Outdoors If you’ve got a rugged group, this combination backpack, cooler and folding chair makes an excellent reward. The cooler holds 18 drinks and the chair is made from 600 denier fabric with a sturdy enamel-coated steel frame. asi/64887

7. Comfy & Customized This triple-layer woven throw is the ideal prize to hand out at company meetings. Or, give it as a thank-you to executives at the next corporate retreat. Choose either this triple-layer woven throw blanket or its custom tapestry companion. Both can be customized with a design or logo. Available from asi/74299.

	8. For the Spa This luxurious spa robe is made of soft-as-a-cloud micro chenille fabric. Embroider it with your company’s logo and you’ve got the perfect gift for an incentive trip. Pair it with some spa necessities, like a loofah and some lotion, and attendees will feel really pampered. Offered in both men’s and women’s sizes. asi/45792

9 It’s a Survivor Crank up the volume on this month’s sales contest by offering this AM/FM survival radio as a prize. The radio comes with a compass, flashlight, alarm, siren and hand-crank charger, so winners will be well-equipped even in the event of a power outage. asi/67866

	10. Jazzy Jogging Jogging is defined as running less than six miles per hour. Customize this California fleece zip with a logo and watch the grateful recipient zip past the speed limit. It’s made with incredibly soft combed cotton that’s machine washable. asi/35297

11. Hold Everything! This simulated leather briefcase is both functional and classy. It features a wraparound gusset that expands to 8 inches, a cell phone pocket and an accordion file. Offer this to sales reps as an incentive and encourage them to bring in enough orders to fill it. asi/91530

	12 The Write Stuff .Everyone has use for a fine writing instrument. This Selectip roller ball pen features an onyx resin finish. Inscribe it with a special message – “Way to go!” “You have the write stuff!” – and you’ve got the ideal gift to perk up practically any program. asi/47520

13. The Future’s So Bright. . . Incentive trip winners will feel extra-cool when you bestow upon them these Jupiter matte aluminum shades, complete with a metal clamshell case, a lanyard with leather tag and a cleaning cloth encased in a drawstring pouch. Give them out at the final night awards banquet and predict a bright sales forecast for the upcoming year. asi/54100

	14. Pearls Of Wisdom This beautiful double-strand pearl necklace will be a big hit with female overachievers. Save this one for a situation when something extra-special is called for – say, when she finally gets an impossible client to sign on the dotted line. Features sterling silver clasps and a gift box. asi/36980

15 The Big Picture .Give your team members a close-up view of the action with these prism binoculars with ruby-coated lenses and 8 x 21 power. Presentation is the key here: Pass them out at the incentive kick-off party and explain how seeing the big picture is the key to success. asi/52710

	16. Scratch Their Backs This handmade durable back scratcher is a great gift for the individual who has everything. It’s crafted from exotic hardwoods and comes topped with a solid brass claw. Recipients will want to keep it in their offices as a fun icebreaker. asi/74975

17. No Stems Required For a fun fall activity, throw a wine and cheese tasting – and send top employees away with this set of two stemless 21-ounce wine glasses. Employees will appreciate your good taste and congratulate you on your hipness. asi/62985

	18. Side by Side Incentivize your hard-working sales support team by offering them this double wide portable folding chair that’s great for two and includes a table area between the seats. asi/86300

19. Get in the Zone This silver passport world time alarm clock features multiple time zones. It’s finished in brushed aluminum with an easel-style stand that makes it an ideal incentive gift for on-the-road salespeople and traveling executives. Comes with travel pouch. asi/39700

	20. The Green Machine Companies that want to capitalize on the green theme will appreciate incentive offerings like this eco-friendly flashlight/charger that serves as both an LED flashlight and hand-crank cellphone charger. It works with Sony, Nokia, Samsung, Motorola and other cellphones and features a molded plastic case with wriststrap. asi/48885

21. Safety First This 151-piece auto emergency toolkit comes with a tire gauge, jumper cables, drive sockets, wire brush, siphon pump and so many other accessories that recipients will run out of excuses for getting stalled on the road. A great option for carpool incentives. asi/56775

