Clever Is Fun, Useful Is Better

The Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI) data shows the average American owns 10 promotional products and keeps each one for about 8 months. Why? Because they come in handy. Promotional products that are useful are more likely to be kept longer, thereby increasing the number of impressions for that logo, and building brand awareness.

The usefulness of the product depends on the audience, and the cost doesn’t necessarily reflect the value. The brand message can be delivered to an executive group through a high end travel bag with the same clarity that a low-cost sling bag, phone holder or highlighter appeals to the student crowd. But keep in mind, the recipient should be able to look at the product and understand what the company represents. It wouldn’t make much sense for a trucking company to give suntan lotion to their customer base, but a stylus pen or an adhesive notepad would be useful items for the logistics managers that schedule their freight needs.

Below are a few other examples of useful items in different industries:

Banking: pen, lined journal, piggy bank, web key, flash drive
Education: dorm socks, backpack, tech accessories, travel mug, highlighter
Healthcare: hand sanitizer, pedometer, fruit infuser bottle, reflective running band, yoga mat

Of course, clever items can be useful, which would be a perfect marriage of practical fun. However, if you’re giving away a witty item that promotes a smile, but goes into the trash after leaving the trade show, then the money spent to promote your brand will go with it.

Motivational Stickers – Not Sexy, But Effective

Many times it’s the small things that people notice and remember. A gesture like a pat on the back after a particularly long workday, or a small note of thanks that’s actually mailed – with a stamp! – to the person that made your day a little better.

Small things that get noticed also applies to branded merchandise. The logo ribbon used to wrap the holiday gifts; a luggage tag shaped like a lion instead of a circle for the zoo trip; and stickers, decals and labels designed to grab attention and, in some instances, motivate behavior.

The use of stickers for recognition of personal accomplishments originally stemmed from fighter pilots marking their planes with stickers after kills and/or successful missions. Over the years the practice of giving helmet stickers for achievement on the football field was adopted by college coaches at schools like The Ohio State University, Clemson and Arkansas. The more stickers, the more respect. So why not adopt something similar in the corporate world?

For the companies that have employees using hard hats, the concept is easy. But what about all the folks that don’t need protection from falling construction tools? Stickers for the coffee cup, water bottle or clip board would work. Blank picture frames could be given to each employee for the specific purpose of collecting, and displaying, stickers.

The idea is that something as simple as a sticker can be used to recognize the people in your organization for the smallest success or desired behavior. It’s only one tool that should part of a much larger motivation program toolbox, but in the right setting with the right employee base, it just may be the simplest way to show appreciation for a job well done.

Outdated Or Classic?

Some things never go out of style. Converse sneakers, Ray-Ban Wayfarer sunglasses, the little black dress, a crisp white shirt … and flannel. Flannel was introduced in the 17th century and has enjoyed a popularity that transcends social gaps and genders, making it one of the most timeless of fashions.

Today’s updated versions of flannel pants, boxers, scarves and shirts are more fitted and are available in fashion-forward colors that any corporate marketing team can embrace. Logos can be applied in a subtle tone that compliments the item, and will remain a constant reminder of the giver while increasing the number of brand impressions every time it’s worn.

Whether you are marketing to young adults, outdoor enthusiasts or the college crowd, giving flannel attire at the start of the winter season makes a clear statement about your company’s attention to the timing and usefulness of a gift that stands far apart from other more common giveaways. Warm up your audience with flannel this season, and enjoy the brand appreciation that’s sure to follow.

Disruptive Branding With Crazy Product Ideas

At its most basic level, disruptive branding can be understood from the dictionary definition of disrupt: To cause (something) to be unable to continue in the normal way; To interrupt the normal progress or activity of (something). The (something) corporate marketers want to interrupt is the business-as-usual mindset that gets in the way of innovative thinking about how to deliver the brand message to customers. And delivering that message often includes distributing products with the corporate logo at trade shows, community events, golf outings and new product launches.

