Q1:  Are pens appropriate for me?

If you are a title company, mortgage broker, CPA or any other company that uses pens often, then pens are definitely an item to consider.

Q2: What type of pen should I choose?

Metal, Plastic, Click, Doming, Stylus, Lighted, etc.  There are so many to choose from right?

Consider brand image, budget, and specific requirements to select the right pen for your needs.  If you are a high end financial firm, handing out plastic pens will not support your brand the right way.  In this scenario it would be advisable to consider a nice metal pen.  If you are a tech company, then a stylus pen would definitely be your best option.

Q3: What type of writing should I look for?

Fine, Medium?  Black ink, Blue Ink? Ballpoint, Gel?

Think about your business requirements and your target market to make the appropriate selection.

Q4: What about logo imprinting?

Pens typically have a very limited printing area, so consider this when choosing pens as your swag choice.  Keep the print to a minimum. A logo + website is recommended.  You can also opt for a logo + phone number.  Adding anything more will render the print too tiny to read and make your pens look too busy.

If you need help selecting the right pen for your needs, please email us at info@brandulation.com.

Why settle for DIY when you can be treated like a VIP?  We shop for SWAG that is the best fit and value for YOU.

Katie Myers is one such person, in my life.

Katie understand the importance of nurturing relationships.  

She is thoughtful, kind, and extremely creative!  

She is supportive of others and is a consistent connector.

It was such a treat to catch up with her over sushi!  I can’t wait for the our next lunch date!!!

Katie and her team at CR Conversations are devoted to helping businesses be exceptional in their industry.  They strive to help businesses make their customers feel valued and appreciated.  They develop a plan based on your specific requirements, to consistently touch base with customers to increase loyalty and referrals.

If you’d like to connect with Katie, give me a shout out!  

I’d be delighted to initiate an introduction.

When thinking of which promo item to choose it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. The options are seemingly endless!

I recommend reading The Art Of Choosing by Sheena Iyengar. It will definitely change the way you view choice and how it impacts your business.

Here are a few pointers to keep in mind:

Cost per impression- 

How often will your message be seen by the user or by others around them? For instance, a shopping bag will be seen every time they go to the grocery store.  It will also be seen by other shoppers at the grocery store.  So bags typically have a low cost per impression.  This means you are able to invest less money, while attracting more views to your message.

Brand Alignment-

You wouldn’t expect an elegant restaurant to hand out plastic pens with the logo of a hospital on it, right?  It would send the wrong message to the customers.  It would state that they aren’t willing to invest in a nice pen, while simultaneously communicating the wrong message.  It could even be harmful to their reputation!

Usefulness-

Steer clear of items that look like toys.  Instead, focus on useful items that people will appreciate.  This does not imply that you have to spend more.  It simply means that the item should have a high perceived value.

Inspirational-

Instead of printing your logo front and center, I recommend incorporating inspirational messages with a link to your website for further information.  This will inspire your customers and prospects while still reminding them of who gave them the gift.  It shows them that you are focused on them, and not solely on self promotion.  It will also help you stand out.

Safety-

Select items that are compliant with CPSIA laws and safety regulations.  A certified distributor will be able to help you make the right recommendations, to ensure the products you select come from reputable sources.

Co-Branding-

Consider cross promoting with another business who serves a similar audience. This will enable you to stretch your dollar further and support each other too!  

For instance…

If you own a boutique store at a mall, you could offer to split the cost of canvas shopping bags with a shoe store next door, for the opportunity to share advertising space on the bags that leave your respective stores.

No need to go at all this alone.  We are here to help make the process easy, for no additional cost.

Ready to Get Your Brand On?

Skip the catalogs and online sites and SNAG A SMART SWAG SHOPPER! 

Why settle for DIY when you can be treated like a VIP?

Stephan is someone who is driven to make a positive difference for others.

He puts his heart and soul into everything he does, and is an inspiration to everyone around him!

He is a teacher, a listener, a leader and a connector.

I have had the privilege of experiencing Stephan’s musical genius at an event.  He is so talented!  

Stephan and his team at LITTLETON SCHOOL OF MUSIC are devoted to helping people PLAY TO THEIR POTENTIAL.

They have created a fun community of musicians of all walks of life. From beginners to pros, they have it all in their studios. They believe in learning everyday, so their programs keep getting even better, more exciting, and are designed to help people to get to their goals even more effectively.

If you’d like to connect with Stephan, give me a shout out!  

I’d be delighted to initiate an introduction.

Building a business is all about creating relationships. This includes both online and offline connections.

When you meet someone, you want to make a great first impression.

What better way to achieve this than through SWAG…tchotchkes | free goodies | giveaways.

So what exactly does swag mean (I get asked this a lot)?

S.W.A.G. = Something We All Get

People love getting free gifts. So let’s look at how giving a little something, can go a long way to build your business.

Promotional products help you:

Remain Top Of Mind-

Over 50% of consumers retain promotional products from between 1-4 years.

Initiate An Emotional Connection-

83% of consumers say they “like” receiving them.

Provide Something Useful-

82% of consumers keep items that are useful.

Motivate-

85% of consumers state that they are more likely to do business with a company after receiving a promotional gift.

Next up…

Stay Tuned!

Ready to Get Your Brand On?