	22. Ants Not Included Employees putting in a lot of overtime? Present them with one of these picnic backpacks and give them an afternoon off. Backpack comes with stainless cutlery, melamine plates and wine glasses for four. Throw in a bottle of vino and you’ll really be a hero. asi/63121;

23. For Spectators This recreational recliner works anywhere; at the beach, the stadium or at local gatherings or sports events. It’s made from polyester with a sturdy steel frame that’s adjustable for 10 different positions and its shoulder strap portability makes it a wise choice as an arrival gift for outdoor incentive functions. asi/78065

	24. Keep ’em Busy Family incentive out- ings can be greatly enhanced by providing something to keep the kids occupied. This Busy Basket makes sure your incentive recipient’s children will never run out of things to do by including a DJ party CD, a sticker game, a book and drawing pad, a jump rope and delicious snacks. asi/79975

25. Have Wheels, Will Travel Never underestimate the power of a piece of luggage. This wheeled travel bag whisks through check-in with in-line skate wheels, full-length protective skids, a convenient “U” shaped main compartment and a hideaway telescoping handle. Give it as a gift to road warriors and you’ll make their on-the-road lives just a little bit easier. asi/38243

Green is the New Black

2008-07-22T18:34:00.001-04:00

By Kenneth Hein

Organic apparel is all the rage. Here are four case studies showing how using green items can help boost a brand.

It wasn’t long ago – really, just a few years – that eco-friendly apparel seemed like one of those nice ideas whose time was far into the future. It was akin to such fascinations as plug-in cars and wind-generated power plants. However, much like these other “green” trends, the demand for such products has finally begun to take hold today. In the promotional products world, suppliers offering shirts, jackets and hats made from recycled plastic, coconut fiber, bamboo and organic cotton are quickly becoming plentiful. The trend is so front and center that Coca-Cola, one of the best-known brands in the world, has even begun selling branded T-shirts at Wal-Mart made from recycled plastic bottles. Companies that want to be portrayed as eco-friendly have quickly realized that the ad specialties they use in promotional efforts are equally reflective of their commitment to the environment as the amount of energy their manufacturing plants use or the volume of carbon emissions they release into the environment.

"Organic apparel is growing in popularity because consumers are looking for easy ways to clean up the environment,” says Lynn Syman of the Organic Trade Association. “By choosing green products of all types, they are reducing pesticide runoff, toxic exposure to farmers, mill workers and ultimately everyone. We all live downstream.”

The OTA estimates organic apparel sales will increase by 40% by 2011 compared to last year. In 2006, the last time it tracked purchases, sales were $203 million. Many distributors agree that last year, clients began asking about “green” apparel, but it wasn’t until this year that the tipping point occurred, where actual demand for the products began to pick up. “Every industry seems to be asking for it,” says Scott Alterman, co-owner of The Icebox, a promotional products distributor. “There is a lot of attention around these issues, and all of these companies are starting to get involved.”

For Karen Rankin, president of Quality Life Promotions, a marketing consultancy, living off of the land is already a part of her life. For the past seven years, she has stayed in a tent in the mountains when she makes her sales calls at West Carolina University – albeit a tent with carpeting and a full office. “I live green and sell green,” she says. “I haven’t found a ton of customers yet, but it’s going to hit pretty hard in the very near future.”

For many companies concerned about their eco-friendly image, it already has. Here are four examples of marketers who have already wholeheartedly opted to embrace promotional products that even Mother Nature would approve of.

Read Case Studies...

Viva (new) Vegas

2008-07-22T18:29:00.002-04:00

By Denis Jensen

No need to bring meeting-goers to a tried-and-true location in Sin City. Here’s a rundown of brand-spanking-new venues in which to play, eat and party.

What’s new in Vegas? What’s not new is a better question. America’s hottest convention city continues to grow like gangbusters, as 9,000 new guest rooms are slated to be added this year.

