Category Archives for Trade Tips

Make A Blanket Statement

kanata fall winter 2015A blanket statement is a generalization – something that covers everything, like a metaphorical blanket. There is an implication when using this term that it is an over-generalization.  Some might say it ignores diversity. However, a blanket statement is clearly not the same as a blanket that makes a statement!

A BLANKET HOLDS SIGNIFICANT MEANING:  By definition, a blanket is much more than a fabric you sleep under.  It is a symbol of warmth and friendship, and a form of craftsmanship, artistry, history and generosity.  To give a blanket is to demonstrate great respect, honor and admiration for an individual.  In Native American traditions a blanket is used to create and seal relationships. This action is transferred from generation to generation. Throughout history, the way blankets are draped on the body has indicated certain emotions.

BRANDS CAN MAKE A STATEMENT:  Going into the cold-weather season, giving a branded blanket (subtle logo decorations are a must!) provides companies with the perfect way to make a statement of appreciation for customers or employees.  A well-considered blanket style in a quality fabric is a symbol of the value you place on that relationship.  Whether it’s a soft throw for a cold night in front of a favorite TV show, or a water resistant roll-up blanket for outdoor activities, the recipient will remember the giver and the brand awareness will increase every time it’s used.

A high quality blanket has meaning, and companies that give them will be remembered warmly … and that, is a blanket statement that makes sense!

It’s Not Techy, And That Is The Point

moleskine-evernote-planner_243x284We use our smart phones for everything.  Talking, shopping, making dinner reservations, following navigation directions, getting stock updates – the list is endless. However, bouncing between apps, and trying to stay on top of everything through multiple functions can be time-consuming and unproductive.  The phone alerts that need to be silenced during meetings; the constant search for the perfect list-making app; and the need for many of us to still use sticky notes for the things that we absolutely, positively cannot forget has brought us full circle to the time-tested journal as the perfect tool for getting organized.

The journal works on the premise that nothing is forgotten if it’s written down.  An idea for the next blog, an appointment, sales goals, client information – it can all be recorded with a personally designed organizing system, or with the help of popular new systems like those employed by the designer of the Bullet Journal.

As reported in the Wall Street Journal, another popular journal brand, Moleskine, revived the popularity of journals in 1997 with a traditional leather-bound notebook and has seen revenues double over the last 5 years.  And many of those users are millennials who embrace the digital lifestyle. Why?  According to Moleskine co-founder Maria Sebregondi, “… even the most plugged in people find it comforting to create their own designs”.

Companies who recognize this trend take advantage of the branding opportunities and  apply their logo to journals in every style and price point.  The choices range from simple styles that offer chip board covers, 70 sheets of paper and wire binding – to the more sophisticated versions with features like die-cut covers, custom tip-in pages with graphics and event details,  business card pockets, and pen ports.  These journals are used every day at home and in the office by the scores of customers who welcome an opportunity to write it down instead of logging it in – what better way to keep your brand front-of-mind?

Consider the classic journal for your next promotional gift – it’s not techy, and for many of us, that’s the point.

 

 

What Customers Want

speedOur customers want the same things we want – quality products, attentive customer service and a collaborative partnership.  We all think that’s what we’re delivering … but is it?  With the ever-faster pace of business, and the increasing demands on our time and resources, it’s not good enough to be as good as we were yesterday … we need to be better!

Customer Service:  When managing a team of customer service representatives, one of the constant points of discussion in nearly every meeting was how long it should take to respond to a customer request.  10 years ago, my answer was to respond within 24 hours of the original email or phone request.  5 years ago, I directed the team to get in touch with the customer before the end of the same day the request was made.  Today, we need to respond within the hour!  If we don’t have the complete answer, at least our customer will know we are working for them, and they can check that request off their list.

Quality Products:  A diverse assortment of well-made products and value-added services at a fair price (please note:  I said “fair” price, not the “cheapest” price), should be the least our customers have a right to expect.  In the promotional products industry, there are lots of inexpensive, well-made items that can be valuable tools for increasing brand awareness.  On the other hand, there are also many non-compliant, low quality products available that shouldn’t be part of any corporate branding strategy.  Our customers should be able to trust that we can advise them accordingly.  When I think now about the rust-prone, poorly constructed Chevy Vega my father bought for the “kid car” back in the 70’s, I think of everything bad that eventually happened to GM.   That’s not the kind of brand awareness any company is striving for.

Collaborative Partnership:  Understanding your customer is the first step in maintaining a relationship that builds into a partnership.  Get to know their audience; recognize their pain points; and proactively offer creative suggestions for their next project – whether it be a digital brand wrap on a Fender guitar to announce a new store opening, or a bank service that offers check deposits via your smartphone.  Our customers expect, and deserve, a more holistic approach to the partnership. Treat the partnership as a complete system, rather than just a sum of the individual parts … or more simply put, look beyond just what you sell, and understand how you can add value to the company as a whole.