Kirk never hesitates to share his experience and insight with others.  He is extremely generous with his knowledge and is kind and considerate of others.  He has an inclusive mindset, is open to new ideas, and eager to help.

I trust Kirk’s recommendations, and am always uplifted by his can do attitude and positive outlook.

If you’d like to connect with Kirk, give me a shout out!  

I’d be delighted to initiate an introduction.

Walt desires to inform and educate individuals about alternative concepts in planning for retirement.

He believes you should have freedom to design a plan which you control – one that provides tax advantages, gives you access to your money without penalties, guarantees you a reasonable return, and provides income for retirement.

He is generous with his time and his knowledge, and is passionate about helping others.

He offers informational materials, podcasts, and various resources to empower people to make the decisions that are best suited for their needs, based on a well rounded understanding of their options.

I am so glad to know Walt!

Charles “Walt” Wilson established this company to assist individuals in planning for retirement with concepts which are not traditionally taught in the retirement world. Walt has over 40 years of experience in the financial service industry. He is in good standing with the State of Colorado and various states across the country.   Financial Investing for Millennials Interview with Walt Wilson on Business Innovators Radio LISTEN

If you’d like to connect with Walt, give me a shout out!  

I’d be delighted to initiate an introduction.

Nina has a deep understanding and perspective of the power that is within each of us, and truly believes that anything is achievable.

She is an eloquent writer and speaker, who is passionate about empowering others to achieve their potential.

I enjoy reading her various articles on http://www.paveyourway.com/blog.  They are really helpful and eye opening.

I am truly grateful and inspired by Nina’s wisdom, generosity, and can do spirit!

If you’d like to connect with Nina, give me a shout out!  

I’d be delighted to initiate an introduction.

Yes, YOU…the small business owner.

Your brand is your identity.  Your brand is not your logo.

Your logo is typically the first visual glimpse people get, to make a first impression about you…EXTERNAL.

Your brand is…Who you are.  What you stand for.  How you live….INTERNAL.

When was the list time you received a promotional giveaway with a logo on it?
Was it in the form of a goodie bag at an event?
Was it from a booth at a trade show?
Did it arrive in the mail?

Did you feel connected to the brand in a meaningful way, simply because you received free custom printed swag?

Unless you have an established brand (identity) that your audience gets behind, no one will be enthusiastic about using stuff with your logo on it.  Therefore, the investment made with the intention of keeping customers happy and promoting business, won’t work as intended.

So what’s the alternative?

One option is to give USEFUL stuff.  Customers appreciate gifts that they can use often.

Another approach is to communicate messages that resonate with them.  Think about what inspires them, makes them smile, or encourages them to connect with your brand.

A combination of both would be even better!

So what’s the brand test?

It’s simple.  Businesses who are successfully able to SELL stuff with their logo, have an established brand which people proudly want to promote. This is a clear indicator that they have a brand identity. This is why many restaurants, concert venues, and popular travel destinations are able to sell merchandise to augment their bottom line.

This is not the case for most small businesses.

So why do small businesses who don’t have an established brand continue to print their logo on stuff that isn’t useful or inspirational?  

It’s primarily because everyone else does.  It’s the “me too” mentality.  If everyone else is doing it, I should too.

The problem is that many large companies who purchase lots of promotional items have deep pockets, and are not focused on building meaningful relationships with their customers.

Small businesses can and should focus on relationships. It’s the main reason why people choose to work with a small business in the first place.

Are there any scenarios when small businesses should print their logo on stuff, front and center?  

Sure!  Businesses who travel to people’s homes or other businesses, participate in trade shows, have a retail space, and attend formal meetings should promote their logo’s proudly. This communicates that the company is professional and official.  It indicates that the company is a committed and legitimate organization.  This provides customers with awareness and peace of mind.

So, should small businesses who don’t meet this criteria stop printing their logo on stuff? 

Not in the least!  However, these small businesses should strategically focus on giving useful and meaningful gifts and messages, while including their logo and contact info. This way, recipients are inspired by the messaging and brand identity, while still remembering who sent them the reward or gift.

Showing gratitude should be an ongoing habit for small businesses who do not have a strong brand identity. 

Thanking the people who meet you for coffee, your power partners, your customers, your prospects, those who refer you, etc., and giving appropriate and well thought out gifts and rewards, should be an integral part of a small businesses marketing strategy.

Yet another discounted plastic pen with your logo on it, simply won’t cut it!

As I reflect on a person who epitomizes that word, Chris comes to mind.

Chris believes in nurturing relationships, and supporting and caring for people.

He sincerely enjoys utilizing his experience and knowledge to educate and empower others.

He loves music, the outdoors, family, friends, and community.

If that isn’t enough, he’s also an amazingly talented musician!  

He’s the “real deal” and I’m privileged to know him.

Mortgage Broker, Math Nerd, Musician, and Real Estate Investor. His primary focus is in loan origination and quantitative solutions in the mortgage business. From purchasing primary homes and investment properties, to refinancing and home equity loans, Chris provides mortgage consulting, education, and loan origination with Excel Financial Group. Chris and his team offer unparalleled mortgage and refinance service to clients throughout the entire State of Colorado.

If you’d like to connect with Chris, give me a shout out!  

I’d be delighted to initiate an introduction.