Nearly $40 billion in new development is planned or underway between now and 2012, providing an additional 40,000 hotel and motel rooms and 5 million square feet of convention space to the more than 9.7 million square feet of meeting and exhibit space citywide.

Even with all of this growth, the city continues to have exceptionally high occupancy rates, with a new high of 90.4% last year. Here’s a rundown of the latest, greatest offerings for meetings, conventions and incentive trips.

Read More...

Groovy Earth-Friendly Campaign – Green T-shirts Against Toxicity

2008-07-22T18:26:00.001-04:00

Computer screens, cell phones and microwave ovens contain all sorts of toxic elements that it’s best not to put them in a hole in the ground when they’re no longer of use. But, the reality is most of these items are carted away and put in landfills. In fact, an estimated 70% of toxic landfill waste is a direct result of technology. NBC Universal used Earth Week (April 21-25) to spur homeowners to recycle these items.

Its “Green is Universal” campaign kicked off on the Today Show on April 21. HP, Staples, the Environmental Media Association and Electronic Recyclers International (ERI) partnered for the event. Part of the push involved placing recycling bins, where consumers could place old electronics, at New York’s Rockefeller Center. In the New York area, consumers were invited to also bring their old equipment to participating Staples stores. HP offered $50 off its more energy-efficient printers and $150 off select computers in exchange for old models.

At Rockefeller Center, New York School of Visual Arts students were invited to create a giant mosaic using the donated products. ERI handed out “Green is Universal” T-shirts at the event. The brand typically provides eco-friendly shirts that say “Green is Good,” but it altered its tagline in honor of the event. ERI owns 1-800-Recycling (a service people can call for free to find out how to properly dispose of their electronics and other items).

“With us, it’s all about being in touch with our green DNA and spreading the word in as many positive far-reaching ways as possible,” said John S. Shegerian, ERI’s chairman and CEO. “So whether we are appearing at a local high school or on the Today Show, we make it a point to come armed with meaningful takeaways that inspire, empower and motivate people to think about the green messages we shared.”

In addition to shirts, ERI hands out logoed tins of chocolate-covered raisins that were grown on organic farms. Its business cards are even printed on recycled paper using soy ink. Shegerian said, “Everything we share is part of our message.”

Fun Grassroots Effort – Newcastle Ale Tries Some Smooth Moves

2008-07-22T18:24:00.001-04:00

From how to survive a sunburn to how to properly grill a fruit pie, Newcastle Brown Ale has a few tips for celebrating the 94 days of summer. The top imported ale will share these tips with customers at 5,000 grocery stores, from May-July, via its “94 Days of Summer” guide. “Sam the Cooking Guy” from Discovery Health offers cooking tips while King’s Hawaiian, the Coleman Company and MovieTickets.com serve up discounts for summer fun.

Newcastle is no stranger to giveaways. To tout its “Smooth like no other” brand positioning, a team of “Smooth Operators” has been hitting bars all across the country. This grassroots promotion involves sampling efforts and interactive games to engage bar patrons in games like “spin the bottle.” Consumers who answer questions correctly about Newcastle win free prizes.

“Newcastle Brown Ale’s target audience is male consumers ages 21 to 35. This demographic tends to prefer premium items and enjoys a rich tasting, imported ale such as Newcastle,” says Katie Casey of Formula, the marketing firm that created the brand’s promotions. “Therefore it is only natural that our target consumer would gravitate towards premium giveaways such as our T-shirts and baseball caps.”
Smooth Operators also give out branded bottle openers, bottle light projectors, air fresheners and, where legal, free beer. “They are out there to educate the consumer about the taste and flavor of the beer,” Casey says.

Newcastle launched the program in 2005. It has grown threefold in size as last year, 4,500 promotions were held in 50 cities. The Smooth Operators connected with a quarter of a million customers in 2007 helping the brand exceed 6 million cases sold.

Wacky Beverage Launch – Bawls Guarana Proves It’s Sweet on Geeks

2008-07-22T18:22:00.002-04:00

Most brands are interested in tapping “influencers.” You know, the cool people who have a large network of really cool friends. Not Bawls Guarana. This brand of energy drink is more interested in attracting the guy dressed as Darth Vader.

