Promo Deal Talk

Ideas and Tools to Help You Plan Your Next Promotion

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 02 Oct 2013 13:24:00 +0000

If you plan a lot of events for your business or non profit, it can be a challenge to pull all the information needed to plan the perfect event. Which events, holidays and observances do you want to promote? Which ideas will work best for your promotion? Where can you obtain promotional product information without trolling through scattered resources. We’ve created a mobile friendly planning tool that is available on our Facebook fan page to help plan your next marketing campaign.

In addition to promoting your own products, initiatives and services, there are times when you want to motivate, show appreciation, recognize and touch base with customers, employees and prospects when you aren’t selling your own items. It’s during these times that you need an event, observance or holiday or that shines a light on things that are near and dear to your customers, employees or prospects.

Whether it’s a health awareness initiative or a major marketing campaign, many firms use promotional items to give participants a branded item that they can take away from the event. These items help to drive home the ideas presented during the promotion. And who doesn’t want to receive a free item? It’s a win for everyone.

If you’re planning your holiday promotions, we have just the tool for you! The tool makes it easy to plan because everything you need for the perfect marketing campaign in one place. It provides tools like a promotional calendar that lists many popular holidays observances on one tab, marketing ideas, articles and case studies on tab two and links to promotional items like holiday gifts, items for Halloween and awareness programs. If you plan a lot of events, this tool is a great combination of items to make planning easier.

There is a promotional calendar that can be viewed from an agenda, weekly or monthly format and it can be printed for your convenience. It’s based on the Google Calendar application which makes it easy to share information with team members. If you have Google calendar, you can choose the events you would like to promote and add them to your calendar. Each entry shows the website for the event (when available) so that you can obtain more information on the observance.

We have also incorporated the most recent blog posts to provide articles, ideas and case studies that show how other companies have used promotional items. These ideas may spark your creativity and take you closer to a finished plan.

There is also a link to several product categories that you can access as well as links to promotional items from Pinterest. Finding specials on promotional items can also be a challenge when planning, so we incorporated a link to product specials. This can help you make the most of your advertising dollars using this tool.

This tool is a wealth of information and accessible from your phone, desktop or tablet. If you are working with a team there is a link that allow you to share the app with team members. To access the tool, use this link or visit our Facebook fan page and click on “Plan a Promo“. You can bookmark the tab on your phone for easy access.

Make sure to visit our fan page and start using the Plan a Promo tool today! If you have any questions please send us your feedback

Contact us for help with your next project! Stay in touch on Google+, Facebook and Twitter: Visit our website and Request a Quote.

Are You Planning the Holiday Party This Year?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 27 Sep 2013 21:50:00 +0000

It’s that time of year again! Time to think of when, where and how the company party will move forward. If you are chosen as the person who will pull things together, you should decide on key elements of the party as soon as possible. Will you plan alone or will your event require a committee? Depending on the size of the event, an outside planner may be needed.

Whether you’re planning alone or as part of a committee, deciding on the items below will give you time to find the best selections in everything. Waiting until the last minute usually costs more and limits your ability to have items that are important to the success of your party. Whether your budget is big or small, the overall trend in recent years has been to make every dollar count versus the free-spending of years gone by. Another trend has been to look for quality over quantity.

Whether you decide on one larger party for the entire company or a group of smaller parties for departments or teams, there are basic elements that should be decided, the earlier the better.

An event theme
A venue location, time, date
Total number of attendees
Appropriate food and beverages
Appropriate decor for your theme and guests
An agenda for the day of the event

Many companies are also emphasizing employee appreciation during holiday parties. This is also an area where planning ahead can save money. Will you hand out gifts to each employee? If so what will the gift consist of? What kinds of gifts fit your budget and theme? Will you need awards or gifts for special recognition? Custom printed gifts have always been a big part of the holiday season. Here are some product suggestions to consider:

The days of over the top parties are gone, and no one knows if they will ever return. Companies are focusing on different ways to celebrate the holidays without spending a fortune. With that in mind, it’s a great opportunity to create an atmosphere that emphasizes networking, socializing and fun. Additionally, the holidays have always been a perfect time to reach out to local communities (for example, food, clothing and toy drives) rather than indulging in lavish parties.

If you are chosen to plan your company party, keep in mind that thoughtful planning, and reserving key elements as early as possible will help you plan the perfect party for your organization.

Contact us for help with your next project! Stay in touch on Google+, Facebook and Twitter: Visit our website and get an instant quote.

If You're Planning or Sponsoring a Trick or Treat Event We Want to Talk to You!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 24 Sep 2013 21:34:00 +0000

Your Imprint on the Back of the Bag
A Pumpkin Face and Safety Tips on the Front

Halloween celebrations have gone from the traditional (beggars night) to community focused events held in church parking lots, pumpkin patches and corn mazes. Events like Boo at the Zoo, trunk or treat, hayrides and other Fall festivities are aimed at families and they are happening in many communities across the country.

If you're planning a trick-or-treating event, consider offering sponsorships to local business owners. Allow them to place their imprint on Halloween bags to promote safety and reach potential customers while everyone enjoys family friendly fun.

If you're a business owner why not buy some bags, have them imprinted and either fill them with goodies and hand them out from your office or donate them to a local organization that is having an event.

Halloween bags are currently on sale, making them very affordable. They have reinforced handles and

Perfect for a Scary
Halloween Movie Night

are available in orange, white and yellow plastic and silver and gold metallic materials. Soft handle bags like the one shown (and all our bags) are available with a large imprint area for your message. Some of them have a space at the bottom that allows for a coupon that can be redeemed later (online or in person, the choice is yours) for added value and additional web or foot traffic.

Our bags are currently on sale, order early (before October 12, 2013 for the best selection. Rush shipment and production will be needed to deliver orders placed after October 12, 2013. Download our Halloween sale flyer.

Imprinted bags will allow parents and grandparents to remember your company after the event and the kids will have festive bags to carry all the goodies. It's a win-win for all!

Contact us for help with your next project! Stay in touch on Google+, Facebook and Twitter: Visit our website and Request a Quote.

Grab the Attention of Parents, Grandparents and Children this Halloween

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 16 Sep 2013 00:02:00 +0000

Halloween is approaching and we wanted to give you a few tips on how you can use promotional items to gain exposure for your company. Learn why Halloween is a holiday that you don't want to miss.

Fall is the busiest time of year for most companies as everyone gear up for back to school, Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas. There is also October, and National Breast Cancer Awareness Month as well as many other anniversaries, recognitions and reasons to create and support health and wellness. There are fall festivals, haunted houses, and plenty of other family friendly, events that you can use to create goodwill in the community and spread the word about your promotions.

Information is available online from trade associations, non profit organizations, the government and other web based resources have a wealth of information about your target audience and current trends. For example, we looked online and found that according to the National Retail Federation, Halloween is second only to Christmas as the biggest spending holiday, with over 170 million people estimated to participate in activities in 2012.

Spending for 2012 was projected to reach 8 billion on costumes, candy and decorations for adults, children and pets. If consumers are spending that much on Halloween, it would be wise to get in on the action with your own Halloween promotion, even if your business has absolutely nothing to do with Halloween. More than likely, some of your customers may be part of the 170 million people that anticipated participation in Halloween activities.