Giving away the ever-popular t-shirts, bags and pens will always remain the staples of most corporate product giveaways, but slipping in a few out-of-the-box, crazy product ideas will stir up a little brand excitement and definitely disrupt the branding status-quo. Consider a few of the many options that will appeal to disruptive personalities:

Crazy Print Sunglasses: Everyone will be wild about jungle theme UV protection sunglasses.
Crazy Wild Animal Lanyard: Animal prints on basic lanyards bring fun to the everyday badge holder.
Crazy Animal Rubber Bands: Silly wrist rubber bands in different colors and animal shapes are fun for kids & adults.
Crazy Balls Umbrella: 48″ umbrella with all-over disco ball design stands out in the rain.
Crazy Fan Wig: Eye-catching wig with bright colored, stand-up hair that is perfect for the next sporting event.
Crazy Putty Eggs: Just like what we remember as kids, colored eggs with matching putty.
Crazy Straw Tumbler: Clear tumbler with corkscrew colored straw makes hydrating a lot more fun.
Crazy 8 Ball: Give your customers the answers to mind-reading questions from the top window of this styrene ball.
Crazy Bird Pen: Ballpoint pen in crazy bird flamingo shape will grab attention at home or office.

Take a look at some creative product ideas for your next promotion. When you find everyone around you playing with the samples, you’ll know it’s time to go a little crazy!

Books Can Help Tell Your Brand Story

Great branding is about storytelling. The most memorable brand stories mix truth with creative crafting, trending topics and relevant experiential events. In light of the fact that books are the most widely recognized medium for storytelling, it makes sense for every company to include a well-considered book as part of their branding strategy.

Books promote literacy, have a high perceived value and can be easily customized with a tip-in page that displays a logo and the corporate message. As a gift-with-purchase, part of an employee travel incentive program, customer appreciation gift or donor acknowledgment, there is a book to support every brand story.

Travel books tell stories about location, hotels, restaurants, events, fairs and festivals. Animal and nature books educate the reader about wildlife. Health guides provide tips ranging from medicinal herbs to traditional medicine. Science, space, photography, religion, and kids are all subjects that can be woven into the corporate story, depending on the narrative being told.

The story of your brand should not only include a meaningful narrative about successes, failures and interesting histories on founders and employees, it should also make a statement. Your company is different, and you’re working to share with the audience the mindset and strategy behind that distinction. Sharing and supporting your brand story through interesting, vividly illustrated books will go a long way to keep that story alive!

(Image via National Geographic)

Fly Me Away

Considering that baggage handlers load and unload 6,500 pieces of luggage an hour at just one airport – Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International – it’s a good time to get your company’s logo on more of those bags. With luggage styles ranging from simple black duffels to high profile licensed rolling suitcases, there is an option for every corporate budget and audience.

Durable, user-friendly luggage is not always easy to recognize, but if the travel bag doesn’t have those qualities, even the most infrequent traveler won’t use it. The fabric, construction, weight and compartment options are all important features to consider. The newest travel bags offer such features as waterproof fabric, multi-directional wheels with 360 degree movement, top grain leather, insulated coolers and adjustable compression straps. Best of all, the perfect product for your giveaway doesn’t necessarily carry the highest price tag. There are brand-name pieces that will work well for the executive gift, and there are also excellent budget-conscious gear bags that hold up to the punishment of even the most over-zealous baggage handlers.

A few bag options that would be perfect for either the business or personal traveler are listed below. Each style is offered in a variety of price points, and logos can be added directly to the item, or on an attached luggage tag. And don’t worry about color choices – if it’s not in stock, many of these bags can be custom-made!

Garment Bag: $3.00 – $100.00
Backpack: $10.00 – $200.00
Zippered Tote: $5.00 – $85.00
Rolling Case: $50.00 – $500.00
Duffel Bag: $5.00 – $200.00
Golf Bag Cover: $70.00 – $300.00
Computer Attache: $20.00 – $250.00

Luggage pieces are used for travel to another city, or just to the local gym. They carry clothing, sports equipment and baby gear. Busy parents, high-flying executives, factory workers and every school athlete uses some sort of bag to carry their belongings. With a travel bag giveaway, increased brand visibility is in the bag!