Bawls relishes its role as being the official drink of geeks everywhere. So much so, it launched a series of “Geek Singles Nights” in conjunction with the online dating site Sweet on Geeks. The first matchmaking party kicked off in April in Lauderhill, FL. The event, naturally, was held at a comic book store. Raffles, displays of light saber skills and speed dating was in the air as local members of the 501st legion of Star Wars enthusiasts were invited to attend in full costume.

Beyond giving “Yoda” and “Princess Leia” the chance to hook up, the inaugural event was also an opportunity to launch the brand’s new flavor Bawls G33K B33R. “Drinking Bawls G33K B33R is a fun, refreshing way for anyone to celebrate their inner geek,” says Hobart C. Buppert, owner of Hobarama Corp., which produces Bawls Guarana. “To further celebrate geekiness at singles night events, Bawls distributes non-traditional, branded items including Bawls G33K eyeglasses, taped and all, for fans to get their geek on.”

Rather than mix alcohol in with its drink, like many energy drink brands, Bawls distributes G33K B33R floats. The company also gives away branded T-shirts, stickers and drawstring bags.

Bawls also regularly sponsors video gaming competitions (more than 1,000 per year) as well as the 2008 Geek Prom. Geek singles nights will make their way across the country with Jacksonville, FL., Minneapolis and San Francisco on the schedule. So this would indeed be a good time to shine up your Stormtrooper costume in case a cute droid happens by.

Creative Consumer Promo – Svedka Sees a Future in Ad Specialties

2008-07-22T18:19:00.001-04:00

So what will be the best-selling vodka of 2033? Svedka, of course. The high-end vodka has fashioned a critically acclaimed ad campaign around a sarcastic sci-fi campaign that looks into the future and sees its vodka as “the choice of the stem cell baby boomer of 2033” and going “great with a $450 pack of cigarettes.”

When it comes to its promotions, Svedka also looks forward rather than copy the boring giveaways of the past. For example, realizing that we’ve all had one too many chocolates on our pillows, Svedka created limited-edition “Turn up kits” last fall. They debuted at the Soho and Tribeca Grand Hotels in New York and then rolled out to other trendy hotels.

The kits were custom designed by avant-garde fashion icon Jeremy Scott and included two Svedka mini-bottles of vodka, a swizzle stick and three mood elixirs – Bionic Boost, Love Potion #2033 and Artificial Intelligence – in glass vials.

In April, the brand continued to innovate by launching their eco-friendly T-shirt collection at Fred Segal Fun in Santa Monica, CA. The shirts were imprinted with “Make cocktails, not war” and “Help end global warming – add more ice.” Guests sipped “Cosmopoliticians” at a special kick off event. Shirts, created by e.vil, were distributed to models and made available for sale shortly after, with proceeds going to “Heal the Bay.” The non-profit environmental organization is dedicated to cleaning up Southern California’s coastal waters and watersheds.

“In our quest to continually innovate, any logoed items have to be one of a kind,” says Marina Hahn, chief marketing officer of Svedka. “When we developed a relationship with e.vil and created this limited edition collection of fabulous headlined tees, we knew we had a winner.”

Cool Multi-Media Campaign – Monroe Says ‘Save a Squirrel’

2008-07-22T18:17:00.001-04:00

Monroe Shocks and Struts has a message for all of the animal lovers of the world: “Replacing worn ride control components could improve vehicle steering, stopping and stability – and just might save the life of an innocent squirrel darting across the street.”

This was the official statement released by the company after it sent a bag of squirrel food, the Squirrel Street Journal newspaper and a personalized note from a squirrel to reporters. Next the recipients received a logoed bag of peanuts and a squirrel, or rather, mouse pad.
These promotional products were used to build hype for its “Save a squirrel” campaign which launched in April.