You can use this information to promote your business by expanding on what people normally do for Halloween. We know that the average family will buy costumes for the kids, adults and even pets. They will also decorate and buy candy and treats. They will be frequenting fall festivals, hayrides, haunted houses, amusement parks, zoos and more. If you're one of those businesses, you'll want to have items to advertise sales, exclusive perks and special offers.

With the popularity of Halloween and Fall, your customers may also participate in family friendly activities sponsored by churches and youth organizations. Have your advertising message distributed on a Halloween related items to grab their attention at a time when they are in the mood to receive it.

Contact us for help with your next project! Stay in touch on Google+, Facebook and Twitter: Visit our website and Request a Quote.

Obtain an Instant Quote on Our New and Improved Site, Just in Time for the Holidays!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 15 Sep 2013 22:33:00 +0000

We are excited to announce that we gave our website a new look and we've implemented new features that will streamline the buying process for our customers and new visitors. The changes were implemented within the last week, just in time for the holiday season. They will enable customers and visitors to find items quickly, with themes for the holidays, Halloween and awareness.

One of the most notable improvements enables customers to obtain a quick quote and easily request a quote for items that require complex customization, all from any initial product page. You no longer have to go to the details page to receive product details, they can be found by clicking on the shopping cart icon.

Customers and visitors will no longer have to fill out endless forms to receive a quote which enhances on site communication. You can create an account and add items to your favorite or add several items to an inquiry and send it to us. Please view this video for a quick overview of the changes and contact us if you have any questions.
Contact us for help with your next project! Stay in touch on Google+, Facebook and Twitter: Visit our website and Request a Quote.

How to Prospect for New Customers

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 04 Aug 2013 23:51:00 +0000

Start by Creating a Plan

As a business owner, you are the master of your destiny, and you’re excellent at what you do. If someone asks you about your core business, you’ll be happy to provide detailed information. But when asked to quantify how you’re finding new customers for your business, the conversation can take a vague and indefinite turn. This happens because with many small businesses, sales and marketing often take a back seat to other priorities. Good intentions are there, but the actions fall between the cracks. The question for today is how can one have a successful and thriving business without a plan for finding new customers for your business? Whether you know it or not, as a business owner you are responsible for actively promoting your business, and you’re the head of sales and marketing. No matter what business you’re in, selling is critical to your company’s ability to grow and move forward.

If you build it, they will come… sounded great in the movies, and maybe that works for a while, in some cases. In reality if you’re not dedicating resources to sales and marketing, your business is probably not going to make it very far. To keep your business thriving, you will need a constant pipeline of sales transactions. This means that you have to find ways to keep existing customers happy and returning, and new customers coming in the door. Here are some tips on creating a plan for finding new customers for your business.

Your Job as Head Salesperson

Contrary to popular belief, being head salesperson for your company doesn’t mean that you’re always in front of people or on social media “selling” and talking about your products and services. Your biggest sales job involves not only being great at your craft, but it also involves honing your skills in the art of listening and learning as much as possible about your customer’s needs. It means that you’re in the business of building relationships with existing and potential customers as well as in the community. And it also means that you’ll have plenty of opportunities to balance talking about what you do with ways you can help your customers, when the time is right.

To locate new customers, you will need to answer a few initial questions. To start, who is your ideal customer? Take time to really work on this question. Answer the who, what, when, where and how as it relates to this question. These answers will go a long way towards guiding your business to the right audience. What problems does your audience have? How can your business solve them? If you sell to individuals, where do those individuals hang out in their spare time? Do they hang out online and if so where? Do you have an online presence that addresses their issues? If so how can you reach your audience online? What organizations or community activities can you join to support these efforts?

If you sell to businesses, consider the department that is most likely to buy your products or services, and what individual or level of responsibility would be the one who makes the final purchasing decision. If you’re not sure who those people are, be proactive and make some calls to find out! Then consider how that individual would normally find products or services like yours. What circles do they travel in? Who are they likely to listen to or where do they look when they want to buy a product or service? Find a way to put your information, or yourself, in their path.

The Key to Success

Planning is the first step in finding new customers. Without a plan you have no direction and without direction finding new customers will remain on your to-do list, but your goals will never see the light of day. Plans, goals and objectives sound great and look great on paper. But without action, the best plans are useless. We’ll cover implementation in future articles…

For now, here are some action items to consider:

Create a plan that includes joining and contributing to a specific number of online and offline groups that will place you in the path of your audience.
Make sure your plan includes a specific number of emails, postcards, business cards, handwritten note cards, and brochures you will send each month to new and existing customers.
Sponsor an event or that will attract potential customer. We’ll talk about this in detail later in the series.
Educate customers about aspects of your business to bring in new business. ( Don’t be afraid to give something away (free service, raffle, auction, etc.) to draw in potential clients.
If you don’t have a blog, plan to start one and commit to a realistic number of posts each week.

Make sure your blog provides a way for customers to subscribe to your information. These are just a few simple ideas to begin the process of finding new customers.

Keep in mind that sales often happen because potential customers hear about your products and services in several different ways and from several different sources. The more often they are exposed to you and your message, the more likely they are to consider what you have to offer when they are ready to buy.

Contact us for help with your next project! Stay in touch on Google+, Facebook and Twitter: Visit our website to Request a Quote.

T-Shirt Ideas for Earth Day Celebrations

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 05:47:00 +0000

What is Your Group Planning?

Spring has arrived, and unfortunately for many of us, mother nature still thinks it's winter. Nevertheless Earth Day will be celebrated in April and now is the time to plan for promotions and events related to conservation, saving the planet, green initiatives and energy efficiency.

This unique t-shirt, tie dyed to resemble the planet Earth, is available in sizes small to 2X with a minimum quantity of 12 shirts. We suggest a one color, one location imprint on the shirt with the text of your choice.

Earth Day, Conservation and Saving the Planet

This shirt works well for men and women and if your group (or industry) wants to convey an advertising message that supports energy efficiency, thinking green, recycling, conservation or ecology, this is the perfect shirt.

Whether you order tie dye or regular colors t-shirts are attractive and comfortable while providing a uniform look. They have a large canvas for your message, making them a walking billboard.

If your group supports climate change or saving the planet, t shirts are an excellent way to create awareness and spread your message. Tie dye shirts are very trendy this year and this shirt comes in sizes that are sure to fit every member of your organization.

To obtain more information, please visit Gremon Marketing, www .gremonmarketing .com and make sure to search for "Sundog Earth" or click on the image to see this shirt. You can also search for keywords earth, light bulb, green, planet, and energy to see more items. If you're having problems finding the perfect promotional item for your next promotion or event please give us a call or contact us and we will find items to fit your needs.

You can also visit www .custom t shirt makers .com to see our selection of custom t shirts with a minimum quantity of 12 shirts in youth, adult, and plus sizes with all inclusive pricing and quantity discounts. Make this year's celebration something your group will remember.

Capture Wedding and Anniversary Memories on Recordable CDs and DVDs

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 15:38:00 +0000

Capture and Share
Weddings and Reunions

Warm weather is approaching and that usually means preparations for weddings, reunions and other events. We can help with customized options that will allow the planners to keep memories alive for years to come. Custom CDs and DVDs are the perfect solution for business and personal events.