Hello, Cold Days

At this time of year, promoting your business with cold weather accessories like a faux fur lined trapper hat is a sure way to warm the hearts, and heads, of your customers. According to the 2014 Advertising Specialty Industry (ASI) Impressions Study, 42% of US consumers will keep a promotional hat if it is attractive. Keeping that in mind, rather than another ball cap for a 1st quarter giveaway, consider one of the retail-inspired fashionable choices currently available.

There are many options, but the final choice depends on the age and demographic of your audience. A trapper hat may not be the best choice for the middle aged women on your customer list, but when appealing to the younger set, it’s certainly more appealing than a golf visor. Below are some of the cold-weather hats that are trending in retail and can be branded with a company logo.

Trapper Hat: Faux fur lined hat with chin strap and buckle. A sure hit for the young men as well as the outdoors-inclined young women.
Slouch Beanie: Acrylic/Poly beanie that keeps the ears warm in a slouchy silhouette that is preferred by many young women and men over the traditional skull cap.
Newsboy Hat: Also known as the Cabby Hat, this updated classic style is offered in solid or herringbone fabrics that appeal to men of all ages.
Fleece Bucket Hat: Microfiber fleece lined bucket hat is comfy and stylish regardless of the recipients age.
Classic Beanie: Available in fleece, acrylic or wool, this popular hat option is perfect for hiking the trails or around town.

Regardless of which hat is selected, the logo treatment should be subtle. Unless, of course, your brand happens to be that of a winning football team, most people would prefer not to be billboards for your company. But even a subtle logo will be seen and the number of brand impressions increases every time that hat is worn.

Winter weather is with us for a few more months. Consider a warm, stylish hat as a way to connect with your customers at a time when they may be hard to reach.

Ignite Fairs, Festivals And Feasts!

In the years leading up to the 20th century, everyone used a communal tin cup or common dipper to drink from the public water barrel, well, pump or spigot. Then, in consideration of the obvious public health concerns, an inventor from Boston, Massachusetts invented the first Dixie Cup in 1908. All the sports fans saw the introduction of the first red Solo stadium cup in the 1970’s. Fortunately, these days event planners and corporate marketing departments have more exciting, and surprisingly affordable, choices for disposable cups.

Visually stunning, with endless opportunities to showcase the corporate colors, marketing message or new product launch graphics, plastic and paper cups can showcase your brand, not just your logo. They’re reusable and recyclable; are available in varying sizes, shapes and colors; and are offered with options like lids, whistle straws and spoon straws. With a per piece cost that is less than most inexpensive promotional pen purchases, the investment in increased brand exposure is nominal.

Consider the possibilities:

For eco-conscious corporate citizens who want to be part of the solution, these cups can be purchased in recyclable materials that can be thrown into a recycling bin at the event for pickup at a later time by the local garbage and recycling company.

For the companies hosting children’s events, the usefulness of graphically exciting cups isn’t limited to drinking beverages. They can be used for growing seeds in a soil-filled cup; distributing snacks in an unbreakable child-size container; or as a popsicle holder.

At community outreach events, unbreakable, one-time use cups offer co-branding opportunities on a large imprint area that can show future event calendars, images of area landmarks or faces of local heroes.

Next time your company is planning an event that requires a cup, think about how to ignite the excitement and increase your brand exposure with dazzling graphics applied in new, creative ways to that long-time party staple – the disposable cup.

Corporate America Likes Fashion Too

Looking back at the best retail selling trends of 2013, it was a killer year for the sweater. EDITD, a company that produces real-time data and analysis for the retail industry, shows that sweaters held 38% of the market for new products arriving online in 2013. From high end brand names to the basics, this category sells! And since those same consumers are also employees and corporate customers, HR and Marketing teams should be paying attention to these types of trends.