“We’ve already had tremendous interest in the ‘Squirrels’ campaign from the automotive industry as well as consumers,” says Carri Irby, brand manager of Monroe Shocks and Struts, which is owned by Tenneco, prior to the launch of its ad campaign. “As our billboards go live in the coming weeks, we expect a tremendous spike in traffic to our Web site, as well as word-of-mouth advertising driven by local broadcast outlets and the thousands of businesses that sell and install Monroe shocks and struts.”

The squirrels have gotten around as the message is broadcast on billboards throughout the country, on 2,000 radio stations, within Major League Baseball stadiums and via the Web.

Monroe also made sure to add a heavy assortment of promotional products to the mix. Mouse pads, note cubes, pens, trash cans and bagged peanuts are available for use by its sales force. “Our promotional programs are tightly integrated into the campaign,” says Irby. The squirrels could not be reached for comment.

Promos Still Hot as Real Estate Chills

2008-07-22T18:12:00.001-04:00

Real estate was the place to be for a lot longer than many expected. Unfortunately, due to the subprime mortgage meltdown and other economic factors, the industry has taken a hit. However, this hasn’t stopped the major players from advertising. For the first three months of 2008, real estate brokers and developers spent $566,457 on measured media, per Nielsen Monitor-Plus.

Re/Max, Prudential and Apollo Management’s Coldwell Banker and Century 21 invested the heaviest, even among the market downturn. Unlike many other ad categories, print proved to be the favorite medium with nearly $1 billion spent on print ads. TV was a distant second at $300 million.
“My vote has been and will be with print,” says Bill Golden of Re/Max Metro Atlanta Cityside. “I don’t have an ongoing ad campaign, but I run print ads sporadically, geared to specific audiences featuring specific properties. TV and radio are generally not a practical solution for my real estate practice, in terms of cost-efficiency.”

For many Realtors like Golden, promotional products are a favorite tool even in the current climate. “I think logoed products are more valuable in a down market, when there’s so much competition for business, and other agents are less likely to spend the money on such things,” Golden says. “I’ve been in real estate long enough to know that it will rebound and that it is just as crucial, if not more so, to reinvest in my business during the slower periods.”

Brian Coeste, president of Coester Appraisal Group, a real estate appraisal company agrees. “We use logo-based items for all of our marketing. We give away pens, sticky note pads, calendars, calculators and all kinds of things with our logo on them to our clients. We have found them very effective and well worth the money and set-up costs. We use them when we go into a new client’s office as a drop off and also to visit existing clients as a reason to stop by.”

Denny Grimes, president of Denny Grimes and Company, which boasts more than 6,000 real estate agents within its brokerage, says a little creativity goes a long way. “I have received a lot of reaction to rubber jar openers because of their shelf life and usability,” he says. “I give a dozen mugs that say ‘You’ve Been Mugged by Denny’ to the local florist, and for $15 I am able to send the mugs with a floral arrangement inside to my clients and colleagues. People love that! I promote my business every way possible. My staff wears logo shirts, my coffee is served in logo glass mugs and my napkins also have my logo on them. It really only costs pennies more to help reinforce your brand and image.”

Golden, who has found success with chip clips and sticky note pads, doesn’t plan on stopping. “For me, more than anything, it’s about keeping my name in front of folks, so I’ll come immediately to mind when they have real estate needs. This is particularly important to me because I encourage my clients to call me not just when they are buying or selling, but also when they are considering a renovation or have other real estate-related questions.”

Pump Up This Promo

2008-07-22T18:06:00.001-04:00

Aflac Targets Consumers With Decision-Making Muscles

By Betsy Cummings

Aflac is generating a lot of attention among its target audience – female decision-makers – with its Iron Girl series of events. Our experts lay out an eight-step plan to make this gal-friendly promo even more effective.

Insurance provider Aflac knows women are a powerful consumer group. How to tap that contingent, which makes an estimated 80% of household buying decisions, was another story. The company considered ways to target the demographic and ultimately came up with the Aflac Iron Girl series of events, which, this year, run from March until the end of August, says Tracy Martin, corporate sponsorship consultant for the Columbus, GA-based company. The event “is driven out of Aflac’s desire to reach women as key decision makers,” she says.