Using Recordable CDs for Weddings and Reunions

Record and share personal celebrations like weddings, special services, anniversaries, birthdays and reunions on custom printed CDs and DVDs. Recordable media will provide unique keepsakes that family and friends will enjoy long after the event. Minimum quantities are as low as 25 pieces so there are enough for the wedding party and family.

Recordable CD-Rs and DVD-Rs make the perfect keepsake for your guests. Ideas for using them include the following:

Creating a video journal of celebrations leading up to a wedding. For example the engagement celebrations, showers, parties and the big day! Great for anniversaries, reunions, and birthdays.
A playlist of favorite songs from the engagement, wedding, and reception to capture moments in time.
Capture the thoughts, plans and wishes in an electronic journal and include it on your disk.
Capture photos taken during the event and send a photo gallery of pictures on cute mini discs that fit nicely into thank you cards as a special gift of gratitude.

CD Duplication Services Are Available

If you would like to burn your own CD-Rs as a Do It Yourself (DIY) option, you can have your favorite photo, message and text placed on the CD to commemorate your event. The CDs or DVD-Rs will be printed with your imprint and shipped in about 5 business days. CD-Rs and DVDs are purchased with no media recorded on them (blank) unless duplication services are requested. If you would like to supply the media, duplication services are available and the data will be placed on your CDs/DVDs.

Each media type, CD-R (700 MB), DVD-R (4.7 GB), 3" mini CD-Rs (180 MB) and 3" DVD-R mini (1.47 GB) offers a different level of storage capacity. Audio, video, documents and images can be placed on all media. Mini CDs are great for mailing and stuffing into cards, envelopes and bags. Create customized CDs and DVDs that will store your memories forever.

If you're planning an event, contact us for help with your next project! Stay in touch on Google+, Facebook and Twitter: Visit our website and Request a Quote.

What Can Salons and Spas Do to Thrive in Today's Market?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 01:03:00 +0000

We love being pampered and most of us consider impeccable grooming to be a personal and professional requirement. However, because of the sustained downturn in the economy, the success of beauty industry professionals is not only attributed to skills and ability, success also depends on economic factors as well. Because these services are typically considered as extras (nice to have, but not as much as food and shelter), changes in the economy have a direct impact on the industry and the ability for salons and spas to thrive or even survive.

There is a growing number of people that are either forgoing these services altogether or learning to perform core services themselves. Additionally, the high end skin and hair care products sold in salons are now being replaced by lower cost items sold in retail stores. Clients that frequented salons and spas before the recession have been forced to become more budget conscious.

Whether clients have been deeply affected by the economy or not, they want more value for a dollar. These changes should cause salon owners to take stock and begin asking some of the hard questions. For example who is the new recession conscious audience for salon and spa services? How has the audience changed over time and has the industry kept up with the changes? This information may be different based on location, services offered and the experience level of the salon operators.

10 Questions for Salon Owners to Answer as a First Step

Here are some questions that salon owners, managers and operators should ask if they plan to not just survive, but thrive during the economic challenges facing large and small companies alike:

What changes have you noticed in your salon or spa? If you haven't noticed any changes, and everything is humming along, you can skip the rest of the questions.
Are there other factors (than the economy) that have contributed to the current changes in client behavior?
Has your salon changed to accommodate the needs of your customers?
Does your salon create an "experience" for the client that exceeds their expectations? What does the typical customer experience when they visit your salon? Is it the experience you would like for them to have?
How does your salon communicate information to current and potential customers? Is your salon on board with using technology to communicate specials, company news, and other useful information?
Are you showing clients that you respect their time? If they have a short wait, are you providing an atmosphere that makes the wait pleasant?
Are you offering value added services or are you charging the same pre-recession prices?
What are you doing to make it easy for customers to do business with you?
What can you do to make the customer more engaged with your business?
Is your business a good corporate citizen? What role does your salon play in the community?
Are you taking a passive role (only looking for business to come to you), or are you reaching out to the areas where your customers work and play?

Maintaining the status quo may no longer be feasible with the current economic dynamics. Consider that (1) the average family's hectic lifestyles are even more hectic, (2) the ability to use technology provides free communication to the masses, and (3) the need to consider value based options for customers who need them will allow more customers to consider your business as an option.

Word of mouth advertising and holding the line on pricing may not allow you to reach your goals if you're not reaching more clients with your current offerings or if no one can afford your services. Now more than ever, it's time to look at the way you market your products/services and make any reasonable changes to keep your business thriving and relevant.

Review the slides in this presentation and consider using promotional items to rebuild, rebrand and reinvent yourself as a leader in your industry.

Gremon Marketing from Gremon Marketing/Custom T-Shirt Makers

Promotional items that are geared toward your salon and spa clients can also help you improve your image, and spread the word about new ideas and ways of doing things. They can also help your company play a greater role in your community. More positive activity in the community will help to establish your company as the "go to" business in your area.

Effective marketing is the key to continued success and the book below is available on Amazon, 12 Months of Marketing for Salon and Spa: Ideas, Events and Promotions for Salon and Spa by Elizabeth Kraus helps to answer some additional questions below:

How can new stylists and estheticians carve out clientele as they launch their career?
What can industry professionals at any stage of their career do to create a new normal that transcends economic factors?
What should they be doing to take control of their business, growth of their client base, retail sales and income?

You can click the link below to be taken to Amazon where you can buy the book. You can have a sneak peek inside to see if it will give you the insight needed to move ahead. If you decide to read it, please send us a note to let us know how you like it.

Contact us via email or by phone at 937-317-0252 for help with your next project! Stay in touch on Google+, Facebook and Twitter: Visit our website and Request a Quote.

Improve Your Reach Using Holidays and Observances

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 18:14:00 +0000

If you're stumped for a reason to connect with your customers, we have the answer! Holidays and national observances create the wonderful opportunities to connect with your customers. They provide a reason to sponsor a holidays that are meaningful to your target audience, to create awareness about a cause you support, educate customers on an interesting topic, or offer a coupon or discount in honor of a special moment in time.

Ideas for Celebrating National Women's History Month

For example, the National Women's History Project's 2013 theme for National Women's History Month is Women Inspiring Innovation Through Imagination: Celebrating Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. They are honoring women in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

During the month of March, in honor of Women's History Month, one idea would be to feature women who have excelled in science and technology now and throughout history. Make the observance even more meaningful by including local women.

Enhance the celebration by creating an offer for women who sign up for your newsletter (at your brick and mortar facility or website) to receive a free promotional gift. The promotional gift should include your logo with a message in support of women's contributions. If customers sign up online, make sure to provide them with a promotional code that they can use to get their free gift.

Complimentary Beverages
Anyone?

Another example includes the theme of health and wellness. Even if your company isn't in the healthcare field, many consumers are concerned about health and fitness. Health related observances like National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and National Nutrition Month provide an opportunity to provide general health information or encourage customers and potential customers to pay attention to their health by scheduling screenings and regular check ups.

Partnering with hospitals and clinics can boost awareness in your community and provide information on resources that are available.

We have items like t-shirts, napkins, balloons, drinkware, pillboxes, first aid kits, candles, stress reducers and more. Placing your logo on items with an inspiring message shows customers and potential customers that you care about topics that are important to them and the community. Call us for more ideas or to order promotional items for your next campaign.

