5 Earth-Friendly Options

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

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

The Power of a Pen

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.

The Power of the Sun in Your Hand

This is part of an article from the September 2007 issue of Promotional Marketing magazine.

At first glance, there doesn't seem to be much that is revolutionary about a solar cell phone charger, but oh how looks can be deceiving. Made by Better Energy Systems of Berkeley, CA, the Solio, a universal, portable hybrid charger, is truly a step (or two) above. With its unique three-blade design and recycled plastic shell, the Solio eliminates the need for "old-fashioned" wall charges by collecting and storing solar energy. Then, once the item is imprinted with a company's logo, end-users simply can pug in a wide array of portable devices such as cell phones, MP3 players, digital cameras and PDAs. For those in gloomier climates such as Seattle, have no fear--Solio also comes with a wall charger in case the sun doesn't shine for some time.

While it provides a cutting-edge electronic device (and turns other electronic items carbon-negative), the true benefit of the Solio may be the effect it has on its users. The company doesn't want simply to provide portable electricity: It wants to change the way people think about the environment. "It's putting renewable energy in peoples' hands in a very personal, renewable way," says Mike Levin, business development manager at Better Energy System. "It's one thing to put solar panels on your roof. It's another thing to put them in you hand where you use them every single day." Furthermore, by making solar technology part of the everyday experience, Solio is seeing its users make environmental steps in other areas. "Our research has found that our users are making other environmentally conscious decisions." added Levin. "We want to break down the barriers of environmental responsibility so people don't have to make these huge leaps in terms of behavior."

In the end though, the makers of Solio know it isn't enough to provide a product both perfect for imprinting and environmentally flashy with its green-ness; they need to provide a device that performs well and stands the test of time. Which they seem to have accomplished.

Does a Business Card Have to be a Business Card?

I was reading an article called "How'd they do that?" (similar concept to the TV show "Made in America"), on the making of chocolate business cards and it got me thinking, Does a business card have to be a business card?

Chocolate business cards receive a bigger "WOW" from the recipient than a traditional card stock card, but probably not the most practical method of giving your contact information. I am guessing many chocolate cards are consumed prior to being entered into a CRM program or database. But still, what a unique way to stand out from the crowd.

I started looking at other "non-traditional business cards". Some of the ideas were not all that unique. We've all seen business card magnets, tip calculators, letter openers and calendars. But then there were some interesting products that got the gears turning.

• Lenticular cards - great for contrasting old, boring, plain with new, exciting, vibrant.
• Emery board cards - If you are a salon, spa or just cater toward women, this is a great way to stay in front of your target audience. (At least whenever she chips a nail.)
• Plantable Cards - These are business cards that are made from recycled paper with seeds embedded in them. When you plant and water them, they grow into a flower. What a great way to show you are committed to the environment.
• Mints in Business Card size case - These would be especially appreciated at networking events.
• Pre-Paid Cards - This is by far my favorite! Pre-Paid cards can be used for music or ring tone downloads, movie tickets, phone time or photo prints. The great thing about these cards is that for the recipient to receive their gift they have to go to a website branded with your company and information. You can have them fill out a brief survey, or view a product prior to completing the transaction. Wouldn't it be great if after a trade show, your booth visitors not only had your product reinforced in their mind, but did the work of entering their information into your database? To learn more about pre-paid cards, click here.

These were just a few of the products I found. There were so many more, I cant list them all. I'd love to hear what the most unique business card you've received or used was.

How do you carry all that stuff?

An Expo Tote or Conference Messenger bag is essential for every meeting goer. Where else would you put all the handouts, brochures, stress balls, pens, etc. that you pick up as you travel from booth to booth?

Gemline has come out with a line of eco-friendly bags. The Eco-Choice line has several different styles of bags made from either recycled or organic materials.

The Recycled Essential Portfolio (above) is made from 51% recycled fabric. This line also has an Organic Economy Tote made from 100% organic cotton. But my favorite bag in the Eco-Choice line is the Organic Spa Tote (right). It too is made from 100% organic cotton with a front straw panel and coconut button closure provide added appeal.

View the entire Eco-Choice Line

A gift that says "You Mean the World to Me!"

Having a hard time expressing to your clients or employees how much they mean to you? Give them the world - at least a miniature world.

EcoSpheres are a miniature worlds that fit in the palm of your hand. They contain marine shrimp, algae and seawater. It sustains itself by producing and recycling everything it needs to survive. "It's the perfect balance of life and art, technology and nature; a living treasure and an incredible learning tool.", says Michel Harmony, owner of EcoSphere Associates, Inc.

The EcoSphere is a living example of cooperative relationships. What better way to say to someone, what we do together is important? It can be used to say thank you for a job well done or thank you for your business.

The EcoSphere is a techie gift, earthy gift, and high-end premium gift. It also works well as an award. It's perfect for someone who has everything and yet appreciates something unusual.

For more information about the EcoSphere, visit their website, www.ecosphereasi.com.