Our customers want exactly what we expect from our vendor partners.  It only makes sense to give it to them!

 

Create A Great Gift Experience

powerbeats-2-feature-image-OEvery conference, sales meeting and industry trade show provides an opportunity to impress the audience with creative presentations, new product offerings and unique giveaways.  In most cases, the giveaways are small items decorated with the company logo and selected to support the brand message.  However, in some instances, a higher quality lifestyle item is chosen as the best way to yield big rewards when aiming to improve motivation and loyalty.

Many studies on the best incentive motivators have proven that gifts achieve a higher return on employee productivity and customer loyalty than cash.  But there are ways to improve on the gift experience that goes beyond just selecting the item you feel best speaks to your audience.  When the budget allows for premium gifts like Ray Ban sunglasses, Tommy Bahama watches and Beats headphones, there is also the opportunity to have an on-site product selection that gives the recipients the ability to choose their style, color and size, and then walk away with their gift.

These types of packages are available at all budget levels, and with many different product options.  A supplier representative manages the process from setting up the display; to helping guests decide on choice; and finally tearing down and “magically” disappearing after all gifts have been distributed.  The only thing left for your management team will be to enjoy the rest of the event and the gratitude that comes from your guests.

An interactive gift experience creates excitement well beyond the gift itself.  It feels like a shopping spree – a party – a unique chance to come together as a team and participate in the celebration of a job-well-done.   The next time you have an opportunity to consider an employee incentive gift, think beyond the award and create an unforgettable experience your employees will remember!

 

 

 

 

June Is National Safety Month

safety_largeAccording to healthfinder.gov  injuries are a leading cause of disability for people of all ages – and they are the leading cause of death for Americans ages 1 to 44.  In an effort to prevent and control workplace hazards, and stem the growing workers’ compensation costs, many companies have launched injury prevention programs. In fact, currently 34 states have established laws or regulations designed to require or encourage injury and illness prevention programs.

While ongoing safety programs are proven to increase loyalty and decrease illness and injury, there are many companies that supplement a formal program with spot incentives and reminders to increase awareness of preventive safety measures in the workplace and in the community.  Since safety at home, on the roads and in our communities is equally as important as safe practices at work, using the month of June as an opportunity to provide reminders of the power we all have to prevent accidents is a corporate initiative worth implementing.

Product ideas for branded merchandise that will help with that call to action can be guided by the weekly safety topics that will be highlighted in June through the National Safety Council. 

  • Week 1: Stand Ready to Respond 
    • first aid kit; emergency contact information magnets; survival tool
  • Week 2: Be Healthy
    • pedometer; pocket calorie counter; jump rope
  • Week 3: Watch Out for Dangers
    • flashlight; bright colored duct tape; hard hat key chain
  • Week 4: Share Roads Safely
    • bicycle safety light; helmet reflectors; reflective armband/sneaker stickers

Individual safety awareness is a choice to stay healthy and active.  Show your employees, customers and community neighbors that your company cares about their well-being – they will thank you with increased brand loyalty.

 

 

 

Healthy Snacking And Wellness Programs

almonds_0Approximately half of U.S. employers offer wellness program initiatives.  These initiatives are aimed at reducing health care costs, absenteeism, and health-related productivity losses.  The programs often offer a combination of wellness screenings and intervention efforts through promotion of healthy lifestyle choices.  And, of all the lifestyle intervention options, 79% of the programs focus on good nutrition and weight management.

Considering the importance of improved nutrition through healthy snacking at home and at work, it’s no wonder that the demand for tasty, healthy treats in easy-to-distribute branded packaging has increased steadily over the years.  This trend has seen the ever-popular cookie towers being replaced with nutritious goodies like nuts, trail mix, chocolate covered raisins and sunflower seeds.

When selecting which sensible snack will compliment your program, it’s also important to consider the packaging that will hold it.   It should be practical, easy to open & close, and convenient for distribution at an event or in-house. The best packaging options for your audience will depend on who is receiving it and where it will be given away.  Some of the most popular choices are:

  • Stand-up resealable clear plastic pouch
  • Large cello bag with full color header
  • Metal tins in varying sizes with full color imprint
  • Cellophane bag inside customized gabled, chest or snack box
  • Custom printed envelope sleeve with dispenser insert

Incorporating nutritious snacks into a corporate wellness program helps to support and enhance the message of healthy eating and weight management.  Whether it’s a simple bag of almonds provided in the employee break room, or a monthly wellness theme that incorporates an appropriate healthy snack with another perk like game tickets or a free cooking session with a local chef, creative wellness programs are proven winners for improved employee health and productivity.