March Holidays and Observances

The following observances are approaching in March! Find more observances by taking a look at our Promo Calendar. It's constantly updated so check it often.

Great American Cleanup
Irish American Heritage Month
Mental Retardation Awareness Month
Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
National Nutrition Month
National Professional Social Work Month
National Women's History Month

Contact us for help with your next project! Stay in touch on Google+, Facebook and Twitter: Visit our website and Request a Quote.

Help Your Customers Make the Connection with Promotional Items

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 03:01:00 +0000

Your company may spend huge sums on marketing and advertising... and it can still be easy to miss the mark when trying to make a connection with customers. Social media is all the rage, but if it doesn't result in a tangible return on investment, how much should be invested in all that posting and tweeting? A large number of followers on social media should translate into a relative number of visits, interactions and ultimately buyers for it to pay off. Advertisers can spend hours posting and tweeting to their followers with little or no actual return on investment.

When used correctly and in conjunction with other marketing media, promotional items can be extremely effective in helping your customers make the connection between your company and their need for what your company has to offer. They repeat and reinforce your marketing message in homes, offices and events where your customer spend most of their time. Most people that receive them use them or see them on a regular basis, making recognizing the name of the company that gave them out easy. When customers are ready to make a purchase for your product or service, contact information (on the promo item) is easily accessible. For ideas on using them with your marketing message view the slides below.

If you're not sure how to get started, begin the process by thinking about your current marketing message and how you're communicating your message to customers. Is your marketing message reaching your customers? Is it causing customers to take the desired actions? If so, you're on the right track, congratulations! If not, you might want to revisit the message and/or the delivery method.

You may also want to review your brand, customer experience and consistency. Are you sending mixed messages between your marketing and the actual customer experience? How do you want customers to feel when they visit your business? How should they feel about your company when they leave your establishment? Have you built your brand in a way that supports the experience you want for current and potential customers? Is your total package (logo, marketing materials, product, service, appearance and physical atmosphere) consistent with the brand identity you've created? For example, if your brand was built around having a sense of fun and adventure, is that what your customers get when they visit? What about when they visit online?

Have you clearly identified your ideal customers? From the previous example, are your ideal customers looking for fun and adventure? Why should they do business with your company instead of your competition?

These are important questions to ask when creating a marketing message that really connects with your audience. Promotional items can bring home the connection from your message to your customers when you're not around. They're tangible reminders of the great experience your customers have had with your company and your events. To obtain more information please email or call us today at 937-317-0252.

Contact us for help with your next project! Stay in touch on Google+, Facebook and Twitter: Visit our website and Request a Quote.

Why You Should Use Promotional Items, Especially Today

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 05:01:00 +0000

In today's competitive market everyone wants more value. Consumers are watching their spending and tend to gravitate toward anything that will help their money go further. Companies are doing more with fewer employees, and customers are dealing with rising expenses and wages that are at best staying the same.

Companies have held the line on spending and their marketing and advertising budgets are frozen in fear. The "necessities" have been paid at the expense of anything that has to do with frivolous things like marketing until things turn around. I'm just being sarcastic, but some people have been waiting for a turn around in the economy since 2008, and they won't spend another dime for advertising and marketing, until things are better long term.

How To Use Promotional Items to
Make Things Better

Believe it or not, now it's more important than ever to promote your business. If you're not advertising and actively promoting your business, you are probably losing some of your loyal customers who are hearing nothing but the news that ranges from bad to cautiously optimistic, which in turn makes them more leery of spending.

To counter this information, you will need to find ideas that will give these customers a message that motivates them to do business with you. Coupons, two for one specials, buy 10 get the 11th one free, manufacturer's specials, a contest or something creative that will bring these customers out of hiding so that you don't lose loyal customers. If not they may not return after things get better. Even worse they may find another resource for your products and services.

By not advertising, you are also missing opportunities to capture new customers who are doing well and may be looking for someone who does what you do. Additionally, while your competition is not spending on advertising, it presents a great opportunity for you to obtain a larger share of the market. Going down to zero expenditures for marketing and advertising is a recipe for disaster for any business.

Promotional items are powerful marketing tools that have a low cost per impression. According to research conducted by the Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) promotional items are in about 80% of homes in the U.S. They travel well at home and in the office. If you're on the fence regarding the power of these great marketing tools, please view this video and contact us for help with your next order. If you can't view the video here, please use this link.

Contact us for help with your next project! Stay in touch on Google+, Facebook and Twitter: Visit our website and Request a Quote.

Your Logo: 5 Reasons to Invest in a Professional Design

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 02:12:00 +0000

This is where we talk about one of the critical tools used to brand your business, the logo. We’re starting with a discussion on logos because it’s not one of the tools that you can drop into an envelope and send to your customers by itself. For a start up, it’s a building block that when combined with all the other marketing tools will set about doing the job of branding your company.

When used effectively, it becomes is the most highly recognized part of your marketing and advertising efforts. The thought is that this branding will translate to increased sales and growth for your business. It’s a tried and true method used by companies large and small with tremendous success.

There’s always a question of when and how it should be created. Some experts feel that you should invest in a professional logo design from day one. Others think you should wait until your business is established to invest in a logo. Here are some things to consider regarding how much you should invest in the logo whenever you decide to create your design.

Here’s a common scenario… You’re just starting out, maybe your budget is tight and you’re not sure if you should invest in graphic design services for your logo. You have no graphic design experience, but how hard could it be, right? With all the off the shelf graphic design programs and royalty free clip images, you get the idea that you can use your computer to create a logo for your business. Problem solved. Right? Well…maybe not. Before opting for this do it yourself (DIY) choice, please take a moment to think about your business, and your long term goals.

A poorly designed, low quality image may send the wrong message to potential customers. There are a number of things to consider beyond the image itself. Think of the impact your logo will have on your ability to do the kind of business you want to do, as well as the kinds of relationships that will be impacted by your logo design:

1. First Impressions Last - Have you ever received a business card that was printed on the family ink jet computer? Think about how that made you feel when you saw it, versus how you’ve felt when you received a professionally printed business card. Low quality, home printed materials are a good indicator that you’re a rookie who may not have the resources to obtain quality items.

It creates doubt in the minds of your customers. They think that if you don’t have the resources for professional printing, what else is missing? It’s important to present a professional image and highlight your strengths to build confidence with your customers. Remove as many doubts, blaring red flags and fears as possible about your business and your ability to handle the job.
A professional marketing package will take you a long way to reaching that goal. Therefore your logo, coming out of the gate should be polished to present the best possible image for your company. Remember the saying: You don’t get a second chance to make a good first impression.

In essence, your logo will play a major role in setting the tone for your business and it should speak to the character, values and quality of the products and services you’re offering, as well as the audience you want to attract. For example, if your business theme is happy, fun and carefree, that should be reflected in your logo. If your logo design unintentionally sends the opposite message, you may miss the audience and the business opportunities you’re looking for.

2. The Long Haul - Over the life of your business, your logo will be placed on every marketing piece, every piece of letterhead, invoices, business cards, advertising, signs, billboards, apparel, proposals, business plans, your website and so much more. This is your brand, the icon used to identify your company. It’s a unique combination of symbols, colors, and shapes that your customers, employees, the general public, and even your competitors will associate with the great experiences they have (or will have) with your company. You want it to represent you well over the long haul.