To reach this important target, Aflac partnered with Iron Girl to create a series of events running, walking, triathlon and duathlon competitions at 10 locations throughout the country and paired them with promotional products that are female-oriented in theme and crafted to tout women’s wellness, empowerment, and the value of Aflac’s servicesThe events also include a sweepstakes for one winner and a guest to fly to Hawaii for an all-expenses-paid vacation.

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Promos That Rock The Vote

2008-07-22T18:00:00.001-04:00

By Jen Zorger

Promotional products are essential for winning elections. Here are some best practices you can use to be victorious in your own marketing efforts.

Kent Cravens was advised never to use gimmicky items when running for election. But, like most good politicians, he learned that sometimes you need to throw what advisers say out the window. Cravens, who has been a New Mexico state senator for eight years, did just that when he ordered 5,000 of “little round fuzzy guys with sticky pad feet.” “Everyone I came into contact with ended up with one in their pocket or I’d peel it off and put it on their name tags,” says Cravens. “Or it would end up on their dashboard. I got a lot mileage out of it. I’m a believer now in things that have shelf life.”

Winning public favor is a tricky business. Just what formula of mass media, promotional products and luck is needed to win has never been decided for certain even by so-called political “scientists.” However, what we do know is promotional products are as an important part of the mix as a good speech writer, campaign contributions and confident smile.

The same can be said for winning over customers. Just what makes them buy your product, sign up for your service or preach about your brand is often an equally mystifying equation.

Steal These 5 Tips from Political Promos

2008-07-22T17:58:00.001-04:00

If there’s one thing good politicians know how to do, it is getting the word out. Their campaign will often succeed or fail based upon just how good they are at raising awareness. Beyond kissing babies, there is much marketers can learn from these master marketers. Here are five tips:

1.Don’t say too much. The letter ‘W’ will never be viewed the same. George W. Bush (who is thought by some Democrats to have a questionable grasp on the alphabet), successfully hijacked the 23rd letter of the alphabet as his symbol and his logo. This made it easier to create impactful stickers and pins.

2.Recycle. Marketers spend a lot of money to create postcards, posters and signs. As any good cash-strapped campaign manager will tell you: if they get tossed out recycle. Have staffers pluck the materials out of the garbage or off the floor and use them again. If anyone objects, just say you are being environmentally friendly.

3.Know your target. College kids like beer. We know this. That’s why some politicians have hit young Republicans’ clubs with logoed cans, koozies and golf towels. It’s easy to try and find a one-size-fits-all product, however more targeted items are likely to leave a lasting impression.

4.Don’t be afraid to use an unusual promotional item. Pens, pencils and pins are the staples of politicking much like hats and T-shirts often find their way into consumer promotions. Still, the most effective items can be the ones no one else is using. Just ask Senator Kent Cravens who used “little round fuzzy guys with the sticky pad feet.”

5.Have a sense of humor. Bald politicians have poked fun at themselves by handing out combs. And, rival parties have handed out brooms pledging to clean up their competition’s mess. These are just two examples of ways politicians have looked to pull themselves out of the cluttered advertising space with items that are more creative and funny. People like politicians and brands who have a sense of humor.

September is Self-Improvement Month

2008-06-23T10:19:00.002-04:00

Almost no matter what your product or service you can create a promotion around self-improvement month. If your business is consumer oriented, like a weight-loss clinic, it’s obvious how you can build a promotion around this designation. But if your aren’t so directly tied, try playing to the idea of your client or prospective client improving themselves as a purchasing agent, a marketing manager, a human resources manager, etc, whatever their position. Choose appropriate imprinted items to use based on your theme.

August 15th is National Relaxation Day

2008-06-23T10:18:00.002-04:00

Develop a promotion to show your clients how they can enjoy August 15th, National Relaxation Day, because you are taking care of... Choose from a variety of products to put your logo on from stress relievers to relax chairs to CDs to spa sets.