When asked “what’s new?” when working with customers on their image wear options, I always point out that clothing purchases should reflect the same styles that the recipient would buy for themselves. If we are seeing a certain style or fabric choice being marketed in ads and moving well at the mall, then it’s likely that is a safe choice for team wear at the office or trade show uniforms on the road. Employees will be proud to wear their company logo on a style that reflects good taste – and customers will recognize that brand as current, relevant and sensitive to the changing world in more ways than just their newest widget.

Fashion clothing doesn’t have to mean leopard print crop tops – it’s more about the fabric choice, trending colors and a flattering cut. Corporate men and women want that in their personal lives, so why not at the office too? The next time you ask your promotional products supplier “what’s new?”, be sure to move beyond the same old polo styles you bought last year and include a request for samples of the clothing that’s trending in the retail world today.

Greenwashing: Beware Of Deceptive Claims

Corporations that promote and invest in environmentally responsible practices have a right to know that the “organic”, “natural”, “eco-friendly” or “green” merchandise they purchase to represent their brand genuinely helps improve the environment. Therefore, greenwashing, the deceptive practice used by some manufacturers to promote a single “green” aspect of a product, when other components of the item may not be good for the environment, is a fact of life that both the corporate buyer and his/her promotional merchandise partner should be aware of.

There are thousands of products available in the promotional merchandise industry that offer recycled and/or recyclable materials; organic fibers; and naturally renewable elements . The challenge is to determine which of these products offers the most comprehensive package of not only the most eco-conscious components, but also a consideration of the chemicals, energy and natural resources used to produce those goods. That information is not always easy to find, and many times it isn’t practical to spend a great deal of time researching the data just to decide which natural fiber writing journal best reflects your company’s “green” efforts.

So, in the interest of offering a starting point, I have listed ten of the top earth-friendly products, based on the multi-dimensional appeal of their “eco” qualities.

Stone paper journal
An awesome, eco-friendly alternative to regular paper journals. Each page is made from actual stone via a bleach-free process, making it recyclable, compostable, smudge-resistant, water-resistant and tear-proof.
Eco golf balls
Made from recycled golf balls and packaged in boxes made from recycled paper. Comes with pre-addressed pouch so damaged balls can be returned, recycled and replaced by manufacturer.
Seeded paper
Plant flowers from seeds embedded in the paper branded with the company logo.
Wooden bead Karma bracelets
Get good Karma from bead bracelets made from all-natural wood.
Water bottle with carbon filter
Use a BPA-free, squeezable water bottle with a carbon filter and keep 200 fewer water bottles from the landfill.
Bamboo serving utensils
Bamboo grows upwards of 6 feet a day without the use of fertilizers and pesticides. When used for products like salad utensils, it becomes heat- and bacteria-resistant.
Billboard bags
Worried about your used vinyl billboards and banners clogging up landfills? They can be recycled into an attention-grabbing bag.
Dog training treats and pad balm
Let four-legged friends become part of the cause with a pad balm for paws made from all-natural, organic materials. The training treats tube is completely biodegradable.
Coco-Eco flip-flops
Made from recycled rubber and recycled coconut fibers.
Eco-tee
Tee consists of 50% organic cotton and 50% polyester made from recycled water bottles.

As we all embrace the mantra of green products and services, we also become more responsible for staying informed and being more aware of the deceptive claims of certain manufacturers. Greenwashing is a fact of life – let’s show our customers we know the difference between “real green” and the pretenders!

newfound identity

products carry the mark, people carry the message

Tag Archives for logo

Clever Is Fun, Useful Is Better

Motivational Stickers – Not Sexy, But Effective

Outdated Or Classic?

Disruptive Branding With Crazy Product Ideas

Books Can Help Tell Your Brand Story

Fly Me Away

Hello, Cold Days

Ignite Fairs, Festivals And Feasts!

Corporate America Likes Fashion Too

Greenwashing: Beware Of Deceptive Claims

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