3. Credibility – Even though money may be tight in the beginning, investing in a professional looking image will go a long way toward seeing your business recognized and taken seriously by investors and those you intend to do business with. Changing logos can be devastating for any business. Once your customers get used to seeing your logo and they make the connection between the symbol and your business, there’s no turning back. Change the colors, change the background, but when you change the logo, you’re forcing your customers make the transition to learning what that represents all over again. In some ways, it’s like starting from square one. When was the last time you saw a major brand change their logo? You won’t see it much unless there is some catastrophe that is associated with a brand that makes it virtually useless. Brands become intangible assets that companies spend a ton of money to maintain.

4. Pride… Not Embarrassment - Think of how you feel (what descriptive words come to mind) when you see the logos of popular brands. When I’m out riding in the car with my three year old grandson, he already recognizes “Toys R Us” from viewing their signage. It brings a reaction that usually results in his asking me or his parents to visit the store. This is branding at its best.
Think of how you want your customers to feel when they see at your logo. How will your employees feel wearing your logo or handing out their card with your logo imprinted on it? When they look at your marketing materials, what feelings do you want them to have? Pride or anxiety? You certainly don’t want them to give out marketing materials with a low quality clip art design, do you?

Think of your business, and what you hope will come to mind when potential customers, investors and prospects receive your materials? Do you want them to think of descriptions like excitement, strength, integrity, stability, happiness, style, class, fun, tranquility, energy etc. Or do you want them to anxiously smile and say something like, don’t call us, we’ll call you? If you want to be recognized for the image you’re trying to project, consider these factors when selecting the method for creating your logo. A great logo will work well to promote your business and will eventually stand on its own. A low quality logo can make the most knowledgeable person seem lack luster.

5. Print-ability- When you think of how your logo will be designed (DIY or graphic designer) keep in mind that a professional designer will (or should) provide you with camera ready, color separated art files that can be taken to any printer that will handle your marketing materials. This means that your logo will be created in a vector based program like Illustrator and ready for high quality printing. Raster based programs will create images that result are low quality and when enlarged, will result in a stair step, pixel based image that has blurred, distorted edges. Printing companies, including promotional product manufacturers will charge more to convert your files to a vector based format.

All things considered, that simple little symbol, shape or combination thereof along with colors, word choices, and fonts; when pulled together, says a lot about your business. Make sure it says the right thing, and will illicit the responses you want from your customers when they see it. Once you have a prototype, ask your team members, friends and family for feedback. Ask them how they feel or for words that describe how they feel when they look at your logo. If there’s a match between your intentions and their impressions, you’re on the right track.

I can’t think of any instance where you would want to send a message that says low quality, cheap or amateur if you’re trying to build and grow your business. You don’t have to spend a fortune on your logo but you should invest time in finding a professional to create your design. You should also have a general idea of the theme, color, fonts etc that you might want to use. And by all means, consider the factors above before crafting this very important business tool.

Contact us for help with your next project! Stay in touch on Google+, Facebook and Twitter: Visit our website and Request a Quote.

Using Promotional Items to Gain More Leads at Trade Shows

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 22:23:00 +0000

How Promotional Items Work at Trade Shows

Promotional items are a wonderful addition to your trade show exhibit. They work best when they are combined with other marketing activities to reach your target audience.

They work to hold your marketing message and keep it front and center in the minds of perspective buyers after the event ends.

Keep in mind that the best promotional items are ones that your prospects can use and see on a daily basis. for example, items that sit on desks, hang on walls and stick to refrigerators and file cabinets. Items that hold family photos like magnets, picture frames, and clips work well for this. If you need ideas, we can help!

Trade shows will be in full swing during the Spring and summer months. Use these tips to learn more about your customers, have fun and book more appointments.

1.Learn something about your potential customers. Ever had a burning question you always want to know about potential customers? Give away a promotional gift that is imprinted with your company brand in exchange for completing a survey. Make the survey available online for convenience and provide the ability to share the survey with colleagues. Give respondents an email confirmation when they complete the online survey. They can show you the email to receive the promotional gift when they visit your booth.

2. Keep it lighthearted. Make a promotional product part of a game or other fun activity that draws attention to your booth. Nothing hard,complicated or unsafe, but make it fun and profitable at the same time. For example miniature golf, some form of bingo or trivia that ties into your product or industry.

3. Make an Appointment. Give out promotional items to each person that schedules a free sales consultation.

4. Create a Sneak Peek. Offer a free sample to each visitor with a promotional item that has information on how to order the full sized product.

Contact us for help with your next project! Stay in touch on Google+, Facebook and Twitter: Visit our website and Request a Quote.

Attract Potential Customers to Your Trade Show Booth with Promotional Items

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 17:59:00 +0000

Have you ever walked up to a trade show exhibit or booth that didn’t have any items to hand out i.e. promotional items? Maybe the exhibitor looked interesting from a distance, but when you approached and moved closer you found that they seemed unprepared. They had very few marketing materials. People were there to answer questions (hopefully) but there was still a feeling that something was missing. How did you feel about that company? Do you have a positive image of the company when this happens?

Need Items for your Next Trade Show?

While it’s not written in stone that companies give away promotional items at trade shows, it's come to be an expectation that there should be some sort of takeaway item. Not because people are greedy and need to be given something to do business with a given company. But because having promotional items is an indication that the company has given their visitors some forethought, they're prepared, and they have a clear marketing message that they are supporting with a take away item.

When promotional items, samples and/or marketing materials are present, the exhibitor has taken advantage of the opportunity to not only have face to face conversations with groups of potential buyers, but it also presents an opportunity to get these items into the hands of their target audience. Why would a company want to pass up on that opportunity?

Trade shows are a great opportunity to learn more about your industry, rub elbows with experts and most of all learn about your customers. Make the most of the experience and use the opportunity to distribute items that will give the visitor a way to remember you after the event is over. Armed with giveaway information, potential buyers have a way to better absorb and learn more about your company, set an appointment or make a purchase.

When a company appears to be unprepared, it leaves one with the need to fill in the dots on their own. It may not be a deal breaker, but it puts more pressure on the folks in the booth to provide a compelling reason to do business. If no one is in the booth to have a discussion or answer questions, that sends a strong message as well. The Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) conducted research that shows the following:

· 62.6% of trade-show attendees stated they had received a promotional product.
· 71.6% of attendees who received a promotional product remembered the name of the company that gave them the product.
· 76.3% of attendees had a favorable attitude toward the company that gave them the product.

Their findings indicate that most companies surveyed (maybe some of your competitors) are giving out promotional items. And it confirmed that they help visitors remember the experience they had with the company after the event is over. Most importantly, it helps to improve the attitudes of customer toward the company that gave them out.

Trade shows are happening all the time, and Spring shows will be in full swing in the coming months. We have plenty of items for your next event, including Quick Ship items. Contact us and take advantage of these tips and a wide selection of promotional items.

Contact us for help with your next project! Stay in touch on Google+, Facebook and Twitter: Visit our website and Request a Quote.

How to Brand Yourself as a Stylist, Spa or Salon Owner

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 23:18:00 +0000

By Guest Blogger Gerard Fairley

Branding your salon or spa is a crucial part of your business development for long term success. So, what does branding really mean? Branding is the proprietary visual, emotional, and rational image associated with your company. Branding is communicating your businesses core attributes and qualities, and creating a simple but strong emotional (and visual) association of those qualities in the minds of your potential customers. Branding creates loyalty. The name of your salon or spa is the first step. Creating a slogan that communicates the qualities of your business might be a second means of branding. Does your spa offer premium styling and coloring services that costs a bit more for the quality, or does your salon offer inexpensive, fast service? The purpose of having people remember the brand name and have positive associations with that brand is to make their selection easier and enhance the value and satisfaction they get.

Building a brand around your spa or salon will help you generate instant recognition. It is all about synergy and in this day and age, many times it starts with your website. Why? Because more often than not, this is what your potential customer sees first.

People are not picking up the phone book any longer, they are now firing up Google or Bing and conducting searches for reviews or coupons and special offers. Does your brand carry into your physical store? Has your website been updated to at least keep up with the times? Do you maintain a weekly blog? All these questions are important when building the brand of your spa or salon. Do you answer emails, questions and acknowledge comments? Do you do good work? Do you have a logo? What are people saying about you?

Your customer is asking these questions: Who are You? What are you about? Who has used your service…and did they like the experience?

Be your own brand;…. brand yourself first, and then extend this to your company.

Brand yourself as a leader, as an expert, an innovator and this will immediately allow you to stand out from the crowd of the other people in your beauty niche. This will generate that positive talk, feedback and buzz. You want your customers to “ooh and ahh” about you to their friends. This is far more valuable than a Facebook Fan Page update, or a paid ad on Yelp.

Don’t be cheap, spend a little money and get a professional logo design that embodies the essence of your salon or spa. If you are a mobile stylist without a brick and mortar, this is even more important for you. Get a nice logo and while you’re at it; have it imprinted onto some promotional giveaways. Think of your customer as you select a relevant item like a beauty bag, a nail kit, water bottle, hat etc. These giveaways can be used in contests or just as a thank you to your current customers. Your existing customers are your most powerful form of advertising. A quality promotional item like a hand bag with your logo on it, in the hands of your customer…now doesn’t that sound like a powerful piece of marketing?

Gerard Fairley is a Salon and Spa Consultant based out of Atlanta GA, with over six years of Internet and Social Media Marketing expertise. Feel free to contact him and find out more about marketing your spa or salon business by visiting his website, Spa Salon Mobile Marketing.

Marketing Tip of the Day: Request Feedback

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 01:47:00 +0000

Improve Response Rates
with Promotional Items

Customers are the lifeblood of any business yet in many cases, their opinion is neglected, and sometimes even feared. Because of this apprehension, valuable opportunities are lost by avoiding the hard questions like “how can we improve?”. Feedback can give us a boost of confidence when things go well. When things don’t go so well, it can make us want to run and hide.

However those negative tidbits can be just what the doctor ordered when it comes to boosting your business. Those hard knocks become pearls of wisdom… the pearls that are needed to make your business essential to customers which often leads to more referrals and increased business.

Where do you rate in terms of facing the issues that arise in your business? Are you avoiding problem areas or are you addressing issues that customers bring to the forefront? How does your business currently obtain feedback from customers? Do you send out surveys, does someone follow up in person or by phone after the sale? Is there an opportunity for customers to be open and frank with their feedback? Is there an incentive for customers who provide feedback? What do you do with the feedback once you receive it? What actions do you take if for example, if you receive negative feedback or complaints?

All these questions are critical to the success of your business. If you don’t know what your customers think about the experience they had with your business, you’re operating in the dark with one hand tied behind your back. You might as well close shop. If customers are unhappy, many of them won’t complain… they just leave, and never come back. They never refer you to their business associates, family and friends. As a matter of fact, these are the people they will complain to.

People will support your business not because they think it looks good, but because they know it is good. If they have problems with your services, customers are the best source of objective advice on how to make things better. So today’s tip involves having a process (there goes that word again!) in place that allows you to regularly obtain feedback.

Give customers options (anonymously or in person, by phone, hard copy surveys, online surveys, etc) which will increase the likelihood that they will give you feedback. As an added bonus, including lightweight promotional items (like business card magnets) with surveys that are mailed and/or placing a message with a link to an online survey on a promotional item is a proven way to improve response rates. Coupons, discounts and other money saving values are great ways to encourage feedback as well.

The goal is to create an environment where feedback is encouraged. And once your customers have given it to you, let them know how you are going to use it. They will begin to feel involved in your business, and are more likely to send other people your way.

Contact us for help with your next project! Stay in touch on Google+, Facebook and Twitter: Visit our website and Request a Quote.

The Value of Goodwill in the Office and In Your Community

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 20 Jan 2013 03:48:00 +0000

How Can You Get Involved?

Opportunities, in many instances are missed because the primary focus tends to be on enhanced relationships with customers only. The focus has to shift to take advantage of opportunities to boost trust and goodwill with employees, suppliers, and others who make major contributions. How much better could your organization be if you developed and fostered excellent working relationships with both internal and external customers?

Did you know that promoting goodwill can not only boost your organization’s likeability factor and overall image in the community, but it can also translate to additional earning power? There is no definite formula for success when it comes to fostering good relationships, but here are some easy steps you can take that will set you in the right direction.

Be an engaged, active participant in all your business relationships. Successful business relationships, like friendships require involvement from both parties. Make it a habit to establish regular conversations and two way dialog with your employees, suppliers, vendors and other external resources, not just when you need an additional commitment from them. Become a great listener and take action on items that need improvement.
Don’t call on colleagues only when you need something. Engage in goodwill by establishing a two way dialog with colleagues by calling, having lunch or sending a card or note just to check in.
Offer positive feedback and compliments to those who exceed goals. If your employees have exceeded goals and made major contributions to your company's success, it’s customary to compliment and reward them on a job well done. A kind word goes a long way boost the feeling of goodwill in the office that spills out beyond. The opposite is also true. If everything is negative, that transcends the office as well. Periodically express your gratitude for your employee’s hard work with an award or promotional gift. Promotional items like apparel, household items and electronics are popular gift items that say thank you for all you do!
Actively participate in community events. For example, here are some quick ways to make it happen: (a) Local elementary and high school sports programs regularly request and seek sponsors. Lots of sports programs have experienced funding cuts. Contact them, they are likely to need your help. (b)The arts are also a popular choice and there are opportunities to sponsor plays, dance groups, art exhibits. as a way to build goodwill. (c) Look to add local artists’ work to the walls in your facility. Lobby areas can provide excellent backdrop and exposure for local artists. (d) Health organizations also provide opportunities for participation in events that lead to improved health.

Each time you participate in community events and your advertising is heard on local radio stations and seen on t-shirts, local bulletin boards, bumper stickers, signs, websites and public places, you are building goodwill. Over time, customers become your best sales force, because they believe in your company, not just in your products or services. Partner with other small businesses to help with events. Local coffee shops, bakeries and music stores will often share event costs in exchange for being added to the advertising.
Stay in touch on Facebook, Google+ and Twitter. Visit our website and Request a Quote.

Salon Marketing Tip #2

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 20:01:00 +0000

Do You Love Your Customers?
Here are 10 Ways to Show It

February 14th is Valentine's Day, a holiday that celebrates love and is observed by exchanging flowers, cards, candy and gifts. It also presents an opportunity to reach out to customers and further enrich their experience with your company.

So, what are you doing to commemorate this holiday? How can you show your salon and spa customers that they are important? Here are some ideas that you can quickly implement that will make points with your customers and get potential customers into the door. If you need help, please contact us for more information.

Pick the best way to reach your customers,and choose a rock-solid message and promotional items (custom signs, novelty items, napkins, cups) that will polish the look of your facility and give customers a way to remember you after the event.

During the month of February consider these ten suggestions. You might combine these or partner with complimentary service providers to make the event even more spectacular!

1. Limited Offer - Have a time limited offer for day, week long or month events that include a special with a Valentine's Day theme. Maybe a different special each week. Offer print coupons in the shop and offer online specials on your website and/or Facebook page.

2. Promotional Giveaways - Visit our site and order heart shaped promotional items, or t-shirts in red with your logo to give each customer. Package the items in a nice bag or box. Give this special gift to customers.

3. Spotlight Couples - Highlight services for newly engaged couples and their wedding parties. Planning is in full swing for 2012 engagements. Spring and summer are popular for weddings. Services for couples could result in double the business.

4. Have Open House - Have an open house with free hair, manicure, make up and spa demonstrations or mini seminars on beauty and wellness tips. Provide a computer on site that allows customers to register for future events and provide their email address so that you can follow up with them.

5. Offer Free Samples - Provide free product samples, keepsake gifts and promotional items to your customers. Remember, that effective marketing means your prospects will remember your name and know where to find you after the event is over

6. Raffle or Giveaway - Hosting a Valentine's Day raffle or contest where you give away a dinner, a spa service, movie or event tickets and gift card or even a pamper gift basket.

7. Kid Friendly Giveaways - If you provide services for kids, include a kid friendly special or give away.

8. Complimentary Beverages and Snacks - Free refreshments hot and cold beverages, snacks, appetizers and hor dourves. Order custom napkins, drinkware and/or promotional items to give your customers.

9. Share the love! Offer free luxury services, or other specials and discounts for couples, or groups when members book services together on the same day. Great to attract offices, churches, teams, neighboring establishments etc. Offer a group massage or service for your employees to recognize their hard work all year long.

10. Event By Design - This event should be designed to reward your best customers as well as customers that bring in great deal of referral business. An invitation only meet and greet event can provide a first glimpse for new products and services. An event that provides access free services that are different from the norm will make them feel special and possibly result in additional sales down the road. No matter what you decide on the reward, make it worth their while. Include plenty of freebies and/or free or reduced price items.

If the event is a success, you might consider doing it on an annual basis with some minor tweaks to keep it fresh and interesting. Ask for feedback from your customers on how the event went and things they would like to see in the future. If you haven’t begun already, start planning a Valentine's Day promotion with an incentive for existing customers to share the positive experience they had in your shop.

February is American Heart Month

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 16:24:00 +0000

Did you know that February 1, 2013, marks the 10th Year of the American Heart Association's Go Red For Women^® movement — 10 years of fighting to save women's lives from heart disease. While the progress has been significant, there's a long way to go. Here's why:

Heart disease is still the No. 1 killer of women, causing 1 in 3 deaths each year.

Heart disease kills more women than men, at an average rate of one death per minute.

Heart disease kills more women than all kinds of cancer combined.

What Does American Heart Month Mean for You?

If you're a business owner or decision maker, it gives you a perfect reason to reach out to your customers. With the statistics above, your customers have likely been touched by heart disease. There are several things you can do right here, on this site.

Heart Shaped Promo Great
for American Heart Month

Go to the "promotional items" tab and search for the term "heart" to bring up all the heart shaped items. You'll find items in all price ranges, something to fit your budget. Use the category tab to search for red t-shirts, polo shirts or other apparel that can be worn by your staff during the month. Call us or contact us to place an order now for February delivery.

Show support by creating awareness for your customers. Provide information on heart disease, hand out promotional items, pick a day to donate a portion of your sales to the American Heart Association, sponsor an event. These are all ways to incorporate current events with your brand.

Our promo calendar is updated with popular holidays and observances. These observances give you perfect reasons to contact your customers. Pick the ones that fit into your industry or that your customers would be interested in. These are all ways to incorporate current events with your brand.

Stay in touch on Facebook, Twitter or visit our website and Request a Quote:

Video: How to Write a Business Plan

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 14:06:00 +0000

Have You Reviewed Your
Business Plan Lately?

Business plans are your own personal road map that helps in decision making and in obtaining outside funding. Once thought to be a one time deal, they are really an ever changing, ever evolving "living" document that makes it easier to navigate your business through the early years. If you haven't reviewed your business plan lately, or you think the process is too time consuming, the short video below from the SBA can help you get started.

If you wrote a plan to get your business started years ago and placed it on a shelf, it's time to dust it off and use it to set new goals and make improvements to your business. If you're just starting out, drafting a plan will help position your business for success.

From a marketing perspective, you should put pen to paper to answer questions that indicate whether you have reached the sales and marketing goals set previously. How can you improve this year? Are you using your resources in the most effective way? What are you doing to promote your business? Is your marketing effective? If not, what can you do to improve? What has changed in your business? How's your competition doing? Are you using technology? If so, how has technology changed? How can you use it to automate and grow your business?

Here's a link to the SBA's Build Your Business Plan guided tool. This tool will allow you to look at all aspects of your business and allows you to save your plan and come back to it. A business plan will be a great asset if you plan to approach investors and other funding sources. No matter whether you've been in business for years or you're just starting out, it's a good idea to place an appointment on your calendar to revisit your business plan at least once a year, more often if possible.

How to Pick the Right Promotional Item

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 02:34:00 +0000

Is This the Right
Item for Your Event?

When buying promotional items for a group it's sometimes hard to make a purchase that will be a perfect fit for everyone. This has been a common concern so we put together some questions, that when answered can shed light on selecting the right item for your group. You may need to answer more questions based on the event type. Brainstorm with your team, and if you need help, please contact us:

Artwork— The imprint can make any item into a keepsake that has special meaning. Weddings, anniversaries, grand openings, and other milestones can be commemorated with an imprint that includes the date. So the question becomes, what image will be used for the imprint? How many colors are in the imprint? Do you need help? If you don't have artwork, we can help or provide stock art (ready made) options for most occasions.

Timeline—How much time to you have before the event? Do you have at least 6-8 weeks? Can you afford to pay for rush shipment and/or production? When online or fax orders are received, clarification may be needed. Once the order is submitted to production, it normally ships within 5 - 10 working days. However if artwork is created, time will be added for approval. During busy times of the year, it may take longer for normal production. It's best to assure that you have items in hand one to two weeks before your event.

Goals —What do you plan to accomplish with the campaign? What do you plan to accomplish by giving the items? Are they intended to be given out as gifts? Be as specific as possible so that you can track your results.

Audience — How many people will attend? What are the characteristics of the people who will receive the items? What age group do they belong to, what are their hobbies and interests? Will the items be given to current customers, trade show attendees, or prospective customers? Any information you have that will help you determine the kinds of items they like would be helpful in finding the perfect items.

Theme — Is there a theme (colors, type, occasion, etc.) for the event? if so items that relate to the event theme will go a long way toward finding the perfect item.

Action —What action do I want the recipients to take? For example if you want them to make a purchase or follow your social media activities you might want to package the gift with an explanation that tells what you want recipients to do. You can also include the action as part of the imprint message.

Outcome — How will I follow up to see how well the campaign went after the event is over? How will I measure success?

Planning is key to achieving positive results in your marketing campaigns. Visit our blog for ideas and tips that will help you reach your marketing goals. Pick the items that will work best for the intended audience.

Stay in touch on Facebook, Twitter, or visit our website and Request a Quote.

What Are Promotional Items?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 04 Jan 2013 17:07:00 +0000

What 's Your Favorite
Promotional Item?

You’ve probably received a promotional item and didn’t know its purpose or how powerful it is in making sure you remember the company that gave it to you.

Otherwise known as a “freebie”, promo gift, or incentive, these items are presented with purchases or advertising every day. If you have ever made a major purchase, been to a sporting event, a product launch, a tradeshow or a concert, chances are you have received a promotional item.

These items range from pens, bags, t-shirts and caps to small appliances and household items. Remember how it felt to get a free item with the name of your favorite company, band or team printed on it? It always makes us feel good to receive something “extra” that is useful and integrates well into our daily lives.

A survey conducted by the Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) shows what consumers think about promotional items as well as the company that gave them the item.

Here’s What They Found:

• 83% of American consumers surveyed like receiving a promotional product with an advertising message

• 48% would like to receive promotional products more often

• 38% feel promotional products serve as a constant reminder of the advertiser

Most consumers are inundated with messages all day, from emails, social media and other forms of advertising. However as opposed to feeling spammed or otherwise overwhelmed, consumers actually like receiving promotional items.

Be assured that your customers like promotional items and would appreciate receiving them from you. Stand out from your competition by using them often, as part of your marketing plan.

Stay in touch on Facebook or Twitter, visit our website and request a quote.

Salon Marketing Idea #1

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 01 Jan 2013 03:20:00 +0000


Make Your Salon or Spa Stand Out From the Crowd

If you are a hair stylist, make up artist, massage therapist or cosmetics salesperson, you know that your business relies on knowledge and skills, excellent service and great products. As with most businesspeople, you're constantly building customer relationships to create loyalty, great word of mouth and repeat business. You're also prospecting for new business so that your company grows.

And while it's always competitive, there are a variety of ways to distinguish yourself from the crowd. They key is in find the best way to stand out, without being a pest.

How do you make yourself memorable? By using promotional items like the lipstick pens displayed here. Promotional items are frequently called the "silent salesmen" because they spread your marketing message, even when you're not around. Give your customers unique, tangible and practical items that will remind them of the great service they received from you and it will go a long way to beat the competition.

In addition to using promotional items, be sure to reward loyalty and keep your current customers coming back with monthly specials and discounts when they refer friends. Provide extra rewards for customers who refer numerous friends, getting them excited to help grow your business.

If you have an upcoming event, sales presentation, party or demo, give customers great take away items that fit with the theme of the demo or industry. Items like these serve double duty and they're a great investment for your marketing dollars. They display your logo and as an added benefit, they are great at starting conversations (hopefully about your company) when the pen is used to write notes. They are small enough to fit in a small purse or cosmetic bag, and will be used (not thrown away) after the event is over.

Give customers a take away item that is practical, and more likely to be used after each presentation or demo, so that they will remember the great service they received from your company.

Stay in touch on Facebook, Twitter and visit it our website and Request a Quote.

7 Tips to Keep Customers Motivated After the Holidays

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 31 Dec 2012 05:50:00 +0000

Be Creative to Bring In
Customers After the Holidays

This article is written for salons and spas, but the concepts apply to any other industry that experiences a slump after the holidays.

The New Year is full of promise and adventure for most people. Full of resolutions and good intentions. Everyone is optimistic about the future.

At the same time, the bills from the holidays have started to roll in and the reality of holiday spending has started to sink in. The new year can inspire salon customers to cut back on spending. Salon services may be seen as an not needed, especially in comparison to food, housing and gasoline.

If they don't cut it out altogether, there may be a tendency to do it themselves (DIY) or spread the frequency of services out over a longer time. With these challenges, what's a salon owner to do? This is the time to do some planning and answer some initial questions that will help you balance out the peaks and valleys in sales. So the first question is what opportunities are available after the holidays that will bring in customers, that could be offered, even in December to make this time less stressful? Starting to think of the slow time before it happens will increase the likelihood that the slump will be a thing of the past.

Here are some ideas to get you started:

The month of January can provide some opportunities that may not be obvious. There are always opportunities to connect with your customers each time they walk in the door. You can provide them with incentives that will ensure a steady stream of customers during this down time.

Offer your customers a referral bonus for spreading the word to friends and family. If the person comes in for service, reward your customer. For example, give them a promotional items like the ones shown in the picture that have the discounted service and a promo code on them. When a new customer refers the promo code they will receive the discount and so will the person who referred them. Tie it to a specific time frame that coincides with a slow time for your business.
January has New Year's Eve, which is a time that people want to look good. Offer a new year's eve special for everyone that comes in to obtain services during the last week of December. This will energize sales and set the stage for January.
January is also National Thank You Month and what better time to say thank you to your customers for their business! Saying thank you goes a long way toward gaining more business. Give out a promotional item as a thank you. The promotional items in perfect over other items because it doesn't double duty. It reminds customers of your business for brand recognition, and it's a great way to say thank you. As an added incentive, you could give a larger gift (grand prize) to the customer who brings in the most referrals.
It's also Book Blitz Month, and the perfect time (if your customers are into books), to have a Book of the Month, kind of like Oprah's Book Club where you have discussions about the book on certain days of the week. Those activities can draw additional customers to the shop where they can be serviced while discussing the book.
February is a big month for couples with Valentines Day. Start planning your Valentine's Day specials. Maybe you want to offer specials for men and women. Offer discounts if couples receive service on the same day.
February is also American Heart Month, February 1 is National Wear Red Day. Order red t-shirts or heart shaped promotional items to give away to promote awareness. Sponsor a fundraising page and take pictures to post on your sponsor website. Have all your stylists wear red t-shirts with your own message and take pictures to post online. Takes the Go Red for Women Challenge and forward the proceeds to the American Heart Association.
There are many weddings planned for Spring. In March, offer packages for the bridal party and mother of the bride... And the list goes on.

Advertise specials, events in social media like Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. If possible take reservations, registrations or check ins on social media to provide a way to track your results. Give customers a discount for "liking" your Facebook page. Use signs and posters inside your shop to advertise as well.

Once the new customers arrive, make sure to keep them motivated to return over the long term. Customers are trying to make the most of their moneyand if you keep this in mind and find ways to reach out to them, making it convenient for them to reach back you will never have a serious shortage of customers.

There are plenty of other opportunities to make a connection with customers during this down time. Use incentives like loyalty cards, gift certificates, and promotional giveaways. For more information please review our article Using Events to Market Your Business.

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